PM Modi inaugurates the Mohanpura Irrigation Project & several other projects in Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh
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Greetings to all of you !

My dear brothers and sisters of Rajgarh who are present here in large numbers,

It is a blessing for me and my colleagues that you have gathered here in large numbers even in this scorching heat in the month of June. I appreciate your affection. Your energy and blessings have always encouraged the members of BharatiyaJanata Party to serve you effectively. I am fortunate to have got the opportunity of launching the Mohanpura irrigation project worth Rs.4000 crore along with the three major water supply projects. I salute and congratulate every one associated with these projects, from people carrying the bricks on their heads to the brothers, sisters and mothers who had used the spade for digging and those who had operated small and big machines. Their commitment to this virtuous work of nation building is unparalleled.

My dear brothers and sisters,

Launching the projects by pressing the button is merely a formality. These were actually launched by your hard work and sweat. Taking decisions of public welfare, the BharatiyaJanata Party government at the centre has successfully completed four years at your service by your blessings and hard work. Your presence in such large numbers is the proof of the fact that you have tremendous faith in the government of BharatiyaJanata Party and its policies. People who are spreading lies, confusion and pessimism are not aware of the ground realities.

It is a coincidence that the death anniversary of the great personality Dr.Shyama Prasad Mukherjee falls on today, the 23rd June. It is on this day he died in Kashmir under mysterious circumstances. On this occasion, I would like to commemorate, salute and pay tributes to him.

Brothers and sisters,

Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee used to say, "Any nation can be protected only by its own energy." He had immense faith in the country's resources and the talent of the people. His vision of pulling the people out of disappointment and desperation that followed after independence still inspires crores of people. As the country's first Industries and Supplies Minister, he had framed the country's first Industrial Policy. He used to say, "If the government, the educational institutions of the country and the industrial organizations together promote industries, the country will soon become financially independent." His work, thoughts and ideas related to thefields of education, women empowerment and atomic energy were way ahead of his time. The paths shown by him keeping in mind the importance of public participation in the country's development still holds relevance.

Friends,

Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee used to say, "the foremost duty of the government is to serve the poor, the homeless and to uplift their standard of living." This is the reason why he had done a significant work on land reforms while he was the Finance Minister of Bengal, before he took over as the Industry minister. He used to believe that governance should be for fulfilling the dreams of the citizens and not for ruling like the British.

Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee had emphasized upon education, health and security. He used to say, " government should provide adequate facilities from early education to higher education and to create an environment to bring out the hidden talent in the youth so that they canactively serve their villages and towns." In Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's life knowledge, wealth and development fused into one.

It is unfortunate for our country that just to glorify a particular family, contributions of several great sons of Mother India were deliberately suppressed and attempts were made to wipe out their contributions from the minds of the people.

 

Friends,

The vision of the government at the centre and of the BharatiyaJanata Party governments of the states is no different from that of Dr. Mukherjee. You will get a glimpse of Dr. Mukherjee's vision in schemes such as Skill India Mission, Start-up India mission, MUDRA Yojana for providing bank loans without guarantee for promoting self-employment or Make in India.

Your Rajgarh district will no longer be known as a backward district. The government has decided to develop it as one of the aspirational districts. Now work in the areas of health, education, cleanliness, nutrition, water conservation and agriculture will be expedited here.

Under Rashtriya Gram SwarajAbhiyan, the necessary amenities are being delivered to the villages of theaspirational districts. The government is now trying to ensure that every village in these districts will have gas connection under UjjwalaYojana, power connection under SaubhagyaYojana, bank accounts under Jan DhanYojana, insurance coverage and vaccination of pregnant women and children under Mission Indradhanush.

Friends,

These things could have been done even before by the previous governments. No one had stopped them. However, the party that had ruled for maximum period of time did not have faith in you and your hard work. It never believed in the country's capability.

Tell me; did this central government ever utter a single word of despondency in the last four years? Did we ever say that something was not possible? We have always taken steps to fulfil our resolutions and have strived for better results.

Therefore, brothers and sisters,

We believe in moving forward with hope and belief.

Friends,

This government is committed and working hard to take the nation to new heights of development in the 21st century, keeping in mind the requirements of the country and believing in its resources.

The Central government in the last four years and the BJP government of Madhya Pradesh in the last 13 years have worked for empowering the poor, the backward, the oppressed and the deprived sections of the society and the farmers. In the last 5 years, average annual growth of agriculture in MP has remained about 18% which is the highest in the country. Madhya Pradesh tops in the production of pulses, oilseeds, gram, soybean, tomatoes and garlic in the country. Madhya Pradesh ranks 2 in the production of wheat, arhar, mustard, amla and coriander and are about to make its way to the top.

Madhya Pradesh has written a new saga of development under the rule of Shivrajji. The launch of Mohanpura irrigation project and the commencement of the work on the three water supply schemes, is an important part of this episode. This is one of the greatest projects of not only Rajgarh but also of Madhya Pradesh.

