Modi's 74th Independence Day speech highlights: PM emphasises on Make in India and Make for World

New Delhi, Aug 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the tricolour at the Red fort to mark India's 74th Independence Day. This year's 'I-Day' celebrations have been overshadowed by the pandemic.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, on the 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about various issues ranging from management of the covid-19 pandemic, measures to boost domestic manufacturing as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, steps to revive the economy with a focus on migrant workers and the new National Education Policy 2020.

Independence Day 2020: PM Modi hoists National Flag for 7th time, first non-Cong PM to do so

Here are the highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation:

• PM extends gratitude to corona warriors
• We will win the battle against coronavirus says PM
• In these times (of the novel coronavirus pandemic), many of our brothers and sisters have been affected. Many have lost their lives. I extend my condolences to these families. But I am confident that we will win this battle.
• Today, as we breathe in independent India, it is because of sacrifice of thousands.
• We are going through distinct times. I cannot see children in front of me today (at the Red Fort). Coronavirus pandemic has stopped everyone. In these times of COVID, 'Corona warriors' have lived the mantra of 'Seva Parmo Dharma' and served the people of India. I express my gratitude to them.
• We have set new goals for next year when we celebrate the 75th year of Independence says PM Modi.
• PM Modi says that we have faced many challenges this year like floods, landslides which have also resulted in the loss of lives.
• We have to become self reliant says PM Modi. An Atma Nirbhar Bharat should be our dream. It is not just a phrase, it is a manta says PM.
• 130 crore Indians have decided to become 'atmanirbhar' amid the coronavirus pandemic. This has become a mantra for 130 crore citizens.
• Atmanirbhar (self-reliant)' is mandatory. I am confident that we will realise this dream.
• The world is inter-connected and inter-dependant. India has a big role to play in such a scenario says PM Modi.
• The world has expectations from India. We must prepare ourselves to be able to meet these expectations.
• How long will be export raw material and bring back the finished products asks PM Modi. This is why we should become self reliant
• We have taken revolutionary steps in the farming and space sectors
• The world is interconnected and interdependent today. Thus, it is a need of the hour for India to contribute to the world's prosperity.
• Reducing imports is not what Atma Nirbhar only means. We have to increase our creativity, enhance skill development also
• We have proven that we are self reliant. During the pandemic, we were not able to get medical equipments from outside due to the challenges. India has made N-95 masks, ventilators etc. I commend this
• Let vocal for local be our motto
• Did anyone think that crores of Rupees would be transferred into the Jan Dhan accounts
• PM Modi talks about economic reforms taken up by his government. He is also highlighting reforms in the space and energy sectors.
• I am confident that measures like opening up the space sector will get employment for many and create opportunities for the youth .
• The entire world is watching our reforms such as one nation one ration card, one nation one tax says PM Modi."The world is watching the reforms we are undertaking," PM Modi says, adding that India has "broken all" foreign direct investment records.
• Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had taken India's road infrastructure to the next level. Now we need to focus on multi-modal infrastructure. We need to stop working in silos.
• PM Narendra Modi is talking about various schemes taken up by the Centre in the last six years.
• Today Multi National Companies from across the world are coming to India
• You were able to sell your products in any part of the country. But, our farmers were not able to do that. We have ended this. They will now have more options to sell their produce.
• The Jal Jeevan Mission which I announced here last year is a success. It is giving clean drinking water to all says PM Modi. I am happy to say that more than 1 lakh houses are getting clean drinking water everyday says PM.
• The middle class is empowered today. Cheap internet, cheaper home loans are being offered for their empowerment
• Work on the optical fibre network will be completed in 6 lakh villages says PM Modi.
• PM speaks on cyber security. We are taking steps to ensure that our cyber space is safe says PM Modi.

On the occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his greeting to all Indians before hoisting the tricolour from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi.

Independence Day 2020: PM Modi extends his wishes to Indias ahead of his speech at Red Fort

Before his speech, PM Modi took to Twitter and said, "Happy Independence Day to all fellow Indians. Jai Hind!"

He also received the Guard of Honour contingent, consisting of one officer and 24 men each from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force (IAF) and Delhi Police.

It can be seen that a multilayered security ring, including snipers from the National Security Guard (NSG), elite SWAT commandos and kite catchers, has been thrown in around the Red Fort.

In his previous Independence Day's speech, PM Modi talked about the decision to remove Jammu and Kashmir's special rights and ban against triple talaq among the bold moves of the first 10 weeks of his second term.

The Prime Minister also talked about his aim to turn India into a $5-trillion economy within five years and announced the creation of a new post of chief of defence staff to ensure better coordination of the army, navy and air force, along the lines of western military forces.