Every Indian is proud of the rich diversity the country has: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | March 1, 2018 | 11:56 IST
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Your Majesty the King of Jordan Janaab Abdullah Ibn Al Hussain,

Excellencies, Religious scholars, top leaders and distinguished guests present here.

It’s a matter of great happiness and pride for me today as the King of Jordan is present here amongst this gathering of a few select leaders and religious scholars of India.

It is beyond my words to say something about your Majesty. The important role that you played in building the true identity of Islam, cannot be expressed in words. It can only be felt.

The book by His Highness Prince Ghazi which has just been discussed, is also the outcome of efforts made under your leadership in Jordan.

I am very hopeful that it will be of great help to the curious minds to understand Islam and the young people throughout the world will read the book.

With the kind of ease, with the kind of simplicity and sobriety you have accepted my request to attend this event clearly shows your affection towards India and its people.

Your Majesty,

Your country Jordan, which is a friend of us, is an indelible name in the annals and religious books. Jordan is situated on such a holy land from where the message of God reverberated in the entire world in the form of the voice of prophets and saints.

Your Majesty,

You are a wise man in your own right and you are very much familiar with India. You know it very well that all the major religions of the world have flourished in India’s cradle. All the religions and sects of the world have flourished on the Indian soil. They breathed, they all got life here. Be it the Lord Buddha two thousand five hundred years ago or be it Mahatma Gandhi in the last century. The fragrance of peace and love has spread across the entire world from the garden of India.

The soothing effect of this message has worked as balm on wounds. Leave alone philosophy and religion, it is there in the Indian psyche that every human being’s heart is lighted by the same spark. In every inch of his being is reflected the glory of the Almighty.

Your Majesty,

India’s capital Delhi was known as Indraprastha in the olden days. The philosophy of Sufi saints also struck deep roots into its soil.

The mausoleum of an eminent Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, about whom there was a discussion here just a short while ago, is at a short distance from here. The name Dilli has been derived from the word Dehleej.

This doorstep of the land of two rivers – Ganga-Jamuna is the gateway to India’s mixed Ganga-Jamuni culture. The ancient Indian philosophy and the mixed tradition of the love and humanism of Sufi saints have given the message of fundamental unity of the mankind from here.

This feeling of unity of mankind has given India the philosophy that the whole world is one family. It means that India and Indians have established their identity with the world by considering the whole world as one family.

The cultural and social diversity and plurality, and the openness of our outlook have remained India’s identity for ages. This has remained the hallmark of India. Every Indian is proud of this diversity of our rich heritage, no matter which language he speaks or whether he lights lamp in a temple or kneels down in a mosque or offers prayer in a church or sings Shabad in a Gurudwara.

Your Majesty,

At present the colorful festival of Holi is being celebrated in India. The New Year according to Buddhist tradition has started a few days ago. The entire country will celebrate Good Friday at the end of this month and after a few weeks it will celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. Thereafter there will be the holy month of Ramzan at the end of which the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr will remind us of sacrifice and mutual harmony and concord. These are some of the examples of those Indian festivals which are the festivals of peace and harmony.

Friends,

In the world’s largest Democracy, India, Democracy is not just a political system but it is also the fundamental basis of equality, diversity and concord. Indian democracy is a celebration of our age old plurality. This is that power because of which every Indian has respect for country’s glorious past, he believes in the present and is confident about its future. 

Friends,

The rich diversity of our tradition provides us that support which is extremely essential in the fight against the challenges like terrorism and extremism in today’s world which is full of uncertainties and apprehensions; which has been plagued by violence and malice. This legacy of us and our values, the message of our religions and their principles are those powers on the basis of which we can overcome the challenges like violence and terrorism.

Friends,

Those who carry out barbaric attacks against humanity perhaps fail to understand that the damage is being caused to that religion on behalf of which they claim to stand up. The movement against terrorism, extremism and radicalisation is not against any sect. It is against that mentality that misleads our youth and drives them to commit crimes against the innocent.

Your Majesty,

In India, it is our effort to take everyone along for the sake of everyone’s progress. It is because the destiny of the entire country is linked with the progress of every citizen. It is because the happiness of the country is linked with everyone’s happiness.

Gentlemen,

Your presence here in such a large number is indicative of the fact how much yearning, how much commitment you have for showing the path to the future generations. This also symbolises the fact that you not only place emphasis on the progress of youth but you also place emphasis on providing them with the teachings of human values.

Holistic happiness and all round development are only possible when you will see that the Muslim youths have Quran Sharif on one hand and computer on the other. The essence of religion can never be inhuman. Every sect, every creed, every tradition exists only for advancing the human values. Therefore, the need of the hour is while on the one hand to connect our youths to a humane Islam make them use modern science for progress on the other.

Your Majesty,

The steps, which have been taken under your guidance, are extremely helpful in containing the fire of barbarism. It’s a matter of happiness for us that two Indians too have been signatory to the ‘Aman Declaration’ and they are present here amongst us. It is our effort to create this kind of responsible awareness with the help of influential leaders like you, with the cooperation of friends like Jordan and with the cooperation of the leaders of all the sects and religions which will show the path to entire mankind.

All our efforts will be further strengthened due to your presence here. India would like to walk with you side by side in your efforts towards de-radicalization. More than a thousand Indian Ulemas, religious scholars and leaders are present here to give assurance to this effect. They are also present here so that they share your thoughts and by so doing gain courage and guidance from your leadership. I am extremely grateful to you for accepting the invitation to be here.

Gentlemen,

I thank you very much for participating in this event.

Thank you very much.

 

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Text of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024

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.