Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi remembers legendary Milkha Singh
India’s vaccination programme can be a case study for the world: PM Modi during Mann Ki Baat
India made a record of vaccinating 86 lakh people on 21st June: PM Modi
Collection of rainwater improves groundwater table; hence, water conservation is a form of service to the nation: PM Modi
We are all grateful for the contribution of doctors during the Corona period. Hence, this time Doctors' Day becomes even more special: PM
Chartered Accountants have a huge role in bringing transparency in the economy: PM Modi
Our mantra should be – India First: PM Modi

My dear countrymen, Namaskar.

Often in Mann Ki Baat there is a volley of your questions. This time I thought of doing something different, asking you questions, so listen carefully to my questions.

Who was the first Indian to win an Individual Gold at the Olympics?
In which game has India won the maximum number of medals at the Olympics?
Which player has won the maximum number of medals at the Olympics?

Friends, you may or may not send answers to me, but by answering the Olympics quiz that is on MyGov you will win several prizes. Many questions like these are in the Road To Tokyo Quiz on MyGov. Participate in the Road to Tokyo Quiz, know how India has performed earlier, how is our preparation now for Tokyo Olympics, know all this for yourself and tell others too. I want to urge you all to definitely participate in this quiz competition.

Friends, when we are talking of Tokyo Olympics, how can one forget the legendry athlete Milkha Singh. Some days ago, Corona snatched him away from us. When he was in hospital, I got an opportunity to talk to him. While talking to him I had urged him. I had said that you have represented India in 1964 Tokyo Olympics, so this time when our players are going to Olympics in Tokyo, you have to boost the morale of our athletes, have to motivate them with your message. He was so committed and emotional for sports that he immediately gave his consent even during his illness. But unfortunately, providence had other plans. I still remember he had come to Surat in 2014. We had inaugurated a Night Marathon. The interaction that I had with him then, the chat about sports that happened, that inspired me a lot too. We all know that the entire family of Milkha Singh has been dedicated to sports…. has been adding to the glory of India.

Friends, when Talent, Dedication, Determination and Sportsman Spirit come together only then a champion is made. In our country most of the sportspersons hail from the smaller towns and villages. Our team that is going to Tokyo too has many such players whose life inspires a lot. When you hear about our Praveen Jadhav ji , then you too will feel… how many difficulties Praveen has gone through to reach here. Praveen hails from a village in Satara district of Maharashtra. He is very good at Archery. His parents run the family by working as labourers and now their son is going to participate in his first Olympics at Tokyo. This is a matter of great pride not only for his parents but for all of us. Similarly, there is one more player, our Neha Goyal ji. Neha is a member of the women’s hockey team going to Tokyo. Her mother and sisters manage the family expenses by working in a cycle factory. Like Neha, Deepika Kumari ji’s life too has been full of ups and downs. Deepika’s father drives an auto rickshaw and her mother is a nurse, and now see, Deepika is at present the only female archer from India in the Tokyo Olympics. Our best wishes are with Deepika, once ranked world's number one archer.

Friends, wherever we reach in life, whatever height we attain this connection with the ground, always, keeps us bound to our roots. The joy of success experienced after a period of struggle is something else! Our players going to Tokyo faced scarcity of means and resources in their childhood, but they persevered, and endured with fortitude. The life of Priyanka Goswami ji of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh also teaches a lot. Priyanka's father is a bus conductor. As a child, Priyanka adored the bag that the medal winners were presented with. It was this fascination that made her participate in the Race-Walking competition for the first time. Now, she is a big champion of that.

Shivpal Singh ji, who participates in Javelin Throw, hails from Banaras. Shivpalji's entire family is associated with this sport. His father, uncle and brother are all experts at javelin throw. This family tradition is going to be useful for him in the Tokyo Olympics. The example of Chirag Shetty and his partner Satwik Sairaj going for the Tokyo Olympics is also inspiring. Recently, Chirag's maternal grandfather died of corona. Satwik himself also became corona positive last year. But, despite these hurdles, both of them are preparing to give their best in the Men's Double Shuttle Competition.

I would like to introduce you to another player, Manish Kaushik ji of Bhiwani, Haryana. Manish ji comes from an agricultural family. While working in the fields in his childhood, Manish became fond of boxing. Today this hobby of his is taking him to Tokyo. There is another player, C.A. Bhavani Devi Her name is Bhavani and she is adroit at fencing. Bhavani, who hails from Chennai, is the first Indian fencer to qualify in the Olympics. I was reading somewhere that in order for Bhavani ji's training to continue, her mother had even mortgaged her jewellery.

Friends, there are numerous such names, but in Mann Ki Baat, today I have been able to mention only a few. Every player going to Tokyo has had one’s own share of struggle, and years of toil. They are going not only for themselves but for the country. These players also have to enhance the glory of India and win the hearts of the people and that is why my countrymen I want to advise you too, that we should not pressurize these players knowingly or unknowingly, but support them with an open mind and bolster the enthusiasm of every player.

You can send your wishes to these players with #Cheer4India on social media. If you want to do something more innovative, then definitely do that too. If you come across any idea that the country should do collectively for our players, then you must send it to me. Together we will support our players going to Tokyo - Cheer4India!!! Cheer4India!!! Cheer4India!!

