Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday exhorted Indians to dream big to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047, saying the world will be forced to look at the country differently as "we work towards achieving this dream".
Addressing the nation on the 80th Independence Day, the prime minister said Vande Mataram was echoing from the ramparts of Red Fort for the first time since independence. He also paid rich tributes to freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, and remembered their sacrifices.
"Small dreams are not sufficient anymore… we should dream big… India has a big dream to become 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. When the world's most populous nation resolves to become developed, the world will look at us differently," he said.
Deep Dive
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"Our dreams, resolves should be big as this takes capabilities to greater heights," he said.
Powered by 140 crore Indians, India is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors, Modi said.
"Every heart is vibrating with Vande Mataram. There is a tricolour in every house, every heart. With a new energy, the nation is moving ahead with new resolve," he said.
Earlier in the morning, he unfurled the tricolour at the Red Fort after receiving a guard of honour.
An Army band played the tune of Vande Mataram as guests present on the occasion sung the national song.
Flower petals were showered at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force -- one trooping the national flag and the other carrying a flag depicting 'Vande Mataram'.