Full Speech : Shri Narendra Modi at the BJP National Council Meet, Delhi

Published By : Admin | January 19, 2014 | 15:32 IST

 

Bharat Mata ki Jai..! Bharat Mata ki Jai..!

Most revered Advani Ji, our National President respected Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, Leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha respected Sushma Ji, Shri Arun Jaitley Ji, Shri Venkaiah Ji, the Chief Ministers who have made Bharatiya Janata Party proud, Shri Shivraj Ji, Shri Raman Singh Ji and Vasundhara Ji, all the senior leaders of the party present on the dais and all the dedicated party workers of Bharatiya Janata Party who have assembled here from every corner of the nation..!

We are discussing in detail the national concerns, the political concerns and our concerns and are also planning for the organizational programs of Bharatiya Janata Party since last two days. There have been many elections after independence. From the time of Jana Sangh and Bharatiya Janata Party, we all have experience of working in the elections, but if we look at all the elections of past, we will find that 2014 elections are completely different. We have not ever seen such plight in the country..! The world’s largest democratic country stands leaderless, strategy less and even its intentions are doubted, the country has never seen such a day, which we are living in today. The ghastly form of corruption that the country has witnessed in the last decade, was never seen before. Farmers committing suicide, the youth astray for employment, women worried for their honour, the children dying of inflation… such plight is unprecedented. And thus the elections of 2014 are not only the elections of change but they are the elections of hope and aspiration for the millions of people..! The elections of 2014 are the elections to realize the dreams of the heights that we were shown by Atal Ji and Advani Ji in the beginning of 21st century and even of surpassing them..!

Friends, National Councils of two major parties have been held at Delhi, if we analyze them then we will clearly see that in the Congress conclave that was held two days back, there was a struggle evident to save the face of party in 2014 elections. How to save their party, how to save Congress, how to keep a crumbling party together, these were their primary subjects. Friends, there they were trying to save the party, whereas here we are struggling to save the nation, this is the basic difference of the 2014 elections..!

Friends, the Congress party workers assembled very hopefully here in Delhi, as they were told that on 17th, the announcement of Congress’s Prime Ministerial candidate will be done. They were very anxious with lots of hope and expectation that they will go back with the name of their Prime Ministerial candidate. As our Arun Jaitley Ji said that Congress party workers from across the nation came here to take their Prime Minister, but went back with three bottles of gas, with three gas cylinders..!

Friends, I find it essential to mention the points that were raised there. They took excuse of democratic practices for not announcing the name of Prime Ministerial candidate, is it the truth..? I thought that the people who discuss night and day subjects like this will definitely discuss this, but no discussion took place, they might have their own respective reasons but the country wants to know that after independence, when the first Prime Minister was chosen, what happened to the democratic tradition at that time..? Entire Congress party unanimously wanted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to be the Prime Minister, what were those democratic traditions because of which even after wish of every member of Congress, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did not let become the Prime Minister. Such people talk of traditions..! I want to know that when on 31st October 1984 Mrs. Indira Gandhi was assassinated, Rajiv Gandhi was in Kolkata at that time, he came running from Kolkata, went straight to the hospital and within moments Rajiv Gandhi was sworn in as Prime Minister. I want to ask the Congress party which is referring to traditions that at that time in 1984, whether any parliamentary party meeting took place..? Did the party elect their Prime Ministerial candidate..? Are there any notes, minutes and agenda of it..? Nothing happened, just a few people gathered and got the oath taking done in haste and you are giving us lessons on traditions..?

After this, elections were held in 2004, UPA had to come in power. Friends, I can say this with full confidence that, in UPA-1, no one in the parliamentary party elected Dr. Manmohan Singh for the post of Prime Minister, as their leader. The parliamentary party of Congress selected Madam Sonia Gandhi as their leader, but later Madam Sonia Ji nominated Dr. Manmohan Singh and he was made to take the position of Prime Minister, and these people talk of parliamentary traditions..! We can’t save ourselves talking like this. Yesterday, respected Sushma Ji, Rajnath Ji, Venkaiah Ji and Arun Ji, all have said this in their own way that they may have their own reasons to run away from elections, but I can see a very humanitarian reason to it, there is definitely a political reasons, but there is also a human element, and that is, when the defeat is certainly clear, when the havoc heading is clearly evident, will any mother be ready to sacrifice her son..? Which mother will sacrifice her son on the political path, at last a mother’s heart decided to save her son..!

Friends, these days the tea vendors are being treated very well, every tea vendor of the country is walking with pride. There are two more reasons for them to run away from elections. First that the culture in which they are brought up, the way they have established themselves as an elite family, friends, the people who live in such lives, their mental setup becomes of a type that they become feudalists, they feel that General elections are important, Congress should win as well, but this is a matter of insult to compete against a tea vendor..! They are feeling ashamed, there is no equality..! They are ‘Naamdar’ (big named) and I am a ‘Kaamdar’ (worker)..! Such big names find it insulting to compete with a worker, they find it to be a shame, how can they fight a worker..? Not only this, sometimes this feeling of conventional discrimination, the venom of racism, the felling of superiority, all these are a matter of concern for the people born in high societies that we are born in such a high family who has been respected for ages and the person in front is one from a backward caste, one whose mother used to work as a domestic help and used to daily chores like cleaning, washing etc, and I should compete against a man who was born in a backward caste and used to sell tea in trains..?

