Minister from UP government Sri Ahmad Hussain ji, the local representative from the area Sri Surendra Singh ji, our MLC Sri Kedar Nath Singh ji, respected sister Durga Devi ji, Sri Arvind ji and my dear brothers and sisters who have gathered here in large numbers. 

The government of India has envisioned a new programme - The Saansad Aadarsh Graam Project. I, being a parliamentarian need to take responsibility of a village under this plan too. I have been reading different versions in the newspapers about my decision to adopt Jayapur village for this plan. Each one gives some version and this baffles me. I am surprised at how some fertile brains are working to spread stories about my decision to adopt this specific village. Such reasons given are ones that even I am not aware of. Why I chose this village has a very simple reason and the reason is that when Bhartiya Janta Party chose me to contest elections from Banaras, that time a big tragedy occurred where 5 people lost their lives in a fire in Jayapur. The first ever name that I became aware of after being selected for the Banaras constituency was that of Jayapur. That too I heard in a moment of crisis. Though I was neither the MP nor we had a government here, I called up the government officials, I called up my party workers and asked them to reach here for help. So this is the reason Jayapur occupied a place in my mind and my heart. So our relationship started in a moment of crisis and those relationships that spring from crisis often last a lifetime. So this is the reason for my association with Jayapur. I consider this as a fortunate association. Rest all the stories being spread are false and they have no basis. None that I am aware of. 

Now some people are writing that the Prime Minster is adopting a village. Well, this scheme is such where it is the other way round i.e. the villages are adopting a parliamentarian. Whatever position we may hold, either that of Minister, Chief Minister or even a Prime Minister, nothing can be compared to the learning that we can receive from the villagers. If I intend to become a good people’s representative, if as a public representative I want to understand people and their problems, learn something worthwhile then I cannot do so by sitting with clerks and officers. I can gather this knowledge only by interactions with the learned and experienced people of the village. They might not have been to school or had college education but what they have is a vast store of knowledge and experience. They have such a vast body of experience that they know practical ways of resolving issues, which can be a great learning experience for the public representative. This is why I have chosen Jayapur and I request you to adopt me in return and teach me ways to resolve your issues. Even after so many years of Independence our villages remained where they were then. Why so? It is now your turn to say that for the past 60 years you sat in your offices at Lucknow and Delhi and made endless policies and spent millions to no avail. Now listen to us and do what we think is better for us. 

I am also witnessing that the villages are competing to be adopted for this scheme. They are expecting the Parliamentarian to choose their village for adoption. The reason for this is a misconception among the villagers that if the parliamentarian adopts their village, a lot of money is going to flow in. Well this scheme has no money. This scheme does not involve money for if there is money, and then there will definitely be a corrupt person to pocket that money. The reason for launching this scheme was that despite running several schemes and spending lots of money, there was no change in lives of the villagers. The idea of this scheme is to find answers to these very questions. 

A few days back I invited the senior bureaucrats for tea during Diwali. These are those top notch officials who practically run the country. All of them are so highly placed that a common citizen cannot possibly approach them. I called them and gave them a job. I asked them to visit the place of their first posting. That very place where they must have been posted for around a year, where they started their careers and received their initial training. I asked them to revisit those places with their children and families. Tell them how you started as a fresher, how you functioned out of your first office and try and remember those people who helped you. Take your families to meet your acquaintances there. I asked them to spend at least three days in that very same location. And think how far they have reached in these 30-40 years whereas the village you started in remained where it was. Go and see for yourself and show the same to your family also. I want to create sensitivity, something that invokes some kind of proactive thought, where they think that it is their responsibility to bring to the forefront all those who supported them when they were new. The public representatives need to think to bring development to all those who have been instrumental in bringing them onto the national political scene. Hence it is my vision to go among these very people, work along with them and see that the government policies designed for them are fully implemented. See if there is the desired change in the village. If there is a difficulty in launching these programmes, then whatever policy level changes need to be made can be decided. If the MP is successful in achieving this, then the entire machinery of the government will get accustomed to working for people. 

