Quote“Double-engine government has brought double speed in the development works''
Quote“The Kisan Credit Card has made life a lot easier, especially for our animal husbandry workers and the fishermen community”
Quote“Government has taken the initiative not just for the seaports but is executing port-led development”
Quote“Government is helping the youth at every step of entrepreneurship”
Quote“Growing infrastructure is promoting tourism in a big way”
Quote“Some political parties have made abusing Gujarat their political ideology”
Quote“We will not allow the dilution of the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and dreams of Sardar Patel”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth around Rs 3580 crore in Junagadh, Gujarat today. These projects in Junagadh include the improvement of coastal highways along with the construction of missing links, two water supply projects and the construction of a godown complex for storage of Agri products. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the holistic development of Shri Krishan Rukshamani Mandir, Madhavpur and sewage and water supply projects and for maintenance dredging at Porbandar Fishery Harbour. At Gir Somnath, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of two projects, including the development of a fishing port at Madhwad.

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Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister on a lighter note said that Diwali and Dhanteras have arrived early and the preparations for new year celebrations are already underway for the people of Junagadh. Extending gratitude to everyone present on occasion, the Prime Minister thanked the people for their blessings. The Prime Minister expressed happiness for dedicating and laying the foundation stones of projects that were worth more than the state’s budget in earlier times. He said that this is all due to the blessings of the people of Gujarat.

The Prime Minister termed the area comprising Junagadh, Gir Somnath and Porbandar as the tourism capital of Gujarat. He said the projects that are being planned today will create huge opportunities for employment and self-employment. “My chest swells with pride today”, the Prime Minister remarked and credited it to the people of Gujarat and their blessings. The Prime Minister highlighted that even after he left Gujarat to take up responsibilities at the Centre, it was the team of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel who took care of Gujarat with the same set of values and traditions. “Today, Gujarat is developing at a rapid pace”, the Prime Minister said,

He recalled the tough times of drought and migration from the region. He said even nature helps the people who work with dedication and authenticity as in the last two decades climate adversities also got reduced. “With people’s blessing on the one hand and nature’s support on the other, it is a pleasure to spend one’s life in the service of people”, the Prime Minister said. Maa Narmada, the Prime Minister pointed out, was a distant place of pilgrimage, with the hard work of people, Maa Narmada has reached villages of Saurashtra to give her blessings. The Prime Minister lauded the farmers of Junagadh for promoting natural farming with full dedication. The Prime Minister highlighted that the taste of Kesar Mangoes grown in Gujarat is reaching every part of the world.

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Speaking about the vast coastal regions of India, the Prime Minister pointed out that a large chunk of India's coastline belongs to Gujarat. Recalling the past governments that treated the seas like a burden and its fresh air poison, Shri Modi interjected that times have now changed. “The same seas that were considered as adversity are now reaping the benefits of our efforts.” The Rann of Kutch which was marred by troubles is now leading the way forward for the development of Gujarat, the Prime Minister added. The Prime Minister remarked that the resolve he took for the development of Gujarat 25 years ago has now come to fruition.

The Prime Minister recalled that, as Chief Minister, he had launched the Sagar Khedu scheme for the welfare, security, amenities and infrastructure for the fishermen community. Due to these efforts, fish export from the state increased seven times. He remembered an instance with a Japanese delegation during his Chief Minister days when the delegation members asked to stop the presentation on the fisheries initiatives, as they could not control themselves after seeing the famous surmai fish on the screen and asked for a taste. Surmai fish is now well known in the Japanese market and substantial export takes place every year, he informed. “Double-engine government has brought double speed in the development works”, the Prime Minister said. Today itself, work started on three fishing harbours.

The Prime Minister informed that for the first time ever farmers, animal husbandry workers and Sagar Khedu fishermen were connected to the services of Kisan Credit cards scheme and it simplified the process of availing a loan from the bank. “As a result, 3.5 crore beneficiaries are availing of its services,” Shri Modi added. The Prime Minister informed that it empowered the poor and needy of society to build a better future for themselves and their families. He further added that the interest would be waived off for those beneficiaries who repaid their loans on time. “The Kisan Credit Card has made life a lot easier, especially for our animal husbandry workers and the fishermen community”, the Prime Minister said.