My dear countrymen, the battle we the countrymen are fighting against corona is continuing…but in this fight, together, we have achieved many an extraordinary milestone! Just a few days ago, our country accomplished an unprecedented feat. On the 21st of June, the next phase of the vaccination campaign commenced…and that very day, the country registered a record of administering vaccines to over 86 lakh people, free of cost…that too on a single day! Such a huge number of free vaccinations by the Government of India; that too in a day. It is but natural that it was widely discussed.
Friends, a year ago, the question that was confronting all was – When will the vaccine come! Today, in a day, we are administering the Made in India vaccine to lakhs of people, free of cost…and this indeed is the strength of New India.

Friends, we have to keep making efforts to ensure that every citizen is able to avail of safety through the vaccine. At many places, in order to end vaccine hesitancy, myriad organizations and members of civil society have come forward…and together, they are doing a wonderful job… Come…let us too visit a village and speak to people about the vaccine…let’s go to village Dulariya, district Betul, Madhya Pradesh.

PM – Hello…

Rajesh – Namaskar.

PM – Namaste ji.

Rajesh –My name is Rajesh Hiraawe, Gram Panchayat Dulariya, Bhimpur Block.

PM – Rajesh ji, I called up since I wanted to know about the Corona situation in your village, as of now.

Rajesh – Sir…the Corona situation here…well, there’s nothing of that sort here!

PM – People are not ailing now…?

Rajesh – Ji

PM – What is the population of the village? How many people are there?

Rajesh – Sir, there are 462 men and 332 women in the village.

PM – Fine Rajesh ji, have you taken the vaccine?

Rajesh – No Sir, not yet…

PM – O…why not?

Rajesh – Sir, some people here created such a delusion on WhatsApp that many were misled Sir.

PM – So…even you bear a fear in your mind!

Rajesh – Yes sir…the entire village was being misled.

PM – Oh…what have you said? See Rajesh ji…

Rajesh – Ji

PM – I would like to urge you and all my brothers and sisters in the village to dispel fear, if any…

Rajesh – Ji

PM – In our country, over 31 crore people have got themselves vaccinated.

Rajesh – Ji

PM – You know very well…I’ve myself been vaccinated with both doses.

Rajesh – Ji Sir

PM – And my mother is close to a hundred years of age…she too has taken both doses! At times, some people develop fever on account of this…but it’s very minor; just for a few hours…See, not getting vaccinated can prove dangerous.

Rajesh – Ji

PM – That way, you expose yourself to risk; not just that, you can endanger the family as well as the village!

Rajesh – Ji

PM -And Rajesh ji, that is why, as soon as possible, get yourself vaccinated…and in the village, tell everyone that the vaccine is being administered by the Government of India, free of cost…and for all persons above 18 years of age, this vaccination is free.

Rajesh – Ji Ji

PM – So, do tell this to people in the village…and this is not at all a reason for an atmosphere of fear in the village!

Rajesh – Sir, the reason is – some of them have spread such a misleading rumour…that deeply scared people. For example, developing fever after taking the vaccine…the fever leading to other ailments…rumour has been spread to the extent that it leads to a person’s death!

PM – Alas!.... These days, there is so much of radio and television; so much of news…hence it becomes easy for making people understand. And let me tell you…there are many villages in India where people have availed of the vaccine…I mean, cent percent of them. I’ll give you one such example…

Rajesh – Ji

PM - There’s district Bandipora in Kashmir…in this district, people of village Weyan together set themselves a target of 100% vaccines…and also achieved it. Today, in this village in Kashmir, all persons above the age of 18 have taken the vaccine. I came to know about three villages in Nagaland also where people have been vaccinated a 100 percent.

Rajesh – Ji Ji
PM – Rajesh ji, you too should communicate this across your village and neighbouring villages…and the way you also put it – it is a fallacy…just something misleading.

Rajesh – Ji Ji

PM – So, the only way to address this fallacy is convincing others by getting yourself vaccinated. You will do that, won’t you?

Rajesh – Ji Sir.

PM – Will you do it for sure?

Rajesh – Ji Sir, Ji Sir. Talking to you made me feel that I should get myself vaccinated and mobilise others to get the same done.

PM – Okay. Is there anyone else in the village I could talk to?

Rajesh – Yes Sir…there is.

PM – Who will speak?

Kishorilal – Hello Sir, Namaskar.

PM – Namaste ji, who is speaking?

Kishorilal – Sir, my name is Kishorilal Durve.

PM – So Kishorilal ji, we were just speaking to Rajesh ji.

Kishorilal – Ji Sir.

PM – And he was lamenting that people indulge in a lot of loose talk around the vaccine.

Kishorilal – Ji

PM – Have you too heard something like that?

Kishorilal – Yes…I have heard such things Sir.

PM – What have you heard?

Kishorilal – Since Sir, Maharashtra is close by, some relatives staying there spread rumours that people are dying because of the vaccine…some are getting sick…people are full of misconceptions, that is why they are not taking it Sir.

PM – No…what do they say? “Now Corona is over” – is that what they say?
Kishorilal-Ji

PM – Do they say that nothing happens due to Corona?

Kishorilal – No Sir…they don’t say that corona is gone. They say Corona is there, but that people who take vaccines are getting sick…all are dying. That is the situation they describe.

PM – Okay…meaning people are dying BECAUSE of the vaccine?

Kishorilal – Ours is a tribal area Sir…as it is, people get scared quickly…which leads to spreading of mistaken notions…that’s why people are not taking the vaccine Sir.

PM – See Kishorilal ji…

Kishorilal – Yes Sir

PM – Those spreading rumours will keep on doing so.