I want to create an environment where the residents of Jayapur feel empowered about taking a decision for their well being. I have been seeing that Jayapur is in limelight these days a lot. Many government officials have visited the place. The village was cleaned, roads repaired. On asking why these special efforts are being made, it was the preparation for Modi ji’s visit. The villagers held the view that if Modi ji visits the village frequently it will become very clean. Are you correct in thinking this way? Now that the village has been cleaned, I would appreciate that you take a call that now all of us work together to keep the village clean. Isn’t this the beginning of an ideal village? I want you to think about the oldest tree in the village. Have you ever spared it a thought? Has the village school master ever thought of taking his students to that tree and tell them about its age, that it is some 150-200 years old, that generations from grandparents to parents to these children have played under this tree? This will foster a bonding with that tree. Today no village might know about its oldest tree. Why is this so? Are we no longer fond of them? Do we think about the elders of the village, how many are above 100 years of age, how many are above 75 years or more? How many children of the village sit with these elders and talk about the old days, about the childhood of their elders. How was their school, how were their teachers, what were the food habits at that time, how did they cope with the changing seasons. Have you ever tried this? Sadly, the closed and family like environment so common in a village scenario has suddenly started shrinking. Can we work together to bring back this environment? 

Let me ask you. Do you know the day when your village was established? There must be a day when this village came into existence. If you do not know then go to the government offices and find out when this village found existence in government records. If no record exists then decide upon a day which would be celebrated as the day when this village was born, like we celebrate our birthday. All those who have left the village in order to earn their living will also come back that day. All the senior people of the village who have attained 75, 80 or 90 years should be honoured. Tell me, on such a day, will you not clean the village? Will there be change in the mindsets or not? If someone from the village has gone out, and one day if he returns, on finding the school fan missing, he will donate one? 

How do we make our village an ideal one, not with the help of the government, but by awakening the collective strength of the society. We will decide that no child in the village would eat without first washing their hands. Tell me, do we need the government for this kind of a job. I was reading a report about a neighboring country where 40 out of 100 children die because of diseases related to not washing hands. Means 40 children out of hundred died because they did not wash hands. How much do we love our children? If the kids fall sick everyone feels sad. So let us all decide that no child from this village will ever eat anything without first washing his hands. You will not expect a prime minister to be talking about these issues. There must be some mistake. Well our leaders in the past were so accustomed of talking tall, that it never changed the ground realities. I am not here to talk big. I have to achieve a larger goal by these small targets. 

I want to ask the people of this village, some must have passed 10th, some must have passed 12th grade, some might be graduates, people of different age groups like 50 or 60 years old- have you ever been to the school where your child goes to study? Have you seen the school? Do you check if the teacher comes or not? Is the drinking water clean or dirty, if there is a toilet or a library in the school, if the computers in the school are in a working condition or not. Have we ever taken an interest in these issues? What we have done is admitted our children in school, dumped our child there at the mercy of the teacher and left him to his fate. This attitude doesn’t work. We have to be more proactive. We can decide to make a committee of the members of one neighborhood who will go each day and supervise the functioning of the school. Tell me then, our school, however small it might be, will truly turn into a temple of learning or not. It is such an easy job. 

I often tell the poor families in the villages to celebrate the birth of the girl child. But do we really celebrate the birth of a girl. Some families often end up feeling sad if a girl child is born. The daughter in law of the household has to face everybody’s ire. Will our Jayapur village celebrate the birth of a girl child? The goddess of wealth enters our household, so this should be celebrated or not, should we not be equally proud of our daughters. See, how few girls are being born in comparison to the number of boys. The reason of this is that the daughters are killed in the womb itself. If we kill the girl child in the womb itself so how will the social cycle function. If 1000 boys are born and only 800 girls are there, 200 boys will remain unmarried. What then will happen to our villages, our society? And is this the job of the government? Isn’t this our responsibility as a society to protect and honour our women? That is why I am here today, in Jayapur. We have decided whatever we were doing is past, now we have to think of a new way forward. I even say this that if you have a farm or a small piece of land, sow five plants when your daughter is born to celebrate the occasion. The girl will grow up and so will the trees. When she is old enough to get married, sell those trees and you will get the money to marry her off. 

We have to work together to develop new social structure. When the village celebrates its inception day, there will be no room for casteism. All will live in unity, casteism will not survive and once free of this social ill, no one can stop you from being a force so strong beyond everyone’s imagination. Hence this entire Aadarsh Gram Yojana involves implementing government schemes properly, on time and effectively. We have to implement it in a fashion that optimum results are obtained. The MP will provide necessary guidance and the work will gather momentum. Once the government officers realize how the work is to be done in the village, others too will follow soon. 

I have an intense desire to do many things for this village and the district of Banaras which are now under my responsibility. But I do not intend to work in the usual format of the governmental set up utilizing the funds of the government treasury. I want to use the people’s power by encouraging people’s participation. 

A while back our Village Pradhan, Durga Devi ji was giving her speech. I asked her about her qualification? She informed that she had studied till the eighth standard. Now see, how high was her confidence level because of her education. I felt proud; I was truly impressed by the manner in which she expressed her views. Don’t we want our daughters to be educated? If our Pradhan is educated, so shall be all the daughters of this village. 

