"To purify the Ganga we will have to make Lucknow and Delhi pure first: Narendra Modi"
On the afternoon of Friday 20th December 2013 Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Vijay Shankhnaad Rally in Varanasi. There was unprecedented enthusiasm among the people at the rally as lakhs of Karyakartas, supporters and people from all walks of life joined the Rally to hear Shri Modi and the other BJP leaders. Also present during the rally where BJP President Shri Rajnath Singh and former HRD Minister and current Lok Sabha MP from Varanasi Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi. Shri Narendra Modi assured the youth of the nation that the BJP is committed to ensuring a bright future for them and that if a Government cannot guarantee the future of the youth, it cannot guarantee anything for the nation.
Shri Narendra Modi challenged the conventional wisdom that Uttar Pradesh is important only due to the number of MPs is sends to Parliament. He said that what is more important is the development of the state. Shri Modi affirmed, “It is said that without UP no government can be formed. This thought is an insult to UP. Is the importance of Uttar Pradesh only to increase numbers in Parliament? Is UP only about making governments? My thoughts are not so narrow. I do not think of UP merely on the basis of the MPs it sends. This state can be the engine of India’s development.” He added, “If India wants development and stability, it cannot happen without UP. For us, Uttar Pradesh is not a political playground but the most important land for India’s development.”
He commented on the poor governance in UP due to which the poor, the farmers and the youth are suffering. Shri Modi said, “Farmers of this land has the capability to fill the stomach of so many people but the farmer of this land is unable to fill his own stomach. See the government you have. How does a farmer feel when he knows that grains are rotting? This is not only an economic loss but also touches the heart of the farmer. The Honourable Supreme Court says give grains to the poor the government lets it rot and gives it to alcohol manufacturers. What the Government is doing is an insult to the farmer and making a mockery of the poor.”
Attacking the political culture of paying lip service to the poor, Shri Modi declared, “When elections come they keep talking about poor poor poor poor. But, if there is someone responsible for India’s poverty, it is one family.” Recalling his own experience of poverty Shri Modi said, “I have spent my childhood in poverty. I do not need to go to the houses of the poor to see what poverty is.” Reacting to the negative and deeply personal attacks made against him, Shri Modi affirmed, “One UPA leader calls me a tea-seller but I ask you all- is it a crime to stand on one’s own feet and make ends meet? Anybody who is blessed by the people can become the Prime Minister irrespective of what he or she does. Hume Chai Bechna Manzoor Hai, Desh Bechna Nahi (It is acceptable to see tea but not acceptable to sell the nation).” Shri Modi urged the poor people to uproot those who have exploited them for years. Answering the statements made by a senior Congress leader who called the BJP a Party of thieves Shri Modi opined, “Yes, we are thieves, we have stolen the sleep of the Congress Party.”
Shri Modi expressed concern at the state of the Ganges River. He stated, “ For others the Ganga can be a river but for us it is our Mother. Ganga Paani Ki Dhara Nahi, Sanskriti Ki Dhara Hai (Not only water but also our culture flows in the Ganges). The UPA made a scheme to clean the Ganga, a lot of campaign was done and the people thought they would see a difference. But I want to say that in the last five years except meeting three times no step was taken by the Centre. The people of India want answers from the government on what they have done to clean the Ganga.” Shri Modi urged the people to uproot those who have fooled the nation in the name of the Ganga. “Those who could not manage the Ganga, how can they manage the nation? To purify the nation we have to make Delhi and Lucknow pure first,” said Shri Modi.
Referring to those people who keep asking him what his “vision” is Shri Modi replied that he does not come with mere promises but with ideas and determination ( Hum Wade Nahi, Irade Lekar Aayien Hain). Shri Modi asked all those who ask what his “vision” is to come spend some time in Gujarat, see the transformation of the Sabarmati River. Shri Modi also spoke about the decline of Varanasi’s Sari sector and pointed out how the similar sector in parts of Gujarat was not allowed to fall into decline like this. He even spoke about how the Gujarat Government used technology and make recruitment of teachers totally transparent while in several parts the focus is more of “sepharish” than merit.
Shri Modi further pointed out that these elections are not being fought by any party or by any leader but it is the people who are fighting the elections. He said that the people of India are eager to uproot the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre.
