PM Modi urges youth to help build a stronger India.
- Nearly 27,000 students, entrepreneurs, interns, and young innovators attended.
- Modi urged citizens to provide accurate information during the Census.
- He set a target of 50 Indian companies entering the Fortune 500.
- He warned against “ideological Naxalism” and changing security threats.
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra was highlighted as a national-security priority.
- Artificial intelligence, robotics, space, quantum computing, and data centres were identified as key growth sectors.
- Yoga, Ayurveda, films, gaming, fisheries, coastal tourism, and ocean technology were presented as important opportunities for India.
New Delhi: India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, with a grand ceremony at the historic Red Fort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag, leading the country in commemorating another important milestone in its journey as an independent nation.
This year’s celebration carried a special significance. For the first time during an Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort complex, “Vande Mataram” was rendered before the National Anthem. The moving performance created a deeply patriotic atmosphere, reminding citizens of the emotions, sacrifices, and aspirations connected with India’s freedom struggle.
Nearly 27,000 guests attended the celebrations. The gathering included students, youth innovators, interns, entrepreneurs, and representatives from different sections of society. Their presence reflected the changing face of India and the growing role of young people in shaping the country’s future.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi appealed to young Indians to actively participate in the Census. He said accurate population data was essential for effective planning and better delivery of government services. The Prime Minister encouraged citizens to use the online self-enumeration facility and carefully provide details about themselves and their families.
He advised people to first write the information on paper before entering it online so that mistakes could be avoided. He also reminded citizens that an official would later visit their homes as part of the enumeration process. The appeal highlighted how even a simple civic responsibility can contribute to India’s long-term development.
Building stronger Indian companies
Prime Minister Modi also set an ambitious economic target: he asked why India should not aim to have 50 Indian companies listed in the Fortune 500. The goal reflects the government’s vision of creating globally competitive businesses capable of expanding employment, innovation, investment, and economic influence.
Such a target would require Indian companies to improve research, productivity, technology, management, and international reach. It would also encourage young entrepreneurs to think beyond domestic markets and build brands that can compete confidently around the world.
Warning about new threats
The Prime Minister warned against what he described as “ideological” or “dimaagi” Naxalism. He alleged that such forces were attempting to revive violence and anarchy and called on society to isolate them. He also said that the character of warfare was changing rapidly.
According to Modi, future threats could target critical infrastructure, including refineries, banks, data centres, factories, and other systems that support everyday life. He said work on Mission Sudarshan Chakra was progressing rapidly, presenting it as part of efforts to strengthen national security and protect vital infrastructure.
Innovation and India’s soft power
Modi stressed the importance of connecting young people with the goal of building a developed India. He identified artificial intelligence, robotics, space technology, quantum computing, and data centres as key areas that could transform the country’s future.
He also highlighted India’s soft power, pointing to yoga, Ayurveda, films, and gaming. These fields, he said, could attract visitors, create jobs, and introduce India’s culture and creativity to a wider global audience.
The Prime Minister further underlined the potential of the blue economy. Fisheries, coastal tourism, and ocean technology could become important sources of growth, particularly for coastal communities. He called for India to emerge as a global innovation hub, where technology, culture, entrepreneurship, and national ambition work together.