News Analysis India

Tag: Prime Minister Independence Day address

  • ‘Look inwards & at BJP’s attitude towards women’: Opposition after PM’s I-Day speech on ‘nari shakti’

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Monday called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he hailed ‘nari shakti’ in his Independence Day speech, asking him to look inwards and on his party’s attitude towards women.

    Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi urged people to pledge not to do anything that lowers the dignity of women, saying a mentality to insult them in speech and behaviour has crept in.

    TMC MP Derek O’ Brien reminded the prime minister of the “Didi o Didi” comment made by him on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during an election rally in the state.

    “Let’s pledge to wipe out misogyny’ said Prime Minister @narendramodi today. Completely agree, Sir. Should we start with you, leading by example,” wrote O’Brien on Twitter, attaching a video of Modi making the reference to Banerjee in his speech.

    Congress leader Pawan Khera too posted a video compilation of the prime minister’s remarks on women, including comments made on the floor of the House, on Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury in the Rajya Sabha over her laughter which was condemned as being “sexist”, his comment on Banerjee and the “50-crore girlfriend” remark about Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s wife, Sunanda Pushkar.

    ALSO READ | Check out top quotes from PM Modi’s speech on 76th Independence Day at Red Fort

    “If anyone needs the most to take a pledge to respect women, then it is this person,” wrote Khera referring to the video.

    नारी के सम्मान का संकल्प लेने की सबसे ज़्यादा आवश्यकता अगर किसी को है तो वह इस व्यक्ति को है। देखिए कैसे pic.twitter.com/klSno2zugg
    — Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) August 15, 2022
    CPI general secretary D Raja too urged the PM to examine the attitude of his own party men with regards to women. “It is not just about women. All humans should be treated with respect in society. This is not happening because the mindset is being controlled by a party which believes in the Manusmriti, patriarchy and caste system. This government has the numbers in both the Houses of Parliament, yet they have not passed the women reservation bill. His speech is mere rhetoric and there is no serious commitment whether towards women or towards the socially backward,” said Raja, who also raised incidents against women and the Dalits where Modi has chosen to remain silent.

    Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said Modi’s words did not match the actions on the ground.

    “If we look at Maharashtra not having any woman in cabinet with even the women and child portfolios being handed by male ministers. Even the labour force participation is rapidly decreasing and the government is not able to address them,” she said.

    READ HERE | Self-obsessed government hell-bent on trivialising freedom fighters’ sacrifices: Sonia Gandhi

    “There is also the matter of 33 per cent reservation being championed by the BJP, and despite having a full majority, it has not been implemented. So, those are the issues that we are looking at in 25 years from now. We also have to look at how policies have impacted the women on ground,” Chaturvedi said.

    She also referred to the ‘Sulli and Bulli deals’ incident in which women were berated and auctioned on social media.

    NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Monday called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he hailed ‘nari shakti’ in his Independence Day speech, asking him to look inwards and on his party’s attitude towards women.

    Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi urged people to pledge not to do anything that lowers the dignity of women, saying a mentality to insult them in speech and behaviour has crept in.

    TMC MP Derek O’ Brien reminded the prime minister of the “Didi o Didi” comment made by him on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during an election rally in the state.

    “Let’s pledge to wipe out misogyny’ said Prime Minister @narendramodi today. Completely agree, Sir. Should we start with you, leading by example,” wrote O’Brien on Twitter, attaching a video of Modi making the reference to Banerjee in his speech.

    Congress leader Pawan Khera too posted a video compilation of the prime minister’s remarks on women, including comments made on the floor of the House, on Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury in the Rajya Sabha over her laughter which was condemned as being “sexist”, his comment on Banerjee and the “50-crore girlfriend” remark about Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s wife, Sunanda Pushkar.

    ALSO READ | Check out top quotes from PM Modi’s speech on 76th Independence Day at Red Fort

    “If anyone needs the most to take a pledge to respect women, then it is this person,” wrote Khera referring to the video.