“In the last two decades”, the Prime Minister continued, “the tremendous development of the seaports has opened the floodgates of prosperity for Gujarat. It has opened up new possibilities for Gujarat.” Throwing light on the Sagar Mala Scheme, the Prime Minister informed that the government has taken the initiative to embolden the infrastructure on the coasts of India by not just developing the seaports but by executing port-led development. “The coasts have Gujarat have witnessed many new projects based on this”, the Prime Minister continued, “Apart from Junagadh, the new Coastal Highway is going to pass through many districts of Porbandar, Jamnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Morbi to Central and South Gujarat which will strengthen the connectivity of the entire coastline of Gujarat.”

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The Prime Minister praised the tremendous work done by the mothers and sisters of the state and said that they become a protective shield. Highlighting the efforts of the Central Government towards women-led development in the last 8 years, the Prime Minister said that steps have been ensured at every level to make the lives of mothers and sisters easier. The Prime Minister pointed out the improving the health and respect of women and credited it to the construction of crores of toilets under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The Prime Minister mentioned that Ujjwala Yojana is helping the women not just by saving them time but also improving their health as well as the health of the entire family. The Prime Minister brushed off the times of previous governments who would celebrate after delivering a few water handpumps in a village with pomp and show and interjected, “Today your son is delivering piped water to every household.” Highlighting the Pradhan Mantri Matri Vandana Yojna, the Prime Minister informed that thousands of forms of help are being given to mothers during pregnancy through, so that they can eat nutritious food. “Most of the houses that our government is giving under the PM Awas Yojana are in the name of women”, he added “Today our government is giving wide expansion to women entrepreneurship in village-village through self-help groups. More than 8 crore sisters across the country are associated with self-help groups, of which lakhs are from Gujarat. Similarly, many sisters have become entrepreneurs for the first time under the Mudra Yojana.

Speaking about the emphasis on the youth of the country, the Prime Minister said that for the last 8 years, we have taken many steps to enhance the potential of the youth across the country including Gujarat. Efforts are being made to create new opportunities in every aspect from education to employment and self-employment. Today the government is helping the youth at every step of entrepreneurship. Speaking about the DefExpo2022 that the Prime Minister inaugurated in Gandhinagar earlier in the day, the Prime Minister said that the day is not far when Gujarat will be manufacturing tanks.

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The Prime Minister also highlighted the strides made by the state in the education field. He said, during the last 8 years hundreds of universities opened in the country. Gujarat is witnessing the opening of many quality institutions of higher education. New National Education Policy is bringing new opportunities in Gujarati language. Similarly, digital developments are creating new opportunities for the youth of Gujarat. “Digital India has given new opportunities to the youth of Gujarat to hone their various talents, This has created new employment opportunities. The youth have access to the big market. And this is happening because of cheap Made in India mobile phones and cheap data facilities”, he said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that growing infrastructure is promoting tourism in a big way. He said one of the biggest ropeways is functional now in the area. The Prime Minister said after many years, in April this year, flights have started again from Keshod Airport. When Keshod Airport is further developed, when it becomes a cargo facility, it will be easier to ship out our fruits, vegetables, fish and other products from here. With the expansion of Keshod Airport, the country and the world will get more access to all such places here, the tourism here will increase further, he added.

The Country rejoices as one in the national achievements in space, science or sports fields, however, the Prime Minister lamented the growing tendency to politicize the achievements of Gujarat and its people by certain sections. “Some political parties have made abusing Gujarat their political ideology”, the Prime Minister said. We will never tolerate the insult of Gujaratis or for that matter people of any state of the country, he emphasized. We should not allow the dilution of the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and the dreams of Sardar Patel. He stressed the need to convert cynicism into hope and counter falsehood through development. He said Gujarat’s unity is its strength.

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Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, Members of Parliament, Shri Rajeshbhai Chudasama and Shri Ramesh Dhaduk, and Ministers from Gujarat Government, Shri Rushikesh Patel and Shri Devabhai Malam were those present on the occasion among others.

Background

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the improvement of coastal highways along with the construction of missing links. In the first phase of this project, a total highway length of over 270 Km will be covered across 13 districts.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of two water supply projects and for the construction of a godown complex for storage of Agri products at Junagadh. At Porbandar, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the holistic development of Shri Krishan Rukshamani Mandir, Madhavpur. He also laid the foundation stone of sewage and water supply projects and for maintenance dredging at Porbandar Fishery Harbour. At Gir Somnath, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of two projects, including the development of a fishing port at Madhwad.

