As it happened: World leaders extend wishes to India on 76th Independence Day

There was corruption and nepotism even in selection of sportsmen to represent the country. That has now changed, and the results are visible in India's performance

I want to talk about nepotism, from which I do not just mean political parties but in other fields as well. Because of nepotism, my country's talent and capability is affected. This also results in corruption.

India's industrial growth will come from grassroots; Our MSMEs, street vendors and those in organised sectors need to be strengthened

PM Modi calls upon private sector to play key role in Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, says India can make for world

Through PLI schemes, we are becoming manufacturing powerhouse of world; people are coming to India to 'Make In India'

I salute children who are saying no to imported toys; when a 5-year-old says 'no videshi', 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' runs through his veins

One important issue is unity. we should celebrate our diversity. We have so many traditions and cultures. When we speak of unity, we have one parameter: India first. If our vision is on the lines of 'India first' then we are on the path of unity.

Sometimes our talent is restricted by language barriers, we need to be proud of every language in our country

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

In 25 years, we need to make India a developed nation. When India celebrates 100 years of independence, you should make efforts for the bigger goal.

And fifth point is the responsibility of the citizens

Fourth point of focus is equally important, unity and uncountable

We should be proud of our heritage

No matter how challenging our 75 years of journey has been, the next 25 years is important for our country. And so, when I remember the capability of the 2.3 billion people, then I feel in next 25 years we should focus on 5 points.

When we attained freedom there were many sceptics who doubted our development trajectory. But, they did not know there is something different about the people of this land. they did not know that this soil is special

This soil has power; despite many challenges, India did not stop, did not bow down and kept moving forward

When we speak of freedom struggle, we can't forget the tribal community. Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Govind Guru - there are innumerable names who became the voice of the freedom struggle & inspired tribal community to live & die for mathrubhumi (motherland)

India is the mother of democracy. India has proved that it has a precious ability, and faced many challenges during its journey of 75 years

There were problems of food security, war, terrorism, natural calamities but India marched forward against all odds

We salute our soldiers, police forces and most importantly every citizen who combated many challenges, worked towards vision of new India

Yesterday on August 14, with a heavy heart, we remembered the partition and remembered what people had to go through.

This nation is thankful to Mangal Pandey, Tatya Tope, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil and our innumerable revolutionaries who shook the foundation of the British Rule

We are grateful to Bapu, Bose, Ambedkar, Vir Saverkar. Who for duty exhauted their whole life. The country is grateful to Bhagat Singh, Asfaq, Bimil and the uncountable brave souls which help us get independence. We are also grateful to Rani Lakshmi Bai, Begum Hazrat Mahal etc. Indian women are an example of sacrifice. We remember all of them. People who fought for Independence and people who developed the nation like, Sardar Patel, Rajendra Prasad, Nehru and others we salute them.