‘We must dream big’: PM Modi sets 2047 goal; Vande Mataram rendered for first time at Red Fort

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday led the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, where Vande Mataram was rendered for the first time during the celebrations. In his address, Modi called for the country to dream bigger, set its sights on becoming a developed nation by 2047 and highlighted the efforts of citizens across sections of society in driving India's progress.

Modi unfurled the National Flag at the historic Red Fort, with the flag hoisting synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial).

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said, “Today, every heart is beating with the rhythm of Vande Mataram. Aaj har ghar Tiranga hai, har mann Tiranga hai.”

“Today, we are all celebrating the 80th Independence Day. Today, 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,” he said.

Modi said India must aim higher and pursue bigger dreams as it works towards its long-term national goals.

“Small dreams will no longer suffice. We must dream big, because big dreams expand our thinking, broadening the horizons of our thoughts,” the prime minister said.

Elaborating on his vision for the country, Modi said India must become a developed nation by the time it marks 100 years of independence in 2047.

“We, too, have envisioned a grand dream—a dream pursued with firm resolve and the aim of scaling new heights. It is the vision that by the time we mark 100 years of independence—by 2047—we will have transformed India into a developed nation,” he said.

Modi said the goal would have to be achieved through the collective effort of India's 1.4 billion citizens.

“When the world's most populous nation resolves to become a developed country, it stands as a testament to our courage in the eyes of the global community; the world is compelled to change its perspective towards us,” he said.

The prime minister also acknowledged the contribution of citizens across sections of society over the past 12 years, including Dalits, marginalised communities, tribals, rural and urban residents, the poor and middle class, youth, elderly people, women and men from different parts of the country.

He said their efforts, resolve and dedication had helped propel the nation to new heights.

Modi also linked India's progress to its ability to remain determined in the face of challenges.

“A nation becomes great and achieves its goals when it moves forward driven by its dreams, its resolve, and its inherent strength,” he said.

“Our resolve must be steadfast; when our resolve is firm, the capacity to carve a path forward—even amidst difficulties and disasters—naturally emerges,” Modi added.

Highlighting growth in various sectors over the past 12 years, Modi said defence production had increased four times, Khadi and Gram Udyog production five times and electronic manufacturing seven times.

He also said mobile phone production had increased by 33%, while digital transactions had grown by 100%.

Modi also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom fighters and revolutionaries who fought for India's independence.

“I pay my tributes to Bapu and all the freedom fighters and revolutionaries on this Independence Day,” he said.

The prime minister also referred to the floods witnessed in parts of the country in recent days and assured affected families that the country stood with them.

“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,” Modi said.

The ceremonial battery used indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns for the 21-gun salute. The battery was commanded by Major Pawan Singh Shekhawat, while the Gun Position Officer was Naib Subedar (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Anuthosh Sarkar.

Earlier in the morning, Modi visited Raj Ghat, where he paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

Modi is wearing a traditional red tie-and-dye turban with a white kurta and chocolate-brown vest for the occasion. He has paired the outfit with saffron, white and green pocket squares.

Earlier, Modi greeted people on Independence Day and paid tribute to the freedom fighters whose courage and sacrifice led to the end of colonial rule.