Women’s Reservation to AI, PM Modi’s Big Message from the Red Fort — “Nari Shakti Must Not Become a Victim of the Political Arena”
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day today. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, speaking on several important issues, including women’s empowerment, women’s reservation, artificial intelligence (AI), youth, employment, self-reliant India, and the goal of building a developed India. His address lasted around 75 minutes and focused on several key messages regarding the country’s future.
PM Modi’s Appeal to Political Parties on Women’s Reservation
On the issue of women’s reservation, Prime Minister Modi appealed to political parties to move forward toward its early implementation. He said that adequate representation of women in Parliament and state assemblies would further strengthen democracy. He described 33% reservation for women as the need of the hour and urged political parties not to allow the issue to become a victim of political differences.
The Prime Minister said that if any political party wants to take credit for the initiative, it may do so, but women must get their rightful share. According to him, women’s reservation should not be viewed merely through the lens of political gains and losses, but as a means of giving half of the country’s population a greater role in the decision-making process.
Focus on Making ‘Nari Shakti’ a Force for Development
In his address, the Prime Minister also placed special emphasis on women’s economic and social participation. Referring to the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, he said the government had crossed its target of making three crore women Lakhpati Didis and has now set a target of making six crore women Lakhpati Didis. According to the Prime Minister, this will further strengthen the role of women in the rural economy.
He said that women in India’s development journey should not remain merely beneficiaries but should become leaders. Expanding women’s access to education, employment, entrepreneurship and political participation is essential for building a developed India.
Major Focus on Artificial Intelligence
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an important area for India’s future. He stressed the need to make India self-reliant in technology, equip young people with new technological skills and expand the country’s capabilities in AI.
In his speech, technology, semiconductors, energy and modern manufacturing were presented as important pillars of a developed India. He emphasized the need to make India not merely a consumer of technology but a global hub for technology and innovation.
Major Message for the Youth
PM Modi described the youth as one of India’s greatest strengths and said that the future of the country lies in the hands of its young generation. The theme of the 80th Independence Day celebrations has also been “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047.” The Prime Minister called upon young people to play an active role in building a developed and self-reliant India.
Goal of Viksit Bharat 2047
The Prime Minister reiterated the goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. He emphasized self-reliance, energy security, modern technology, manufacturing and infrastructure. He also presented a roadmap for development through the concept of ‘Sapta Dhara’.
Strong Message on Naxalism
From the Red Fort, the Prime Minister also adopted a strong stance on Naxalism. He said the country had achieved significant success against armed Naxalism, but society must now also remain alert against what he described as “Naxalism of the mind.” He stressed the need to isolate such ideas.
Patriotic Message Through ‘Vande Mataram’
Another significant feature of this year’s Independence Day celebrations was the collective singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Red Fort. The year 2026 also marks the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram.’ The Prime Minister recalled the legacy of India’s freedom movement and gave a message of national unity, patriotism and commitment to the country.
Overall, PM Modi’s Independence Day address focused on women’s empowerment, youth power, AI and technological self-reliance, national security, economic development and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.