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Price of freedom: How Beant Singh, now a rickshaw puller in Meerut, witnessed his mother and brother burn during partition in Rawalpindi

OpIndia Staff
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Price of freedom: How Beant Singh, now a rickshaw puller in Meerut, witnessed his mother and brother burn during partition in Rawalpindi

While India celebrates the 74th Independence Day, a generation of young Indians has forgotten the story of partition and the price of freedom. For Beant Singh, the horrors of partition are still afresh in his mind.

The 84-year-old rickshaw puller of Meerut was born in Kashmir, during the reign of Raja Hari Singh, on January 26, 1936. However, his family had to migrate to soon migrate to Rawalpindi owing to economic challenges and persecution of Sikhs at the hands of Islamists. In the wake of the bloodied partition of 1947, Singh was not only left homeless but also orphaned.

11 years old then, Singh saw his mother and brother burn to death. However, he was fortunate enough to escape the bloodied ordeal of his family. He remembered how a military personnel put him on a train, enroute to Amritsar, which was meant for refugees from Pakistan. An orphaned Singh thus lived through the tragedy of loss and separation to start a new life in ‘independent India’.

Started new life as a rickshaw puller in Meerut

Reminiscing the forgotten days of 1947, Singh said that Delhi was overcrowded with refugees from Pakistan who were scavenging for new means of livelihood in India. Since it was difficult to find work in India’s capital city, he made a conscious decision to shift to Meerut. He was however fortunate to meet his old classmates from Rawalpindi who had migrated to Uttar Pradesh, prior to the partition. According to Singh, they helped him with food, shelter, and purchasing a rickshaw.

Singh has no idea whether his family survived

Since he was underage and did not have a licence, he could only drive at night. “If I had not found that rickshaw, I would probably have not made it,” Singh was quoted as saying. The 84-year-old today survives on his hard-earned savings as a rickshaw puller in Meerut. He also lives in the same house that has sheltered him for decades. Singh has no memory of the whereabouts of his family and whether they survived during the riots of 1947. He now spends his evenings listening to old records.

Singh on ‘rising hate’ in India

He is one of the few survivors of partition that witnessed 2 million casualties and the displacement of 14 million people. Expressing his deep concerns about the ‘rising hate’ in India, he remarked, “This is not the ‘free’ India that my mother died for. From what I can see, we are still captive to the ghosts of the past. In conclusion, Singh said, “I started my life in the new India alone. Today as we are in yet another ‘New India’, I’m still alone.”

From self-reliant India to Coronavirus vaccine, Ram Mandir, warning to China: Here are 15 points made by PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

OpIndia Staff
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From self-reliant India to Coronavirus vaccine, Ram Mandir, warning to China: Here are 15 points made by PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the occasion of India’s 74th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Prime Minister Modi inspected the guard of honour and also unfurled the tricolour to mark the occasion before his address to the nation. In this article, we will elaborate on the highlights of the speech made by PM Modi on Independence Day 2020 and the 15 most important points made by him.

Here are the highlights of the speech by PM Modi on Independence Day

The Prime Minister wished the 130 crore people of the nation on the 74th Independence Day. This was PM Modi’s seventh speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort as the Prime Minister of India. Earlier, he paid his respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

1. PM Modi salutes corona warriors

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his Independence Day address by paying his tributes to freedom fighters, security forces and coronavirus warriors. ‘Seva Parmo Dharma’, said PM Modi as he remembered corona warriors who are at the frontline of fighting the deadly pandemic. 

“We’re going through distinct times. I can’t see young children in front of me today (at Red Fort). Corona has stopped everyone. In these times of COVID, Corona warriors have lived the mantra of ‘Seva Parmo Dharma’ and served the people of India. I express my gratitude to them,” said Prime Minister Modi.

Further, PM Modi said that the festival of independence is an opportunity for the country to remember the heroes of freedom and to energise new resolutions. “We have a huge event ahead of us”, said PM Modi as the country will be celebrating the 75th year of Independence next year.

