Published By : Admin | November 19, 2012 | 18:43 IST
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In a historic way to connect with people, Shri Modi addresses public meetings in 4 different cities at a time through 3D projection technology
Shri Modi pays rich tributes to Shri Balasaheb Thackeray, 2-minute silence observed as a mark of respect to the departed Shiv Sena stalwart
This is a historic event, for the first time people are connecting like this through technology; Shri Modi
Gujarat praised for development for the last 11 years and the reason is the determination and farsightedness of the people of Gujarat: Shri Modi
I always urge the PM to compete on development but they want to compete of allegations, abuses and want to defame Gujarat: Shri Modi
Congress has ruined the nation. Earlier they misused article 356, now they are misusing CBI: Shri Modi
CM appeals to voters to make the Lotus emerge victorious in Gujarat, calls for strong participation by women voters.
On the evening of Sunday 18th November 2012 Shri Narendra Modi addressed large public meetings at 4 different cities of Gujarat using 3D projection technology. The public meetings were held in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot. Shri Modi termed it as a historic event happening in Gujarat, which has started a new chapter in the usage of technology. He greeted people on the start of Nav Varsh and Labh Pancham.
Before commencing his speech, Shri Modi paid rich tributes to Shiv Sena stalwart Shri Balasaheb Thackeray, who passed away at the age of 86. He appealed for observing 2 minutes of silence as a mark of respect to the deceased leader.
The Chief Minister affirmed that this is for the first time that people are connecting like this using technology and added that technology is only the medium- the bond he shares with the people is that of the heart.
Shri Modi said that he is seeking the blessings of the people and affirmed that irrespective of who is standing from the seat, he will be the candidate and the constant companion of the people in their joys and sorrows. He made a strong appeal to the people to make the Lotus emerge victories again and urged the people not to let the looters of Delhi come to Gujarat. He also called for strong participation by women voters in the election.
Talking about the progress in Gujarat over the last 11 years Shri Modi said that Gujarat is being praised all over the world for its development and the reason behind this is the determination and farsightedness of the people of Gujarat. He cited political stability as a major factor in the success of Gujarat and affirmed that if there was no political stability Gujarat would not have scaled these heights of development.
He said that be it agriculture, industry irrigation or any sector the state has made a mark in development. Shri Modi declared that the SAUNI Yojana would change the lives of the farmers of Saurashtra. He said that in a time when the nation’s agriculture growth rate is not able to cross 2-3%, Gujarat’s agriculture is growing at 11%.
Shri Modi affirmed that while he always urges the Prime Minister to compete on development, they want to compete on allegations, abuses and defame Gujarat. He recalled an instance in which a Congress leader compared him to a monkey but said that the leader has forgotten the Ramayana and the might of Vanar Shakti.
Giving further examples about the lies spread by the Congress, Shri Modi said that they spread lies that the Gujarat Government is giving away Gauchar land. But, it was Congress Government from 1980-1985 that gave away 93% prized Gauchar in South Gujarat whereas in the last 11 years only 4% of land given was Gauchar Land.
He further spoke about the Congress lie that education was costly in Gujarat. He shared that the fees for engineering in Gujarat are lower than that in Maharashtra and Rajasthan, both ruled by the Congress. He stressed on the need to understand the lies spread by the Congress.
The Chief Minister took on the Congress over their promises of bringing down prices in 100 days if elected in 2004 and 2009. He affirmed that not only have prices not come down but also the Government has snatched cylinders, which will hit families hard. Shri Modi further said that no leader from the Congress has express sadness on this issue. He spoke about the Centre’s anti-Gujarat stand pertaining to the State Government’s initiative of providing piped gas to the people. Giving another example of the Congress’ anti-Gujarat stance, Shri Modi spoke about how companies that came for Vibrant Gujarat Summits were sent IT notices from Delhi.
In his speech Shri Modi talked about the Gujarat Government’s decision to become the guarantors for any youngster who sought a loan to start new ventures.
Shri Modi declared that the Congress has ruined the nation and urged political pundits to study the true nature of the Congress and bring it out to the people. He recalled that in the time when the Congress’ dominance over nation’s politics was complete they misused Article 356 against Opposition Government and now that they cannot do that they are misusing the CBI. He stated that in Gujarat the Congress is only putting candidates but it is the CBI that is fighting elections.
The Chief Minister recalled how Rani Lakshmibai would say “I will not give my Jhansi” and asked the people of Gujarat to affirm that they will not give the state to the Congress. He said that the people must all come together for a Bhavya and Divya (glorious and divine) Gujarat. He added that in contrast to the past when curfews were very common in Gujarat, the state has shown the way ahead in peace, unity and brotherhood.
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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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.
