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India has had a glorious maritime history. We are on the path of shaping an even better maritime future: PM

Published By : Admin | April 14, 2016 | 11:00 IST
PM Modi Inaugurates the Maritime India Summit, 2016
Maritime transport can be the most extensive mode of transport. It is also the most eco-friendly mode of transport: PM
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is the architect of water and river navigation policy in India: PM
I offer my profound respects to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on this auspicious day: PM
Babasaheb created two powerful institutions related to water, navigation and power: PM
With a GDP growth rate of more than seven percent, India is the fastest growing major economy today: PM
We Indians are inheritors of a glorious maritime heritage: PM
It is my Government’s endeavour to revive and restore India’s position of eminence in the global maritime sector: PM
Our vision is to increase port capacity from 1400 million tonnes to 3000 million tonnes by 2025: PM
India has had a glorious maritime history. We are on the path of shaping an even better maritime future: PM

Hon. Governor of Maharashtra;

Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra;

His Excellency Mr. Kim Young-Suk, Minister of the Republic of Korea

Our Union Minister for Shipping, Mr. Nitin Gadkari

Other Dignitaries on the dais;

Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen!

I have great pleasure in being with you and welcoming you at the Maritime India Summit. This is the first time that a global event of such a large scale is being organised by India. I extend a warm welcome to all the esteemed guests attending this event in the maritime hub of India. I am sure, this event; together with the seminars and exhibition, will showcase the emerging trends and opportunities in the maritime sector.

We all know that oceans cover more than seventy percent of the Earth's surface. We also know that oceans contain ninety-seven percent of the Earth's water. Therefore, maritime transport can be the most extensive mode of transport. It is also the most eco-friendly mode of transport. However, there is one more aspect to this fact. Which is that, oceans contain ninety nine percent of the living space on the planet. This means that our lifestyle, transport systems and trading behavior should not spoil the ecology of the oceans. Also, maritime security, freedom of navigation and safety and security of sea lanes is equally important.

The challenges of climate change have shown that even offshore human behavior can change the ecology of glaciers and oceans. This is already causing a lot of concern for island countries and coastal communities in particular. I hope this summit will deliberate on these issues while discussing economic issues related with oceans. The elimination of sea piracy, which was a big threat to international shipping a few years ago, is a good example of how joint efforts by maritime nations can achieve outstanding results.

Friends! There is a reason why this important Summit has been organised today, on the 14th of April 2016. Today is the 125th birth anniversary of a great son of India who also lived and worked in Mumbai. I am referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was the architect of our Constitution. He is also the architect of the water and river navigation policy in India. I offer my profound respects to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on this auspicious day. I also wish and pray that his wisdom continues to guide us in our efforts towards nation building.

Many of us may not know that Babasaheb created two powerful institutions related to water, navigation and power. They were:  The Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission and The Central Technical Power Board. His observations while setting up these two organizations is a testimony to his great foresight.  

I quote from his address on 3rd January, 1945:

“The objects which have led to the setting up of two organizations are to advise on how the water resources can be best utilized and how a project can be made to serve purposes other than irrigation.”

Dr Ambedkar had emphasized the importance of the new waterways policy in order to lay the foundation for a regime of prosperity for the millions of poor of our country. I am happy to state that we have embarked on the development of National Waterways in keeping with Babasaheb’s vision and foresight. With a GDP growth rate of more than seven percent, India is the fastest growing major economy today. The IMF and the World Bank have indicated even better prospects in the days to come. We are taking aggressive steps to ensure that our process of growth is both fast as well as inclusive. This summit is another step to realize Babasaheb’s dream of an economically strong, socially empowered and technologically equipped India.  

I understand that more than 4500 dignitaries and delegates from around forty countries are participating in this Summit. I am particularly happy that the Republic of Korea is the Partner Country for this event. I thank the President of Korea and also the senior Minister, Mr. Kim Young-Suk who is present here.

Friends! We Indians are inheritors of a glorious maritime heritage.  The world’s first dock was built at Lothal in Gujarat around 2500 BC during the Harappan Civilisation. This dock was equipped to berth and service ships. It was built after studying tidal flows.

