Full Text of Shri Modi's speech at Lalkaar Rally, Jammu

Published By : Admin | December 1, 2013 | 14:07 IST

Bharat Mata ki Jai..!

President of Bhartiya Janata Party and our respected guide Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, National General Secretary Shri J. P. Nadda Ji, Incharge MP of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Avinash Ji, State President of BJP Sri Jugal Kishor Ji, Sri Ashok Khajuria Ji, Sri Nirmal Singh Ji, Sri Shamsher Singh Ji, Shri Kavindra Gupta Ji, Shri Bali Bhagat Ji, Choudhary Sukhnandan Ji, Chaudhry Shyamlal Ji, all the dignitaries present on the dias and all my brothers and sisters of Jammu & Kashmir who have come here in such large numbers..!

Today I am being reminded of many old memories. I have got the opportunity to work for the organization in Jammu & Kashmir for years, and I got fortunate to visit all the districts and tehsils of the state. There must be hundreds of families present here, at whose places I would have had tea and sometimes food. My association with Jammu & Kashmir is very close. Today a gentleman came here and gifted me a 25 year-old picture of mine, and reminded me of my old days here. Today I specially want to think of my Gurjar friends, who used to say that we are your people. We are associated with Gujarat that is why we are called as Gurjars. They used to say that our ancestors have been associated with Gujarat, and I can even today see that the living style, the dressing pattern and culture of people in a few areas in Gujarat is very similar to my Gurjar friends. The Gurjar families where I used to have food, even the taste of food was a bit sweet like the food in Gujarat. Friends, even today you have come here in large numbers, and I feel really happy meeting my own people..!

Friends, I have worked quite a lot in Jammu & Kashmir. I have come here at the time of elections, for the party meetings, but till today no leader or party has been fortunate to have such huge audience in Jammu. It is the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi that I got this opportunity..!

Friends, today I would like to bow down to Maharaja Hari Singh from the land of Jammu & Kashmir. After independence, if Maharaja Hari Singh ji would have been in the mainstream of decision making process over Jammu & Kashmir, this state would not have been in this condition. Hari Singh ji was a foresighted person. More than a king, he has worked as a social reformer. His norms for female education were very strict, he emphasized highly of girls’ education. The practice of untouchability was very widespread at that time and it prevailed throughout the nation blotting the societal structure. At that time Maharaja Hari Singh was a person, who started the mission of welcoming the dalits in the temples of Jammu & Kashmir, a campaign of social unity, and started many such great endeavours. But these historical things are forgotten for the political motives..!

Full Text of Shri Modi's speech at Lalkaar Rally, Jammu

Friends, by remembering Shyama Prasad Mukherjee from the land of Jammu & Kashmir, every vein of the body comes alive. We start dreaming. Today I appeal to the wise men, political pundits and sociologists of our nation that after so many years of independence, the country needs impartial study, discussions and dissertation about Jammu & Kashmir, whether the thinking of Pandit Nehru was right or the considerations of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee were right..! If we look closely at the history of 60 years, we will find that the thinking of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee about Jammu & Kashmir have today become the bitter truth of history that that path was the right one. But Pandit Nehru ignored the opinion of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee..!

Friends, even today the name that motivates the land of Jammu & Kashmir is of Pandit Premnath Dogra. Pandit Premnath Dogra ji struggled throughout his life with the module of ‘prajaparishad’, he motivated three generations in his lifetime!

Friends, the pride of the nation, recipient of Param Vir Chakra Brigadier Rajendra Singh belonged to this land, taking whose name makes us proud. Two recipients of Maha Vir Chakra, Major Somnath Sharma and Colonel Rim Chandra are the people who fought for the motherland and their name itself is aspiring. In the same way, how can we forget Maqbool Sherwani and Abdul Aziz who used their sagacity for protecting the nation..! Friends, many people have been martyred fighting terrorism in this country, many citizens have died, security forces personnel have been killed, many mothers have lost their sons..! Whenever we think of Tika Lal Taploo, all these people come to our memory. I, along with this huge mass, will like to salute, honour and bow down to the entire defence forces who, for the safety of Jammu & Kashmir and this entire nation, do not even care for their lives..!

