Published By : Admin | November 16, 2018 | 12:21 IST
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During the first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh people turned out in large numbers to vote. They gave a befitting reply to those who spread fear among people: PM
Our mantra is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and we are committed that fruits of development reach every citizen: PM Modi
Atal Ji created Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. It was a peaceful division and both the states are progressing rapidly today: PM Modi
Congress does not want to credit people for choosing 'chaiwala' PM: Shri Modi
Congress is not ready to give credit for this to the 1.25 crore people of this country that a chaiwala became the PM, says Shri Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a huge rally today in the poll-bound state of Chhattisgarh. Addressing hundreds of enthusiastic supporters at Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh, he said that the large turnout of voters in the first stage of Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh was over-whelming and gave a befitting reply to those who want the people of Chhattisgarh to be fearful of them.
PM Modi further asserted that his government is not working for the benefit of the few and that his BJP government is fully committed to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ PM Modi said that it is sad that the fruits of the country’s development are yet to reach ever citizen in the country even after decades of independence. Criticizing the previous Congress governments for serving their own interests rather than that of the country’s people, PM Modi described how the division of Madhya Pradesh and the creation of Chhattisgarh by former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had been a peaceful one where both the states are prospering while the division of Andhra Pradesh and creation of Telangana by the Congress government created much discord and communal tensions among both the states.
Elaborating further on the scathing attack launched by him on the Congress, PM Modi said, “The Congress party speaks about democratic ideals and say it was due to Pt. Nehru that Modi, a 'Chaiwala', could become the Prime Minister of India today. Let me respond to this statement-I would believe the Congress party’s commitment to democratic ideas if they elect someone their party president who does not belong to that one family, even if for just one term of five years.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi later took potshots at the Congress leaders for spreading misinformation about the Chhattisgarh government led by its Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh. Responding to the Congress’ criticism of the state government that the Raman Singh government did not do this or that, PM countered them with another question. He asked ‘If the Raman Singh government is not doing anything in Chhattisgarh, who stopped the Congress party from taking all these welfare initiatives while four generations of their family were ruling this country? Ask the Congress leaders what were they doing until now?”
Prime Minister Modi concluded his address by asking the voters to vote in huge numbers in the second stage of assembly elections to be held on 20th November in Chhattisgarh.
I am glad to be among the people of Ambikapur today. I remember when I had campaigned here during Lok Sabha elections, people here had made the background resembling the Red Fort. But a few people got annoyed at this: PM @narendramodihttps://t.co/3MrqM6YXeK
During the first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh people turned out in large numbers to vote. They gave a befitting reply to those who spread fear among people: PM @narendramodihttps://t.co/3MrqM6YXeK
Motto of every government must be welfare of all, not a select few. Our mantra is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and we are committed that fruits of development reach every citizen: PM @narendramodihttps://t.co/3MrqM6YXeK
Atal Ji created Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. It was a peaceful division and both the states are progressing rapidly today. But look at what the Congress did at the time of creation of Telangana: PM @narendramodihttps://t.co/3MrqM6YXeK
What did the Congress governments do for the people of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh when they were in power in these states: PM @narendramodihttps://t.co/3MrqM6YXeK
Congress speaks about democratic ideals and say it was due to Pt. Nehru that Modi, a 'Chaiwala', is the Prime Minister today. But if they make someone their party president who is not from that one family, I would agree they value the democratic ideals: PM @narendramodi
Congress nationalised the banks in the name of poor but what is the reason that the poor did not have any access to banks? What is the reason that the poor did not have even a bank account? When we came to power, we empowered the poor, opened their bank accounts: PM @narendramodi
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.
