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Jai Jai Maa Umiya!

Jai Jai Maa Umiya!

Jai Jai Maa Umiya!

Today is Shivaratri.

Har Har Mahadev!

Devotees of Maa Umiya who have gathered here in large numbers!

Today, as I have come to Umiyadham, as we are devoted to worship ‘Shakti’, first of all I would urge you to say with me ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ thrice! After that I will start my speech.

Say for mighty India - ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’!

Say for victorious India - Bharat Mata Ki Jai’!

Say for the brave Jawans - Bharat Mata Ki Jai’!

I first express gratitude to all trustees and congratulate them; they have taken up a very important work. There is a section in our country, whose belief is such that all these religious tendencies are pointless. Such people feel that all these feelings are not good for the society and are serving only some people. I pity their ignorance.

Our history of thousands of years is that this country has been made by the sages, the monks, the Acharyas, saints, the godly men, the elders, the teachers, the scientists, the farmers. Their contributions and this driving force has been our spiritual tradition in the country. This country has a spiritual heritage. Even during the period of slavery, we fought for such a huge battle for twelve hundred years, every time in every corner of India. There was no dearth of people who were prepared to dedicate their lives for preserving the country's identity, the culture of the country and the tradition of the country. What inspired them? It was the spiritual heritage of this country. Our spiritual system guided the social life.

In a way, our spiritual system and tradition formed the centre of our consciousness and through that the social life also witnessed change in the course of time. Over a period of time, we tend to forget certain things and more often than not only certain rituals remain. We tend to miss out the original spirit, yet if we try to trace the root we will be able to see the same spirit.

Some people used to think that a small Kumbh takes place in every three years and a full Kumbh after every 12 years. In fact the spiritual leaders and learned people used to congregate from every corner of India. They used to sit together and debate and discuss about things going on in India within a certain time frame. They used to review the period of 12 years during full Kumbh to understand what kind of guidance would the society need after 12 years or what changes are required for the society. This roadmap used to come out during Kumbh deliberations.

We have a system of spiritual consciousness here. Earlier while talking about the Kumbh Mela the distinguished newspapers of the world, described only the Naga Babas and Akharas. This time the Kumbh Mela was held in Prayagraj; but the newspapers of the world talked about cleanliness. The cleanliness of the Kumbh Mela drew the attention of the whole world. This inspiration is manifested in the spiritual consciousness.

Mahatma Gandhi visited the Haridwar Kumbh Mela hundred years ago. He had expressed a desire to make the Kumbh Mela clean. After hundred years I got the opportunity to do so. What I want to say is, the kind of power and devotion of crores of people of this country that was required to reconstruct the nation after Independence unfortunately could not be utilized due to apathy and disrespect towards spiritual power. But fortunately now within the spiritual system, the social reformers are coming forward again. If you go to any corner of India and if you look at the freedom struggle, you will find the inspiration even in the Bhakti cult. Whether Swami Vivekananda, Chaitnya Mahaprabhu or Raman Maharshi, the great saints did think about it in every corner of India. It was indeed a spiritual consciousness that gave birth to the Mutiny of 1857.

Once again we are witnessing the resurrection of spiritual consciousness in this country. I see this consciousness as a spiritual power. I do not see this as the power of any particular race or creed. It is spirituality. This spiritual power works to lay the foundation of reconstruction of the country. And for that I have come to worship at the feet of Maa Umiya.

Now this country cannot be run in isolation with half-hearted efforts. Small efforts will not do. We have to think big. Whether we should do it or not? Whether it is being done or not? If it was not then world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel would not have been constructed. If we want to make anything big then why should it only be the tallest in India? Why not tallest in the world? Some people cannot digest it.

Why India should not have the Bullet Train? Why India should not have the best things in the world? And if our brave Jawans show their valour, it is enormous and precise. They show it where it is meant for. India has changed. The ordinary citizens of India have changed. And because of that the country can take a decision and can achieve that.

Here people will be blessed by Maa Umiya. It is comparatively easy to change the society on the basis of spiritual devotion. Could anybody think that the whole world would try to learn Yoga? Yoga is now flourishing in every corner of the world. Modi has not introduced Yoga. It is the legacy of our sages and saints. Modi only told the world about the path and the world followed that.

Today when we are sitting at the feet of Maa Umiya, how can we forget Chhagan Bapa? We have to acknowledge that because of Chhagan Bapa’s foresightedness so many people are sitting here today. He had taken up the responsibility of educating the girls. When we were celebrating the centenary of Chhagan Bapa, I had said this great man knew what the right path to take the society forward was. He had chosen the path of education. And today we can see where the Patidars have reached.

But now one Chhagan Bapa will not do. Now we need hundreds of Chhagan Bapa, who will instill new confidence and new consciousness in the society. I believe such a system will develop in Maa Umiya Dham.