Friends, there are also reasons beyond political periphery. The elections of 2014 are heading and when we meet people in the villages, on the roads, we ask them. On 27th October, when innocents were worshiping their motherland with their blood, the mass that was struggling then, that inspires me to think that in the era of our struggle for freedom, what was the motivation that Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were so excited to sacrifice their lives..? The fire that was there in people’s heart for freedom, that people were ready to dedicate their life behind bars just to attain freedom, these elections of 2014, after so many years of independence, have brought back that rage. People got a chance to immolate their lives for independence, then they had given their life for ‘Swaraj’ (self governance), and today the new generation is raging for ‘Suraaj’ (good governance)..! The youth of the country is feeling that though they did not get a chance to sacrifice their lives for the country’s freedom, but they have got a chance to live for good governance in free India; the inspiration of these elections is this feeling, this is the feel evident in these elections..! That is why the people who have no connection with Bharatiya Janata Party at all, those who have not even been a party worker with BJP, those who are simply untouched from politics; lakhs of such people reach BJP office, write letters to me, write to me on Twitter and Facebook, that give us some responsibility, we want to do something..! This spirit of 2014 elections, the spirit of good governance movement in 2014 elections resembles the spirit of independence movement..!

Friends, more than 60 years have passed since India got independence. We have heard a lot about concern for the poor, about development,; just for a moment keep the map of India in front of your eyes and try to analyze that what was the problem in our strategies, our policies, our actions, because of which when we look at western part of the country we can see slow but steady development taking place, it seems as if something is changing but what is the reason that when we look from the center towards the east, entire area seems to be struggling for development. Why is there such situation, such imbalance..?

Friends, today I want to assure all the countrymen that when you will give Bharatiya Janata Party a chance to serve India in May 2014, then our party’s first priority will be to uplift this lagging part of the country, which is still quite left behind in the journey of development, we first of all want to develop it, so that it at least reaches where western India already is..! How is our Bharat Maa be like if its one arm is strong, while the other is weak, this can’t be our motherland..! Our vision is that whether it is Bihar, Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, North East, Odisha, entire eastern part, eastern UP… we want to move ahead with a dream of balanced development in all the parts. Friends, if we want to strengthen the nation then we should not see regional aspirations as a threat..! In the last four decades the leaders have taken regional aspirations as if the center has been burdened heavily with them. Friends, regional aspirations can also be a great opportunity for development. They are opportunity and not challenge, because the desire of progressing that every state has developed, if it gets linked with Delhi then I have full faith that we can walk at a much faster pace..!

Friends, our country has a federal structure which can’t be limited to the clauses of constitution, we will have to respect it in letter and spirit, we need to be proud of it. Friends, it is a matter of joy for me that I have been a Chief Minister and now the party has selected me for a new role, but as a Chief Minister I completely understand and realize the importance of federal structure..! I have experience to work under Vajpayee Ji’s supportive government and in the current contradictory atmosphere in Delhi as well, and being experienced myself, I can understand the difficulties of the Chief Ministers very well and understand the importance of federal structure. Bharatiya Janata Party takes interest in empowering the federal structure and we want to strengthen it further..!

Friends, these days there is a big brother attitude. We are the Delhi regime, we give aid to the states, but this does not look good..! We promise to change this situation, there is no younger or big brother, the attitude should be that both the brothers are together taking the country ahead with equal efforts and strength..! Today it is considered that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet of Ministers will take the nation ahead together. I have a different opinion, I believe that the Prime Minister and all the Chief Ministers should together be a team which should take the country ahead..! Not only this, the Central Council of Ministers and the State Council of Ministers should together form a comprehensive team. The bureaucracy of the state and the center come together, and all these work together as a huge team, if we can create such environment, then we can take our country ahead by bringing these forces together facing all the challenges that lie ahead of us..!

Friends, good governance is a must for the nation, the root cause of all the problems of the country is bad governance, and if we want to get rid of it then we will have to focus on good governance..! Friends, this good governance is not a must for the rich, they can buy the governments, good governance is for the poor, is for the common man, it is for the exploited, suffering and the oppressed..! If there is good governance then the government schools will function properly, the underprivileged kids will have good studies, but if there will not be good government then the poor man’s child will be left there itself, and this is why good governance is needed. Friends, we want to move ahead with good governance, and these days we get to hear many things, we heard such talks for several days now, we have to decide that now we have to believe on the same age-old tape records or we want to trust the track records..! The same old record has already played enough, the country should now decide on the basis of track record that in whose hands do they see the nation safe..!

Friends, only bills will not serve any purpose, now we need political will and the heart to act..! Friends, we have heard the incantations of acts enough now, the country has heard enough of it now, now it wants action..! Friends, they offer doles to win the elections, but the government is still imbalanced..! Friends, the doles are at its place but for urban development, growth is needed, delivery is needed, thus in good governance, we will have to move ahead and include the mantra of development and delivery. Friends, in last ten years, there would have hardly been a day when the Prime Minister has not constituted a committee, a committee for every issue. My fellow citizens, the country is chocking under the burden of committees, we do not want committees but commitment, commitment for the country..!

Friends, our country is such an immense nation, when I look back at the ancient India, I can see its outstanding quality. We say, “Kuchh baat hai ki hasti mit’ti nahi hamari…i.e. there is something in us that we do not lose our existence, ultimately what is that thing..? 

Friends, there are seven colours in the rainbow, if we describe those seven colours, then those seven colours have been glorifying our motherland since centuries. The first colour of the rainbow is - the great heritage of Indian culture, our family system..! This family system has made us, held us and developed us since ages. How can we strengthen that family system, how can our strategies, our policies strengthen this great family system of India..!

The second colour of the rainbow is - our agriculture, our cattle, our villages..! Mahatma Gandhi used to call this country, a country of villages. It is a very vibrant and important colour of our rainbow, if we do not make it shine then whether it is agriculture, livestock breeding, villages, poor, thus it is important that we have the intentions to formulate strategies for their good..!

Friends, the point we can feel proud of, that is the third colour of our rainbow - the women of India, our maternal strength, a portrait of knowledge and austerity..! But where have we taken it today..? If we want to make the rainbow beautiful then our women should be empowered, there education and upbringing should be focused upon, we should emphasize on making them financially self dependent, and we should ensure their safety..!

