In his 2025 Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a significant alarm about the silent crisis of rising obesity in India. He highlighted this issue not just as a personal health problem but as a national challenge that could impede the country's progress and economic future. The Prime Minister's warning was grounded in expert projections that indicated a startling trend: one in every three Indians could be obese in the coming years if the current trajectory continues. This stark figure underscored the urgency of the situation, prompting a direct and actionable call to the citizens.

The core of Modi's message was a simple yet powerful appeal for a nationwide change in dietary habits. He specifically urged every family in India to consciously reduce their cooking oil consumption by 10%. This suggestion, he explained, was a practical step that, when adopted collectively, could make a massive difference in public health. He encouraged a return to healthier, traditional Indian cooking methods like steaming, boiling, and roasting, which are naturally lower in fat. This focus on preventive healthcare and lifestyle modification resonated with the government's broader initiatives, such as the Fit India Movement and the Eat Right India campaign.

By making the fight against obesity a central theme of his Independence Day speech, PM Modi elevated the issue to a matter of national importance. His address connected individual well-being with collective prosperity, arguing that a healthy nation is a strong and productive nation. The call for a 10% reduction in cooking oil was more than just a piece of dietary advice; it was a symbol of personal responsibility and a collective mission to build a healthier, more vibrant India. This public health warning, delivered from the nation's most historic platform, marked a significant moment in the government's push for a healthier and more resilient citizenry, capable of leading India towards a developed future.