Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called on Indians to dream big and work with a strong resolve to achieve bigger goals, as he addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day.

“Dream big to achieve big,” the Prime Minister said, stressing that when a nation sets ambitious goals and remains determined, it makes greater efforts to turn those aspirations into reality.

PM Modi confident of Viksit Bharat by 2047

Expressing confidence in India’s development journey, PM Modi said the country is dreaming of scaling new heights and will turn its vision of “Viksit Bharat” into reality by 2047.

He said the goal has to be achieved collectively by all Indians and added that accomplishing it would demonstrate the country’s courage and change how the world views India.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of different sections of society to the country’s development journey. He said Dalits, the oppressed, poor, middle class and youth have contributed to efforts to take India to new heights.

According to PM Modi, these efforts have helped more than 25 crore people move out of poverty.

He said every Indian is making efforts in their own way to take the country forward and acknowledged their contribution.

‘Dream big and achieve big’

PM Modi said the ability to dream big and achieve bigger goals is a defining feature of what he described as the “new India”.

He said the world has taken note of India’s efforts and emphasised that a strong resolve helps people find ways to overcome challenges and problems.

The Prime Minister said determination should remain strong and that India must continue working towards its goals despite difficulties.

PM Modi stresses self-reliance and ‘Vocal for Local’

Highlighting the importance of aatmanirbharta, or self-reliance, PM Modi said India should not remain dependent on other countries.

He called for a commitment to swadeshi, self-reliance and “Vocal for Local”, while stressing the need to improve and protect the country’s capabilities.

Earlier on Saturday, PM Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before reaching the Red Fort for the Independence Day celebrations.

This year’s Independence Day celebrations also saw Vande Mataram being played at the Red Fort for the first time since Independence.

India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the national celebrations from the historic Red Fort in Delhi.

Upon his arrival at the Red Fort, the national song Vande Mataram was rendered at the venue for the first time during the Independence Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Modi then hoisted the National Flag, following which the National Anthem was sung. The flag hoisting was synchronised with a 21-gun salute, while two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force showered flower petals.

The celebrations this year also focus on Yuva Shakti, recognising the contribution of India’s young population towards building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

PM Modi addresses nation from Red Fort

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi said that Vande Mataram was echoing from the historic venue for the first time since Independence.

The Prime Minister also referred to the severe floods and landslides witnessed in parts of the country in recent days. He said the disasters had affected many families and assured those affected that the entire nation stood firmly with them.

PM Modi said a nation becomes great when it progresses on the strength of its resolve and capabilities.

The 80th Independence Day celebrations thus brought together the traditional ceremonial elements at the Red Fort with a focus on India’s youth and the country’s long-term development vision.

India underlined the importance of maintaining mutual respect and understanding in its relationship with Italy, a day after Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of foreign policy.

The Ministry of External Affairs said India and Italy share strong bilateral ties and expressed its commitment to further strengthening the relationship.

“We share deep and strong ties with Italy, and we are committed to further strengthening this relationship,” the MEA said. It added that friendship and bilateral relations between countries should be maintained within a framework of mutual respect and understanding.

The statement came after a political controversy over remarks made at a Congress event in Delhi.

Rahul Gandhi’s mock hug draws BJP criticism

At the Congress event, Rahul Gandhi greeted party leader Sandeep Dikshit with a mock hug. Gandhi had earlier criticised the Prime Minister’s approach to diplomacy, suggesting that it was being reduced to symbolic gestures such as hugging foreign leaders.

Dikshit then brought Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni into the exchange with a remark, following which Rahul Gandhi played along.

The episode drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who accused the Congress leader of using inappropriate language against the Prime Minister and lowering the dignity associated with the office of the Leader of Opposition.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi questioned Rahul Gandhi’s conduct and said India required mature leadership. He also criticised remarks in which Gandhi had referred to the government as “jokers and clowns”.

BJP leaders target Rahul Gandhi

Union Minister Giriraj Singh also attacked Rahul Gandhi, describing him as “mentally frustrated” and questioning his conduct.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said Rahul Gandhi’s language was inconsistent with the dignity expected from the Leader of Opposition.

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla also criticised the Congress leader, saying that while disagreement with Prime Minister Modi was legitimate, bringing a foreign woman leader into what he described as a crude joke was neither appropriate nor statesmanlike.

The MEA’s statement, meanwhile, focused on India’s bilateral relationship with Italy and reiterated that mutual respect and understanding remain important to maintaining ties between the two countries.