Kishorilal ji – Ji

PM – We have to save lives…we have to save our village…and our countrymen. If someone says Corona is gone, do not be under this mistaken notion.
Kishorilal – Ji

PM – This ailment is like a master of disguise.

Kishorilal – Ji sir

PM – It keeps changing its looks…surfaces in myriad new forms and colours.

Kishorilal – Ji

PM – And to protect ourselves from it, we have two ways. One is adhering to the protocol for Corona – wearing a mask, frequently washing hands with soap, maintaining distancing…and the other way is …along with all this, getting vaccinated…that too is a good safety shield…think about that.

Kishorilal – Ji.

Prime Minister- Ok Kishorilal ji tell us one thing

Kishorilal -Ji sir.

Prime Minister- When people talk to you, how do you communicate it to them? You try to convince people or do you get carried away by rumours?

Kishorilal- What to convince.., when there are people in large numbers, we too are overtaken by fear sir.

Prime Minister- Look Kishorilal ji, I have spoken to you, today you are my friend.

Kishorilal – Ji Sir.

Prime Minister-You don’t have to be afraid and have to remove fear from people too. Will you?

Kishorilal- Ji Sir. Will dispel that Sir, will remove fear from people too sir. I myself will get it done.

Prime Minister- Look, don’t at all pay attention to rumours.

Kishorilal- Ji.

Prime Minister- You know, how much hard work our scientists have put in to make this vaccine.

Kishorilal ji- Ji sir.

Prime Minister- Through the year many senior scientists have worked and that is why we have to believe in science, believe in scientists. And should explain to these propagators of falsehood that look brothers it is not so, so many people have taken vaccine, nothing untoward happens.

Kishorilal- Ji

Prime Minister- And we should keep ourselves very safe from rumours, save villages too.

Kishorilal- Ji

Prime Minister- And Rajesh ji, Kishorilal ji, to friends like you I would urge that work to stop these rumours not only in your village but in other villages too. And tell people that you interacted with me.

Kishorilal- Ji Sir.

Prime Minister- Tell them…tell them my name.

Kishorilal- Will tell sir and will explain to people and will have it ourselves too.

Prime Minister- See, convey my best wishes to your entire village.

Kishorilal- Ji Sir.

Prime Minister- And tell everyone that whenever their turn comes…

Kishorilal – Ji…

Prime Minister- Definitely get vaccinated.

Kishorilal- Definitely Sir.

Prime Minister- I would like that to the women of village, to our mothers and sisters…

Kishorilal- Ji sir

Prime Minister- Involve them more and more in this work and keep them actively associated with yourself.

Kishorilal- Ji.

Prime Minister- At times when mothers- sisters tell a thing people agree readily.

Kishorilal- Ji

Prime Minister- Will you update me when vaccination gets completed in your village?

Kishorilal- Yes, will tell sir.

Prime Minister- Sure, will you tell me?

Kishorilal- Ji

Prime Minister- Look, I will wait for your letter.

Kishorilal- Ji Sir.

Prime Minister- Ok, Rajesh ji, Kishore ji many many thanks. Got an opportunity to talk to you.

Kishorilal- Thanks Sir, you spoke to us. Many many thanks to you too.

Friends, someday this will be a subject of case study for the world that how during this Corona period people of villages of India, our forest dwellers-tribal brothers-sisters, displayed their capabilities and understanding. People of villages set up quarantine centres, made Covid protocol as per local requirements. People of villages did not let anybody sleep hungry, did not let work in fields stop either. The villages also ensured daily supply of milk and vegetables to nearby cities that is, they took care of themselves and of others too. We have to keep doing the same way in the vaccination campaign too. We have to be aware and make others aware too. Every person in the village gets vaccinated - this should be the goal for all villages. Remember, and I specially want to tell you... Ask a question to yourself- everyone wants to be successful but what is the deciding mantra for success? The decisive mantra for success is continuity, so we don’t have to get lax, don’t have to get in delusion. We have to keep making efforts continuously… register victory over Corona.

My dear countrymen, now the monsoon season has also arrived in our country. When the clouds rain, they rain not only for us, but also for the generations to come! Rain water also collects in the ground, it also replenishes the water level of the ground. And that's why I consider water conservation as a form of service to the country. You too must have seen, many of us are taking this pious work as their responsibility. One such person is Satchidanand Bharti ji of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Bharti ji is a teacher and he has imparted very good education to the people through his deeds. Today, due to his hard work, the huge water crisis in the Ufrainkhal area of ​​Pauri Garhwal has come to an end. Where people used to pine for water, today there is continuous supply of water throughout the year.
Friends, in the hills there exists a traditional method of water conservation, which is called Chalkhal. That is, it involves digging a big pit to collect water. Bharti ji also added some new methods to this tradition. He regularly got small and big ponds dug. Due to this, not only the hills of Ufrainkhal turned green, but the problem of drinking water of the people was also solved. You will be surprised to know that Bharti ji has got more than 30 thousand such water tanks constructed. 30 thousand! This monumental work of his continues even today and is inspiring many people

Friends, similarly the people of Andhav village in Banda district of UP have also made an innovative effort and have given a very interesting name to their campaign – 'Khet ka pani khet mein, gaon ka panigaonmein'. Under this campaign, high bunds have been raised in several hundred bighas of fields of the village. As a result rain water started collecting in the field, and started percolating into the ground. Now, these people are also planning to plant trees on the bunds of the fields. That is, now farmers will get all three - water, trees and money! As it is the village is getting recognized far and wide due to its good work.
Friends, taking inspiration from all of these efforts, we can also conserve water around us, in whatever way possible… we should save it. We must not to miss this crucial period of the monsoon season.
My dear countrymen, it is said in our scriptures –
"“नास्ति मूलम् अनौषधम्” " "Nasti Moolam Anoushadham"

