Hon'ble CM's message to people on Independence Day

Published By : Admin | August 15, 2010 | 12:33 IST

Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Independence Day. With a stern resolve he said that his Government will never submit to the entities who are playing with the safety of common man and security of the Gujarat state.

Appealing people to recognize the protectors of terrorists hiding behind many masks, he said that Gujarat will never put up with those who have enter on to the field for defending the terrorists and trying to take into the clutch a government that is fighting against terrorism.

Praising the works of police force of Gujarat Shri Modi said that today when terrorism, moism and naxalism is threatening the internal security of the nation, Gujarat's policemen have put their life on risk, decoded the nation-wide nexus behind bomb blasts and place behind bar about 400 terrorists by working day and night. Their efforts have earned a safe atmosphere for Gujarat through which Gujarat could move ahead on the path of progress. Not only the government but the people also commend the works of police, he said.

Following is the text of Chief Minister Shri Narnendra Modi's address to the people on the occasion of the Independence Day:-

Dear brothers and sisters of the state,

My greetings to you all on the 64th anniversary of our independence.

Today we are breathing the air in a free nation. But behind our freedom lies the devotion of lakhs of people who for the pride of the nation, spent their youth in jails and sacrificed their lives. It was as if an array of sacrificing life for the freedom of our country. Take for instance, the struggle at Palchitariya in Sabarakantha where hundreds of our tribal brothers sacrificed their lives. Freedom fighters, society-builders or the leaders of people's movement all dedicated their lives in their own way for securing a freedom for us. Today is the time to salute their deeds and to take inspiration from these great people. Along with Mahatma Gandhiji and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, there were many other fighters also. These people took lead in freedom movement. Let us remember them and resolve to realise their dreams today.

Nation got independence because some people 'sacrificed' their lives but nation will get good-governance only if some people will 'live' their life and move ahead determinedly.

On 64th anniversary of independence of the nation, Gujarat is also celebrating golden jubilee of its formation. Scaling new heights - is the objective behind the celebration of Swarnim Jyanti. Let us all take new pledges, add hard work to these pledges and present new successes in the foot of Gujarat state.

In a journey of 50 years, for the first time, Gujarat has seen a decade where nature also supported it greatly. There was no sign of drought during this decade. Enough rainfall at all places. as if the nature has started showering grace upon Gujarat. And our farmers have also not let this opportunity pass by. God bestowed blessings and men laboured a perfect balance between these two was found in Gujarat. And as a result, Gujarat has taken a lead in agricultural production. There was a time when the names of Panjab, Hariyana and the regions adjoining Ganga-Yamuna were discussed, when there was a talk on agriculture. For Gujarat, 'drought' was the only destiny. We came out of it. People of Gujarat, especially my farmer brothers are farsighted and so that we have taken up a movement to conserve water. Farmers are now competing to implement drip irrigation method. It improves farming while saving water and power. I congratulate them for their farsighted efforts. It is not a small thing that Gujarat is now adding to the food stock of India.

The other thing of pride for us is our success in the field of science. Gujarat is the only state in the country where we have broadband connectivity even in villages. With E-Gram-Vishva-Gram Yojana, we have attained success in connecting common men with entire world through the medium of technology. Satellite system can be used in education and in fisheries. It can also be used in constructing small check-dams. We want to translate the usage of technology into progress.

Education has a high importance in the process of growth. We have stir up a campaign of Kanya Kelavani. Enrolled lakhs of teachers. Built more than 50,000 class rooms. Many villages did not have education above class-7. Now, we have added class-8 in primary education. So that children don't need to go to other villages for further study after class-7. This experiment has received a great success. Number of students dropping education after class seven has come down to nil. We can see what a great result a small experiment can bring.

Brothers and sisters! We have called a battle against malnutrition. How can we afford that a child in Gujarat is suffering from malnutrition? We are continuously raising the issue of high price in front of Indian government and at the same time we are also making elaborate efforts against malnutrition and poverty in our state. It is only with healthy children, Gujarat will have a healthy future.

'Beti Bachavo' abhiyan has become exemplary for entire nation. Rate of infant death was a matter of shame for our country. So was the case for Gujarat. But we have gone against it also. A pregnant mother delivers a dead child in 21st century was a painful thing. We carried out many experiments. Chiranjivi yojana is one of them. This scheme received many praises. Today we have become successful in bringing down mother-infant mortality rate significantly and moving ahead for better.

We are focusing on Human Development Index. Providing basic needs to the common men is our concern. We are hearing the talks about poor and poverty since the time of independence. Everybody must have done something or other in this regard. But we have found a unique remedy  Garib Kalyan Mela. It has been proved as a magical drug to bring the poor out of the disease of poverty. Benefits extended by government are now reaching directly in the hand of real beneficiaries. It has put an end to middlemen who were siphoning the benefits meant for the poor. Functioning of Garib Kalyan Mela has sensitized entire administration. Poor are now working hard with a spirit of coming out of poverty. If we can line up everything society, government, schemes, budget; we can produce a momentum against poverty. And it is possible that in coming future, this wonder drug of Gujarat become helpful to the poor of entire nation.

