In an effort to connect all the capitals of North East states, Itanagar has also been connected with the Railways: PM
Not just airports, the lives of people in Arunachal Pradesh will improve vastly with new and improved rail and road facilities: PM Modi
Arunachal Pradesh is India's pride. It is India's gateway, Centre will not only ensure its safety and security, but also fast-track development in the region: PM

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Itanagar as a part of his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Tripura. He laid foundation stone for Greenfield Airport at Itanagar and Sela Tunnel. He launched DD Arun Prabha Channel. He also unveiled several other development projects in the state from IG Park in Itanagar. PM also inspected Loin Loom operations there.

Speaking on the occasion, PM said that Arunachal is the land of rising sun. It's the confidence of the country. PM said, “Today I got opportunity to unveil projects worth more than Rs 4000 crore”. Additional projects worth Rs. 13000 crore is in progress in the state, he added. PM asked people to compare 55 months of his Government with 55 years of the previous Governments with respect to developmental activities in Arunachal Pradesh and other North Eastern states also.

PM said that development did not happen at the pace it should  have. PM said, “Previous government neglected Arunachal and we are here to change that”. He emphasized that New India can only built when North East India can be developed. Development is for uniting the regions and people, he added. He also informed that in the last 55 months there has been no dearth of funds for development. He said, “Our government allocated Rs. 44000 crore funds to Arunachal which is double the amount provided by the previous governments.”

PM laid the foundation stone for the construction of Greenfield Airport at Hollongi and inaugurated retrofitted Tezu airport. The terminal at Hollongi will be constructed at a cost of Rs 955 crore with an area of 4100 sq m and has peak  handling capacity of 200 passengers per hour. During the occasion he said that from today connectivity of the state will improve. At present, only way to reach Itanagar by air is to get down at Guwahati Airport and travel either by road or by Helicopter service.

He also said, “Tezu airport was built 50 years back but no government envisioned to connect people of this state with other parts of the country. We  expanded the airport by spending around Rs 125 crore for this small airport”. Tezu airport is ready to give services to the people of Arunachal, he added. Udan scheme will benefit people through cheaper flights. Not just airports, the lives of people in Arunachal Pradesh will improve vastly with new and improved rail and road facilities," says PM.

Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. It will provide all weather connectivity to Tawang Valley and reduce the travel time to Tawang by an hour. It will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs  700 crore. Prime Minister said that rail and road dual use bridge at bogibeel has brought Arunachal more closer to the mainland. Government is working on almost Rs1000 crore worth of projects for improving connectivity of the state. He informed that in the last 2 years around 1000 villages have been connected through roads. The work on Trans Arunachal highway is also under progress, he added. In an effort to connect all state capitals of North East states, Itanagar has also been connected with the Railways. Arunachal Express is running weekly twice from Naharlagun. Survey is conducted in 6 places in the state for laying of new rail line of which survey in 3 places are completed. There is also plan to connect Tawang by rail.  

Prime Minister declared 100% household electrification in Arunachal Pradesh under Saubhagya scheme. PM also dedicated 110 MW Pare Hydroelectric Plant in Arunachal Pradesh to the nation. “We are emphasizing on power generation. Today 12 hydro electric projects of 110 MW were inaugurated which will not only help Arunachal Pradesh but also adjoining states," says PM.

He recalled, “Yesterday I requested people to share their photos of north east visit. Within few seconds 1000s of photos were tweeted by the people including foreigners. He said that the projects unveiled today will not only improve the ease of living here but also improve tourism and thus increase employment opportunities.

50 health and wellness centers in Arunachal Pradesh was inaugurated by PM. He said that through Ayushman Bharat scheme we are creating health and wellness center. Health services will improve through these centers. Through Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), within 150 days almost 11 lakh poor people have benefitted, he added.

PM said that through PM Kisan Saman Nidhi announced in the budget, those with less than 5 acre will get Rs 6000 every year in their bank accounts in three installments. He said that his government will also support the efforts of Arunachal Pradesh Government in promoting Organic agriculture in every possible way.

A New dedicated DD Channel, for Arunachal Pradesh - DD Arun Prabha was launched by PM  at IG Park, Itanagar. The channel will be the 24th channel operated by Doordarshan. He said that through this channel news of even remote places in the state will reach the people. He also laid Foundation stone for a permanent campus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) at Jote, Arunachal Pradesh on this occasion.

He summed it up by saying, “Arunachal Pradesh is India's pride. It is India's gateway, and I assure you all that we will not just ensure its safety and security, but also put in on a fast-track to development”.

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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.