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  • Jitendra Kumar May 18, 2025

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  • SANDIP BALBHIM NAGAWADE January 14, 2024

    जय श्रीराम
  • Kuldeep Yadav October 22, 2022

    આદરણીય પ્રધામંત્રીશ્રી નરેન્દ્ર મોદીજી ને મારા નમસ્કાર મારુ નામ કુલદીપ અરવિંદભાઈ યાદવ છે. મારી ઉંમર ૨૪ વર્ષ ની છે. એક યુવા તરીકે તમને થોડી નાની બાબત વિશે જણાવવા માંગુ છું. ઓબીસી કેટેગરી માંથી આવતા કડીયા કુંભાર જ્ઞાતિના આગેવાન અરવિંદભાઈ બી. યાદવ વિશે. અમારી જ્ઞાતિ પ્યોર બીજેપી છે. છતાં અમારી જ્ઞાતિ ના કાર્યકર્તાને પાર્ટીમાં સ્થાન નથી મળતું. એવા એક કાર્યકર્તા વિશે જણાવું. ગુજરાત રાજ્ય ના અમરેલી જિલ્લામાં આવેલ સાવરકુંડલા શહેર ના દેવળાના ગેઈટે રહેતા અરવિંદભાઈ યાદવ(એ.બી.યાદવ). જન સંઘ વખત ના કાર્યકર્તા છેલ્લાં ૪૦ વર્ષ થી સંગઠનની જવાબદારી સંભાળતા હતા. ગઈ ૩ ટર્મ થી શહેર ભાજપના મહામંત્રી તરીકે જવાબદારી કરેલી. ૪૦ વર્ષ માં ૧ પણ રૂપિયાનો ભ્રષ્ટાચાર નથી કરેલો અને જે કરતા હોય એનો વિરોધ પણ કરેલો. આવા પાયાના કાર્યકર્તાને અહીંના ભ્રષ્ટાચારી નેતાઓ એ ઘરે બેસાડી દીધા છે. કોઈ પણ પાર્ટીના કાર્યકમ હોય કે મિટિંગ એમાં જાણ પણ કરવામાં નથી આવતી. એવા ભ્રષ્ટાચારી નેતા ને શું ખબર હોય કે નરેન્દ્રભાઇ મોદી દિલ્હી સુધી આમ નમ નથી પોચિયા એની પાછળ આવા બિન ભ્રષ્ટાચારી કાર્યકર્તાઓ નો હાથ છે. આવા પાયાના કાર્યકર્તા જો પાર્ટી માંથી નીકળતા જાશે તો ભવિષ્યમાં કોંગ્રેસ જેવો હાલ ભાજપ નો થાશે જ. કારણ કે જો નીચે થી સાચા પાયા ના કાર્યકર્તા નીકળતા જાશે તો ભવિષ્યમાં ભાજપને મત મળવા બોવ મુશ્કેલ છે. આવા ભ્રષ્ટાચારી નેતાને લીધે પાર્ટીને ભવિષ્યમાં બોવ મોટું નુકશાન વેઠવું પડશે. એટલે પ્રધામંત્રીશ્રી નરેન્દ્ર મોદીજી ને મારી નમ્ર અપીલ છે કે આવા પાયા ના અને બિન ભ્રષ્ટાચારી કાર્યકર્તા ને આગળ મૂકો બાકી ભવિષ્યમાં ભાજપ પાર્ટી નો નાશ થઈ જાશે. એક યુવા તરીકે તમને મારી નમ્ર અપીલ છે. આવા કાર્યકર્તાને દિલ્હી સુધી પોચડો. આવા કાર્યકર્તા કોઈ દિવસ ભ્રષ્ટાચાર નઈ કરે અને લોકો ના કામો કરશે. સાથે અતિયારે અમરેલી જિલ્લામાં બેફામ ભ્રષ્ટાચાર થઈ રહીયો છે. રોડ રસ્તા ના કામો સાવ નબળા થઈ રહિયા છે. પ્રજાના પરસેવાના પૈસા પાણીમાં જાય છે. એટલા માટે આવા બિન ભ્રષ્ટાચારી કાર્યકર્તા ને આગળ લાવો. અમરેલી જિલ્લામાં નમો એપ માં સોવ થી વધારે પોઇન્ટ અરવિંદભાઈ બી. યાદવ(એ. બી.યાદવ) ના છે. ૭૩ હજાર પોઇન્ટ સાથે અમરેલી જિલ્લામાં પ્રથમ છે. એટલા એક્ટિવ હોવા છતાં પાર્ટીના નેતાઓ એ અતિયારે ઝીરો કરી દીધા છે. આવા કાર્યકર્તા ને દિલ્હી સુધી લાવો અને પાર્ટીમાં થતો ભ્રષ્ટાચારને અટકાવો. - અરવિંદ બી. યાદવ (એ.બી યાદવ) પૂર્વ શહેર ભાજપ મહામંત્રી જય હિન્દ જય ભારત જય જય ગરવી ગુજરાત આપનો યુવા મિત્ર લી. કુલદીપ અરવિંદભાઈ યાદવ
  • RAKESH BHANDARI October 20, 2022

