Published By : Admin |
September 5, 2014 | 23:20 IST
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Your Excellency, Prime Minister Tony Abbott Friends from the Media
I am delighted to welcome Prime Minister Tony Abbott to India. We are fortunate to host him as our government`s first guest on a State Visit to India, because we consider Australia to be a very important strategic partner and we wish to deepen our relations further.
India and Australia are peace-loving democratic nations, blessed with great diversity in their societies. We are linked by the Indian Ocean. Australia can make a very important contribution to India`s development. India is a resource-constrained country and can meet a considerable part of its requirements from Australia, a country blessed with abundant natural resources. There are enormous possibilities in the area of manufacturing and infrastructure. In the coming years, India can emerge as a major source of highly skilled human resources.
We have growing cooperation in science, education and skill development. More than 400,000 people of India origin in Australia are making significant contribution to the Australian society and also constitute an effective bridge of friendship between the two countries.
India and Australia must not only work together with a sense of priority to promote peace and prosperity in Asia, Pacific and Indian Ocean Region, but also take on the responsibility of bringing together all other countries in this endeavour.
Prime Minister Abbott and I have had detailed discussions on enhancing our cooperation in all areas of our relationship.
At first, I would like to convey to Prime Minister Abbott the deep sense of gratitude of 1.25 billion people of India for the efforts he has made to bring with him two ancient statues that were stolen from India.
The moment we had conveyed our request for the return of these statues, his government took this decision with great speed. Prime Minister Abbott and the people of Australian have shown enormous respect and regard not only for our ancient treasure, but also for our cultural heritage.
The signing of the civil nuclear cooperation agreement is a historic milestone in our relationship. It is a reflection of a new level of mutual trust and confidence in our relationship and will open a new chapter in our bilateral cooperation. It will support India`s efforts to fuel its growth with clean energy and minimize the carbon footprint of its growth.
Regular and robust dialogue provides a strong foundation for a strong strategic partnership. Prime Minister Abbott and I have decided to enhance our political dialogue and increase our security and defence cooperation, to which we attach great importance in our relationship. We will also enhance exchanges between elected representatives in the Parliament and state assemblies of the two countries.
There has been no prime ministerial visit from India since 1986. I have accepted Prime Minister Abbott`s invitation to pay a bilateral visit to Australia after the G 20 Summit. We will try and meet each other at every available opportunity. We will increase our dialogue at senior officials` level, including in the political, economic and security areas. We will also increase our consultation and coordination in important forums like the Indian Ocean Region Association and East Asia Summit.
We will hold our first bilateral naval exercise in 2015 and intend to enhance our exercises in the coming years. Our two countries can contribute to a variety of objectives in the Indian Ocean Region, including in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. We will also join together in the commemoration of 100 years of the First World War, in which our soldiers fought together. We will also increase our security cooperation to counter terrorism, cyber threats and other security challenges.
There are vast possibilities for increasing trade and investment cooperation. Prime Minister Abbott has been supportive of Indian investors in Australia and has assured me of speedy clearances for Indian investment proposals in the pipeline. I invited Australian investments into India, including in infrastructure and high technology areas.
We are concerned about the decline in bilateral trade in the last two years. We have committed to an early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
I am delighted that we are announcing fresh funding for the Australia India Strategic Research Fund, which supports research activities in areas like clean energy, water, health, environment and food processing.
I am pleased that Prime Minister Abbott has announced a new Colombo Plan to increase the flow of Australian students to India. Increase in youth exchanges will deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.
Prime Minister Abbott has assured me of full cooperation in the area of skill development, which is a priority sector for me. We have also decided to promote cooperation in higher education, especially at the level of universities, to create world class educational opportunities for Indian youth.
Our two countries are bound by shared love for cricket and hockey. Today, I have requested Prime Minister Abbott for cooperation in establishing sports universities in India.
We welcomed the growing people-to-people ties, reflected in the increasing flow of students and tourists between the two countries.
