Published By : Admin | January 10, 2013 | 13:13 IST
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"Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates GIFT ONE, the tallest tower in Gujarat, in GIFT City "
"GIFT City project blessed both by Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati: Shri Modi "
"GIFT will be an inspiration and a point of reference for such initiatives coming up in the future and termed it as a catalyst that would enhance the development process: Shri Modi "
"Different people are seeing GIFT with a different perspective but as one goes into the depth of things, he or she will see that through projects such as GIFT, the Government is aspiring to scale new heights in services sector: Shri Modi "
"This is not only a building. There is not only currency in this. It will be a hub for commerce worth millions and that too on the click of a mouse: Shri Modi "
"The project has a great scope for providing employment for the youth: Shri Modi "
"The facilities at GIFT are for everyone. A person from any part of Gujarat can join the fast pace development taking place in the world: CM "
"People talk of green technology. We have given it importance in GIFT. We are working towards creating an environment friendly city: CM "
"It’s a matter of great joy that such work has been completed in record time of 14 months: Shri Modi"
On the morning of Thursday 10th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated GIFT ONE, the tallest tower of Gujarat, in Gujarat International Financial Tec-City (GIFT). Shri Modi talked about the GIFT City project and said that it is a project that is blessed both by Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge). The Chief Minister pointed that GIFT will be an inspiration and a point of reference for such initiatives coming up in the future and termed it as a catalyst that would enhance the development process.
The Chief Minister affirmed that different people are seeing GIFT with a different perspective but as one goes into the depth of things, he or she will see that through projects such as GIFT, the Government is aspiring to scale new heights in service sector. He urged the people to view the demo of the various kinds of technology services that are available in GIFT.
Shri Modi pointed out that trade, commence and finance are in the veins of the Gujarati people and added that if we join these strengths of ours with modern technology are can create a new services sector. “That is why we are going ahead with GIFT,” he affirmed.
He declared, “This is not only a building. There is not only currency in this. It will be a hub for commerce worth millions and that too on the click of a mouse.” He said that the project has a great scope for providing employment for the youth. The Chief Minister declared that our youth is very talented and with the right opportunity and infrastructure they will never lag behind.
The Chief Minister shared that as far as GIFT City is concerned the Government is working with a long-term vision in mind. He opined, “We are working with a long-term thought. One MoU was signed today to have primary schools for those who will work here. We are working for the future of those who will work here as well!”
Among the many salient features of GIFT, Shri Modi pointed out that environment and green technology have been given immense importance in this project. He stated, “People talk of green technology. We have given it importance in GIFT. We are working towards creating an environment friendly city.”
The Chief Minister further shared, “When such a hub of financial activity is created, its not limited to the building only. Its influence spreads to the entire state.” He avowed that all sectors related to the economy including the cooperative sector could benefit immensely from a project such as GIFT. He declared, “The facilities at GIFT are for everyone. A person from any part of Gujarat can join the fast pace development taking place in the world.”
He pointed that the world is changing and not only are new cities being accepted but also their focus areas are being decided. Shri Modi cited the examples of sports cities, medicities. “A new vision to development cities is coming up and GIFT is a focus area for financial activity,” said Shri Modi. He added that in GIFT, all facilities would be available to the people at a very close range.
The Chief Minister expressed joy at the remarkable pace at which work is completed on the Tower. He stated, “It’s a matter of great joy that such work has been completed in 14 months. See how technology has become. The world is changing. Earlier to dig a canal or to put small pipes it took years. Now there is such good technology in construction and that is why in 14 months such work is ready. The second tower will be ready soon.”
He further said that the large number of events happening during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit show the heights of good governance Gujarat has scaled. He termed Gujarat as a prime example of ‘Pro People, Pro Active Good Governance (P2G2)’
Before Shri Modi spoke, Shri Sudhir Mankad (IAS Retd.) and Chairman GIFT City spoke about the project and its salient features. Cabinet Ministers Shri Nitinbhai Patel and Smt. Anandiben Patel were present on the occasion. Chief Secretary Shri AK Joti and Shri IP Gautam were the senior officials present on the occasion.
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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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.
The Chief Minister shared that as far as GIFT City is concerned the Government is working with a long-term vision in mind. He opined, “We are working with a long-term thought. One MoU was signed today to have primary schools for those who will work here. We are working for the future of those who will work here as well!”
