Published By : Admin | December 2, 2012 | 20:56 IST
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Shri Modi addresses huge election meetings in Saurashtra
CM speaks at Gondal, Dhola and Bhavnagar
Congress does not have the courage to fight the BJP directly that is why they are making behind the curtain alliances with others: Shri Modi
The Congress is an expert at lies, even 4 PHDs are not enough for them Shri Modi
Go to any place in Gujarat, in a radius of 25 km you will see some or the other development work taking place: Shri Modi
When you vote do not think about your community, village, Taluka, district but about the entire state: Shri Modi
Think about Gujarat and development comes to the mind and when you think about UPA, what comes to the mind is scams, corruption, price rise: CM
After a phenomenal response in South Gujarat and Ahmedabad district, Shri Narendra Modi addressed huge public meetings in various parts of Saurashtra. First Shri Modi addressed a meeting in Gondal (Rajkot district) followed by Dhola (Bhavnagar district) and then addressed a massive rally in Bhavnagar city. Shri Modi spoke about the development initiatives in Gujarat and came down heavily on the UPA over its colossal failures on every front.
Shri Modi recalled that when he took over as the Chief Minister the total budget of the state did not exceed Rs. 6,000 crore whereas just recently he dedicated the SAUNI Yojana worth Rs. 10,000 crore to the people, which will bring the waters of the Narmada to Saurashtra. Similarly, a town like Gondal today has development works to the tune of Rs. 4700 crore thus illustrating the scale of development in Gujarat over the last ten years. He talked about the Supreme Court praise for Gujarat’s land acquisition policy.
He attacked the Congress on the issue of the cotton export ban and said that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh must answer the farmers on why this step was taken that caused a loss of Rs. 7,000 crore to Gujarat’s farmers. Shri Modi said that the Gujarat Government has come up with textile parks for cotton growing districts that will help farmers and will enable cloth and garments to be manufactured there itself. He pointed out that the New Textile Policy of the Gujarat Government is to protect the interests of Gujarat’s farmers from the Delhi Government. He shared that the textile industry comes second only to agriculture in generating jobs and that the policy will create as many as 25 lakh jobs for the people. The Chief Minister spoke about how the Dahej-Ghogha ferry service will further increase the development in Bhavnagar.
Shri Modi stated that there are two examples of Governance in India- one of the UPA and the other of Gujarat’s BJP Government. He added that when we think of Gujarat it is development that comes to the mind and when we think of the UPA, all that comes to the mind is scams, price rise, corruption etc. Shri Modi opined that even criticism of the Gujarat Government is on the issue of development while there is no such hope of development from the UPA. He affirmed that if one goes to any part of Gujarat, there Is some or the other development work going within a radius of 25 km.
The Chief Minister termed the Congress as an expert at telling lies and added that even 4 PHDs are not enough for them! He said that the Congress promised to reduce prices in 100 days but that did not happen and instead they even snatched gas cylinders leaving the people at the mercy of the black market.
He exposed the Congress lie that the Gujarat Government has been dolling out Gauchar land and shared that it was the Congress, who in its rule doled out large tracts of Gauchar land.
Shri Modi spoke at length about how the Congress has cheated its workers and cheated their own ally the NCP when they first offered them 9 seats but later on put candidates on these seats.
The Chief Minister made a direct attack on the Congress, saying that they do not have the courage to fight the BJP directly, which is why they are making behind the curtains alliances with others.
Watch : Shri Narendra Modi to campaign in Gujarat on 2nd December 2012 - Dhola Bhavnagar
Recalling the 2007 Vidhan Sabha elections, Shri Modi pointed out that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi campaigned in Chhota Udepur and that time the media wrote that ‘Modi is finished’ but when the result came out the Congress was wiped out there. This time she changed her ‘disha’ (direction) and campaigned in Rajkot but the Congress will be wiped out there as well, affirmed the Chief Minister. He declared that a committee has been made to defame him and that except such negativity the Gujarat Congress has not done anything.
On the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections Shri Modi said that the people’s vote is not about electing an MLA but about deciding the future of entire Gujarat. He urged the people not to think about their community, village, Taluka or district but instead think about the entire state when they go to cast their vote. He also said that he has given his life in the service of the people of Gujarat and based on the development of the last 11 years the people should decide. On the development in Gujarat over the past 11 years Shri Modi stated that he had merely filled the ditches of preceding years of Congress rule, and reaffirmed his determination to take Gujarat to further newer heights.
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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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.