In addition to Lothal, there were also some other Indian ports, which were major drivers of global maritime trade two thousand years ago. These included:

  • Barygaza - which today is known as Bharuch in Gujarat;
  • Muziris which today is known as Kodungallur near Cochin in Kerala;
  • Korkai which is today’s Tuticorin;
  • Kaveripattinam which is in Nagapattanam District of Tamil Nadu;
  • andArikamedu which is in Ariyankuppam District of Puducherry

There are many references in ancient Indian literature and in Greek and Roman works about the vibrant maritime trade of India with Rome, Greece, Egypt and Arabia. Ancient and medieval Indian traders maintained links with countries in Southeast and East Asia, Africa, Arabia and Europe. 

Friends! Since my government took over, among other things, we have laid emphasis on building futuristic infrastructure. This includes building next generation infrastructure in many sectors. Port, Shipping and Maritime infrastructure is prominent among them. It is my Government’s endeavour to revive and restore India’s position of eminence in the global maritime sector.

Building upon our glorious maritime tradition, we are working hard to achieve new heights in this area. In the very early days of our Government, we announced the Sagarmala programme. This is aimed at leveraging our long coastline and natural maritime advantages. It also focuses on promoting port led development, energizing the coastal economy and infrastructure development in these areas. We particularly want to modernize our ports and integrate them with Special Economic Zones, Port based Smart Cities, Industrial Parks, Warehouses, Logistics Parks and Transport Corridors.

I must mention that our vast coastline of 7500 kilometers offers a huge investment opportunity. Apart from the length of the coastline, India's maritime potential also lies in its strategic location on all major shipping highways. In addition, we have an expansive and productive hinterland, through which flows a network of mighty rivers. Our maritime agenda will complement this ambitious infrastructure plan for the hinterland which is going on in parallel.

I call upon the global business community to partner with us to give shape to our process of port led development. I am sure, the long coastline of India along with diverse coastal regions and hard working coastal communities can become an engine of growth of India.

To enable the growth of the port and related sectors, we have carried out several reforms and taken a number of new initiatives.

  • Under our ‘Make in India’ approach, we have taken many steps to make India a global manufacturing hub;
  • Recently MOODY’s has appreciated the Make in India initiative;
  • We have done a lot of corrections on the front of Ease of doing business - we have jumped up 12 ranks in World Bank’s ranking;
  • A lot of simplification has happened in the processes for cross border trade;
  • We have greatly liberalized the licensing regimes; This also includes the defence sector and ship building therein;
  • We have taken almost sixty per cent of the defence items out of the licensing process
  • Most of the FDI sectors are now put on automatic approval route;
  • Shipyards are being given Infrastructure status; at par with the ports;
  • Rebate of service tax on coastal shipping has been increased to seventy per cent;
  • We have granted customs duty and central excise exemption on inputs used in ship building;
  • A scheme of financial assistance to promote ship building has been approved;  
  • Customs and central excise duties have been exempted on bunker fuel for Indian flagged container ships;
  • Tax issues of sea farers have been resolved;
  • A new company by the name of Indian Port Rail Corporation, has been established to focus on the last mile connectivity to ports.
  • We have enacted a legislation for declaring one hundred and eleven waterways as National Waterways-1.
  • We have taken up skill development activities aggressively.

The results of our initial efforts are clearly visible:

  • FDI inflows have gone up by 44 per cent since this government took over. In fact, the year 2015-16 has seen the highest ever FDI inflow into India;
  • India’s highest ever quantity of cargo handled by major ports was in 2015;
  • The port efficiency parameters have shown very good improvement;  
  • India’s fastest average turnaround time in ports was in 2015;  
  • In the last two years, our Major Ports have added 165 million tonne capacity with record additions each year; 
  • 94 million tonne capacity was added by these ports in 2015-16 alone which is the highest ever;
  • The traffic in Major Ports has shown a healthy growth of more than four per cent in the last two years, despite global slowdown;
  • The performance of the Major Ports in the last two years has been remarkable;
  • Operating Profit margins which were declining, have increased;
  • In 2015-16 alone, the operating profit of the twelve Major Ports has increased by nearly 6.7 billion rupees;  
  • During 2015-16, Kandla Port in Gujarat breached the one hundred million traffic landmark and displayed twenty per cent improvement in efficiency. 
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust registered a net profit of ten billion rupees helped by a twelve per cent increase in efficiency.
  • Our flagship companies like the Shipping Corporation, Dredging Corporation and the Cochin Shipyard have registered higher profits as compared to the previous year.