Why is it so, that even for taking polio drops someone from the government office has to come to call us? Shouldn’t the youth of the village take the responsibility to see that all children receive polio drops, that no child should be inflicted by polio, that there is no one who is handicapped? The government can bring you the polio drops but it is your responsibility to see that the children receive it. So we will take this responsibility, won’t we? 

I have spent time with you, interacted with party workers and officials to understand your problems. I am confident that people in the administration which is primarily being run by the state government, will see to it that the tasks are undertaken and duly taken to their culmination. What the government needs to do and what as villagers we need to do… we will decide now. And I repeat, the MP will not adopt the village, rather the village has to adopt the MP. We have to work in a new direction and create an ideal village. I am grateful to the people of Jayapur. Naturally if I have made inquiries about the works being done, the organizational functioning, then I will try to find new ways too. But I do not wish to discuss this on the stage here. I will raise these issues at the necessary forums. At the same time I expect you people to sit together and decide what works you can undertake and to work on your own collective strengths. 

I have heard that there is a water crisis in this village. The government will do what it needs to do. But let us decide that we will not allow even a single drop of rainwater to go waste. There will no longer be water crisis. But all of us have to work together for this. Whatever we have been doing is past. Now we have to think of a new way forward. We have to march ahead with our social strength. We will no longer wait for the government to do something for us. We will work together as a force and involve our neighbouring villages too. I have seen this happening in some villages. The people have done it and so will Jayapur do it. 

I express my gratitude for the love and respect showered by you and I want to assure you that we will work together as a team to create a new Jayapur, a better Jayapur. 

With this belief in my heart, I express my sincere gratitude to you all. Thank You! 

(The original speech was in Hindi, this is the English rendering. Original speech remains the authoritative version) 

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Today, India is emerging as a leading force in the Global Space-Aviation convergence: PM Modi at AGM of IATA
June 02, 2025
QuoteToday, India is emerging as a leading force in the Global Space-Aviation convergence: PM
QuoteIndia today is the world's third-largest domestic aviation market: PM
QuoteThe success of the UDAN scheme is a golden chapter in Indian civil aviation: PM
QuoteFor the world's leading aviation companies, India presents an excellent opportunity for investment: PM

My colleagues at the Centre, Ram Mohan Naidu ji and Murlidhar Mohol ji, Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors Peter Elbers ji, Director General of IATA Willie Walsh ji, Managing Director of IndiGo Rahul Bhatia ji, all other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen!

I welcome all the guests to Bharat for the 81st Annual General Meeting of IATA and the World Air Transport Summit. It is an honour to have you here. This event is taking place in Bharat after four decades. In these four decades, much has changed in Bharat. Today's Bharat is filled with greater self-confidence than ever before. We are not only a vast market in the global aviation ecosystem, but also a symbol of policy leadership, innovation, and inclusive development. Today, Bharat is emerging as a leader in global space-aviation convergence. You are all well aware of the historic rise of Bharat’s civil aviation sector over the past decade.

Friends,

This summit and this dialogue are not just about aviation — they are also a medium to advance our shared agenda of global cooperation, climate commitments, and equitable growth. The discussions taking place at this summit will give new direction to global aviation. I am confident that we will be able to tap into the infinite possibilities of this sector and utilize them more effectively.

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Friends,

Today, we cover distances of hundreds of kilometres and intercontinental journeys in just a few hours. But the dreams of the 21st-century world and our infinite imaginations have not stopped. Today, the speed of innovation and technological upgradation is faster than ever before. And as our speed has increased, we have turned distant destinations into part of our destiny. We now stand at a point where our travel plans are not limited to the cities of the Earth. Humanity is now dreaming of commercializing space flights and interplanetary travel — of opening these frontiers to civil aviation. While it is true that this may still take time, it clearly indicates that the aviation sector is poised to become a centre of major transformation and innovation in the times ahead. Bharat is fully prepared for all these possibilities. I say this on the basis of three strong pillars that Bharat possesses: Firstly, Bharat has the market — and this market is not just a group of consumers; it reflects the aspirations of a dynamic and ambitious society of Bharat. Secondly, we have the demography and talent for technology and innovation — our youth are the new-age innovators, who are driving breakthroughs in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and clean energy. Thirdly, we have an open and supportive policy ecosystem for industry. With the strength of these three capabilities, we must work together to take Bharat’s aviation sector to new heights.