That is, there is no such plant on earth which does not have any medicinal properties! There are many such trees and plants around us, which have amazing properties, but many times we do not even know about them! Bhai Paritosh, a friend from Nainital has also sent me a letter on the same subject. He has written that he came to know about miraculous medicinal properties of Giloy and many other plants only after the outbreak of Corona! Paritosh has also urged me to tell all the listeners of Mann Ki Baat that we should know about the flora around us, and also convey to others. In fact, this is our centuries old heritage, which we have to preserve. In this direction, Mr. Ramlotan Kushwaha ji, a friend from Satna of Madhya Pradesh, has done a very commendable job. Ramlotan ji has built a museum of indigenous plants on his farm. In this museum, he has collected hundreds of medicinal plants and seeds. And he has brought them here from far flung regions. Apart from this, he also grows many types of Indian vegetables every year. People visit this garden, this museum of Ramlotan ji, and learn a lot from it. Indeed, this is a very good experiment which can be replicated in different regions of the country. I would like that those of you who can make such an effort, should attempt it. This can also open up new sources of income for you. Another benefit will be that the identity of your area will gain wide prominence through the local medicinal plants.

My dear countrymen, a few days from now we will celebrate National Doctors Day on the 1st of July. This day is dedicated to the birth anniversary of the great doctor and statesman of the country, Dr B.C. Roy. We are all grateful for the contribution of doctors in the Corona period. Our doctors have served us without caring about their lives. Therefore, this time around National Doctors Day becomes all the more special.
Friends, Hippocrates, one of the most respected persons in the world of medicine, had said:
“Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity.”

Doctors are able to serve us with the power of this very love. Therefore, it is our duty to thank them with an equal measure of affection and encourage them! By the way, there are many people in our country who have come forward and worked to help the doctors. I came to know about one such attempt from Srinagar. Here a Boat Ambulance Service was started at Dal Lake. This service was started by Tariq Ahmad Patloo ji of Srinagar, who is a Houseboat Owner. He himself has also fought the battle with COVID-19 and this inspired him to start the Ambulance Service. A campaign is also underway to make people aware of this ambulance, and continuous announcements from the ambulance are being made by him. The effort is that people should wear a mask and undertake other necessary precautions too.

Friends, along with Doctors Day, Chartered Accountants Day is also celebrated on the 1st of July. A few years ago, I had asked for global level Indian audit firms as a gift from Chartered Accountants of the country. Today I want to remind them of that. Chartered Accountants can play a very worthy and positive role in bringing transparency to the economy. I extend my best wishes to all Chartered Accountants and their family members

My dear countrymen, there is one great feature of India's fight against Corona. Each and every person of the country has played their part in this fight. I have often spoken about this in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. But some people also complain that not a lot is discussed about them. Many people, whether they are bank staff, teachers, small traders or shopkeepers, people working in shops, street vendors, security watchmen, postmen and post office employees… Actually, this list is very long and everyone has played his or her part. Innumerable people have been involved with government and administration at different levels.

Friends, you have probably heard the name of Guru Prasad Mohapatra ji, who was the Secretary to the Government of India. Today in "Mann Ki Baat", I want to speak about him too. Guruprasad ji was diagnosed with Corona, he was admitted in the hospital and yet at the same time was performing his official duties too. He toiled day and night to increase the Oxygen producing capacities of the country and to ensure that Oxygen reached far flung areas. On the one hand, the affairs of the court, the pressure of the media, he kept fighting on many fronts simultaneously and did not stop working during his illness. Even after being told not to, he used to insist on joining the video conferences on oxygen. Such was his concern for his countrymen. He kept on making arrangements to deliver oxygen to the people of the country, regardless of himself being on the hospital bed. It is sad for all of us that the country has also lost this KarmaYogi ; Corona has snatched him away from us. There are countless people who have never been discussed. Our tribute to every such person would be that we follow the covid protocol fully, get our vaccinations done.

My dear countrymen, the best thing about 'Mann Ki Baat' is that you all contribute to it more than me. I saw a post on MyGov by Thiru R.Guruprasad ji from Chennai. You too will be pleased to know what he has written. He has written that he is a regular listener of the program "Mann Ki Baat". I am quoting a few lines from Guruprasad ji's post. He has written -

“Whenever you talk about Tamil Nadu, my interest increases even more.
You have discussed the greatness of Tamil language and Tamil culture, Tamil festivals and major places in Tamil Nadu.”

Guru Prasad ji further writes – “In ‘Mann Ki Baat’, you have also spoken many times about the achievements of the people of Tamil Nadu. What to say about your love for Thirukkural and your respect for Thiruvalluvar ji! That's why I have prepared an E-Book by compiling all that you have spoken about Tamil Nadu in 'Mann Ki Baat'. Will you say something about this e-book and also release it on the Namo App? Thanks!”

‘I was reading the letter of Guruprasad ji for you.’

