Published By : Admin | February 9, 2014 | 22:15 IST
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"Shri Modi expressed concern over the lack of policy formulation for outsourcing by the Central government, especially since the youth of Kerala were jobless"
"Shri Modi spoke about the misrule witnessed in Kerala under the Communist government, and urged the people to forget them and show support for the Third Alternative - the BJP"
"Shri Modi said that tourism in Kerala had reached a static state and much needed to be done to promote the vibrancy of this sector"
"In god’s own country, in this spiritual land, we need to affirm that we will not allow the youth to walk on the path of crime: Shri Narendra Modi"
Speaking at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, on the evening of 9th February, Shri Narendra Modi underscored the untapped potential of God’s own country and attacked the Congress-led UDF and Left-led LDF for the lack of development in Kerala.
Highlighting the sorry state-of-affairs in Kerala, where, inspite of its rich cultural diversity and natural bounty, the youth had to go to the foreign shores seeking work, Shri Modi asked, “Is the BJP responsible for this situation in Kerala? I want to know from you.” To this, the audience replied in negation.
He went on to add how the Communists had opposed the mechanization of agriculture and the harm this had caused to the farmers of Kerala, while also expressing his concern over the lack of policy formulation for outsourcing by the Central government, especially since the youth of Kerala were jobless. He further added, “Be it the Kerala government or the Central government, they are not bothered about using the fertile land of Kerala and providing employment to the youth.”
Shri Modi spoke of how Democracy for the Communist party was only about grabbing power. “Communists do not believe in democracy. For them democracy is only about grabbing. So they keep dreaming of instability,” said Shri Modi. Reflecting upon the game being played between the UDF and LDF, Shri Modi spoke how the spate of events were proof enough of the close relations shared between them, while stating that, “They are experts at shadow boxing. It’s like WWF of TV.”
Shri Modi spoke about the misrule witnessed in Kerala under their government, and urged the people to forget them and show support for the Third Alternative. “Kerala needs the Third Alternative and we come to you with that,” stressed Shri Modi.
Underscoring the tremendous potential for tourism entailed in the land of Kerala, Shri Modi said that inspite of the vast opportunities in the domains of health tourism and holistic healthcare, nothing was being done to promote it. He added that tourism in Kerala had reached a static state and much needed to be done to promote the vibrancy of this sector. Also highlighting the immense scope of religious tourism in Kerala, Shri Modi spoke of how the Central government had spent crores on the advertisements for Incredible India, but the promotions never uttered a word on Kerala’s most-sought-after spiritual abode of Sabarimala. “Who is responsible for this? Why isn’t a growth module, with so much scope, being developed,” asked Shri Modi.
Shri Modi compared how Gujarat and Kerala had responded differently to LNG terminal. He said that though the decision for implementation was taken at the same time in 1998, in both states, Gujarat was quicker and set the process in 2004, while the project is yet to see the light of the day in Kerala. This, he said, was also reflective of how good governance differed from bad and ineffective governance.
Stating that the aspects of agriculture, manufacturing and services sector were equally significant to the Nation’s growth, Shri Modi urged the decision-makers and the people to give due emphasis on each of these aspects.
Shri Modi expressed deep concern over the involvement of the youth of Kerala in anti-social and unlawful activities, and said that had the government acted appropriately and guided them, this wouldn’t have happened. Comparing the government to a parent who is concerned about his child, Shri Modi said that the role of the government should not be limited only to decision-making but should also focus on guiding its citizens to take the right path and move forward towards progress. “In god’s own country, in this spiritual land, we need to affirm that we will not allow the youth to walk on the path of crime,” said Shri Modi.
He shared the feedback he had received through social media, wherein the women of Kerala had spoken about their distress at the youth getting increasingly dependent on liquour and drugs. Assuring the women, Shri Modi called for the need to address this grave issue with due action.
Shri Modi spoke of how the contribution of local heroes like Major Unni Krishnan go unnoticed, and asked the crowd if they were ready to continue with such a callous approach of the current government. “Those who believe in ruining India, those who do not want Kerala, till when will you trust them,” asked Shri Modi.
Shri Modi gave the example of West Bengal, which had voted out the Communist rule, and urged the people of Kerala to support the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. “Sawaal sau din ka hai. After 100 days, the BJP will come to power, but Kerala should feel that they too have contributed in forming the government in Delhi. The government in Delhi should be able to relate to the problems of Kerala,” said Shri Modi.
At the address, Shri Modi also recalled his meeting with the Maharaja of Travancore during his last visit and paid rich tributes to the great visionary who was no more.
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM
Your Excellency President Irfan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Philips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President Donald Ramotar, Members of the Guyanese Cabinet, Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaskar!
Seetaram !
I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.
I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.
Friends,
I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.
Friends,
I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.
Friends,
Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.
I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.
President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.
Friends,
Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.
This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.
I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.
Friends,
Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.
Friends,
The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.
Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.
Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!
Friends,
This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.
We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.
Friends,
I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.
In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.
We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.
Friends,
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.
We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.
Friends,
While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.
At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.
We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.
Friends,
Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.
Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.
As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.
Friends,
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.
You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.
Friends,
Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.
Friends,
Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.
It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.
