Respected  family members of Dinkar ji and the literature loving brothers and sisters.

It is a privilege for me to participate as a worshipper on the occasion of the prayers for “Shabd Brahm” (The divine). In our culture, the ‘Shabd’ is treated as ‘Brahm’ (God). Its capacity is as powerful as the almighty God.

The celebration of the 50 years of literary journey of Dinkar jee is not merely due to the fact that 50 years have elapsed. Even after 50 years, his creative works continue to be a source of inspiration for us and for the future generations alike. They view it with the same reverence and that is how it is worth all the respect.

Those creating literature are known as litterateur because literature is a passion for them. In the real sense, they are like saints. Whatever we have read about the sages in the Vedas and the Upanishads, they represent the same era. They are visionaries, observe the society closely,  weigh its various dimensions, mould the viewpoints and help us find a solution.

Dinkar ji’s entire literature is associated with the farmers and their livelihood. It is about the poor and the villages. The creations find an audience, sometimes it touches the heart of the young, the elderly, men, women, sometimes a specific land area or a specific incident. Some of his creations have the ability to reach everyone from young to the old. They can relate to the past, present and the future. They touch the lives of not just those who read them but they resonate with the future generations as well. Such is the power of the writings of Dinkar Ji.

Jai Prakash Narayan ji who revolutionized India was much older as compared to the young generation, and Dinkar ji’s poems were like as a bridge between the two. Everyone is aware that that in the fight against corruption, the poems of Dinkarji which Prasoon ji just sang, would inspire the youth and awaken the country. He would not let the society be a mute spectator. Not only this , he won’t sleep in peace, as long as the society slept. He wanted to keep the society alert by awakening its conscience and by revolutionizing its spirit. He did not find freedom in mere self expression. He wanted that the flame inside him should spread everywhere, but he did not visualize it as a destructive force capable of burning everything, but as an inspirational light that would guide the future generations. This is a rarity.

I am a worshipper of Goddess Saraswati and hence I am able to experience the power of the spoken word. I know how some words can be so powerful so as to change the course of lives and I can very well feel that strength within me. As a worshipper and a priest I know that Dinkar Ji has given us an invaluable gift and we will have to see how we take it forward to future generations.

I sometimes feel that in our country there might be thousands of poets and lovers of literature in every generation. I believe that there might be literature lover in thousands who might be reciting Dinkar ji’s creations by heart. This by no means is a small achievement. Some people recite the shlokas from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vedas and Upanishads. Similarly there might be others who would be orally reciting Dinkar ji’s words. They might be finding pleasure in the same, in lending voice to Dinkar ji’s creations. They might be thinking that people may or may not hear me but the world will definitely hear Dinkar Ji.

Dinkar Ji created “Parshuram Ki Pratiksha. His creations had inputs from history as well as cultural sensitivities, the greatness demonstrated by India at various points and the capacity to imbibe everything. The way Dinkar Ji experienced it is reflected time and again through his creations. And this way we can open insightful windows through his literature into an understanding of India. If we have the potential we can open doors too.  But if there is no potential, we can at least open the windows. Dinkar ji has laid the foundation of such a potential amongst us.

Dinkar ji told us a few things but perhaps we like to forget them, and people forget them. Time and again, some vices creep into the society. They are different every time. Someone tried once to be close to Dinkar ji citing that he belonged to the same caste. He wanted Dinkar ji to support him. This happens many a times in the society. But in such situations too, how apt was his thinking, we get a glimpse of it, otherwise most people fall prey to such things. Dinkar Ji was member of the Rajya Sabha and had a chance to both view and experience politics closely, yet he kept himself aloof from such an environment.  He wrote a letter to the gentleman in 1961 that  the only way out to improve the situation in Bihar is that people should forget their caste and come together to respect the merit.  Remember the state does not run on the support of one or two castes. It requires the support of many, and if we fail to rise above casteism then the social fabric of Bihar will rot. The  letter written in 1961, till date gives such an inspirational message for Bihar. These are not the words of a person in politics nor are they the words of a poet or literary person. They are the words of a saint like man who could pre empt the future and who was worried about Bihar’s future. And that is why his words had the power to clearly indicate his intentions to the people of his society.

If Bihar has to move forward, if Bihar has to move ahead, then realize one thing, unless the eastern end of India develops, India cannot surge ahead. The western end however rich it is, cannot make a difference until the eastern end of India joins the road to development. Our motherland cannot realize its true potential till then.  It is our dream that the eastern end becomes equal to the western end and there is no reason why it cannot do so. If Bihar, Bengal, Assam, North Eastern states all rise and move forward then the world will watch in amazement, the progress made by India.

