Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech on Saturday placed a strong focus on India’s youth, education and future opportunities. His address came just days after student-led protests demanding reforms in competitive examinations and the resignation of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protests followed the NEET-UG paper leak, which triggered widespread anger among students and families. Against this backdrop, Modi used his Red Fort address to speak directly to the younger generation. He promised greater access to opportunities, resources and technology. One of the major announcements was a ₹1 lakh crore mechanism to support young people’s ideas, innovation and capabilities.

PM Modi Appeals to Gen Z and Young Indians

The timing of Modi’s announcements was significant. Before the Independence Day speech, Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, who led protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, had urged the prime minister to dedicate his address to Gen Z and explain what the government was doing for their future. “We want the Prime Minister's speech to be for Gen Z and the youth,” Dipke had said. Modi responded by encouraging young Indians to pursue their ambitions and assured them that resources would be made available to support their goals.

Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi at 80th #IndependenceDay: Making quality coaching accessible to every aspiring youth. 🇮🇳 Addressing the burden of coaching expenses on middle-class families, the Prime Minister announced free online coaching for various competitive… pic.twitter.com/SUcbtMp7qf

— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) August 15, 2026

PM Modi Says Youth Should Come Forward With Dreams

Modi directly appealed to young Indians during his Red Fort speech. “I want to tell the youth of the country: come forward with your dreams; we will ensure there is no shortage of resources," he added. The prime minister said the government had established a ₹1 lakh crore mechanism to help young people develop their ideas and strengthen their innovative capabilities. “We have created a mechanism with ₹1 lakh crore to strengthen your ideas, innovation and capabilities,” Modi said. He also highlighted research opportunities, Digital India and affordable internet data. He said these developments have expanded young people’s access to education, information and technology.

Free Online Coaching for Competitive Exams Announced

One of the biggest announcements aimed at students was free online coaching for competitive examinations. The initiative is intended to reduce the financial burden on students and families preparing for difficult entrance and recruitment examinations.

“Coaching classes burden the poor and the middle class. We will provide free online coaching for various exams,” Modi said. The prime minister also spoke about the social pressure surrounding private coaching centres. He said many parents feel that sending their children to coaching institutes has become necessary for academic success. “Every parent feels that if they do not send their child to a coaching class, they are not a prestigious family,” he said.

Free Coaching Could Reduce Financial Burden

Modi said the free online coaching programme could help families reduce their education expenses. He noted that parents often spend large amounts on coaching classes. In some cases, students also have to move to distant cities for exam preparation.

The prime minister said the new initiative could help families save “thousands of crores of rupees” while allowing students to remain closer to their homes. “And therefore, we have decided to provide free online coaching for various examinations for the youth of the country,” he said.

Digital Infrastructure to Support Students

The government plans to combine digital public infrastructure, teachers and existing talent to create a nationwide network for free coaching. The initiative aims to make quality preparation material more accessible to students, including those who cannot afford expensive private coaching. The programme will therefore focus on using technology to expand access to competitive-exam preparation across the country.

PM Modi Warns Youth About Drug Abuse

Modi also raised concerns about the growing threat of drug abuse among young people. “My dear youth, drug abuse is becoming a major challenge before the country and its young people.” He called for a collective effort to tackle substance abuse. Modi said young people should instead use their energy and abilities for productive activities and nation-building.

“A Drug-Free India should be a collective responsibility for all of us… For the sake of our bright future, our young generation must remain strong and the capabilities of our youth must be channelled towards the service of the nation.”

100-Week Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign

The prime minister said MY Bharat volunteers and NGOs have launched a 100-week campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat initiative. The campaign aims to increase awareness about substance abuse and encourage communities and young people to participate in efforts to tackle the problem. Modi stressed that protecting young people from drugs is important for India’s future development.

PM Modi Urges Youth to Participate in Census

Modi also called on young Indians to actively participate in the ongoing Census exercise. “Youth, I am asking all of you for your help. I want all the young people to take the lead in this effort.” He said the Census is not simply about counting the population. The information collected will help shape government policies and future development plans.

PM Modi Calls for Accurate Census Details

The prime minister urged families to carefully verify their information before submitting it. He specifically asked people to check details such as names and spellings to prevent errors in official records. Modi said technology would make the process easier by allowing people to provide Census information through their mobile phones. Officials would then verify the submitted information.

Modi Asks Young Indians to Lead Census Exercise

The prime minister said even a few hours of participation from young people could make a significant contribution to the national exercise. “Those one or two hours can become a great source of strength for the nation,” Modi said. He urged young Indians to ensure that their families participate in the Census and provide accurate information. “And therefore, I urge the young people of India to actively participate in this Census exercise.”

Youth at Centre of PM Modi’s Independence Day Message

Modi’s Independence Day address placed young Indians at the centre of several key priorities, including education, innovation, employment opportunities, public health and national development.

From free competitive-exam coaching and financial support for innovation to anti-drug campaigns and Census participation, the prime minister called on the youth to play a larger role in India’s future. His message combined a promise of greater access to resources with an appeal for young Indians to take greater responsibility in nation-building.