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“Society which gains strength from history can create history”: Shri Modi at Haridwar

Published By : Admin | April 26, 2013 | 21:10 IST
"It is great fortune to be sitting next to such great saints and seers. Their words are 'prasad' and being in their presence is in itself a great honour: Shri Modi"
"Ramdev ji is a teacher who inspires millions every day to take up Yoga: Shri Modi"
"It is our misfortune that we do not talk about our inherent strengths: Shri Modi"
"Ever since I was young, I was pulled towards saints: Shri Modi"
"I don’t believe Baba Ramdev has an agenda. He started out wanting to spread message of health to people, but in the course of his journey, he noticed that the nation's health also needs fixing: Shri Modi"
"Whenever Indian society was being overrun by social evils, it was this society itself, which gave us reformers and champions: Shri Modi"
"My manifesto is the welfare of all -- "Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah”: Shri Modi"
"After the 2002 elections, I had said, those who voted for me are mine, those who did not vote for me are also mine: Shri Modi"
"The work of nation building is being done by saints, we should at least see and acknowledge their work: Shri Modi"
"If 6 cr Gujaratis can lead Gujarat to such success, I am confident that 125 cr Indians can create a great impression in the World: Shri Modi"

 

On April 26th 2013, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Acharyakulam Shikshan Sansthanam at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar. Prominent saints and seers from all over the country were present at the function and praised Shri Modi’s work and dedication. Among those present were Baba Ramdev ji, Shri Ramesh Bhai Ojha and Shri Morari Bapu.

During the ceremony, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated a book on Ayurveda.

Below are excerpts from Shri Modi’s speech:

 

It is great fortune to be sitting next to such great saints and seers. Their words are 'prasad' and being in their presence is in itself a great honour.

It is considered fortunate to sit at the feet of such saints. Crores come from far to hear them speak. These illustrious saints, have been blessed by Maa Saraswati, you can imagine what I must be feeling.

It is great fortune to be sitting next to such great saints and seers. Their words are 'prasad' and being in their presence is in itself a great honour.

Since I started understanding things, I have attended every single Kumbh Mela, sometimes I stayed for the entire duration. But I missed doing so this time. I felt bad about it. I feel that god has given the opportunity to compensate for that loss by attending today’s gathering.

In our country, it is easy to say anything about anyone. Saying without understanding the strength and value of words has become a habit.

I have been the CM of Gujarat for quite long now. There is not even one among the saints present here who has ever asked Gujarat Government for anything. These are the people who give. Because of this, the strength of their words multiplies.

 

Ramdev ji is a teacher who inspires millions every day to undertake Yoga. 

I have known Baba Ramdev for years, since he used to ride a bicycle. He is an embodiment of one man, one mission.

Ramdev ji is a teacher who inspires millions every day to undertake Yoga. If Baba Ramdev's movement had happened in any other country, he would have been the subject of several academic studies.

The Guinness Book should consider Baba Ramdev's record. I don’t think any other individual has met so many people.

 

It is our misfortune that we do not talk about our inherent strengths.

 

It is our misfortune that we do not talk about our inherent strengths. Someone spoke about the Kumbh mela. Organization of the Kumbh Mela is very difficult. The number of people who come there are equivalent to the population of a European country

They stay there without fights or troubles, these people come without invitation. Teachers of Management should learn.

We have lost self respect, it is important that every Indian showcase our strengths and provide inspiration to the world.

It was Sri Aurobindo, who dreamt that India will not only be independent, but it will also become a world leader.

Swami Vivekananda had said a long time back that India will one day be a Jagad-Guru. Is it not the responsibility of every Indian to fulfil his dreams?

 

Ever since I was young, I was pulled towards saints.

Navratri just got over. I long wanted to visit Maa Kali & the pious land of Bellur Math. I was fortunate that I got a chance to visit these places & the land of Shri Ramkrishna Paramhans  and refresh my memories. Later I got to visit Kerala, the place of Shree Narayan Guru.

