मुख्यमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी ने केन्द्र की कांग्रेस शासित सरकार के गुजरात के किसान विरोधी राजनैतिक दांवपेच और पैंतरों पर आक्रोश जताते हुए कहा कि कृषि महोत्सव के जरिए गुजरात सरकार किसानों के हित के लिए ही कार्यरत रहेगी।
अक्षय तृतीया से समग्र गुजरात में एक महीने का कृषि महोत्सव गांव-गांव में मनाया जा रहा है। राज्य के चारों कृषि महाविद्यालयों के कार्यक्षेत्र में चार विभागीय कृषि महोत्सव एवं कृषि मेलों में किसान शक्ति के उमंग-उत्साह में मुख्यमंत्री लगातार सहभागी हो रहे हैं। शुक्रवार को गोधरा में आयोजित मध्य गुजरात के कृषि मेले में जन सैलाब उमड़ पड़ा था। अहमदाबाद, आणंद, खेड़ा, पंचमहाल, दाहोद एवं वड़ोदरा जिलों के विभागीय कृषि महोत्सव में मुख्यमंत्री ने विराट किसान शक्ति का अभिवादन किया। इससे पूर्व श्री मोदी ने आणंद कृषि विश्वविद्यालय की ओर से गोधरा में नवनिर्मित कृषि अभियांत्रिक महाविद्यालय भवन का लोकार्पण किया। इस मौके पर उन्होंने खेती-पशुपालन के क्षेत्र में नए सफल प्रयोग करने वाले प्रगतिशील किसानों का अभिवादन एवं कृषि महोत्सव के लाभार्थियों को कृषि-बागायत साधन-सामग्री की किटों का वितरण भी किया।
गुजरात की कृषि क्रांति और केन्द्र सरकार की भूमिका पर प्रकाश डालते हुए श्री मोदी ने कहा कि एक महीने तक चिलचिलाती धूप में राज्य सरकार के एक लाख कर्मयोगी एवं कृषि वैज्ञानिक 18,000 गांवों की खाक छान रहे हैं। कृषि क्रांति के ऐसे अभियान की सफलता से प्रोत्साहित होने के बजाय केन्द्र सरकार राजनैतिक पैंतरों के जरिए गुजरात के किसानों तथा खेतीबाड़ी को लेकर नकारात्मक भूमिका अदा कर रही है।
उन्होंने कहा कि देश भर में खेतीबाड़ी की दुर्दशा हुई है। देश के किसानों को ऐसी दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण स्थिति में धकेल दिया गया है जहां फसल के लिए पर्याप्त बीज, खाद और दवाएं नहीं मिलती, न तो बिजली मिलती है और न ही पानी साथ ही किसान को उसकी फसल की पर्याप्त कीमत भी नहीं मिलती।
श्री मोदी ने कहा कि केन्द्र की कांग्रेस सरकार नहीं चाहती कि गुजरात के किसानों का भला हो। लिहाजा, वह गुजरात के किसानों के हित की बलि चढ़ाकर रूकावट पैदा करने वाले निर्णय लेती आई है।
मुख्यमंत्री ने केन्द्र की कांग्रेस शासित सरकार पर दुराग्रह का आरोप लगाते हुए कहा कि गुजरात के कपास उत्पादक किसानों के कपास निर्यात पर प्रतिबंध लगाकर धनी व्यापारियों के हित में किसानों का माल लुट जाने के बाद निर्यात की छूट देने का राजनैतिक दांवपेच केन्द्र सरकार रच रही है।
श्री मोदी ने कहा कि कपास निर्यात पर प्रतिबंध को तत्काल हटाने के लिए उन्होंने प्रधानमंत्री को पत्र लिखा था, लेकिन उससे केन्द्र सरकार की आंखें नहीं खुली। उन्होंने कहा कि किसानों की चिन्ता करने के बजाय किसानों के नाम पर राजनैतिक रोटी सेकी जा रही है।
