Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday focused heavily on India’s economic ambitions, job creation, youth empowerment and building a workforce equipped for emerging technologies.
From free coaching for competitive examinations to AI skilling, sports talent hunts, semiconductor manufacturing and nuclear power, PM Modi announced a series of initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young Indians while strengthening the country’s economic and strategic capabilities.
1 Crore Youth To Get AI Training
PM Modi announced a nationwide mission to train 1 crore young Indians in artificial intelligence over the next year, pitching AI skills as a key component of India’s future workforce.
“From the Red Fort, I want to make an announcement
for the youth of the country. We have decided that in the coming year, we will train 1 crore young people in AI skills, so that the youth of our country can develop the capability to lead in the world of AI,” he said.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to introduce children to technology and innovation from an early age.
“We are working to ensure that the young minds of our country are attracted to technology from childhood itself. And therefore, we have set up more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs for young children, so that they develop an interest in innovation and technology,” Modi said.
Free Online Coaching For Competitive Exams
In a move aimed at reducing the financial burden of coaching classes, PM Modi announced free online coaching for young people preparing for various competitive examinations.
“Keeping the concerns of poor and middle-class families in mind, we want to save them the thousands of crores of rupees they spend on coaching. Young people should also be able to stay close to their families and receive their support without placing a financial burden on the family,” he said.
“Therefore, we have decided to provide free online coaching for various competitive examinations for young people. We have Digital Public Infrastructure, excellent talent, and qualified teachers. By bringing these resources together, we will provide free coaching to the youth of India,” he added.
7–8 Semiconductor Plants In 1–2 Years
PM Modi said India was moving rapidly to strengthen its semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, with 7–8 new production plants expected to become operational within the next one to two years.
The semiconductor push is aimed at expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependence on imports in a strategically important technology sector.
100 GW Nuclear Capacity By 2047
The Prime Minister also set an ambitious target for India’s nuclear energy sector, announcing a goal of taking nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
He said five new nuclear reactors are expected to become operational within the next six to seven years as India seeks to expand its clean energy capacity and strengthen long-term energy security.
Sports Talent Hunt For Children Aged 5–15
With India preparing for future international sporting events, PM Modi announced a nationwide talent identification programme targeting children between five and 15 years of age.
“If we need athletes for 2036, we must focus on the young boys and girls who are currently 5, 10, and 15 years old today. And therefore, to discover sporting talent among children aged 5 to 15, a talent hunt campaign will be launched in every village, every city, and every school,” he said.
PM Modi said India was positioning itself as a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympics and would host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
“We are moving forward as a strong contender to host the Olympics in 2036. And India is going to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030,” he said.
He also pointed to the gap in India’s participation across Olympic disciplines and called for a broader sporting ecosystem.
“We are going to build an entire network. My dear fellow citizens, I have always said, those who play, bloom (jo khele wo khile),” Modi said.
6 Crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ Target
PM Modi also announced an expansion of the government’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ programme, raising the target from three crore to six crore women.
“We had set a target of making 3 crore women ‘Lakhpati Didis’, and we have already surpassed that target. Now, we are moving forward with a target of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis. Creating 3 crore new Lakhpati Didis will bring a major transformation to the rural economy,” he said.
Rs 1 Lakh Crore Push For Youth Ideas
The Prime Minister said the government had created a system backed by Rs 1 lakh crore to support young people’s ideas and capabilities, particularly in research and innovation.
“I want to tell the youth of the country: bring your dreams, and we will not let there be any shortage of resources. We have created a system with ₹1 lakh crore to provide strength to your ideas and capabilities,” he said.
He also highlighted the expansion of India’s higher education and medical infrastructure.
“Friends, let me give you some figures from 2004 to 2014. From 2004 to 2014, there were fewer than 350 universities in our country. Today, within 10–12 years, around 650 new universities have been added. We are approaching the figure of around 1,000 universities,” PM Modi said.
“Before 2014, there were only around 400 medical seats. Today, there are around 850 medical seats,” he added.
Rs 140 Lakh Crore In Assets Unlocked For Businesses
PM Modi said assets worth Rs 140 lakh crore had been unlocked, enabling people to access bank loans and start businesses.
“Assets worth Rs 140 lakh crore have been unlocked. As a result, people can get loans from banks and start their own businesses,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs through technology, startups and new sectors.
Drug-Free India Campaign To Run For 100 Weeks
Calling for a collective effort to combat drug abuse, PM Modi announced a 100-week campaign involving My Bharat volunteers, NGOs, socio-cultural organisations and spiritual leaders.
“Drug-free India. This should be our collective responsibility. For our bright future, our young generation must be strong. Our youth’s capability should be utilised for our country,” he said.
“Therefore, for a drug-free India, in recent days, My Bharat volunteers, the country’s NGOs, socio-cultural organisations, and spiritual leaders have together planned a 100-week program for a drug-free India. This campaign will run for 100 weeks. I want to tell every family that you should also become a part of this campaign, join it, and step forward to fulfil the dream of a drug-free India,” PM Modi added.
Healthcare Relief For Senior Citizens
PM Modi also highlighted the expansion of Ayushman Bharat benefits, saying senior citizens aged 70 and above were now eligible for free medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh.
“Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh is now being arranged even for senior citizens aged 70 years and above. And because of this Ayushman card, Rs 2 lakh crore that would have been spent on medicines and operations has been saved for my families,” he said.
Technology, Education And Startups
PM Modi said India had opened new avenues for young people through policy changes and investment in technology, education and emerging sectors.
“We have created a national programme for India. We have opened up the space sector. We have introduced the National Drone Policy. We have introduced the Khelo India policy. For 35 years, there was no new education policy; we have brought in a new education policy. And this has benefited middle-class families,” he said.
He also highlighted the rise of India’s young startup ecosystem, saying, “You may have seen that Indian private startups, led by young people with an average age of 28, have launched their satellites successfully on their very first attempt.”
PM Modi said affordable digital connectivity had further expanded opportunities for India’s youth.
“New opportunities for research have been created. Digital India and affordable data have empowered the youth. If there is affordable data anywhere in the world, it is here on the soil of India. And this has given the youth of the country new strength,” he said.
