QuotePM also inaugurates Smriti Van Memorial
Quote“Smriti Van Memorial and Veer Bal Smarak are the symbols of shared pain of Kutch, Gujarat and the entire country”
Quote“There were many who said that Kutch will never be able to stand on its feet. But today, the people of Kutch have completely changed the scenario”
Quote“You can see that amidst death and disaster, we made some resolutions in 2001 and we realized them today. Similarly, what we resolve today, we will surely realize in 2047”
Quote“Kutch has not only picked itself up but has taken the entire Gujarat to new heights”
Quote“While Gujarat was dealing with the natural calamity, the period of conspiracies started. In order to defame Gujarat in the country and in the world, one after another conspiracy was hatched to stop the investment here”
Quote“Each brick of Dholavira shows the skills, knowledge and science of our ancestors”
Quote“Development of Kutch is a perfect example of a meaningful change with Sabka Prayas”

Popular Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel ji, my Parliamentary colleague and Gujarat's BJP President Shri CR Patil ji, all the MPs present here, all the ministers and MLAs of the Gujarat government and my dear sisters and brothers of Kutch who have come here in large numbers!

My dear brothers and sisters how are you? Is everything fine? It has rained a lot in Kutch and its joy is visible on all your faces.

Friends,

Today I am full of myriad emotions. The inauguration of the Smritivan Memorial at Bhujiyo Dungar and the Veer Bal Smarak at Anjar, Kutch, Gujarat, is a symbol of the shared agony of the entire country. It not only reminds us of the sweat and hard work put in its construction, but also of the tears shed by many families.

I still remember that the family members of the children in Anjar had proposed the idea of building a children's memorial. At that time, all of us had decided that we would complete it with 'kar seva'. The vow we had taken has been fulfilled today. Today, I dedicate these monuments with a heavy heart to all those who had lost their loved ones and their children.

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Today, other projects worth more than Rs 4,000 crore related to the development of Kutch have also been either inaugurated or their foundation stones have been laid. These include projects related to water, electricity, roads and dairy. This shows the commitment of the double engine government for the development of Kutch, Gujarat. To make the visit to Maa Ashapura easier, foundation stone of new facilities has also been laid today. When these facilities for the development of ‘Mata No Madh’ are ready, the devotees coming from all over the country will get a new experience. It is also a proof of how Kutch and Gujarat are progressing under the leadership of our popular Chief Minister, Bhupendra Bhai.


Brothers & Sisters,

After coming to the land of Bhuj today, as I was going to Smritivan, I was showered with a lot of love and blessings from the people of Kutch. I bow down to this land and to the people here as well. I was a little late in coming here. I had come to Bhuj on time but the welcome that went on during the road show and my visit to the Smritivan Memorial later, did not allow me to take a leave from the place easily.

Smritivan is a reflection of what Kutch had suffered two decades ago and the courage shown by Kutch after that. We have an imagination as mentioned in the saying "Vayam Amritasya putra"; there is the mantra of "Charaivati-Charaivati" as a source of our inspiration. Similarly this memorial is also inspired by the eternal spirit of moving forward.

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Friends,

When I was passing through different parts of Smritivan, many old memories were flashing back in my mind. Friends, after the major terrorist attack of 9/11 in America, a memorial had been built there, "Ground Zero". I have seen that too. I have also seen a museum built in Japan as a memorial after the tragedy of Hiroshima. And after seeing the Smritivan today, I want to say with great humility to the countrymen that our Smritivan is not even a step behind in comparison to the best monuments like these in the world.

It provides complete information on nature, earth and life. I would like to urge the people of Kutch that whenever any guest visits the place, you should not let them go without bringing them to the Smritivan. I would also like to urge the education department of Kutch to ensure that the school children are brought here whenever an educational trip is organised for them so that they get to know the behaviour of the earth and nature.

Friends,

I still remember when the earthquake happened on 26th January, I was in Delhi. The tremors of the Earthquake were felt in Delhi too. And within a few hours I had reached Ahmedabad from Delhi. And the day after, I had reached Kutch. I was not the Chief Minister at that time. I was just a small worker of a simple political party i.e. Bharatiya Janata Party. I had no clue about how I could help and how many people I would be able to help. But I had decided that I would be with you all in that period of sorrow and I would try my best to help you in whatever way possible.

