New Delhi: Reassuring the people of the country that India will not forget the valour of its armed forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday paid tribute to the 20 soldiers who lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh on 15 June.
In his monthly radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, PM Modi also said while India knows how to be friends, it also knows how to look the enemy in the eye, referring to China.
“In Ladakh, a befitting reply has been given to those coveting our territories. India knows how to maintain friendship but it can also look someone in the eye and retaliate. Our brave hearts have shown that they will not let any harm be done to Mother India,” he said, while stressing on the need to make India ‘atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant).
“As the resolve with which our soldiers sacrificed their lives, our efforts should be in the direction to make the country stronger and self-reliant. This will be the real tribute to our martyrs,” he added.
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‘Be vocal for local and atmanirbhar India’
In a push for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), the Prime Minister also read out messages from various people resolving to make use of local products.
He quoted one Rajani from Assam who wrote that after the Eastern Ladakh incident, he had “not only resolved to buy only local but always be vocal for local”.
Modi also talked about India improving its defence sector and technology, in an effort to become self-reliant.
“Before Independence, our country was far ahead of many countries in the defence sector. There were many ordinance factories. Many countries which were behind us are ahead of us. After Independence, the efforts which we should have made, the advantage we should have taken of our experience, we could not do so. However, today, India is continuously trying to move forward in defence sector and in the field of technology. India is moving towards self-reliance,” he said.
According to Modi, being “local for vocal” would be the greatest service to the nation.
“No mission can be successful without people’s participation. As a citizen, I seek your resolve, devotion and cooperation in making the country atmanirbhar. If you buy local, be vocal for local, then you are performing your role to make country strong. This is also a type of service to the nation,” noted the PM.
He also stressed on how a strong country improves the chances of peace in the world. “Power is meant for protection, and India has always used its power with this feeling. India’s resolve is to protect its self-respect and sovereignty.”
He added, “India’s tradition is trust, friendship. India’s spirit is brotherhood. With these ideals, we will continue to move forward.”
On an optimistic note, Modi also said there was no reason to believe the second half of 2020 will be as bad as the first.
According to him, “India has turned the crisis into opportunities of growth. It has encouraged the people of the country to make the best of this year despite the hardships it has presented in the first half of 2020.”
Modi also talked about the continuing Covid-19 crisis in the country and said the primary focus during the present ‘unlock’ period would be on defeating coronavirus and also providing impetus to economic activities.
Also read: Modi govt plans to impose strict rules and tariffs on Chinese imports
I thought you were going to look at China’s through your red eyes! Now you expect us to clean up your mess?
Boo, “monkey bath”
The guy knows no limits of stooping lower. Here he is claiming India defence industry was better under Britishers!!