Mr. Modi's Independence Day Speech

The 15th Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi's first Independence Day speech was indeed inspiring, but it was also extremely thought provoking. He addressed the nation from the ramparts of the majestic red fort, during the 68th Independence Day, in an hour long extempore speech. His humbleness was revealed by the statement that he gave that "I am present amidst you not as a Pradhan Mantri (prime minister) but as a Pradhan Sevak (prime servant). Narendra Modi won the hearts of millions of people by highlighting society’s important role in the task of nation building. Moreover he talked about people's participation in development and how different sections of society have to come together and show service orientation.

NaMo was praised for making a departure from the tradition of using a written speech and that is why his speech was heard, read and touched the common people's hearts. He used this occasion to refine, redefine and rebuild the national character and sentiments of the Indian people. The prime minister's mantra "Sangachchhdhvam Samvadadhvam sam wo manansi jaanataam" that is "we walk together, we move together, we think together, we resolve together and together we take this country forward" had a larger impact on the country.

He reminded people, that they have a duty to create the ‘Dream India’, one that our forefathers fought hard for.

Narendra Modi's emphasis on sanitation, by promising to ensure separate toilets for boys and girls in all schools as a need of the hour was not just impressive, but essential as well. His speech took into its arena all the common basic needs of the nation from cleanliness, law and order, digitalization, the task of nation building, collective decision making, environmental sensitization, skill development to the dismantling of planning commission. For the first time an idea that nation building is a partnership between the government and the citizens was reinforced.

But the main highlights of his speech, ones which even his critics applauded, were when he brought up the two most, if I may say, ‘controversial topics’. Topics which most people would have assumed had to space in his speech. The ‘rape issue’ and communal violence. He told the country to teach their sons not to rape, and he reminded everyone, that we are one. This bought him appreciation from all.

I feel, the main reason that this speech was the best we have heard in ages because instead of promising sophisticated airports and huge infrastructure projects, he promised people the basic necessities they deserve.

In the end, Modi concluded by appealing to all the SAARC nations to come together to defeat poverty. He offered hope without hype. But we all know that Modi is a great orator, but is a great vision enough? Every politician has a great vision, it is the implementation where they lack. Is Modi going to be the same? It is probably too soon to tell, I guess we just need to patiently wait and see if he walks the talk.

Chhavi Arora