I didn't even realize that suddenly I would become the Chief Minister. And when I became the Chief Minister, the experience of my previous organizational work was very useful to me. I remember one more thing from that time. Many people from abroad had also come here to help the earthquake victims. They used to wonder how selflessly volunteers were helping the people here and their religious, social organizations were also engaged in relief and rescue operation. They used to tell me that they had been to many places around the world, but had probably never seen such a spirit of service ever before. It is this power of unity that handled Kutch and Gujarat in those difficult times.

Today, when I stepped on the land of Kutch, I was reminded of the countless names. I have had a very long and a deep relationship with you. I can remember the names of so many people like Dhirubhai Shah, Tarachand Chheda, Anantbhai Dave, Pratap Singh Jadeja, Narendra Bhai Jadeja, Hira Lal Parikh, Bhai Dhansukh Thakkar, Rasik Thakkar, Gopal Bhai, Champak Lal Shah of Anjar and countless others with whom I had the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder. Today they are not in this world anymore but wherever their souls are, they would definitely feel satisfied about the development of Kutch. They must be showering their blessings upon us.

 

And even today, when I meet my friends such as Pushpadan Bhai, Mangaldada Dhanji Bhai, or Jeeva Seth, they are still inspiring the work of development in Kutch. Kutch has always had one specialty which I always talk about. Even if one person sows the seed of his dream here, then the whole of Kutch gets involved in making it happen. These values of Kutch have proved every apprehension and every doubt wrong. There were many who had said that Kutch would never be able to get back on its feet. But today the people of Kutch have completely transformed the scenario here.

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Friends,

I didn't celebrate my first Diwali as the Chief Minister as it was also the first Diwali for the people of Kutch after the earthquake. No minister in my government had celebrated Diwali. After the earthquake, it was quite natural to remember our loved ones on that Diwali. So, I stayed with you. And you are also aware that every year I spend my Diwali day at the border with the soldiers of the country. But that year I didn't follow the tradition and instead spent my day with the earthquake victims. I still remember staying in Chobari all day. And later I also went to Trumbo village in the evening. Besides me, all the members of my cabinet too had gone to the places affected by the earthquake in Gujarat and had shared the burden of the people's pain and sorrow on the day of Diwali.

I still remember that in those difficult days, I had said with a great confidence that we would turn that disaster into an opportunity. I had also said that I could see India's 'growth' in that ‘challenge’. And today I have declared from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15th August that by 2047, India will become a developed country! Those who have heard and seen me in Kutch, they know that I had said something under adverse circumstances during the period of 2001-02 after the earthquake. Today that has emerged as the truth in front of your eyes. Today you must have seen various shortcomings within the country. But I have a dream for the year 2047 today. Friends, in 2001-02, Kutch was under a grave crisis but the dreams that we had at that time have come true and are successful today. In 2047, India will also fulfil today's dreams.

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And the people of Kutch and Bhuj have revamped the entire area. Revival of Kutch is a topic of research for research institutes not only in India but all over the world. The work that has been done in Kutch since its complete destruction in 2001 is unimaginable!

Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma University was formed in 2003 in Kutch. At the same time more than 35 new colleges have also been established. Moreover, more than 1000 new schools were built in such a short time.

The district hospital of Kutch was completely destroyed in the earthquake. Today Kutch has a modern earthquake resistant hospital; and more than 200 new medical centres are functioning. Today Narmada water has started reaching every household in Kutch which was always in the grip of drought earlier, where water scarcity was the biggest challenge for people.


Sometimes we take a dip in Ganga ji, Yamuna ji, Sarayu and also in Narmada ji out of faith and reverence and even say that Narmada ji is so pure that just saying its name helps us gain a lot of punya (virtue). People used to travel long distances to get a glimpse of river Narmada. But today mother Narmada has come to the land of Kutch.

No one could have imagined that the Narmada's water could ever reach Tappar, Fatehgarh and Suwai dams. But the people of Kutch have fulfilled this dream too. No one could ever think of an irrigation project in Kutch. But thousands of hectares of land have been brought under irrigation by constructing thousands of check dams under the Sujalam-Sufalam water campaign.

