"Shri Narendra Modi joins dialogue with Ministers and officials to brainstorm about upcoming Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav drives"
"CM inspires Ministers and officials to make Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav drives a success in urban and rural Gujarat"
"Kanya Kelavani initiative has been going on for the last decade and it has brought about a paradigm shift in the thought process of the state Government: Shri Modi"
"If we had not undertaken initiatives such as Gunotsav, salaries would have been paid to teachers, students would come and go but with Gunotsav, we also realized the problem and the cure: Shri Modi"
"Chief Minister Shri Modi stressed on the use of technology in the working of the Government"
On the evening of Thursday 6th June 2013 Shri Narendra Modi participated in a dialogue with Ministers and officials to brainstorm about the upcoming Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav drive. The drive will be held in two phases, 13th-14th-15th June in rural areas and 20th-21st-22nd June in urban areas. Shri Modi inspired the Ministers and officials to make the drive a success and spoke about the importance of these initiatives vis-à-vis the development journey of Gujarat. Shri Modi’s address was heard by senior officials in the various districts of Gujarat. Those officials who returned from deputation in Delhi were also present during the interaction, which was held in the Sabarmati Hall of Swarnim Sankul-1.
The Chief Minister stated that the Kanya Kelavani initiative has been going on for the last decade and it has brought about a paradigm shift in the thought process of the state Government. He went on to say that it not only created a collective strength and a trust but also integrated every Government department with the education department and the entire team worked in mission mode to make it a success. Shri Modi remarked that this year the Government expects a significant reduction in the drop out rate after Class VII.
The Chief Minister recalled that earlier the ritual of teachers coming and going when as soon as the bell rings was prevalent across the state but this initiative has brought about a change. Talking about Gunotsav he pointed out, “Earlier the picture was disappointing. There were districts with no school with A-grade. If we had not undertaken initiatives such as Gunotsav, salaries would have been paid to teachers, students would come and go but with Gunotsav, we also realized the problem and the cure.”
Shri Modi urged the officials to make an emotional appeal to the parents and teachers alike. “You do not know what role you can play! When you go among the people, they will think- if the person standing in front of me has done all this then why can’t I? Thus, go meet them, create a trust,” he told the officials and Ministers who were present. He also added that people must not participate in this initiative merely for the sake of participating. He shared that the joy of participating in Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav is extremely satisfying.
Speaking about the success of the Shala Praveshotsav initiative, Shri Modi said, “Thanks to this initiative we came out of the stagnancy and now we want to work on quality...We want to give importance to capacity building.” He urged the officials to carefully check their programmes, including the minute details.
The Chief Minister stressed on the use of technology in the working of the Government. He opined that a lot more can be done as far as integrating technology in the working of the Government is concerned. He said, “Like our lives are incomplete without mobile phones, it will be the same for technology. Everything will be linked to it. Just recently I got an email that showed the world’s first virtual mall. Everything was displayed digitally and one can come place the order and leave. See how technology has come in to our lives!” Likewise, he stressed on the need of integrating our youth with technology.
Shri Modi opined that the problem of development for the urban poor was more complex that that of their rural counterparts. He said that this is because there is no clear monitoring mechanism. Shri Modi remarked that the problems associated with education of the urban poor are also very different. He urged the officials and Ministers to make the urban Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav drive a success. “We get a chance to go among the people and to work towards bringing a change in their lives.”
In his speech, the Chief Minister talked about the talent pool initiative that has had incredible results. “We have got almost 100% results…slum children have become skilled,” Shri Modi opined. He recalled his visit to Narmada district in a new school where children of tribal communities were speaking fluent English. He stated that there is no stone that cannot become a sculpture (Murthy), all it needs is a hand that can guide it.
Education Minister Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Minister of State for Education Smt. Vasuben Trivedi spoke on the occasion. Ms. Sangita Singh, senior official in the Primary Education Department gave a detailed presentation on the occasion.
Text of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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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.
