Published By : Admin |
August 23, 2012 | 19:10 IST
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True Essence of Our Democracy
Dear Friends,
Some extremely emotional experiences have inspired me to share a few words today.
This year, Gujarat Government is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the institution of Panchayati Raj. It would have been wonderful if the Government of India had also decided to commemorate this historic occasion. As a part of the celebrations, various programmes will be held across Gujarat with an aim to comprehensively strengthen the idea of Gram Swaraj. But, there is one programme that has touched my heart- that is felicitating all the elected representatives who have served in the various Panchayat bodies since the creation of Gujarat in 1960.
In every Taluka Panchayat that includes 5-6 villages, we are organizing programmes where at the hands of my senior Cabinet colleagues we honour these elected representatives who toiled at the grass root level.
To honour these powerhouses of experience and wisdom after many years has been a matter of great joy for me and even the atmosphere among the representatives being felicitated remains full of emotion! In the last 50 years, the number of elected functionaries has crossed one lakh and it is our privilege that we have got a chance to remember their invaluable contribution in the annals of history.
Friends, since it was the Congress that dominated the political landscape for a very long time, it is natural that a substantial number of individuals who are being felicitated have been fundamentally associated with the Congress and had been getting elected on its symbol. But, to transcend the realm of politics and honour people who have left a mark of public service is extremely special.
This is the true beauty of democracy and that is why we always say… ‘Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas’ (All together, growth for all).
Yours,
Narendra Modi
Also See :
Video:An elder who has been felicitated shares his kind words on the initiative of the Gujarat Government.
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This belief laid the foundation for Digital India: a mission to democratise access, build inclusive digital infrastructure, and opportunities for all.
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In 2014, internet penetration was limited, digital literacy was low, and online access to government services was scarce. Many doubted whether a country as vast and diverse as India could truly go digital.
Today, that question has been answered not just in data and dashboards, but in the lives of 140 crore Indians. From how we govern, to how we learn, transact, and build, Digital India is everywhere.
Bridging the Digital Divide
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India’s 5G rollout is among the fastest in the world, with 4.81 lakh base stations installed in just two years. High-speed internet now reaches urban hubs and forward military posts alike including Galwan, Siachen, and Ladakh.
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GeM (Government E-Marketplace) enables the common man to sell goods and services to all arms of the government. This not only empowers the common man with a huge market but also saves money for the Government.
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Startup Power Meets AatmaNirbhar Bharat
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The Road Ahead
The next decade will be even more transformative. We are moving from digital governance to global digital leadership, from India-first to India-for-the-world.
Digital India has not remained a mere government program, it has become a people’s movement. It is central to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and to making India a trusted innovation partner to the world.
To all innovators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers: the world is looking at India for the next digital breakthrough.
Let us build what empowers.
Let us solve what truly matters.
Let us lead with technology that unites, includes, and uplifts.
