August 15, 2023
Introduction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 10th Independence Day address from the historic Red Fort, outlined a comprehensive vision for India’s development, unveiling a roadmap named “Manipur to Mission 2047.” In his 90-minute speech, the Prime Minister highlighted 15 key mantras that will guide the nation towards becoming a developed country by the time it celebrates its 100th year of Independence.
The Prime Minister’s address coincided with the culmination of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, marking the 75th year of India’s independence. Addressing the nation, PM Modi emphasized the significance of the “time of duty,” drawing a parallel between the spirit of freedom and the responsibility towards the nation’s future.
Mission 2047
The central theme of his address revolved around the concept of “Mission 2047,” setting an ambitious target for India to achieve developed nation status within the next 24 years. PM Modi stressed that the upcoming five years would be crucial in achieving the country’s aspirations and ensuring that India is well on its way to becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Key elements of the Prime Minister’s 15-point vision include the convergence of India’s “Demography, Democracy, and Diversity” to power its development journey. He urged the nation to prioritize “Nation First,” underscoring the need to eradicate corruption, dynasty politics, and appeasement to pave the way for progress.
Three guarantees laid out
PM Modi laid out three guarantees as part of the roadmap: propelling India into the top three economies globally, facilitating easy loans for affordable housing, and establishing 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide medicines at lower costs. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the role of women self-help groups in driving development and welfare initiatives and expressed his goal of empowering “2 crore lakhpati didis” (women millionaires) to further this empowerment.
With a focus on education, PM Modi highlighted the emphasis on regional languages and expressed gratitude towards the Supreme Court’s efforts to make operative parts of judgments accessible in regional languages. Addressing unrest in Manipur, he assured a peaceful solution, reaffirming the commitment to maintain stability in the northeastern state.
The government’s efforts for cooperation were underscored by the establishment of a Ministry for Cooperation, with the aim of fostering collaboration between stakeholders. Additionally, the forthcoming ‘Vishwakarma Yojana’ was introduced, targeting traditional skilled workers such as barbers, goldsmiths, and washermen with a substantial allocation of ₹13,000 crore.
Highlighting India’s global role, PM Modi stressed the country’s commitment to helping other nations during the Covid pandemic. He called for a “One Earth, One Family, One Future” approach, reiterating India’s global responsibility.
In a promising note, PM Modi expressed his intent to return to the Red Fort and address the nation next year if the people’s blessings are with him, as the Lok Sabha elections are due in the coming year. The Prime Minister wrapped up his address by urging the nation to “Embrace Challenges” and make India a prominent force on the world stage.
Conclusion
As the nation embarks on this ambitious journey, the “Manipur to Mission 2047” roadmap sets the stage for comprehensive development, harnessing India’s unique strengths and diverse resources to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.