Guruprasad ji, I am very happy to read this post of yours. Now, add another page to your E-Book -

नान तमिलकला चाराक्तिन पेरिये अभिमानी |
नान उलगतलये पलमायां तमिल मोलियन पेरिये अभिमानी |


There could definitely be fault in pronunciation but my efforts and my love will never diminish. I want to tell those who are not Tamil speaking, what I have told Guruprasad ji -

‘I am a big admirer of Tamil culture.
I am a big admirer of Tamil, the oldest language in the world.’

Friends, every Indian should cherish and feel proud that the most ancient language of the world belongs to our country. I take a lot of pride in Tamil. Guru Prasad ji, this effort of yours is going to give a new vision to me. When I do 'Mann Ki Baat', I put forth my point in a simple manner. I didn't know that this was even a part, an element of it. When you collected all our old conversations, I read it not once but twice. Guruprasad ji, I will definitely get this book of yours uploaded on the Namo App. Best wishes to you for future endeavours.


My dear countrymen, today we talked about the difficulties and precautions pertaining to Corona and also discussed many achievements of the country and countrymen. Now another big opportunity is in front of us too. 15th August is also approaching. Amrit Mahotsav of 75 years of Independence is a big inspiration for us. Let us learn to live for the country. The Struggle for Independence is the story of those who died for the country, we have to make this post-Independence time the story of those who live for the country. Our mantra should be – India First. Every decision of ours, every decision should have the basis - India First!

Friends, the country has also set many collective goals in the Amrit Mahotsav. Like, we have to revive the history related to our freedom fighters by remembering them. You will remember that in 'Mann Ki Baat', I appealed to the youth to research and write history of the freedom struggle. The motive was that young talents should come forward, young thinking, young thoughts should gain prominence, the young pen should write with new energy. I feel very happy to see that in a very short time more than two and a half thousand youth have come forward to do this work. Friends, the interesting thing is that the Struggle of the 19th - 20th century is usually talked about, but it is a matter of joy that the youth who have been born and brought up in the 21st century have taken up cudgels to bring to the forefront the history of the Freedom Struggle of 19th and 20th century. All these people have sent the full details on MyGov. These people will be writing on the freedom struggle in different languages of the country, such as Hindi – English, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi – Malayalam, Gujarati. Some are associated with the freedom struggle, gathering information about the places around them, while someone else is writing a book on tribal freedom fighters.This is a good start. I request all of you to join the Amrit Mahotsav, in whichever way you can. It is our good fortune that we are witness to the festival of 75 years of our Independence. Hence the next time we meet in 'Mann Ki Baat', we will talk more about preparations for the Amrit Mahotsav. May all of you stay healthy, move forward following the rules related to Corona and keep giving momentum to the country with your new efforts. With best wishes, thank you very much!

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Text of PM’s address at the Odisha Parba
November 24, 2024
Delighted to take part in the Odisha Parba in Delhi, the state plays a pivotal role in India's growth and is blessed with cultural heritage admired across the country and the world: PM
The culture of Odisha has greatly strengthened the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', in which the sons and daughters of the state have made huge contributions: PM
We can see many examples of the contribution of Oriya literature to the cultural prosperity of India: PM
Odisha's cultural richness, architecture and science have always been special, We have to constantly take innovative steps to take every identity of this place to the world: PM
We are working fast in every sector for the development of Odisha,it has immense possibilities of port based industrial development: PM
Odisha is India's mining and metal powerhouse making it’s position very strong in the steel, aluminium and energy sectors: PM
Our government is committed to promote ease of doing business in Odisha: PM
Today Odisha has its own vision and roadmap, now investment will be encouraged and new employment opportunities will be created: PM

जय जगन्नाथ!

जय जगन्नाथ!

केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल के मेरे सहयोगी श्रीमान धर्मेन्द्र प्रधान जी, अश्विनी वैष्णव जी, उड़िया समाज संस्था के अध्यक्ष श्री सिद्धार्थ प्रधान जी, उड़िया समाज के अन्य अधिकारी, ओडिशा के सभी कलाकार, अन्य महानुभाव, देवियों और सज्जनों।

ओडिशा र सबू भाईओ भउणी मानंकु मोर नमस्कार, एबंग जुहार। ओड़िया संस्कृति के महाकुंभ ‘ओड़िशा पर्व 2024’ कू आसी मँ गर्बित। आपण मानंकु भेटी मूं बहुत आनंदित।

मैं आप सबको और ओडिशा के सभी लोगों को ओडिशा पर्व की बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूँ। इस साल स्वभाव कवि गंगाधर मेहेर की पुण्यतिथि का शताब्दी वर्ष भी है। मैं इस अवसर पर उनका पुण्य स्मरण करता हूं, उन्हें श्रद्धांजलि देता हूँ। मैं भक्त दासिआ बाउरी जी, भक्त सालबेग जी, उड़िया भागवत की रचना करने वाले श्री जगन्नाथ दास जी को भी आदरपूर्वक नमन करता हूं।

ओडिशा निजर सांस्कृतिक विविधता द्वारा भारतकु जीबन्त रखिबारे बहुत बड़ भूमिका प्रतिपादन करिछि।

