OdishaPlus Bureau

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 74th Independence Day PM Modi said that India must become self-reliant and use its vast natural resources to produce for the domestic as well as the global market. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, 130 crore Indians have pledged to build a ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

“I am confident that India will realise this dream. I am confident of the abilities, confidence and potential of my fellow Indians. Once we decide to do something, we do not rest till we achieve that goal,” he said. The country received record foreign direct investments during the last fiscal and even during COVID-19 pandemic, big global companies are looking towards India. The FDI growth was recorded at 18 per cent last fiscal.

Modi reiterated in his address Vocal for local call and said that India should strive for meeting needs of the world as well and wondered how long the country would continue to export raw materials and import finished products. India has vast natural resources and need of the hour was value addition.

“Now we have to move ahead with the mantra of make for the world along with Make-in-India,” he said. He further said ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ does not mean only reducing dependence on imports, but strengthening India’s capacity, creativity and skills. “India has always believed that the entire world is one family. While we focus on economic growth and development, humanity must retain a central role in this process and our journey,” Modi said.