The fourth colour of the rainbow is - water, land, forests and air..! These are our heritage and reverence, if we want to keep India in the race of development for centuries to come, then we need to nurture the fourth colour of the rainbow, we need to conserve it and make it stronger through modern technology..!

Friends, the fifth colour of the rainbow, which is the most important aspect today - our youth capital, the power of youth of our nation..! How fortunate we are, that India is the youngest nation in the world, 65% of our population is under the age of 35. Friends, the country which has such huge demographic dividend, such a huge strength of the youth, what is that we can’t give to the country..? In the coming days the entire world is going to face a crisis of the workforce, if we had prepared then the youth of India would not only have developed India, but would have had the strength to contribute in the development of the world, we should have worked for it. Friends, a few things are bothering a lot, is the colour of western influence making this colour of the rainbow dull..? When we get news of drugs, narcotics etc, then we get to know that this is spoiling our generations in some areas. Friends, this is a responsibility for us to rise above politics and refrain our youth from drugs and narcotics etc. We will have to develop an atmosphere of zero tolerance, we will have to safeguard our youth by legal systems, by putting a stop at the smuggling of such substances, we will have to fulfill this responsibility and saving our youth capital we will have to make India a world leader using this youth capital only..!

Friends, sixth colour of the rainbow also is a very cherished heritage - our democracy..! The country which has democratic dividend, it can move ahead the world with a great strength..! Thus our democracy is our most prized possession; we can look in the eye of the world because we are a democracy. Friend, we need to think of the measures that can strengthen this colour of democracy. We need to take our democracy from representative system to participative system, we need to move towards public participation from public representation. We are proud that we follow the tradition of a republic, but now it is need of the hour that even the common man feels the ‘Gunatantra’ (quality system) in ‘Ganatantra’ (the republic). We will have to work on filling in that essence through our attitude, by being proud of the democratic ideals..!

Friends, seventh colour of the rainbow is – knowledge, which is extremely important..! Whenever the human race has been in the era of knowledge, India has always leaded it. We are devotees of knowledge. When a mother here blesses her child, she says that son study well and become a great man, every mother just has these same words. This knowledge - the most important colour of our rainbow, we have to work towards strengthening it. Friends, we want to move ahead in order to make these colours more vibrant, to realize their concepts with new ideas..!

Friends, in the Congress conclave, it was aid that Congress party is an idea. We also believe that, there can’t be any party without an idea, there can’t be any movement without an idea, but today the problem is that the matter of concern is not whether the Congress has any vision or not, what is their vision, they are something to think about, but the country knows one thing for sure that the entire Congress party is in worry..! Friends, today I want to say this in front of you that we need to understand this mentality. I want to tell it to all that what is their thinking and what is ours. All the countrymen who are watching me on TV, I will also request them all to give ear to me..!

Their  mindset is - India is a beehive,

Our mindset is that India is our mother..!

Their mindset is - Poverty is a state of mind,

Our mindset is that the poor is Godly..!

Their mindset is - We do not enjoy till we talk of the poor,

Our mindset is that we can’t sleep at nights listening to the sufferings of the poor..!

Their mindset is - Money does not grow on trees,

Our mindset is that money grows in the fields and farms, and is nurtured by the sweat of labours..!

Their mindset is - Divide and Rule,

Our mindset is to unite the society and develop..!

Their mindset is - dynastic regime,

Our mindset is nationalism..!

Their mindset is - Politics is everything,

Our mindset is that national policy is everything..!

Their mindset is - How to save sovereignty,

Our mindset is that how can we save the nation..!

They have just declared that tickets will be given to only those who have Congress in their heart,

Their mindset is - The country will be run by those who have Congress in their heart,

Our mindset is that ticket will be given to those who have India in their heart..!

This is the difference of mentality..! Thus today when the elections of 2014 are heading towards us, when we are standing in election battleground, I want to say this to Indians that you have elected rules, preferred them and have given them the power. Today from this solemn stage of Bharatiya Janata Party, I request all my fellow countrymen that you have given 60 years to rulers, give 60 months to a servant..! The country does not need ‘Shasak’ (ruler), it needs ‘Sevak’ (servant). It is the need of the democracy that everyone gets a chance to serve the nation..!

Friends, today when we are drawing the blueprint of the coming time, then inflation is the biggest challenge in front of us. Poor does not get their daily breads to eat. Children sleep crying of hunger. Friends, can’t we control inflation, isn’t there any solution for it..? What is the situation of the country today..! We do not have any real time data that in the season of harvest, which crop is being grown where and in what quantity. Which grain, which pulse has been grown in what quantity, we have no idea of it. Our first priority will be to develop a real time data mechanism for the farmers and agriculture and the country will get to know in time that this crop has been sowed in this season and after harvest we will know that this much yield has been there of the given crop; this is need of the hour. There is a need of real time data of every area. We can decide on that basis that if there is this much demand, and the yield is this much, so what and how much do we need import, what and how much can we export. What is happening in the nation today..? What is needed in the nation is being exported by another route. The country starves and then the same commodity is imported. Don’t know what business is this..? Thus Friends, it is my appeal to you all and have full faith that prize stabilization fund should be raised in this nation so that the common does not have to bear the blow of inflation, so that the farmer is not exploited and through the prize stabilization fund, the government should ensure that the poor always gets his meals..!

In the same way, it is need of the hour that a national agriculture market is established. Not only this, special courts should be formed for black marketeers and by penalizing the black marketeers within a specific time limit, this trend should be put to an end in our country. If in this way, we take one step at a time then it would be good. Friends, if Atal Ji’s government can control inflation, if Morarjibhai Desai’s government could control inflation then the BJP government in 2014 can also combat inflation, this I would ensure you..!

Friends, the country which has such immense youth capital, but is yearning for employment, what kind of situation is this..! We have to strengthen the Center for Excellence to combat it, we need to emphasize on skill development and that too make it need based..! If a chemical factory is being established then what kind of skill development is needed in it, if an automobile industry is being set up, then how to equip youth with the skills needed for it, if these endeavors are tackled carefully then we can fight well against unemployment..!

