MANMOHAN SINGH
UPHOLD 2004 CONSTITUTIONAL VALUES
In his first Independence Day speech, Manmohan Singh spoke about the need for good governance and ‘code of conduct for political parties and everyone in public life’ to uphold the ‘values enshrined in the constitution.’ He also stressed on how a ‘purposive’ bilateral dialogue with Pakistan can bring peace and stability in the region.
FOCUS ON 2005 AAM AADMI
In his second speech, Singh exhorted the nation to take its ‘rightful place in the world’ buoyed by robust economic growth. The continuing violence in Jammu and Kashmir had the PM sending a message to Pakistan that the Indian response to extremist attacks can be ‘hard’. He emphasised that the focus of his government is not only economic growth but also the ‘empowerment’ of the ‘aam aadmi’ (common man). He concluded saying the time had come for every Indian to take pride in his or her ‘Indian identity’.
2006 STOP TERROR AND EXTREMISM
In a message to Pakistan, Singh said ‘cross-border terrorism’ was hampering peace. He said India had to fight poverty, inequity and unemployment. He urged parties to shun ‘divisiveness.’
A NATION OF 2007 YOUNG PEOPLE
Quoting English poet Robert Browning, Singh said the best is yet to come. “We are a nation of young people. Once unleashed, the energy of our youth will drive India onto a new growth path.”
ISSUES CAN BE RESOLVED 2008 ONLY THROUGH DIALOGUE
Peace in J&K and the north-east was the underlining theme of his speech.
He also mentioned the nuclear deal, which India was then negotiating with the United States of America (USA) saying the pact would spur economic growth. He said modern science should ‘find solutions to our energy problem’.
RESTORING GROWTH 2009 BIGGEST CHALLENGE
While arguing that the global economic crisis had affected India to a lesser extent than other countries, the PM maintained that restoring the country’s growth rate to 9% was India’s greatest challenge.
DISCUSSION AND DIALOGUE 2010 WAY TO PEACE
Singh made a fresh appeal to youngsters of J&K and those in Maoist areas saying a dialogue was the only way to resolve issues.
He added that the government had laid a special emphasis on the welfare of farmers in the country.
HUNGER STRIKES WON’T 2011 SOLVE CORRUPTION
Singh used ‘corruption’ sixteen times in his speech, reflecting the growing concerns on the issue. He argued that hunger strikes were not a solution. Instead, a multi-pronged effort — a Lokpal legislation, a Judicial Accountability Bill and a legislation for public procurement — was required.
SLOW GROWTH NATIONAL 2012 SECURITY THREAT
Singh made an explicit connection between slow growth and national security. He also spoke about the need to create more jobs in the country and laid down the idea of a National Skill Development Authority.
NO PLACE FOR NARROW 2013 SECTARIAN IDEOLOGIES
Singh’s last speech was a recap of the achievements of the past UPA years. He ended his speech with an appeal towards creating a tolerant society saying, “There can be no place for narrow and sectarian ideologies in a modern, progressive and secular country.”