Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Source: Reuters/File)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke in the Lok Sabha on the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. He hailed the leaders who collectively achieved freedom for the country and invoked their struggle and sacrifice.
Here are highlights from his speech:
* This is a special occasion – we remember the Quit India movement. Remembering such movements gives us strength as a nation: PM
* It is important for the younger generation to know about historical events like the Quit India movement: PM
* The Quit India movement marked the rise of a new leadership. They supported Mahatma Gandhi during the movement: PM
* The British had never anticipated such a powerful movement in 1942. Gandhi and so many senior leaders went to jail for the country’s freedom: PM
* The Indian freedom struggle witnessed participation from a wide range of individuals over several years: PM
* The movement led to the rise of so many leaders whose contributions are immense: PM
* There were so many highs and falls in the movement, but 1942 was the final ‘jan-sangharsh’. It led to the realization that ‘abhi nahin toh kabhi nahin’ (If not now, then never): PM
* When Quit India movement was launched, every small or big leader was a part of it. There was no corner of the country that was untouched: PM
* During the movement, Gandhi said, ‘Karenge ya marenge’ (We will do or die). It astounded many in the country. Gandhi said that everyone has the right to feel free and independent in the country. He said he will not be satisfied by anything less than ‘purna swaraj’ (complete independence): PM
* Our freedom was not only about our country. It was a defining moment in bringing an end to colonialism in other parts of the world too: PM
* Farmers, students, teachers, people from all walks of life had become a part of the movement: PM
* The menace of corruption has adversely impacted our development journey: PM
* Today, we dont have Gandhi and we don’t have that kind of leadership. But 125 crore people have the belief that if we work together, we can realize the dreams of those freedom fighters: PM
* Poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition etc are challenges before us today. We need to bring a positive change in this regard: PM
* Today, Gandhi’s dream of ‘gram swarajya’ has been left behind: PM
* In the freedom struggle of India, the role of women was important: PM
* From 2017 to 2022, when India turns 75, we need to create the same spirit that existed from 1942 to 1947: PM
* In 1942, the clarion call was ‘Karenge Ya Marenge’ – today it is ‘Karenge Aur Kar Ke Rahenge.’ These 5 years are about #SankalpSeSiddhi: PM
