COVER STORY
THE PRIME
MINISTER’ S DREAM
BY PRITI PRAKASH *
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ s speech on the Independence Day echoed from the ramparts of Red Fort to the nook and corner of the country, it evoked a sense of an India that’ s progressing, ascending from the restrained past, worth betting a promise on. It was a speech loaded with positivity about the country, aspirations and a promise for all Indians. That’ s exactly what brought BJP to power in 2014 with an unprecedented majority and Modi as Prime Minister. The nation listened with rapt attention at what Prime Minister was offering this time, the last speech of the first round, and a few months ahead of general election. Clearly the Prime Minister too had it all over him.
Modi brought to best use his charisma, his earthly connect and his 2014 slogan‘ Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. His style that marks him apart along with his eloquence translates into a kind confidence which by far any Indian would like to see in its leader. An 80 plus minute long speech surprisingly missed his‘ 1.25 crore Deshwasi’ for the first time since he delivered his first Independence Day speech in 2014. With his body language expressive of his charged confidence and personal appeal, he spoke in his resilient, assured manner braving the hot humid August 15. He was giving a vision map- which like his earlier speeches- was pregnant with hope for future … a future, according to him, that only he can give.
Big Dream
Crooning over the achievements of his government with election 2019 as the target, like Arjun’ s eye in the epic Mahabharat, Modi did not leave any stone unturned in wooing the voters of India. The speech of PM Modi was a report card of his government where he gave himself full marks on toilets construction, power, LPG, highway construction, building homes. As the PM, Modi was out this time selling his '' new ' India vision aggressively. A dream merchant selling Man Mission in Space as next big dream. Gifting an aspiration to people, asking them to feel proud of being Indian, Modi said that the power of the Indian passport has increased and that India’ s standing has improved in the world today. He came across as a man who wants to carve out a destiny. This time he knew that he had to give a speech which ensures that he gives the next five more.
There’ s no denying that Modi’ s speeches are rhetoric fireworks, they are a roller coaster and people enjoy listening to him. The accompanying theatrics makes him come across
44 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 8 • August 2018, Noida