Since 2014, theme of self-reliance has been a leitmotif of Modi's I-Day speeches

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi's pitch on Aug 15 for Indians to produce goods which can hold their own against global competition, without causing pollution, has been seen from the lens of US President Donald Trump's decision to "punish" India for not heeding his diktats, but a look at Modi's I-Day speeches shows that they are part of the theme of self-reliance that has been a common thread in his Red Fort addresses.

In his debut speech, in 2014, he had challenged youth to reflect on why India, despite its potential, still had to import the smallest of items, while stressing the importance of ensuring all Made-in-India goods upheld two key standards - "zero defect and zero effect". That was 11 years before Trump's tariff vendetta and six years before realisation of the need for diversification of supply chains.


He consistently stressed the need to become self-reliant in every field with the announcement of govt's focus on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' after Covid-19 pandemic, reducing sourcing of products from other nations & putting more thrust on 'Vocal for Local'.

In his latest address, the PM emphasised the need to reach new heights in manufacturing by adopting the "daam kam, dum jyada" mantra.

The first speech saw Modi identifying himself as an "outsider in Delhi" who was not part of the "elite", and announcing schemes such as Jan Dhan Yojna, Make in India, Skill India, Digital India, Swachh Bharat and transformation of the erstwhile Planning Commission which, among other things, will define his legacy.

The 2016 speech saw Modi celebrating the progress of his signature achievements: construction of toilets, bringing large numbers of the poor to the banking net. He followed that up next year by focusing on his theme of New India - a secure, prosperous and strong nation, and expeditious completion of works, since the poor suffer the most because of delays.

Two years later, he spoke about how international experts used to refer to the Indian economy as being "risky" prior to 2014.

Since 2020, the PM's I-Day speeches have focused on national unity and a long-term vision of building a strong nation. While in his 2020 address, the PM spoke about "Make in India, Make for the World" as a strategy, the address in 2021 focused on a roadmap for 'Viksit Bharat by 2047'.

The PM's address in 2022, marking 75 years of Independence, introduced Panch Pran (five vows), urging citizens to commit to unity, development, and the removal of colonial mindsets.

By 2024, the PM's speech had a strong reformist thrust. He spoke about major governance changes impacting the middle class, farmers, and the poor while pitching for UCC and ONOE.