As India celebrated its 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation and delivered a speech that resonated with themes of Atma-Nirbharta, Swaraj, Swadeshi, constitutional values, and national unity.
The event, attended by 5,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds, featured a ceremonial Guard of Honour, a 21-gun salute, and a flypast by the Indian Air Force, which coordinated the celebrations.
Below are the ten key highlights from PM Modi’s address, capturing his vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
1. Constitution as India’s Guiding Light
PM Modi mentioned the Constitution played a pivotal role in shaping India’s journey, describing it as a beacon for the nation. “For 75 years, the Constitution of India has been showing us the path like a lighthouse,” he said.
He paid tribute to its makers and marked the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, noting that the abrogation of Article 370 fulfilled Mookerjee’s vision of ‘one country, one constitution.’ “When we brought the mantra of one country, one constitution to life by demolishing the wall of Article 370, we paid true tribute to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee,” PM Modi added.
He also reflected on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, urging the nation to remember the “sin of murdering Constitution” and strengthen its commitment to democratic values.
2. Operation Sindoor: A bold strike against terrorism
Modi hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, a military response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. “On 22nd April, terrorists from across the border came to Pahalgam and killed people after asking their religion… Entire India was outraged, and the entire world was shocked by such a massacre. Operation Sindoor is the expression of that outrage,” he said.
Indian forces penetrated “hundreds of kilometers into enemy soil” and destroyed terrorist headquarters in Pakistan, causing unprecedented destruction. “Destruction in Pakistan is so massive that new revelations are being made every day and new information is coming out daily,” Modi noted, saluting the bravery of Indian soldiers and attributing the operation’s success to India’s self-reliant defence capabilities.
3. Atmanirbhar Bharat as the foundation of Viksit Bharat
The Prime Minister emphasised that a self-reliant India ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is the cornerstone of a developed India ‘Viksit Bharat’. “Viksit Bharat ka aadhar bhi hai Aatmanirbhar Bharat… If someone becomes too dependent on others, the very question of freedom starts to fade. Aatmanirbhar is not limited merely to imports, exports, rupees, pounds, or dollars. Its meaning is far broader. Aatmanirbhar is directly connected to our strength,” he said.
PM Modi highlighted achievements in defence, such as the weaponry used in Operation Sindoor, and urged young scientists to develop indigenous jet engines for India’s fighter jets.
4. Launch of Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana
Modi announced the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, a Rs 1 lakh crore scheme aimed at creating 3.5 crore jobs for India’s youth. “From today, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana is being implemented… Under this scheme, young men and women getting their first job in the private sector will receive Rs 15,000 from the government. Companies that create more employment opportunities will also be given incentive amounts,” he said. This initiative is designed to empower the youth and bolster India’s economic growth.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi launches Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, a Rs 1 lakh crore scheme for youth. Under it, first-time private sector employees will get Rs 15,000, companies creating more jobs receive incentives, and nearly 3.5 crore new employment opportunities… pic.twitter.com/6wptcp8mol
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
5. Addressing demographic challenges with High-Power Demography Mission
Expressing concern over demographic changes due to infiltration, Modi announced the launch of a High-Power Demography Mission. “Under a well-thought-out conspiracy, the country’s demography is being changed, seeds of a new crisis are being sown. Infiltrators are snatching away the livelihood of the youth of my country. Infiltrators are targeting the sisters and daughters of my country. This will not be tolerated,” he warned.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi announces High-Power Demography Mission, warning of attempts to alter India’s demography.
He cites threats to youth, women, tribals, and national security, calling it a well-thought-out conspiracy. The mission aims to safeguard livelihoods, land, and… pic.twitter.com/wrC4czMHld
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
The mission aims to address threats to national security and protect livelihoods, particularly in border areas.
