Cardinal George Alencherry Archbishop Andrews Thazhath Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara Archbishop Anil Couto Shri Arun Jaitley, Dr. Najma Heptulla, Shri P.J. Kurien, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha Monseigneur Sebastian Vadakumpadan

PM Modi at National Celebration of Elevation to Sainthood of Elias Chavara n Mother Euphrasia (1)

I am delighted to participate in this function to celebrate the elevation to sainthood of two great saints of Kerala - Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Saint Euphresia. The whole country is proud of their recognition. Their elevation was preceded by that of Saint Alphonsa, who also hailed from Kerala.

The life and deeds of Saint Chavara and Saint Euphresia are an inspiration not only to the Christian community, but to humanity as a whole. They are shining examples of dedication to God through selfless service for the betterment of mankind.

Saint Chavara was a man of prayer and also a social reformer. In an era when access to education was limited, he stressed that every church should have a school. He thus opened the doors of education to people from all sections of society.

Few outside Kerala know that he started a Sanskrit school, and also a printing press. His contribution towards women’s empowerment was also noteworthy.

Saint Euphrasia was a mystic who dedicated her life to prayer and devotion to God.

Both these saints dedicated their life to God through service of fellow beings. The ancient Indian saying: “आत्मानो मोक्षार्थम् जगत हितायाचा” – welfare of the world is the way to moksha (salvation) – explains their life.

Friends,

Spiritualism is rooted in India`s heritage. Indian saints and Greek sages had intellectual and spiritual exchanges thousands of years back. India’s openness to new ideas is manifest in the Rig Veda: आनो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतः Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides. This philosophy has guided our intellectual discourse since time immemorial. Mother India gave birth to many religious and spiritual streams. Some of them have even travelled beyond Indian borders.

The tradition of welcoming, respecting and honouring all faiths is as old as India itself. As Swami Vivekananda said: We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true.

What Swami Vivekananda had said a century ago holds good and will, for ever, not only for this nation but also for this government or for that matter any government in India, run by any political party. This principle of equal respect and treatment for all faiths has been a part of India`s ethos for thousands of years. And that is how it became integral to the Constitution of India. Our Constitution did not evolve in a vacuum. It has roots in the ancient cultural traditions of India.

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore had inspired us to dream of a land where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. It is that heaven of freedom we are duty bound to create and preserve. We believe that there is truth in every religion. एकम सत विप्र बहुधा वदन्ति

Friends,

Let me now come to the issue which is central and critical for peace and harmony in the contemporary world. The world is increasingly witnessing division and hostility on religious lines. This has become a matter of global concern. In this context the ancient Indian plea of mutual respect for all faiths is now beginning to manifest in global discourse.

This long felt need and urge for mutually respectful relations led to the interfaith conference on `Faith in Human Rights` at the Hague on tenth December, 2008. This was coincidentally also the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations.

Religious leaders representing every major world religion - Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Baha`i Faith, Buddhism, Islam, Taoism and indigenous religions met, discussed and pledged to uphold the Universal Declaration and of freedom of religion or belief.

In their historic declaration, this is how they defined what constitutes freedom of faith and how it is to be safeguarded.

We consider the freedom to have, to retain, and to adopt, a religion or belief, is a personal choice of a citizen.

The world is at cross roads which, if not crossed properly, can throw us back to the dark days of bigotry, fanaticism and bloodshed. This harmonious convergence among religions could not be achieved even when the world entered the third millennium. And now it has been. This shows that the rest of the world too is evolving along the lines of ancient India.

Speaking for India, and for my government, I declare that my government stands by every word of the above declaration. My government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence. My government will not allow any religious group, belonging to the majority or the minority, to incite hatred against others, overtly or covertly. Mine will be a government that gives equal respect to all religions.

India is the land of Buddha and Gandhi. Equal respect for all religions must be in the DNA of every Indian. We cannot accept violence against any religion on any pretext and I strongly condemn such violence. My government will act strongly in this regard.

With this commitment, I appeal to all religious groups to act with restraint, mutual respect, and tolerance in the true spirit of this ancient nation which is manifest in our Constitution and is in line with the Hague Declaration.

Friends,

I have a vision of a Modern India. I have embarked on a huge mission to convert that vision into reality. My mantra is Development - सबका साथ, सबका विकास.

In simple terms it means food on every table, every child in school, a job for everybody and a house with toilet and electricity for every family. This will make India proud. We can achieve this through unity. Unity strengthens us. Division weakens us. I sincerely request all Indians, and all of you present here to support me in this huge task.

Let the elevation to sainthood of Saint Chavara and Saint Euphrasia, and their noble deeds inspire us:

-to maximize our inner strength -to use that strength for transforming society through selfless service -to fulfil our collective vision of a developed and modern India.

THANK YOU.

