Country moving ahead with 2047 deadline for goal of developed India: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirming his government's resolve to make the country a developed nation by the time it completes 100 years of independence, said on Thursday that the country is moving ahead with a 2047 deadline for this purpose. He compared it to the deadline for media personnel to send and publish news daily. Mr. Modi expressed full confidence in meeting this deadline with the support and strength of the country's people, stating that the pace of development the country has achieved in the last 12 years has made it certain that nothing is impossible for India now. Mr. Modi was addressing a Diwali meet for journalists held at the Bharatiya Janata Party's national headquarters. He said that a deadline is very necessary for any work because it brings discipline to the task. He said that in the world of news, one thing is very important, and that is the deadline. Your entire life is tied to deadlines. Whether it is the time for a newspaper to be printed or the time to broadcast a news item, a deadline is set for everything.

The welcome address was delivered by BJP President Nitin Gadkari. The event was attended by three former party presidents, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda. Mr. Modi, highlighting the importance of the media's role in nation-building, appealed to them to carry the story of India's development to the country and the world. He also strongly appealed to the media to cooperate in the campaign for a drug-free society and to play their role in strengthening social cohesion. Citing a recent World Bank report, the Prime Minister said that 50 crore people have come out of extreme poverty in India over the last 12 to 13 years. He said that today, the poor in the country are capable of lifting themselves out of poverty. He also mentioned the growing role of social media, saying that today everyone has their own channel, people are making podcasts and reels, and people in every street and neighborhood are expressing their own opinions. This is making the proverb 'as many mouths, so many opinions' a reality, and this is the strength of Indian democracy.

Speaking about the goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047', Mr. Modi said that we must work together to make India a developed country before completing 100 years of independence. The 2047 deadline does not mean that we have to wait until that time. Comparing it to the freedom movement, he said that the goal of complete sovereignty was not something to be achieved in one or two days. He said that gradually, small goals were set, they were achieved, and then people gained the confidence that freedom would surely come, and the entire country stood up with this resolve. This same confidence of the country will take us to the goal of a developed India. We will move forward by achieving many small and big goals, and only then will we reach the objective of a developed India.

He mentioned achievements such as the success of the mission to the Moon's south pole, becoming the world's second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones, building the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River, a more than 50-fold increase in installed solar energy capacity in 12 years, and becoming the world's third-largest startup ecosystem in the same period, to highlight the country's new power and capabilities.

Prime Minister said that today, as India progresses with its achievements, it is not impossible to achieve the goal of a developed India. He mentioned building houses for the poor, providing toilets in every household, offering free gas connections to the poor, and other successes such as Likh Pati Didi. Prime Minister recalled the positive role of media in campaigns like Soch Bharat Abhi and appealed to raise awareness against drugs, promote a spirit of unity in society, and present India’s success stories to the world. He added that he would also seek your cooperation on another topic. We must also create awareness in the drug issue. We must pull our youth out of all these things.

He said that when media gives space to socially relevant topics that promote social welfare and unity in the country on its platform and makes them part of its discussion, the campaign for a developed India will gain more momentum. He added that in his 'Mann Ki Baat' program he continuously strives to provide a platform for the country and its people’s successes. He will also appeal to the country’s media to work on stories related to India’s achievements and advance them. This would be a great service from your side to the country.

Mr. Modi, recalling his long relationship with the media, said that he has had a natural relationship with the world for a long time. From press releases to Insta Reels, he has seen a long period of communication with the media. He remembered that in the early 90s he was given the responsibility of arrangements across the country during two major tours. That was the time when a fax machine had to be found to send press releases. He said that there was also a time when he had to arrange chairs for events like Diwali Mulan. Mr. Modi, citing the busy schedule of media personnel, mentioned the necessity and obligation to stay away from home and family during festivals and thanked them for participating in the event. He said that Diwali has just passed and preparations for Chhath are in the final stage. He wishes all of you and your families a very happy festival. After the official address, Mr. Modi went among the invited media personnel and met them. Several journalists also took selfies with the Prime Minister.