    नारी के सम्मान का संकल्प लेने की सबसे ज़्यादा आवश्यकता अगर किसी को है तो वह इस व्यक्ति को है। देखिए कैसे pic.twitter.com/klSno2zugg
    — Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) August 15, 2022
    CPI general secretary D Raja too urged the PM to examine the attitude of his own party men with regards to women. “It is not just about women. All humans should be treated with respect in society. This is not happening because the mindset is being controlled by a party which believes in the Manusmriti, patriarchy and caste system. This government has the numbers in both the Houses of Parliament, yet they have not passed the women reservation bill. His speech is mere rhetoric and there is no serious commitment whether towards women or towards the socially backward,” said Raja, who also raised incidents against women and the Dalits where Modi has chosen to remain silent.

    Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said Modi’s words did not match the actions on the ground.

    “If we look at Maharashtra not having any woman in cabinet with even the women and child portfolios being handed by male ministers. Even the labour force participation is rapidly decreasing and the government is not able to address them,” she said.

    READ HERE | Self-obsessed government hell-bent on trivialising freedom fighters’ sacrifices: Sonia Gandhi

    “There is also the matter of 33 per cent reservation being championed by the BJP, and despite having a full majority, it has not been implemented. So, those are the issues that we are looking at in 25 years from now. We also have to look at how policies have impacted the women on ground,” Chaturvedi said.

    She also referred to the ‘Sulli and Bulli deals’ incident in which women were berated and auctioned on social media.

  • Check out top quotes from PM Modi’s speech on 76th Independence Day at Red Fort

    By Online Desk

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 76th Independence Day. The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks 75 years of India’s Independence from British rule

    Notably, this was Prime Minister’s ninth address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

    Here are the top quotes from PM Modi’s speech at the Red Fort while addressing the nation:

    On freedom fighters 

    “Our country is grateful to Gandhiji, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Ramprasad Bismil, Rani Laxmi Bai, Subash Chandra Bose, and all other freedom fighters who shook the foundations of the British Empire. We salute not only those who fought for freedom, but also the architects of free India such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Ram Manohar Lohia and Sardar Vallabhai Patel, amongst the many others.”

    The Prime Minister also said that India has been home to great thinkers like Vivekanand, Aurobindo and Rabindranath Tagore. “Our heroes like Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Lal Bahadur Shastri fought for our independence and moulded our country.”

    On women

    Modi said that every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of the country – be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkaribai, Chennamma, Begum Hazrat Mahal.

    He also gave a powerful message to the nation to take a pledge. “It’s important that in speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women,” he said.

    “I have one request to every Indian. Can we change the mentality towards our women in everyday life? The pride of Nari Shakti will play a vital role in fulfilling the dreams of India. It is important that in our speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women. Respect for women is an important pillar of India’s growth. We need to support our ‘Nari Shakti.”

    READ HERE | Self-obsessed government hell-bent on trivialising freedom fighters’ sacrifices: Sonia Gandhi

    On unity

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for unity among people while pointing out that sometimes the country’s talent is restricted by its language barriers, urged countrymen to be proud of every language. “Sometimes our talent is restricted by language barriers. This is an example of Imperialism. When we are connected to our roots, then only can we fly high; and when we fly high, we will provide solutions to the entire world,” asserted the Prime Minister in his address to the nation today.

    “Community spirit has risen again in the last few years. For the last three days, the entire country has marched with tricolour,” he said adding that “India has seen a lot of ups and downs in the last 75 years. There have been sorrows as well as achievements in these years. We faced natural calamities, wars and other problems. But unity in diversity became our guiding power.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi (middle) salutes the Indian flag at the 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort on 76th Independence Day in New Delhi. (Photo | PTI)

    On Green Jobs

    Prime Minister said there are multiple employment opportunities opened with the creation of Green Jobs.

    “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan, Jai Vigyaan, Jai Anusandhan – as we celebrate 75 years, we need to follow this mantra that was given to us by Lal Bahadur Shastri and later tweaked by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.” 

    He also took aim at the evils and sought the people’s cooperation to fight them. The Prime Minister said that the country needs to shift its mentality from “Bhai-Bhatijawad” and Parivaarwad (nepotism) and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it.

    On corruption

    Addressing the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the country’s 76th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said that there is no place for corruption in our society and that the people of the country need to come together as a society to punish those who have propagated the evil of corruption. “Today the nation shows anger towards corruption, but not the corrupted. Until and unless, people have the mentality of penalizing the corrupt, the nation cannot progress at optimum pace.” 

