"Shri Narendra Modi speaks on ‘Good Governance Through Democracy’ at launch of Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe’s book ‘Beyond a Billion Ballots’ "
"CM launches Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe’s book ‘Beyond a Billion Ballots’ "
"Shri Modi stresses on the importance of trust and trusteeship in governance "
"Those who serve in Government are not the rulers but the servants (Sevaks) of the people: Shri Modi "
"Institutions cannot be people centric. The need is to institutionalize ideas and good practices. A person may be there or not but the framework must remain: Shri Modi "
"Those who cannot accept victory and defeat through democratic means are misusing the CBI. And now, it is CBI vs IB. Does it happen in any nation? Institutions are being broken and just see how: Shri Modi "
"Political interference harms good governance but political intervention encourages people’s participation: Shri Modi "
"In Government there is only accountability of commission, no accountability of omission and we need to change that…we need to shift the focus from procedure audit to performance audit: Shri Modi"
On the evening on Thursday 27th June 2013 Shri Narendra Modi spoke on ‘Good Governance Through Democracy’ at the launch of Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe’s book ‘Beyond a Billion Ballots’ in Mumbai. In an elaborate and inspiring speech, the Chief Minister stressed on the importance of trust and trusteeship in governance. Shri Modi said that in those who serve in the Government are not rulers but are servants (Sevaks) of the people. The Chief Minster affirmed that a Government is a ray of hope for the poor and recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s Mantra of recalling the face of the poor while making tough decisions. “As Mahatma Gandhi said, think if your decision will make that poor person happy and if it does, you are taking the right decision,” he said.
Shri Modi described trust as the precondition of good governance and he stressed on building institutions rather than concentrating on individuals. He said, “Institutions cannot be people centric. We have made things centered around people…if one family goes away this will happen…but is this our nation? The need is to institutionalize ideas and good practices. We should create network of institutions. A person may be there or not but the framework must remain.” He added, “Stronger these institutions, the better things will work. A person may slip and in those times it is the institutions that saves things.”
Giving an example of this Shri Modi affirmed, “What have we done for years? See how institutions have been broken in Delhi. There was a Planning Commission but then they created the NAC. All economic decisions are done by five star activists and then one PM tells the official PM do this and that is what happens.” Shri Modi went on to add, “Planning Commission was rendered useless due to NAC. Similarly, Article 356 was envisioned to strengthen federal structure but see how it was misused. See the CBI and the level of misuse that can happen. Had I not experienced it myself, I would not even know. Those who cannot accept victory and defeat through democratic means are misusing the CBI. And now, it is CBI vs IB. Does it happen in any nation? Institutions are being broken and just see how. Those companies that came for Vibrant Gujarat Summit get IT notices. They do this on one hand and on the other hand they shout FDI and no investment.” Giving another example of such institutional break down, Shri Modi recalled that in 1983 the Election Commission had warned Mrs. Indira Gandhi against holding elections in Assam but she went on to hold them and the result was the infamous Nellie massacre that killed so many people. Shri Modi opined that in a Federal Structure there is no big brother or small brother but the Centre fights some states much more than they even fight Pakistan.
The Chief Minister stated that more than political interference, what is needed is political intervention. “Political interference harms good governance but political intervention encourages people’s participation,” said the Shri Modi. He also added that had the current leadership in the Centre emerged from the ground, there would be no policy paralysis. He spoke on the importance of Lok Bhagidari and shared that any policy that the Gujarat Government brings out is placed online so that people can see it and give their feedback. He gave the example of Pani Samitis in Gujarat where people participation has mitigated the water crisis and at the same time empowered women in Gujarat. “In Government there is only accountability of commission, no accountability of omission and we need to change that…we need to shift the focus from procedure audit to performance audit.” He affirmed that outcome, rather than output or outlay must be the emphasis.
Shri Modi said that democracy is not merely about giving a contract to some people to work for five years but to come together and work for the nation. He pointed that the biggest strength of a democracy is the opportunity to correct one’s mistakes. He also expressed surprise as to why the anniversary of the Emergency did not receive much attention from the media when it was a time when our Republic was strangled.
Speaking about good governance, Shri Modi recalled that Lokmanya Tilak had said ‘Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it,” but now we should also state, “Su-rajya is our birthright and we must have it.” Shri Modi said that it is incorrect to keep blaming democracy for our problems and he shared that his Gujarat experience has shown that with the same system, laws, officials it is possible to bring change.
Shri Modi congratulated Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe for writing the book and said that he has the honour of working with him for the past many years. Speaking on the occasion, former BJP President Shri Nitin Gadkari lauded the work done by Shri Modi in the field of water conservation. Shri Gadkari said that Shri Modi believes in the Mantra of Nation first, then the Party and only then the self. Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Gopinath Munde pointed that Shri Narendra Modi is neither corrupt nor does he tolerate corruption. Referring to the large turnout, Shri Munde said that such a turnout was last seen at the venue when President Clinton visited the place more than a decade ago. Several other BJP leaders were present on the occasion.
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM
Your Excellency President Irfan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Philips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President Donald Ramotar, Members of the Guyanese Cabinet, Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaskar!
Seetaram !
I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.
I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.
Friends,
I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.
Friends,
I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.
Friends,
Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.
I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.
President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.
Friends,
Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.
This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.
I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.
Friends,
Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.
Friends,
The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.
Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.
Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!
Friends,
This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.
We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.
Friends,
I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.
In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.
We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.
Friends,
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.
We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.
Friends,
While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.
At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.
We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.
Friends,
Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.
Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.
As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.
Friends,
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.
You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.
Friends,
Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.
Friends,
Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.
It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.
