Our dream is to make Gandhinagar a solar city –Shri Narendra Modi

Published By : Admin | January 22, 2011 | 05:37 IST

There will be a time when a person in Gandhinagar with his house would be able to generate solar power on his roof top, and the government will be there to buy it. This would help to earn extra income for the people of Gandhinagar, said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi while dedicating 1 MW demonstration solar power plant at Pandit Dindayal Petroleum University near Gandhinagar.

“We have commissioned this project in 106 days. The coast incurred is Rs. 15 crore. This is world's first solar project where three types of technologies are present. This is the first project that can be monitored from any part of the world. One would be able to monitor how much power is being generated from remote place,” Shri Modi said.

“This only one project would generate 15 lakh unit power annually. The human kind will be saved from generation of 1500 ton carbon dioxide annually due to usage of this plant,” he added.

“This facility can provide power to 1500 plus Air Conditioned houses. Our dream is to make Gandhinagar a solar city. We are going ahead in that direction. There will be a time when each person would be able to generate power on roof top and the government would buy it. This will be an extra income for the people of Gandhinagar.”

Shri Modi said the project is important because it will be helpful for human resource development. It is also important because it's an example of generating solar power in Indian condition.

While dedicating The Institute of Seismological Research in Gandhinagar, Shri Narendra Modi today said that the first decade of 21st century is a decade of institutes in Gujarat.

“In 1960s there was a time when major institutes were established in Gujarat. This includes institutes like ISRO and IIM. But after 1960s this trend was not as strong. However the 21st century's first decade 2001-10 is an era of institutions.”

“Two days back I went to Hyderabad. The people were excited the way we are using Bhaskaracharya institute of satellite (BISAG) in the state. We received an award of best satellite technology user state.”

“I just took a round of seismology institute and I can say that this institute will give a great contribution to the world in the area of Seismology. We had IIT, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University where we are sitting at present, and a long list of universities in this decade. This is an era of institutionalization.”

“Good governance cannot be driven by an individual. Good governance means to institutionalize the idea. And Gujarat has attempted to institutionalized each idea. We are doing this in one corner of India, but I am satisfied that after all we are contributing this to the nation.”

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi further said “When Gujarat was hit by major earthquake in 2001 and responsibility of post-earth quake works was on my shoulder, I requested then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee for setting up a Seismological institute in Gujarat, and the central government gave us assurance of providing Rs. 200 crore for this purpose, but it was unfortunate that subsequent government had opinion that this was not needed.”

“I told central government that fine if they didn't want to do in Gujarat (because it is BJP ruled), but they could at least set up such institute somewhere else in the country if not in Gujarat, may be in Congress ruled state. However it is unfortunate that those in centre don't have longer vision.”

“Here I am not giving a political comment. But I want to make a point that there's strength in science, and that has to be recognized well. Our young boys are doing good research. They the youths involved in scientific research know that they are not going to get coverage in newspaper or magazine of their works, but they are working with great spirit because they know their hard work will serve the society. If this institute of seismology was set up by central govt, I could be happier. After the central govt escaped from this project, I had to make choice whether I should do this or drop the project, but it was God that asked me to go ahead with the project, and I have done it. The institute is here with the best facilities on ground to serve the nation and the world.”

While inaugurating ‘the International Symposium on the 2001 Bhuj Earthquake and Advances in Earthquake Science' at Raisan campus of The Institute of Seismological Research on Saturday, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi asked researchers to come to Gujarat to do PhD on post-earthquake works in Gujarat.

“I want to give a message that if any university youth from Gujarat or outside the state, wants to study earthquake rehabilitation, policy framework and related issues for doing PhD, this is the time to do such research work,” Shri Modi said adding that such research would be a great help to future generations.

Shri Modi also offered to become host and sponsor of the students wanting to do PhD on post-Gujarat earthquake related issues.

He said, “the Gujarat government will arrange an accommodation for such students and will also provide scholarship to encourage research in this area.”

Shri Modi said such research would also possibly throw light on Gujarat government's shortcomings in the area of post-earthquake works, however that too will be helpful for future.

January 22, 2011

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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.