“A day to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. This is a day to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. This is also a day to show gratitude to Security personnel including that of Army, paramilitary and police ensuring our safety,” said PM Modi.

2. PM Modi pitches ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, says it is another freedom struggle

Emphasising on the need of country being self-reliance, Prime Minister Modi said that ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ has become a ‘mantra’ for the 130 crore Indians.

“Amid COVID-19 pandemic 130 crore, Indians took the resolve to be self-reliant and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ is on the mind of India. This dream is turning into a pledge. Aatmanirbhar Bharat has become a ‘mantra’ for the 130 cr Indians today,” said PM Modi. 

The Prime Minister also said that he was confident that India will realise this dream and confident of the abilities, confidence and potential of fellow Indians. Once we decide to do something, we do not rest until we achieve that goal, the PM said. PM Modi also noted that if the country is facing a lakhs of challenges then it also has power which gives crores of solutions.

“I agree that there are lakhs of challenges for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and they increase if there is global competitiveness. However, if there are lakhs of challenges then the country also has power which gives crores of solutions, my countrymen who give us the strength of a solution,” PM Modi said.

3. India has always challenged expansionism, says PM Modi

India became a challenge to forces of expansionism with its freedom struggle, said the PM adding that all attempts were made to root out India’s cultures and traditions in past. He further assured full support to citizens affected by natural calamities and disasters.

Pointing out how Indian became self-reliant in producing PPE kits, masks during the coronavirus pandemic, PM Modi said that a few months back the country used to import N-95 masks, PPE kits and ventilators. Today India is not only meeting its own requirements but it has also stepped forward to help other countries, he added.

4. Vocal for local, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Modi also said that the mindset of free India should be ‘vocal for local. He added that the country should appreciate the local products. “If we do not do this then our products will not get the opportunity to do better and will not get encouraged,” he added.

“India’s share in the world economy should increase for which we have to be self-reliant,” said PM Modi while asking for how long India will export raw materials and import finished products. The country has to become self-reliant, said the PM adding that India has to go beyond reducing its imports.

“While we focus on economic growth and development, humanity must retain a central role in this process. India’s share in the world economy should increase for which we have to be self-reliant,” he said.

Self-sufficient India means not only reducing imports but also increasing our skills, our creativity, said PM Modi adding that the whole world is observing the reforms taking place in Indi due to which FDI has broken all records. 

5. ‘Make for the world’, PM Modi explains Atmanirbhar Bharat

He also said, “Last year, there was a record 18% increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to our country. The world has shown confidence in India as we have worked on our policies, democracy and strengthening of the foundation of our economy.”

We need to move forward with a mantra of ‘Make for the World’ along with ‘Make in India’, said Prime Minister Modi. He added that many big companies are turning towards India and time has come to move forward with the mantra to produce for the world. the Prime M

The Prime Minister said that the country cannot work in silos anymore and we need to focus on comprehensive and integrated infrastructure. We will now focus on multi-model connectivity infrastructure, he added. About 7,000 projects of different sectors have been identified to bring new revolution in infrastructure, the PM said. 

6. Atmanirbhar in Farm sector, rural development

An important priority of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is Atmanirbhar agriculture and Atmanirbhar farmer. To provide modern infrastructure to the farmers of the country, ‘Agriculture Infrastructure Fund’ of Rs 1 Lakh Crores has been created, PM Narendra Modi said in his speech. 

PM Modi said 6,000 villages will get Optical Fibre network in the near future. “Only 5 dozen village panchayats were connected with optical fibre before 2014. In the last 5 years, 1.5 Lakh village panchayats have been connected with optical fibre. In the coming 1000 days, every village of the nation will be connected with optical fibre,” he added.

Speaking on the need for revival in the farm sector, PM Modi said that our farm sector needs to evolve in line with requirements of the world and said value addition is required for our farm sector.

7. Equal opportunity for women: PM Modi

PM Modi also said he was determined to provide equal opportunities for self-employment and employment to women. Mentioning the contribution of women in the development of India, PM Modi said, “From working in coal mines to flying fighter planes, women are doing great today. Whenever women received an opportunity, they made India proud and strengthened it. Today, the nation is determined to provide equal opportunities for self-employment and employment to them”.