Bharat Tex is becoming a strong platform for engagement, collaboration and partnership for the policymakers, CEOs and industry leaders from across the world: PM
Bharat Tex showcases the cultural diversity of India through our traditional garments: PM
India saw a 7% increase in textile and apparel exports last year, and is currently ranked the sixth-largest exporter of textiles and apparels in the world: PM
Any sector excels when it has a skilled workforce and skill plays a crucial role in the textile industry: PM
It is important to maintain the authenticity of handloom craftsmanship in the age of technology: PM
World is adopting the vision of Fashion for Environment and Empowerment, and India can lead the way in this regard: PM
India's textile industry can turn ‘Fast Fashion Waste’ into an opportunity, leveraging the country's diverse traditional skills in textile recycling and up-cycling: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Bharat Tex 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. He also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister welcomed everyone to Bharat Tex 2025 and remarked that today Bharat Mandapam was witnessing the 2nd edition of Bharat Tex. He added that the event gave a glimpse of our heritage as well as the prospects of Viksit Bharat, which was a matter of pride for India. “Bharat Tex is now becoming a mega global textile event”, remarked Shri Modi. He added that all the twelve communities related to the spectrum of the value chain were part of the event this time. He further noted that there were exhibitions of accessories, garments, machineries, chemicals and dyes as well. The Prime Minister highlighted that Bharat Tex was becoming a strong platform for engagement, collaboration and partnership for the policymakers, CEOs and industry leaders from across the world. He lauded the efforts of all the stakeholders involved in the organization of the event.
“More than 120 countries are participating in the Bharat Tex today”, said Shri Modi. He added that this meant that every exhibitor had the exposure to more than 120 countries, giving them the opportunity to expand their business from local to global. He added that those entrepreneurs in search of new markets were getting a good exposure of the cultural needs of various global markets. Recalling his visit to the exhibition at the event, the Prime Minister remarked that he visited many stalls and interacted with entrepreneurs. He also highlighted that many participants shared their experiences of joining Bharat Tex last year. They reported gaining new buyers on a large scale and expanding their business. The Prime Minister remarked that this event is significantly boosting investments, exports, and overall growth in the textile sector. Shri Modi urged the banking sector to cater to the needs of the entrepreneurs from the textile sector to help expand their business thereby creating employment and opportunities.
“Bharat Tex showcases the cultural diversity of India through our traditional garments”, remarked the Prime Minister. He added that from east to west, north to south, India has a vast range of traditional attire. He highlighted various types of garments, such as Lucknowi chikankari, bandhani from Rajasthan and Gujarat, patola from Gujarat, Banarasi silk from Varanasi, Kanjivaram silk from the south, and pashmina from Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister emphasized that this is the right time for such events to promote the diversity and uniqueness of our textile industry, fostering its growth.
Highlighting that last year he discussed five factors for the textile industry: farm, fiber, fabric, fashion, and foreign, Shri Modi remarked that this vision is becoming a mission for India, opening new growth avenues for farmers, weavers, designers, and traders. “India saw a 7% increase in textile and apparel exports last year, and now ranks as the sixth-largest exporter of textiles and apparels in the world”, he pointed out. He noted that India’s textile exports have reached ₹3 lakh crore, with a target to increase this to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030.
Emphasizing that the success in the textile sector is the result of a decade of consistent efforts and policies, the Prime Minister highlighted that foreign investment in the textile sector has doubled over the last decade. “Textile industry is one of the largest providers of employment opportunities in the country, contributing 11% to India's manufacturing sector”, he added. He also pointed out the Mission Manufacturing announced in this budget. He remarked that the investments and growth in this sector are benefiting crores of textile workers.
Shri Modi underlined that addressing the challenges and realizing the potential of India's textile sector is their commitment. He highlighted that the efforts and policies over the last decade are reflected in this year's budget. He added that to ensure a reliable cotton supply and make Indian cotton globally competitive and to strengthen the value chain, the Mission for Cotton Productivity was announced. The Prime Minister said there was focus on sunrise sectors like technical textiles and promoting indigenous carbon fiber and its products. He remarked that India is progressing towards manufacturing high-grade carbon fiber. Furthermore, the Prime Minister mentioned that the necessary policy decisions for the textile sector are being taken. He highlighted the expansion of MSMEs' classification criteria and increased credit availability in this year's budget. He also stressed that the textile sector, with 80% contribution from MSMEs, will greatly benefit from these measures.
“Any sector excels when it has a skilled workforce and skill plays a crucial role in the textile industry”, exclaimed Shri Modi. Adding that efforts were being made to create a skilled talent pool, he highlighted the role of National Centres of Excellence for skilling and mentioned that the Samarth scheme is aiding in developing the necessary skills for the value chain. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of maintaining the authenticity of handloom craftsmanship in the age of technology. He highlighted the efforts to enhance the skills and opportunities for handloom artisans, ensuring their products reach global markets. “Over the past 10 years, more than 2400 large marketing events have been organized to promote handlooms”, he added. He also mentioned the creation of the India-hand-made e-commerce platform to boost online marketing of handloom products, which has seen thousands of handloom brands register. The Prime Minister pointed out the significant benefits of GI tagging for handloom products.