We want to grow. But is growth possible without security? We can not reap the fruits of growth without a secure atmosphere. We are determined to march ahead for the safety of common men. Hordes of vested interests are throwing hurdles against our growth. They are trying various tricks. Many games are being played to take this government into clutch. On today's auspicious day of 15th August, I want to assure you that this government is committed for the safety of common men of the state. And it will never submit to the entities playing with the security of the people.

Today, maoists, naxalists and all other terrorists are like cordoning the country. I want to laud the Gujarat police. I want to congratulate it as nobody in the country was able to stop bomb blasts that were happing through out the nation. But because of the bravery of Gujarat police, nexus of these gangsters could be detected which then lessened the events of bomb blasts. Policemen putting their lives on risk have arrested more than 400 terrorists and successfully get them sentenced. Today I especially want to congratulate Gujarat police jawans and want to assure them that not only government but all 5.5 crore people of Gujarat is with them in their back up. Let us all move ahead resolutely with the aim of securing human life from terrorism, maoism, naxalism and all sort of crimes.

I have to say that there is an entire battalion of protectors of terrorists. They have many faces. Sometimes, people talking sweet; also enter into the field to defend terrorists. Tricks to safeguard terrorists and for chopping this government are played. Like the terrorists, protectors of terrorists are also spread throughout the world. We need to recognize them. They can never be tolerated.

We can not revert back from our resolution. People have selected us for the security of common men. We can not leave this path. We want your support and blessings. How everyone can get his share of joy and peace is our concern today on the day of independence. I proudly want to announce that in Gujarat we have created an environment of joy and peace. It is a matter every Gujarati can talk about with pride.

What a time Gujarat has seen in past? Small or more pranks, riots, firing, stabbings, troops of police. There was not a single decade when we had not seen such unfortunate scenes. Panic, panic and panic don't we remember those days when with a spreading of canard we were closing the shutters of our shops? Whereas, during 2001 to 2010, we have not seen any such incidents even in the days of festivals - like Rathyatra, Mahoram, Ramzan, Shravan, Ide or Janmashtami. We have experienced the power of peace and brotherhood. Everyone has contributed during this decade for the maintaining of peace and brotherhood. I want to thank all five and a half crore Gujaratis for this peaceful journey. Let us march ahead with the power of peace and brotherhood.

Sea line of Saurashtra like a salt-bed. There was a time when people were avoiding Saurashtra. Today, we are coming back to Saurashtra. Throbbing with progress, this coast line has made its relation with the world 'vibrant' once again. Rann of Kutch' once people were trying to escape from it. Today, people are queuing to settle in Kutch. Brothers and sisters, today, the same heavy heat is proving as asset for the growth of Gujarat. We have used sun heat to produce solar energy and earned a fortune by turning the odd into opportunity. We are capturing new milestones in the field of energy. We shall contribute largely to the world and world will have its sight towards us. Had anybody dreamed of 24 hours power supply? We still have to grow a lot. I want to make a turnaround in Gujarat and want to put it in parallel with the developed cities of the world.

'You have also become a participant' and a guide - of this progress. We can reach too far with the collective efforts. And so, need of the hour is that we all convert Swarnim Jyanti as an opportunity. Gujarat has given a lot to us. May this year be one when we perform our part and give something back to Gujarat.

My young friends, Gujarat is laboring 'today' for the good of your 'tomorrow'. My friends, we want to move further so that your future can illuminate, you scale new heights in the world of education, and your name be taken in the world for your skills in your profession.

I also want to encourage women power. Mothers, sisters' don't make your life dependable on others. Take your economy in your hand. My concern is to involve you in decision making. We want 50 percent of women to administer public activities and we have initiated for that. If 50 percent of population consists of women, why should not women manage 50 percent of administration? With this noble motive we are moving further.

We don't want any front of life untouched. We want to give people an assurance that this government is standing in support to them throughout their lives from birth to death. Whenever there is difficulty in your life, government should come in the help. And this government is here, always on your doorstep, in the service of its people.

Let us all imbibe this serving attitude in our mind and recall the sacrifice of great heroes of India to attain new heights of development. Let us all remember great people like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, sought their blessings and make our state even more powerful and prosperous. Let us all develop Gujarat for the development of India.

We are here in the service of mother India. We want to work hard for wiping the tears of every poor eye. Gujarat is not interested in selfish motives. It is concerned with the joys and sorrows of all the countrymen. Taking our State to even further heights of growth is a true service to mother India. 'Param Vaibhav Sammpanna Bharat Mata' (Supreme prosperous mother India) is our dream. And we want to do something to realize this dream with the same body, mind and intellect.

Once again, I salute to freedom fighters.

Once again, I salute to all those who live out their life for nation.

Once again, I extend my well wishes to all who are determined to lead their lives for the good of the country. Let us all celebrate Swarnim Jyanti of Gujarat' 64th Independence Day with joy and zeal.

My heartily greetings and well wishes to you all on the occasion of Independence Day.