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Brothers & Sisters,

When the water of Mother Narmada reached Rayan-village last month, the people around the world were surprised to see the way people here celebrated it as a festival. They were amazed because they had no idea what water meant for Kutch. There was a time when a child wouldn't have seen or experienced a rainfall in his life for about four years since his birth. My Kutch has lived through such difficult times. Two decades back, very few people would have believed if someone had said that Kutch too would have canals and drip irrigation facility one day.

I still remember when I came to Mandvi during Gujarat Gaurav Yatra in 2002, I had sought blessings from the Kutch residents so that I could connect maximum parts of Kutch with the waters of Mother Narmada. It is because of the strength of your blessings that today we are becoming a part of this beautiful event. The Kutch-Bhuj canal has been inaugurated today. Thousands of farmer families from hundreds of villages have benefited from the same.

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Brothers & Sisters,

The language spoken by the people of Kutch is so sweet that whoever comes here once cannot forget Kutch. And I have had the privilege of visiting Kutch hundreds of times. Kutch is known for various things like Dabeli, Bhelpuri, the light buttermilk, salt of Kutch, and taste of saffron and so on. There is an old saying that the fruit of hard work is sweet. Kutch has proved this proverb to be true by taking actions.

I am glad that today Kutch has become the number one district in the whole of Gujarat in terms of fruit production. Green dates, saffron, mango, pomegranate, kamalam of Kutch and many such fruits are carrying their sweetness not only to the different parts of the country but around the world too.

 

Friends,

I can't forget the day when people living in Kutch had to take their animals and migrate for miles or sometimes they were forced to leave the animals behind and go on their own. Due to lack of resources, abandonment of livestock was the compulsion of this entire region. In an area where animal husbandry has been a means of livelihood for hundreds of years, this situation was very worrisome. But today in the same Kutch, the farmers have started increasing their wealth from livestock. Milk production in Kutch has increased more than three times in twenty years.


When I used to work here as the Chief Minister, in the year 2009, Sarhad Dairy was started here. At that time, this dairy used to store less than 1400 litres of milk in a day. But today this Sarhad dairy collects up to 5 lakh litres of milk from farmers every day. Today, because of this dairy, about 800 crore rupees are going into the pockets of my Kutch farmers. Today, the new modern plant of Sarhad Dairy, which has been inaugurated in Chandrani village of Anjar taluka, is also going to benefit the farmers and livestock rearers a lot. The kind of milk products that will be made with the modern technology will help in increasing the income of the farmers.


Brothers & Sisters,

Kutch has not only lifted itself up, but has given a new pace of development to the whole of Gujarat. There was a time when one crisis after another was striking Gujarat. There had been conspiracies while Gujarat was dealing with the natural calamity. In order to defame Gujarat in the country and around the world, several conspiracies were hatched to stop investments from flowing here. Even under such a situation, Gujarat became the first state in the country to enact a Disaster Management Act. Taking inspiration from this act, a similar law was made for the whole country. During the Corona crisis, this law helped every government and administration a lot.

Friends,

Leaving every conspiracy behind, Gujarat had chosen a new path of industrial development in Gujarat by bringing a new industrial policy. Kutch benefited a lot from this initiative. Kutch started receiving a lot of investment. Lakhs of crores of rupees have been invested for the industrial development in Kutch. Today Kutch houses the largest cement plants in the world. Kutch ranks second in the world in terms of welding pipe manufacturing. The second largest textile plant of the whole world is in Kutch. Asia's first Special Economic Zone has been created in Kutch. Kandla and Mundra ports handle 30 per cent of the country's cargo. Kutch is the area from where more than 30 percent of India's salt is produced. There is no Indian who wouldn’t have consumed the salt of Kutch that houses more than 30 salt refineries.

Brothers & Sisters,

There was a time when no one in Kutch could even think of solar power or wind power. Today about 2500 MW electricity is generated from solar and wind energy in Kutch. Today the largest solar-wind hybrid park is being built at Khavda in Kutch. Gujarat plays a major role in the Green Hydrogen campaign that is going on in the country today. Similarly, when Gujarat makes its mark as the Green Hydrogen Capital of the world, Kutch will have a huge contribution in it.

Friends,

Kutch has set an example not only for India but for the whole world. There are few such places in the world, which are ahead in terms of multiple fields like agriculture and animal husbandry, industrial development, tourism as well as art and culture. Kutch is ahead in terms of most of the fields. Kutch and Gujarat have also set an example in front of the country in terms of adopting and embracing its heritage with pride.