However, this is just the beginning. We want to do more. We are enhancing our own capacities of execution and implementation. The National Perspective Plan of the Sagarmala Programme has been released today.  During the last two years, major ports have awarded 56 new Projects involving an investment of more than 250 billion rupees. This will create an additional port capacity of 317 million tonnes per annum.  Our vision is to increase port capacity from 1400 million tonnes to 3000 million tonnes by 2025. We want to mobilize an investment of one lakh crore, or one trillion rupees, in the Port Sector to enable this growth. Five new ports are planned to meet the increasing demand of the Exim trade which will rise in proportion with the fast-growing Indian economy. New ports are also being developed by several coastal States of India.

The multiple measures to promote Coastal Shipping coupled with the anticipated rise in domestic production of coal, is expected to enhance coastal transportation of coal by at least four fold by 2025. We are engaging with our immediate and regional neighbours to promote shipping and maritime security. Recently India has signed a Coastal Shipping Agreement with Bangladesh which will be mutually beneficial. India is also engaged in the development of Chahbahar Port in Iran. A special purpose vehicle by the name India Ports Global Limited has been established to take up Maritime Projects overseas.

I am informed that the Ministry of Shipping is showcasing about 250 projects with investment opportunity in the Maritime Sector. These projects include various infrastructure development opportunities in 12 Major Ports, projects in eight maritime states and other agencies. Of these, over 100 projects have been identified under the Sagarmala Programme. With more than 14,000 kilometers of navigable inland waterways in the country, there is tremendous potential for development in this sector. My Government is committed to integration in infrastructure. We are also committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and to facilitate investments with an open mind.

Friends! All this is being done to benefit the common man. This is being done to provide employment to the youth. This is particularly being done to empower coastal communities. Approximately eighteen percent of India’s population lives in 72 coastal districts. It comprises twelve percent of India’s landmass. Therefore, there is a need for holistic and sustainable development of coastal regions and communities. Development of coastal communities especially fishermen requires an integrated approach. As part of the Sagarmala programme, we will adopt a comprehensive approach with focus on capacity building and training, upgrading of technology and for improving physical and social infrastructure. This will be done in collaboration with the coastal states.

These initiatives will create employment opportunities of approximately ten million jobs over the next ten years. This includes four million direct and six million indirect jobs. To broaden livelihood opportunities further, we are planning to deploy modern and sophisticated fishing vessels. This would enable them to harness resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone. In addition, we are also focusing on value addition in fisheries, aquaculture and cold chain development.

The Port Sector in India is a good mix of Private and Public Ports, with both contributing to the growth of the sector. The PPP model of development has been quite successful in this sector and has helped in bringing latest technology and best practices. Private Ports have been growing at a very healthy pace and have nearly doubled their capacity in the last 5 years. They handle around 45 per cent of the total cargo. Most of these Ports are new, with modern facilities and can match the best international Ports in terms of performance and infrastructure.

Friends! India has had a glorious maritime history. We are on the path of shaping an even better maritime future. The maritime sector not only creates and facilitates economic activities; it also connects countries and civilizations. Moreover, it is the cleanest and cheapest carrier of global trade. Investing in maritime sector is not only investing in one’s own future; but in the future of the planet and that of coming generations. However, in this sector, no country can achieve the desired results in isolation. Nations have to collaborate to realize this potential and to overcome challenges in this sector. The objective of this Summit is to provide a platform and forum for such cooperation.

To conclude, I would like to say that:

  • This is the right time to come to India;
  • It is even better to come through the sea route;
  • The Indian ship is well equipped for a long haul;
  • Don’t miss it;
  • Missing it means missing a pleasant journey and a great destination.

Once you are here, I assure you that I will personally hold your hands to see that your berthing is safe, secure and satisfactory.

