Modi Should Mention Unsung Heroes In Independence Day Speech

 

And this call was answered by anyone who could do something for the societal good. In my case, it was as if I was waiting for a trigger and the speech inspired me to pursue some initiatives with renewed vigor. These had taken a back seat because of lethargy on my part. I am a living example of what inspiration can achieve. Immediately after the speech I decided to spend at least one hour every day teaching kids in a school nearby and an hour to upkeep or cleaning of public places. This continues till today. When I look back I am amused to admit that an Independence Day speech made me take this path.

 

What followed Honorable Prime Minister's speech were many innovative steps, small but having the capability to bring about drastic changes in the way we think about governance. On a close scrutiny it was easy to understand that whatever was being done had the intent to reach out and benefit that section of society which had been treated like fodder or firewood in the system. Schemes of financial inclusion like Jan Dhan Yojana, Sukanya Samritthi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, or any other scheme, have the scope to contribute a lot towards elimination of poverty. Through Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Cleanliness has become a National goal with all sections of society contributing to it in one way or the other.

 

For anyone who wants to do something a lot of options have opened up pursuing which, anyone can shape up his or her own future. A sense of pride has been infused in the psyche of citizens which is evident from the fact that we don't get to hear those "Mera Bharat Mahan" jokes. While there could be flaws and lacunae in these initiatives but the intent is beyond question.

 

I could go on and on about what has transpired within last one year but so much has already been said and written about all these. So I would rather convey what are my expectations from the 15 August 2015 speech which is hardly a few days away.

 

Speeches on the occasion of Independence Day or Republic Day should be benchmarks in guiding a nation to glory and they should have the capacity to inspire our coming generations too. While any day can be utilized to announce schemes and lay the progress report of government before the public, speeches on the occasion of Independence Day and Republic Day must have content that stands out from any of the speeches given earlier. I am aware that government has invited suggestions from citizens about what should be the content of the speech; this is indeed a path breaking step which will encourage greater participation of masses.

 

I wish Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares his plans for the coming year and also mentions people who have been doing things that inspire others. Actions that serve as examples for others to emulate. These people could be from armed forces, paramilitary forces, from remote villages or other sections of society who could never even dream about being mentioned by Prime Minister of India from Red Fort on such an auspicious occasion as Independence Day. Doing so will not only inspire millions but also send the message that serious attempts are being made to bridge the gap between citizens and government.

 

Personally I eagerly await 15 August both for the festivities and the speech, with an expectation that I will surely get to derive some message which will guide me in my pursuit for a meaningful existence. And somehow I have a feeling that this 15 August, something different will be done to surprise us all in terms of innovation and simplicity. This feeling takes me back to my days as a school kid when Independence Day used to be a special one and on which my parents never had to work hard to make me go to school!