Shree Narayan Guru had spent his life for the less fortunate, it is his work that today Kerala leads in education.

Ever since I was young, I was pulled towards saints.

Earlier people said, saints only sleep and talk but when they do work, people ask them is this your work? Today people ask Baba Ramdev ji is this your work? He shouldn’t answer these people.

Our saints have not kept their teachings limited to sermons, they have focussed on actions. I am confident that 'Kapal Bharti' will serve to abolish Kapal Bhrantis (mental delusions).

If anyone wishes to stay in Haridwar for a year without spending a rupee, he can. It is the saints of Haridwar who will selflessly serve as they serve anyone who is hungry.

 

I don’t believe Baba Ramdev has an agenda. He started out wanting to spread message of health to people, but in the course of his journey, he noticed that the nation's health also needs fixing.

I am pained by the adversities that Baba Ramdev has had to face. Is it a crime in modern India to hold views opposite to others?

I don’t believe Baba Ramdev has an agenda. He started out wanting to spread message of health and reduce prices of medicines to people, but in the course of his journey, he noticed that the nation's health also needs fixing.

 

Any society which lets go of its roots, that society cannot create history, that society which gains strength form history can create history

Those who think India was born on August 15, 1947, make a mistake. They ignore the thousands of years of historical heritage. A society that cuts itself off from its roots, never prospers.

Any society which lets go of its roots, that society cannot create history, that society which gains strength form history can create history

The work of saving our society was done by our family system, but today we are moving towards micro families.

 

Whenever Indian society was been overrun by social ills, it was this society itself, which has given us reformers and champions.

Whenever Indian society was been overrun by social ills, it was this society itself, which has given us reformers and champions.

Gandhiji helped us move away from untouchability, Swami Vivekananda told us to worship the poor and not idols. Individuals came from within to tackle ills like mistreatment of widows.

Political leaders and governments have not made this country, our saints and seers have made this country.

 

My manifesto is the welfare of all -- "Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah”

I believe in hope. After the 2001 earthquake everyone predicted the end of Gujarat, even our well-wishers were sad, they said the State will never recover. But we recovered within 3 years. Today, even the World Bank agrees that it takes even developed countries 7 years to recover from devastating earthquakes.

Today, talk of development goes alongside any mention of Gujarat. I am not solely responsible for it. The Gujarati people themselves have brought themselves out of tragedy. If 6 crore Gujaratis can do this, then 100 cr indians can create an inspiration for the world.

My manifesto is the welfare of all -- "Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah". No other tradition has defined the picture of human social welfare in two lines.

 

After the 2002 elections, I had said, those who voted for me are mine, those who did not vote for me are also mine.

When I won the elections in 2002, some people were unhappy, I had delivered a speech that day. I had said, elections are over, time for politics is over, the time has now come to move Gujarat forward.  I had said, those who voted for me are mine, those who did not vote for me are also mine.

There has been no communal riot in Gujarat for 12 years now. This is because my Government has worked for the benefit of all.

If 6 cr Gujaratis can lead Gujarat to such success, I am confident that 125 cr Indians can create a great impression in the World.

 

The work of nation building is being done by saints, we should at least see and acknowledge their work.

I would like to congratulate Patanjali Yogpeeth for resuscitating the Yogic tradition of India. Patanjali yogpeeth have believed in our inherent strength and made efforts to revive them.

I don’t feel I deserve all the praise that has been bestowed on me today. But the confidence that the saints have expressed in me will inspire me the way a mother's confidence inspires a child to walk on his own legs.

I request Baba Ramdev, that there should be a conference of all the educational works being done by saints. This is the work of nation building done by saints, we should at least see and acknowledge their work.

 

Shri Modi addresses  the inauguration of Patanjali Yogpeeth's Acharyakulam at Haridwar: Watch Full Program Video 

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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.