Balochistan and PoK people thank India: Top 5 quotes of PM Modi on Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort in Delhi on the occasion of 70th Independence Day of India on Monday. PM Modi first visited Raj Ghat to pay tribute Father of the Nation Mahatama Gandhi and then proceeded to Red Fort to hoist the Indian flag at 7:00 am.

In his address to the nation, PM Modi recalled the sacrifices and contributions of the brave freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Pandit Nehru and many others so that India can attain ‘Swaraj’ or self-governance. Here is a glimpse of PM Modi’s speech through his top 5 quotes of the day:

1.    On Indo-Pak relations

Speaking on the troubled Indo-Pak relations, PM Modi said, “Country will not yield to terrorism and extremism… youth should shun violence and return to mainstream.” Talking about reactions to his recent comments on Gilgit region, he said, “People of Balochistan, Gilgit and PoK have thanked me a lot in past few days, I am grateful to them.”

2.    On 'Swaraj' into 'Surajya'

PM Modi urged every Indian to work towards converting self-governance into good-governance.

“The onus is on 125 cr people of India to convert this 'Swaraj' into 'Surajya',” he said, “Surajya means a Government should be sensitive towards the common man, weaker sections…for this, one needs to give imp to good governance, accountability and transparency in any government is paramount.

3.    On government’s responsibility

“From panchayat to parliament and from village head to prime minister, everyone will have to understand their responsibility… today, more than 'Karya', I want to talk about 'Karya Sanskriti' of the government.” “My government’s mantra is ‘reform, transform, perform’,” said PM Modi.

4.    On his regime’s achievements

“There was a time when government was surrounded by allegations but now the government is surrounded by expectations,” PM Modi said. He also counted is government’s achievements in terms of electrification of villages, rural roads, LPG gas connections, passport services and income tax filing system. Speaking on the importance of rapid rural development, PM Modi said, “If farmers in my country get adequate water, they can turn 'soil' into 'gold'.”

5.    Rio Olympics 2016

Speaking on the ongoing Rio Olympics 2016, PM Modi said, “India is phenomenally proud of all our athletes in Rio and their hard work that got them there. Victory and setbacks are all a part of life.” PM Modi said that he was inspired by Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to speak on achievements of our athletes to boost their spirits.