Prime Minister Modi said that the government will reconsider the minimum age for marriage of women. He said a committee has been set up to reconsider the minimum age for marriage of country’s daughters. We will take an appropriate decision after the committee submits its report, he added.

Breaking barriers, PM Modi also spoke about women’s hygiene. During his speech on Independence Day 2020, Prime Minister spoke about the importance of women’s hygiene and the importance of sanitary napkins. PM Modi said that over 5 crore sanitary pads have been given to poor women at ₹1 each through 6,000 Jan Aushadhi stores. 

8. National Education Policy has a key role in making new, prosperous India

PM Modi talked about the National Education Policy, said that education has a key role in the making of modern, new and prosperous India. He said the new education policy will instil new confidence in the country’s new youth.

“Education has a key role in the making of modern, new and prosperous India. So, we have brought the new education policy after three decades that has been welcomed throughout the country, which instils new confidence,” said PM Modi.

9. Prime Minister announces ‘National Digital Health Mission’

PM Modi also announced ‘National Digital Health Mission’ to bring revolution in India’s health sector. He said every Indian will now get a health identity card.

“Another big campaign is going to start in the country today. This is the National Digital Health Mission. National Digital Health Mission will bring a new revolution in India’s health sector,” said PM Modi.

10. Vaccine for coronavirus soon, assures PM Modi

PM Modi also disclosed that the government was working on a roadmap to bring corona vaccine to all Indians in shortest possible time.

Speaking about coronavirus vaccines, PM Modi said that three coronavirus vaccines are in various stages of trial in India and large-scale production will begin once we get the nod from scientists.

11. Elections in Jammu and Kashmir soon

In his independence day speech, PM Modi spoke about Jammu and Kashmir, a year after it was made a union territory and added that last one year is a year of a new journey of development for Jammu and Kashmir.

“This one year is a year of the new journey of development for Jammu and Kashmir. This one year is the year of the rights received by the women and the Dalits in Jammu and Kashmir. This one year is also the year of a life of dignity for the refugees in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Elections should happen soon after delimitation is completed in Jammu & Kashmir, the Prime Minister added. Jammu and Kashmir will get its own Chief Minister and MLA said the Prime Minister. He also said, “Just as Sikkim has made its mark as an organic state, efforts are being made to make Ladakh a carbon-neutral region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that a special campaign with a holistic approach is also being worked out to reduce pollution in 100 selected cities of country.

12. No one can raise their eyes towards the sovereignty of our country: PM Modi

Sending a clear message to China and Pakistan, PM Modi said, “Today neighbour is not just the one with whom we share a border but also those with whom our heart stays connected, where there is harmony in relations. I’m happy that in past some time India has further strengthened its relations with all countries in ‘extended neighbourhood’.”

“From LoC to LAC, whoever tried to raise their eyes towards the sovereignty of our country, our soldiers responded to it in the same manner,” the PM added.

13. Developmental projects in Islands

Prime Minister said that work for new projects in some islands is already underway. “There are more than 1300 islands in our country. Keeping in mind their geographical location and their significance in the development of the nation, work to begin new projects in some of these islands is underway,” said PM.

He said that in the next 1000 days, Lakshadweep will also be connected to submarine optical fibre cable.

14. Ram Janmabhoomi issue resolved peacefully

Ram Janmbhoomi issue that prevailed for centuries, has been resolved peacefully, said PM Modi. PM Modi added that the construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya started ten days ago, the issue that prevailed for centuries, has been resolved peacefully.

The conduct of people of the country has been unprecedented and is an inspiration for future, he added.

15. Modi govt to expand NCC

Concluding his speech, PM Modi said that the government was decided to expand National Cadet Corps NCC, which will now be taken to 173 border and coastal districts of the country. Under this campaign, special training will be given to about 1 lakh new NCC Cadets, he added. In this, about one-third of the daughters will be given this special training.

The Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort was attended by over 4,000 people, including ministers, diplomats, officials. The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria were all present alongside the Prime Minister during the celebration.

On its first Independence Day since the liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi, India must pledge to return Kashi-Mathura to its true inheritors

K Bhattacharjee
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On its first Independence Day since the liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi, India must pledge to return Kashi-Mathura to its true inheritors

The 74th Independence Day celebrations are underway across the country and it is a momentous occasion for the country for more reasons than one. Prime Minister Modi has made it clear in the past that the year 2022 will mark the advent of a New India. Thus, between today and the 75th anniversary of the country’s independence, more decisions of monumental significance are to be expected.

Today is of particular import because the 74th Independence Day is the first since the resolution of the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute. It is the first Independence Day since Ram Janmabhoomi won its independence. Given everything that has happened in the second term of the NDA government thus far, with the abrogation of Article 370, the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act, the abolition of Triple Talaq, it can be safely said that New India will be a Hindutva-oriented country.

In that particular regard, one would hope that by the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence, Krishna Janmasthan and Kashi Vishwanath is also liberated from the clutches of Nehruvian secularism. Recently, in the aftermath of the clashes between the Indian Army and China at Galwan Valley in Ladakh, the Prime Minister had remarked that the age of expansionism is over. In that regard, ensuring the independence of Kashi-Mathura from Islamic expansionism is also important.

Seventy-five years is too long a time for the completion of the Reclamation Project with regards to Ayodhya-Kashi-Mathura but as they say, better late than never. It is also of significant import that the Pandit who officiated the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony at Ram Janmabhoomi demanded the liberation of Kashi-Mathura as his Dakshina. Thus, one tends to be hopeful that we will see some action on that front pretty soon.

There are reasons more than merely cultural for the reclamation of Kashi-Mathura. Seventy-three years have passed since the independence of our country and yet, we are not sure of our purpose as a nation. We do not have a Grand Narrative for our country. The Americans have their Exceptionalism, the Chinese have ‘Tianxia’ (All Under Heaven) and for the Japanese, it’s the royal line of Amaterasu which provides them with a grand narrative for their country.

What is India’s purpose in this world? What is the vision that India has for the world? What can India offer in terms of a vision for the world to aspire to? What is the direction that India should lead the world towards? The most obvious answer, which also happens to be the correct answer in this particular instance, is that the sacred duty of India is making the world a safe place for Hinduism and Hindus.

Consistent with that vision, it is of paramount importance that India first makes its own territory a safe place for Hinduism. Hinduism is the last major polytheistic tradition in the world and as the custodian of the Hindu Civilisation, it is India’s sacred duty to ensure its continued sustenance. The reclamation of Kashi-Mathura is one of the most fundamental steps towards that.

Narendra Modi has also made it clear in numerous speeches he has made since his reelection that the second term of the NDA government would seek the resolution of historical disputes that have raged on since independence. The mindset with which the government is working appears to be clear. Age-old disputes which have accumulated like cobwebs over the years have to be first resolved in order to usher in a new era for our country.

Kashi-Mathura are long-running disputes that ought to have been resolved within the first year of independence itself. And yet, here we are. New India cannot afford to carry the baggage of yesteryear. For the prosperity of our nation and the future of our civilisation, it is of principal importance that the sacred sites are reclaimed through government decree if necessary.

There are precisely two years left for 75 years of Indian independence. The vision of New India should be one that recognises that Hinduism is the core of India’s identity, that Hinduism is India’s past, present and future. Obviously, there are other actions that ought to be undertaken for India’s prosperity but the liberation of Kashi-Mathura is one issue that can no longer be ignored.

Concrete steps ought to be undertaken for the implementation of the National Registrar of Citizens as well. Massive land and labour reforms are long overdue to expedite the dream of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Reforms in education have to be made as well. All of this must go hand-in-hand and concrete measures will have to implemented now that there are only two years remaining on the clock.

During his speech at the Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, Narendra Modi drew an equivalence between the Ram Jannmabhoomi Movement and the Movement for Indian Independence. Indeed, there was great truth in his words. If one was a movement for India’s political independence, the other was one for India’s spiritual liberation.