    ALSO READ | On I-Day, Modi hails military’s contribution in realising Aatma Nirbhar Bharat in defence sector

    On nepotism

    “Another evil we need to come together against is nepotism. We need to give opportunities to those who are talented and will work towards the progress of the nation. Talent will be the basis of a New India. To cleanse every institute of India, let’s shift our mentality from ‘Bhai Bhatijawad’ and Parivaarwad and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it.”

    On Panchpran

    Modi also asked the citizens to focus on what he said, “In coming years, we’ve to focus on ‘Panchpran’- First, to move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of developed India; Second, erase all traces of servitude; Third, be proud of our legacy; Fourth, strength of unity and fifth, duties of citizens which includes the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers.

    READ HERE | PM Modi speaks of five resolves to make India developed nation by centenary year of Independence

    On digital India

    “Today, we are seeing the Digital India initiative, startups grow in the country, and a lot of talent is coming from Tier 2 & 3 cities. We have to believe in our abilities.”

    He said India’s “techade” is here as the government is focusing on technologies such as 5G, semiconductor manufacturing and optical fibre cables. These technologies, PM Modi said, will bring about a revolution at the grassroots level. 

    “Governments too have to work on the knife’s edge to fulfil these aspirations.”

    On Commonwealth Games 2022

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the people to and praised India’s ‘stellar’ performance in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2022. “Our stellar performances at international sporting events are an example of India’s shining talent. We need to promote and support such talent.”

    In his address for the 76th Independence Day at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the collective spirit of 130 crore of “Team India”, to take the country forward and ensure that it is a developed nation in the next 25 years.

    (With inputs from ANI and PTI)

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 76th Independence Day. The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks 75 years of India’s Independence from British rule

    Notably, this was Prime Minister’s ninth address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

    Here are the top quotes from PM Modi’s speech at the Red Fort while addressing the nation:

    On freedom fighters 

    “Our country is grateful to Gandhiji, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Ramprasad Bismil, Rani Laxmi Bai, Subash Chandra Bose, and all other freedom fighters who shook the foundations of the British Empire. We salute not only those who fought for freedom, but also the architects of free India such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Ram Manohar Lohia and Sardar Vallabhai Patel, amongst the many others.”

    The Prime Minister also said that India has been home to great thinkers like Vivekanand, Aurobindo and Rabindranath Tagore. “Our heroes like Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Lal Bahadur Shastri fought for our independence and moulded our country.”

    On women

    Modi said that every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of the country – be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkaribai, Chennamma, Begum Hazrat Mahal.

    He also gave a powerful message to the nation to take a pledge. “It’s important that in speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women,” he said.

    “I have one request to every Indian. Can we change the mentality towards our women in everyday life? The pride of Nari Shakti will play a vital role in fulfilling the dreams of India. It is important that in our speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women. Respect for women is an important pillar of India’s growth. We need to support our ‘Nari Shakti.”

    READ HERE | Self-obsessed government hell-bent on trivialising freedom fighters’ sacrifices: Sonia Gandhi

    On unity

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for unity among people while pointing out that sometimes the country’s talent is restricted by its language barriers, urged countrymen to be proud of every language. “Sometimes our talent is restricted by language barriers. This is an example of Imperialism. When we are connected to our roots, then only can we fly high; and when we fly high, we will provide solutions to the entire world,” asserted the Prime Minister in his address to the nation today.

    “Community spirit has risen again in the last few years. For the last three days, the entire country has marched with tricolour,” he said adding that “India has seen a lot of ups and downs in the last 75 years. There have been sorrows as well as achievements in these years. We faced natural calamities, wars and other problems. But unity in diversity became our guiding power.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi (middle) salutes the Indian flag at the 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort on 76th Independence Day in New Delhi. (Photo | PTI)

    On Green Jobs

    Prime Minister said there are multiple employment opportunities opened with the creation of Green Jobs.

    “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan, Jai Vigyaan, Jai Anusandhan – as we celebrate 75 years, we need to follow this mantra that was given to us by Lal Bahadur Shastri and later tweaked by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.” 