    jay Shree Ram
  • Anil mishra October 20, 2022

    Mera P M Mera Abhiman
  • Anil mishra October 20, 2022

    Mera PM Mera Abhiman
  • अनन्त राम मिश्र October 20, 2022

    जय श्रीराम
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প্ৰতিগৰাকী ভাৰতীয়ৰ তেজ উতলি আছে: মন কী বাতত প্ৰধানমন্ত্ৰী মোদী

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The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage: PM Modi
July 04, 2025
QuoteThe journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage: PM
QuoteI am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy: PM
QuoteThe Indian diaspora is our pride: PM
QuoteAt the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world: PM
QuoteIndia's success in space is global in spirit: PM

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar Ji
Members of the Cabinet,
All the Dignitaries present today,
Members of the Indian diaspora,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Namaskar !
Seeta Ram !
Jai Shri Ram !

Can you mark something… what a coincidence!

It is a matter of immense pride and joy for me to be with all of you this evening. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Ji for her wonderful hospitality and kind words.

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I arrived a short while ago in this beautiful land of Humming Birds.And, my very first engagement is with the Indian community here. It feels completely natural. After all, we are part of one family. I thank you for your warmth and affection.

Friends,

I know the story of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence.

They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in their hearts. They left their soil, but not their soul. They were not just migrants. They were messengers of a timeless civilization. Their contributions have benefitted this country - culturally, economically and spiritually. Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji - as the first woman Prime Minister of this country. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo Ji - as the female President. Late Shri Basdeo Pandey, the son of a farmer, rose to become Prime Minister and a respected global leader. Eminent math scholar Rudranath Capildeo, Music Icon Sundar Popo, Cricketing talent Daren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, whose devotion built the Temple in the Sea. The list of achievers goes on.

You, the children of Girmitiyas, are not defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by your success, your service, and your values. Honestly, there must be something magical in the "doubles” and "dal poori” — because you have doubled the success of this great nation!

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Friends,

When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who ignite the same excitement in the hearts of our youth. Between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger.

Benaras, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi may be cities in India. But they are also names of streets here. Navratra, Mahashivratri, Janmasthmi are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chowtal and Baithak Gana continue to thrive here.

I can see the warmth of many familiar faces. And I see curiosity in the bright eyes of a younger generation - keen to know and grow together. Truly, our bonds go well beyond geography and generations.

Friends,

I know of your deep faith in Prabhu Shri Ram.

एक सौ अस्सी साल बीतल हो, मन न भुलल हो, भजन राम के, हर दिल में गूंजल हो ।

The Ram-Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village are said to be truly unique. Shri Ram Charit Manas says,

राम धामदा पुरी सुहावनि।
लोक समस्त बिदित अति पावनि।।

It means, the sacred city of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is spread across the world. I am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy.

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We remember, you had sent holy water and Shilas for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. It is my honour to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the river Sarayu in Ayodhya.

जन्मभूमि मम पुरी सुहावनि ।
उत्तर दिसि बह सरजू पावनि ।।
जा मज्जन ते बिनहिं प्रयासा ।
मम समीप नर पावहिं बासा ।।

Prabhu Shri Ram says that the glory of Ayodhya springs from the holy Sarayu. Whoever takes a dip in its water, finds eternal union with Shri Ram himself.