However, that spiritual liberation will not be complete until Kashi-Mathura has been reclaimed as well. Of course, the reclamation Project does not end there either. However, the next phase can begin only when one has been completed. Therefore, on the first Independence Day since the reclamation of Ram Janmabhoomi, India must homage to its spiritual heritage by restoring the rights of Krishna-Mathura to its true inheritors.

Made in India Coronavirus vaccine soon? Here is what PM Modi said in his Independence Day speech

OpIndia Staff
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Made in India Coronavirus vaccine soon? Here is what PM Modi said in his Independence Day speech

During his address to the nation on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day, PM Modi said that three vaccines in India are being developed for the Wuhan Coronavirus. He said that scientists and researchers are working hard to complete the vaccine development. Once the scientists complete the trials, the mass production of the vaccine will begin. PM Modi in his Independence Day speech said that the government has already formulated the plan to ensure that the Coronavirus vaccine reaches to every citizen of India at the earliest.

In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed that three vaccines for Coronavirus were in different phases of testing in India and as soon as scientists give a ‘green signal’, the mass production of the vaccine would begin.

While talking about the situations arising due to pandemic, PM Modi said that when the pandemic hit the nation, there was only one lab capable of doing the tests. Now there is a network of 1400 labs for Covid-19 testing. He also informed the nation that in the initial days, India was capable of doing only 300 tests per day, but now the capacity has crossed 7 lakh tests per day and it is increasing as required.

PM Modi also mentioned about the 1500 Covid-19 winners who recovered from the disease and were attending the function as a symbol of the determination of the citizens of India to fight the pandemic and lead the nation as winners.

From Article 370 in 2019 to CAA and Ram Mandir in 2020: How PM Modi used his I-Day speech to talk about promises delivered

OpIndia Staff
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From Article 370 in 2019 to CAA and Ram Mandir in 2020: How PM Modi used his I-Day speech to talk about promises delivered

On India’s 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 7th speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. As has been made a tradition by Prime Minister Modi, the Independence Day speech has been changed from a mere hailing of secularism and the spirit of India to talking about the ‘report card’ of the government in the past one year and a brief about what the government aims to achieve in the next one year. 

The Modi government, in general, has been mindful and has displayed utmost seriousness when it comes to delivering the promises that it made to its core voters in its manifesto. Two of the most important promises were the removal of Article 370 and the construction of the Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

In the year 2019, the Modi government delivered on its first promise by abrogating Article 370 and integrating Jammu and Kashmir completely with the rest of the country. In 2020, PM Modi performed the Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya.

In his Independence Day speeches, Prime Minister Modi often gives a brief about the work that has been done in the past one year and the promises that have been delivered by his government.

In his Independence Day 2020 speech, PM Modi spoke about the contraction of the Ram Mandir and how a long-standing demand had finally been resolved peacefully after centuries.

Prime Minister Modi, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, said, “10 days ago, construction of Ram Mandir work has begun in Ayodhya. A peaceful resolution to Ram Janambhoomi issue is unprecedented. The peace and understanding with which the Nation presented itself is evident and will become an inspiration for us in the future. Peace, unity and harmony are going to become the power of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. This devotion is the foundation of India’s future. It is with this harmony that we need to move forward”.

It is perhaps the first time that a persevering, pervasive and 500-year-long civilisational struggle saw resolution in modern India and was also mentioned from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Along with talking about the Ram Mandir, PM Modi also spoke about the Citizenship Amendment Act and how, India was successful in forming a policy to give refuge to the persecuted minorities from neighbouring Islamic states.

While in 2020, PM Modi spoke about CAA and the resolution of the Ram Mandir dispute, in 2019, PM Modi had spoken about his government delivering on the promise of abrogating Article 370. PM Modi had underlined decisions like Triple Talaq Bill and abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir were long pending demands of the people which have been fulfilled. He had said Sardar Patel’s long-cherished dreams have been now been realised by his government’s path-breaking moves. “One Nation, one Constitution has now become a reality,” PM Modi said.