Dinkar Ji also had dreamt of the development of Bihar. Bihar should be glorious, progressive and prosperous. Bihar may earn its own glory and pride and not borrow it from someone else. It has the potential; it just needs opportunities to become prosperous. Bihar has the strength, which given a chance it can leave everyone behind in the race.

We are committed to fulfill Dinkar Ji’s dream. The journey of 50 years of his creations still inspires us to do something, not merely recite his verses. It inspires us to achieve something, so today, in this auditorium, remembering his literary creations, we should see this as an opportunity to recommit ourselves. May his blessings remain with us so that we may fulfill our commitments and move forward to the realization of the dreams of Bihar?

With these expectations I would like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be with you, to meet the family members. I consider myself very fortunate.

Thank you.

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The best days of India–Namibia relations are ahead of us: PM Modi in the parliament of Namibia
July 09, 2025

Honourable Madam Speaker,
Rt. Honourable Prime Minister,
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister,
Honourable Deputy Speaker,
Esteemed Members of Parliament,
My dear brothers and sisters,

Omwa Uhala Po Nawa?
Good Afternoon!

It is a great privilege to address this august House – a temple of democracy. I thank you for giving me this honour.

I stand before you as a representative of the mother of democracy. And, I bring with me warm greetings from 1.4 billion people of India.

Please allow me to begin with congratulating each and every one of you. People have given you the mandate to serve this great nation. In politics, as you know, that is both an honour, and a great responsibility. I wish you success in fullfiling the aspirations of your people.

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Friends,

A few months ago, you celebrated a historic moment. Namibia elected its first woman President. We understand and share your pride and joy, because in India we also proudly say - Madam President.

ये भारत का संविधान है, जिसके कारण एक गरीब आदिवासी परिवार की बेटी आज दुनिया के सबसे बड़े लोकतंत्र की राष्ट्रपति हैं। ये संविधान की ही ताकत है, जिसके कारण मुझ जैसे गरीब परिवार में जन्मे व्यक्ति को लगातार तीसरी बार प्रधानमंत्री बनने का अवसर मिला है। जिसके पास कुछ भी नहीं है, उसके पास संविधान की गारंटी है !

It is the power of India’s Constitution that a daughter from a poor tribal family is today the President of India. It is this very Constitution that gave someone like me, the chance to become Prime Minister. Not once, not twice, but three times. When you have nothing, the Constitution gives you everything.

Distinguished Members,

As I stand in this august house, I pay tribute to the first President and founding father of Namibia, President Sam Nujoma who passed away earlier this year. He once said, and I quote:

"Our achievement of independence imposes upon us a heavy responsibility, not only to defend our hard-won liberty, but also, to set ourselves higher standards of equality, justice and opportunity for all, without regard to race, creed or colour.”

His vision of a just and free nation continues to inspire us all. We also honour the memories of the heroes of your freedom struggle - Hosea Kutako, Hendrik Witbooi, Mandume Ya Ndemufayo, and many others.

The people of India stood proudly with Namibia during your liberation struggle. Even before our own Independence, India raised the issue of South West Africa at the United Nations.

We supported SWAPO in your quest for freedom. In fact, New Delhi hosted their first ever diplomatic office abroad. And, it was an Indian, Lieutenant General Diwan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia.

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India is proud to have stood with you - not just in words, but in action. As the well known Namibian poet Mvula ya Nangolo wrote, and I quote:

"When freedom comes home to our country, We will proudly erect the finest monument in memory.”

Today, this very parliament, and this free and proud Namibia, are living monuments.

Distinguished Members,

India and Namibia have much in common. We both fought colonial rule. We both value dignity and freedom. Our Constitutions guide us to uphold equality, liberty, and justice. We are part of the Global South, and our people share the same hopes and dreams.

Today, I am deeply honoured to receive Namibia’s highest civilian award as a symbol of the friendship between our peoples. Like the tough, and elegant plants of Namibia, our friendship has stood the test of time. It quietly thrives in even the driest seasons. And, just like your national plant Welwitschia Mirabilis, it only grows stronger with age and time. On behalf of 1.4 billion people of India, I once again thank the President, the Government and the people of Namibia for this honour.

Friends,

India attaches great importance to its historic relations with Namibia. We not only value our ties from the past, but we are also focused on realising the potential of our shared future. We see great value in working together on Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.

And, at the heart of our partnership are our people. Over 1700 Namibians have benefited from scholarships and capacity building programmes in India. We are excited to support the next generation of Namibian scientists, doctors, and leaders. The Centre of Excellence in IT, the India Wing at the JEDS Campus of the University of Namibia, and training in defence and security – each one of them reflects our shared belief that capacity is the best currency.