सरयू जी और पवित्र संगम का ये जल, आस्था का अमृत है। ये वो प्रवाहमान धारा है, जो हमारे मूल्यों को...हमारे संस्कारों को हमेशा जीवंत रखती है।

You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Maha Kumbh also with me. I request Kamla ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu River and Maha Kumbh to the Ganga Dhara here. May these holy waters bless the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Friends,

We deeply value the strength and support of our diaspora. With over 35 million people spread across the world, the Indian diaspora is our pride. As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot – an Ambassador of India’s values, culture and heritage.

This year, when we hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Her Excellency President Christine Carla Kangaloo ji was our Chief Guest. A few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji had honoured us with her presence.

At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world. We are mapping the past and bringing people closer for a bright future. We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya Community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well.

Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India looks out you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you.

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Friends,

प्रधानमंत्री कमला जी के पूर्वज बिहार के बक्सर में रहा करते थे। कमला जी वहां जाकर भी आई हैं.... लोग इन्हें बिहार की बेटी मानते हैं

People in India consider Prime Minister Kamla ji as the daughter of Bihar.

यहां उपस्थित अनेक लोगों के पूर्वज बिहार से ही आए थे। बिहार की विरासत... भारत के साथ ही दुनिया का भी गौरव है। लोकतंत्र हो, राजनीति हो, कूटनीति हो, हायर एजुकेशन हो...बिहार ने सदियों पहले दुनिया को ऐसे अनेक विषयों में नई दिशा दिखाई थी। मुझे विश्वास है, 21वीं सदी की दुनिया के लिए भी बिहार की धरती से, नई प्रेरणाएं, नए अवसर निकलेंगे।

Like Kamla ji, there are many people here whose roots lie in Bihar. The heritage of Bihar is a matter of pride for all of us.

Friends,

I am sure everyone among you feels proud when India grows. For New India, even the sky is not the limit. You all must have cheered when India’s Chandrayaan landed on the moon. The place where it landed, we have named it Shiv Shakti point.

You must have also heard the news recently. An Indian astronaut is on board the International Space Station even as we speak. We are now working on a manned space mission – Gaganyaan. The time is not far when an Indian will walk on the moon and India will have its own space station.

हम अब तारों को सिर्फ गिनते नहीं हैं...आदित्य मिशन के रूप में...उनके पास तक जाने का प्रयास करते हैं।हमारे लिए अब चंदा मामा दूर के नहीं हैं ।हम अपनी मेहनत से असंभव को भी संभव बना रहे हैं।

India’s achievements in space are not just ours. We are sharing its fruits with the rest of the world.

Friends,

India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies of the world. The fruits of India’s growth and progress are reaching the most needy.

भारत ने दिखाया है कि गरीबों को सशक्त करके... Empower करके... गरीबी को हराया जा सकता है। पहली बार करोड़ों लोगों में विश्वास जागा है, कि भारत गरीबी से मुक्त हो सकता है।

The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India’s growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth.

Today, India is the third largest startup hub in the world. Nearly half of these startups also have women as directors. Nearly 120 startups have got unicorn status. National missions for AI, Semiconductor and Quantum computing are becoming the new engines of growth. In a way, innovation is becoming a mass movement.

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments. Nearly 50% of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India. I congratulate Trinidad & Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now sending money will be as easy as sending a ‘good morning’ text message! And I promise, it will be faster than West Indies bowling.

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Friends,

Our Mission Manufacturing is working to make India a manufacturing hub. We have become the world’s second largest mobile manufacturer. We are exporting railway locomotives to the world.

Our defence exports have increased 20-fold in just the last decade. We are not just making in India. We are making for the world. As we grow, we are ensuring that it is of mutual benefit to the world.

Friends,

Today’s India is a land of opportunities. Whether it is business, tourism, education, or healthcare, India has a lot to offer.

Your ancestors took a long and difficult journey, over a 100 days across the seas, to reach here – Saat Samandar Par! Today, that same journey takes just a few hours. I encourage you all to visit India more, in person, not just virtually on social media!

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Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children, bring your neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys chai and a good story. We will welcome you all – with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi!

With these words, I thank you all once again for the love and affection you have shown to me.

I specially thank Prime Minister Kamla Ji for honouring me with your highest national award.

बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद.

Namaskar !
Sita Ram !
Jai Shri Ram !