New Delhi, NFAPost: As India gears up for its 75th Independence Day celebrations, all eyes are on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to deliver his 10th consecutive address on this occasion. This address is significant not only for marking the milestone but also as it will be Modi’s last before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The annual Independence Day address has become a platform for the Prime Minister to present the government’s achievements, unveil flagship initiatives, and outline the nation’s future trajectory.
The upcoming address is anticipated to shed light on India’s progress across various sectors since 2014 when Modi assumed office. In line with his past speeches, Modi is likely to articulate his vision for the country’s future, offering insights into the roadmap ahead.
Political observers are also keen to discern any political messages embedded in the address. While Modi has typically refrained from direct political attacks on opposition parties during these speeches, he often emphasizes the governance reforms introduced by his administration in the wake of allegations of corruption and policy stagnation.
Over the years, Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day speeches have emphasized themes such as India’s elevated global standing, the nation’s renewed drive towards development, and the growing self-assuredness of its citizens. These addresses have underscored India’s commitment to robust security and foreign policy approaches, anchored in national interests.
Since his inaugural Independence Day speech in 2014, where he unveiled initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Jan Dhan accounts, Modi has consistently used this platform for significant announcements and engagements with citizens. These speeches have covered a wide array of topics, including addressing social issues such as crimes against women and social conflicts.
In 2022, Modi highlighted the “Panch Pran” (five pledges) – urging citizens to work towards making India a developed nation by 2047, shedding colonial mindsets, taking pride in the nation’s legacy, fostering unity, and fulfilling civic duties with integrity.
Notably, while the Prime Minister has tackled grassroots issues, like providing toilets to underprivileged households to combat open defecation, he has also articulated larger national themes in his addresses. These have encompassed major initiatives like the Gati Shakti project for infrastructure, nationwide electrification, and defence modernization.
Given past trends, it’s plausible that Modi might use this platform to announce significant schemes. In 2018, he introduced the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme for the poor ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Throughout the years, Modi has employed his August 15 speeches to reveal pivotal policy decisions. For instance, he unveiled the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff in 2019, highlighted the Amrit Mahotsav of independence in 2021 along with the Gati Shakti plan, and announced the project to launch 75 Vande Bharat Express.
As the nation eagerly awaits Prime Minister Modi’s address, it’s expected that the speech will reflect the administration’s accomplishments, elucidate its vision, and potentially introduce new initiatives, all while capturing the essence of India’s journey towards progress and self-reliance.
