Modi unveils bold roadmap for India’s future in Independence Day address
New Delhi, August 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, laid out an ambitious vision aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. Speaking on the country’s 79th Independence Day, he announced a raft of initiatives spanning technology, energy, employment, and governance reforms.
Modi declared that India was poised not for incremental progress but for a decisive leap into the future. Key highlights included the rollout of the country’s first homegrown semiconductor chip by year-end, a tenfold increase in nuclear power capacity, and the launch of a Rs. 1 lakh crore youth employment scheme.
Semiconductor breakthrough
Recalling earlier failed attempts to establish a semiconductor industry, Modi said India was now in “mission mode” and would produce its first “Made in India” chip before the close of 2025.
Nuclear expansion
The Prime Minister announced that work was underway on 10 new nuclear reactors, part of a plan to boost the nation’s nuclear energy capacity more than tenfold by 2047.
GST overhaul by Diwali
Modi also promised “next-generation” Goods and Services Tax reforms to be announced during Diwali. The measures will lower taxes on essential items and provide relief to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), street vendors, and consumers.
New reform task force
A dedicated reform task force will be set up to accelerate economic growth, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and modernise governance, Modi said.
Youth employment push
The newly launched PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana will provide Rs. 15,000 each to newly employed youth, with the goal of benefiting three crore young Indians. Modi said the Rs. 1 lakh crore programme would serve as a bridge from “Swatantra Bharat to Samriddha Bharat” (Independent India to Prosperous India).
Demography and security
Highlighting risks posed by illegal migration and infiltration in border areas, Modi announced a High-Powered Demography Mission to protect the unity, integrity, and rights of citizens.
Energy independence drive
In a bid to reduce dependence on imported fuels, Modi unveiled the National Deepwater Exploration Mission to harness ocean resources, alongside major expansions in solar, hydrogen, hydro, and nuclear energy.
Jet engine challenge
Urging India’s scientists and youth to rise to the challenge, Modi called for the development of indigenous jet engines, likening the goal to India’s success in producing COVID-19 vaccines and creating the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
The address painted a picture of a confident India ready to shape its own destiny, with Modi asserting that the country would set its own terms in global affairs as it moves toward its centenary of independence.