“It has been under ten weeks since the new Government was formed but several path-breaking decisions have been taken. This includes decisions for Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, the end of Triple Talaq, steps for the welfare of farmers and traders. The old arrangement in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh encouraged corruption, nepotism but there was an injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities. The dreams of sanitation workers were incomplete. How can we accept such a situation”, PM Modi had said.

Further, in 2019, PM Modi had said, “We do not believe in creating problems or prolonging them. In less than 70 days of the new Government, Article 370 has become history, and in both Houses of Parliament, 2/3rd of the members supported this step. We want to serve Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh. Those who supported Article 370, India is asking them – If this was so important and life-changing, why was this Article not made permanent? After all, those people had large mandates and could have removed the temporary status of Article 370. It is always India First for us. Politics comes and goes but steps in the interest of the nation are paramount”.

Every year, Prime Minister Modi and the government led by him deliver on important promises that were made in their election manifesto and the Independence Day speech is seen as an opportunity to speak directly to the nation. To tell the nation that this government believes in keeping its promise.

Breaking taboos from the ramparts of Red Fort: From speaking about open defecation in 2014 to the importance of sanitary napkins in 2020

OpIndia Staff
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Breaking taboos from the ramparts of Red Fort: From speaking about open defecation in 2014 to the importance of sanitary napkins in 2020

On India’s 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 7th speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. As has been made a tradition by Prime Minister Modi, the Independence Day speech has been changed from a mere hailing of secularism and the spirit of India to talking about the ‘report card’ of the government in the past one year and a brief about what the government aims to achieve in the next one year.

However, Prime Minister Modi seems to be using his Independence Day speeches for another crucial task: To break taboos. To talk about certain issues that are far from being drawing room conversations. The uncomfortable truths that hurt the Nation, but are seldom discussed in the corridors of power.

During his speech on Independence Day 2020, Prime Minister spoke about the importance of women’s hygiene and the importance of sanitary napkins. PM Modi said that over 5 crore sanitary pads have been given to poor women at ₹1 each through 6,000 Jan Aushadhi stores.

For a Prime Minister to talk about women’s hygiene and what the government has achieved on that front by ways of making sanitary pads available to rural and vulnerable women is certainly a first.

Menstruation is often regarded as a taboo subject in most homes in India. While it is not considered ‘impure’, as many would have us believe, but it is certainly not a subject that is discussed freely.

By extension, women’s hygiene also is a subject that is not a subject that has come up often in public discourse, especially when one talks about policy formation and government initiatives.

Prime Minister Modi, by talking about Sanitary napkins, the importance of women’s healthcare and what the government is doing to ensure that, has broken a crucial barrier and a taboo that will take India a long way into achieving standards of women’s healthcare that is at par with the rest of the world.

Interestingly, Prime Minister Modi had broken another norm in 2014, when from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the PM had spoken about the problem India faces with open defecation. He had declared that his government’s aim is to ensure that all districts in India become open defecation free.

“We are in the 21st Century and yet there is still no dignity for women as they have to go out in the open to defecate and they have to wait for darkness to fall. Can you imagine the number of problems they have to face because of this?” PM Modi had asked in his 2014 speech.

He further said, “People may criticise me for talking about toilets from the Red Fort. But I am from a poor family, I have seen poverty first hand. For the poor to get dignity, it has to start from here.”

The importance of cleanliness, the all-pervasive dirt in public spaces in India and the lack of basic amenities like toilets in poverty-stricken households was a subject that was seldom spoken about even though India saw decades of politicians promising to make India poverty-free. In a first, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi had launched the Swacch Bharat initiative and declared his intention to make India a clean place to live.

Watch: Prime Minister Modi addresses the Nation on India’s 74th Independence Day

OpIndia Staff
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Watch: Prime Minister Modi addresses the Nation on India’s 74th Independence Day

India celebrates its 74th Independence Day today. The Prime Minister of India, PM Narendra Modi, will be addressing the nation and delivering his annual speech from the ramparts of the Red Ford after he unfurls the Indian flag.

