New Delhi – Indian PM Mr Narendra Modi addresses the country form the ramparts of Red Fort in Delhi on Tuesday.He remembered the women and men who worked hard for India’s freedom. He also said, “people of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters & the tragedy in Gorakhpur.”

“This is a special year – 75th anniversary of Quit India, 100th anniversary of Champaran Satyagraha, 125th anniversary of Ganesh Utsav:.We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a ‘New India’. In our nation, there is no one big or small, everybody is equal. Together we can bring a positive change in the nation…We are fighting corruption – for the bright future of India and the wellbeing of our people,” PM Modi said.

He further said, “1st January 2018 will not be an ordinary day- those born in this century will start turning 18. They are Bhagya Vidhatas of our nation. We have to leave this ‘Chalta Hai’ attitude. We have to think of ‘Badal Sakta Hai’- this attitude will help us as a nation.” On terrorism, the Prime Minister said, “India’s security is our priority…The world is with us in fighting the menace of terror. I thank all nations helping us doing so. We have to work for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir. There is no question of being soft on terrorism or terrorists.”

He added that the government is committed to restoring Kashmir’s status of ‘heaven on earth’. PM Modi also said, “Kashmir problem cannot be resolved by bullets or abuses but by embracing people of Kashmir.”

The premier also talked about the benefits of Goods and Service Tax (GST) – “Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today. GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST & the role of technology has also helped. Good governance is about speed and simplification of processes: India’s stature in the world is rising. We are nurturing our youngsters to be job creators and not job seekers.

The Prime Minister also talked about the issue of ‘triple talaq’. “I want to mention those women who have to suffer due to ‘Tripe Talaq’- I admire their courage. We are with them in their struggles.” PM Modi added, “India is about Shanti, Ekta and Sadbhavana. Casteism and communalism will not help us: Violence in the name of ‘Astha’ is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted in India. We are taking the nation on a new track (of development) and are moving ahead with speed.