Friends, we do not have any planning for human resource. If we ask in the country today that how many science teachers will we require in 2020, then the country will not have an answer to it..! If we start planning for human resource from today itself and start skill development accordingly then as soon as that person will be ready, he will get employment according to his need and skill. Friends, the youth capital of India is its strength, it should be equipped with skill, it should get the chance to work, we can’t have a better asset to increase the growth of India, and we want to nurture it..!

Friends, honorable Advani Ji has started a great battle against black money. It is a commitment of every worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party that we will realize the dream that Advani Ji has seen..! We will prepare whatever legal systems are needed, if we need to constitute a task force of expert in that area, we will do it, but every single penny looted from India that has been deposited in the foreign banks, will be brought back and will be used for the benefit of the poor..!

Friends, today is the era of globalization, and we can’t work as an isolated nation in this era, we will have to make a mark for us and continuously move on in the global competition. If we want to do this, then good governance is as essential as human resource and infrastructure are..! Friends, now India should not delay any further, we need to emphasize on next generation infrastructure, there should be roads, highways but in the coming days we will have to see that how the water grids should be envisaged, how the rivers can be connected, how can the agro infrastructure be strengthened, how the gas grid should be set up, if there is gas grid in the nation then this struggle for cylinders would come to an end..! Why don’t we develop an optical fiber network across the nation for next generation..! India has such huge coastal area, we should make a new image and position for us in the world by developing new infrastructure there..!

Friends, we have such a huge rail network, but it is our misfortune that no attention is paid to railways in the country. The change that Japan’s rail system has undergone, it deserves to be applauded. After all that change occurred because Japan introduced the concept of Bullet trains and got the country raised. China also followed that concept. We have such a long rail network, but we are not thinking about its modernization..! Why can’t there be four universities in the country, where we try to develop the manpower, and conduct the research and innovations to modify the railways..! Friends, this is a matter of mentality. Friends, you can’t imagine that how big a strength railway can be for India. If the present railway network is modernized, then we would be able to give a new pace to the developmental journey of the country..!

Friends, BJP developed a golden quadrilateral and that gave India a place in the world. Friends, it is need of the hour that after 7-8 years when 75 years of Indian independence, and the time of diamond jubilee will come, isn’t it need of the hour that we give a new colour to the vision of Atal Ji and prepare a diamond quadrilateral of bullet train..? And when we observe 75 years of independence, then at least we start the bullet trains in at least four directions of the country, and you will see that the world will see India from a new perspective..!

Friends, I am saying this today that we can’t think of an isolated India in the world today. I am not discussing that who is responsible and who is not, but as a civilized, cultured and humane society, we are not eligible to face the world because of what is going on with women in our society. It is a responsibility of us all that the women should be respected, dignity of women should be our social responsibility and we will have to create that atmosphere, we will have to strengthen our social systems along with the legal system. We have to move ahead on the front of mission ‘Beti bachao, Beti padhao’ i.e. save and educate the girl child. There can’t be a greater stigma than female feticide in the 21st century..! Lives of lakhs of girls/daughters are brought to end in the mother's womb only and it is our onus to save and educate the girl child..!  (Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao) We will have to think that how can we move ahead with this mission. Friends, we will also have to change our attitude towards women. The women whom we perceive as home maker, now the time demands that we start seeing the women of our country as nation builder, if we will see her as nation builder then our mentality will change and we will be able to evolve as a new power in front of the nation..!

Friends, it has been a misfortune of our nation that, at the time when urbanization should have been treated as an opportunity, it got considered to be a problem, a challenge and this wrong viewpoint is the reason of all our problems. Friends, urbanization should be taken as an opportunity, its importance for growth should be accepted, and strategies should be formulated accordingly. Why should not there be 100 new cities in our country, modern cities, in accordance with the concept of walk to work, smart cities, health city, sports city and many other such specialized cities as per the need..! Friends we can realize the dream of 100 new cities for this country..!

Friends, as there is need of 100 new cities, in the same way for two adjacent cities, the concept of twin city should be developed..! The way there are New Jersey and New York, we should work on the concept of twin city and we can get a new model for development..! In the same way, a network of satellite city should be developed near the big cities, and it should be taken as an opportunity. You can imagine that when work on such large scale would start then how much iron ore, how much cement factories, how many men will be needed and it will generate employment for many a people. We can get an answer to the concern of the GDP of the country. Friends, after so many years of independence, shouldn’t the poor have house to live in..? Why should he be compelled to live without shelter..? Let us start with a dream of building millions of houses and start a mission bringing the state and central governments together, so that even the poorest man has house to live in and we can progress..!

Friends, the country can’t sustain without water, land, forest, cattle and agriculture..! How the strategies should be encouraged to modernize the agriculture, to increase productivity, to realize the concept of per drop, more crop, to improve the yield with every drop of water, for drip irrigation, for sprinklers, for aligning modern science with agriculture..! We should work on the mode of waste land development which is essential for the agriculture and India on a whole as well..! Friends, today we need to specially focus on agro infrastructure, and along with it, we also need to work on the dream of Atal Ji to connect the rivers and realize it..!

Friends, Amul dairy is running in Gujarat since so many years, can’t there be white revolution in the big states of India..? Can’t the farmer of other states can’t be so powerful that they can meet the demand of milk..? Friends, we will have to move ahead in this direction and ensure that our farmer never has to face the problem. That is why I say that if we want growth in agriculture, then we need to work one third on farming, one third on animal husbandry and one third on tree plantation..! But look at the bad luck of the nation that even the land has not been measured here as yet. We should take an exhaustive account of the lands of the farmers and its measurement immediately through satellite..! If the farmer plants trees in place of the fence that he builds around his farms, then we will be able to avoid the timber import that we need today..! Thus, if we want to refrain from timber import and strengthen our farmer then we will have to focus on it and move ahead in this direction. I have full faith that if we take these measures then we can change the circumstances. In the same way there is power crisis in the nation, and power generation units with the capacity of 20,000 megawatt are closed, because there isn’t any fuel as the coal mines are closed..! Can’t we aspire for ‘Power on Demand’..? If the states take initiative and the center cooperates then every house can have 24 hours electricity, and life of the common man can be changed..!