Friends,

Farmer brothers and sisters of about 725 villages will benefit from this project. 1.25 lakh hectares of land of these villages will not only have Irrigation facilities but 400 villages will also get rid of the problem of drinking water scarcity. This means we will be showered with the blessings of lakhs of mothers and sisters. No one can understand the problem of water scarcity better than mothers and sisters. In a way, this is the highest level of service to mothers and sisters.

This project is not only an example of rapid pace of development but also an evidence of the government's way of accomplishing tasks. This project has been completed almost within 4 years. Micro-irrigation has been the focus of this project. This means instead of an open canal, the emphasis was on laying down pipelines.

Brothers and sisters,

There is a saying in Malwa - 'मालवधरतीगगनगंभीर, डग-डगरोटी, पग-पगनीर।' This is an old saying. It means that there was a time when there was no shortage of grains or water on the land of Malwa. Water was available at every step. However, due to the negligence of the previous governments, water became scarce here. However, in the past few years under BJP government led by Shivrajji, serious efforts were made to revive the old identity of Malwa and Madhya Pradesh.

Friends,

In 2007, barely an area of 7.5 lakh hectares used to be irrigated by the irrigation projects in Madhya Pradesh. Under Shivrajji's governance, it has increased to 40 lakh hectares. I would also like to tell the viewers on television that now the state government is planning to double it by 2024. The government is spending 70,000 crore rupees to extend the micro-irrigation system.

I want to reassure you that efforts will be made to achieve more than the set target and the Central government will move hand-in-hand with you.

Madhya Pradesh is also benefitting from the Pradhan MantriKrishiSinchaiyojana. Under this scheme, work is underway on 14 projects in the state. Madhya Pradesh has been allotted Rs.1400 crores under this project. The mission of 'per drop more crop' is being carried forward with the help of this scheme. As a result of this hard work over the past 4 years, the area under micro-irrigation has increased to 25 lakh hectares across the country out of which 1.5 lakh hectares of land belongs to Madhya Pradesh.

 

Friends,

You must have observed that I am talking to different people about government schemes with the help of video technology and NAMO app. Just three days back I had talked to the country's farmers. I got the opportunity to talk to the farmer brothers and sisters of Jhabua in this programme. One of the farmer sisters from Jhabua told me about her increased tomato production with the help of drip irrigation.

Friends,

The villages and farmers of the country play a vital role in the dream of building a New India. Therefore, efforts are being made to double the income of the farmers with the emergence of a New India. Steps have been taken in the direction of every aspect of agriculture ranging from the seeds to the market.

Friends,

Almost 14 crore soil Health cards were distributed across the country in the last four year of which onecrore 25 lakhs were given to my farmer brothers and sisters of Madhya Pradesh. With the help of these cards, farmer brothers are now able to know the apt quantity of fertilizers that is required for their soil. Similarly, more than 35 lakh farmers of Madhya Pradesh are availing the benefits of Pradhan MantriFasalBimaYojana.

All the Mandis across the country are now being linked to an online market i.e. the e-NAM platform to provide fair price to the farmers for their crops. Till date almost 600 mandis have been linked to the e-NAM platform. Today 58 mandis of Madhya Pradesh have also been linked to it. That day is not far when the farmers will be able to sell their produce directly through their villages' Common Service centres or mobile phones.

Brothers and sisters,

The government has been taking steps to uplift the standard of living of the villages and the poor. Relentless efforts are being made especially for the mothers and sisters belonging to the Dalit, tribal and backward communities to help them get rid of the poisonous fumes.

More than fourcrore mothers and sisters have received free LPG cylinders for their kitchens till date. Even in Madhya Pradesh, almost 40 lakh women have been given free gas connections.

Friends,

This government has great respect for hard work. Today, the government of India is concerned about encouraging the entrepreneurs capable of producing maximum jobs. Although some people may have negative attitude towards labour, the success of this government's efforts is for everyone to see.

Today under the MUDRA Yojana, the small entrepreneurs are able to get bank loans without guarantee. More than 85 lakh people of Madhya Pradesh have been benefited by this scheme.

Brothers and sisters,

These double engines of development in Delhi and Bhopal are carrying Madhya Pradesh ahead.

I clearly remember that once a highly derogatory word was associated with Madhya Pradesh because of its ailing situation. The word was 'BIMARU', which no one liked to hear. Madhya Pradesh was included among the 'diseased' states of the country. Congress, that had been ruling for a long time, had never realized that it was an insult that was being afflicted on Madhya Pradesh.

They used to consider the general public as their subjects and made them sing their praises. They had never paid any attention to the future of Madhya Pradesh.

However, the BharatiyaJanata Party government has pulled the state out of that condition and made it a partner in the country's development. You have elected Shivrajji to this post but he has been working for this region and its people like a servant.

I congratulate the people of Madhya Pradesh and its government for marching ahead on the path of success.

Once again my best wishes to you all. Thank you very much for coming here in such large numbers.

Close your fists and say with me loudly-

Victory to Mother India!

Victory to Mother India!

Victory to Mother India!

 

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Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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.