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Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas: My 11 Years Journey in Gujarat

Published By : Admin | October 7, 2012 | 18:35 IST

 

Dear Friends,

It was on this day, 11 years ago that I had got the opportunity to serve the people of Gujarat as Chief Minister. This 11-year journey devoted in service of the people of Gujarat has been memorable and extremely satisfying. It has been a learning experience for me that I tremendously cherish. Today, Gujarat has become synonymous with progress and with our Mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ we have come out with a model of development that has touched the lives of each and every citizen.

When I assumed office Gujarat was reeling under the effects of a severe Earthquake that had struck the state on the morning of 26th January 2001. Back then, people had written off Gujarat and it was deemed as impossible that the state would be up and running. But, with speedy rehabilitation and reconstruction initiatives that have now become a role model all across as well as the unwavering spirit of resilience of the people of Gujarat we were able to begin our march to development in a very short period of time! Now, Kutch has emerged as one of India’s fastest growing districts.

Back in 2001, people often requested me to atleast provide electricity at the time of their evening meal. We went even further and conceived the ‘Jyotigram Yojana’ in 2003 that provided 24/7, 3-phase uninterrupted power even to the villages of Gujarat. The results of this are for all to see- not only has the rural economy been substantially empowered but also migration to cities has reduced.

This initiative is a first of its kind across the nation. But, we went a step ahead in April this year when Gujarat dedicated 600 MW solar power to the nation! We are also making quick progress in other sources of renewable energy. Some people asked me, “Modi ji your state is already power surplus and still you are thinking about this?” I tell them that we are doing this not for the present but for the future generations.

Along with power, we made a determined effort to harness the Jal Shakti and in 2002 we came up with WASMO, an initiative that seeks to provide potable water in all villages across the state. Combining public participation and effective water management, today we have over 17,700 water committees across the state! You would be interested to know that most of these committees are run by women and WASMO bagged the United Nations Public Service Award for ‘fostering participation in policy making decisions through innovative mechanisms.’

An area in which I always wanted to leave an impeccable mark of Governance is primary education and especially for the girl child. That is why in 2004 we commenced a massive enrollment drive called the Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav. Today we have received 100% enrollment in school and the drop out rates have successfully reduced to 2% over the last decade. I must share that even more memorable than being sworn in as CM are the times when I get the opportunity to take small children to school on their first day! This initiative has helped many youngsters in building a future for themselves and their families.

Behind the development of Gujarat is the power of our Nari Shakti! To make a difference in the lives of our women, the Chiranjeevi Yojana was born in 2005 with an aim to provide pioneering free of cost medical treatment to women in hospitals. The Chiranjeevi Yojana has left a major mark in improving maternal health and the health of the infant. For effective participation of women in the development process Nari Gaurav Niti was initiated in 2006. This is a first of its kind policy for the overall empowerment of women. In order to make women financially independent the Mission Mangalam initiative was launched in 2010. Today, I am proud to say that businesses worth Rs. 1,600 crore are in the hands of 2.5 lakh Sakhi Mandals. You can imagine the difference it has made in the lives of so many women of Gujarat!

Earlier Gujarat was known for its industry and with a perpetual drought threat and lack of perennial rivers, agriculture and Gujarat were seen as stark contrasts. No longer today! Our Krishi Mahotsavs transformed Gujarat’s agrarian landscape and have played a major role in ushering in India’s 2nd green revolution from Gujarat. Not only has agriculture income increased over 4 times, Gujarat’s agriculture is growing at a record 11% for the last decade. Our farmers are doing some very innovative things, which you must come and see!

Ofcourse, industrial growth has scaled colossal heights in the past decade. Gujarat is home to a wide canvas of industries and with the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Summits started in 2003, the state has received tremendous investment from all over the world.

No progress is complete till we focus on delivery of effective healthcare and that is why this year the Gujarat Government took the path breaking decision of giving poor patients a cover of up to Rs. 2 lakh for critical treatment under the Mukhya Mantri Amrutam (MAA) Yojana. Our 108 Emergency services that have been running on the roads since 2007 have already been lauded for their operations all over. They have saved over 1.75 lakh lives and provided assistance in 10 lakh pregnancy cases.

In order to free people from the clutches of poverty the Garib Kalyan Melas were launched in 2009 in which over 85 lakh poor beneficiaries have received assistance worth Rs. 13,000 crore through over 1000 Garib Kalyan Melas. As a means to decentralize administration and empowering our Talukas the ATVT Yojana came into being last year and Jan Seva Kendras were established that provide 124 kinds of services to the people.

Friends, through these initiatives I am trying to encapsulate the unique journey of development that we have adopted for 11 years. I always say that our sole agenda is development and it will continue to be so in the future. In the last 11 years we have achieved a lot but there is a lot more we are yet to achieve and I am sure in the coming years with your support we will create a Gujarat that is both Bhavya (Excellent) and Divya (Divine).

I am extremely thankful to my fellow Karyakartas of the Bharatiya Janata Party for their steadfast support and giving an ordinary person like me an opportunity to serve the people of Gujarat.

This journey of 11 years would not have been possible without the constant support of more than 6 lakh Karma Yogis of Team Gujarat. It is their perseverance and devotedness that has enabled Gujarat to scale newer heights of development.