We cooperate with each other in multilateral forums. I thanked Prime Minister Abbott for the continuing Australian support for India`s permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
I am keenly looking forward to the G 20 Summit. I am confident that under the leadership of Prime Minister Abbott, G 20 will be able to effectively address the global challenges. I also conveyed to him our best wishes for hosting the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
I am very satisfied with our meeting today. I believe that it will set a new direction in our relationship. I am confident that we will make further progress on our bilateral agenda before the November Summit. I am also confident that Australia will emerge as a strong strategic partner for India a very important part of our Look East Policy.
Namaskar. 2025 has just about arrived; it is knocking at the door. On the 26th of January 2025, our Constitution is completing 75 years. It is a matter of great honour for all of us. The Constitution, handed over to us by our Constitution makers, has stood the test of time in every sense of the term. The Constitution is our guiding light, our guide. It is on account of the Constitution of India that I am here today, being able to talk to you. This year, on Constitution Day, the 26th of November, many activities have commenced that will go on for a year. A special website named constitution75.com has also been created to connect the citizens of the country with the legacy of the Constitution. In this, you can read the Preamble of the Constitution and upload your video. You can read the Constitution in myriad languages; you can also ask questions pertaining to the Constitution. I urge the listeners of Mann Ki Baat, school going children, college going youth, to visit this website and become a part of it.
Friends,
The Maha Kumbh is also going to be held in Prayagraj from the 13th of next month. At this time, mammoth preparations are going on at the Sangam banks there. I remember, just a few days ago when I went to Prayagraj, my heart was filled with joy after viewing the entire Kumbh area from a helicopter. It’s so huge! So beautiful! Such grandeur!
Friends,
the specialty of the Maha Kumbh is not only in its vastness. The specialty of the Kumbh is also in its diversity. Crores of people congregate for this event. Lakhs of saints, thousands of traditions, hundreds of sects, many Akharas, everyone becomes a part of this event. There is no discrimination anywhere, no one is big, no one is small. Such a scene of unity in diversity will not be seen anywhere else in the world. Therefore, our Kumbh is also the Maha Kumbh of unity. This time's Maha Kumbh will also bolster the mantra of Maha Kumbh of unity. Let me tell all of you; when we participate in the Kumbh, let us bring along this resolve of unity with us. Let us also make a resolve to annihilate the feeling of division and hatred in the society. If I have to say it in a few words, then I will say... Mahakumbh Ka Sandesh, Ek Ho Poora Desh… The message of the Mahakumbh, let the whole country be united. and putting it in another way, I will express... Ganga Ki Aviral Dhara, Na Bante Samaj Hamara... Like the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga, let our society be undivided. Friends, this time in Prayagraj, devotees from the country and the world will also be witness to the digital Maha Kumbh.
With the help of digital navigation, you will be able to reach different ghats, temples, and akharas of sadhus. The same navigation system will also help you reach parking spaces. For the first time, an AI chatbot will be used in the Kumbh event. All kinds of information related to Kumbh will be available in 11 Indian languages through the AI chatbot. Anyone can ask for any kind of help through this chatbot, either by typing text or by speaking in. The entire Fair area is being covered with AI-powered cameras. If someone gets separated from one’s kith and kin during the Kumbh, these cameras will help in finding them. Devotees will also get the facility of a digital lost & found center. Devotees will also be provided information about government-approved tour packages, accommodation and homestay on their mobile phones. If you too go to the Mahakumbh, then avail of these facilities… and yes, do upload your selfie with #EktaKaMahakumbh.
Friends,
now in 'Mann Ki Baat' i.e. MKB, we will talk about KTB. Many of the elderly may not know about KTB. But just ask children, KTB is a superhit among them. KTB means Krish, Trish and Baltiboy. You might know that the favourite animation series of children is called KTB - Bharat Hain Hum and now its second season is also out. These three animation characters tell us about those heroes and bravehearts; men and women associated with the Indian freedom struggle who are not discussed much. Recently, its season-2 was launched in a very special way at the International Film Festival of India, Goa.
