Panch Pran of Amrit Kaal 2022-2047

PM Narendra Modi at 75th Independence Day Celebrations

Drawing curtains on the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of independence), Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an emotive speech without a teleprompter, from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15th August 2022, and announced the beginning of a 25-year long (2022-2047) “Amrit Kaal” to build a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

While there were several elements of his speech that drew attention —including his scathing attack on corruption, nepotism and dynasty politics — his construct of the “Panch Pran” (five pledges) in Amrit Kaal leading up to the centenary celebrations (2047) are of special significance. These are: 1) accomplishing a “Viksit” (developed) India; 2) shunning the last vestiges of the colonial mindset; 3) upholding India’s rich legacy; 4) bolstering internal unity; and 5) becoming a dutiful citizens (including the prime minister and chief ministers).

‘Amrit Kaal’ is a Vedic astrological term meaning auspicious period for starting new projects and initiatives, which in the current context will last for 25 years and ending with India’s independence centenary celebrations in 2047. He said that in these 25 years all citizens must strive to make India a developed nation and governments must practice the concept of Antyodaya (championed by Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya) of serving even those standing at the end of the line.

On the five pledges PM Modi said, “We must proceed on the path of development upholding these five pledges to fulfil the dreams of our freedom fighters in this Amrit Kaal which is a golden opportunity to fulfil the dreams of an aspirational society.”

PM Modi reminded that a nation which does not respect women cannot progress, and for building a “Param Vaibhav Bharat”, women empowerment, gender equality, respect for women and corruption eradication was paramount. He said Indians must take deep pride in India’s rich historical legacies, cultural traditions and regional diversity.

He said while many had no place to live, others were running out of space to hide illicit money, in a reference to the large stash of black money found from various properties of TMC leader Partha Chatterji in West Bengal in the education scam. He cautioned the citizens that they must stop glorifying the corrupt in a reference to the Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi, currently being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate in the National Herald money laundering case. PM Modi reminded that nepotism has to be eradicated from not only politics but also national and state institutions for India to grow.

He cited his own example that when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he rallied behind the central government of a different ideological persuasion, for the betterment of India. This is the kind of competitive federalism he said needs to be encouraged, wherein all states compete with each other in a healthy competition to achieve new goals in the service of the people. PM Modi’s speech has been hailed widely for its delivery without teleprompters and for contents and focus this year. What is critical here is that 25 years is a long period and practicing these five pledges and the vision laid down by PM Modi will not be abandoned in the face of a change in government at the centre under a different ideological and political alliance. Hope India does not lose its moorings mid-way.