"53rd Gujarat Gaurav Divas Celebrations- Shri Modi addresses Vivekananda Yuva Sammelan in Navsari"
"CM distributes prizes and medals to meritorious students."
"Whatever future we want, we must keep the youth the centre. If we do this, we can surge ahead and no one can match us: Shri Modi"
"Gujarat was not created just like that. It was born because people of your age bore bullets, that is why we can celebrate this day today: Shri Modi"
"Earlier, Gujarat’s Sthapana Divas was hardly remembered. This is because power went into the hands of those who did not want Gujarat: Shri Modi"
"CM takes on UPA for their failure to adhere to their promise of building a heritage path at Dandi"
"It is not as if the Congress has left Gandhi ji’s way only. They want Gandhi ji to leave his own way too: Shri Modi"
"The entire world bows to Gandhi ji. I want to tell the Congress- you are free to wander on any path but do not change Gandhi ji’s: Shri Modi"
""
On the afternoon of Wednesday 1st May 2013 Shri Narendra Modi addressed Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sammelan at Navsari. This is a part of the 53rd Gujarat Gaurav Celebrations that are underway in Navsari. Shri Narendra Modi presented prizes and medals to meritorious students on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Modi pointed, “We are born at a time when our nation is the most youthful nation in the world. 65% of our people are under the age of 35. Go to Europe and you will see old people everywhere. Even to see a young person running you must wait for a while. ” He said that our nation is filled with tremendous energy due to the youth. “Whatever future we want, we must keep the youth the centre. If we do this, we can surge ahead and no one can match us!” He stressed on the need of the youth getting the right opportunity in a conducive environment.
Paying tributes to Swami Vivekananda, Shri Modi affirmed, “This year we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. At the centre of Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts and vision were the youth. He said give me a thousand youngsters and I will change the world. This is the faith he had in the youth. It was seeing the youth that Swami Vivekananda said one day Bharat Mata would be Jagat Guru.” Shri Modi added, “As a society should we not embrace this dream of Swami Vivekananda? We cannot let his words get proven wrong.” The Chief Minister expressed confidence that if the youth is determined, the nation can scale immense heights.
Shri Modi talked at length about the formation of Gujarat in 1960 and the role played by the youth in that. He said, “Today when we are celebrating Gujarat’s Foundation Day, let us ask ourselves- did we get this Gujarat just like that? No, it is because people of your age, youngsters bore bullets, that is why we can celebrate this day today.” Shri Modi remarked, “Earlier, Gujarat’s Sthapana Divas was hardly remembered. This is because power went into the hands of those who did not want Gujarat. In the Congress office at Ahmedabad’s Bhadra area, bullets were fired on youngsters who asked for the formation of Gujarat. Congressmen were very angry. Despite being Chief Ministers, Ministers, which they could never have been earlier, the fired shots on youngsters. Someone else was martyred but those who fired the shots jumped onto power.”
He further said, “Then they want to forget this part of history. A demand was made for Shaheed Smarak but you would be sad to know that for years nothing happened. We cannot forget history. 1st May is as much about remembering the history of the Mahagujarat Movement.” Shri Modi affirmed that the youth of Gujarat is not selfish, they faced bullets not because they wanted something for themselves.” He shared that it was the youth of Gujarat that displayed courage and overthrew the corrupt Congress Government during the Navnirman Movement. Shri Modi avowed that in a time when the country is being looted in this manner, could the youth of the nation remain silent. “Our youth need to affirm that they will not let the nation be looted.”
Shri Modi spoke on the importance of skill development for the youth. He said, “Every leader from President Obama to Chinese, Japanese leaders are speaking the same language- a stress on skill development. Everyone is convinced that if we want progress we also need skills, only degrees will not do.” Shri Modi remarked that while on one hand the Congress leaders are defaming Gujarat while on the other hand the Central Government has given Gujarat an award of excellence for the state’s skill development initiatives.
On holding programmes such as Gujarat’s Foundation Day, Republic Day and Independence Day in different parts of Gujarat, Shri Modi pointed these are works of Samajh Sanskar. “This kind of Samajh Sanskar used to happen during the time of Gandhi ji but sadly after Independence it did not happen. I wonder why we left the path shown by Gandhi ji.”
At the same time, he took a dig at the UPA for their inability to adhere to their commitment of constricting a heritage path at Dandi, which is closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s historic Salt Satyagraha. He remarked, “It is not as if the Congress has left Gandhi ji’s way only. They want Gandhi ji to leave his own way too! Yes, the Congress wants Gandhi ji to change his path.” Elaborating further on the issue Shri Modi said, “In 2005 the Dandi March completed 75 years. That time celebrations happened where Congress leaders came, they all walked a kilometer or two to show their presence…even the Prime Minister came. He announced Rs 2500 crore would be allocated to construct a heritage path commemorating the Dandi March. That time they took the credit. How many years has it been since 2005? Yet there is no trace of the path. And now they write to us, saying if the Government road next to it can be made into the heritage path? Can anyone dare to do this? Are they not bothered? Do they not have any responsibility? The entire world bows to Gandhi ji. I want to tell the Congress- you are free to wander on any path but do not change Gandhi ji’s.”
Talking about the prize distribution, Shri Modi expressed joy that most of the students who were awarded the prizes were girls. He also stated that there is immense talent in our youth and one sees this through the exhibits seen on the occasion. He added that he seeing these exhibits including by children of tribal communities, one feels that the future of the nation is in secure hands.
Cabinet Minister Smt. Anandiben Patel spoke on the occasion. Cabinet Minister Shri Ganpat Vasava, former Minister Shri Mangubhai Patel, Chief Secretary Shri Varesh Sinha, ACS (Home) Shri SK Nanda, Shri CR Patil and other dignitaries present on the occasion.
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.
