Published By : Admin | September 25, 2013 | 17:02 IST
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"Narendra Modi speaks at start of National Conference on Skill Development"
"In the last century we were very proud of IITs. It is a very good thing no doubt but in this century we need to think about ITIs and give it the same importance: Narendra Modi"
"CM calls for setting up of Human Resource Development Clusters like industrial clusters that will give people jobs closer to their homes"
"There would be development where there will be skilled manpower. The time for the reverse to happen has long gone: Narendra Modi"
"Narendra Modi pays rich tributes to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya"
"We have youth, we have skill, we have everything we only need to join it. Through this conference we seek to integrate these strengths: CM"
"Narendra Modi talks about Gujarat’s initiatives towards strengthening skill development in the last decade"
The National Conference on Skill Development commenced in Mahatma Mandir on the morning of Wednesday 25th September 2013. Speaking at the start of the conference Shri Narendra Modi called for strengthening skill development initiatives in our nation so that it can help the youth of our nation. “In the last century we were very proud of IITs. It is a very good thing no doubt but in this century we need to think about ITIs and give it the same importance,” said Shri Modi. Like there are industrial cluster, Shri Modi called for the setting up of Human Resource Development clusters that enable individuals to pick up skills that would give them ample opportunities near their homes. Shri Modi avowed that there would be development where there will be skilled manpower and that the time for the reverse to happen has long gone.
During his speech Shri Modi paid rich tributes to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on his birth anniversary. Shri Modi stated that Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya worked for the welfare of the poor and the marginalized communities and gave the 7M Mantra- Man, Machine, Material, Money, Management, Motive and Market, which are very important for this conference as well.
Speaking about the importance of holding such a conference, Shri Modi pointed, “There are conferences on doctors etc but no one looks at the real Rashtra Nirmatas (nation builders), the real Vishwakarmas. It is the small Karigar who will think of making things perfectly. The nation is built by their hands, it is they who take the nation ahead.” The Chief Minister stressed on giving importance to the dignity of labour (Shram Ki Pratistha).
Shri Modi opined that on one hand we hear things like the youth do not have jobs but on the other hand we hear things like a driver, plumber, cook is needed in many houses. “We have youth, we have skill, we have everything we only need to join it. Through this conference we seek to integrate these strengths,” he added. He affirmed that there cannot be any nation or government that would not focus on skill development, further stating that those nations blessed with youth are skill development and those without youthful population are focusing on how to get skilled manpower.
The Chief Minister called for upgrading the scale at which the skill development initiatives were going on In India. Recalling a National Development Council meet five years ago, Shri Modi shared that he was surprised when he heard the PM say that India is working on 500 works towards skill development when China is focusing on 50,000! He spoke about the efforts in nations such as Germany, Malaysia on skill development.
Shri Modi affirmed that it is not as if the youth of the nation does not want to learn. Given the right opportunity, he or she would never want to live off what the Government is giving. He shared that the Centre formed a Minister’s National Council on Skill Development in 2008 but nothing happened. They formed a Skill Development Board too and in 2009 they came up with National Skills Policy that looks good only on paper. Thus, in 2013 they abandoned these committees and formed a National Skill Development Authority. “They are great at forming and dissolving committees!” he remarked. Shri Modi shared that the Centre looked towards Gujarat’s initiatives on skill development and that Gujarat’s initiatives received the Prime Minister’s award for excellence in 2013. He called for a need of changing the laws and guidelines that prevail in this sector, sharing the present rules date back to 1961!
Narendra Modi ji spoke about the changes Gujarat has brought in the ITIs. He opined, “The more the skilled manpower, the more productivity, the better manufacturing and this will increase exports.”
The Chief Minister stated that in this world that is developing rapidly doing things in isolation would stop progress. He shared that the way ahead lies in learning best practices from every part of the country, to understand and to accept them. Shri Modi further stated, “Not only India but also the world is changing. Technology has changed how we think. It has altered processes too…we cannot develop isolated we have to develop in context of global requirements and we should see to it that we do not remain behind.”
An insightful speech was made by Dr. John Blomquist, an eminent economist. Labour Minister Shri Saurabhbhai Patel also spoke on the occasion. The vote of thanks was given ACS Shri P Panneervel.
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.
