From Crime Against Women, Uniform Civil Code To Bangladesh: Know How PM Modi Addresses India On Independence Day

New Delhi: At a time the nation is grappling with outrage and grief over the brutal rape and murder of a woman postgraduate trainee doctor in a state-run Kolkata hospital on August 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasized the urgent need to stop atrocities against women in India in his address to the country from Red Fort in New Delhi during the Independence Day celebrations.

He said the need of the hour is to widely publicise the punishment for atrocities on women to instil fear among potential offenders.

Expressing deep pain over such incidents, the Prime Minister said, “As a society, we will have to think seriously about the atrocities against women that are happening – there is outrage against this in the country. I can feel this outrage.”

He also highlighted to the need to conduct speedy investigation into such crimes. “The country, society and state governments will have to take this seriously. Speedy investigation of crimes against women, those executing these monstrous deeds be awarded strict punishment at the earliest – this is important to instil confidence in society,” he added. The Prime Minister said when such rapes and incidents of atrocities on women occur, it is widely discussed, but the punishment meted out to those guilty of ‘such monstrous’ tendency are not seen in news.

‘Need Uniform Civil Code that is secular’

The Prime Minister also called for discussions on Uniform Civil Code for the country. He said it needs to be ‘secular’ and not ‘discriminatory’.

“There should be discussions on the Uniform Civil Code. The present civil code appears to be ‘communal’. India needs a ‘secular’ civil code. It is need of hour to have a secular civil code and do away with discriminatory communal civil code,” he stated.

“Supreme Court has held discussions regarding Uniform Civil Code again and again, it has given orders several times. A large section of the country believes — and it is true, that the Civil Code that we are living with is actually a Communal Civil Code in a way…I would say that it is the need of the hour to that there be a Secular Civil Code in the country…only then would we be free of the discrimination on the basis of religion…” he added.

‘India wants peace and prosperity in Bangladesh’

The Prime Minister also addressed the nation on the crisis in neighbouring Bangladesh. “As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation there gets normal at the earliest. The concerns of 140 crore countrymen to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there – India always wants our neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace,” he said, adding that India was committed to peace and in the days to come, India will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its ‘Vikas Yatra.’

PM’s indirect attack on ‘pessimistic people’ who can’t see India’s progress

Without making any direct references, the PM said, “We are moving forward with resolution but there are some people who cannot see progress or think of India’s good unless it benefits them…” He emphasized that the country needs to protect itself from ‘this handful of pessimistic people.’

“There are uncountable challenges both external and internal – these will only increase. I want to say to such forces that India’s development will not pose a threat to anyone….The world should not worry seeing India’s development…,” he added.

‘India aspires to host 2036 Olympics’

The Prime Minister also mentioned India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics. He confirmed that preparations are already underway. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has already begun the discussions with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Future Host Commission (FHC) towards securing the rights to host the 2036 Summer Games. Earlier, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, had provided details in a written reply to the Lok Sabha regarding the same.

PM also acknowledged the efforts of the Indian contingent in Paris. He congratulated them for their performances. He also extended his good wishes to para athletes ahead of Paralympics beginning from August 28.