This time on August 15, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I have called upon the country to be more proud of its heritage. In the last 7-8 years, the feeling of pride towards our heritage has become stronger. It is becoming the strength of India today. Today India has come out of that state of mind when those who talked about their heritage were filled with inferiority complex.

What all things Kutch doesn't have? Our expertise in city building is reflected in Dholavira. Dholavira has been given the status of World Heritage Site last year itself. Each brick of Dholavira reflects the skills, knowledge and scientific thinking of our ancestors. At a time when many civilizations of the world were in their early stages, our ancestors had established and developed cities like Dholavira.

Similarly, Mandvi was a pioneer in shipbuilding. There was apathy towards our history, heritage and our freedom fighters. An example of the same is associated with our Shyamji Krishna Verma. Even after independence, his ashes were kept abroad for decades. I was fortunate as the Chief Minister to have brought back his ashes and to hand it over to the motherland. Today, when the country is celebrating the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the people of Gujarat and the countrymen are able to pay homage to him on the Kranti Teerth built in Mandvi.

Sardar Saheb had dedicated his life to the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and for transforming the lives of farmers and livestock rearers. Today his ‘Statue of Unity’

has also become the pride of the country. Every day thousands of tourists visit the place and seek inspiration from the place, taking a pledge of national unity.

 

Friends,

Relentless efforts are being made for the last 2 decades to preserve these heritage of Kutch and Gujarat and to bring them in front of the world. Rann of Kutch, Dhordo Tent City and Mandvi Beach are becoming major tourist destinations of the country today. The products made by the artisans and handicraftsmen here are reaching all over the world today. The handicrafts of villages like Nirona, Bhujodi and Ajrakhpur are making a mark in the country and the world today. The people around the world are talking about Rogan Art, Mud Art, Bandhani and Ajrakh Printing of Kutch. After getting the GI-tag for Kutch shawls and Kutch embroidery, their demand has increased even further.

That is why today not just within Gujarat or the country but across the world, people are saying that one who has not seen Kutch has not seen anything. This is benefiting the tourism of Kutch, Gujarat and my younger generation. Today the work of widening the National Highway No. 41 has started. It will not only help the tourists but is also very important from the point of view of the border area.

Friends,

The valour of mothers-sisters-daughters here at the time of Indo-Pakistan war, is still described in the best heroic-sagas. The development of Kutch is a perfect example of a meaningful change with everyone's efforts. Kutch is not just a place; it is not just a part of the land. Kutch is a spirit, a vibrant feeling and a lively spirit. It is this feeling which shows us the way to the fulfilment of the colossal resolutions of the 'Azadi Ka Amritkaal'.

Brothers and sisters of Kutch, I would like to reiterate that your love and blessings are not only for the welfare of Kutch, but also a source of inspiration to do something in every corner of India. It is due to your strength, friends! That’s why I used to say, “kutch ka ‘k’ aur khameer ka ‘kh’. Uska naam mera kutchi baarah maah”.

 

I am deeply grateful to you for the way you welcomed me, as well as for your love and respect. But this Smritivan is an important place of attraction for the world. The responsibility of handling it rests with Kutch i.e. with my brothers and sisters. There should not be a single corner without a dense forest. We have to make this Bhujiyo Dungar green.

Friends, you cannot even imagine that this Smritivan is even more powerful than the Rannotsav of Kutch. Do not miss this opportunity, brothers! I have a lot of dreams associated with this work. I have done this with a great determination, and I want your lively participation in it as well. Continuous cooperation is needed. I need your support to ensure that the name of Bhujiyo Dungar echoes in the world.

Once again my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all of you for all the development projects! Today after a long time come say with me-

I will say Narmade - you will say Sarvade -

Narmade - Sarvade!

Narmade - Sarvade!

Narmade - Sarvade!

Thanks a lot!

