"Shri Modi addresses massive public meeting in Pune"
"Need of the hour is to bid goodbye to the Congress, which has failed on all fronts: Shri Modi"
"Whenever the Congress in in trouble for any reason be it corruption, price rise or other issues, it adorns a Burkha of secularism and hides in the bunkers and then says that poverty, corruption, hunger do not matter because secularism is in danger: Shri Modi"
"Old games of the Congress are falling like a pack of cards and that the new generation will never accept the Congress’ actions: Shri Modi"
"For the sake of politics, the Congress can go to any extent including breaking laws, emptying the coffers and dividing people: Shri Modi"
"Dynastic politics of the Congress is destroying the hopes and aspirations of the common man and woman: Shri Modi"
"Influence of Congress that even the best Arthashastri becomes Anarthshastri and whoever joins the Congress takes nation on the path of destruction: Shri Modi"
Addressing a massive BJP public meeting in Pune, Shri Narendra Modi affirmed that it is the need of the hour to big goodbye to the Congress, which has failed on all fronts and that a Congress Mukt Bharat Nirman is the solution to the problems. Shri Modi said that whenever the Congress in in trouble for any reason be it corruption, price rise or other issues, it adorns a Burkha of secularism and hides in the bunkers and then says that poverty, corruption, hunger do not matter because secularism is in danger. He also said that there should be a direct comparison between the work of the NDA Government of 6 years and the UPA Government of 9 years and we should compare who performed better- Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee or the economist Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh? Shri Modi expressed confidence that in any issue be it jobs, building roads, price of the rupee, Atal ji’s Government would emerge in flying colours.
Shri Modi categorically stated that the old games of the Congress are falling like a pack of cards and that the new generation will never accept the Congress’ actions. Shri Modi went on to say that for the sake of politics, the Congress can go to any extent including breaking laws, emptying the coffers and dividing people. He questioned the logic behind the CBI making the same Railway Minister whose tapes are with the investigative agency being made a witness. Is it not to save the former Minister, Shri Modi questioned. Shri Modi also stated that the dynastic politics of the Congress is destroying the hopes and aspirations of the common man and woman and that the party has taken the people of India for granted.
Exposing the double standards of the Congress on the Food Security Bill, the Chief Minister questioned the need behind taking the ordinance route when Parliament was anyway supposed to meet. He pointed that the UPA has done so to prevent their allies from getting credit. He also said that the Supreme Court have a verdict on giving grains to the poor but the Centre preferred to let grains rot and instead give them to alcohol manufacturers. He said, “Congress decided that we may not give roti and vegetables to the poor but we will surely give them an Act in their plates!” He further asked what happened to the Congress promise of Garibi Hatao? Shri Modi declared that while the Congress did not accept that it could not eradicate poverty, it also wants to keep the people poor so that their prince can spend nights at the homes of these poor. He affirmed that what the nation needs today are not acts but action. Shri Modi said he wants to know why has no Congress leader uttered a word on rising prices and its effect on the poor and asked what arrogance is this that they are not willing to admit their failure to the people.
Sharpening his attack on the Congress Shri Modi said that the nation struggled against the British but now, soldiers who are guarding us are beheaded by Pakistan and their Prime Minister is fed chicken biryani in India. He attacked the Centre’s failure on the Sarabjit issue and their inaction over the Italian marines issue as well.
On the issue of black money the Chief Minister avowed that if black money returns it can benefit a lot of people but the Centre’s inaction on the issue gave the impression that they are protecting those who have black money. Similarly, he asked why the probe in the coal scam is being delayed?
Shri Modi shared that when India got freedom, Re. 1 equaled $1 and that now the value of the rupee has fallen despite an economist PM. He shared that the value of the currencies of several smaller nations like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives is not falling but it is happening to us. Shri Modi observed that such is the influence of Congress that even the best Arthashastri becomes Anarthshastri and that whoever joins the Congress takes nation on the path of destruction.
Shri Modi said that while Lokmanya Tilak said ‘Swaraj is my birthright,’ we should now say ‘Surajya is my birthright.’
Before Shri Narendra Modi spoke, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Gopinath Munde spoke. Other speakers included Maharashtra BJP President Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Pune BJP President Shri Anil Shirole, youth leader Smt. Poonam Mahajan, Shri Prakash Javdekar and MLA Pankaja ji Munde. A large number of people gathered to hear Shri Modi speak.
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
Share
The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM
Your Excellency President Irfan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Philips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President Donald Ramotar, Members of the Guyanese Cabinet, Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaskar!
Seetaram !
I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.
I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.
Friends,
I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.
Friends,
I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.
Friends,
Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.
I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.
President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.
Friends,
Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.
This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.
I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.
Friends,
Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.
Friends,
The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.
Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.
Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!
Friends,
This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.
We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.
Friends,
I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.
In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.
We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.
Friends,
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.
We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.
Friends,
While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.
At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.
We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.
Friends,
Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.
Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.
As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.
Friends,
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.
You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.
Friends,
Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.
Friends,
Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.
It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.