साथियों,

ओडिशा हमेशा से संतों और विद्वानों की धरती रही है। सरल महाभारत, उड़िया भागवत...हमारे धर्मग्रन्थों को जिस तरह यहाँ के विद्वानों ने लोकभाषा में घर-घर पहुंचाया, जिस तरह ऋषियों के विचारों से जन-जन को जोड़ा....उसने भारत की सांस्कृतिक समृद्धि में बहुत बड़ी भूमिका निभाई है। उड़िया भाषा में महाप्रभु जगन्नाथ जी से जुड़ा कितना बड़ा साहित्य है। मुझे भी उनकी एक गाथा हमेशा याद रहती है। महाप्रभु अपने श्री मंदिर से बाहर आए थे और उन्होंने स्वयं युद्ध का नेतृत्व किया था। तब युद्धभूमि की ओर जाते समय महाप्रभु श्री जगन्नाथ ने अपनी भक्त ‘माणिका गौउडुणी’ के हाथों से दही खाई थी। ये गाथा हमें बहुत कुछ सिखाती है। ये हमें सिखाती है कि हम नेक नीयत से काम करें, तो उस काम का नेतृत्व खुद ईश्वर करते हैं। हमेशा, हर समय, हर हालात में ये सोचने की जरूरत नहीं है कि हम अकेले हैं, हम हमेशा ‘प्लस वन’ होते हैं, प्रभु हमारे साथ होते हैं, ईश्वर हमेशा हमारे साथ होते हैं।

साथियों,

ओडिशा के संत कवि भीम भोई ने कहा था- मो जीवन पछे नर्के पडिथाउ जगत उद्धार हेउ। भाव ये कि मुझे चाहे जितने ही दुख क्यों ना उठाने पड़ें...लेकिन जगत का उद्धार हो। यही ओडिशा की संस्कृति भी है। ओडिशा सबु जुगरे समग्र राष्ट्र एबं पूरा मानब समाज र सेबा करिछी। यहाँ पुरी धाम ने ‘एक भारत श्रेष्ठ भारत’ की भावना को मजबूत बनाया। ओडिशा की वीर संतानों ने आज़ादी की लड़ाई में भी बढ़-चढ़कर देश को दिशा दिखाई थी। पाइका क्रांति के शहीदों का ऋण, हम कभी नहीं चुका सकते। ये मेरी सरकार का सौभाग्य है कि उसे पाइका क्रांति पर स्मारक डाक टिकट और सिक्का जारी करने का अवसर मिला था।

साथियों,

उत्कल केशरी हरे कृष्ण मेहताब जी के योगदान को भी इस समय पूरा देश याद कर रहा है। हम व्यापक स्तर पर उनकी 125वीं जयंती मना रहे हैं। अतीत से लेकर आज तक, ओडिशा ने देश को कितना सक्षम नेतृत्व दिया है, ये भी हमारे सामने है। आज ओडिशा की बेटी...आदिवासी समुदाय की द्रौपदी मुर्मू जी भारत की राष्ट्रपति हैं। ये हम सभी के लिए बहुत ही गर्व की बात है। उनकी प्रेरणा से आज भारत में आदिवासी कल्याण की हजारों करोड़ रुपए की योजनाएं शुरू हुई हैं, और ये योजनाएं सिर्फ ओडिशा के ही नहीं बल्कि पूरे भारत के आदिवासी समाज का हित कर रही हैं।

साथियों,

ओडिशा, माता सुभद्रा के रूप में नारीशक्ति और उसके सामर्थ्य की धरती है। ओडिशा तभी आगे बढ़ेगा, जब ओडिशा की महिलाएं आगे बढ़ेंगी। इसीलिए, कुछ ही दिन पहले मैंने ओडिशा की अपनी माताओं-बहनों के लिए सुभद्रा योजना का शुभारंभ किया था। इसका बहुत बड़ा लाभ ओडिशा की महिलाओं को मिलेगा। उत्कलर एही महान सुपुत्र मानंकर बिसयरे देश जाणू, एबं सेमानंक जीबन रु प्रेरणा नेउ, एथी निमन्ते एपरी आयौजनर बहुत अधिक गुरुत्व रहिछि ।

साथियों,

इसी उत्कल ने भारत के समुद्री सामर्थ्य को नया विस्तार दिया था। कल ही ओडिशा में बाली जात्रा का समापन हुआ है। इस बार भी 15 नवंबर को कार्तिक पूर्णिमा के दिन से कटक में महानदी के तट पर इसका भव्य आयोजन हो रहा था। बाली जात्रा प्रतीक है कि भारत का, ओडिशा का सामुद्रिक सामर्थ्य क्या था। सैकड़ों वर्ष पहले जब आज जैसी टेक्नोलॉजी नहीं थी, तब भी यहां के नाविकों ने समुद्र को पार करने का साहस दिखाया। हमारे यहां के व्यापारी जहाजों से इंडोनेशिया के बाली, सुमात्रा, जावा जैसे स्थानो की यात्राएं करते थे। इन यात्राओं के माध्यम से व्यापार भी हुआ और संस्कृति भी एक जगह से दूसरी जगह पहुंची। आजी विकसित भारतर संकल्पर सिद्धि निमन्ते ओडिशार सामुद्रिक शक्तिर महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका अछि।

साथियों,

ओडिशा को नई ऊंचाई तक ले जाने के लिए 10 साल से चल रहे अनवरत प्रयास....आज ओडिशा के लिए नए भविष्य की उम्मीद बन रहे हैं। 2024 में ओडिशावासियों के अभूतपूर्व आशीर्वाद ने इस उम्मीद को नया हौसला दिया है। हमने बड़े सपने देखे हैं, बड़े लक्ष्य तय किए हैं। 2036 में ओडिशा, राज्य-स्थापना का शताब्दी वर्ष मनाएगा। हमारा प्रयास है कि ओडिशा की गिनती देश के सशक्त, समृद्ध और तेजी से आगे बढ़ने वाले राज्यों में हो।