Highlighting that during the Bharat Tex event last year, the Textiles Startup Grand Challenge was launched, inviting innovative sustainable solutions from the youth for the textile sector, the Prime Minister noted that young participants from across the country actively took part in this challenge, and the winners have been invited to this event. He remarked that startups willing to support these young innovators have also been invited. He acknowledged the support of IIT Madras, Atal Innovation Mission, and several major private textile organizations for the pitch fest, which will promote the startup culture in the country. Shri Modi encouraged the youth to bring forward new techno-textile startups and work on new ideas. He suggested that the textile industry could collaborate with institutions like IITs to develop new tools. He observed that the new generation is increasingly appreciating traditional attire alongside modern fashion trends. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of fusing tradition with innovation and launching products inspired by traditional garments to attract the new generation globally. The Prime Minister also addressed the growing role of technology in discovering new trends and creating new styles, with AI playing a significant part. He mentioned that while traditional khadi is being promoted, fashion trends are also being analyzed using AI. He recounted the organization of a fashion show of Khadi Products in Porbandar, Gujarat when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Shri Modi urged the importance of promoting Khadi, remarking that it was ‘Khadi for nation’ during our freedom struggle, but now it should be ‘Khadi for fashion’.
Sharing that his recent visit to Paris, known as the fashion capital of the world, where significant partnerships were formed between the two countries on various issues, Shri Modi highlighted that discussions included topics on environment and climate change, emphasizing the global understanding of the importance of a sustainable lifestyle, which also impacts the fashion world. The Prime Minister remarked, “the world is adopting the vision of Fashion for Environment and Empowerment, and India can lead the way in this regard”. He pointed out that sustainability has always been an integral part of Indian textiles tradition, citing examples like khadi, tribal textiles, and the use of natural dyes. He underlined that India's traditional sustainable techniques are now being enhanced with cutting-edge technologies, benefiting artisans, weavers, and millions of women associated with the industry.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste generation in the textile industry. He highlighted the issue of "fast fashion waste," where millions of garments are discarded monthly due to changing trends, posing significant environmental and ecological threats. He noted that by 2030, fashion waste could reach 148 million tons, with less than a quarter of textile waste being recycled today. Shri Modi remarked that India's textile industry can turn this concern into an opportunity, leveraging the country's diverse traditional skills in textile recycling and up-cycling. He pointed out examples such as the creation of mats, rugs, and coverings from old or leftover fabrics, and fine quilts made from even torn clothes in Maharashtra. He emphasized that innovation in these traditional arts can lead to global market opportunities. He announced that the Textile Ministry has signed an MoU with the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises and e-Marketplace to promote up-cycling, with many up-cyclers already registered. Pilot projects for door-to-door collection of textile waste are being conducted in cities like Navi Mumbai and Bangalore. The Prime Minister encouraged startups to join these efforts, explore opportunities, and take early steps to lead in the global market. He projected that India's textile recycling market could reach $400 million in the next few years, while the global recycled textile market is estimated to reach $7.5 billion. He remarked that with the right direction, India could achieve a larger share in this market.
Shri Modi remarked that centuries ago, when India was at the pinnacle of prosperity, the textile industry played a significant role in that prosperity. He emphasized that as India progresses towards the goal of becoming Viksit Bharat, the textile sector will once again play a major role. The Prime Minister highlighted that events like Bharat Tex are strengthening India's position in this sector. He concluded his address by expressing confidence that this event will continue to set new records of success and reach new heights each year.
Union Minister for Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh and the Minister of state for Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita were present on the occasion among other dignitaries.
Background
Bharat Tex 2025, a mega global event, being held from February 14-17 at Bharat Mandapam, is unique because it brings together the entire textile value chain from raw materials to finished products including accessories under one single roof.
Bharat Tex platform is the textile industry’s largest and most comprehensive event comprising a mega expo spread across two venues and showcasing the entire textile ecosystem. It also features a Global scale conference featuring over 70 conference sessions, Roundtables, Panel Discussions, and master classes. It includes exhibitions that shall feature Special Innovation and Start up Pavilions. It also includes hackathons based Startup Pitch Fest and innovation fests, Tech tanks and design challenges providing funding opportunities for startups through leading investors.
Bharat Tex 2025 is expected to attract policymakers and global CEOs, over 5000 Exhibitors, 6000 international buyers from over 120 countries among various other visitors. Over 25 Leading Global textile bodies and associations from across the world including International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), EURATEX, Textile Exchange, US Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) among others will also participate.
