New Delhi:
In his maiden Independence Day speech after returning to power with a massive mandate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday touched upon several issues in his 92-minute long address. From giving push to the idea 'one nation, one election' to the announcement of creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff, here are 10 important takeaways from his address to the nation.
1. Our government has decided to have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS. It will help all three services to walk together as the country can no longer afford to work in silos.
2. If we can take steps against 'Sati' custom, female foeticide, child marriage and dowry, then why not against instant triple talaq.
3. Why didn't those who are supporting Article 370 make it a permanent provision for Jammu and Kashmir. Why did they keep it as a temporary measure.
4. To some the target of nearly doubling the size of Indian economy to USD 5 trillion in five years may seem difficult. But when we have in five years (of BJP rule) added USD 1 trillion as compared to USD 2 trillion size achieved in 70 years of independence, then this target is achievable.
5. From the Red Fort, I can say with pride that every Indian can say 'One Nation, One Constitution'. Sardar Patel's dream of one Bharat has been realised.
6. We will expose before the world all exporters of terror. We, together with other countries of the world, will fight those sheltering terrorism, financing and exporting terrorism.
7. There is a vigilant section of public which stops to think, before bringing a child to the world, whether they can do justice to the child, give them all that she or he wants. They have a small family and express their patriotism to the country. Let's learn from them. There is need of social awareness.
8. Can we free India from single-use plastic? The time for implementing such an idea has come. Teams must be mobilised to work in this direction. A significant step must come out by October 2.
9. I want to announce from the Red Fort that we will move forward with Jal Jeevan Mission. The Centre and states will work towards it and in coming years, more than Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be spent.
10. Every effort made to remove corruption and black money is welcome. These are menaces that have ruined India for 70 years.