Jay Hind.

Vande Mataram.

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Joint Statement: Official visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Kuwait (December 21-22, 2024)
December 22, 2024

At the invitation of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024. This was his first visit to Kuwait. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as the ‘Guest of Honour’ of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bayan Palace on 22 December 2024 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for conferring on him the highest award of the State of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, global, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Given the traditional, close and friendly bilateral relations and desire to deepen cooperation in all fields, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. The leaders stressed that it is in line with the common interests of the two countries and for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Establishment of a strategic partnership between both countries will further broad-base and deepen our long-standing historical ties.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. In light of the newly established strategic partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations through comprehensive and structured cooperation in key areas, including political, trade, investment, defence, security, energy, culture, education, technology and people-to-people ties.

The two sides recalled the centuries-old historical ties rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. They noted with satisfaction the regular interactions at various levels which have helped in generating and sustaining the momentum in the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized on sustaining the recent momentum in high-level exchanges through regular bilateral exchanges at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

The two sides welcomed the recent establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) between India and Kuwait. The JCC will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations between the two countries and will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. To further expand our bilateral cooperation across various fields, new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up in areas of trade, investments, education and skill development, science and technology, security and counter-terrorism, agriculture, and culture, in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons. Both sides emphasized on convening the meetings of the JCC and the JWGs under it at an early date.

Both sides noted that trade has been an enduring link between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. They also emphasized on the need for promoting exchange of business delegations and strengthening institutional linkages.

Recognizing that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing emerging major economies and acknowledging Kuwait’s significant investment capacity, both sides discussed various avenues for investments in India. The Kuwaiti side welcomed steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for foreign direct investments and foreign institutional investments, and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including technology, tourism, healthcare, food-security, logistics and others. They recognized the need for closer and greater engagement between investment authorities in Kuwait with Indian institutions, companies and funds. They encouraged companies of both countries to invest and participate in infrastructure projects. They also directed the concerned authorities of both countries to fast-track and complete the ongoing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that potential exists to further enhance it. They discussed avenues to transform the cooperation from a buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive partnership with greater collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors. Both sides expressed keenness to support companies of the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of exploration and production of oil and gas, refining, engineering services, petrochemical industries, new and renewable energy. Both sides also agreed to discuss participation by Kuwait in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme.

Both sides agreed that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait. The two sides welcomed the signing of the MoU in the field of Defence that will provide the required framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.

The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. The Indian side praised the results of the fourth high-level conference on "Enhancing International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Building Resilient Mechanisms for Border Security - The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process," which was hosted by the State of Kuwait on November 4-5, 2024.

Both sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. Both sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the COVID- 19 pandemic. They discussed the possibility of setting up of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. They also expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical products regulation in the ongoing discussions on an MoU between the drug regulatory authorities.

The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. They discussed avenues to explore B2B cooperation, furthering e-Governance, and sharing best practices for facilitating industries/companies of both countries in the policies and regulation in the electronics and IT sector.

The Kuwaiti side also expressed interest in cooperation with India to ensure its food-security. Both sides discussed various avenues for collaboration including investments by Kuwaiti companies in food parks in India.

The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s decision to become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in developing and deploying low-carbon growth trajectories and fostering sustainable energy solutions. Both sides agreed to work closely towards increasing the deployment of solar energy across the globe within ISA.

Both sides noted the recent meetings between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. The two sides discussed the increase of bilateral flight seat capacities and associated issues. They agreed to continue discussions in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date.

Appreciating the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029, which will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in arts, music, and literature festivals, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment on further enhancing people to people contacts and strengthening the cultural cooperation.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports for 2025-2028. which will strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations.

Both sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. Both sides also expressed interest in collaborating on Educational Technology, exploring opportunities for online learning platforms and digital libraries to modernize educational infrastructure.

As part of the activities under the MoU between Sheikh Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), both sides welcomed the proposal to organize the Special Course for diplomats and Officers from Kuwait at SSIFS in New Delhi.

Both sides acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Kuwait relationship. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Kuwait for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Kuwait are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait.

The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. Both sides agreed to hold regular meetings of Consular Dialogue as well as Labour and Manpower Dialogue to address issues related to expatriates, labour mobility and matters of mutual interest.

The two sides appreciated the excellent coordination between both sides in the UN and other multilateral fora. The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s entry as ‘dialogue partner’ in SCO during India’s Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023. The Indian side also appreciated Kuwait’s active role in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). The Kuwaiti side highlighted the importance of making the necessary efforts to explore the possibility of transforming the ACD into a regional organisation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated His Highness the Amir on Kuwait’s assumption of the Presidency of GCC this year and expressed confidence that the growing India-GCC cooperation will be further strengthened under his visionary leadership. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024. The Kuwaiti side as the current Chair of GCC assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan in areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

In the context of the UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for the UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective.

The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:● MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence.

● Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.

● Executive Programme between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Sports for 2025-2028 between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Government of the State of Kuwait.

● Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Kuwait. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also invited His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait to visit India.