Published By : Admin | September 27, 2023 | 15:39 IST
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The level of women power, confidence and energy of India today has never been higher than before: PM Modi
On Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam PM Modi says, if opposition were really concerned about women's development, they would have not kept them deprived for decades
Opposition stalled women reservation bill for three decades, says PM Modi in Vadodara
They mocked the Ujjwala Yojana... When we were talking about liberating Muslim women from triple talaq, they were concerned about their political equations: PM Modi slams opposition
Vadodara has taken care of me as a son in my formative years. It has loved me like a mother loves her son, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Nari Shakti Vandan Abhinandan Karyakram in Vadodara. Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, “Ever since the day the 'Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam' was passed by the Parliament, I was eager to visit Gujarat and especially Vadodara. Vadodara has taken care of me in my life, like a mother takes care of her child. Therefore, today I have come especially to meet my mothers and sisters of Vadodara.”
“I have always been deeply indebted to Gujarat and the women power of Gujarat. I have made an effort to pay off that debt through the Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam,” the PM added.
Expressing his best wishes on Women’s reservation bill securing 33 % reservation for women in all the Assemblies and Lok Sabha, PM Modi said, “I wish you all the best for this law and the avenues it has opened for a better future for women.”
He said, “Gujarat's development model is always discussed in the country and the world. It was because of this development model that the country had expressed such great confidence in me in 2014. And I always say that the biggest strength of Gujarat's development model is the women of Gujarat.”
Talking about the women’s struggle for education in Vadodara, PM said, “Many of you sisters will remember that low literacy rate of women was a big problem in Gujarat 20 years ago. A large number of daughters had to leave studies midway. Very few mothers were able to reach hospitals for delivery. The male to female ratio was also very worrying. Women's participation in the work force was also very low.”
PM Modi also highlighted the steps that government undertook to empower the women and said, “We took such innumerable problems of Gujarat as a challenge. We made policies for development keeping women at the centre. We worked honestly and with service and today the results are in front of us. Today the daughters of the new generation are not even aware of most of these problems of 20 years ago. This is our achievement.”
“The schemes and campaigns we made in Gujarat became the basis of many national schemes after 2014. In Gujarat we had started Kanya Kelavani Rath Yatra for the education of daughters,” he added. The Prime Minister underlined the schemes which eased every woman in Gujarat. He said, “Today, through ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ we are delivering piped water to the homes of mothers and sisters across the country. For women's participation in democracy, for their rights, it was necessary that they come out of the basic problems of life. Since the Corona period, we have been giving free ration to crores of poor families. The level of women power, confidence and energy of India today has never been higher than before.”
The PM attacked the opposition alliance and said, “You should look at the record of these people. They used to get laws passed in the Rajya Sabha, but never introduced them in the Lok Sabha. Today these people are in trouble. They want credit for the reservation given to women. I want the women of the country to ask some questions to the people of this arrogant alliance.”
PM Modi said, “These are the same people who used to make fun of Modi when he talked about toilets for women from the Red Fort. When Modi launched the Ujjwala scheme, they ridiculed it too. When we brought anti-triple talaq law for Muslim women, these people openly opposed it. At that time, they were worried about Muslim women but about the vote bank.”
During his concluding remarks, PM said, “The BJP government has always kept law and order under control in Gujarat. That's why here our mothers, sisters and daughters do not face any problem in leaving the house even late at night. I also appeal that in this festive season, be vocal for local and give priority to local products. BJP will continue to serve the women power of the country like this, this is Modi's guarantee. You keep your blessings on us like this. Only with your blessings this country will touch new heights of development.”
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.