Friends, our government in Delhi is fast asleep and I do not think that the rage in the hearts of 125 crore Indians can wake them up. They are sleeping and I think that they won’t even wake up in 2014. The hope of their getting up is very low now.

Friends, two incidents took place in Pakistan, one of which got attention from the media and the entire nation, while the other went unnoticed. For the last 20-25 years, two innocent men were locked in the jails of Pakistan. One was Sarabjeet Singh of Punjab while the other was Chamel Singh of Jammu. In the same jail where Sarabjeet Singh was killed, Chamel Singh was also killed, and in similar manner, but a week before Sarabjeet. If the Government of India would have woken up a week earlier and would have raised its voice, then may be Sarabjeet would not have died. Friends, can the government of a nation be such that its people keep getting killed and it continues to sleep..?

Friends, respected Rajnath Singh ji presented many policy related issues in front of you. Friends, it seems that in our nation if you want to get rid of all the sins, crimes, responsibilities and accountability then a few people have found a herb that prevents them from all of it. And that herb is - Secularism..! Just start talking on secularism and all your sins are taken away..! In Jammu & Kashmir, one more thing along with this method is used and that is - Article 370..! Friends, whether Article 370 remains in practice under the Constitution or not in the political scenario, the discussion on it has always been there and will always be in the air. But now it is the need-of-the-hour that in context of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, in context of their benefits, their rights, at least in Jammu & Kashmir and in the entire nation, it must be discussed whether Article 370 has been beneficial for the common man here? No one is ready to discuss it..! Just a few days back, at the time of elections, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji was saying that BJP leaders just take big names, which serve no purpose; they should bring to reality what they have said. I agree to Mr. Prime Minister and accept it, but would like to remind him that the then Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said regarding Article 370 in the Parliament that this Article will fade away with time..! Mr. Prime Minister, you yourself are saying that the great men should do what they say. Is your government ready to do what Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said..? Then, what do you preach others..?

Friends, Article 370 has become a shield and is being used as one. It has been armored with communal jewels and just because of this, a valid discussion on it is not happening. I want the experts of the Constitution to discuss it. Just see the laws based on which the Delhi government is asking for votes in the four states, saying that we made this law and that law, etc…! Are the laws that the government is flaunting, being implemented in Jammu & Kashmir? Rajnath Singh Ji just said that Article 370 & 374 were amended at the time of Rajiv Gandhi, but the Congress party still keeps boasting about it. Congress party should atleast answer that the things that you have done, why can’t you get them implemented in Jammu & Kashmir..? Friends, you tell me, shouldn’t the Panchayats be empowered..? The people who want to fight for the ownership of their bungalows and offices, for them ownership is a major concern, but they do not want to give any powers to the municipalities or to the villages. Neither do they want to give them their rights nor the opportunities to progress!

Friends, till when these double standards last..! Shouldn’t the common man of Jammu & Kashmir get the rights that all other citizens of India enjoy? The special privileges that SC, ST, OBC, Dalits and tribals get, the rights that the socially and educationally backward population receives in the form of education, jobs and representation in elections, shouldn’t all these rights be given to the people of Jammu & Kashmir? After all, why are they being prevented from getting these rights? Not only this, the entire nation is discussing corruption, it is expressing their anger about it. Is there no corruption in Jammu & Kashmir? Are the governments and leaders of Jammu & Kashmir extensively corrupted? Then tell me, shouldn’t the law of prevention of corruption be enforced here? But it is not being implemented here, because they do not want to be answerable, accountable and responsible about anything!

