Modi calls for building a new India in 75th anniversary of independence
New Delhi, Aug 15 (EFE).- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed Sunday to redefine India to reach new heights of prosperity, during his Independence Day speech, as the country celebrates its 75th anniversary in the midst of a severe financial crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There is a moment in a nation’s path to development where the country redefines itself and progresses towards new resolutions. Today that moment has come for India,” the Hindu nationalist leader said.
He announced the beginning of a period to build a new India, which will conclude in 25 years to mark India’s 100 years of independence from British rule.
“We have progressed faster in recent years. But this doesn’t end here. We need to achieve the maximum: all villages shall have roads, all families must have bank accounts,” he said, adding access to free health care and gas supply to the list.
Modi announced an infrastructure plan of 100 million Indian rupees ($1.5 million) to boost industrialization and reverse youth unemployment figures, which have risen starkly due to the pandemic that has paralyzed the economy.
He also paid tribute to sanitary workers who battled Covid-19 throughout the pandemic and especially during the second wave of infections, which hit the country between April and May with over 400,000 cases and more than 4,500 deaths daily. EFE
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