PM Modi promises India will be a developed nation by 2047 . . .
Pakistan and India celebrated 75 years of independence from British colonial rule on August 14 and 15, respectively. In his Independence Day speech, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s renewed focus on building a nation that was self-reliant, proud, and technologically driven. He emphasized the importance of India’s digital sector, which would revolutionize the country’s education, healthcare, and agriculture sectors. While touching upon India’s past and present achievements, Modi took a jab at the national opposition and said that India’s development would only be possible by eradicating corruption and nepotism. Talking about minority communities and rights, Modi spoke about ensuring “unity in diversity” and protecting women’s rights in the country.
India celebrates for 75 weeks . . .
Modi’s comments were a part of India’s "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" – a 75-week-long initiative that celebrates India’s people, culture, and achievements that concluded on August 15. The celebration highlighted the country’s forgotten local histories and underscored the fact that India has a lot to offer to the world. A key initiative proposed by the Modi government in support of the celebrations and goal to turn India into a developed country includes revolutionizing India’s infrastructure sector through an infusion of innovative methods and digital technologies. India’s Ministry of Culture partnered with Google Arts and Culture to create a digital commemorative collection in celebration of the anniversary. India also launched the Har Ghar Tiranga (tricolour in every house) campaign, aimed at forging a sense of patriotism among Indian citizens.
Neighbouring Pakistan takes a quieter approach . . .
Like India, Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day with official ceremonies across the country, but the celebrations were comparatively muted as the country faces a deepening economic and political crisis. Ahead of the celebrations, Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi unveiled a logo for Pakistan’s 75 years of independence and stressed the need to educate the younger generations about Pakistan’s untold freedom struggle. The Foreign Ministry accused the BJP-led Indian Government, which decided to mark August 14 as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day,’ of distorting history, politicizing the Independence movement, and persecuting Muslims. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif blamed the previous government for the current tensions in the country but promised to restore stability. He reiterated his demand for a national dialogue among all stakeholders to build consensus around the economy while stating his ambition to make Pakistan an economic powerhouse.
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