‘Self-reliance must as economic selfishness rising globally’
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday gave a clarion call for making a “Samriddh Bharat” by becoming self reliant in fields ranging from fighter jet engines to energy and artificial intelligence, as he announced a task force for next generation reforms, GST changes as big gift for Diwali, and a state-of-the art defence shield dubbed “sudarshan chakra”.
Modi’s consecutive 12th Independence Day speech was focused on the theme of “aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) at a time India and the world is facing growing US protectionism, as he highlighted the rising global selfish interest. Modi announced that the next generation GST reforms which will lower tax burden substantially and benefit small industries is in the works and the lower taxes will be a Diwali gift to citizens. Diwali falls on October 20.
“We should not waste our energy on shortening the line of any country. We have to make our line longer with full energy. The world will acknowledge our mettle if we can do it,” Modi said in his 103-minute address from the ramparts of Red Fort on the country’s 79th Independence Day.
Citing his 25 years of experience as the head of a government, he said, “If we choose this path, then no selfish interest will ever be able to entrap us.”
Modi’s longest Independence Day address for any prime minister was peppered with several announcements including a national deep water exploration mission for self-reliance in energy.
Sporting a saffron turban, Modi, however, made no direct reference to the issue as he doubled down on his emphasis on self-reliance and “swadeshi”. The task force on reforms will make time-bound recommendations for adapting India to become developed by 2047, he said.
“It is the call of the hour that we need not fret in the times of crisis but should work to improve our abilities and accomplishments,” he said.
Indian manufacturers’ mantra should be “daam kam, dum jyada” (less price, better quality), he added.
India can do it, he said noting that toy producers have begun exporting after he had in a ‘Mann ki Baat’ episode called for boosting domestic production and the need for stopping their import.
The Prime Minister likened his call for “Samriddh Bharat” (prosperous India) to the freedom fighters’ goal of “Swatantra Bharat” (independent India).
If innumerable sacrifices could realise the dream of independent India, the hard work and resolve of countless people, coupled with the pursuit of self-reliance and vocal for local can make prosperous India as well, he said.
“That generation sacrificed itself for ‘Swatantra Bharat’. This generation should dedicate itself to ‘Samriddh Bharat’. It is the need of the hour to take new steps to make India prosperous,” the Prime Minister said, adding it is not one political party’s agenda as the country belongs to everyone.
“If this is our collective resolve, then we will change the world in a quick span of time,” he asserted.
Ahead of the 100th anniversary of Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh, Modi heaped praise on its nation-building efforts and said service, dedication, organisation, and unparalleled discipline are its identity.
With the venue decorated with odes to ‘Operation Sindoor’, Modi delivered a stern warning to Pakistan, saying terrorists and those providing them safe haven will be treated alike and that Indian armed forces will decide on punishment in case of any future misadventure from the neighbouring nation.
The operation was launched on May 7 to target terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, triggering four days of hostilities that ended with an understanding between the two sides on May 10.
India tolerated nuclear blackmail for a long time but will no longer do so, he said.