The best thing is that this series is broadcast not only in many Indian languages but also in foreign languages. It can be watched on Doordarshan as well as other OTT platforms.
Friends,
the popularity of our animation films, regular films, TV serials shows how much potential India's creative industry has. This industry is not only contributing to the country's progress but is also taking our economy to new heights. Our film and entertainment industry is very vast. Films are made in many languages of the country; creative content is produced. I also congratulate our film and entertainment industry because it has strengthened the sentiment of 'Ek Bharat - Shreshtha Bharat'.
Friends,
in the year 2024, we are celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of many great personalities of the film world. These personalities have accorded Indian cinema recognition at the world level. Raj Kapoor ji introduced the world to the soft power of India through films. Rafi sahab's voice had that magic which touched every heart. His voice was amazing. Be it devotional songs or romantic songs, sad songs, he brought every emotion alive with his voice. His greatness as an artiste can be gauged from the fact that even today the young generation listens to his songs with the same passion - this is the distinct mark of timeless art. Akkineni Nageswara Rao Garu has taken Telugu cinema to new heights. His films presented Indian traditions and values very well. Tapan Sinha ji's films gave a new vision to the society.
Their films always carried the message of social consciousness and national unity. The lives of these personalities are an inspiration for our entire film industry.
Friends,
I want to give you a piece of another good news. A great opportunity is on the way to showcase India's creative talent to the world. Next year, for the first time, the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit i.e. WAVES summit is going to be organised in our country. All of you must have heard about Davos, where the world's economic giants gather. Similarly, in the WAVES summit, giants from the media and entertainment industry and people from the creative world will come to India. This summit is an important step towards making India a hub of global content creation. I feel proud informing you that the young creators of our country are also joining with full enthusiasm in the preparations for this summit. When we are moving towards a 5 trillion dollar economy, our creator economy is bringing in a new energy.
I would urge the entire entertainment and creative industry of India - whether you are a young creator or an established artist, associated with Bollywood or regional cinema, a professional from the TV industry, an expert in animation, gaming or an innovator in entertainment technology - to be a part of the WAVES summit.
My dear countrymen,
all of you know how the radiance of Indian culture is spreading to every nook & corner of the world today. Today I will tell you about such efforts from three continents, which are witness to the global reach of our cultural heritage. All of them are miles apart from each other. But their eagerness to know India and learn from our culture is the same.
Friends,
the more the world of paintings is filled with colors, the more beautiful it is. Those of you who are connected to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ through TV can watch some paintings on TV right now. You will immensely like watching our Gods and Goddesses, dance forms and great personalities in these paintings. You will get to see many things,besides the flora and fauna found in India in these paintings. These include a splendid painting of Taj Mahal which has been made by a 13 year old girl. You will be surprised to know that this Divyang girl has made this painting with her mouth. The most interesting thing is that the people who made these paintings are not from India but are students from Egypt. Just a few weeks ago, around 23 thousand students from Egypt participated in a painting competition. There, they had to prepare paintings depicting Indian culture and the historical relations between the two countries. I appreciate all the youth who participated in this competition. No amount of praise for their creativity would be enough.
Friends,
there is a country in South America called Paraguay. The number of Indians living there would not be more than one thousand. A wonderful effort is being done in Paraguay. At the Indian Embassy there, Erica Huber offers Ayurved Consultation. These days, a large number of local people are reaching out to her to get Ayurved based advice. Erica Huber might have studied engineering, but her heart lies in Ayurveda. She did courses related to Ayurveda and over time, she became proficient in it.
Friends,
it is a matter of great pride for us that Tamil is the oldest language in the world and every Indian is proud of it. The number of people learning it is constantly rising in countries around the world. At the end of last month, a Tamil Teaching Programme was started in Fiji with the support of the Government of India. This is the first time in the last 80 years that trained Tamil teachers are teaching the language in Fiji. I am happy to know that today the students of Fiji are taking a lot of interest in learning the Tamil language and culture. Friends, these things, these incidents, are not just success stories. These are also the saga of our cultural heritage. These examples fill us up with pride. From Art to Ayurveda and from language to music, there is so much in India, which is making its mark in the world.