Youngsters like C.K. are working hard. I have known C.K. closely for more than thirty years. He is very active. He works smilingly and with devotion. R.P. is also a very hard-working person. The new team has taken up the work with the blessings of the old team. So I believe that the work will be accomplished before the stipulated time and will be better than the expectation.

We all must move forward. But if we take a wrong path, can it be called moving forward? If we worship Maa Umiya and kill the female foetus in mother’s womb, will Maa Umiya forgive us? Why are you silent? Look, I have grown up amongst you, so I think I have the right to ask you. I am telling you as the Prime Minister. I used to be very angry with the people of Unjha. Nobody would have admonished Unjha as I have done. Why? In the entire Gujarat, the number of female child was lowest in Unjha Tehsil in comparison to male child. In a place where Maa Umiya is the deity, girl child was being killed!

With Maa Umiya’s blessings I want something from you. Will you give it to me? These people will come to you for donations. One thousand crores will have to be collected. But I do not want a single paisa. I want something else. Will you give it to me? Not like that. Raise both your hands and say that you will give it to me. You are at the feet of Maa Umiya. Raising your hands say in the name of Maa Umiya that “I will not commit the sin of killing the girl child. I will not commit the sin of female foeticide.” Our doctors will also not resort to this wrong practice to earn money. We will pull together all our resources and try to convince others that there is no difference between a son and a daughter. You can see that today in sports most of the gold medals are won by the girls. If you look at the results of tenth and twelfth, the girls are the most successful ones. Some people are under the illusion that the son will take care of them when they will become old. Forget it. There are instances that despite having four sons and four bungalows, the father is languishing in the old age home. On the other hand, a single daughter takes the vow that she will not marry and will take care of her old parents. Today I want this commitment from this society and I believe that this society will not turn me away.

With the blessings of Maa Umiya, there has been a transformation in the society. But unfortunately, certain things are ruining our new generation. We have to save our youth. We have to think how we can prevent our youth from taking drugs. Money will come; but every son of Maa Umiya will have to ensure that with money drugs and intoxicating substance should not enter his house.

 

 

 

I am saying this because I know that it is increasingly becoming difficult to save the young ones in the family. This spiritual consciousness can save them. This collective rite can save them. And for that this Umiya Dham should become a centre for social education, social reform and social consciousness. My good wishes to all the trustees. I shall be in the Government of India even after 2019. So do not worry. If the government of India has anything to do, please do not hesitate; because my Delhi home also belongs to you. Lots of thanks!

Say once again –

Jai Jai Maa Umiya!

Jai Jai Maa Umiya!

Jai Jai Maa Umiya!

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

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Joint Statement: Official visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Kuwait (December 21-22, 2024)
December 22, 2024

At the invitation of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Kuwait on 21-22 December 2024. This was his first visit to Kuwait. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait on 21 December 2024 as the ‘Guest of Honour’ of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Bayan Palace on 22 December 2024 and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed his deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for conferring on him the highest award of the State of Kuwait ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’. The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, global, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Given the traditional, close and friendly bilateral relations and desire to deepen cooperation in all fields, the two leaders agreed to elevate the relations between India and Kuwait to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. The leaders stressed that it is in line with the common interests of the two countries and for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. Establishment of a strategic partnership between both countries will further broad-base and deepen our long-standing historical ties.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. In light of the newly established strategic partnership, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations through comprehensive and structured cooperation in key areas, including political, trade, investment, defence, security, energy, culture, education, technology and people-to-people ties.

The two sides recalled the centuries-old historical ties rooted in shared history and cultural affinities. They noted with satisfaction the regular interactions at various levels which have helped in generating and sustaining the momentum in the multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized on sustaining the recent momentum in high-level exchanges through regular bilateral exchanges at Ministerial and senior-official levels.

The two sides welcomed the recent establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) between India and Kuwait. The JCC will be an institutional mechanism to review and monitor the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations between the two countries and will be headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. To further expand our bilateral cooperation across various fields, new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up in areas of trade, investments, education and skill development, science and technology, security and counter-terrorism, agriculture, and culture, in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons. Both sides emphasized on convening the meetings of the JCC and the JWGs under it at an early date.

Both sides noted that trade has been an enduring link between the two countries and emphasized on the potential for further growth and diversification in bilateral trade. They also emphasized on the need for promoting exchange of business delegations and strengthening institutional linkages.