Friends, if we want to stand tall in front of the world in 21st century then we should not compromise in the field of education at al..! Our primary education needs more attention and along with it, why don’t we develop IIMs, IITs and AIIMS in every state of India..! It is our dream that there should be an IIT, IIM and AIIMS in every state of India and we want to take ahead the effort of taking education to a new level in India..!

Friends, today when a disease strikes someone in a poor or middle class family then that family gets completely ruined, his financial condition gets paralyzed, and thus we need to change the approach..! As in education we need to move on to learning approach from teaching approach, in the same way in health sector instead of addressing sickness, we should start addressing wellness, we care more of diseases and less of health..! Thus things like preventive healthcare and paramedical forces need to be connected and we need to emphasize on finding ways for it. Friends, health insurance has been talked a lot about, now in the 21st century, we need to promise Health Assurance moving from Health Insurance..!

Friends, can’t we fight against poverty..? Will the poor just remain being a subject of slogans..? Friends, I am saying this with full faith that through financial policies, through public participation, by joining small scale, cottage and all these sectors we can eradicate poverty..! To fight against poverty the poor should be empowered..! We have to give them opportunity, and we have got results wherever we have given them opportunities, we have to take this ahead and eliminate poverty..!

Friends, there is one more thing in addition to this that to stand strong before the world, the country also needs branding..! We all know that many years back when we used to purchase any commodity, there used to be a tag on it – ‘Made in Japan’, and we used to buy it seeing that. Friends, isn’t it high time that we should also emphasize on Brand India..? When I am talking of ‘Brand India’, then I talk of ‘5-T’ - Talent, Tradition, Tourism, Trade and Technology..! These are the 5-Ts based on which we can make brand India stand tall in the world markets. India should produce and sell to the world, but for that we need to upgrade the technology, use our talent to its best, and introduce the world with our tradition. Friends, tourism has a great strength. Friends, terrorism divides and tourism unites..! Friends, let us move ahead with technology, trade, tourism and tradition..!

Friends, these days a new terminology has come in front of us, today I want to discuss it. Some people are saying, My Idea of India..! There can be idea of India by 125 crore citizens of India, it can’t be one man’s manor..! It can be yours, it can be theirs, it can be of people sitting here, it can be mine also. Idea of India can’t be restricted. Today I want to present My Idea of India in front of you all..!

My Idea of India : Satyameva Jayate

(Truth alone triumphs)

My Idea of India : Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

(The whole world is one single family)

My Idea of India : Ahimsa Paramo Dharma

(Non-violence is the prime duty)

My Idea of India : Aano Bhadra Kratvo Yantu Vishwata

(Let good thoughts come from everywhere - from all the world)

My Idea of India : Sarva Pantha Samabhāva

(Equality towards all paths)

My Idea of India : My Idea of India -    Ekam Sad Viprā Bahudhā Vadanti

(The Existent is one, the learned express it variously)

My Idea of India : Sarvey Bhavantu Sukhin, Sarvey Santu Niramaya

(May all be happy, May all be healthy)

My Idea of India : Saha Nāvavatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu, Saha Vīrya Karavāvahai

(May we all be protected, nourished and may we work together with great energy)

My Idea of India : Na Tyahan Kāmayē Rājyam, Na Svarga Na Punarbhavam, Kāmayē Dukhtaptānām Praninamārtinashnam(Happiness does not lie in the desire for state, nor in the heaven or reincarnation, it lies in dousing the pain and suffering of all living beings)
My Idea of India : Janani Janmabhoomishcha, Swargādapi Gariyasi

(The mother and the motherland are superior even to heaven)

My Idea of India : Paudho me bhi Parmatma hote hain

(The Gods resides even in the plants)

My Idea of India : Vaishnava jana to tene re kahiye, jey peed parai jaane re

(Devotees of Vishnu are those who feel the pain of others,)

My Idea of India : Vaach kaach man nishchal raakhe, Pardhan nav jhale haath re

(The one who is not tinted and does not touch other’s money)

My Idea of India : Yatra Naryastu Pujyante Ramante Tatra Devta

(Where women are honoured, the divinity blossoms there)

My Idea of India : Naari Tu Narayani

(Woman is a veritable Goddess)

My Idea of India : Daridra Narayan Ki Seva

(Service of the poor)

My Idea of India : Nar karni kare toh Narayan ho jaaye

(Man can become God by his deeds)

Friends, when I am talking of My Ideas of India and when we are going to contest 2014 elections, then will you recite a slogan with me..? Raise both your hands and say after every line with full force, Vote for India..!

For freedom from dynastic rule …..         Vote for India..!

For liberation from nepotism …..              Vote for India..!

For eradication of corruption …..              Vote for India..!

For controlling the inflation …..                Vote for India..!

For freedom from bad governance …..    Vote for India..!

For protecting the country …..                   Vote for India..!

For the safety of people …..                       Vote for India..!

For house to live …..                                     Vote for India..!

For food to eat ..…                                         Vote for India..!

For medicines for the ill …..                       Vote for India..!

For well being of the poor …..                    Vote for India..!

For improvement in education …..           Vote for India..!

For employment to the youth …..             Vote for India..!

For dignity of the women …..                      Vote for India..!

For the welfare of the farmer …..               Vote for India..!

For self-dependent India …..                       Vote for India..!

For a strong India …..                                    Vote for India..!