Friends,
in this winter season, several activities related to sports and fitness are being organised across the country. I am happy that people are making fitness a part of their daily routine.
From Skiing in Kashmir to kite flying in Gujarat, enthusiasm for sports can be seen everywhere. Campaigns like #SundayOnCycle and #CyclingTuesday are promoting cycling.
Friends,
I now want to tell you something unique which is a symbol of the changes taking place in our country and the zeal and enthusiasm of young friends. Do you know that a unique Olympic has started in our Bastar! Yes, a new revolution is coming into being in Bastar through the first Bastar Olympics. It is a matter of great joy for me that the dream of Bastar Olympics has come true. You will also be happy to know that this is taking place in the region which was once a witness to Maoist violence. The mascot of the Bastar Olympics is - ‘Wild Water Buffalo’ and ‘Hill Myna’. It reflects the rich culture of Bastar. The defining Mantra of this sports Mahakumbh is -
‘Karsay Ta Bastar Barsaye Ta Bastar’
i.e. ‘Bastar will play - Bastar will win’.
In the very first instance, one lakh 65 thousand players from 7 districts have participated in the Bastar Olympics. This is not just a statistic - it is the proud story of the resolve of our youth.
Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Football, Hockey, Weightlifting, Karate, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Volleyball - our youth have gloriously displayed their talent in every sport. Kari Kashyap ji’s story inspires me a lot. Kari ji, who hails from a small village, has won a silver medal in archery.
She says - “Bastar Olympics has given us not just a playground but an opportunity to move ahead in life”. What Payal Kawasi ji from Sukma says is no less inspiring. Payal ji, who won a gold medal in Javelin Throw, says - “With discipline and hard work, no goal is impossible”. The story of Punem Sanna ji from Dornapal in Sukma is an inspiring tale of New India. Punem ji, who was once under Naxal influence, is today winning medals by racing on a wheelchair. His courage and zeal is an inspiration for everyone. Archer Ranju Sori from Kodagaon has been chosen as the ‘Bastar youth icon’. She believes that Bastar Olympics is giving the youth from remote areas an opportunity to reach the national stage.
Friends,
Bastar Olympics is not just a sports event. It is a platform where development and sports are merging together, where our youth are honing their talent and building a new Bharat. I urge all of you to:
- Encourage such sports events in your area - Share stories of sports talents from your area with #KhelegaBharat – JeetegaBharat - Give local sports talents an opportunity to progress
Remember, sports not only lead to physical development, but is also a powerful medium to connect society with the sportsman spirit. So play well and bloom well. My dear countrymen, two big achievements of India are attracting the attention of the world today. You will also feel proud to hear about them.
Both these successes have been achieved in the field of health. The first achievement has been in the fight against malaria. Malaria has been a big challenge confronting humanity for four thousand years. Even at the time of Independence, it was one of our biggest health challenges. Malaria ranks third among all infectious diseases that kill children between one month and five years of age. Today, I can say with satisfaction that the countrymen have collectively, strongly fought this challenge. The report of the World Health Organization - WHO mentions - “In India, there has been an 80 percent reduction in the number of malaria cases and deaths due to it between 2015 & 2023.“ This is no mean achievement. The most heartening thing is that this success has been achieved through everyone’s participation. Everyone from every corner of India, from every district, became a part of this campaign. In the tea gardens of Jorhat in Assam, malaria used to be a major cause of concern for people until four years ago.
But when the tea garden dwellers united to eradicate it, they started getting success to a great extent. In this effort, they have made full use of technology as well as social media. Similarly, Kurukshetra district of Haryana has presented a very good model for controlling malaria. Here, public participation for monitoring Malaria has been quite successful. Through street plays and radio, emphasis was laid on messages which helped a lot in reducing the breeding of mosquitoes. It is only through such efforts across the country that we have been able to take the war against malaria forward more rapidly.
