From Kashmir to Gorakhpur to Triple Talaq: Key highlights from PM Modi's Independence Day speech

Violence in the name of 'Astha' is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted in India: PM @narendramodi

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During the speech, he said: "India is about Shanti, Ekta and Sadbhavana. Casteism and communalism will not help us."

India is about Shanti, Ekta and Sadbhavana. Casteism and communalism will not help us: PM @narendramodi

PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017

Here are some key takeaways from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's I-Day address to the nation.

New India by 2022: The Prime Minister today said that lets take a pledge to make New India by 2022 where everyone will have house, water and electricity. He further stressed on some of the pressing issue of our times such as corruption, communalism, casteism and terrorism.

We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a 'New India' : PM @narendramodi

PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017

PM Modi also talked about violence committed in the name of religion. He said: "Violence in the name of 'Astha' is not something to be happy about, it will not be accepted in India." PM Modi also elaborated as to what all New India will have for the people of the country, he said, in New India, men and women will have equal opportunity to realise their dreams. "There won't be any place for crony-capitalism in New India," he added.

The Prime Minister also talked about farmers and said: "We will together make a kind of New India where farmers will not have to worry but will sleep in comfort."

Gorakhpur child death tragedy at BRD Medical College: The Prime Minister today expressed his grief over the death of over 70 children at BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh). PM Modi said that he was committed to ensure that every innocents' lives were protected.

People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters & the tragedy in Gorakhpur: PM @narendramodi

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The Prime Minister's response has come in the backdrop of massive public outrage after the death of nearly 70 children in state-run BRD Medical College Hospital in Gorakhpur.

Key Economic Policies: The Prime Minister today explained as to how some of the economic policies of the government have changed the country. He claimed that after demonetisation, the numbers of taxpayers have increased substantially.

Not only that, PM said, it has also brought a large section of people into formal banking. Prime Minister Modi during his hour-long speech also referred to newly-launched GST, Benami Law and the bankruptcy law in India. He said that the demonetisation helped the government to detect thousands of shell companies.

GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST & the role of technology has also helped: PM

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"In a country where people would make a big fuss when few companies were shut, but we have cancelled the registration of over 1 lakh shell companies after the demonetisation," the Prime Minister said. He also made a commitment that the government would continue to fight the corruption. "Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today," PM Modi said.

Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today: PM @narendramodi

PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017

Committed to bring back the glory of paradise in Jammu and Kashmir: Prime Minister today sent out a stern message making it clear that its neither abuse or nor bullets that can solve the Kashmir problem, it can be solved only by embracing people and by connecting them with mainstream.

, : PM @narendramodi

PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017

"We have to work for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir," the Prime Minister said. He also took the opportunity to praise women from Muslim community who have challenged the Tripal-Talaq. He said: "I want to mention those women who have to suffer due to 'Tripe Talaq'- I admire their courage. We are with them in their struggles." Muslim women have challenged the validity of Triple-Talaq in the Supreme Court arguing that it discriminates against women.

We have to work for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir: PM @narendramodi

PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017