साथियों,

एक समय था, जब भारत के पूर्वी हिस्से को...ओडिशा जैसे राज्यों को पिछड़ा कहा जाता था। लेकिन मैं भारत के पूर्वी हिस्से को देश के विकास का ग्रोथ इंजन मानता हूं। इसलिए हमने पूर्वी भारत के विकास को अपनी प्राथमिकता बनाया है। आज पूरे पूर्वी भारत में कनेक्टिविटी के काम हों, स्वास्थ्य के काम हों, शिक्षा के काम हों, सभी में तेजी लाई गई है। 10 साल पहले ओडिशा को केंद्र सरकार जितना बजट देती थी, आज ओडिशा को तीन गुना ज्यादा बजट मिल रहा है। इस साल ओडिशा के विकास के लिए पिछले साल की तुलना में 30 प्रतिशत ज्यादा बजट दिया गया है। हम ओडिशा के विकास के लिए हर सेक्टर में तेजी से काम कर रहे हैं।

साथियों,

ओडिशा में पोर्ट आधारित औद्योगिक विकास की अपार संभावनाएं हैं। इसलिए धामरा, गोपालपुर, अस्तारंगा, पलुर, और सुवर्णरेखा पोर्ट्स का विकास करके यहां व्यापार को बढ़ावा दिया जाएगा। ओडिशा भारत का mining और metal powerhouse भी है। इससे स्टील, एल्युमिनियम और एनर्जी सेक्टर में ओडिशा की स्थिति काफी मजबूत हो जाती है। इन सेक्टरों पर फोकस करके ओडिशा में समृद्धि के नए दरवाजे खोले जा सकते हैं।

साथियों,

ओडिशा की धरती पर काजू, जूट, कपास, हल्दी और तिलहन की पैदावार बहुतायत में होती है। हमारा प्रयास है कि इन उत्पादों की पहुंच बड़े बाजारों तक हो और उसका फायदा हमारे किसान भाई-बहनों को मिले। ओडिशा की सी-फूड प्रोसेसिंग इंडस्ट्री में भी विस्तार की काफी संभावनाएं हैं। हमारा प्रयास है कि ओडिशा सी-फूड एक ऐसा ब्रांड बने, जिसकी मांग ग्लोबल मार्केट में हो।

साथियों,

हमारा प्रयास है कि ओडिशा निवेश करने वालों की पसंदीदा जगहों में से एक हो। हमारी सरकार ओडिशा में इज ऑफ डूइंग बिजनेस को बढ़ावा देने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है। उत्कर्ष उत्कल के माध्यम से निवेश को बढ़ाया जा रहा है। ओडिशा में नई सरकार बनते ही, पहले 100 दिनों के भीतर-भीतर, 45 हजार करोड़ रुपए के निवेश को मंजूरी मिली है। आज ओडिशा के पास अपना विज़न भी है, और रोडमैप भी है। अब यहाँ निवेश को भी बढ़ावा मिलेगा, और रोजगार के नए अवसर भी पैदा होंगे। मैं इन प्रयासों के लिए मुख्यमंत्री श्रीमान मोहन चरण मांझी जी और उनकी टीम को बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूं।

साथियों,

ओडिशा के सामर्थ्य का सही दिशा में उपयोग करके उसे विकास की नई ऊंचाइयों पर पहुंचाया जा सकता है। मैं मानता हूं, ओडिशा को उसकी strategic location का बहुत बड़ा फायदा मिल सकता है। यहां से घरेलू और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय बाजार तक पहुंचना आसान है। पूर्व और दक्षिण-पूर्व एशिया के लिए ओडिशा व्यापार का एक महत्वपूर्ण हब है। Global value chains में ओडिशा की अहमियत आने वाले समय में और बढ़ेगी। हमारी सरकार राज्य से export बढ़ाने के लक्ष्य पर भी काम कर रही है।

साथियों,

ओडिशा में urbanization को बढ़ावा देने की अपार संभावनाएं हैं। हमारी सरकार इस दिशा में ठोस कदम उठा रही है। हम ज्यादा संख्या में dynamic और well-connected cities के निर्माण के लिए प्रतिबद्ध हैं। हम ओडिशा के टियर टू शहरों में भी नई संभावनाएं बनाने का भरपूर हम प्रयास कर रहे हैं। खासतौर पर पश्चिम ओडिशा के इलाकों में जो जिले हैं, वहाँ नए इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर से नए अवसर पैदा होंगे।

साथियों,

हायर एजुकेशन के क्षेत्र में ओडिशा देशभर के छात्रों के लिए एक नई उम्मीद की तरह है। यहां कई राष्ट्रीय और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय इंस्टीट्यूट हैं, जो राज्य को एजुकेशन सेक्टर में लीड लेने के लिए प्रेरित करते हैं। इन कोशिशों से राज्य में स्टार्टअप्स इकोसिस्टम को भी बढ़ावा मिल रहा है।

साथियों,

ओडिशा अपनी सांस्कृतिक समृद्धि के कारण हमेशा से ख़ास रहा है। ओडिशा की विधाएँ हर किसी को सम्मोहित करती है, हर किसी को प्रेरित करती हैं। यहाँ का ओड़िशी नृत्य हो...ओडिशा की पेंटिंग्स हों...यहाँ जितनी जीवंतता पट्टचित्रों में देखने को मिलती है...उतनी ही बेमिसाल हमारे आदिवासी कला की प्रतीक सौरा चित्रकारी भी होती है। संबलपुरी, बोमकाई और कोटपाद बुनकरों की कारीगरी भी हमें ओडिशा में देखने को मिलती है। हम इस कला और कारीगरी का जितना प्रसार करेंगे, उतना ही इस कला को संरक्षित करने वाले उड़िया लोगों को सम्मान मिलेगा।

