Published By : Admin | October 18, 2013 | 20:56 IST
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"Narendra Modi speaks on ‘India and the World’ at the Nani Palkhivala Memorial Lecture in Chennai"
"Narendra Modi releases book by former Union Minister Shri Arun Shourie"
"Narendra Modi shares his vision on India’s foreign policy"
"The world has accepted that the next century will be Asia’s but we must make sure that the next century is India’s century: Narendra Modi"
"Let us work together for a bold India and a better world, a harmonious neighbourhood and a happier world, a strong Asia and a safer world: Narendra Modi"
"Shri Narendra Modi calls for reviving the diplomatic legacy of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee of safe, confident and productive engagement with the world"
Addressing the Nani Palkhivala Memorial Lecture on ‘India and the World’ in Chennai on the evening of 18th October 2013, Shri Narendra Modi shared a comprehensive vision on India’s foreign policy and called for making the 21st century as India’s century. He said, “The world has accepted that the next century will be Asia’s but we must make sure that the next century is India’s century. India has to play and will play a major role in world affairs.” Shri Modi affirmed, “Let us work together for a bold India and a better world, a harmonious neighbourhood and a happier world, a strong Asia and a safer world,” and added that he is sure this can happen. Shri Narendra Modi called for reviving the diplomatic legacy of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee of safe, confident and productive engagement with the world.
On the occasion Shri Modi released a book by former Union Minister Shri Arun Shourie. Noted journalist Mr. Cho Ramaswamy was present during the programme.
Narendra Modi ji said that the guiding principle for India dealing with the world has been the Mantra of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is a family). “The manner and message of India to the world has to be the message of peace and harmony,” he stated. Shri Modi added that the inspiration for this came not only from our culture but also from Mahatma Gandhi, who gave importance to the moral dimension in the conduct of persons and nations. Modi ji opined that the freedom struggle was not only to free India but was a part of wider anti-colonialism movement. The BJP’s PM candidate stated confidently that India can become an alchemist of the world due to its deep rooted culture and beliefs.
Shri Modi said that in a time when the world is living in insecure conditions, the restraint and balance taught by Indian culture becomes a very important healing power.
During his speech Shri Modi paid rich tributes to the foreign policy vision of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the policy of the NDA government. “Our pillars of foreign policy should be issues of strategy and security. Atal ji showed the way in both Shakti and Shanti,” Shri Modi noted. He gave the example of Atal ji’s political will that gave him the courage to test once again on May 13th 1998 after India had already conducted tests on 11th May 1998 and the world had imposed sanctions on India. At the same time, Shri Modi pointed that Atal ji kept prices under check and remained committed to ‘No First Use’ policy. Lauding Shri Vajpayee’s vision he affirmed, “It shows Atal ji was a Shakti and Shanti Upasak. He could do this because he has the confidence of the nation and the trust of the people.” Modi ji also credited Shri Vajpayee for bringing the issue of terrorism an issue on the world forum, ending decades of Pakistan drawing Kashmir to the global forum. “Due to Atal ji, those who believed in humanity came together. The world was divided into the anti-terrorists and the pro-humanity people,” Modi ji avowed.
Narendra Modi ji took on the flaws in the foreign policy of the UPA and the foreign policy followed by India after Independence. He said the Shri Arun Shourie’s book rightly explains how India is making a mockery of itself with a limited approach. “We became insensitive where we had to be sensitive and we became weak where we had to become strong and the same policy is continuing today,” he opined.
Modi ji went on to ask how can India be in such a pitiable position, adding that the Congress-led UPA is making even efforts to that India in that direction. He questioned the UPA’s flawed policies and silence on issues like the beheading of our soldiers, border incursions, arrest of fishermen etc. “All this is happening because there is no seriousness. Our foreign minister reads the speech of another country and another foreign minister said that he likes Beijing so much that he wants to stay there.” Shri Modi affirmed that this is not a policy but a mockery, which needs to change. Referring to the mismanagement of the UPA in the economic field Shri Modi declared, “Today Rupee is in ICU…I do not know why Tamil people sent this person to Delhi.”
He also rightly pointed out that business and commerce are becoming guiding aspects of foreign policy, nothing that a strong economy will be a driver of an effective foreign policy. Shri Modi also called for strengthening of tourism as an effective way to end terrorism. Modi ji also called for integrating the states in the strengthening of foreign relations with other nations.
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.
