15 August,2026 08:27 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed confidence that India will become a developed nation by 2047 and urged citizens to think big and work collectively towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, Modi said India's development journey was being driven by a new resolve and that the country had set itself an ambitious target for the coming decades.
"The whole country is moving forward with a new resolve. India has also dreamt big--and that is the dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Viksit Bharat will be realised in 2047. When we (the country) pledge to become Viksit, the world also watches us. When the world's most populous country takes the resolution to become a developed nation, it becomes an introduction of our courage, and the world is compelled to look at us with a different perspective," PM Modi said in his address to the nation on 80th Independence Day.
The Prime Minister called on citizens to set ambitious goals and remain committed to achieving them despite challenges.
"A nation becomes great and achieves its goals when it moves forward driven by its dreams, its resolve, and its inherent strength. Small dreams will no longer suffice. We must dream big, for big dreams expand our thinking and broaden the horizons of our vision. Our resolve must be steadfast; when our resolve is firm, the capacity to carve a path forward--even amidst difficulties and disasters--naturally emerges," he said.
"Small dreams will no longer suffice. We must dream big, because big dreams expand our thinking, broadening the horizons of our thoughts," he added.
Modi also highlighted what he described as India's economic transformation over the past 12 years, contrasting the country's current position with the period when it was classified among the "Fragile Five" economies.
"We were in the Fragile Five. Now we are a major and fast-growing economy. We could not push ourselves earlier. We were stuck," the PM said.
He listed growth across defence production, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital transactions and innovation as indicators of India's changing economic landscape.
"In the last 12 years, defence production has increased by four times; production by Khadi and Gramudyog has increased five times; electronic manufacturing has grown by seven times. Mobile phone production has increased by 33 per cent, and digital transactions have grown by 100 per cent," PM Modi said.
In another part of his address, the Prime Minister said India had made significant progress in digital technology, manufacturing, infrastructure and social welfare during the past 12 years.
"This speed of progress has been witnessed by the country for the first time since independence," Modi said.
He added that defence production had increased four times, electronic manufacturing seven times, high-tech railway coach production 21 times and mobile phone manufacturing 33 times during the period.
"Internet consumers increased by four times. Grant of patents went up by four times. Digital transactions increased by 100 per cent," Modi added.
The Prime Minister also referred to the rendering of the full version of "Vande Mataram" at the Red Fort during the Independence Day ceremony, describing it as a historic moment.
"For everyone present at this ceremony today, this is also a historic moment. For the first time since independence, 'Vande Mataram' is resounding at the Red Fort on August 15th. The chant of 'Vande Mataram' resonates in every heart. Today, the Tricolour flies in every home and dwells in every mind; the nation is moving forward with enthusiasm and zeal, embracing new resolutions," the PM said.
Earlier in the morning, Modi unfurled the national flag at the Red Fort after receiving a guard of honour.
An Army band played the tune of "Vande Mataram" as guests present at the ceremony joined in the rendering of the national song. The ceremony was followed by the flag hoisting and the national anthem.
Flower petals were showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force. One helicopter carried the national flag, while the other carried a flag depicting "Vande Mataram".
The hoisting of the national flag was synchronised with a 21-gun salute by gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial).
The ceremonial battery used indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns and was commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat. The Gun Position Officer was Naib Subedar (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Anuthosh Sarkar.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to freedom fighters and remembered their contribution to India's independence during his address.
Modi also referred to the floods reported in several parts of the country in recent days and expressed concern over the people affected by the situation.
"In the last few days, some parts of the country have witnessed floods, which have affected many people. I assure the affected families that the whole country stands by them," he said.
The Prime Minister's Independence Day address brought together the themes of economic growth, manufacturing, technological development, national security and India's long-term development ambitions.
He said the progress achieved over the past 12 years should serve as a foundation for the country's next phase of development, while urging citizens to set bigger goals.
"Powered by 140 crore Indians, India is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors," Modi said.
He also emphasised the role of collective resolve in taking the country towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
"Every heart is vibrating with Vande Mataram. There is a tricolour in every house, every heart. With a new energy, the nation is moving ahead with new resolve," he said.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)
