Published By : Admin | August 30, 2013 | 14:01 IST
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"Grand felicitation for Narendra Modi in newly created Mahisagar and Chhota Udepur districts"
"Entire state apparatus is coming here to serve you. Poor and marginalized will gain immensely from this: Narendra Modi"
"CM invites farmers for Global Agriculture Fair 2013 in Gandhinagar"
"Come see what has changed in agriculture, how can production be maximized, how can returns be maximum: CM to farmers"
"Development must reach the last person in the queue. Even if one part of the body is injured can we say it is fit? Likewise, if one community is lagging behind in development can we say we are developed: CM"
"In order to be a healthy nation we need to be free of the disease called misgovernance: Narendra Modi"
"In this nation, the land of Sita, Savitri, safety of women has become a big concern: Narendra Modi"
"I want to ask the men- what has happened that the women are not safe? If things go on like this, we have no right to call ourselves men: CM"
"Many blame women but women cannot be blamed. If there is a fault, it lies in the mindset of men: CM"
"Exploitation of women is a blot on any society and we need to be free of it: Narendra Modi"
"One can be anything but if they do not respect women, society sees them as Rakshasas (demons): CM"
On Friday 30th August 2013 Shri Narendra Modi was felicitated in Mahisagar and Chhota Udepur districts. The Mahisagar and Chhota Udepur districts were among the seven districts created on 15th August. The creation of new districts was a promise Shri Modi had made to the people of Gujarat. The new district of Chhota Udepur has been carved out of the existing Vadodara district and consists of five Talukas- Chhota Udepur, Sankheda, Naswadi, Kawant and Jetpur Pavi. Mahisagar district was carved out of Kheda and Panchmahal districts and consists of six Talukas. Shri Modi affirmed that unlike those who have been making false promises for the last 60 years, the Gujarat Government has fulfilled the promises it has made to the people.
Shri Modi said that it is natural for the people of the new districts to feel happy on the creation of the new districts. He stated, “The entire state apparatus is coming here to the new district to serve you. The poor and marginalized will gain immensely from this”. Shri Modi wished the people of Mahisagar and Chhota Udepur districts the very best in their development journey and expressed confidence that the district will scale heights of progress in the coming years. He shared his optimism that Mahisagar and Chhota Udepur districts will grow in the areas such as education, skill development and giving employment to the youth.
The Chief Minister recalled that earlier the Surat district extended till the borders with Maharashtra but then the Government created a new Tapi district that created a new ray of hope among the people. Likewise, he affirmed that other districts have now been created.
Shri Modi invited the farmers to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Global Agriculture Fair that is being held in September 2013. He stated that the Fair would be a historic one where latest discoveries, tools and best practices in agriculture will be exhibited. Shri Modi recalled that farmers had to travel to Israel for such a fair but the Gujarat Government decided to hold such a fair in Gujarat so that the farmers need not travel great distances but instead can get the opportunity closer home. Shri Modi said in his speech, “Progressive farmers from various countries will be coming. I urge my farmer friends from all over to come to Gandhinagar. Come see what has changed in agriculture, how can production be maximized, how can returns be maximum?”
Shri Modi reaffirmed the commitment of the Gujarat Government towards the development of the Tribal Communities and shared, “Development must reach the last person in the queue. Even if one part of the body is injured can we say it is fit? Likewise, if one community is lagging behind in development can we say we are developed?” Shri Modi talked about the 108 Ambulance services and how it has helped the Tribal communities, particularly the women. He also said that the Government has spent crores of rupees for irrigation facilities in the Tribal stretch from Umargam to Ambaji. He even talked about growth of WADI project for the growth of farmers of tribal communities.
The Chief Minister opined that while the nation attained Swaraj, the nation has not been able to attain Surajya, adding that Sushasan or good governance is very important. He affirmed that misgovernance brings with it several other diseases and pointed that in order to be a healthy nation we need to be free of the disease called misgovernance.
Shri Modi offered condolences to those who lost their lives in the unfortunate collapse of two buildings in Vadodara on Janmashtami day. He said that the State Government has set up a comprehensive inquiry to find the truth and added that all assistance will be offered to those affected. Shri Modi said that as a society, it is our duty to stand with people at every juncture. He also came down heavily against those who make hay in the midst of tragedies. Shri Modi questioned them, “I want to ask those who make hay in the midst of tragedies, what did they do in Uttarakhand? Instead of wiping the tears of the people, all they do is politics!”
Shri Modi raises important issue of safety of women
During his speech, Shri Narendra Modi raised the important issue of women safety and made it clear in very specific terms that explanation of women is a blot on society.
Shri Modi said on the occasion, “In this nation, the land of Sita, Savitri, safety of women has become a big concern. I am not making any political statements but I want to ask the men- what has happened that the women are not safe? If things go on like this, we have no right to call ourselves men.”
Coming down sharply against the mindset of blaming the women, Shri Modi minced no words and made it clear, “Many blame women but women cannot be blamed. If there is a fault, it lies in the mindset of men. Exploitation of women is a blot on any society and we need to be free of it. One can be anything but if they do not respect women, society sees them as Rakshasas (demons). It is a blot on any society. From any corner of the nation if such news (on incidents against women) comes, it shames us. May Almighty give us strength and let us affirm that the women of our nation lead a life of safety and dignity.”
Social Justice Minister Shri Ramanlal Vora, Law Minister Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasma, Finance Minister Shri Nitin Patel and Forest Minister Shri Ganpat Vasava were present on the occasions in the two places.
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.