Friends, just pay a bit attention. These separatists, they are praising separatism, but who has been benefitted of it? Study the history of last 60 years, only 50 families have taken advantage of it and the entire Jammu & Kashmir has been kept in dark. Shouldn’t all you Gurjar families get benefits as tribals? Should you get your rights or not? After all why are all these people not being provided with it? Shouldn’t be efforts put in for the betterment of my Shia brothers of Kargil? In the rest of India, males and females have got equal rights, the rights that men enjoy, same are given to women as well! Should the treatment of females be unfair in Jammu& Kashmir? Should injustice to women be stopped here? Today the condition of the law of Jammu & Kashmir is such that men and women are differentiated. I have not come here to talk about Hindus or Muslims, I have come to talk about my 1.25 crore Jammu people! This politics of discrimination, the politics of separation, it has just destroyed this nation. If development has to be done, then the politics of integration will work and only that will let us grow!

Friends, I am raising a serious question. Someone should tell me that the rights the Chief Minister of this state Shri Omar Abdullah has, does his sister Sarah enjoy the same rights? No..! In this state the rights that the Chief Minister has, even his own sister is deprived of them, because she married outside Kashmir and all her rights were snatched from her! The rights that Omar Abdullah has, should be given to his sister as well! This struggle is not of Hindus or Muslims. Women should be respected. The entire world talks of gender equality. I would like to ask the humanitarians and the people who keep blabbering about me, that why are your mouths zipped now? The women of Jammu & Kashmir get their rights, why are you silent on this concern?

Friends, it is the need-of-the-hour for us to ponder seriously on the tune of a separate state that we all have been hearing since last 60 years, what did it give us? Did anyone get anything except hazards? The funds that come from Delhi, it gets looted and no account is given, this is what is going on..! In the name of a separate state, separatism has been encouraged, divisive powers have been encouraged. Friends, how would it have been if in the place of a separate state, there prevailed the dreams of a Super State! You only tell me, do you want a separate state or a super state..? Friends, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji has given us a dream, has shown us a path - that of making Jammu & Kashmir a super state!

Friends, a few people here in power have become habitual of asking for something or the other from the Delhi government, because they think that whatever will flow in here, there will be no accountability of it at all! Most of the local leaders live abroad, neither do they like the summers over here, nor the winters. They run to foreign countries at the very first chance. Friends, Jammu & Kashmir has been projected as if this state can’t be self-dependant, it will only have to beg to the Delhi government for everything. If Delhi grants their wishes, they will be cursed, if it does not, even then it will be cursed… this political game is never-ending. These people keep calling Jammu & Kashmir beggars. Jammu & Kashmir is not a beggar state; it is a province of people who live with pride and honour and die for the country..! Friends, do you want to get rid of this tag of beggar or not..? Today I have come to you because we have to turn Jammu & Kashmir from beggar to better..! The days of being called as beggar are gone, now we have to walk on the path of being better..!

Friends, in Kargil, where the people of Shia community live, I have stayed there for some time and have tried understanding their problems. Jammu & Kashmir develops, there are talks of progress in the Srinagar Valley but what is the reason that the Shia community of Kargil is left untouched from development and growth, why this unfairness to them..? Injustice with Gurjar, Bakarwal and Shiya community… separating them from others, pushing them backwards, till when will it last? In Jammu & Kashmir, the politics of discrimination that prevails, injustice with Ladakh at times, sometimes getting unfair with Jammu, getting unfair with Shias on various occasions, and then treating Gurjars or Bakarwal in unjust manner… till when will this inequity prevail? People of Jammu & Kashmir, if you raise your voice together, then the government of Delhi or Srinagar is not strong enough to not let your future change..!

Friends, I want to tell you that they have no interest in development. We have been listening since the era of the Ramayana that Himalayas are a prolific reserve of herbs. We have heard that when Lakshman fainted, Hanuman Ji got medicinal herb from Himalayas. We all believe that Himalayas are apt for the medicinal herbs. Jammu & Kashmir is full of medicinal herbs. Our neighboring country China is the largest exporter of herbal medicine in the entire world. Today herbal medicine is a charm to the world. The whole world is going on the path of herbal medicines. Holistic healthcare has brought a change in the life of this society. Today, when the entire world has demand of herbal medicines, and we have a huge reserve of it with us in Himalayas, and Himalayas lie here in Jammu & Kashmir, then can’t the government of my country, the government of Jammu & Kashmir, the universities here by conducting research, by using Ayurveda institutes, export herbal medicines? In the same way in which carpets are exported from here. Can we employ the youth of Jammu & Kashmir by exporting herbal medicines or not? Should the youth of Jammu & Kashmir get employment or not?

