Independence Day: Modi declares plan to launch Indian astronaut by 2022

Modi Independence Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the Red Fort on Independence Day | BJP's Twitter handle

Prime Minister Narendra Modi devoted the last Independence Day speech of what will be his first term in office on Wednesday touting the various achievements of his government in different spheres and its plans. However, arguably the most ambitious announcement from Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort was a plan to launch a manned Indian space mission, dubbed Gaganyaan, by 2022.

“Indian astronaut, be it son or daughter, will go into space in Gaganyaan by the year 2022,” Modi declared toward the latter portion of his speech.

Modi began his speech by commending his government's achievements. “We are proud of what we have achieved and at the same time, we also have to look at where we have come from. That is when we will realise the remarkable strides the nation has made,” the prime minister noted.

Modi drew a contrast with the pace of electrification and building of toilets between his regime and previous dispensations, declaring that if these projects continued at their earlier pace, they would have taken years to complete. Modi then referred to his government's action to implement three key measures: GST, one rank, one pension and the highest minimum support prices for farmers. Modi declared that these had been debated for years, but acted upon only by his government.

Modi also touted his government's economic record. “From being seen as among the fragile five, India is now the land of reform, perform and transform. We are poised for record economic growth,” the prime minister noted.

Modi also announced the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan would be launched on September 25. “It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get access to good quality and affordable healthcare. The healthcare initiatives of the government of India will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians,” Modi declared.

Towards the end of his speech, Modi issued a clarion call on his government working to provide universal services to “all”, referring to sanitation, skills, health, insurance, housing, power, cleaning cooking and water. Interestingly, Modi concluded his Independence Day speech not just with the customary Jai Hind but also Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Vande Mataram.