On August 15, 2025, India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a sweeping and ambitious speech from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort. The address, coming at a pivotal moment for the nation, laid out what Modi termed a 'Power 10' roadmap for a self-reliant India, blending bold economic reforms, a massive push for job creation, and a new, controversial focus on demographic security.
With the tricolor fluttering above and the eyes of millions watching across the country, Modi’s speech was both a celebration of India’s progress and a clarion call for a new era of assertive nation-building. He began by highlighting the government’s commitment to big reforms and a massive jobs drive, announcing an allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore specifically aimed at empowering India’s youth. According to reporting from leading Indian dailies, Modi declared, “We are launching a new era—build here, grow here. Chips made in India. Jobs made for Indians.”
Central to his vision is the creation of opportunities within the country, a theme that has echoed throughout his administration. The push for ‘Chips made in India’ is not just about manufacturing semiconductors; it’s a symbol of the nation’s ambition to compete globally in high-tech industries. The government’s support for this sector is meant to reduce dependency on imports and establish India as a key player in the global supply chain. “From GST to Gaganyaan, from factories to farmers, we are building the blueprint for a self-reliant, unstoppable India,” Modi asserted, referencing both the sweeping Goods and Services Tax reform and the country’s ambitious human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, as examples of India’s capacity for innovation and bold action.
The Prime Minister’s emphasis on job creation was unmistakable. The Rs 1 lakh crore fund for youth is expected to target skill development, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities in both traditional and emerging sectors. This move is seen as a direct response to the persistent challenge of youth unemployment in India, a country where more than half the population is under the age of 30. By channeling investments into technology, manufacturing, and agriculture, the government hopes to harness the demographic dividend and turn it into a force for national growth.
But the speech was not just about economic transformation. In a striking and controversial shift, Modi issued a stern warning about what he described as a “deliberate attempt to change the country’s demography.” He announced the launch of a “High-Power Demography Mission,” a new initiative aimed squarely at tackling illegal immigration and safeguarding the livelihoods, communities, and national security of Indian citizens. According to coverage by the Times of India, Modi said, “There are deliberate attempts to change India’s demography. We must act to protect our borders, our communities, and our heritage.”
The Prime Minister specifically highlighted concerns over illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants, arguing that their influx threatens border areas, tribal and backward communities, and the cultural heritage of India. “The presence of illegal migrants is a danger to our border regions and to the integrity of our nation,” Modi stated. He painted a picture of communities under strain and traditions at risk, calling for urgent action to address what he characterized as a growing threat.
The announcement of the Demography Mission was met with immediate and sharp criticism from opposition parties. Many accused the government of using the issue as a political tool and of unfairly targeting Bengali-speaking migrants, a charge that has surfaced repeatedly in India’s heated debates over citizenship and identity. Opposition leaders warned that such measures risk alienating vulnerable populations and stoking communal tensions. As reported by the Indian Express, opposition figures argued, “This mission is a thinly veiled attempt to target Bengali-speaking communities and could deepen divisions within our society.”
Supporters of the government, however, insist that the mission is essential for national security and the protection of indigenous and tribal communities. They argue that unchecked illegal immigration undermines the economic prospects of local residents, puts pressure on public resources, and threatens the social fabric of border regions. “We must prioritize the interests of Indian citizens and protect our cultural heritage,” said a government spokesperson, echoing the Prime Minister’s message.
Beyond the politics of demography, Modi’s speech returned repeatedly to the theme of self-reliance—a vision that has become a hallmark of his tenure. The call to “build here, grow here” was more than a slogan; it was a call to arms for entrepreneurs, workers, and farmers alike. The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to support factories and farmers, promising continued reforms to make the Indian economy more resilient and competitive. He pointed to the success of the GST reform, which has simplified the tax system and boosted revenues, as evidence that big changes are possible when the nation comes together.
Modi also celebrated India’s scientific achievements, singling out the Gaganyaan mission as a symbol of the country’s technological prowess and ambition. The Gaganyaan project, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space, has captured the imagination of a new generation and stands as a testament to the country’s growing capabilities in science and engineering. “From factories to farmers, from GST to Gaganyaan, India is on the move,” Modi declared, urging citizens to take pride in the nation’s progress and to work together toward an even brighter future.
Yet, the road ahead is far from straightforward. The challenges of job creation, technological advancement, and social cohesion are immense, and the government’s new initiatives will be closely watched in the months to come. The Demography Mission, in particular, is likely to remain a flashpoint in Indian politics, with fierce debates expected over its implementation and impact.
For now, Modi’s Independence Day address has set the tone for the next phase of India’s development—one that promises opportunity and innovation, but also demands vigilance and unity. As the country marks 79 years of freedom, the Prime Minister’s message is clear: the journey toward a self-reliant and unstoppable India is just beginning, and every citizen has a role to play in shaping its destiny.
