Excerpts from Modi's I-Day speech

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech here Friday:

- I am amidst you not as the Prime Minister but as the Prime Servant.

- The day of independence is a festival.

- A national festival is an occasion to refine and rebuild the national character.

- Freedom can be a festival of inspiration to take India to newer heights.

- A boy from small town, a poor family has got the opportunity to pay homage to the tricolour at the Red Fort. This is the strength of India's democracy.

- We want to move ahead on the basis of a strong consensus.

- I am an outsider for Delhi.

- I have started making efforts at making the government, not an assembled entity but an organic unity, a harmonious whole.

- People in the government are very capable.

- Everything is not for self-interest only. There are certain things meant for the country.

- When we hear about incidents of rape, we hang our heads in shame.

- A rapist is also someone's son.

- Maoists ... are also somebody's children

- Shoulder the plough instead of the gun.

- The poison of casteism and communalism ... are obstacles in our way forward.

- Development is the only way forward.

- Economic resources of the country should be utilized for the well being of the poor.

- Come, Make in India! Come, Manufacture in India!

- Our youngsters ... have mesmerized the whole world with their skills in computers.

- Our dream is of Digital India.

- E-governance paves the way for good governance.

- IT has the potential to connect each and every citizen.

- When there is talk of a tea seller, I feel a sense of belongingness.

- Cleanliness is very big work.

- Dignity of women is not our collective responsibility?

- I come from a poor family, I have seen poverty.

- I have great faith in the statements by ascetics, sages and saints.

- Can we not defeat poverty?

- I seek cooperation from neighbouring countries to fight poverty.

- If you work for 12 hours, I will do so for 13 hours. If you work for 14 hours, I will do so for 15 hours.

- The army is vigilant, we should also be vigilant.