Speaking of currency, we are thrilled that Namibia is among the first countries in the region to adopt India’s UPI - Unified Payments Interface. Soon, people will be able to send money faster than one can say "Tangi Unene.” Soon, a Himba grandmother in Kunene, or a shopkeeper in Katutura, will be able to go digital with just a tap - faster than a Springbok.

Our bilateral trade has crossed 800 million dollars. But, like on the cricket field, we are just warming up. We will score faster and score more.

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We are honoured to support Namibia’s youth through the new Entrepreneurship Development Centre. It will be a place where business dreams can get mentorship, funding and friends too.

Health is another pillar of our shared priority. India’s health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat covers nearly 500 million people. But India’s concern for health is not limited to Indians alone.

India’s mission - "One Earth, One Health,” views health as a shared global responsibility.

During the pandemic, we stood with Africa – providing vaccines and medicines, even when many others refused to share. Our "Aarogya Maitri” initiative supports Africa with hospitals, equipment, medicines, and training. India is ready to supply Namibia with a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine for advanced cancer care. This machine, developed in India, has been deployed in 15 countries, and has helped nearly half a million patients in different countries with critical cancer care.

We also invite Namibia to join the Jan Aushadhi programme for access to affordable and quality medicines. Under this programme, cost of medicines in India has been brought down by 50 to 80 percent. It is helping more than 1 million Indians daily. And so far it has helped patients save nearly 4.5 billion US dollars in healthcare costs.

Friends,

India and Namibia have a powerful story of cooperation, conservation and compassion, when you helped us in reintroducing Cheetahs in our country. We are deeply grateful for your gift. I had the privilege of releasing them in the Kuno National Park.

They have sent a message for you: इनिमा आइशे ओयिली नावा Everything is fine.

They are happy and have adapted well in their new home. They have grown in numbers as well. Clearly, they are enjoying their time in India.

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Friends,

We are working together through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Today Namibia has joined the Global Biofuels Alliance, and the International Big Cats Alliance.

As we look to the future, let us be guided by Namibia’s national bird, the African Fish Eagle. Known for its sharp vision and majestic flight, it teaches us to:

Soar together,
Scan the horizon,
and, boldly reach out for opportunities!

Friends,

In 2018, I had laid out ten principles of our engagement with Africa. Today, I reaffirm India’s full commitment to them. They are based on respect, equality, and mutual benefit. We seek not to compete, but to cooperate. Our goal is to build together. Not to take, but to grow together.

Our development partnership in Africa is worth over 12 billion dollars. But its real value is in shared growth and shared purpose. We continue to build local skills, create local jobs, and support local innovation.

We believe that Africa must not be just a source of raw materials. Africa must lead in value creation and sustainable growth. That is why we fully support Africa’s Agenda 2063 for industrialisation. We are ready to expand our cooperation in Defence and Security. India values Africa’s role in world affairs. We championed Africa’s voice during our G20 presidency. And we proudly welcomed the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.

Friends,

भारत आज अपने विकास के साथ ही दुनिया के सपनों को भी दिशा दे रहा है। और इसमें भी हमारा जोर ग्लोबल साउथ पर है।

In the 20th century, India’s independence lit a spark - one that inspired freedom movements across the world, including here in Africa. In the 21st century, India’s development lights a path, showing that the Global South can rise, lead, and shape its own future. The message is - You can succeed - on your own terms, without losing your identity.

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यह भारत का संदेश है — कि आप अपने रास्ते पर चलकर, अपनी संस्कृति और गरिमा के साथ, सफलता पा सकते हैं।

For this message to echo louder, we must act together. Let us create a future defined:

- Not by power, but by partnership.
- Not by dominance, but by dialogue.
- Not by exclusion, but by equity.

This will be the spirit of our shared vision –

"From Freedom to Future” - स्वतंत्रता से समृद्धि, संकल्प से सिद्धि।

From the spark of Independence to the light of shared progress. Let us walk this path, together. As two nations forged in the fires of freedom, let us now dream and build a future of dignity, equality and opportunity. Not just for our people, but for all of humanity.

Let us move forward as partners for peace, progress and prosperity. Let our children not only inherit the freedom we fought for, but the future we will build together. As I stand here today, I am full of hope. The best days of India–Namibia relations are ahead of us.

Friends,

I conclude by wishing Namibia great success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup. And, if your Eagles need any cricket tips, you know whom to call !

Thank you, once again, for this honour.
Tangi Unene!