"Shri Narendra Modi addresses massive rallies in Uttarakhand"
"We need a new model for the development of the hill states and understand their problems: Shri Modi in Uttarakhand"
"Development is the solution to all problems. All other types of caste, communal and dynasty politics will not do good: Shri Modi"
"Does Congress not have a single leader or Karyakarta or woman leader? Why is it that in Delhi there is Mother-Son & here Husband-Wife: Shri Modi in Uttarakhand"
"The Uttarakhand CM was asleep as Central Minister & is as responsible as the then state government for poor flood management: Shri Modi"
"Sitaram Kesri used to be the Congress President. Your mother's foot soldiers threw him on the footpath. This is politics of anger: Shri Modi to Rahul Gandhi"
"Rahul ji we do not raise points on your family but you keep abusing me. People will give you answer through the button: Shri Modi to Rahul Gandhi"
"I am very happy to see record participation of women. It is your blessings that are our strengths: Shri Modi in Uttarakhand"
Watch : Shri Narendra Modi addressing a massive rally in Srinagar, Uttarakhand
On the afternoon of 3rd May, Shri Narendra Modi addressed massive rallies at Srinagar, Almora, Rudrapur and Roorkee in Uttarakhand, and affirmed of the BJP’s focus on evolving a separate development strategy for the Himalayan states, which would embrace the strengths of the region and address its weaknesses. Shri Modi exposed the divisiveness of the Congress and urged the people to vote them out and enable the BJP to form a development-oriented government at the Centre.
Shri Modi spoke of how the Congress and its allies were only focused on stopping Modi, be it by ‘gathbandhan’ or ‘lathbandhan’. And this, he said, was because of their fear for their fate after the declaration of results on 16th May. He attacked the misgovernance of the Mother-Son led government in Delhi and the Husband-Wife led government (referring to CM Harish Rawat and his wife Renuka) in Uttarakhand, and said, “Does Congress not have a single leader or Karyakarta or woman leader? Why is it that in Delhi there is Mother-Son & here Husband-Wife.” He further stated how Shri Rawat was also the incharge of Water Resources in his capacity as a Central government Minister earlier, but did little towards flood water management during the natural calamity that struck the State few months back.
Retaliating strongly to the Congress Vice President’s statement of Shri Modi practising the politics of anger, Shri Modi questioned if getting angry on those who looted the Nation was wrong. He further cited various instances of the Congress ill-treating people, including Shri Rajiv Gandhi insulting former Andhra CM Tanguturi Anjaiah, the ousting of Shri Sitaram Kesri from the Congress office by the guards of Smt. Sonia Gandhi, and the Congress’ refusal to honour its leader Shri Narasimha Rao after his death, and said, “Rahul ji, we do not raise points on your family but you keep abusing me. People will give you the answer through the button,” said Shri Modi. Corruption by the Central government had wrecked the Nation’s progress, said Shri Modi, even as the affirmed of the BJP’s undivided focus to bring back the black money stashed in foreign banks by the Central government.
In Srinagar, Shri Modi also thanked the women for attending the rally in large numbers, and drew their notice to how the safety of women, under the Congress rule, was under serious threat. He cited the report on ‘Dignity of Women’ which put forth that amongst the top 10 states with maximum atrocities on women, 7 were Congress-ruled.
Affirming of the BJP’s emphasis on farmers’ welfare in the Terai region, Shri Modi stated the inclusion of a standardized quotient for determining the Minimum Support Price for the farm produce, in the BJP’s Manifesto. This, he said, would reinstate the mantra of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. He also spoke of the immense yet untapped potential of tourism in the country and stated how Uttarakhand could also elicit a large number of tourists. He asserted the BJP’s commitment to develop every region with separate development modules, incorporating the strengths and weaknesses of that region, and this would include a different growth policy for the states in the Himalayan range.
Shri Modi recalled his early years spent in Uttarakhand as an organisation worker. He also spoke of how he had visited the region during the natural calamity in June last year, wishing to serve the people, but had to leave soon due to unwarranted political intrusion.
Urging the people to end the misrule of the Congress, Shri Modi appealed to them to vote for the BJP in large numbers and ensure a strong and stable government in Delhi. He affirmed that he would serve the people by being their ‘sevak’ and the ‘chowkidaar’ of the country’s reserves.
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Major-General (Retd.) Bhuwan Chand Khanduri was present during the rally at Srinagar. He spoke of how Shri Modi had extended a helping hand generously during the natural calamity that hit the State last year, and affirmed of the people’s wish to see Shri Modi as the PM of India.
Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari was present during the rally at Almora and Shri Satpal Maharaj and Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal was present during the rally at Roorkee.
Photos : Shri Modi addressing a Public Meeting in Roorkee, Uttarakhand
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.