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প্ৰতিগৰাকী ভাৰতীয়ৰ তেজ উতলি আছে: মন কী বাতত প্ৰধানমন্ত্ৰী মোদী

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প্ৰতিগৰাকী ভাৰতীয়ৰ তেজ উতলি আছে: মন কী বাতত প্ৰধানমন্ত্ৰী মোদী
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India and Trinidad & Tobago share a relationship rooted in centuries-old bonds: PM Modi in Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago
July 04, 2025
QuoteI am deeply honoured to stand before you, the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation: PM
QuoteFor India, democracy is a way of life: PM
QuoteIndia and Trinidad & Tobago share a relationship rooted in centuries-old bonds: PM
QuoteWe are strengthening the hands of women to build a modern India: PM
QuoteWe see our development as a responsibility towards others; And, our priority will always be the Global South: PM
QuoteThe Global South is rising; They wish to see a new and fairer world order: PM
QuoteMAHASAGAR is India's guiding vision for the Global South: PM

Your Excellency Prime Minister कमला परसाद-बिसेसर जी,
Honourable President of the Senate Mr. वेड मार्क,
Honourable Speaker Mr. जगदेव सिंह,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Members of Parliament,

Namaskar !
सुप्रभात !
Good Morning !

I am deeply honoured to stand before you, the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation.

I bring greetings from 1.4 billion people of India. I also bring warm wishes from the people of Ghana, the country I visited just before arriving here.

I am humbled to be the first Indian Prime Minister to speak to you in this iconic Red House. This historic building has seen the struggles and sacrifices of the people of Trinidad and Tobago for freedom and dignity. Over the past six decades, it has stood strong as you built a just, inclusive, and prosperous democracy.

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Friends,

The people of this great nation have chosen two remarkable women leaders – the President and the Prime Minister. They proudly call themselves daughters of the Indian diaspora. They take pride in their Indian heritage. In India, we admire their leadership, grit, and determination. They are living symbols of the relationship between our countries, built on shared roots and shared dreams.

Distinguished Members,

Both our nations rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our own stories —with courage as our ink and democracy as our pen.

Today, both our nations stand as proud democracies, and pillars of strength in the modern world. A couple of months ago, you celebrated the festival of democracy by participating in elections. I congratulate the people of this country for their wisdom and vision – for peace, stability and prosperity. I also congratulate the newly elected members of this august House.

I extend special greetings to Prime Minister Kamla ji for forming the government once again. And, I wish her continued success as she leads this great nation towards sustained growth and prosperity.

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Friends,

When I look at the golden words inscribed on the Speaker's Chair :

"FROM THE PEOPLE OF INDIA TO THE PEOPLE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO",

I feel a deep sense of emotion. That chair is not just a piece of furniture but a powerful symbol of the friendship and trust between our two nations. The words expresses the bond that one democracy feels for another.

आप सभी जानते हैं…
भारतीयों के लिए डेमोक्रेसी सिर्फ एक पॉलिटिकल मॉडल भर नहीं है।
हमारे लिए, ये way of life है…
हमारी हज़ारों वर्षों की महान विरासत है।
इस संसद में भी कई साथी ऐसे हैं...जिनके पूर्वज बिहार से हैं...
वो बिहार जो महाजनपदों यानि ancient republics की भूमि है।

In India, democracy is not just a political system. For us, it is a way of life. Your Parliament also has some members, whose forefathers were from the Indian state of Bihar, which is famous for centres like Vaishali.

Friends,

There is a natural warmth in the connection between our two countries. I must say, Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team! We cheer for them with all our heart, except, when they are playing against India.

Relationship between our two countries is built on the foundations of centuries-old bonds. 180 years ago, the first Indians arrived on this land after a long and hard journey. Oceans away, the Indian beats blended beautifully with the Caribbean rhythm.

Here, Bhojpuri found harmony with creole.

Dal Puri met Doubles,

And, tabla met the steel pan!

Today, the people of Indian origin are proud bearers of the Red, Black and White Flag !

From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce, calypso to chutney, they contribute to every field. They are an integral part of the vibrant diversity that you all respect. Together, you have built a nation that lives its motto, "Together we aspire, together we achieve”.

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Friends,

Earlier today, Her Excellency the President graciously conferred upon me this country’s highest national award. I accepted it with humility on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.

Now, with immense gratitude, I dedicate it to the enduring friendship and the ancestral ties between our two nations.

Friends,

I am delighted to see so many women Members in this House. Respect for women is deeply rooted in Indian culture. One of our important holy texts, the स्कन्द-पुराण says:

दशपुत्र समा कन्या दशपुत्रान् प्रवर्धयन् |
यत् फलं लभते मर्त्यः तत् लभ्यं कन्या एकया ||

It means, one daughter brings as much happiness as 10 sons. We are strengthening the hands of women to build a modern India.

From space to sports, startups to science, education to enterprise, aviation to armed forces, they are leading India to a new future in various domains. Like you, we have a woman, who rose from humble beginnings to become our President.

Two years ago, the Indian Parliament took a historic step. We decided to ensure a 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. This ensures that in the coming generations, more and more women will decide the destiny and direction of the nation.

