Published By : Admin | February 8, 2014 | 13:13 IST
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"This region has been suffering due to lack of infrastructure. People have wrongly been made to feel that they are not part of mainstream: Shri Modi"
"Shri Narendra Modi affirmed that all records of corruption have been broken by the Congress in the Centre and in Manipur"
"Congress feels that the only solution to insurgency is fake encounters but they do not know such steps will further spoil the atmosphere: Shri Narendra Modi"
"Shri Modi questioned the lacklustre attitude of the State and the Centre towards issues of National Security and asked why border pillars with Myanmar are missing"
"Shri Modi spoke about the need to develop the rich biodiversity of this region, while emphasizing on the need to harness the rich mineral resources"
On the morning of 8th February, Shri Narendra Modi addressed a huge crowd of supporters and karyakartas at the ‘BJP New Hope New Manipur’ rally at Imphal in Manipur.
Echoing his concern for the North-Eastern part of India, Shri Modi said, “This region has been suffering due to lack of infrastructure. People have wrongly been made to feel that they are not part of mainstream.” He went on to add how the Central government policies were not aligned to the development of this region, while highlighting the pro-people policies framed by the BJP government, for this region, under the leadership of Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee. Some of these remarkable initiatives included the formation of a separate Ministry for the North-east, special package for economic development of the North-east and the 20-point programme for the economic development of this region.
With a promise to take forward the processes started by Shri Vajpayee, Shri Modi said, “With lot of conviction and commitment to do something, we promise to bring this region at par with other regions of India.” Shri Modi highlighted the tremendous potential of the North-Eastern region - which included the 7 sister states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and the state of Sikkim - by saying, “Yeh Bharat ke bhagya ko badalne ki ashta lakshmi hai.”
In a clear rejection of the divisive forces that have spread havoc in the North East Shri Modi affirmed, “Because of lack of attention and lack of governance the North East fell into the hands of divisive forces. Extremism and infiltration are big threats and Manipur has seen bad governance under the Congress. Drug trafficking is also a very big problem. Not only has the Congress failed to stop that but also their leaders are complicit.” He further said, “Congress feels that the only solution to insurgency is fake encounters but they do not know such steps will further spoil the atmosphere.”
Narendra Modi affirmed that all records of corruption have been broken by the Congress in the Centre and in Manipur. He cited the example of the Loktak Lake scam and affirmed that crores have been siphoned off in this scam. “Except corruption they do not want to do anything. When the BJP comes to power we will seek the accounts of every Rupee,” stated Shri Modi. He questioned why the Prime Minister has failed to do anything for the North East despite being MP from here for over 20 years.
Shri Modi questioned the lacklustre attitude of the State and the Centre towards issues of National Security and asked why border pillars with Myanmar are missing. He asked why were agreements with Myanmar signed by the State CM without taking approval from Parliament.
Giving examples of the collapse of development apparatus in Manipur, Shri Modi said that the power and water facilities are not up to the mark in Manipur. Similarly, the Panchayati Raj and much-hyped MNREGA have failed here, he affirmed. Shri Modi shared that out of the lakhs of youngsters (over 6.5 lakhs) registered for the employment exchange only 100 have got jobs.
Talking about the vast untapped potential of this region, in terms of its culture, demographics and nature’s bounty, Shri Modi said that the Indian culture was not complete without the Manipur dance, and that the state also contributes a lot in the domains of sports and national security. “So many boys and girls from Manipur are in the Army. This state gives colour and vibrancy to our life and adds to India's diversity,” said Shri Modi, while adding that, “India will only gain if the North East gains.”
Shri Modi also spoke about the need to develop the rich biodiversity of this region by giving an impetus to Plantation, Horticulture and Agro-based industries, while emphasizing on the need to harness the rich mineral resources. He further added how development of tourism and herbal exports, through ensuring value-addition, will give employment to the youth of this region and take its economy forward.
By citing Gujarat’s successful initiative of mobilizing its oil reserves, Shri Modi drew the crowd’s attention to the Central Government’s lack of political vision for harnessing the rich oil reserves of the region, which had left the region deprived of growth.
Shri Modi also condemned the recent attack on a North-eastern student in Delhi, and attributed this ‘shameful and sad incident’ to the collapse of the governance in Delhi. He further added that this collapse was reflected in many other areas including the grave concern of atrocities on women.
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.
