प्रधानमंत्री मोदी और श्रीलंका के राष्ट्रपति ने जाफना स्थित दुराईअप्पा स्टेडियम का संयुक्त रूप से उद्घाटन किया
दुराईअप्पा स्टेडियम सिर्फ ईंट पत्थर का नहीं है बल्किआर्थिक विकास का प्रतीक है: प्रधानमंत्री मोदी
भारत का दृढ़ विश्वास है कि उसके आर्थिक विकास का लाभ उसके पड़ोसियों को भी हो: प्रधानमंत्री
दुराईअप्पा स्टेडियम हमारे सहयोग की भावना का प्रतीक है। श्रीलंका के विकास के लिए भारत का समर्थन हमारी दोस्ती का वादा है: प्रधानमंत्री मोदी
सुबह उदेशनक वेवा, आयुबोवन
पिछले साल जब मैं जाफना में था, तब लोगों से मिला प्यार और लगाव आज भी मेरे जेहन में ताजा है। दुराईअप्पा स्टेडियम सिर्फ ईंट पत्थर का नहीं है बल्किआर्थिक विकास का प्रतीक है। यह एक ऐतिहासिक दिन था क्योंकि किसी भी भारतीय प्रधानमंत्री की ये पहली जाफना यात्रा थी। आज एक और ऐतिहासिक दिन है। हम एक बार फिर से श्रीलंका के लोगों और जाफना के निवासियों के साथ भागीदारी की सराहना कर रहे हैं। आज फिर से राष्ट्रपति सिरीसेना के साथ हम पुनर्निर्मित दुराईअप्पा स्टेडियम को श्रीलंका के लोगों को समर्पित करते हैं। और इस अवसर पर मैं अकेला नहीं हूं, संचार के आधुनिक उपकरणों के माध्यम से भारत के 125 करोड़ लोग और श्रीलंका के लोग इस उत्सव में शामिल हो रहे हैं।
दोस्तों,
लगभग 20 साल के इंतजार के बाद आपकी वाहवाही और जयकार से एक बार फिर दुराईअप्पा स्टेडियम की आत्मा जागृत होगी। हम हजारों किलोमीटर दूर दिल्ली में भले ही बैठे हों, पर हम भी जाफना में जीवंतता और बदलाव के माहौल को महसूस कर सकते हैं। दुराईअप्पा स्टेडियम सिर्फ ईंट और पत्थर नहीं है बल्किआर्थिक विकास का प्रतीक है। जाफना के युवाओं के लिए एक समृद्ध और स्वस्थ भविष्य का भी क्षेत्र है। यह आपके हिंसा की विरासत को खत्म करने और आर्थिक प्रगति के रास्ते पर आगे बढ़ाने के दृढ़ संकल्प को दर्शाता है। इसकी नींव में आप लोगों के साहस और महान बलिदान हैं। इसका सफल समापन यह दर्शाता है कि आपने अतीत को पीछे छोड़ दिया है और एक समृद्ध भविष्य का वादा करने के लिए आगे की ओर देख रहे हैं।
महामहिम सिरीसेना,
मैं आपके दूरदर्शी नेतृत्व और प्रधानमंत्री विक्रमसिंघे, राज्यपाल और उत्तरी प्रांत के मुख्यमंत्री को इस परियोजना की सफलता सुनिश्चित करने में योगदान पर सलाम करता हूं।
दोस्तों,
हमारे संबंध हमारी दोनों सरकारों के दायरे तक ही सीमित नहीं हैं। वे हमारे इतिहास, संस्कृति, भाषा, कला और भूगोल की समृद्धता में भी निहित हैं। भारत दृढ़ता से इस बात में विश्वास करता है कि हमारे आर्थिक विकास से उसके पड़ोसी देशों को भी लाभ हो। दुराईअप्पा स्टेडियम हमारे सहयोग की भावना का प्रतीक हैं। दरअसल श्रीलंका के विकास के लिए भारत का समर्थन हमारी दोस्ती का वादा है। और यह आपकी प्राथमिकताओं और आवश्यकताओं के आधार पर निर्भर होगा कि आप हम पर कितना भरोसा कर सकते हैं। यही हमारे स्थायी संबंधों को वर्तमान के लिए प्रासंगिक बनाता है, और साथ ही भविष्य के लिए भी।
दोस्तों,
भारत की इच्छा एक आर्थिक रूप से समृद्ध श्रीलंका देखने की है। एक ऐसा श्रीलंका जहां एकता और अखंडता, शांति, सद्भाव और सुरक्षा तथा समान अवसर और गरिमा हो। जिसकी अपने देश के लोगों के बीच भी महत्ता हो।
महामहिम सिरीसेना और दोस्तों,
अभी से करीब 72 घंटे बाद 21 जून को पूरा विश्व अंतरराष्ट्रीय योग दिवस की दूसरी सालगिरह का जश्न मना रहा होगा। श्रीलंका 2014 में इस विषय पर संयुक्त राष्ट्र के प्रस्ताव के पहले समर्थकों में से एक रहा था। और आज हम जाफना के इसी दुराईअप्पा स्टेडियम से अंतरराष्ट्रीय योग दिवस की शुरूआत का जश्न मना रहे हैं। 'सूर्य नमस्कार', जिसे बस थोड़ी देर पहले हमने प्रदर्शित किया, उसने दुनिया को समग्र स्वास्थ्य, समरसता और प्रकृति के साथ सामंजस्य का संदेश भेजा है। इससे और अच्छा अंतर्राष्ट्रीय योग दिवस पर उपहार नहीं हो सकता।
महामहिम राष्ट्रपति सिरीसेना,
मैं एक बार फिर से आपके यहां उपस्थित वर्तमान नेतृत्व और जाफना के प्यारे लोगों को धन्यवाद देता हूं। दुराईअप्पा स्टेडियम के रूप में हमारे स्थायी दोस्ती का एक और प्रतीक खड़ा होगा। भारत श्रीलंका के विकास और समृद्धि में कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर चलेगा।
मैं एक बार फिर से भारत के 125 करोड़ लोगों की ओर से श्रीलंका के लोगों को बधाई देता हूं।
बोहोमा स्तुति, मीका नंदरी
आपका बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद
Partnering a neighbour's progress. PM and President Sirisena tele-inaugurate renovated Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna pic.twitter.com/dDO1vXglI7
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.