Friends,

In recent years, Bharat has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in the field of civil aviation. Today, Bharat is the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world. The success of our UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme is a golden chapter in Indian civil aviation. Under this scheme, more than 15 million passengers have availed affordable air travel, and many citizens were able to fly for the very first time. Our airlines are consistently achieving double-digit growth. Together, Indian and foreign airlines operate flights for nearly 240 million passengers annually — more than the total population of most countries in the world. And by 2030, this number is expected to reach 500 million passengers. Today, 3.5 million metric tonnes of cargo are transported by air in Bharat, and by the end of this decade, that figure is projected to rise to 10 million metric tonnes.

Friends,

These are not just numbers — they are a glimpse into the potential of a New Bharat. And Bharat is working on a futuristic roadmap to fully maximize this potential. We are investing in world-class airport infrastructure. As Naidu ji mentioned, Bharat had 74 operational airports until 2014. Today, that number has increased to 162. Indian carriers have placed orders for over 2,000 new aircraft. And this is just the beginning. Bharat’s aviation sector is standing at a take-off point from where it is ready to soar to great heights. And this journey will not just cross geographical boundaries, but will also lead the world towards sustainability, green mobility, and equitable access.

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Friends,

Today, the handling capacity of our airports has reached 500 million passengers annually. Bharat is now among the select few countries in the world that are setting new standards in user experience through technology. We are equally focused on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. We are moving towards sustainable aviation fuels, investing in green technologies, reducing our carbon footprint, and ensuring both progress and protection of the planet.

Friends,

To our international guests here, I would especially encourage you to learn about the Digi Yatra App. Digi Yatra is an example of digital innovation in aviation. Using facial verification technology, it provides a complete seamless travel solution — from airport entry to the boarding gate. There is no need to carry paper documents or show any ID. I believe innovations like these, born from Bharat’s experience in delivering quality services to such a large population, can benefit many other countries as well. This is a secure and smart solution, and it can serve as a model and inspiration for the Global South.

Friends,

One of the major reasons behind the rapidly expanding aviation sector in Bharat is our commitment to consistent reforms. We are taking every possible step to make Bharat a global manufacturing hub. In this year’s Budget, we have announced Mission Manufacturing. Earlier this year, as Naidu ji mentioned, we passed the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill in the Indian Parliament. This has given legal force to the Cape Town Convention in Bharat. As a result, a new opportunity has opened up for global aircraft leasing companies to operate in Bharat. Many of you are already aware of the incentives being provided in GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City). These incentives have made Bharat an attractive destination for aircraft leasing.

Friends,

The new Indian Aircraft Act is aligning our aviation laws with global best practices. This means Bharat’s aviation laws are now simpler, the regulations are more business-friendly, and the tax structure is streamlined. Therefore, this is an excellent opportunity for the world’s leading aviation companies to invest in Bharat.

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Friends,

Growth in the aviation sector means new flights, new jobs, and new opportunities. The aviation sector is creating new avenues for pilots, crew members, engineers, and ground staff. Another sunrise sector is emerging — MRO, i.e., Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul. Our new MRO policies have accelerated efforts to make Bharat a global hub for aircraft maintenance. In 2014, there were 96 MRO facilities in Bharat. Today, that number has increased to 154. Reforms like 100% FDI under the automatic route, GST reduction, and tax rationalization have given the MRO sector new momentum. Now, our target is to make Bharat a $4 billion MRO hub by 2030.

Friends,

We want the world to see Bharat not just as an aviation market, but as a value-chain leader. From design to delivery, Bharat is becoming an integral part of the global aviation supply chain. Our direction is right, our speed is right, and that gives us the confidence to keep progressing rapidly. I urge all aviation companies: Along with Make in India, also focus on Design in India.

Friends,

One more strong pillar of Bharat’s aviation sector is its inclusive model. Today, over 15% of pilots in Bharat are women — this is three times the global average. Across the world, the average participation of women in cabin crew roles is around 70%, while Bharat’s figure stands at 86%. The number of female engineers in Bharat’s MRO sector is also surpassing the global average.

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Friends,

Another key component of the aviation sector today is drone technology. Bharat is using drone technology not just for technological advancement, but also as a tool for financial and social inclusion. Through drones, we are empowering women's Self-Help Groups. This has led to increased participation of women in agriculture, delivery services, and other essential areas.

Friends,

We have always placed safety as the top priority in aviation. Bharat has aligned its regulations with ICAO’s global standards. Recently, ICAO’s safety audit appreciated our efforts. The adoption of the Delhi Declaration at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference is a testament to Bharat’s strong commitment. Bharat has always supported Open Skies and global connectivity. We uphold the principles of the Chicago Convention. Let us work together to create a future where air travel is accessible, affordable, and secure for everyone. I am confident that all of you will come up with new solutions to take the aviation sector to even greater heights. I extend my best wishes to all of you.

Thank you very much.

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