For a prosperous India …..                          Vote for India..!

For a progressive India …..                         Vote for India..!

For unity of the nation …..                           Vote for India..!

For Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat …..         Vote for India..!

(One India, Great India)

For politics of good governance …..         Vote for India..!

For politics of development …..                Vote for India..!

Friends, this is our dream of ‘Vote for India’..! Friends, we are going back to our areas after taking blessings of Advani Ji, and let us go with the resolution to win, not only we resolve to win, but we also make our colleagues resolved to win..! Friends, let us remember that the victory in elections is conceived in the polling booths..! Polling booths are the mothers of victory, and it is our responsibility to protect the mother..! Thus the polling booths should be protected, they should be a matter of concern, there should be a resolution to win the polling booth and we move ahead with this resolution to build a divine India, and to realize this dream we convert the strength of the nation in votes, with this hope I want to thank our national leadership that they have given this responsibility to a common man like me..! Friends, when a tea vendor contests the elections, then you can say that Modi Ji is a man who has nothing to himself and when you will say that, 10 crore families will give funds for sure. The poorest man will come to fund BJP with enthusiasm, and we decide that we will contest elections by the funding by the common man..! Our workers in Kerala have done this recently, in the 2012 Gujarat elections, the party workers of Gujarat BJP went to people and collected Rs. 5, 10, 100 and we raised funds for elections..! From last three terms we are in power in Gujarat, actually BJP has been in power in Gujarat seven times, but I have got the opportunity four times, and workers have contested the elections with funds raised with common man’s money..! We have to take this tradition ahead, and when son of a poor mother, a tea vendor is contesting, then the country will fund us by all means, I am confident about it. Thanks a lot to everyone..!

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78 व्या स्वातंत्र्य दिनी, पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी यांनी लाल किल्याच्या तटावरून केलेले संबोधन

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78 व्या स्वातंत्र्य दिनी, पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी यांनी लाल किल्याच्या तटावरून केलेले संबोधन
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Consistent efforts are being made to strengthen the NCC in our country: PM Modi
Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is an effort to connect one lakh new youth to politics: PM
Heartening to see the youth help senior citizens become part of the digital revolution: PM Modi
Innovative efforts from Chennai, Hyderabad & Bihar to enhance children’s education: PM Modi
Indian diaspora has made their mark in different nations: PM Modi
A museum is being developed in Lothal, dedicated to showcasing India’s maritime heritage: PM Modi
#EkPedMaaKeNaam campaign has crossed the milestone of 100 crore trees planted in just 5 months: PM
Unique efforts are being made to revive the sparrows: PM Modi

My dear countrymen, Namaskar. 'Mann Ki Baat' means touching upon the collective efforts of the country; referring to the achievements of the country; discussing the strength of the people. 'Mann Ki Baat' means touching upon the dreams of the youth, the aspirations of the citizens of the country. I wait for 'Mann Ki Baat' throughout the month, so that I can communicate with you directly. There are innumerable messages! My earnest endeavour is to read as many messages as possible; to brainstorm on your suggestions.

Friends, today is a very special day - it is NCC Day. As soon as the name of NCC comes up, we remember our school-college days. I myself have been an NCC Cadet, so I can say with full confidence that the experience gained from it is invaluable for me. 'NCC' instills a spirit of discipline, leadership and service in the youth. You must have seen around you that whenever there is a disaster; be it a flood, an earthquake or an accident, NCC cadets unfailingly make themselves available there to help. Today, efforts are being undertaken continuously to strengthen NCC in the country. In 2014, about 14 lakh youth were associated with NCC. Now in 2024, more than 20 lakh youth are associated with NCC.

Compared to earlier times, provision for NCC has been made in five thousand new schools and colleges… and the biggest aspect is that earlier the number of girl cadets in NCC was just around 25% (percent). Now the number of girl cadets in NCC has risen to almost 40% (percent). The campaign to connect more and more youth residing along the border with NCC is also going on continuously. I would urge the youth to join NCC in maximum numbers. You will notice that no matter what career you choose, NCC will help you a lot in personality development. Friends, the role of the youth in building a developed India is very significant. When young minds come together and deliberate upon the country's future journey, positively, concrete paths emerge. You know that on the 12th of January, on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the country celebrates 'Youth Day'. Next year is Swami Vivekananda's 162nd birth anniversary. This time it will be celebrated in a very special way. On this occasion, a Maha Kumbh of young minds is going to be held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on 11-12 January, and the name of this initiative is 'Vikasit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue'. Crores of youth from all over India will participate in it. 2 thousand such youth selected from villages, blocks, districts, states will gather at Bharat Mandapam for the 'Vikasit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue'. You might remember that from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I have urged such youths to join politics, none of whose family members or even the entire family have had a political background.

To connect 1 lakh such youths, new youths, to politics, many special campaigns will be run in the country. 'Vikasit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' is also one such effort. Experts from the country and abroad will grace this. Many national and international personalities would also be there. I will also be present in it for as much time as possible. The youth will get an opportunity to present their ideas directly before us. How can the country take these ideas forward? How can a solid roadmap be made? A blueprint will be prepared for this. So you too get ready; this is a great opportunity for those who are going to build the future of India, who are the future generation of the country. Come, let us build the country together, make the country developed.

My dear countrymen, in Mann ki Baat, we often talk about such youth. There are many youths who are working selflessly for the society and are engaged in finding solutions to numerous minor problems of the people. If we look around us, we see so many people who need some kind of help or information. I am happy to know that some youths have formed groups and addressed such issues as well. For example, Virendra, who lives in Lucknow, helps the elderly in the matter of Digital Life Certificate. As you know as per rules, all pensioners have to submit Life Certificate once a year. Till 2014, the process was such that the elderly had to go to the banks and submit it themselves. You can imagine how much inconvenience it used to cause to our elderly. Now this system has changed.