Thank You!

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Respected Dignitaries…!

आप सभी को, सभी देशवासियों को और विशेषकर दुनिया भर में उपस्थित ईसाई समुदाय को क्रिसमस की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं, ‘Merry Christmas’ !!!

अभी तीन-चार दिन पहले मैं अपने साथी भारत सरकार में मंत्री जॉर्ज कुरियन जी के यहां क्रिसमस सेलीब्रेशन में गया था। अब आज आपके बीच उपस्थित होने का आनंद मिल रहा है। Catholic Bishops Conference of India- CBCI का ये आयोजन क्रिसमस की खुशियों में आप सबके साथ जुड़ने का ये अवसर, ये दिन हम सबके लिए यादगार रहने वाला है। ये अवसर इसलिए भी खास है, क्योंकि इसी वर्ष CBCI की स्थापना के 80 वर्ष पूरे हो रहे हैं। मैं इस अवसर पर CBCI और उससे जुड़े सभी लोगों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूँ।

साथियों,

पिछली बार आप सभी के साथ मुझे प्रधानमंत्री निवास पर क्रिसमस मनाने का अवसर मिला था। अब आज हम सभी CBCI के परिसर में इकट्ठा हुए हैं। मैं पहले भी ईस्टर के दौरान यहाँ Sacred Heart Cathedral Church आ चुका हूं। ये मेरा सौभाग्य है कि मुझे आप सबसे इतना अपनापन मिला है। इतना ही स्नेह मुझे His Holiness Pope Francis से भी मिलता है। इसी साल इटली में G7 समिट के दौरान मुझे His Holiness Pope Francis से मिलने का अवसर मिला था। पिछले 3 वर्षों में ये हमारी दूसरी मुलाकात थी। मैंने उन्हें भारत आने का निमंत्रण भी दिया है। इसी तरह, सितंबर में न्यूयॉर्क दौरे पर कार्डिनल पीट्रो पैरोलिन से भी मेरी मुलाकात हुई थी। ये आध्यात्मिक मुलाक़ात, ये spiritual talks, इनसे जो ऊर्जा मिलती है, वो सेवा के हमारे संकल्प को और मजबूत बनाती है।

साथियों,

अभी मुझे His Eminence Cardinal जॉर्ज कुवाकाड से मिलने का और उन्हें सम्मानित करने का अवसर मिला है। कुछ ही हफ्ते पहले, His Eminence Cardinal जॉर्ज कुवाकाड को His Holiness Pope Francis ने कार्डिनल की उपाधि से सम्मानित किया है। इस आयोजन में भारत सरकार ने केंद्रीय मंत्री जॉर्ज कुरियन के नेतृत्व में आधिकारिक रूप से एक हाई लेवल डेलिगेशन भी वहां भेजा था। जब भारत का कोई बेटा सफलता की इस ऊंचाई पर पहुंचता है, तो पूरे देश को गर्व होना स्वभाविक है। मैं Cardinal जॉर्ज कुवाकाड को फिर एक बार बधाई देता हूं, शुभकामनाएं देता हूं।

साथियों,

आज आपके बीच आया हूं तो कितना कुछ याद आ रहा है। मेरे लिए वो बहुत संतोष के क्षण थे, जब हम एक दशक पहले फादर एलेक्सिस प्रेम कुमार को युद्ध-ग्रस्त अफगानिस्तान से सुरक्षित बचाकर वापस लाए थे। वो 8 महीने तक वहां बड़ी विपत्ति में फंसे हुए थे, बंधक बने हुए थे। हमारी सरकार ने उन्हें वहां से निकालने के लिए हर संभव प्रयास किया। अफ़ग़ानिस्तान के उन हालातों में ये कितना मुश्किल रहा होगा, आप अंदाजा लगा सकते हैं। लेकिन, हमें इसमें सफलता मिली। उस समय मैंने उनसे और उनके परिवार के सदस्यों से बात भी की थी। उनकी बातचीत को, उनकी उस खुशी को मैं कभी भूल नहीं सकता। इसी तरह, हमारे फादर टॉम यमन में बंधक बना दिए गए थे। हमारी सरकार ने वहाँ भी पूरी ताकत लगाई, और हम उन्हें वापस घर लेकर आए। मैंने उन्हें भी अपने घर पर आमंत्रित किया था। जब गल्फ देशों में हमारी नर्स बहनें संकट से घिर गई थीं, तो भी पूरा देश उनकी चिंता कर रहा था। उन्हें भी घर वापस लाने का हमारा अथक प्रयास रंग लाया। हमारे लिए ये प्रयास केवल diplomatic missions नहीं थे। ये हमारे लिए एक इमोशनल कमिटमेंट था, ये अपने परिवार के किसी सदस्य को बचाकर लाने का मिशन था। भारत की संतान, दुनिया में कहीं भी हो, किसी भी विपत्ति में हो, आज का भारत, उन्हें हर संकट से बचाकर लाता है, इसे अपना कर्तव्य समझता है।

