Modi: Barriers broken for developed India by 2047

From reshaping India in 2014 to going beyond barriers in 2023, the nation has come a long way towards realising the dream of becoming a developed country by 2047, says PM

India has smashed barriers real perceived and exaggerated over the past decade to bolster the self-confidence of Indians by transforming mindsets, and put the country firmly on the path to become a developed nation by 2047, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

Delivering the closing address of the 21st Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi, the PM also spoke about his government's philosophy in eradicating poverty, the expansion of the middle class, and the virtuous cycle between pulling people out of impoverishment and boosting the incomes of the salaried.

He also used the themes of previous HT summits to illustrate India's long journey over the last decade and his government's efforts at reshaping India, exuding confidence that his administration will win a resounding victory in general elections scheduled next summer.

"From the poor to the richest investor, people believe that this is Bharat's time. The self-belief of every Indian is our greatest strength and can help us surpass any barrier, I believe that in 2047, when HT Leadership summit happens again, the theme will be -- developed nation, what next?" Modi said, referring to the historic touchdown on the moon, the successful G20 summit, the boom in mobile manufacturing and digital transactions the strides taken by the startup sector.

In his 30-minute speech, Modi said that India and Indians faced a slew of barriers for a long time after being attacked, and then bound by long periods of slavery.

"The flame that was produced during the independence movement, the feeling of collectiveness broke several barriers. After independence, it was expected that this momentum will be carried forward. But this did not happen unfortunately," he said.