And finally I bow to the spirit of the 6 crore people of Gujarat. It is your love and affection that keeps me going, inspires me to work even harder and scale newer and newer heights of progress. I consider myself extremely blessed that I have got this opportunity to work for you!

 

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat

Narendra Modi

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A tribute to Atal Ji, the statesman who shaped India with his vision and resolve
December 25, 2024

Today, 25th December is a very special day for all of us. Our nation marks the 100th Jayanti of our beloved former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. He stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people.

Our nation will always be grateful to Atal Ji for being the architect of India’s transition into the 21st century. When he took oath as PM in 1998 our nation had passed through a period of political instability. In about 9 years we had seen 4 Lok Sabha elections. The people of India were getting impatient and also sceptical about governments being able to deliver. It was Atal Ji who turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance. Coming from humble roots, he realised the struggles of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance.

One can see the long-term impact of Atal Ji’s leadership in so many sectors around us. His era marked a gigantic leap in the world of Information Technology, telecom and communications. This was particularly important for a nation like ours, which is also blessed with a very dynamic Yuva Shakti. The NDA Government under Atal Ji made the first serious attempt to make technology accessible to the common citizens. At the same time, there was foresight in connecting India. Even today, most people recall the Golden Quadrilateral Project, which connected the length and breadth of India. Equally notable were the Vajpayee Government’s efforts to enhance local connectivity as well through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Similarly, his Government gave a push to metro connectivity by doing extensive work for the Delhi Metro, which stands out as a world-class infrastructure project. Thus, the Vajpayee Government not only boosted economic growth but also brought distant regions closer, fostering unity and integration.

When it comes to the social sector, an initiative like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan highlights how Atal Ji dreamt of building an India where modern education is accessible to people across the nation, particularly for the poor and marginalised sections. At the same time, his government presided over many economic reforms which set the stage for India’s economic surge after several decades of following an economic philosophy which encouraged cronyism and stagnation.

A wonderful example of Vajpayee Ji’s leadership can be seen in the summer of 1998. His Government had just assumed office and on 11th May, India conducted the Pokhran tests, known as Operation Shakti. These tests exemplified the prowess of India’s scientific community. The world was stunned that India had done the tests and expressed their anger in no uncertain terms. Any ordinary leader would have buckled, but Atal Ji was made differently. And what happened? India stood firm and resolute with the government calling for another set of tests two days later, on 13th May! If the tests of the 11th showed scientific skill, the ones on 13th showed true leadership. It was a message to the world that gone were the days when India would buckle under threats or pressure. Despite facing international sanctions, the then NDA government of Vajpayee Ji stood firm, articulating India’s right to safeguard its sovereignty while simultaneously being the strongest proponent of world peace.

Atal Ji understood Indian democracy and also the need to make it stronger. Atal Ji presided over the creation of the NDA, which redefined coalitions in Indian politics. He brought people together and made NDA a force for development, national progress and regional ambitions. His Parliamentary brilliance was seen throughout his political journey. He belonged to a party with a handful of MPs but his words were enough to rattle the might of the all-powerful Congress Party that time. As Prime Minister, he blunted the criticisms of the Opposition with style and substance. His was a career spent largely in the Opposition benches but never carried any trace of bitterness against anyone, even though the Congress stooped to new lows by going to the extent of calling him a traitor!

He was also not one to cling on to power through opportunistic means. He preferred to resign in 1996 instead of following the path of horse-trading and dirty politics. In 1999, his Government was defeated by 1 vote. A lot of people told him to challenge the immoral politics happening then but he preferred to go by the rules. Eventually, he came back with another resounding mandate from the people.

When it comes to commitment to protecting our Constitution too, Atal Ji stands tall. He was deeply impacted by the martyrdom of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Years later, he was a pillar of the anti-Emergency movement. In the run-up to the 1977 elections after the Emergency, he agreed to merger of his own Party (Jan Sangh) into the Janata Party. I am sure it would have been a painful decision but for him, and the others, but safeguarding the Constitution was all that mattered.

It is also noteworthy how deeply rooted Atal Ji was in Indian culture. Upon becoming India’s External Affairs Minister, he became the first Indian leader to speak in Hindi at the United Nations. This one gesture showcased his immense pride in India's heritage and identity, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.

Atal Ji’s persona was magnetic and his life was enriched by his love for literature and expression. A prolific writer and poet, he used words to inspire, provoke thought, and even offer solace. His poetry, often reflective of his inner struggles and hopes for the nation, continues to resonate with people across age groups.

For so many Bharatiya Janata Party Karyakartas like me, it is our privilege that we were able to learn and interact with a person like Atal Ji. His contribution to the BJP was foundational. In those days to spearhead an alternative narrative to the dominant Congress showed his greatness. Alongside stalwarts like Shri L.K. Advani Ji and Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi Ji he nurtured the party from its formative years, guiding it through challenges, setbacks and triumphs. Whenever the choice came between ideology and power, he always chose the former. He was able to convince the nation that an alternative world view from the Congress was possible and such a world view could deliver.

On his 100th Jayanti, let us rededicate ourselves to realising his ideals and fulfilling his vision for India. Let us strive to build an India that embodies his principles of good governance, unity, and progress. Atal Ji's unwavering belief in the potential of our nation continues to inspire us to aim higher and work harder.