साथियों,

भारत अपनी विदेश नीति में भी National-interest के साथ-साथ Human-interest को प्राथमिकता देता है। कोरोना के समय पूरी दुनिया ने इसे देखा भी, और महसूस भी किया। कोरोना जैसी इतनी बड़ी pandemic आई, दुनिया के कई देश, जो human rights और मानवता की बड़ी-बड़ी बातें करते हैं, जो इन बातों को diplomatic weapon के रूप में इस्तेमाल करते हैं, जरूरत पड़ने पर वो गरीब और छोटे देशों की मदद से पीछे हट गए। उस समय उन्होंने केवल अपने हितों की चिंता की। लेकिन, भारत ने परमार्थ भाव से अपने सामर्थ्य से भी आगे जाकर कितने ही देशों की मदद की। हमने दुनिया के 150 से ज्यादा देशों में दवाइयाँ पहुंचाईं, कई देशों को वैक्सीन भेजी। इसका पूरी दुनिया पर एक बहुत सकारात्मक असर भी पड़ा। अभी हाल ही में, मैं गयाना दौरे पर गया था, कल मैं कुवैत में था। वहां ज्यादातर लोग भारत की बहुत प्रशंसा कर रहे थे। भारत ने वैक्सीन देकर उनकी मदद की थी, और वो इसका बहुत आभार जता रहे थे। भारत के लिए ऐसी भावना रखने वाला गयाना अकेला देश नहीं है। कई island nations, Pacific nations, Caribbean nations भारत की प्रशंसा करते हैं। भारत की ये भावना, मानवता के लिए हमारा ये समर्पण, ये ह्यूमन सेंट्रिक अप्रोच ही 21वीं सदी की दुनिया को नई ऊंचाई पर ले जाएगी।

Friends,

The teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony and brotherhood. It is important that we all work to make this spirit stronger. But, it pains my heart when there are attempts to spread violence and cause disruption in society. Just a few days ago, we saw what happened at a Christmas Market in Germany. During Easter in 2019, Churches in Sri Lanka were attacked. I went to Colombo to pay homage to those we lost in the Bombings. It is important to come together and fight such challenges.

Friends,

This Christmas is even more special as you begin the Jubilee Year, which you all know holds special significance. I wish all of you the very best for the various initiatives for the Jubilee Year. This time, for the Jubilee Year, you have picked a theme which revolves around hope. The Holy Bible sees hope as a source of strength and peace. It says: "There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." We are also guided by hope and positivity. Hope for humanity, Hope for a better world and Hope for peace, progress and prosperity.

