Shri Narendra Modi commences Vivekananda Yuva Vikas Yatra from Becharaji. Month long Yatra to go on till October 11th, the birth anniversary of JP.

 In a hard-hitting speech delivered in both Gujarati and Hindi, Shri Modi comes out against Congress injustice to Gujarat and their brazen acts of corruption. 

I will continue to fight massive injustice against Gujarat. We 6 crore Gujaratis do not live on the mercy of anyone but on our hard work: Shri Modi 

Swami Vivekananda not only dreamt of a strong and glorious India but also saw the youth as those who would fulfill his dreams: Shri Modi 

Shri Modi asks youth- the way things are going under Congress rule, do you see a future for yourself? Unanimous ‘NO’ comes from the audience 

Shri Modi asks PM to come clean on coal scam. Seeks SIT probe. 

Shri Modi appeals to Congress to end politics of negativity and maintain peace in this election time. 

Pradhan Mantri ji, if you cannot decide what Disha to adopt please shut you eyes and adopt Gujarat’s Disha, the country’s Dasha will change: Shri Modi 

Congress gave 90 ads on TV. We gave one on ‘Thappad to Gujarat’ but that is giving the Congress sleepless nights: Shri Modi 

Shri Modi comes down heavily on the Congress’ disrespect for constitutional authorities, latest one being CAG. 

Make Gujarat Gutka Mukt as well as Congress Mukt: Shri Modi

 

On the morning of 11th September 2012 Shri Narendra Modi commenced his month long Vivekananda Yuva Vikas Yatra from the holy place of Becharaji in Mehsana district. In a hard-hitting speech, Shri Modi spoke about the need to fulfill Swami Vivekananda’s dreams and came out all guns blazing against the Congress for their corruption and negative politics.

Shri Modi said one issue on which his fight against the UPA will continue is about the massive injustice they are doing to 6 crore Gujaratis and added that the 6 crore people of Gujarat do not live at the mercy of anyone but on the firm foundations of their hard work and sweat.

Shri Modi stated that there are two 9/11s that have left their mark on history. One was the attack on the Twin Towers that led to killing of many innocent people but there was another 9/11 in 1893 when Swami Vivekananda drew the entire world’s attention towards the cultural might of India when he delivered his speech at the World’s Parliament of Religion in Chicago.

The Chief Minister affirmed that whoever has read the works of Swami Vivekananda; they must ask themselves if it is not onto them to go out and fulfill his dreams. He added that not only did Swami Vivekananda dream of a strong and glorious India, he also knew that it would be the youth that would turn his dreams into a reality. Shri Modi expressed confidence in the youth and added that Gujarat has left no stone unturned to give them an opportunity and the required guidance for them to flourish. He shared that in the last few years, over 3 lakh youngsters had got jobs with the Government. He strongly opposed the mentality of the UPA that seeks to curtail technology on the weak pretext that youth is misusing the same.

Coming down heavily on the UPA, Shri Modi said that the present Government in Delhi is one that lacks the required leadership to put India’s head high and speak of our inherent strengths. The Chief Minister asked whether the youth saw any future under the Congress, to which the unanimous reply was no!

Speaking no the brazen acts of corruption of the Congress, Shri Modi demanded a thorough SIT level probe into the coal block allocations scam under the UPA. He remarked that despite being in Government, he could not think of putting 90 advertisements on TV, something that the Congress has done. However, Shri Modi asked why was it that despite this blitzkrieg of 90 ads, how is it that one ad on the Central injustice to Gujarat was giving sleepless nights to the Congress?

He further added that the ‘Thappad’ to Gujarat would automatically go if the Congress restores the 32% cut from the state’s Kerosene quota and gives gas to Gujarat at a price same as that of Delhi but the Congress is unwilling to do that. Shri Modi said that if the Prime Minister is confused as to what Disha (Direction) he wishes to adopt, he can shut his eyes and adopt Gujarat’s Disha and see how the county’s Dasha will change.

Shri Modi urged the Congress to preserve the spirit of dignity that is involved in the process of electioneering and appealed to them not to do anything that will affect the peace during poll time. Reacting to news reports that the Congress has asked their workers to vehemently disrupt visits by the Chief Minister, Shri Modi wondered whether the Congress would like it if the same treatment was meted out Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh. Shri Modi affirmed that this is not democracy. He went a step ahead and said if the Congress wanted to hold programmes, he would extend every help to them and likewise, every party should be free to hold theirs after which the people can decide.

In his speech, the Chief Minister also spoke on the constant degradation of Constitutional Authorities under the Congress rule, the latest one being CAG. He remarked that this was the same way of Mrs. Indira Gandhi and the present rulers are replicating that today.

On Gujarat’s development, he asked the Centre to compete with Gujarat rather than target it through institutions such as CBI. He shared that when the UPA put 19 states of India in darkness, it was Gujarat that was still shining and this was a fact noted by the media all over the world as well as by those who were previously attempting to be oblivious from this reality. He termed this development as the reason why the nation wants to hear the voice of 6 crore Gujaratis.

Shri Modi sought support for the Gutka Mukt Gujarat (Gutka Free Gujarat) and on the same lines called for a Congress Mukt Gujarat (Congress Free Gujarat) in order to save our youth. He read out a pledge in which he called working towards the development of the nation. The youngsters passionately read out the pledge and supported Shri Modi.

Earlier, national BJP leaders Mr. Arun Jaitley and Mr. Rajnath Singh spoke on the occasion and lauded the development in Gujarat. Mr. Jaitley spoke about the CBI witch-hunt against Gujarat and Mr. Singh called Gujarat a model state who has drawn praise from across the world. Other who spoke on the occasion included BJP National Vice President Purushottam Rupala and Gujarat BJP President Shri RC Faldu. The Vivekananda Yuva Vikas Yatra commenced today and will end on October 11th, which is the birth anniversary of Lok Nayak Jay Prakash Narayan.

 

Also Read : 

Shri Modi's Blog  "Embarking on 'Swami Vivekananda Yuva Vikas Yatra’: CM Blogs on 9/11"

 

Watch Shri Modi's complete speech at launch of Vivekananda Yuva Vikas Yatra

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Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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.