Published By : Admin | January 5, 2014 | 18:30 IST
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"Baba Ramdev, Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and Narendra Modi share stage at foundation day celebrations of Bharat Swabhiman Trust"
"Narendra Modi lauds the efforts of Baba Ramdev"
"The way to end corruption is a progressive, policy driven state with proper implementation: Narendra Modi"
"I assure you all that we will try our level best to fulfill the expectations that are there from us: Narendra Modi"
"Our demographic dividend is our asset: Narendra Modi"
"If we want to increase GDP, we have to increase productivity: Narendra Modi"
"We do not need men and women from other planets to develop India. Our people, our youth are skilled: Narendra Modi"
"We have to make our presence felt in the manufacturing sector and for that we need to focus on value addition: Narendra Modi"
Go by track record, not tape record…go by track record not mere promises! This was the resounding message of hope, vision and aspiration emerging from Shri Narendra Modi’s speech at the foundation day celebrations of Bharat Swabhiman Trust, which works under the guidance of the respected Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev ji. Shri Modi spoke on a variety of issues and said that it is possible to bring change for the betterment of the people. Shri Modi affirmed that India is a skilled nation and that for the nation’s development we do not need men and women from other planets, we need to empower our people and our youth with the right skills and opportunity. He gave the example of the successful launch of the GSLV D5, to illustrate the skill and talent India is blessed with. Shri Modi reiterated his belief that the nation’s demographic dividend is an asset and that unfortunately, the Congress led UPA considers it a disaster.
One by one, Shri Modi shared his invaluable insight and experience in governance and shared light on how change can be possible in the nation. He called for increasing productivity in order to increase agriculture. On agriculture, Shri Modi said that it is a very important aspect of the nation’s growth and added that the focus must be on farming, farming of trees and on animal husbandry. He spoke on Gujarat’s success in animal husbandry including the rise in milk production. He affirmed that on one hand efforts must be made to enhance the white and green revolution but unfortunately the Centre is more concerned about the pink revolution that encourages export of mutton. Will animals or their meat help our farmers, Shri Modi asked. Shri Modi talked about the success of the Wadi project, that was conceived during the NDA time and how it helped the farmers.
Shri Modi called for making India’s presence felt in the manufacturing sector and substantiated his point by talking about the importance of value addition. He opined that the way to end corruption is to have a progressive and policy driven state with proper implementation. He agreed that the taxation system has become a burden for the common man and that reform is needed, on which the BJP is also working. He stressed on the fact that systems must make things simpler and further observed that it is very much possible to bring change. Shri Modi commented that it is not that change is not possible, what happens is government start focusing on elections from day 1 itself.
Shri Modi also agreed with the eminent dignitaries on the dais that we need to be proud of our languages and at the same time we need to embrace modern science and technology so that we can answer the world is any and every language possible. He reaffirmed his commitment against black money as well.
On a personal note, Shri Modi assured Swami Ramdev and all those who had gathered that both the BJP and him would try their level best to live upto the expectations of the people and try to fulfill the expectations. He profusely lauded the efforts of Baba Ramdev, that are devoted towards brining change in the nation, saying that when Saints do such Manthan, the outcome is Amrut (nectar). Shri Modi shared that he himself is not a pessimist because he has lived life without any pessimism. He added that when he thinks about all the negativity against him, he looks back and sees how the people of India have given so much love to him, a person who used to sell tea as a child. Shri Modi opined that those who experience pain in their life do not have to go on Yatras to see pain and suffering. He expressed his happiness that now elections are about development politics as opposed to only caste and ‘jod tod’ as it was earlier.
Present on the occasion were BJP President Shri Rajnath Singh and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Shri Arun Jaitley. All the leaders lauded the contribution and service of Baba Ramdev to the nation.
Text of Prime Minister Narendra 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.