साथियों,

बीते 10 साल में हमारे देश में 25 करोड़ लोगों ने गरीबी को परास्त किया है। ये इसलिए हुआ क्योंकि गरीबों में एक उम्मीद जगी, की हां, गरीबी से जंग जीती जा सकती है। बीते 10 साल में भारत 10वें नंबर की इकोनॉमी से 5वें नंबर की इकोनॉमी बन गया। ये इसलिए हुआ क्योंकि हमने खुद पर भरोसा किया, हमने उम्मीद नहीं हारी और इस लक्ष्य को प्राप्त करके दिखाया। भारत की 10 साल की विकास यात्रा ने हमें आने वाले साल और हमारे भविष्य के लिए नई Hope दी है, ढेर सारी नई उम्मीदें दी हैं। 10 साल में हमारे यूथ को वो opportunities मिली हैं, जिनके कारण उनके लिए सफलता का नया रास्ता खुला है। Start-ups से लेकर science तक, sports से entrepreneurship तक आत्मविश्वास से भरे हमारे नौजवान देश को प्रगति के नए रास्ते पर ले जा रहे हैं। हमारे नौजवानों ने हमें ये Confidence दिया है, य़े Hope दी है कि विकसित भारत का सपना पूरा होकर रहेगा। बीते दस सालों में, देश की महिलाओं ने Empowerment की नई गाथाएं लिखी हैं। Entrepreneurship से drones तक, एरो-प्लेन उड़ाने से लेकर Armed Forces की जिम्मेदारियों तक, ऐसा कोई क्षेत्र नहीं, जहां महिलाओं ने अपना परचम ना लहराया हो। दुनिया का कोई भी देश, महिलाओं की तरक्की के बिना आगे नहीं बढ़ सकता। और इसलिए, आज जब हमारी श्रमशक्ति में, Labour Force में, वर्किंग प्रोफेशनल्स में Women Participation बढ़ रहा है, तो इससे भी हमें हमारे भविष्य को लेकर बहुत उम्मीदें मिलती हैं, नई Hope जगती है।

बीते 10 सालों में देश बहुत सारे unexplored या under-explored sectors में आगे बढ़ा है। Mobile Manufacturing हो या semiconductor manufacturing हो, भारत तेजी से पूरे Manufacturing Landscape में अपनी जगह बना रहा है। चाहे टेक्लोलॉजी हो, या फिनटेक हो भारत ना सिर्फ इनसे गरीब को नई शक्ति दे रहा है, बल्कि खुद को दुनिया के Tech Hub के रूप में स्थापित भी कर रहा है। हमारा Infrastructure Building Pace भी अभूतपूर्व है। हम ना सिर्फ हजारों किलोमीटर एक्सप्रेसवे बना रहे हैं, बल्कि अपने गांवों को भी ग्रामीण सड़कों से जोड़ रहे हैं। अच्छे ट्रांसपोर्टेशन के लिए सैकड़ों किलोमीटर के मेट्रो रूट्स बन रहे हैं। भारत की ये सारी उपलब्धियां हमें ये Hope और Optimism देती हैं कि भारत अपने लक्ष्यों को बहुत तेजी से पूरा कर सकता है। और सिर्फ हम ही अपनी उपलब्धियों में इस आशा और विश्वास को नहीं देख रहे हैं, पूरा विश्व भी भारत को इसी Hope और Optimism के साथ देख रहा है।

साथियों,

बाइबल कहती है- Carry each other’s burdens. यानी, हम एक दूसरे की चिंता करें, एक दूसरे के कल्याण की भावना रखें। इसी सोच के साथ हमारे संस्थान और संगठन, समाज सेवा में एक बहुत बड़ी भूमिका निभाते हैं। शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में नए स्कूलों की स्थापना हो, हर वर्ग, हर समाज को शिक्षा के जरिए आगे बढ़ाने के प्रयास हों, स्वास्थ्य के क्षेत्र में सामान्य मानवी की सेवा के संकल्प हों, हम सब इन्हें अपनी ज़िम्मेदारी मानते हैं।

साथियों,

Jesus Christ ने दुनिया को करुणा और निस्वार्थ सेवा का रास्ता दिखाया है। हम क्रिसमस को सेलिब्रेट करते हैं और जीसस को याद करते हैं, ताकि हम इन मूल्यों को अपने जीवन में उतार सकें, अपने कर्तव्यों को हमेशा प्राथमिकता दें। मैं मानता हूँ, ये हमारी व्यक्तिगत ज़िम्मेदारी भी है, सामाजिक दायित्व भी है, और as a nation भी हमारी duty है। आज देश इसी भावना को, ‘सबका साथ, सबका विकास और सबका प्रयास’ के संकल्प के रूप में आगे बढ़ा रहा है। ऐसे कितने ही विषय थे, जिनके बारे में पहले कभी नहीं सोचा गया, लेकिन वो मानवीय दृष्टिकोण से सबसे ज्यादा जरूरी थे। हमने उन्हें हमारी प्राथमिकता बनाया। हमने सरकार को नियमों और औपचारिकताओं से बाहर निकाला। हमने संवेदनशीलता को एक पैरामीटर के रूप में सेट किया। हर गरीब को पक्का घर मिले, हर गाँव में बिजली पहुंचे, लोगों के जीवन से अंधेरा दूर हो, लोगों को पीने के लिए साफ पानी मिले, पैसे के अभाव में कोई इलाज से वंचित न रहे, हमने एक ऐसी संवेदनशील व्यवस्था बनाई जो इस तरह की सर्विस की, इस तरह की गवर्नेंस की गारंटी दे सके।