Friends, tourism is declining with every passing day. The entire tourism of Jammu & Kashmir has shifted to Himachal..! This state is a tourist attraction for both beauty and belief. Here, with pilgrimage places like Amarnath and Vaishno Devi and leisure travel, everything can be enjoyed at one place…there is no greater opportunity for tourism than this place! Even then our tourism went away, employment came to an end, and people are struggling to survive. Can’t the Government of India emphasize on development of tourism here?

Just now, we celebrated 100 years of Indian cinema. Many movies of this country, which have been shot amidst the natural beauty, have been shot here in Jammu & Kashmir. Kashmir was considered as one of the best places for shooting. The entire film industry of Mumbai used to come here for shooting. Every person here used to get employment. But today the film industry has stopped coming here because the government did not pay attention to it. When the industry was celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Government of India should have organized an event in Jammu & Kashmir and by telling people here about those days, they should have been motivated to move ahead! Today the film industry is a huge sector in India, if a film institute was set up here in Jammu & Kashmir, and would have gone in the direction of technological advancement, people would have come here for landscapes, and the people here would get employment. There would have been progress! But Friends, these people do not believe in progress. Just see, how much the craze of Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra is increasing in people. Thousands of people go there now through Nepal and Nepal gets all the income. If the same actions are taken on the Leh-Mansarovar route, the entire area will prosper! Who says there are no ways and opportunities for development, but the Kashmiri youth is being ruined!

Rajnath Singh Ji was just narrating the incidences of Demchok. I would like to compliment the people of Demchok that inspite of the pressure from China and the apathy of the Delhi government, they hoisted the national flag on 15th August and protected the pride, respect and honour of India. I heartily congratulate all the people of Demchok on behalf of the entire nation and say it with full belief that the flag hoisted at Demchok will motivate us more than the flag hoisted at the Red Fort!

Friends, China provides free mobile and SIM cards to the border villages of India and then connects them to the network in China. It is slowly seizing them. What is the Telecom Ministry of India doing? How is it possible that the telecom system of some other country is making our people dependant by giving them SIM cards? There is such a grave danger to Indian security, but no one cares about it!

Friends, people of Jammu & Kashmir still have a feeling of reverence for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. In this country, no prime minister stepped on this land for 14 years! Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first Prime Minister who, after 14 years, came to Jammu & Kashmir inpite of the grave danger. Atal Ji has given us three mantras and they are the guidelines for us. Respected Atal ji said that we will work for Kashmir on three mantras : First – Insaniyat (humanity), Second - Jammuriyat, and Third - Kashmiriyat..! Friends, Shri Atal ji asked us to follow these three things - wherein he first talked of humanity, in Jammuriyat he talked of the democracy and by Kashmiriyat he talked of the age-old culture and tradition.

Friends, I have a thought in mind that if there can be efforts for IITs and IIMs in Himachal and Assam, shouldn’t there be IIT and IIM in Jammu? Can’t the youth of this place study and get fame in the world..? But neither Jammu & Kashmir government, nor the Delhi government have belief in developing educational institutions in Jammu & Kashmir! If we all have to move ahead, then we can’t move ahead struggling against each other. Today the democracy of the country is in hands of people who are either egoists or opportunists, either they believe in disintegration or in dynasticism, they are either pleasure seekers or sadists, because of such people only, today the country is getting ruined!

Our country is full of unity in diversity; it is the speciality of our nation. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Atak to Katak, mother India is united. We have to move ahead with that feeling, with the voice of unity. Even if our languages vary, the emotions are one; even if we have various states, the nation is one; we may have many paths, but the destination is the same; maybe there are many dialects, but all are in the same tone; there are many colours but our tricolor stands the same for all; there are many societies but India is one; there may be many traditions but culture is the same; there may be many tasks but there is one resolution; there may be many ways but the goal is the same; there may be many faces, but they have one smile, we have to move ahead with this mantra!