6. Sudarshan Chakra Mission for National Security
To strengthen India’s defence capabilities, Modi introduced the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, inspired by Bhagwan Krishna, with a goal to modernise national security by 2035. “Drawing inspiration from Shri Krishna, we have chosen the path of the Sudarshan Chakra… The nation will be launching the Sudarshan Chakra Mission,” he said. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its borders and enhancing its military prowess.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi announces Sudarshan Chakra Mission inspired by Bhagwan Shri Krishna, aiming to expand, strengthen, and modernise India’s national security shield by 2035. He unveils the vision during his Independence Day speech. pic.twitter.com/7sx2oCoVlS
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
7. Semiconductor Mission and technological self-reliance
PM Modi emphasised the importance of technological self-reliance, particularly in semiconductors. “By the end of this year, Made in India semiconductor chips, made by the people in India, will hit the market,” he announced, lamenting that the idea of a semiconductor industry was stifled decades ago. “File work on semiconductors began 50-60 years ago in our country… You would be surprised to know that the idea of semiconductor was killed in the womb 50-60 years ago. We lost 50-60 years,” he said, urging a mission-mode approach to reclaim lost ground.
8. Vocal for Local: Call for indigenous products
Modi passionately advocated for the ‘vocal for local’ mantra to promote indigenous products and build a prosperous India. “If we could get independence from the sacrifices of people, then with commitment, vocal for local, we can get a prosperous India… We should only buy indigenous products,” he urged, appealing to influencers and political parties to make this a national mission. “This is not an agenda of a particular party, India is everyone’s,” he added, emphasising unity in promoting local goods.
9. Next-gen GST reforms and inclusive development
Highlighting progress in poverty alleviation, Modi noted that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty through government schemes. “There was a time when widowed women, the poor, tribal communities, and persons with disabilities had to wander from door to door fighting for their rights. Today, the government comes to their doorstep, and crores of disadvantaged people are benefiting from government schemes, a truly revolutionary achievement,” he said.
PM Modi also announced events to mark the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, whose principles inspire policies prioritising the poor and backward communities.
From the Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi announces a Next Generation GST reform coming this Diwali. GST on daily-use items will be significantly lowered, promising major relief to consumers and boosting affordability across the country.
#BREAKING | From Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi announces a Next Generation GST reform coming this Diwali.
GST on daily-use items will be significantly lowered, promising major relief to consumers and boosting affordability across the country. pic.twitter.com/ZMpdlp2ZBc
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
10. National deepwater exploration mission and space achievements
Modi unveiled the National Deep Water Exploration Mission to tap oil and gas reserves in the sea, signaling India’s ambition for ‘Samudra Manthan.’ “We are now also heading towards ‘Samudra Manthan’. Taking this forward, we want to work in Mission Mode to look for the oil and gas reserves in the sea,” he said.
He also celebrated India’s space achievements, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s return from the International Space Station and preparations for the Gaganyaan mission. “We are also working towards building our own Space Station,” he announced, noting the contributions of over 300 startups in the space sector.
A Vision for Unity and ProgressModi described Independence Day as “a festival of 140 crore resolutions,” reflecting the collective aspirations of India’s 1.4 billion citizens. “Today, 140 crore citizens are immersed in the colours of the Tiranga,” he said, celebrating the nation’s unity.
He urged India to focus on its strengths, stating, “Kisi doosre ki lakeer chhoti karne ke liye, apni oorja hamein nahi khapani hai. Hamein poori oorja ke saath hamari lakeer ko lamba karna hai.”
PM also addressed health concerns, urging citizens to reduce cooking oil usage by 10 percent to combat obesity, and celebrated the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as “the biggest NGO in the world” for its 100 years of service.
“Today, with great pride, I wish to mention something significant. A hundred years ago, an organisation was born, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). One hundred years of service to the nation is a most glorious and golden chapter. Guided by the resolve of nation-building through character-building, and with the aim of serving Mother India, more than a million swayamsevaks have dedicated their lives for the welfare of the motherland over these hundred years,” He added.
#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi salutes RSS, applauding 100 years of selfless service to Ma Bharti.
He hails the century-long journey of swayamsevaks devoted to serving the nation, saying Bharat is proud of their dedication.
He says, “Today, I would like to proudly mention that 100… pic.twitter.com/VMeUZaYB5n
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 15, 2025
PM Modi’s address, delivered under the theme ‘Naya Bharat,’ set a bold agenda for a self-reliant, secure, and prosperous India, with the Constitution as its guiding light and the collective resolve of its people as its driving force.