आप कल्पना कर सकते हैं, जब एक गरीब परिवार को ये गारंटी मिलती हैं तो उसके ऊपर से कितनी बड़ी चिंता का बोझ उतरता है। पीएम आवास योजना का घर जब परिवार की महिला के नाम पर बनाया जाता है, तो उससे महिलाओं को कितनी ताकत मिलती है। हमने तो महिलाओं के सशक्तिकरण के लिए नारीशक्ति वंदन अधिनियम लाकर संसद में भी उनकी ज्यादा भागीदारी सुनिश्चित की है। इसी तरह, आपने देखा होगा, पहले हमारे यहाँ दिव्यांग समाज को कैसी कठिनाइयों का सामना करना पड़ता था। उन्हें ऐसे नाम से बुलाया जाता था, जो हर तरह से मानवीय गरिमा के खिलाफ था। ये एक समाज के रूप में हमारे लिए अफसोस की बात थी। हमारी सरकार ने उस गलती को सुधारा। हमने उन्हें दिव्यांग, ये पहचान देकर के सम्मान का भाव प्रकट किया। आज देश पब्लिक इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर से लेकर रोजगार तक हर क्षेत्र में दिव्यांगों को प्राथमिकता दे रहा है।

साथियों,

सरकार में संवेदनशीलता देश के आर्थिक विकास के लिए भी उतनी ही जरूरी होती है। जैसे कि, हमारे देश में करीब 3 करोड़ fishermen हैं और fish farmers हैं। लेकिन, इन करोड़ों लोगों के बारे में पहले कभी उस तरह से नहीं सोचा गया। हमने fisheries के लिए अलग से ministry बनाई। मछलीपालकों को किसान क्रेडिट कार्ड जैसी सुविधाएं देना शुरू किया। हमने मत्स्य सम्पदा योजना शुरू की। समंदर में मछलीपालकों की सुरक्षा के लिए कई आधुनिक प्रयास किए गए। इन प्रयासों से करोड़ों लोगों का जीवन भी बदला, और देश की अर्थव्यवस्था को भी बल मिला।

Friends,

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I had spoken of Sabka Prayas. It means collective effort. Each one of us has an important role to play in the nation’s future. When people come together, we can do wonders. Today, socially conscious Indians are powering many mass movements. Swachh Bharat helped build a cleaner India. It also impacted health outcomes of women and children. Millets or Shree Anna grown by our farmers are being welcomed across our country and the world. People are becoming Vocal for Local, encouraging artisans and industries. एक पेड़ माँ के नाम, meaning ‘A Tree for Mother’ has also become popular among the people. This celebrates Mother Nature as well as our Mother. Many people from the Christian community are also active in these initiatives. I congratulate our youth, including those from the Christian community, for taking the lead in such initiatives. Such collective efforts are important to fulfil the goal of building a Developed India.

साथियों,

मुझे विश्वास है, हम सबके सामूहिक प्रयास हमारे देश को आगे बढ़ाएँगे। विकसित भारत, हम सभी का लक्ष्य है और हमें इसे मिलकर पाना है। ये आने वाली पीढ़ियों के प्रति हमारा दायित्व है कि हम उन्हें एक उज्ज्वल भारत देकर जाएं। मैं एक बार फिर आप सभी को क्रिसमस और जुबली ईयर की बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूं, शुभकामनाएं देता हूं।

बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।