Path-breaking

 

IN HIS 103-minute, 12th consecutive speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi made many announcements that gave a clear idea of the road ahead that India would follow. He was razor sharp in his observations, modulated his voice and tone and tenor to suit what he wished to say, and ensured that India and the world understood fully and correctly that India of today and tomorrow could not be taken for granted by anybody. There were, of course, many take-aways from the Prime Minister’s speech, the longest so far by him from the Red Fort. Possibly, the most important among them was the announcement that in the next ten years -- by 2035 -- India will have an impregnable, protective weapons-umbrella that he called “Sudarshan Chakra” (the Divine weapon of Lord Shrikrishna -- whose Janmashtami the nation was celebrating on the very day). It would not just protect from the enemy attacks but also mount counter-attack the enemy-targets).

 

The Prime Minister also talked of protecting and promoting the interests of the farmers and fishermen and those engaged in cattle-breeding at any cost. Among other announcements was rationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and utilising the oceanic oil and mineral reserves through fresh exploration, and giving real push to India’s fledgling semi-conductor manufacturing. Each of these areas deserves a special national focus and the Prime Minister provided that. But what needs to be mentioned pointedly was Mr. Narendra Modi’s emphasis on self-reliance -- Atmanirbharta. By mentioning the concept several times, the Prime Minister highlighted the criticality of the concept that would make India strong and capable. He urged young Indian people to come forward to step up manufacture, research, development, exploration, entrepreneurship, leadership. Though Mr. Modi spoke at length, the speech actually gave an impression of being a short assertion despite its 103-minute duration. For each of the points he made, the Prime Minister presented a detailed argument that won the day for him at all levels of the larger Indian society. The world, too, did not miss the message of a strong India whose dreams stand on reality.

 

If details of various important announcements was one part of the Prime Minister’s speech, rich philosophical content was the other part. He launched his narration by paying rich tributes to the Constitution of India and the men and women who made the great document possible. Among the names he mentioned was also one of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookherjee, the founder of BJP’s earlier avtar, the Bhatratira Jan Sangh. He also made a specific mention of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that is celebrating its centenary. These references carry their own importance in Indian public discourse and the Prime Minister made a point to talk about those. The crux of his appeal, however, was that a national programme should not have a political colour. In line with that thought, Mr. Modi then appealed to everybody -- no matter political affiliations -- to make a clear distinction about national interest beyond politics. Of course, Mr. Narendra Modi did not miss mentioning the hugely successful “Operation Sindoor” and cautioned enemies of India that the next time their misadventures would get worse response. The speech was a clear statement of intent of a strong India that the world must take seriously.