Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, announcing free online coaching for young people and a large-scale artificial intelligence training scheme that aims to skill one crore youth within the next year.
The speech, delivered under tight security in the capital, placed India’s youth at the centre of the country’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 and linked education and technology skills directly to the broader goal of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations also marked 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', which was formally sung at the Red Fort as part of the programme. From the historic venue, the Prime Minister repeatedly underscored the role of young Indians, stating that the youth have a big role in the journey to become a Viksit Bharat and that they will be the biggest beneficiaries of that transformation. He framed the announcements as practical steps to expand learning opportunities and prepare the next generation for a rapidly changing economy driven by digital tools and emerging technologies.
During the address, PM Modi announced free online coaching for youth. The initiative is intended to widen access to quality learning resources and help young people prepare for academic examinations and career goals without the financial burden that private coaching often imposes. Officials indicated that the programme will support students across different regions and economic backgrounds, though detailed information on eligibility, specific courses, the registration process and the digital platform through which the coaching will be delivered is yet to be released.
The move comes at a time when digital learning has already become an important part of education and employment pathways in India, and the government appears keen to scale up free or low-cost options for aspirants who cannot afford traditional coaching centres.
Alongside the coaching announcement, the Prime Minister unveiled an artificial intelligence training scheme under which one crore young people will receive training in AI over the next twelve months. The target of ten million learners in a single year reflects the priority being given to building domestic capability in a technology that is reshaping industries worldwide. The scheme is expected to cover foundational AI literacy as well as more applied skills, though the exact curriculum, delivery partners and certification details will be shared later by the concerned ministries. By focusing on large-scale AI training, the government aims to create a talent pool that can support innovation, manufacturing, services and research while reducing reliance on external expertise.
A major theme running through the Independence Day address was the need for India to become self-reliant. PM Modi said that becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat is crucial and that the country must move away from dependence on other nations by strengthening its own capabilities and protecting its interests. He pointed to initiatives such as Make in India, Swadeshi and Local for Local as part of this broader push.
In the context of the education announcements, the message was that genuine self-reliance requires a skilled and technologically confident young population. Free online coaching and mass AI training were presented not merely as welfare measures but as strategic investments in human capital that will support the country’s long-term economic and technological ambitions.
The Prime Minister connected both schemes to the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the centenary of independence. He emphasised that the benefits of development would flow most directly to the generation currently studying and entering the workforce. By investing in their education and skills today, India is laying the foundation for sustained growth, technological leadership and greater social mobility. The announcements come against the backdrop of growing demand for digital skills and the recognition that artificial intelligence will influence classrooms, workplaces and public services in the years ahead.
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Further operational details on the free online coaching programme and the AI training scheme are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Questions remain about course content, assessment methods, partnerships with educational platforms, internet access in remote areas and how the programmes will ensure quality and reach at such a large scale. Nevertheless, the Red Fort address has already generated interest among students, educators and skilling organisations who see the initiatives as potential game-changers for access and employability.
As India marks its 80th Independence Day, the focus on Yuva Shakti, digital education and artificial intelligence training signals a clear policy direction. The free coaching initiative seeks to remove financial barriers that have long limited opportunities for many aspirants, while the target of training one crore youth in AI aims to position India as a significant player in the global technology landscape. The success of these programmes will depend on timely implementation, quality content and inclusive outreach, but the intention to place young people at the heart of national development has been firmly stated from the Red Fort.