Recognizing that the Indian economy is one of the fastest growing emerging major economies and acknowledging Kuwait’s significant investment capacity, both sides discussed various avenues for investments in India. The Kuwaiti side welcomed steps taken by India in making a conducive environment for foreign direct investments and foreign institutional investments, and expressed interest to explore investment opportunities in different sectors, including technology, tourism, healthcare, food-security, logistics and others. They recognized the need for closer and greater engagement between investment authorities in Kuwait with Indian institutions, companies and funds. They encouraged companies of both countries to invest and participate in infrastructure projects. They also directed the concerned authorities of both countries to fast-track and complete the ongoing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership in the energy sector. While expressing satisfaction at the bilateral energy trade, they agreed that potential exists to further enhance it. They discussed avenues to transform the cooperation from a buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive partnership with greater collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors. Both sides expressed keenness to support companies of the two countries to increase cooperation in the fields of exploration and production of oil and gas, refining, engineering services, petrochemical industries, new and renewable energy. Both sides also agreed to discuss participation by Kuwait in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve Programme.

Both sides agreed that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership between India and Kuwait. The two sides welcomed the signing of the MoU in the field of Defence that will provide the required framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment.

The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. The Indian side praised the results of the fourth high-level conference on "Enhancing International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Building Resilient Mechanisms for Border Security - The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process," which was hosted by the State of Kuwait on November 4-5, 2024.

Both sides acknowledged health cooperation as one of the important pillars of bilateral ties and expressed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration in this important sector. Both sides appreciated the bilateral cooperation during the COVID- 19 pandemic. They discussed the possibility of setting up of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Kuwait. They also expressed their intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of medical products regulation in the ongoing discussions on an MoU between the drug regulatory authorities.

The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. They discussed avenues to explore B2B cooperation, furthering e-Governance, and sharing best practices for facilitating industries/companies of both countries in the policies and regulation in the electronics and IT sector.

The Kuwaiti side also expressed interest in cooperation with India to ensure its food-security. Both sides discussed various avenues for collaboration including investments by Kuwaiti companies in food parks in India.

The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s decision to become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in developing and deploying low-carbon growth trajectories and fostering sustainable energy solutions. Both sides agreed to work closely towards increasing the deployment of solar energy across the globe within ISA.

Both sides noted the recent meetings between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. The two sides discussed the increase of bilateral flight seat capacities and associated issues. They agreed to continue discussions in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date.

Appreciating the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029, which will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in arts, music, and literature festivals, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment on further enhancing people to people contacts and strengthening the cultural cooperation.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports for 2025-2028. which will strengthen cooperation in the area of sports including mutual exchange and visits of sportsmen, organising workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of sports publications between both nations.

Both sides highlighted that education is an important area of cooperation including strengthening institutional linkages and exchanges between higher educational institutions of both countries. Both sides also expressed interest in collaborating on Educational Technology, exploring opportunities for online learning platforms and digital libraries to modernize educational infrastructure.

As part of the activities under the MoU between Sheikh Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), both sides welcomed the proposal to organize the Special Course for diplomats and Officers from Kuwait at SSIFS in New Delhi.

Both sides acknowledged that centuries old people-to-people ties represent a fundamental pillar of the historic India-Kuwait relationship. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed deep appreciation for the role and contribution made by the Indian community in Kuwait for the progress and development of their host country, noting that Indian citizens in Kuwait are highly respected for their peaceful and hard-working nature. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait for ensuring the welfare and well-being of this large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait.

The two sides stressed upon the depth and importance of long standing and historical cooperation in the field of manpower mobility and human resources. Both sides agreed to hold regular meetings of Consular Dialogue as well as Labour and Manpower Dialogue to address issues related to expatriates, labour mobility and matters of mutual interest.

The two sides appreciated the excellent coordination between both sides in the UN and other multilateral fora. The Indian side welcomed Kuwait’s entry as ‘dialogue partner’ in SCO during India’s Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023. The Indian side also appreciated Kuwait’s active role in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). The Kuwaiti side highlighted the importance of making the necessary efforts to explore the possibility of transforming the ACD into a regional organisation.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated His Highness the Amir on Kuwait’s assumption of the Presidency of GCC this year and expressed confidence that the growing India-GCC cooperation will be further strengthened under his visionary leadership. Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in Riyadh on 9 September 2024. The Kuwaiti side as the current Chair of GCC assured full support for deepening of the India-GCC cooperation under the recently adopted Joint Action Plan in areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

In the context of the UN reforms, both leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for the UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in both categories of membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective.

The following documents were signed/exchanged during the visit, which will further deepen the multifaceted bilateral relationship as well as open avenues for newer areas of cooperation:● MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence.

● Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.

● Executive Programme between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Sports for 2025-2028 between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Government of the State of Kuwait.

● Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi thanked His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. The visit reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Kuwait. The leaders expressed optimism that this renewed partnership would continue to grow, benefiting the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global stability. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also invited His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait to visit India.