PM Modi Breaks Independence Day Speech Record, Announces ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ and Sweeping Reforms
New Delhi, August 15 — On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his longest-ever address from the Red Fort, speaking for 98 minutes and unveiling a series of landmark initiatives aimed at bolstering national security, accelerating economic growth, creating jobs, and shaping India’s long-term development strategy.
The speech not only surpassed Modi’s own 78th Independence Day record of 98 minutes but also placed him in the history books for delivering 12 consecutive Independence Day speeches — surpassing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s record and standing second only to Jawaharlal Nehru’s 17 consecutive addresses.
Modi’s Record-Breaking Address: Context and Significance
Before 2024, Modi’s longest Independence Day speech had been 96 minutes in 2016, while his shortest was in 2017 at 56 minutes. With this year’s address, Modi also solidified his place as one of the most consistent Red Fort speakers, a symbolic tradition since India’s first prime minister addressed the nation on August 15, 1947.
The 79th Independence Day celebrations also carried a strong political and strategic undertone, with Modi using the occasion to outline India’s future defence, economic, and demographic policies.
5 Major Announcements from the Red Fort
1. Mission ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ — India’s Own Iron Dome
In a move to enhance India’s national security infrastructure, Modi announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at “expanding, strengthening, and modernising” the nation’s security shield. Inspired by Lord Shri Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, the mission seeks to create a fully indigenous, modern defence system akin to Israel’s Iron Dome.
“The entire modern system should be researched, developed, and manufactured in India, harnessing the talent of our youth,” Modi said. “This powerful system will not only counter terrorist attacks but also strike back at the terrorists.”
By 2035, the project aims to protect critical sites — including civilian areas — from aerial threats, drones, and missile attacks.
2. GST Reforms — A Diwali Gift for Citizens
The prime minister declared that next-generation Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms will be rolled out on Diwali 2025. These reforms are expected to:
- Reduce taxes on essential goods
- Provide relief to MSMEs, local vendors, and consumers
- Cut red-tapism and modernise governance
A Reform Task Force will be established to ensure India stays on track toward becoming a USD 10 trillion economy by 2047.
3. PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana — 3.5 Crore Jobs
In a significant employment push, Modi launched the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, a ₹1 lakh crore scheme designed to generate 3.5 crore jobs over the next two years.
Under this scheme:
- Newly employed youth will receive ₹15,000 per month as financial support
- Around three crore young Indians are expected to benefit
- The scheme bridges the vision from Swatantra Bharat (Independent India) to Samriddha Bharat (Prosperous India)
The Union Cabinet approved the plan on July 1, 2025 as part of its broader job creation agenda.
4. High-Powered Demography Mission
Addressing concerns over demographic imbalance due to infiltration and illegal migration, Modi announced the launch of a high-powered demography mission.
The initiative will focus on:
- Safeguarding unity and integrity
- Protecting citizens’ rights in border states and sensitive regions
- Ensuring balanced demographic growth in vulnerable areas
5. Tenfold Increase in Nuclear Power Capacity by 2047
Modi also revealed India’s plan to boost nuclear power generation capacity by over 10 times within the next two decades.
Currently, work is underway on 10 new nuclear reactors, aligning with India’s commitment to clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This is part of India’s energy security strategy as it moves towards becoming a net-zero economy.
Political and Economic Implications
Analysts note that the 79th Independence Day speech underscores Modi’s attempt to combine national security priorities with economic reforms and job creation in a pre-2047 roadmap.
Security experts view Mission Sudarshan Chakra as a game-changer in India’s defence posture, particularly in the wake of evolving drone and missile threats. Economists, meanwhile, have welcomed the GST reforms and job creation schemes but stress the importance of timely and transparent implementation.
Public and Opposition Reactions
Early reactions on social media showed mixed sentiments. Supporters hailed the announcements as “visionary” and “future-proofing India,” while critics questioned the feasibility of delivering on all fronts within the announced timelines.
Opposition leaders have also asked for clarity on funding mechanisms for the large-scale employment and defence projects, pointing to past delays in infrastructure rollouts.
Reader Takeaway
PM Modi’s 79th Independence Day address was as much about record-setting as it was about nation-building. From a next-gen missile shield to massive job creation, GST relief, demographic safeguards, and a clean energy push, the announcements painted a vision of a secure, prosperous, and self-reliant India by 2047 — the centenary of independence.
Final Thoughts — TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s Independence Day speeches have often served as a window into the nation’s priorities and aspirations. This year, Modi used the platform not only to break personal and political records but also to set ambitious targets that blend defence, economy, and social stability. The challenge ahead lies in execution — turning visionary blueprints into tangible outcomes for 1.4 billion citizens.