Now, by enabling the Digital Life Certificate, things have become very simple; the elderly do not have to go to the bank. Youths like Virendra have a major role in ensuring that the elderly do not face any problem on account of technology. They keep making the elderly of their neighbourhood aware about it. Not just that, they are also making the elderly tech savvy. Today, with such efforts, the number of people receiving Digital Life certificates has crossed the 80 lakh mark. Among these, more than 2 lakh are such elderly people whose age has crossed even 80.

Friends, in many cities, the youth are also coming forward to make the elderly a part of the digital revolution. Mahesh from Bhopal has taught many elderly people of his locality to make payments through mobile. These elderly people had smart phones, but there was no one to tell them their correct usage. The youth have also come forward to save the elderly from the risk of Digital Arrest. Rajiv from Ahmedabad warns people about the risk of Digital Arrest. I had discussed Digital Arrest in the last episode of 'Mann Ki Baat'. The elderly are the most common victims of such crimes. In such a situation, it is our responsibility to make them aware and help them stay safe from cyber fraud. We have to explain to people again and again that there is no provision of digital arrest in the government; this is a blatant lie, a conspiracy to trap people. I am happy that our young friends are participating in this work with full sensitivity and are motivating others as well.

My dear countrymen, these days many experiments are being conducted for the education of children. The effort is to enhance the creativity of our children and their love for books. It is said that 'books' are humans’ best friend and what better place than the library to strengthen this friendship. I want to share one such example from Chennai with you. Here one such library has been set up for children, which has become a hub of creativity and learning. It is known as Prakrith Arivagam. The idea of this library is the brainchild of Shriram Gopalan ji, who is associated with the world of technology. During his work abroad, he remained connected with the world of latest technology. But, he also kept thinking about developing the habit of reading and learning in children. After returning to India, he established Prakrith Arivagam. It has more than three thousand books, which children eagerly wait to read. Apart from books, different types of activities being organized in this library also attract children. Be it Story Telling sessions, Art Workshops, Memory Training Classes, Robotics Lessons or Public Speaking, there is something or the other, to the liking of everyone.

Friends, The Food for Thought Foundation has also established many wonderful libraries in Hyderabad. It’s their endeavor as well, to ensure that children get books to read with solid information on as many topics as possible. The Prayog library of Gopalganj in Bihar has started being talked about in many cities in the neighbourhood.
Apart from youths of around 12 villages getting the facility to read books from this library, this library is also providing other important facilities to the people. Some libraries are such that they are very useful for students in preparing for competitive examinations. It is indeed very heartening to note that the library is being used in the best possible way to strengthen the society. You too should develop friendship with books and see how it brings a change in your life.

My dear countrymen, I have returned from Guyana, a country in South America, the night before yesterday. Thousands of kilometres away from India, a ‘Mini India’ dwells in Guyana too. Around 180 years ago, people from India were taken to Guyana to work in the fields and for other tasks. Today, people of Indian origin in Guyana are leading the country in every field… be it politics, business, education or culture. The President of Guyana, Dr. Irfan Ali, is also of Indian origin and is proud of his Indian heritage. When I was in Guyana, a thought struck my mind which I am sharing with you in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Just like Guyana, there are lakhs of Indians in dozens of countries across the world. Their ancestors have their own stories of decades; even those over 200-300 years ago. Can you be on the lookout for such stories of how Indian immigrants made their mark in different countries! How they took part in their freedom struggle! How they kept their Indian heritage alive! I want you to find out such true stories, and share them with me. You can also share these stories on the NaMo App or on MyGov with #IndianDiasporaStories.

Friends, you will also find an extraordinary project going on in Oman very interesting. Numerous Indian families have been living in Oman for many centuries. Most of them who have settled there are from Kutch in Gujarat. These people had created important trade links. Even today they have Omani citizenship, but Indianness is ingrained in their personae. With the support of the Indian Embassy in Oman and the National Archives of India, a team has started the work of preserving the history of these families. Thousands of documents have been collected under this campaign so far. These include diaries, account books, ledgers, letters and telegrams. Some of these documents even date back to the year 1838. These documents are full of sentiments. When they reached Oman years ago, what kind of life they lived, what kind of joys and sorrows they faced, and, how their relations with the people of Oman progressed. All of this is a part of these documents. The ‘Oral History Project’ is also an important basis of this mission. In this mission, senior people from there have shared their experiences. People have expressed in detail about their lifestyle there.

Friends, a similar ‘Oral History Project’ is being carried out in India as well. Under this project, history enthusiasts are collating the experiences of the victims during the period of partition of the country. Now, there are very few people left in the country who have witnessed the horrors of Partition. In such a situation, this effort has become even more significant.

Friends, the country, the place that preserves it’s history, its future is also secure. With this very thought in mind, an effort has been made in which a directory has been created to preserve the history of villages. A campaign is also going on in the country to preserve evidences related to India's ancient maritime capability. Under this series, a very big museum is also being built in Lothal. Apart from that, if you are aware of any manuscript, any historical document, any handwritten copy, you can preserve it with the help of National Archives of India.

Friends, I have come to know about another such effort being undertaken in Slovakia which is related to conserving and promoting our culture. Here, for the first time, our Upanishads have been translated into the Slovak language. These efforts also underscore the global influence of Indian culture. It is a matter of pride for all of us that there are crores of people across the world who cherish India in their hearts.

My dear countrymen, I now want to share with you one such achievement of the country which will make you happy and proud, and if you have not done it, you will probably regret it. A few months ago, we started the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. People from all over the country participated in this campaign with great enthusiasm. I am very happy to tell you that this campaign has crossed the important milestone of planting 100 crore trees. A 100 crore trees, that too, in just 5 months.

This has been possible only due to the tireless efforts of our countrymen. You will be proud to know one more fact related to this. The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign is now spreading to other countries of the world as well. When I was in Guyana, I witnessed this campaign there as well. There, Guyana's President Dr. Irfan Ali, his mother in law, and other family members joined me in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.