You can watch Prime Minister’s address to the nation below:

The unfurling of the flag will synchronise with a 21-gun salute fired by gunners of the 2233 Field Battery (ceremonial), the ministry said. The PM will deliver his address to the nation after unfurling the flag. 

Before that defence minister Rajnath Singh and defence secretary, Ajay Kumar will receive the PM at 7.18 am in front of Lahore Gate of Red Fort. The defence secretary will introduce Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, to the PM. Mishra will then conduct him to the saluting base where a combined inter-services and police guards will present a general salute to the PM who will then inspect the Guard of Honour. 

The Guard of Honour contingent for the PM will consist of one officer and 24 men each from the army, navy, air force and Delhi Police, the ministry statement said. After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the PM will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort where he will be greeted by Rajnath Singh and the top military brass.

The GOC Delhi Area will then conduct the PM to the dais on the rampart to unfurl the national flag. It is after the unfurling of the Indian flag would Prime Minister Modi proceed to the ramparts to deliver his speech.

Govt of India announces list of soldiers and police officials who will be honoured with Gallantry awards on Independence Day

OpIndia Staff
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Govt of India announces list of soldiers and police officials who will be honoured with Gallantry awards on Independence Day

Each year on August 15, the day India celebrates its Independence Day, the President of the country honours the sacrifices of brave men and women of the country’s armed forces, along with the law enforcement officials, by awarding them gallantry awards.

While the raging coronavirus outbreak in the country this year has cast a pal on the celebrations of the Independence Day, it did not deter the Indian government from paying respects to the personnel for displaying exemplary courage and valour in discharging their duties.

Home Ministry announces the list of gallantry medal awardees to police personnel

A day before the Independence Day, the Home Ministry announced the list of gallantry medal awardees to police personnel across the country. The awards include Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG), President’s Police Medal (PPM) and Police Medal (PM) for meritorious services.

A total of 80 officers from across the country will be awarded the President’s Police Medal (PPM), 215 personnel will receive Police Medal for Gallantry, while 631 officers will receive the Police Medal (PM) for distinguished services.

Jammu and Kashmir Police tops the list of Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) with total 81 medals, followed by 51 to the CRPF.

Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma, who died in the Batla House encounter in 2008, has been awarded with a gallantry medal posthumously. Three IPS officers from Jammu and Kashmir- Sandeep (SSP Anantnag), Gurinderpal Singh (SP Kulgam) and Atul Kumar Goel (DIG South Kashmir) – have been awarded with the PMG. DIG Atul Kumar Goel was the one who had caught Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh at a checkpost when he escorting two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu highway this year in January.

Three Armed Forces personnel awarded with Shaurya Chakra

The Indian Army, in its statement on Friday, said that Havaldar Alok Kumar Dubey, Major Anil Urs and Lt Col Krishan Singh Rawat are being awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their bravery in different actions in Jammu and Kashmir. The Shaurya Chakra is awarded for gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy.

Havildar Alok Kumar Dubey displayed tactical proficiency in assisting the Company Commander in laying the initial cordon and played an instrumental role in containing the terrorists in an operation on June 22, 2019, in orchards near a village in Jammu and Kashmir. The citation to Major Anil Urs read that he displayed good tactical acumen and strong resolve while laying an ambush for infiltrators in an operation along the LOC. Col Rawat was awarded for engaging the infiltrators in an ambush that lasted for 36 hours in inclement weather and resulted in the elimination of two terrorists.

The President also approved Sena Medal to 60 Army personnel, Nao Sena Medal to four from the Navy and 5 Vayu Sena Medal for the Air Force. 6 Soldiers will be awarded Bar to Sena Medal, which means they were awarded Sena Medal earlier also. For every subsequent Sena Medal awarded to a soldier, a bar is added to the medal. Besides, 19 Mention-in-Despatches have been accorded to the Army personnel for their significant contribution in different military operations which include eight posthumous for ‘Operation Meghdoot’ and ‘Operation Rakshak’.