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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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PM Modi lays the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute
February 23, 2025
QuoteOur temples, our monasteries, our holy places have been centres of worship and resources on one hand and on the other they have also been centres of science and social consciousness: PM
QuoteIt was our sages who gave us the science of Ayurveda, the science of yoga, which has been acclaimed worldwide today: PM
QuoteWhen the country gave me the opportunity to serve, I made the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' the resolution of the government, and this resolve of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' is based on - treatment for all, health for all: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Garha village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh today. Remarking that it was his good fortune to be back in Bundelkhand for the second time in a short span, Shri Modi said that the spiritual center Bageshwar Dham would soon be a health center too. He added that the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute would be built in an area of 10 acres and a 100 bed facility would be ready in the first phase. He congratulated Shri Dhirendra Shastri for the noble work and extended his greetings to the people of Bundelkhand.

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The Prime Minister remarked that these days there was a class of political leaders who ridiculed religion and were involved in separating people. He added that at times, there was support to such individuals from foreign entities as well to weaken the nation and religion. He further said that the people who abhor Hindu religion have existed since a long time in various forms. The Prime Minister highlighted the persistent attacks on our beliefs, traditions, and temples and remarked that these elements attack our saints, culture, and principles. They target our festivals, customs, and rituals, and even dare to defame the inherently progressive nature of our religion and culture. Shri Modi underscored their agenda to divide our society and break its unity. In this context, he highlighted the efforts of Shri Dhirendra Shastri, who has been raising awareness about the mantra of unity in the country for a long time. Shri Modi announced that Shri Dhirendra Shastri had taken another pledge for the welfare of society and humanity in the form of establishing a cancer institute. Consequently, in Bageshwar Dham, the blessings of devotion, nourishment, and a healthy life will now be available, he added.

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“Our temples, monasteries, and sacred sites have had dual roles as both centers of worship and hubs for scientific and social thought”, said the Prime Minister, remarking that our sages have provided us with the science of Ayurveda and Yoga, which is now globally recognized. He emphasized the belief that service to others and alleviating their suffering is true religion. He highlighted our tradition of serving all living beings with the sentiments of "Nara in Narayan" and "Shiva in all beings." Noting the widespread discussions about the Maha Kumbh, which is nearing completion with crores of people having participated, taken a holy dip, and received blessings from saints, Shri Modi hailed it as a “Maha Kumbh of Unity” and thanked all the sanitation workers and police officers for their dedicated service. He pointed out that amidst the Maha Kumbh, a ‘Netra Maha Kumbh’ was also being held, though it hasn't garnered as much attention, where over two lakh eye check-ups have been conducted, around one and a half lakh people have received free medicine and glasses, and about sixteen thousand patients have been referred to various hospitals for cataract and other surgeries. The Prime Minister acknowledged the numerous health and service-related initiatives taking place during the Maha Kumbh under the guidance of our sages, with thousands of doctors and volunteers participating selflessly. The attendees of the Kumbh have appreciated these efforts, he said.

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The Prime Minister underlined the role of religious institutions in running large hospitals across India. He remarked that many health and science research institutes are managed by religious trusts, providing treatment and service to crores of poor people. He noted that the sacred pilgrimage site of Chitrakoot in Bundelkhand, associated with Lord Rama, was a major center for serving the differently-abled and patients. He also expressed happiness that Bageshwar Dham was adding a new chapter to this glorious tradition by offering blessings of health. He announced that two days later, on Mahashivaratri, there will be a mass wedding ceremony for 251 daughters. The Prime Minister praised Bageshwar Dham for this noble initiative and extended his heartfelt congratulations and blessings to all the newlywed couples and daughters for a beautiful life ahead.

Quoting the scripture, "Shariramadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam," emphasizing that our body and health are the primary means for achieving our religion, happiness, and success, the Prime Minister remarked that when the country entrusted him with the opportunity to serve, he made the mantra ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ as the Government's resolution. He highlighted that a major foundation of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ was ‘Sabka Ilaaj, Sabko Aarogya’ meaning Healthcare for all and underscored the focus on disease prevention at various levels. Acknowledging that toilets had been constructed under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Shri Modi pointed out that the construction of toilets had reduced diseases caused by unhygienic conditions. He cited a study indicating that households with toilets have saved thousands of rupees on medical expenses.

The Prime Minister remarked that before their Government came to power in 2014, the poor in the country feared the cost of treatment more than the illness itself and pointed out that a serious illness in a family would put the entire family in crisis. He shared that he also comes from a poor family and has witnessed such hardships and had resolved to reduce the cost of treatment and save more money for the people. Reiterating his commitment to ensuring that no needy person is left out of Government schemes, Shri Modi emphasized the importance of reducing the burden of medical expenses and highlighted the provision of free treatment for every poor person, up to Rs. 5 lakh, through the Ayushman Card. He urged those who have not to get it made as soon as possible.

