"If India needs to undo the harm of Congress rule, BJP needs 300+ Lotuses from you all: Shri Modi"
"Should Congress not tell us with what kind of people they have done alliances? Can you trust them? Some have come from jail: Shri Modi"
"Issue is not about Modi being PM or about BJP. The voice of the poor must be heard and that is what we want to do: Shri Modi"
"Our Government in Delhi is such that they don't have facilities to store the grains produced by farmers even as poor are starving: Shri Modi"
"Elections for those in Delhi haves become about capturing power. This is a narrow view of democracy: Shri Modi"
"Jan Bhagidari is the biggest Mantra of development. Sadly, for those in Delhi, democracy is only about power politics: Shri Modi"
"सरकार की गलत नीतियों के कारण खनिज संपदा के प्रति जितनी चिंता करनी चाहिए, उतनी चिंता न करने के कारण यह डूबती चली गई-नरेंद्र मोदी: Shri Modi"
"When India's development journey is decided in AC rooms then there is no connect with the poor of the nation: Shri Modi"
On the morning of 2nd April, Shri Narendra Modi addressed a massive rally at Koderma in Jharkhand. Emphasizing on the concept of ‘Jan Bhagidari’ to ensure the Nation’s progress, Shri Modi assured the people of the BJP’s focus on the development of all sections of the society, especially the poor. Shri Modi also called upon the people to decide if a Congress government with tainted ministers was capable enough to protect the country.
Retaliating to the Congress Vice President’s recent remarks of the country needing many ‘chowkidaars’, Shri Modi questioned the presence of tainted ministers within the Congress and its allies and asked if theirs was a team capable enough to protect the Nation. Attacking the Congress ministers who were engrossed in doing scams, Shri Modi said, “Should the Congress not tell us with what kind of people they have done alliances? Can you trust them? Some have come from jail. Your Chowkidars can be Ashok Chavan, Lalu ji...are these your Chowkidars? Will the Nation be safe.” Speaking further on the Congress’ corruptive practises, Shri Modi also reminded the Congress VP of how his father – Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi – had commented that the actual funds sanctioned by the Delhi government under the Congress rule did not reach the beneficiary. Shri Modi questioned if the Congress’ Hand was responsible for this.
Congress’ ignorance and negligence to empower the farming community to improve upon the agricultural production was clearly brought out by Shri Modi when he spoke of how the produce, grown by the tireless efforts of the farmers, lay rotting due to lack of initiatives by the Centre to ensure proper storage and distribution. The uncaring Congress further worsened its doings by giving away the grains to alcohol manufacturers at throw-away prices, even as lakhs of poor people were left hungry. Recalling Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri ji’s call of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’, Shri Modi stated that this mantra was distorted by the sloppiness of the Congress, who only indulged in useless paperwork rather than ensuring adequate facilities for the farmers. “Agriculture doesn't happen in government offices, among papers. We have to strengthen the hands of our farmers but the Congress is not bothered. How many farmers know there are agriculture universities...the coordination is very poor,” said Shri Modi.
Citing how the Congress had failed to tap into the potential of farm production in Jharkhand, especially in areas like production of Mica (abhrak), by promoting technological advancements and value-addition, Shri Modi said, “Natural resources kept getting looted. And the people are suffering due to that. When India's development journey is decided in AC rooms then there is no connect with the poor of the nation.” He spoke of how the improper and damaging policies of the Central government had rid the agricultural produce of its sheen, and said, “What you and me understand about welfare of farmers those in Delhi don't. This is my point- why don't they understand these basics.”
Shri Modi also focused on the need for innovative strategies in agricultural production and stated how Gujarat had keenly worked towards ensuring this for its farmers, and had even applauded progressive farmers from across the country, 12 of whom belonged to Jharkhand. “Delhi should have honoured the progressive farmers but they are not bothered. We had the privilege of honouring the farmers from here,” said Shri Modi.
Calling for the need to bring the change the Nation needs, Shri Modi assured that as a ‘sevak’ he would eliminate the misdoings of the past 60 years and ensure the Nation’s progress in a span of merely 60 months. He urged the people to Vote in the 2014 Elections and send 300 Lotuses to Delhi so as to ensure a government that is strong and stable. “Elections for those in Delhi have become about capturing power. This is a narrow view of democracy. Instead, Elections should be about making the people a part of the development journey. That is when India will move ahead. If India needs to undo the harm of Congress rule, BJP needs 300+ Lotuses from you all,” said Shri Modi. He also spoke of how the city of Jhumri Telaiya in Koderma was popular across the country for its forte in arts and culture.
Speaking on the occasion, Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand Shri Arjun Munda ji referred to Shri Modi as the future Prime Minister of India and spoke of the wave that had swept the Nation – the wave to vote for Shri Modi and ensure ‘Bharat Vijay’.
Shri Ravindra Rai and Shri Sarju Rai were present on the occasion.
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.