साथियों,

हमारे ओडिशा के पास वास्तु और विज्ञान की भी इतनी बड़ी धरोहर है। कोणार्क का सूर्य मंदिर… इसकी विशालता, इसका विज्ञान...लिंगराज और मुक्तेश्वर जैसे पुरातन मंदिरों का वास्तु.....ये हर किसी को आश्चर्यचकित करता है। आज लोग जब इन्हें देखते हैं...तो सोचने पर मजबूर हो जाते हैं कि सैकड़ों साल पहले भी ओडिशा के लोग विज्ञान में इतने आगे थे।

साथियों,

ओडिशा, पर्यटन की दृष्टि से अपार संभावनाओं की धरती है। हमें इन संभावनाओं को धरातल पर उतारने के लिए कई आयामों में काम करना है। आप देख रहे हैं, आज ओडिशा के साथ-साथ देश में भी ऐसी सरकार है जो ओडिशा की धरोहरों का, उसकी पहचान का सम्मान करती है। आपने देखा होगा, पिछले साल हमारे यहाँ G-20 का सम्मेलन हुआ था। हमने G-20 के दौरान इतने सारे देशों के राष्ट्राध्यक्षों और राजनयिकों के सामने...सूर्यमंदिर की ही भव्य तस्वीर को प्रस्तुत किया था। मुझे खुशी है कि महाप्रभु जगन्नाथ मंदिर परिसर के सभी चार द्वार खुल चुके हैं। मंदिर का रत्न भंडार भी खोल दिया गया है।

साथियों,

हमें ओडिशा की हर पहचान को दुनिया को बताने के लिए भी और भी इनोवेटिव कदम उठाने हैं। जैसे....हम बाली जात्रा को और पॉपुलर बनाने के लिए बाली जात्रा दिवस घोषित कर सकते हैं, उसका अंतरराष्ट्रीय मंच पर प्रचार कर सकते हैं। हम ओडिशी नृत्य जैसी कलाओं के लिए ओडिशी दिवस मनाने की शुरुआत कर सकते हैं। विभिन्न आदिवासी धरोहरों को सेलिब्रेट करने के लिए भी नई परम्पराएँ शुरू की जा सकती हैं। इसके लिए स्कूल और कॉलेजों में विशेष आयोजन किए जा सकते हैं। इससे लोगों में जागरूकता आएगी, यहाँ पर्यटन और लघु उद्योगों से जुड़े अवसर बढ़ेंगे। कुछ ही दिनों बाद प्रवासी भारतीय सम्मेलन भी, विश्व भर के लोग इस बार ओडिशा में, भुवनेश्वर में आने वाले हैं। प्रवासी भारतीय दिवस पहली बार ओडिशा में हो रहा है। ये सम्मेलन भी ओडिशा के लिए बहुत बड़ा अवसर बनने वाला है।

साथियों,

कई जगह देखा गया है बदलते समय के साथ, लोग अपनी मातृभाषा और संस्कृति को भी भूल जाते हैं। लेकिन मैंने देखा है...उड़िया समाज, चाहे जहां भी रहे, अपनी संस्कृति, अपनी भाषा...अपने पर्व-त्योहारों को लेकर हमेशा से बहुत उत्साहित रहा है। मातृभाषा और संस्कृति की शक्ति कैसे हमें अपनी जमीन से जोड़े रखती है...ये मैंने कुछ दिन पहले ही दक्षिण अमेरिका के देश गयाना में भी देखा। करीब दो सौ साल पहले भारत से सैकड़ों मजदूर गए...लेकिन वो अपने साथ रामचरित मानस ले गए...राम का नाम ले गए...इससे आज भी उनका नाता भारत भूमि से जुड़ा हुआ है। अपनी विरासत को इसी तरह सहेज कर रखते हुए जब विकास होता है...तो उसका लाभ हर किसी तक पहुंचता है। इसी तरह हम ओडिशा को भी नई ऊचाई पर पहुंचा सकते हैं।

साथियों,

आज के आधुनिक युग में हमें आधुनिक बदलावों को आत्मसात भी करना है, और अपनी जड़ों को भी मजबूत बनाना है। ओडिशा पर्व जैसे आयोजन इसका एक माध्यम बन सकते हैं। मैं चाहूँगा, आने वाले वर्षों में इस आयोजन का और ज्यादा विस्तार हो, ये पर्व केवल दिल्ली तक सीमित न रहे। ज्यादा से ज्यादा लोग इससे जुड़ें, स्कूल कॉलेजों का participation भी बढ़े, हमें इसके लिए प्रयास करने चाहिए। दिल्ली में बाकी राज्यों के लोग भी यहाँ आयें, ओडिशा को और करीबी से जानें, ये भी जरूरी है। मुझे भरोसा है, आने वाले समय में इस पर्व के रंग ओडिशा और देश के कोने-कोने तक पहुंचेंगे, ये जनभागीदारी का एक बहुत बड़ा प्रभावी मंच बनेगा। इसी भावना के साथ, मैं एक बार फिर आप सभी को बधाई देता हूं।

आप सबका बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।

जय जगन्नाथ!