Friends, the people who are engaged in vote bank politics, the people who have been dividing the nation for power; I want to challenge them today through this Lalkar Rally. Instead of weighing everything I say on the scale of secularism, accept my challenge if they can. Friends, what is our thinking..? Our mantra is, that the government has no religion but one - India first, nation first. There is just one scripture of the government - the Constitution of India; there is just one devotion of government - devotion to India; government has just one strength - strength of 125 crore countrymen; there is just one worship of government - welfare of 125 crore Indians; there is just one work methodology of government – Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (together development for all), and Bhartiya Janata Party is moving ahead with just this mantra!

I will heartily congratulate the people and party workers of Jammu & Kashmir, you have done a great job. This incidence is not just the pride of this stadium, but of entire India, an incidence that would strengthen every person who believes in the power of unity, an incidence that would encourage every person who believes in peace, unity and brotherhood, so many congratulations to you all..! With all your strength, raise your hands and say,

Bharat Mata ki Jai..! Bharat Mata ki Jai..! Bharat Mata ki Jai..!

Vande Matram..! Vande Matram..! Vande Matram..!

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Today, North East is emerging as the ‘Front-Runner of Growth’: PM Modi at Rising North East Investors Summit
May 23, 2025
QuoteThe Northeast is the most diverse region of our diverse nation: PM
QuoteFor us, EAST means - Empower, Act, Strengthen and Transform: PM
QuoteThere was a time when the North East was merely called a Frontier Region.. Today, it is emerging as the ‘Front-Runner of Growth’: PM
QuoteThe North East is a complete package for tourism: PM
QuoteBe it terrorism or Maoist elements spreading unrest, our government follows a policy of zero tolerance: PM
QuoteThe North East is becoming a key destination for sectors like energy and semiconductors: PM

My colleagues in the Union Cabinet Jyotiraditya Scindia ji and Sukanta Majumdar ji, Governor of Manipur Ajay Bhalla ji, Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma ji, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu ji, Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha ji, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma ji, Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang ji, Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio ji, Chief Minister of Mizoram Lalduhoma ji, all industry leaders, investors, ladies and gentlemen!

On this grand podium of Rising Northeast, I feel a sense of pride, warmth, belonging, and above all, immense confidence in the future. Just a few months ago, we celebrated the Ashtalakshmi Festival here at Bharat Mandapam. Today, we are celebrating a festival of investment in the Northeast. So many industry leaders have gathered here. This shows the enthusiasm, excitement, and new dreams that everyone has for the Northeast. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the ministries and the state governments for this achievement. Your efforts have created an excellent environment for investment there. On behalf of myself and the Government of Bharat, I wish you all the very best for the success of the North East Rising Summit.

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Friends,

Bharat is considered the world’s most diverse nation, and our Northeast is the most diverse part of this diverse nation. From trade to tradition, from textiles to tourism, the diversity of the Northeast is its greatest strength. Northeast means bio-economy and bamboo; Northeast means tea production and petroleum; Northeast means sports and skill; Northeast is emerging as a hub of eco-tourism; Northeast represents a new world of organic products; Northeast is a powerhouse of energy. That is why, the Northeast is our Ashtalakshmi (eight forms of prosperity). With the blessings of this Ashtalakshmi, every state in the Northeast is saying—we are ready for investment, we are ready to lead.

Friends,

It is essential for Eastern Bharat to develop for the building of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). And the Northeast is the most important part of Eastern Bharat. For us, EAST is not just a direction—it stands for Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform. This is our government’s policy for Eastern Bharat. This same policy, this same priority, has brought Eastern Bharat—and our Northeast—to the centre stage of growth.

