India Marks 79th Independence Day with Modi’s Record-Breaking 103-Minute Address

On 15th August 2025, India celebrated its 79th Independence Day with great pride and enthusiasm. The PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi after hoisting the national flag.

This year’s address became historic as it was the longest Independence Day speech ever by any Indian Prime Minister, lasting 103 minutes.

In his speech, PM Modi covered a wide range of topics – from economic reforms and national security to farmers’ welfare and employment opportunities.

Highlights from PM Modi’s Speech

1. New GST Reforms by Diwali

PM Modi announced “Next Generation GST Reforms” to be introduced by Diwali 2025. These reforms aim to reduce taxes on everyday items, thereby lowering the cost of essential goods for the general public. He called it a “Diwali gift” for the nation.

2. Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgaar Yojana

A new employment scheme worth ₹1 lakh crore was launched to promote job creation.

1. All first-time job seekers in the private sector will receive ₹15,000 from the government after getting hired.
2. The scheme is expected to create around 3.5 crore jobs.
3. The companies hiring freshers will also receive incentives.

3. Mission Sudarshan Chakra

PM Modi unveiled Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a powerful defence initiative aimed at developing an advanced weapons system to protect India from enemy attacks.

1. Inspired by Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, the system will not only block attacks but also strike back.
2. By 2035, all public places will be covered by a nationwide security shield.
3. Experts believe it may work like Israel’s “Iron Dome” missile defence system.

4. Operation Sindoor and Warning to Pakistan

The Prime Minister praised the armed forces for their success in Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, where muslim terrorists targeted people based on religion.

1. He stated that India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail.
2. The country will no longer differentiate between terrorists and those who support them.

5. Self-Reliance in Defence and Technology

PM Modi stressed reducing dependence on foreign technology:

1. Development of jet engines in India for fighter aircraft.
2. Encouragement for youth to create India’s own social media platforms.
3. Efforts to make solar panels, EV raw materials, and fertilisers in India.

6. Critical Minerals Independence

India is conducting exploration at 1,200+ locations to become self-sufficient in critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are essential for electronics, EVs, and solar energy.

7. Tackling Illegal Infiltration – Demographic Mission

PM Modi announced a high-powered demographic mission to prevent illegal infiltration, warning against a conspiracy to change India’s population balance.

1. He said infiltrators are taking jobs, land, and resources from citizens.
2. The government will act firmly to protect the rights of its citizens.

8. Farmers’ Welfare and Lakhpati Didis

PM Modi reaffirmed that farmers, fishermen, and livestock keepers remain top priorities.

1. Policies harmful to them will be firmly opposed.
2. Over two crore rural women have become financially independent under the Lakhpati Didi scheme.

9. Other Important Points

1. Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India): Independence is linked to self-reliance in every sector.
2. Space Ambition: India is working towards building its space station; 300 startups are involved in the space sector.
3. Obesity Concern: Citizens should focus on health and fitness.
4. Diversity: All Indian languages should be respected and celebrated.
5. Legal Reforms: 280 old laws have been reformed to make them more relevant.
6. Historical Reminder: Marking 50 years since the Emergency, PM Modi urged citizens never to forget the attack on democracy during that time.

Prime Minister Modi ended his speech with a call to make India a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of independence. His vision rests on three pillars:

1. Economic growth through reforms and self-reliance.
2. National security through advanced defence systems.
3. Social development through education, health, and employment opportunities.

This Independence Day speech reflected both pride in past achievements and determination to face future challenges, to build a strong, secure, and prosperous India.