Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the Modh-Vanik community and recalled that he had attended a community programme almost 50 years ago when frequent quarrels would be common. He expressed confidence that all that is history now. He also said, “I have come after a very long time, I am sure you have many complaints, you will ask what did you do for us. But, I assure you that before I will do anything for myself, I will do something for you. Sitting at the feet of community elders is different!” The Chief Minister shared that he has been serving the people as CM for the last twelve years but never has anyone from this community come to him saying- I am a Modi please do this for me. He congratulated the members of the community and said that this shows the values they have been brought up in.
Talking about the steps taken in the field of education, Shri Modi stated that in 2001 there were only 11 universities but that number has increased over four times in the last twelve years. Similarly, he shared that the seats in medical colleges has increased. The Chief Minister pointed that the fruits of their efforts are now showing. He also urged the members of the community to think bigger so that education can be promoted in a larger way. “I congratulate the elders of the society for this work but this will not do. How can you only think of a 2-3-floor building? Why only think of 40-80 rooms, why not 400? It is all possible,” he affirmed, adding, “You must not be happy scoring singles. Think of scoring a century.”The Modh Vanik Samaj felicitated Shri Modi on the occasion. The Chief Minister thanked the community for the affection showered on him but added that there were several others who gave their lives for the community and are worthy of this honor.
Earlier, former Deputy Chief Minister Shri Narharibhai Amin spoke on the occasion. He described this event as a right step towards educating the society and showered immense praise on Shri Narendra Modi. Ahmedabad Mayor Smt. Minakshiben Patel lauded Shri Modi’s efforts to spread education among the people of Gujarat.
Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said that for years people heard that children are the future, education is key but it was Shri Narendra Modi who tool steps in this direction. He praised the efforts of Shri Modi in increasing school enrollment and reducing dropout rates. “While you and me do, ‘Om Namah Shivay’ Shri Modi does, ‘Aapdu Gujarat, Aapdu Gujarat.” Several other community leaders were present on the occasion.