Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 10th Independence Day address, spanning nearly 90 minutes, during which he showcased his government’s achievements, acknowledged challenges, and highlighted future opportunities. His previous speeches have varied in length, with the longest being 96 minutes in 2016, and the shortest at 56 minutes in 2017. This year’s address, occurring on the 77th Independence Day, held particular significance as it was his final speech before the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, Modi emphasized the importance of utilizing the present time to realize India’s potential, as the decisions and sacrifices made today would resonate for the next millennium. His speech, which commenced at 7:34 am and concluded at 9:03 am, outlined his commitment to continue addressing the nation next year and assessing the progress made on his promises.
Expressing his vision, Modi projected India as a developed nation by 2047. He asserted that the next five years would witness unparalleled development and marked a significant juncture to work towards realizing India’s aspirations of becoming a developed nation.
Modi’s Independence Day speeches have shown variation in duration over the years. In 2021, he spoke for 88 minutes, while in 2020 and 2018, his speeches lasted 90 and 83 minutes, respectively. His first speech as Prime Minister in 2014 lasted around 65 minutes, and in 2015, it extended to 86 minutes.
As this year marked a crucial milestone in Modi’s leadership, his Independence Day address encapsulated a mix of accomplishments, aspirations, and the unwavering commitment to steer India towards becoming a developed nation.