Friends, this campaign is going on continuously in different parts of the country. A record of tree planting was made in Indore, Madhya Pradesh under the campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' - more than 12 lakh trees were planted here in 24 hours. On account of this campaign, the barren area of Revati Hills of Indore will now turn into a green zone. A unique record was made through this campaign in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan - here a team of women planted 25 thousand trees in one hour. Mothers planted trees in the name of their mothers and inspired others too. Here, more than 5 thousand people planted trees at one location.

This too is a record in itself. Under the campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', many social organizations are planting trees according to local needs. Their effort is that wherever trees are planted, a complete eco system should develop in an environment friendly manner. Therefore, these organizations are planting medicinal plants at some places, and at other places, they are planting trees to facilitate nesting for birds. In Bihar, the women of 'Jeevika Self Help Group' are running a campaign to plant 75 lakh trees. The focus of these women is on fruit trees, so that income could also be generated in the future.

Friends, by joining this campaign, any person can plant a tree in the name of his mother. If the mother is with you, you can plant the tree along with her, otherwise you can become a part of this campaign by carrying her photograph with you. You can also post a selfie with the tree on mygov.in. We can never repay the debt of what our mother does for all of us, but by planting a tree in her name, we can keep her presence alive forever.

My dear countrymen, all of you must have seen sparrows chirping on roof tops or trees during your childhood. Sparrows are known as Kuruvi in Tamil and Malayalam, Pichhuka in Telugu and Gubbi in Kannada. Stories about sparrows are told in every language and culture. Sparrows play a very important role in maintaining bio-diversity around us, but today sparrows are hardly visible in cities. Due to increasing urbanization, sparrows have gone away from us. There are many children of today's generation who have seen sparrows only in pictures or videos. Some unique efforts are being made to bring back this lovely bird in the lives of such children. Chennai's Kudugal Trust has involved school children in its campaign to increase the sparrow population. The people of the organisation go to schools and tell the children how important sparrows are in everyday life. This organisation trains children to make sparrow nests. For this, the people of the organisation taught the children to make a small wooden house. In that, arrangements for food and shelter were made for the sparrows. These are homes that can be placed on the outer wall of any building or on a tree.

Children participated in this campaign with enthusiasm and started making nests for sparrows in large numbers. In the last 4 years, the organization has prepared ten thousand such nests for sparrows. With this initiative of the Kudugal Trust, the sparrow population has started rising in the surrounding areas. If you too make such efforts in your surroundings, sparrows will certainly again become a part of our lives. Friends, an organization in Mysuru, Karnataka has started a campaign called 'Early Bird' for children. This organization runs a special kind of library to tell children about birds. Not only this, it has prepared a 'Nature Education Kit' to create a sense of responsibility towards nature in children. This kit contains story books, games, activity sheets and jig-saw puzzles for children. This organization takes children from cities to villages and introduces them to birds. On account of the efforts of this organization, children have started recognizing many species of birds. The listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' can also develop a different perspective in children to see and understand their surroundings through such efforts.

My dear countrymen, you must have noticed that as soon as someone mentions a 'government office', a picture of a pile of files emerges in your mind. You must have seen something similar in films too. So many jokes are made on these piles of files in government offices; so many stories have been written. These files used to gather dust after lying in offices for years and years, and would start accumulating dirt.

A special Swachhata Abhiyan was launched to remove such decades-old files and scrap. You will be happy to know that this campaign has brought amazing results in government departments. Cleanliness has freed up a lot of space in offices. This has also brought in a sense of ownership among the people working in the offices. They have also become serious about keeping their work place clean.

Friends, you must have often heard elders say that where there is cleanliness, Goddess Lakshmi resides there. The concept of 'waste to wealth' is very old in our country. In many parts of the country, the 'youth' are transforming items considered useless, that is waste, to wealth. They are innovating in different ways. They are earning money from that; generating avenues of employment. These youth are also promoting a sustainable lifestyle through their efforts. The effort of two daughters of Mumbai is really very inspiring. These two daughters named Akshara and Prakriti are creating fashion items through fabric scraps. You also know that the scraps that come out during cutting and stitching of clothes are considered useless and thrown away. Akshara and Prakriti's team transforms the same fabric scraps into fashion products. Caps and bags made from cuttings are literally flying off the shelves.

Friends, a good initiative is on in Kanpur, UP as well, pertaining to cleanliness. Here some people go for daily morning walks picking up plastic and other garbage spread on the banks of the Ganga. This group has been named the 'Kanpur Ploggers Group'.

This campaign was started by a few friends collectively. Gradually, it became a big campaign of public participation. Many people of the city have joined this campaign. Its members have now started collecting garbage from shops and houses as well. Tree guards are made from this garbage in the Recycle Plant, i.e., people of this group also protect the plants with tree guards made from garbage.

Friends, Iitisha from Assam too is an example of how tiny efforts can lead to big success. Iitisha has studied in Delhi and Pune. Iitisha has left the glitz and glamour of the corporate world and is engaged in cleaning the Sangti Valley of Arunachal. A lot of plastic waste had started accumulating there because of tourists. The river there, which was once pristine, had become polluted because of the plastic waste. Iitisha is working with the local people to clean it. People of her group spread awareness among the tourists there and put up bamboo dustbins all over the valley to collect plastic waste.

Friends, such efforts lend momentum to India's Swachhata Abhiyan. This is a perpetual campaign. This must certainly be happening around you as well. Do keep writing to me about such efforts.

Friends, that is all for this episode of Mann Ki Baat. I eagerly await your feedback, letters and suggestions throughout the month. Your messages every month inspire me to do even better. We will meet again next month in another episode of Mann Ki Baat with new achievements of the country and countrymen. Until then, my best wishes to all the countrymen.

Thank you very much.