Free coaching, ₹1 lakh crore push: PM Modi’s big pitch to youth in I-Day speech days after student protests
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address on Saturday came just days after student-led protests demanding reforms in competitive exams and the resignation of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following the NEET-UG paper leak that sparked outrage across the country.
Adding to this, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets children during the Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi, India, August 15, 2026. (REUTERS) From the Red Fort, Modi sought to speak directly to that younger generation, promising greater access to opportunities and resources, including a ₹ 1 lakh crore rupees mechanism to support their ideas, innovation and capabilities. Track Independence Day 2026 LIVE .
Meanwhile, The timing of the announcements was notable. Earlier, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, who led protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, had urged Modi to dedicate his Independence Day speech to Gen Z and explain what the government was doing for their future.
Notably, “We want the Prime Minister's speech to be for Gen Z and the youth,” Dipke had shared.
As per the latest buzz, In his address, Modi directly reached out to young Indians. “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.
In further updates, “We have created a mechanism with ₹ 1 lakh crore rupees to strengthen your ideas, innovation and capabilities,” Modi shared.
On top of that, He also pointed to opportunities in research, Digital India and affordable data as tools that have expanded access for the country's youth.
One of the biggest announcements aimed at students was free online coaching for competitive examinations, a move Modi shared would reduce the financial pressure on families.
Source: Hindustan Times