While trying to hide its links to China by targeting the BJP, Congress depicts Japanese PM Shinzo Abe as Chinese President

OpIndia Staff
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While trying to hide its links to China by targeting the BJP, Congress depicts Japanese PM Shinzo Abe as Chinese President

The Congress party, under great scrutiny for its suspicious ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has been struggling hard to distract attention from itself by accusing the BJP of having ties with China. In their latest attempt, they have depicted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as the Chinese President in a video targeting the BJP.

The Congress party in its tweet said that China has captured Indian territory, a claim that has been refuted by people across the board, and claimed that the BJP was buddies with the Chinese government. It further claimed that those who had kept themselves away from the Indian independence movement could not comprehend the sacrifices that have been made for the motherland.

However, the callous approach of the Congress party to issues of great import as foreign policy became evident when they depicted Shinzo Abe as the Chinese President. When Shinzo Abe was on screen, smiling while shaking hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ticker of the video said that the BJP had given Chinese companies money for election campaigns.

From Congress’ now deleted video

The Congress party has, since then, deleted the tweet. It is not the first time that the Congress party has tripped over while attempting to target the BJP with regards to China. Earlier, Nikhil Alva, Congress leader and son of Margaret Alva, shared an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the President of Kyrgyzstan President Jeenbekov in his bid to demonstrate that the BJP has links with the CCP.

The Congress party landed itself in a lot of trouble after details of the party and their leaders’ proximity to China emerged amidst the India-China standoff at Ladakh. First, it was revealed that Congress had signed an MoU with the Communist Party of China in the year 2008. Then, to make matters worse for the party, it was revealed that the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation headed by Sonia Gandhi got multiple donations from not only the Embassy of China but also the government of China.

Former SP leader Shahzeb Rizvi arrested by UP police for announcing ₹51 lakh bounty on Dalit youth’s head for ‘blasphemy’

OpIndia Staff
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Former SP leader Shahzeb Rizvi arrested by UP police for announcing ₹51 lakh bounty on Dalit youth’s head for ‘blasphemy’

A day after former Samajwadi Party leader and ‘social worker’ Shahzeb Rizvi had announced a bounty of Rs 51 lakh on the head of a Karnataka Congress MLA’s nephew for blasphemy, the Uttar Pradesh police arrested him. Shalabh Mani Tripathi, media adviser to UP CM Yogi Adityanath, informed on Twitter that Rizvi has been arrested.

After the video of Shahzeb Rizvi announcing the bounty of Rs 51 Lakh for anyone who brings the head of P Naveen went viral on social media, Uttar Pradesh police had filed a case against him, and had started to search for him. The FIR was registered under IPC section 153-A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and section 505(2) (Statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill will between classes).

After the video surfaced on social media, Meerut SSP Ajay Sahini had ordered a probe into the matter, and the case was registered.

Earlier in the day, Tripathi had informed that Shahzeb Rizvi was absconding from UP police after announcing the bounty, and was ‘collecting donations for his bail’, an apparent reference to Rizvi’s statement where he had sought contributions from his community members for the bounty amount.

Shalabh Mani Tripathi also posted a video showing Shahzeb Rizvi arrested by police, saying that another video has been made featuring Rizvi. He also informed that Rizvi refused to board the police vehicle, and insisted on going on foot.

The Facebook post by Naveen, nephew of Karnataka Congress MLA R Akhanda Srinivas Murthy, a Dalit leader, had triggered the riots by Muslim mob in Bengaluru on 11th August. It was alleged that Naveen had committed blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad. Following this, Shahzeb Rizvi had posted a video announcing the bounty, asking Muslims to behead Naveen and bring his head in return for Rs 51 Lakh.

Shahzeb Rizvi is former politician from Samajwadi Party, although at present he is not associated with the party. He was the state secretary for the minority cell in the party in Uttar Pradesh. He is a resident of Rasulpur village under Phalauda police station in Meerut. After leaving the Samajwadi Party, at present he identifies himself as a ‘social worker’.

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