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PM Modi launched various projects at DLW Grounds in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Published By : Admin | December 22, 2016 | 12:34 IST
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I am delighted to have such an opportunity in Kashi, whether it is laying foundation stone or dedication to the people or instigation of various multi-purpose projects here.Today, Kashi is getting various projects at the cost of nearly Rs2100 crore in a single day. Today, keeping in view of the healthcare, especiallythe poorest of the poor family should have proper healthcare in hospitals, they should have the advantage of latest facilities. In order to provide better healthcare for the poor people, ordinary labourers, factory labourers, ESIC hospitals have been modernised and their capacity has been doubled in comparison to their earlier capacity. Therefore, taking this entire project in own hand, the Government of India has taken this important step towards better facility for poor and labourers. I think, the continuing efforts to bring transformation in system and its extension to connect with modern science and technology will be a new gift towards the healthcare facility in this locality.

I have just visited Banaras University. I laid the foundation of a Cancer Research Institute there. People living in this entire locality have to go to Mumbai for cancer treatment. We know that it takes quite a long time to get a chance in Mumbai based hospitals. Why should not be a Mumbai like cancer hospital and well equipped hospital for providing the best patient care here in Utter Pradesh, especially in eastern Uttar Pradesh, which will also benefit the neighbourhood states of Jharkhand and Bihar?A very vast project, which I have laid the foundation in the programme organised in Banaras University today, is going to benefit to this entire locality in a big way. We know that the public private partnership model is similarly important in health care sector. Quite a large number of private hospitals are functioning in this locality. Shriman Shetty Ji is such a son of India, who does hail from Karnataka, but settled in Gulf countries. But, he has worked very extensively for the health care sector. His hospitals run in various locations. Attracted with Kashi, he is also going to launch a private hospital in Kashi. Today, I have got an opportunity to lay its foundation also. Setting up such a big hospital having 500 beds, is a very huge gift for Kashi. 200 beds out of 500 will be fully dedicated for poor patients, while the rest 300 beds will be for super speciality health facilities. It is for the sake of the poor people. Thousands of youth will have new job opportunitiesafter setting up of such a big hospital in this locality. Skill development associated with the health sector will take place. This huge investment is going to be advantageous for this locality, whether they are paramedical staff, nursing staff and hospital maintenance staff.

This opportunity for me, to lay the foundation of such project today, is a result of the hard and yielding work and whole hearted involvement of our existing Minister SmritiIrani Ji’s hard labour, who made continuous efforts in taking this project forward. In a very little time, I have the opportunity to inaugurate the project. I whole heartedly congratulate Smriti Ji and Gangwar Ji, who was formerly the Minister of this Department, for this quality based and fast pace accomplishment. The completion of the first phase is just not meant for the people of Kashi only, butit is for this entire area. A large number the people are going to have the advantage of this. Kashi is a holy tourist destination also. Such a facility in Kashi may become a strong base in acknowledging its global distinctiveness. Now, rickshaw and taxi drivers must be known to this, so that they could take those people there, who are on their Kashi visit. This way, they could be made aware of the arts and crafts of the local people and their products. This will be further helpful in establishing a global identity of these products and processes. They can experience that how the people of Kashi have preserved this great heritage of India. The aim of this trade centre and museum is to make the whole world familiar to these. Some people had sent me some pictures from here, which were very exceptional glimpses. In such a little time, such a construction work could have been completed. Now, this ancient city has its modern identity with this modern building and ancient art. With this initiative, now the world will be able to properly and closely observe and identify a variety of textiles, handicrafts and the capacity of the people of this land to create new things at their figure tips, which are the special identity of Kashi.

We have been equipped with ancient type resources and there is a need to bring changes. There is a need of technological intervention and invention. Today, I got an opportunity to help some friends, by providing handlooms to them. Special stress has been given in adding modern technology with various handlooms, to make them more user friendly, yielding and earning. A campaign has been launched throughout the country to provide identity cardsto those people who are working in this field. Our country has a huge capacity, but it is scattered. Neither their records are available, nor their identity. Such a missing recognition becomes the cause of huge loss for us. On the other end, anyone’s establishedrecognition helps emerge it as a brand adding its value itself. Those poorest of the poor people of India, should have their own identity, who have skill, art and work spirit.They are brands in themselves.Millions of the people of our country, who are involved in such works, are brand in themselves. We have not yet been able to make the world acknowledge this brand. Once, we come to know the number of the people having such capacity and we are determined to give stress on their capacity enhancement and to bring improvement in the area, we will be able to do it very fast by making plans for them and by availing opportunities to them. We can be able to bring sudden growth in this field. Even, I have got an opportunity today to have a plan to provide identity cards to the people, which are identified, assessed and brandedcapacity with use of the latest technology. Also, I have got an opportunity to distribute latest new looms to carpet makers, which are capable of producing user friendly and international quality based the bestproducts, which can enhance our exports. Now, we can give the best quality items to the world.

I have got an opportunity to distribute sports kits to several youth here. Although it is the soil of wrestlers, it is essential to adopt the sports as part of the life of our youth in our country. It should become a characteristic of our social life. It is sports, which creates a distinctive environment on our land. Everyone likes sportsman spirit. But without sports, sports spirit is not possible. Therefore, we are trying to promote sports, to provide opportunity to youth and enhance various capacities within India. We are not committed to promote only sports, but we have to promote various sports and skills. We are making efforts in that direction. I am happy today to be with you and to have an opportunity to dedicate such mega project. I believe that we will complete these projects within the time limit and possibly before the time limit, whose foundations have been laid today and we will be able to dedicate it to the service of the people. I am very gratef+ul to all of you.

Thanks! 

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Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM

Your Excellency President Irfan Ali,
Prime Minister Mark Philips,
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,
Former President Donald Ramotar,
Members of the Guyanese Cabinet,
Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar!

Seetaram !

I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.

I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.

Friends,

I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.

Friends,

I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.

Friends,

Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.

I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.

President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.

Friends,

Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.

This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.

I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.

Friends,

Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.

Friends,

The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.

Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.

Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!

Friends,

This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.

We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.

Friends,

I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.

In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.

We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.

Friends,

India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.

We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.

Friends,

While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.

At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.

We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.

Friends,

Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.

Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.

As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.

Friends,

I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.

You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.

Friends,

Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.

Friends,

Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.

It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.