मेरे लिए यह बड़े सौभाग्य की बात है कि आज महाबोधक सोसायटी के इस पवित्र स्थल पर आ करके सभी पूज्यों संतों के आशीर्वाद लेने का अवसर मिला और मैं इसके लिए विशेष रूप से महाबोधि सोसायटी के अध्यक्ष जी का हृदय से धन्यवाद देता हूं। मैं आपका विशेष रूप से आभारी हूं कि आपने मुझे सांची relics के दर्शन करने का और पुण्य पाने का अवसर दिया।
बुद्धभिक्षुओं के आर्शीवाद मिले। उन्होंने मेरे लिए, भारत और श्रीलंका के लिए, हमारी एकता के लिए, हमारी प्रगति के लिए प्रार्थना की - यह बात अपने आप में हृदय को छूने वाली है और मैं फिर एक बार सबको प्रणाम करता हूं।
श्रीलंका में सांस्कृतिक और राजनैतिक पुनर्जागरण में श्रीमद Anagarika Dharmapala का की अहम भूमिका रही है। बौद्ध धर्म के पुनरूथान के लिए महाबोधि के सोसायटी के गठन में उनकी अहम भूमिका रही है। इस सोसायटी ने बौद्धगया में स्थित महादेवी वर्मा के प्राचीन मंदिर की महिमा को बहाल करने में भी अहम योगदान दिया है
कहा जाता है कि विश्व में सबसे पुराना बौद्ध धर्म पर चलने वाला कोई अगर देश है तो वो देश श्रीलंका है।
आज विश्व के कई देशों में हम अगर जाएंगे तो हमें श्रीलंका के बोधभिक्षु वहां पर इस पवित्र काम को करते हुए नजर आते हैं।
बुद्ध हम सबको जोड़ते हैं, और मेरा तो यह सौभाग्य रहा जैसे स्वामी जी ने बताया कि जब मैं गुजरात का मुख्यमंत्री था तो मैंने एक अंतर्राष्ट्रीय बुद्ध सभा का आयोजन किया था। दुनिया के 20 अधिक देशों से अधिक देशों से सभी महानुभव आये थे, आप भी पधारे थे, क्योंकि सामान्य ऐसी छवि है कि बुद्ध भारत के पूर्वी हिस्से में ही प्रभावित थे लेकिन मैं तो गुजरात से, भारत के पश्चिमी छोर से आता हूं, लेकिन वहां पर भी बुद्ध का उतना ही प्रभाव था।
मेरा यह सौभाग्य रहा है कि मेरा जन्म जिस गांव में हुआ वर्णगढ़ Chinese Philosopher Hiuen Tsang करीब आठ सौ साल पहले हिंदुस्तान आए थे और उन्होंने आठ सौ साल पहले भारत का जो वर्णन लिखा है, उसमें वो लम्बे अरसे तक मेरे गांव में रहे थे। और उन्होंने लिखा है कि मेरे गांव में जहां मैं पैदा हुआ, वहां पर बुद्ध भिक्षुओं की Training का एक बहुत बड़ा Centre था। 10 हजार से ज्यादा बुद्धभिक्षु वहां रह सके, इतना बड़ा Hostel था।
तो Hiuen Tsang की इस बात को लेकर के जब मैं मुख्यमंत्री बना, तो मैंने मेरे गांव में excavation करवाया। और आप सबको जानकार के खुशी होगी कि जब excavation किया तो सारी चीजें मिल आई - वो बड़ी-बड़ी Hostel, वो बुद्ध भिक्षुओं का Training का Centre. और इतना ही नहीं, हमारे यहां एक जगह है गुजरात में देव की मोरी, उस जगह पर excavation किया तो भगवान बुद्ध के relics हमें एक Golden Box में मिले।
और मैं थेरो जी को ले गया था, वो सारी चीजें दिखाने के लिए, उनको दर्शन कराने के लिए ले गया था।
और मेरा एक मन का Dream रहा, जब मैं मुख्यमंत्री था कि जहां से हमें भगवान बुद्ध के relics मिले हैं, वहां पर मेरा सपना है एक भव्य भगवान बुद्ध का मंदिर बनाना। मैं हमेशा अनुभव करता हूं कि आज विश्व जिस संकटों से गुजर रहा है। जो आतंकवाद के साए में दुनिया भयभीत होकर के जी रही है, बुद्ध का रास्ता यही है जो युद्ध से मुक्ति दिलाता है।
और मैं फिर एक बार इस पवित्र स्थल पर सब संतों का आशीर्वाद लेने का मुझे सौभाग्य भी मिला... मैं फिर एक बार सबको प्रणाम करता हूं। स्वागत सम्मान के लिए प्रणाम करता हूं, और आप सबका धन्यवाद करता हूं।
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
Share
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.