Friends,
another example of what we can achieve with our awareness and determination is the fight against cancer. A study of the world-renowned Medical Journal Lancet indeed raises a lot of hope. According to this Journal, now the chances of starting cancer treatment on time in India have increased a lot. Timely treatment means starting the treatment of a cancer patient within 30 days and the ‘Ayushman Bharat Yojana’ has played a big role in this. Because of this scheme, 90 percent of cancer patients have been able to start their treatment on time. This has happened because earlier, due to lack of money, poor patients used to shy away from getting tested for cancer and its treatment. Now, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana has become a big support for them. Now they are coming forward to get themselves treated. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has reduced the financial problems in cancer treatment to a great extent.
It is equally good that today, people have become more aware than ever before about timely treatment of cancer. This achievement is as much of our healthcare system, doctors, nurses and technical staff as it is of all of you, my citizen brothers and sisters. With everyone's efforts, the resolve to defeat cancer has become even stronger. The credit for this success goes to all those who have contributed significantly in spreading awareness.
There is only one mantra to fight cancer - Awareness, Action and Assurance. Awareness means awareness of cancer and its symptoms, Action means timely diagnosis and treatment, Assurance means the belief that every help is available for patients. Come, let us together take this fight against cancer forward rapidly and help as many patients as possible.
My dear countrymen,
today I want to tell you about an effort in Kalahandi, Odisha, which is writing a new story of success despite a paucity of water and resources. This is the 'vegetable revolution' of Kalahandi. Where once farmers were forced to migrate; today, Golamunda block of Kalahandi has become a vegetable hub. How did this change come about? It started with a small group of just 10 farmers. This group together established an FPO - 'Kisan Utpad Sangh', started using modern technology in farming, and today their FPO is doing business worth crores. Today more than 200 farmers are associated with this FPO, including 45 women farmers.
Together, these people are cultivating tomatoes in 200 acres and bitter gourd in 150 acres. Now the annual turnover of this FPO has also risen to more than 1.5 crores. Today, vegetables from Kalahandi are reaching not only various districts of Odisha, but also other states, and the farmers there are now learning new techniques of potato and onion cultivation.
Friends,
this success of Kalahandi teaches us what all can be done with determination and collective effort. I urge all of you to:-
• Encourage FPO in your area • Join farmer producer organizations and strengthen them.
Remember - big changes are possible even through small beginnings. We just need determination and team spirit.
Friends,
in today's 'Mann Ki Baat' we heard how our India is moving ahead with unity in diversity. Be it the sports field or the field of science, health or education – India is touching new heights in every field. We have faced every challenge together like a family and achieved new successes. In the 116 episodes of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ that commenced in 2014, I have seen that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has become a living document of the collective power of the country.
All of you have welcomed this programme; made it your own. Every month you have shared your thoughts and efforts. Sometimes the idea of a young innovator has impressed me, and sometimes the achievement of a daughter has made me proud. It is the participation of all of you that brings together positive energy from every corner of the country. ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has become a platform for the amplification of this positive energy, and now, 2025 is knocking at the door. In the coming year, we will share more inspiring efforts through ‘Mann Ki Baat’. I am confident that with positive thinking and spirit of innovation of the countrymen, India will touch new heights.
Keep sharing the unique efforts around you with #Mannkibaat. I know that in every Mann ki Baat next year, we will have a lot to share with each other. Best wishes to all of you for 2025. Stay healthy, stay happy, join the Fit India Movement, keep yourself fit. Keep progressing in life. Thank you very much.
Kids' favourite KTB - Krish, Trish and Baltiboy is back with Season 2. It celebrates the unsung heroes of India's freedom struggle.#MannKiBaatpic.twitter.com/LaJNd0Zmqf