    He also took aim at the evils and sought the people’s cooperation to fight them. The Prime Minister said that the country needs to shift its mentality from “Bhai-Bhatijawad” and Parivaarwad (nepotism) and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it.

    On corruption

    Addressing the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the country’s 76th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said that there is no place for corruption in our society and that the people of the country need to come together as a society to punish those who have propagated the evil of corruption. “Today the nation shows anger towards corruption, but not the corrupted. Until and unless, people have the mentality of penalizing the corrupt, the nation cannot progress at optimum pace.” 

    ALSO READ | On I-Day, Modi hails military’s contribution in realising Aatma Nirbhar Bharat in defence sector

    On nepotism

    “Another evil we need to come together against is nepotism. We need to give opportunities to those who are talented and will work towards the progress of the nation. Talent will be the basis of a New India. To cleanse every institute of India, let’s shift our mentality from ‘Bhai Bhatijawad’ and Parivaarwad and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it.”

    On Panchpran

    Modi also asked the citizens to focus on what he said, “In coming years, we’ve to focus on ‘Panchpran’- First, to move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of developed India; Second, erase all traces of servitude; Third, be proud of our legacy; Fourth, strength of unity and fifth, duties of citizens which includes the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers.

    READ HERE | PM Modi speaks of five resolves to make India developed nation by centenary year of Independence

    On digital India

    “Today, we are seeing the Digital India initiative, startups grow in the country, and a lot of talent is coming from Tier 2 & 3 cities. We have to believe in our abilities.”

    He said India’s “techade” is here as the government is focusing on technologies such as 5G, semiconductor manufacturing and optical fibre cables. These technologies, PM Modi said, will bring about a revolution at the grassroots level. 

    “Governments too have to work on the knife’s edge to fulfil these aspirations.”

    On Commonwealth Games 2022

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the people to and praised India’s ‘stellar’ performance in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2022. “Our stellar performances at international sporting events are an example of India’s shining talent. We need to promote and support such talent.”

    In his address for the 76th Independence Day at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the collective spirit of 130 crore of “Team India”, to take the country forward and ensure that it is a developed nation in the next 25 years.

    (With inputs from ANI and PTI)

  • Gender equality is key to united India, says PM Modi in Independence Day address

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Hailing India as a “mother of democracy”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said it is endowed with an “extraordinary strength” that sailed her through the freedom struggle.

    In his 82-minute address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day, Modi said gender equality is the key to a united India as he stressed the need to extend support to ‘Nari Shakti’, adding respect for women is an important pillar for India’s growth.

    It is important that in speech and conduct “we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women”, he said.

    On the significance of a united country, the Prime Minister said India has much to teach the world on the concept of unity which begins with the family structure.

    Gender equality is the key to a united India, he said, adding that without equal importance to sons and daughters in family structures, the idea of unity will be lost.

    VIEW PHOTOS | Marking 76th year of Independence, PM Modi dons turban in tune with tiranga

    Modi also spoke of ‘Panch Pran’ or lifeblood resolves for the nation when it celebrates its 100th year of Independence in 2047. “For the next 25 years we need to focus on these five resolves – to make India a developed nation, removing every trace of bondage from our mind, taking pride in our glorious heritage, unity, and fulfilling our duties,” he said.

    NEW DELHI: Hailing India as a “mother of democracy”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said it is endowed with an “extraordinary strength” that sailed her through the freedom struggle.

    In his 82-minute address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day, Modi said gender equality is the key to a united India as he stressed the need to extend support to ‘Nari Shakti’, adding respect for women is an important pillar for India’s growth.

    It is important that in speech and conduct “we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women”, he said.

    On the significance of a united country, the Prime Minister said India has much to teach the world on the concept of unity which begins with the family structure.

    Gender equality is the key to a united India, he said, adding that without equal importance to sons and daughters in family structures, the idea of unity will be lost.

    VIEW PHOTOS | Marking 76th year of Independence, PM Modi dons turban in tune with tiranga

    Modi also spoke of ‘Panch Pran’ or lifeblood resolves for the nation when it celebrates its 100th year of Independence in 2047. “For the next 25 years we need to focus on these five resolves – to make India a developed nation, removing every trace of bondage from our mind, taking pride in our glorious heritage, unity, and fulfilling our duties,” he said.