Shri Narendra Modi addresses massive public meeting in Porbandar 

Government in Delhi believes in Lutoo aur Khao (loot and make money), we believe in Vikas: Shri Modi 

Congress is a burden for the nation, Gujarat Congress is an enemy of Gujarat: Shri Modi 

Congress cheats its workers and its own allies: CM 

This Vanar draws inspiration from Lord Hanuman, known for his Seva and Bhakti (service and devotion). For him 6 crore Gujaratis are like Lord Ram: Shri Modi gives a befitting reply to a Congress leader who called him a Vanar (money) 

When I became CM the state budget was Rs. 6000 crore, today our SAUNI Yojana to get water to Saurashtra is worth Rs. 10,000 crore: Shri Modi 

If Congress thinks they can win by throwing dirt, they should remember that the more muck is thrown, the more the Lotus shines 

If Delhi Sultanate has the courage they should get our boats back from Pakistan, in front of whom they cannot raise an eye: Shri Modi 

The decision of Porbandar is very important. They should not elect someone due to whom Gujarat’s name will be blotted: Shri Modi

On the evening of 3rd December 2012, Shri Narendra Modi delivered an electrifying speech in Porbandar. He said that the Congress party is a burden for the nation and the Gujarat Congress is an enemy of Gujarat. He affirmed that in the coming elections, it would not only be a BJP wave but a BJP super storm. He also pointed out that as the Chief Minister, he has visited Porbandar more than all previous Chief Ministers have put together. He said that if the Congress thinks they can win by spreading dirt, it should remember that the more muck is thrown, the more the Lotus shines.

Shri Modi affirmed that the decision made by the voters of Porbandar will be particularly important and strongly urged the people not to elect representatives due to which the name of Gujarat will be blotted and added that by elected such people who don’t visit Porbandar and prefer to stay in Ahmedabad, nothing good will happen for Porbandar. 

On the condition of the Congress Party, the Chief Minister pointed out that there is no district where Congress workers are not opposing their own party. He stated that the Congress would get a big shock in the elections. He pointed out that the sins the Gujarat Congress indulges in include putting people in jail, misusing the power, misusing the CBI, RAW etc. He asked the Congress to go directly to the people and win their trust instead of playing such games.

The Chief Minister stressed on the fact that political opposition always existed but not at the levels where it has been taken now by the Congress. He recalled the Swarnim Gujarat celebrations where he invited all former MLAs, Ministers and Chief Ministers and even collected all Governor’s addresses, which would list out achievements of the Congress rule. Infact, during the celebrations former CM Shri Madhavsinh Solanki (of the Congress party) and others also came but the one person who is elected from Porbandar did not come and boycotted it. When the whole of Gujarat was celebrating the Swarnim Jayanti, one person was doing something different and this does not suit a democracy.

He pointed out that the Congress even cheats his own workers. Giving an example, Shri Modi stated that the Congress cheated its own Zila Pramukh and the result was his unfortunate demise. He affirmed that a person has died and the Congress is shedding crocodile tears. He asked what a party would do to the people of Gujarat when it cheats its own workers! He also spoke about how the Congress had to finally announce candidates secretly over the phone and the party’s cheating of its ally the NCP.

On being called a ‘Vanar’ (monkey) by a Congress leader (also hailing from Porbandar) Shri Modi commented that the Congress leader is obviously not well versed with the Ramayana and if he is, he should be aware of the power of Vanar Shakti. Giving a befitting response to the usage of such descriptions, Shri Modi declared, “this Vanar draws inspiration from Hanuman, known for his Seva and Bhakti (service and devotion). This is a Vanar in whose heart you will find 6 crore Gujaratis.” On being called a rat, Shri Modi added that he accepts this certificate of being called a rat, a Vahan of Lord Ganesh.

Shri Modi said that he has got a chance to serve the people of Gujarat for 11 years and when he first became CM he had promised the people that he will work hard, would not leave any stone unturned in the development journey and today he has adhered to every word of it. He asked the people to decide on the basis of his work over the last 11 years. Shri Modi shared that people often ask him if he does not get tired but he answers them that he does not get tired because the happiness of 6 crore Gujaratis is his happiness.

The Chief Minister told the people that there are examples of 2 Governments- one the BJP’s Government in Gujarat and the other Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s Government in Delhi. “Government in Delhi believes in ‘Lutoo aur Khao’ (loot and make money) while the Gujarat Government believes in development” he opined. Shri Modi gave the example of the Rs. 10,000 crore SAUNI Yojana for Saurashtra and contrasted it to the entire budget of the state being Rs. 6,000 crore when he first took over as CM to indicate the new heights of development that Gujarat is scaling.

He spoke about the Sagar Khedu Package and challenged the UPA Government to get our boats back from Pakistan, a nation in front of whom the UPA cannot even raise an eye. Speaking about his path breaking initiative of speaking through 3D technology, Shri Modi said that it’s a matter of pride that Gujarat is the first to use such technology. Shri Modi talked about the success of the 108-ambulance service in saving the lives of many.

Shri Modi urged the people to vote on 13th December and make the Lotus victorious. A large number of people attended the speech and delivered a thunderous applause to Shri Modi many times as his speech was in progress. 

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Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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.