Our resolve is to turn 'Swaraj' into 'Surajya': Modi on 70th Independence Day

New Delhi: On the occasion of 70th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the government’s resolve is to turn ‘Swaraj’ (self-rule) into ‘Surajya’ (good rule), adding that it resolved to fulfil the dream of ‘Ek Bharat, Sresth Bharat’.

“Today on this special day, I convey my greetings to 125 crore Indians and the Indian community living overseas. May this energy guide the nation to scale newer heights of progress in the years to come. We remember Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Pandit Nehru, countless people who sacrificed their lives so that we attain Swarajya,” Prime Minister said while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi.

Modi said India's age is not 70 years, but the journey post colonial rule for a better India is 70-year old.

“From the Vedas to Vivekananda, we have a long history. India is an ancient country with a rich cultural heritage. It is because of our great freedom fighters who laid their live that we are independent,” he added.

He said it was an opportunity to renew and resolve the energy to take the country to new heights. “Yes, we face several problems. But we are capable to overcome them. The onus is on 125 crore people of India to convert this 'Swaraj' (self-rule) into 'Surajya' (good rule),” he added.

The Prime Minister said it is easy to keep account of the work done by the government, but it is difficult to have in-depth knowledge of those initiatives. “From panchayat to Parliament and from village head to the Prime Minister…everybody should understand their responsibilities. Today, more than Karya, I want to talk about Karya Sanskriti on the government,” he added.

He said the meaning of ‘Surajya’ is a qualitative and positive change in the lives of the citizen of India. “Today I am not talking only about Niyati (policies), but also about Neeyat (intentions). 'Surajya' means a government should be sensitive towards the common man, weaker sections. For this, one needs to give importance to good governance, accountability and transparency in any government is paramount,” he added.

The Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre, Defence Secretary G. Mohan Kumar and General Officer Commanding (GOC) Delhi area Lt General Vijay Singh.

He inspected the Guard of Honour in the company of Wing Commander K. Srinivas after which he unfurled the national flag.