सर्वानंद सोनोवाल के रूप में असम को आदिवासी समुदाय से एक ऐसा मुख्यमंत्री मिला है जो समाज की सेवा के लिए समर्पित है: प्रधानमंत्री
केंद्र सरकार सहकारी संघवाद के सिद्धांत पर काम कर रही है और प्रगति के लिए राज्यों को अधिकतम शक्ति देना चाहती है: प्रधानमंत्री मोदी
लोकतंत्र का अर्थ है - भागीदारी: प्रधानमंत्री नरेन्द्र मोदी
विकास के लिए केंद्र और राज्यों को कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर काम करना चाहिए: प्रधानमंत्री मोदी
हम भारत के व्यापक और चौतरफा विकास पर ध्यान दे रहे हैं: प्रधानमंत्री मोदी
भारत की प्रगति तभी होगी जब देश का पूर्वी भाग विकसित होगा: प्रधानमंत्री मोदी
इस महत्वपूर्ण अवसर पर पधारे हुए असम के मेरे प्यारे भाइयों और बहनों,
मैं सबसे पहले असमवासियों को नमन करना चाहता हूं, जिन्होंने विकास का सपना देखा और विकास की पूर्ति के लिए श्रीमान सर्वानंद जी और उनके साथियों को सेवा करने का अवसर दिया।
मैं सर्वानंद जी को भली-भांति जानता हूं। देशभर का आदिवासी समाज सर्वानंद जी पर गर्व कर सकता है। ये आदिवासी समाज में पैदा हुआ और समाज को समर्पित ऐसा एक जुझारू नेता, अब असम का नेतृत्व करने जा रहा है। केन्द्र में मंत्रिपरिषद के मेरे साथी के रूप में उनकी अनेक खूबियों को मैंने नजदीक से देखा है। मधुरता, शायद उनकी body language का दूसरा नाम है। सरलता, सहजता, मृदुता इनको सहज साध्य है और मुझे विश्वास है कि हमेशा प्रसन्नचित्त रहने वाले सर्वानंद जी, असम के सर्वानंद के लिए कोई कसर नहीं छोड़ेंगे। पूरी मेहनत और लगन के साथ असम के भाग्य को बदलने के लिए पूरा प्रयास करेंगे। उनकी पूरी टीम भी समय का पूरा उपयोग असमवासियों के कल्याण के लिए करेगी, ऐसा मुझे विश्वास है।
मैं आज आप लोगों को विश्वास दिलाता हूं कि दिल्ली में बैठी हुई सरकार, जो cooperative federalism पर भरोसा करती है, competitive cooperative federalism पर भरोसा करती है, हमारे लिए जो राज्य प्रगति करना चाहते हैं, उनको अधिक से अधिक ताकत देना; जो राज्य प्रगति करने की कठिनाइयां अनुभव कर रहे हैं, उनको हाथ पकड़कर के आगे ले जाने का प्रयास करना और सभी राज्य व केन्द्र सरकार, कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर के राज्यों को और हिन्दुस्तान को नई ऊंचाइयों पर ले जाए, उसका एक निरंतर प्रयास चल रहा है। असम को भी कभी कोई कमी महसूस नहीं होने दी जाएगी। असम जितना दौड़ेगा, असम सरकार जितना दौड़ेगी, दिल्ली सरकार भी उससे एक कदम ज्यादा दौड़ने का हमेशा प्रयास करेगी।
मैं असम की जनता से भी आग्रह करूंगा कि आपने जो सपना देखा है, उस सपने को पूरा करने के लिए सिर्फ चुनाव में आपका सहयोग मिले, इतना enough नहीं है। आवश्यकता है कि लोकतंत्र भागीदारी से चले, सरकार और जनता कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर के आगे बढ़े तो उसके अद्भुत परिणाम मिलते हैं। असम की जनता भी कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर के असम के भाग्य को बदलने के लिए पूरा प्रयास करेगी।
आपने मुझे लाल किले पर से कभी-कभी सुना है। आपने मुझे संसद के द्वार पर भी सुना है। मैं उस विचार पर विश्वास करता हूं कि देश आजाद होने के बाद चाहे केन्द्र हो, राज्य हो, जितनी भी सरकारे आई, हर सरकार ने अपने-अपने तरीके से कुछ न कुछ अच्छा करने का प्रयास किया है और इसलिए जो कुछ भी अच्छा हुआ है, उस अच्छाई को और आगे बढ़ाना और जो कमियां रह गई हैं, उसको पूर्ण करके तेज गति से आगे बढ़ाना, यह समय की मांग रहती है।
मुझे विश्वास है कि सर्वानंद जी के नेतृत्व में असम की एक महान विरासत है। ये सांस्कृतिक चेतना का केन्द्र है। भारत को भी अनेक विषयों में प्रेरणा देने की ताकत इस धरती पर है। उस धरती का उपयोग असम को नई ऊंचाइयों पर और देश को नई ताकत देने के लिए होगा, ये मेरा विश्वास है। मैं हमेशा इस बात पर विश्वास कर रहा हूं कि भारत का विकास सर्व-समावेशक हो, भारत का विकास संतुलित हो, भारत का विकास सार्वदेशिक हो और इसके लिए हिन्दुस्तान का पूर्वी छोर, ये अगर विकास से वंचित रहेगा तो ये हमारी भारत माता समृद्ध नहीं हो सकती है। अगर भारत का पश्चिमी छोर, ये आगे बढ़ता है तो भारत का पूर्वी छोर भी उतनी ही गति से आगे बढ़ना चाहिए और असम, बंगाल, बिहार, पूर्वी उत्तर प्रदेश, ओडिशा, नॉर्थ ईस्ट, ये सारे क्षेत्र हिन्दुस्तान को आने वाले दशकों में एक नई आर्थिक ताकत दे सकते हैं, गति को नई ऊर्जा दे सकते हैं।
हमारी जो Act East Policy है, पूर्व के देशों में भारत का प्रभाव और पहचान बनाने में भारत के इस भू-भाग का बड़ा महत्व है। ये हमारा अष्टलक्ष्मी प्रदेश कभी seven sister प्रदेश कहा जाता था। ये पूरा North-East का विकास वो सिर्फ हिन्दुस्तान को नहीं, हमारे पूर्व के देशों में भी प्रभाव पैदा करने की ताकत रखता है और इसलिए संपूर्ण North-East के विकास के लिए असम एक बहुत बड़ा केन्द्र बिन्दु है। गुवाहाटी एक बहुत बड़ा केन्द्र बिन्दु है। उसको आगे बढ़ाने की दिशा में केन्द्र और राज्य मिलकर के काम करेंगे, ये मैं आपको विश्वास दिलाता हूं। मैं श्रीमान सर्वानंद जी को, उनकी पूरी टीम को, असम की जनता को हृदय से बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं देता हूं।
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.