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Informing that Ayushman Cards were now being issued for free treatment to elderly individuals above 70 years of age, irrespective of whether the family is poor, middle-class, or wealthy, Shri Modi said these cards can be obtained online without any cost and urged that no one should pay for the Ayushman Card and asked people to report if someone demands money. The Prime Minister remarked that many treatments do not require hospital admission, as prescribed medicines can be taken at home. To reduce the cost of medicines, over 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Centers have been opened across the country, providing affordable medicines, he added. He also pointed out that kidney disease is another significant health issue requiring continuous dialysis and over 1,500 dialysis centers have been opened in more than 700 districts, offering free dialysis services. The Prime Minister urged everyone to spread awareness about these Government schemes among their acquaintances and ensure no one misses out on the benefits.

“Cancer has become a significant issue everywhere; the Government, society, and saints are all united in the fight against cancer”, highlighted Shri Modi. He remarked on the difficulties faced by villagers when someone is diagnosed with cancer. He highlighted the lack of early detection and the tendency to rely on home remedies for fever and pain, resulting in late diagnosis when the situation worsens. The Prime Minister noted the fear and confusion that grips families upon hearing the diagnosis of cancer, with many only knowing about treatment centers in Delhi and Mumbai. He emphasized the Government's efforts to address these challenges, including several announcements in this year's budget to combat cancer. He added that he was committed to making cancer medications more affordable and announced the opening of cancer daycare centers in every district over the next three years. These centers will provide both diagnostic and respite care services. Shri Modi also highlighted the opening of cancer clinics in district hospitals and medical centers in local neighborhoods to ensure easier access to treatment.

Emphasising the importance of being cautious and aware to protect against cancer, the Prime Minister remarked that early detection is crucial, as cancer becomes harder to combat once it spreads. He highlighted the ongoing campaign to screen all individuals above 30 years of age and urged everyone to participate and avoid negligence. He stressed the need for immediate cancer screening if there is any doubt. Underscoring the importance of accurate information about cancer, stating that it is not a contagious disease and does not spread through touch, Shri Modi pointed out that the risk of cancer increases with the use of bidi, cigarettes, gutka, tobacco, and spices, and advised staying away from these substances. He urged everyone to take care of their body and health and to adopt these precautions diligently to avoid any negligence.

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Stressing his dedication to serving the people, the Prime Minister remarked on his previous visit to Chhatarpur, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth thousands of crores. He highlighted the inclusion of the Rs. 45,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project, which had been pending for decades despite multiple governments and leaders visiting Bundelkhand. Shri Modi noted the persistent water scarcity in the region and questioned whether any previous government had fulfilled its promises. He emphasized that the work commenced only after receiving the people's blessings. He underlined the rapid progress in addressing the drinking water crisis. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, or the Har Ghar Jal Project, piped water is being supplied to villages across Bundelkhand, he added. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to alleviate the difficulties faced by farmers and increase their income, stating that the government is working tirelessly day and night.

Emphasizing the importance of empowering women for the prosperity of Bundelkhand, Shri Modi remarked on the introduction of initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi and announced the goal of making 3 crore women Lakhpati Didis. He highlighted that women are being trained to operate drones, which will be used for crop spraying and assisting in agriculture once irrigation water reaches Bundelkhand. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that these efforts will propel Bundelkhand rapidly towards prosperity.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significant use of drone technology in villages under the Swamitva Yojana for accurate land measurement and providing solid land records. He noted the successful implementation of this initiative in Madhya Pradesh, where people are now using these documents to easily obtain loans from banks, which are being utilized for businesses, thereby increasing people's income.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister emphasized the relentless efforts of the Governments at Center and state in making Bundelkhand achieve new heights of development. He expressed hope that Bundelkhand continues on the path of prosperity and development and extended his best wishes to everyone.

The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mohan Yadav were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Garha village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh is being built to ensure better healthcare services for people from all walks of life. The Cancer hospital worth over Rs 200 crore will offer free treatment to underprivileged cancer patients and will be equipped with state-of-the-art machines and have specialist doctors.