Women leaders are also thriving at the grassroots in India. Around 1.5 million elected women power local governance institutions. We are in an era of women-led development. This was also one of the important themes that we furthered during our G20 presidency.

हम भारत में वीमेन लेड डवलपमेंट का एक नया मॉडल विकसित कर रहे हैं।अपनी G-20 प्रेसीडेंसी के दौरान भी इस मॉडल की सफलता को हमने पूरी दुनिया के सामने रखा है।

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Distinguished Members,

Today, India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Every sector, every region and every society is part of this growth story.

India’s growth is inclusive and people-centric. A recent report of the International Labour Organisation notes that India’s social security and welfare umbrella covers 950 million people. That is almost 1 billion people, which is a greater population than most countries in the world!

Our vision for such inclusive growth does not stop at our borders. We see our development also as a responsibility towards others. And, our priority will always be the Global South.

With the same spirit, we are deepening our relations with Trinidad and Tobago. Our trade will continue to grow. We will encourage our businesses to invest more in this country. Our development partnership will expand. Training, capacity building, and skill development will keep human development at its centre. Health has been and will remain a key part of our partnership.

Many Indian doctors and healthcare workers have been serving here with distinction. We are glad that you have decided to recognize Indian medical standards. This will ensure access to high-quality, affordable medicines for all.

We also welcome your decision to adopt the UPI digital payment system. It is a major step forward. UPI has revolutionised digital payments in India.

Powered by this platform, India has become the nation with the highest number of real time digital payments in the world. Today, in India, even the mango sellers have QR codes. If you try to pay them in cash, they will ask you to use UPI, because they don’t have the change!

We are also keen to collaborate on other digital innovations. As India develops AI tools to foster growth and development in the Global South, Trinidad and Tobago will be a priority nation for us.

We will share our expertise in agriculture, horticulture and food processing. Machinery from India will support your agro-industry. And, because development is about dignity, we will organise an artificial limb fitment camp for differently-abled citizens here.

For us, there are no limits to our cooperation with you. We will always be guided by your needs and priorities.

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Friends,

Synergy between our nations holds immense promise. As a key player in the Caribbean and a bridge to Latin America, Trinidad and Tobago has great potential. I am sure that our ties will help us forge a stronger connection with the wider region.

Building on the momentum of the second India-CARICOM summit, we are eager to collaborate on initiatives that, enhance trade and investment, build infrastructure and mobility, implement community development projects, and, above all, support capacity building, training and skill development on a large scale.

Friends,

I also see our partnership in a larger global framework. The scale and speed of change in the world is unprecedented. There are fundamental shifts in the nature of politics and power. Free trade is under pressure. There are growing global divisions, disputes and disparities.

The world is faced with challenges of climate change, food, health and energy security. Terrorism remains a pressing threat. Colonial rules of the past may have ended, but their shadows linger in new forms.

There are new challenges in space and cyber security. Artificial Intelligence is unlocking new opportunities as well as risks. The old institutions are struggling to deliver peace and progress.

At the same time, the Global South is rising. They wish to see a new and fairer world order. When the United Nations turned 75, there was great hope across the developing world. A hope that long-pending reforms would be realised. That their voices would finally be heard. But that hope has turned into disappointment. The voice of the developing world remains on the margins. India has always tried to bridge this gap.

For India, MAHASAGAR - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, is the guiding vision for the Global South. Whenever we got the opportunity, we have given voice to the Global South.

During our G-20 presidency, we brought the concerns of the Global South to the centre of global decision-making. During the pandemic, while caring for our 1.4 billion people, India provided vaccines and medicines to over 150 countries. In times of disaster, we have responded swiftly—with aid, relief, and solidarity. Our development partnerships are demand-driven, respectful, and without conditions.

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Distinguished members,

It is time for us to work together, to give the Global South its rightful seat at the right table. To ensure climate justice, so that the burden does not fall on those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis. We consider Trinidad and Tobago an important partner in this endeavour.

Friends,

Our two countries may differ in size and geography, but we are deeply aligned in our values. We are proud democracies. We believe in dialogue, sovereignty, multilateralism and human dignity. In these times of conflicts, we must remain true to these values.

Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. This very Red House has itself witnessed the wounds of terror and the loss of innocent blood. We must stand united to deny terrorism any shelter or space. We thank the people and the government of this country for standing with us in our fight against terrorism.

Friends,

Our forefathers struggled, sacrificed, and had dreams of better lives for future generations. Both India and Trinidad and Tobago have come a long way on the journey to the future we have promised our people. But we still have a lot to do - by ourselves and together.

All of you, as Members of the Parliament, have a vital role in shaping that future. From Ayodhya to Arima, From the ghats of Ganga to the Gulf of Paria, may our bonds grow ever deeper, and our dreams ever higher.

With this thought, I thank you, once again, for this honour. As you say here, with grace and pride - "Respect due.”

Thank you. Thank you very much.