मुख्यमंत्री ने जोर देकर कहा कि उनकी सरकार गुजरात के किसानों को बर्बाद करने की केन्द्र की राजनैतिक दांवपेच की धमकियों का डटकर मुकाबला करेगी। उन्होंने कहा कि कृषि महोत्सव के जरिए आधुनिक खेती के लिए नई पद्घति, सिंचाई के लिए पानी, खेतीबाड़ी एवं बागायत के लिए बीज, कृषि साधन-सामग्री की किट सहायता जैसी किसानों के लिए जरूरी सभी वस्तुओं की पूर्ति उनकी सरकार कर रही है।
इस मौके पर कृषि मंत्री दिलीपभाई संघाणी ने कहा कि कृषि क्रांति कर गुजरात ने देश और दुनिया का ध्यान आकर्षित किया है। कृषि महोत्सव के जरिए कृषि अनुसंधान की पहुंच किसानों के खेत तक संभव बनी है।
वन एवं पर्यावरण मंत्री मंगुभाई पटेल ने कहा कि राज्य में गत छह वर्षों से निरंतर आयोजित हो रहे कृषि महोत्सव के चलते किसानों की आय दुगुनी हो गई है और पिछले दस वर्ष में 13,000 करोड़ से बढ़कर खेत उत्पादन 58,190 करोड़ रुपये तक जा पहुंचा है। कृषि महोत्सव की सफलता के परिप्रेक्ष्य में उन्होंने बताया कि दाहोद जिले के आदिवासी किसानों ने एक लाख टन अदरक का रिकार्ड उत्पादन किया है।
स्वागत भाषण सड़क एवं मकान राज्य मंत्री जयद्रथसिंह परमार ने दिया। इस अवसर पर मुख्यमंत्री एवं मंत्रियों के हाथों प्रगतिशील किसानों को सम्मानित किया गया तथा लाभार्थियों को कृषि विभाग की विविध योजनाओं के तहत ऋण सहायता का वितरण किया गया। मुख्यमंत्री ने आणंद कृषि विश्वविद्यालय की ओर से प्रकाशित कृषि संबंधित प्रकाशनों का विमोचन किया। विविध संस्थाओं की ओर से मुख्यमंत्री की कन्या शिक्षा निधि में 12.99 लाख रुपये के चेक अर्पित किए गए। शिक्षा राज्य मंत्री एवं जिले के प्रभारी मंत्री जयसिंह चौहान ने धन्यवाद ज्ञापित किया।
इस अवसर पर कृषि राज्य मंत्री कनुभाई भालाणा, आदिजाति विकास राज्य मंत्री जशवंतसिंह भाभोर, पशुपालन राज्य मंत्री पुरुषोत्तमभाई सोलंकी, सांसद प्रभातसिंह चौहान, रामसिंह राठवा, डॉ.प्रभाबेन तावियाड़, विधायकगण अरविंदसिंह राठोड़, फतेसिंह चौहान, जेठाभाई भरवाड़, तुषारसिंह महाराउलजी, कृषि विभाग के प्रधान सचिव आर.के. त्रिपाठी, प्रभारी सचिव जे.पी. गुप्ता, जिला कलक्टर मिलिन्द तोरवणे, जिला विकास अधिकारी डॉ. संध्या भुल्लर, जिला पंचायत अध्यक्ष रश्मिकाबेन पटेल, राज्य महिला आयोग की अध्यक्ष श्रीमती लीलाबेन अंकोलिया, आणंद कृषि विश्वविद्यालय के कुलपति डॉ. एम.एम. शेख, कृषि विभाग एवं विश्वविद्यालय के अधिकारी, तहसील पंचायत के अध्यक्ष, नगरपालिका के अध्यक्ष, जिला-तहसील पंचायत के सदस्य, पदाधिकारियों एवं अधिकारियों सहित बड़ी संख्या में किसान समुदाय उपस्थित था।
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.
