Published By : Admin | August 14, 2013 | 16:52 IST
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"Celebrating 15th Aug and 26th Jan have become important for Lok Shikshan & developmnt: CM"
"CM lays foundation stone and dedicates development works at Vivekananda Vikas Parishad in Bhuj"
"Even small things manifest patriotism, not white Kurtas and going to Parliament & Vidhan Sabhas"
"We did not have honour to die fighting for our freedom but we can live for the nation: CM"
"India stands on the pillars of its states & if these pillars are weak, entire nation is weakened"
Addressing the Vivekananda Vikas Parishad in Bhuj as a part of the state level Independence Day celebration, Shri Narendra Modi said that in contrast to the earlier times, celebration of festivals such as Independence Day and Republic Day have become important occasions for Lok Shikshan and development.
He recalled that earlier Independence Day celebrations were confined to the state capital where authorities, school children and few other citizens would come and disperse. But, that has changed in the past few years. He further added that when the Gujarat Government organized the first state level celebrations outside the state capital, in Patan, the media and the Congress made a mockery of it. He shared that instead of the Tricolour, they were furling black flags but in due course of time they realized the bigger picture.
We did not get opportunity to die for the nation but we have got the opportunity to live for it
The Chief Minister paid tributes to all the freedom fighters who dedicated their lives to the freedom of the nation. He affirmed that patriotism is not manifested by wearing crisp white Kurtas and going to Parliament and Vidhan Sabhas but it is manifested in even the smallest of things.
Giving an inspiring example of Mahatma Gandhi he said, “To show your love for the nation you need not do big things but you have to do small things. Mahatma Gandhi explained this very well. He taught that even if you sweep the floor or teach someone else, it is Desh Bhakti. We have to appropriate this.” Shri Modi stressed on the need of being compassionate towards the larger society around us, including towards animals. He urged people to immerse themselves in the service of others. Shri Modi avowed, “We did not get the opportunity to die for the nation, join the freedoms struggle, go to jail and bear the sticks of the British. But, we have got the opportunity to live for the nation.”
Narendra Modi urges youngsters to enroll as voters
In his speech, Shri Modi strongly urged all youngsters to register themselves as voters and encourage others to register as voters as well. He said, “We are in a democracy and the biggest power in a democracy are the people, who have power of the vote. There should be no university student who is not a voter. And not only us people around us must also be encouraged to become voters.” He stressed on the need for the youth to become partners in the development. He pointed that we need to rise and work hard towards realizing Swami Vivekananda’s dream of an India at the pinnacle of world leadership.
CM lays foundation stone for several development works
During the Vivekananda Vikas Parishad Shri Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation of several development works. He remarked that very often people wonder where does he get this money from but he said that the money was always there, only that it did not reach the people earlier.
“Every morning I feel like seeing the map. I am scared has Delhi removed Gujarat from the rest of India?” Questions Narendra Modi
Shri Modi hit out at the Centre for treating Gujarat like an enemy state. He stated, “Every morning I feel like seeing the map. I am scared has Delhi removed Gujarat from the rest of India?” Further hitting out at the Centre for weakening the Federal Structure the Chief Minister declared that our nation stands on the strong pillars of the states and if these pillars are weakened the entire nation stands weakened. He affirmed that there are many who devote hours in splitting hair vis-à-vis Gujarat but added that such elements had got their answer in December 2012. Shri Modi pointed that the Congress will have to answer the people of the nation in 2014 and tell the people what they have done in these years.
He declared that on 15th August the nation will want to know what is being said from Lal Quila as well as from Lalan College, where the state level celebrations will be held. “On one side there is disappointment and on the other side there is hope and optimism,” he affirmed. Shri Modi talked about the developed of Kutch that brought in record tourism and the efforts of the Gujarat Government to further skill development among youth. Shri Modi expressed happiness that youngsters from all over the nation are coming to Gujarat because of the path of development that Gujarat has adopted. Shri Modi spoke about his wonderful experience while inaugurating a hospital for animals in Kutch earlier today and said that a small part of Kutch has emerged as an inspiration for the entire world.
Minister Shri Parbatbhai Patel, former Minister Shri Vasanbhai Ahir, MP Poonamben Jat, Chief Secretary Shri Varesh Sinha, MLAs and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
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.