Friends,

The transformation that the Northeast has seen in the last 11 years is not just about numbers—it is change that can be felt on the ground. We have not just built a connection with the Northeast through government schemes—we have built a bond from the heart. You might be surprised to hear this: ministers from our central government have visited the Northeast more than 700 times. And it wasn’t just about visiting and leaving—the rule was to stay overnight. They experienced the land, they saw the hope in people’s eyes, and they turned that trust into a development-driven policy. We did not view infrastructure as just bricks and cement—we made it a medium for emotional connection. We moved beyond the Look East policy to embrace the mantra of Act East, and today, we are seeing the results. There was a time when the Northeast was only referred to as a frontier region. Today, it is becoming the front-runner of growth.

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Friends,

Good infrastructure makes tourism more attractive. Where there is strong infrastructure, investors also gain greater confidence. Better roads, robust power infrastructure, and an efficient logistics network are the backbone of any industry. Trade thrives where there is seamless connectivity—in other words, quality infrastructure is the foundation and first requirement of any kind of development. That’s why we have initiated an Infrastructure Revolution in the Northeast. For a long time, the Northeast remained neglected. But now, the Northeast is becoming a land of opportunities. We have invested hundreds of thousands of crores of rupees in connectivity infrastructure in the Northeast. If you go to Arunachal Pradesh, you’ll see infrastructure projects like the Sela Tunnel. In Assam, you’ll witness mega projects like the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge. In just one decade, we have built 11,000 kilometres of new highways in the Northeast. Hundreds of kilometres of new railway lines have been laid. The number of airports in the Northeast has doubled. Waterways are being developed on the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. Hundreds of mobile towers have been installed, and not just that—a 1,600-kilometre-long pipeline, the Northeast Gas Grid, has also been established. This ensures reliable gas supply for industry. In short—highways, railways, waterways, and i-ways—connectivity in every form is being strengthened in the Northeast. The ground has been prepared in the Northeast. Our industries must step forward and take full advantage of this opportunity. You must not miss out on the First Mover Advantage.

Friends,

In the coming decade, the trade potential of the Northeast is set to grow manyfold. Today, the trade volume between Bharat and ASEAN is around $125 billion. In the coming years, it will surpass $200 billion, and the Northeast will become a strong bridge for this trade—a gateway to ASEAN. We are rapidly developing the necessary infrastructure to support this vision. The Bharat-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway will establish direct connectivity to Thailand through Myanmar. This will ease Bharat’s connectivity with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Our government is also working swiftly to complete the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, which will connect the Kolkata Port to Sittwe Port in Myanmar, and further link the rest of the Northeast via Mizoram. This will significantly reduce the distance between West Bengal and Mizoram and prove to be a major boon for industry and trade.

Friends,

Today, cities like Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala are being developed as multi-modal logistics hubs. In Meghalaya and Mizoram, Land Customs Stations are now giving a new boost to international trade. With all these efforts, the Northeast is emerging as a new name in trade with Indo-Pacific countries. That means a whole new sky of possibilities is opening up for you in the Northeast.

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Friends,

We are working to establish Bharat as a global health and wellness solution provider. Our mission is to make the mantra “Heal in India” a global mantra. The Northeast is not only rich in nature, but it is also a perfect destination for an organic lifestyle. Its biodiversity, its climate—they work like natural medicine for wellness. That is why I urge you to explore the Northeast for investment opportunities in the Heal in India mission.

Friends,

Music, dance, and celebration are woven into the very culture of the Northeast. That makes it a fantastic destination for global conferences, concerts, and destination weddings. In many ways, the Northeast is a complete package for tourism. Now that the benefits of development are reaching every corner of the Northeast, we are also seeing a positive impact on tourism. The number of tourists has doubled, and this is not just about numbers—home stays are being built in villages, youth are getting new opportunities as guides, and a full tour and travel ecosystem is developing. Now we must take this to even greater heights. In eco-tourism and cultural tourism, there are plenty of new investment opportunities waiting for all of you.

