"Highlighting the institutional decay caused by the unresponsiveness of the Central Government, Shri Modi spoke of how most institutions in India had been destroyed in the past decade"
"Shri Modi affirmed the need for a strong government in Delhi by citing the current day threat faced by India from its neighbouring countries"
"If the Government had even little concern for the poor then the condition of the fishermen community in TN would be different: Shri Narendra Modi"
"This recounting Minister in Delhi abuses me but I prefer to keep silent because I know that Keechad Jitna Faikoge, Kamal Utna Hi Khilega: Shri Narendra Modi"

From the Congress’ divisive politics that is indifferent to the needs of its people to the grave concerns of poverty and the dismal condition of fishermen in Tamil Nadu, Shri Narendra Modi addressed a range of national and local issues at his address in Chennai, on the evening of 8th February.

Making a scathing attack on the Central governance, Shri Modi spoke about how innumerable troubles had been experienced under their rule, and especially in the past decade. “The troubles we have seen in the last 10 years have not been seen ever before after Independence,” said Shri Modi.

Highlighting the institutional decay caused by the Central Government, Shri Modi spoke of how most institutions in India had been destroyed in the past decade. “Position of the Governor, Raj Bhawans have become Congress Bhawans. Elected governments pass laws but governors do not sign them. This is the institutional decline they are doing. See how IT departments are misused. Investors came to Gujarat but when UPA came to know, IT notices/raids were carried out. There are so many commissions, which must be for people's interests, but even they have been misused for political gains. CBI has been misused. To win trust votes CBI is misused. They are used to make and break governments,” said Shri Modi. Expressing his concern at the gravity of issues, Shri Modi also stressed on how the lack institutional sanctity, sensitivity and integrity would keep our Nation in deep crisis, forever.

Shri Narendra Modi addressed a range of national and local issues at his address in Chennai

Shri Narendra Modi came down heavily on the Congress and its allies and said, “In doing corruption they respect Federal Structure a lot. Their allies are allowed to loot and you have the beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu too.” Commenting on the Congress’ rally in Gujarat earlier today, he said, “The Vice President of the Congress visited Gujarat today and humiliated the State and called its citizens as fools.  Who is fooling the people, the people know very well. People will not tolerate this.  3 generations of the Congress tries to spread lies in Gujarat but the people of Gujarat did not accept it. India too will not!

Shri Modi also spoke of how the Congress government’s work culture had disrupted the functioning of the economy.  He said, “The thought and work culture of UPA has put India on the verge of disintegration and to save nation we need to bid them goodbye. Work culture must be of cooperation not confrontation. Centre vs State, State vs State, these things are going on due to the UPA. UPA is not bothered to solve them too.” While stressing on the need for adherence to the Federal structure, Shri Modi said, “Our Federal Structure must be respected in letter & spirit. Irrespective of which party it was, Atal ji embraced them all.”

Shri Modi indirectly answered to the criticism of a UPA Minister from Tamil Nadu saying, “There is also a recounting Minister in Delhi. He is from Tamil Nadu only. He abuses me but I prefer to keep silent because I know that Keechad Jitna Faikoge, Kamal Utna Hi Khilega.

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Referring to the top economists in the UPA Government as Prime Minister and “Recounting Minister”, Shri Modi called for a competition in growth rate and said, “You came from Harvard we come by hard work!”  He also said, “This land of Chennai asks you, the Recounting Minister, why are the finances of the nation suffering.” Shri Modi further stated, “Congress has failed to create jobs and people are losing their jobs too,” and talked of how Gujarat has the lowest unemployment rate all over the country, while also giving a befitting response by saying, Dear Finance Minister, knowledge of economics does not come from books alone. Good governance is required! “

Shri Modi affirmed the need for a strong government in Delhi by citing the current day threat faced by India from its neighbouring countries. “Such a noble nation we are but on all 4 sides we are being troubled be it China, SL, Bangladesh, Pakistan. These small nations are pressurizing India and no one is hearing us. Who is responsible? The weak government in Delhi,” said Shri Modi.

Shri Modi also spoke of the Central government’s indifferent approach by mentioning how fishermen from Tamil Nadu continued to face problems, and were left to languish in the jails of Sri Lanka. “If the Government had even little concern for the poor then the condition of the fishermen community in TN would be different,” said Shri Modi.

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Condemning the divisive politics practiced by the Congress government, Shri Modi spoke about how they would always remember the poor only at the time of elections, while mentioning the comment of a Congress leader of ‘poverty being a state-of-mind’. He also spoke about the anarchic style of current-day governance by stating how it had disobeyed the Supreme Court’s instructions of giving grains to the poor, and had instead given it to alcohol makers at throw-away rates.

Shri Narendra Modi affirmed the need for good and effective governance, and added that government was not meant to serve the rich, but rather to serve the poor.

“In the last 60 years never before has there been tension between the Centre and the Armed Forces, but in the last 10 years UPA has had run-ins even with the Armed forces. The Armed forces were never divided on sectarian lies but this is what the UPA has done now,” said Shri Modi while speaking on the Congress government’s unsympathetic approach.

Speaking about how Atal Behari Vajpayee ji’s dream of integrated river grid had benefitted Tamil Nadu, Shri Modi drew the attention of the crowd to the UPA government’s inconvenience in implementing the river linking project, inspite of the Supreme Court’s intervention.

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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.