Friends,

For the development of any region, the most important requirement is peace and law & order. Whether it is terrorism or Maoist insurgency, our government follows a zero-tolerance policy. There was a time when the Northeast was associated with bombs, guns, and blockades. Just the mention of the Northeast brought these images to mind. And this caused immense loss to the youth of the region—countless opportunities slipped away from their hands. Our focus is on the future of the youth of the Northeast. That’s why we have signed one peace agreement after another, giving young people the chance to join the mainstream of development. In the last 10–11 years, over 10,000 youth have chosen the path of peace by laying down their arms. Today, the youth of the Northeast are getting new opportunities for employment and self-employment right in their own region. Through the MUDRA Yojana, millions of youth in the Northeast have received financial assistance worth thousands of crores of rupees. The growing number of educational institutions is helping these youths enhance their skills. Now, the youth of the Northeast are not just internet users—they are becoming digital innovators. With more than 13,000 kilometres of optical fiber, 4G and 5G coverage, and emerging opportunities in technology, young people are now launching large-scale start-ups from their own towns. The Northeast is becoming Bharat’s digital gateway.

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Friends,

We all know how important skills are for growth and a better future. The Northeast provides a favourable environment for this as well. The central government is making massive investments in the education and skill development ecosystem of the region. In the last decade, over 21,000 crore rupees have been invested in the Northeast’s education sector. Around 850 new schools have been established. The first AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in the Northeast is now operational. Nine new medical colleges have been built. Two new IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology) have been established in the region. A campus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication has been set up in Mizoram. Approximately 200 new skill development institutes have been established across the Northeast. The country’s first Sports University is also being built there. Under the Khelo India program, projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees are underway in the Northeast. There are 8 Khelo India Centres of Excellence and over 250 Khelo India Centres in the region alone. This means the best talent across all sectors is available in the Northeast. You must make the most of this opportunity.

Friends,

Today, the global demand for organic food is rising. There's a growing inclination toward holistic healthcare, and I have a dream — that every dining table in the world should have at least one Indian food brand. The Northeast has a crucial role to play in fulfilling this dream. In the last decade, the scope of organic farming in the Northeast has doubled. Our region is known for products like tea, pineapples, oranges, lemons, turmeric, and ginger — and their taste and quality are truly exceptional. The demand for these products is increasing globally, and this growing demand opens up great opportunities for all of you.

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Friends,

The government is working to make it easier to set up food processing units in the Northeast. Improved connectivity is already helping, and in addition to that, we are building mega food parks, expanding the cold storage network and establishing testing laboratories. The government has also launched the Oil Palm Mission. The soil and climate of the Northeast are highly suitable for oil palm cultivation. This can become a significant source of income for our farmers, and it will also help reduce Bharat’s dependency on imported edible oils. Palm oil farming is a big opportunity for our industries as well.

Friends,

Our Northeast is emerging as a key destination for two more sectors: energy and semiconductors. Whether it's hydropower or solar power, the government is making major investments in every state of the Northeast. Projects worth thousands of crores of rupees have already been approved. You not only have investment opportunities in plants and infrastructure, but also a golden opportunity in manufacturing. Whether it's solar modules, cells, storage, or research, we need greater investments. This is our future — and the more we invest in it today, the less dependent we will be on foreign countries. Today, the Northeast — especially Assam — is playing a significant role in strengthening the country’s semiconductor ecosystem. Very soon, the first Made-in-India chip from a semiconductor plant in the Northeast will be available to the country. This plant has opened the doors of opportunity for the semiconductor sector and other cutting-edge technologies in the region.

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Friends,

Rising Northeast is not just an investors' summit — it is a movement. It is a call to action. The future of Bharat will rise to new heights through the bright future of the Northeast. I have complete faith in all the business leaders. Come, let us together make our Ashtalakshmi an inspiration for a ‘Viksit Bharat’. I am fully confident that today’s collective efforts, your enthusiasm, and your commitment are turning hope into belief. And I am certain that by the time we hold the second Rising Northeast Summit, we will have achieved remarkable progress. Wishing you all the very best.

Thank you very much!