On Monday 29th April, Vishakhapatnam witnessed a dynamic discourse as Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman graced the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Campus Dialogue at GITAM University. The event, divided into two sessions, brought together a diverse audience to engage with the finance minister on India's growth trajectory.

In this dialogue, which saw 1,100 students and faculty attendance, Minister Sitharaman emphasised Viksit Bharat's collective achievements and issued a powerful call to action. She urged the youth to stand against cynicism and become ambassadors of growth, inspiring them to shape the nation's future actively.

Following the dialogue, a gathering of over 50 prominent city figures, including tech entrepreneurs, startup founders, heads of chambers of commerce, and owners of pharma industries, also interacted with Minister Sitharaman. They lauded the Modi government's efforts in transforming the business landscape and expressed pride in India's emergence as a thriving startup ecosystem. Sitharaman's emphasis on the government's focus on ease of doing business and innovation instilled hope in India's future as a global economic powerhouse.

She also highlighted how the widespread adoption of UPI in India resulted in 131 billion transactions during the fiscal year 2023-2024.

The Union Finance Minister remarked that despite the 1991 reforms, certain anticipated developments materialised slower than expected. She emphasised that the enthusiasm following those reforms did not translate into the desired outcomes until 2014.

Highlighting achievements during PM Modi's tenure, Sitharaman emphasised the transformative shift from economic stagnation to robust growth. She celebrated India's climb up the global economic ladder despite challenges, crediting clean governance and a growth-friendly environment. She also emphasised the establishment of the 'Anusandhan Corpus' in the Interim Budget 2024-25, aimed at fostering innovation and research to position India as a global hub.

The finance minister reflected on the progress made during the Modi 1.0 and Modi 2.0 administrations, contrasting these achievements with the economic challenges encountered during the UPA era.

She mentioned that in 2004, when the UPA came into power, India was ranked 12th globally. Over subsequent years, India's ranking fluctuated, reaching 14th place in 2007, climbing to 9th by 2011, then slipping to 10th in 2012 and 11th in 2013, before returning to 10th by 2014. She highlighted that India is currently positioned as the fifth-largest economy globally and will soon become the third-largest economy.

She praised the Modi government's steadfast and forward-thinking leadership, attributing India's impressive growth in recent years to this leadership. Sitharaman expressed confidence in India's ability to achieve significant development and stated, "India can, and India will become a developed nation by 2047."

An attendee highlighted the significant technological advancements in rural areas noting how even individuals living in poverty are now able to access technologies such as UPI and other developments.

An attendee emphasized that the motto of the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Program is to bring benefits to every individual and the economy. She highlighted how the crucial component of the program was to develop social infrastructure.

The Vision of Viksit Bharat: 140 crore dreams, 1 purpose

The Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement aims to encourage citizens to take responsibility for contributing to India's development. VBA meet-ups and events are being organized in various parts of the country to achieve this goal. These events provide a platform for participants to engage in constructive discussions, exchange ideas, and explore practical strategies for contributing to the movement.

Join the movement on the NaMo App: https://www.narendramodi.in/ViksitBharatAmbassador

The NaMo App: Bridging the Gap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's app, the NaMo App, is a digital bridge that empowers citizens to participate in the Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement. The NaMo App serves as a one-stop platform for individuals to:

Join the cause: Sign up and become a Viksit Bharat Ambassador and make 10 other people
Amplify Development Stories: Access updates, news, and resources related to the movement.
Create/Join Events: Create and discover local events, meet-ups, and volunteer opportunities.
Connect/Network: Find and interact with like-minded individuals who share the vision of a developed India.

The 'VBA Event' section in the 'Onground Tasks' tab of the 'Volunteer Module' of the NaMo App allows users to stay updated with the ongoing VBA events.

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শ্রী রাম জন্মভূমি মন্দিরের ধ্বজারোহণ উৎসবে প্রধানমন্ত্রীর বক্তব্যের বাংলা অনুবাদ
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PM Modi’s high-energy speech electrifies the Siliguri crowd
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Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today turbocharged the BJP’s campaign with a high-energy address in Siliguri, drawing massive public support. Addressing a packed rally in North Bengal, the PM launched a scathing attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of corruption, neglect and fostering a climate of fear.

Opening his speech with a personal connect to the region, PM Modi said, “Be it Darjeeling or Siliguri, I have come here many times. Every time, I receive immense love and blessings from the people. Yesterday’s 15-kilometre-long roadshow in Siliguri, filled with enthusiastic participation of youth and women, was truly incredible. Your affection and blessings are my greatest strength.”

He added, “Today’s massive gathering is enough to give sleepless nights to TMC. This rally in Siliguri is signaling the end of TMC’s ‘maha-jungle raj’. Across Bengal, one voice is echoing - ‘Poriborton dorkar, chai BJP sarkar!’”

He underscored what he called 15 years of misgovernance by TMC. “A child who was in Class 1 fifteen years ago is voting in this election today. This is the time to evaluate performance. But TMC has not delivered work, only a record of corruption,” he said.

Highlighting alleged regional neglect, he remarked, “Siliguri is the gateway to North Bengal, yet infrastructure here has been deliberately ignored. Whether it is connectivity, industry or tourism, people have only received neglect. Even the funds sent by the Centre have been siphoned off by syndicates.”

He further criticized the state government’s budget priorities, stating, “While thousands of crores are allocated elsewhere, North Bengal’s development continues to be sidelined. TMC is busy appeasing its vote bank instead of serving all sections equally.”

Emphasising Siliguri’s strategic importance, PM Modi said, “The Siliguri Corridor is not just a geographical term; it is an arm of Mother India. But TMC, driven by appeasement politics, has supported elements that have threatened this vital corridor. The country has a Tukde-Tukde gang and it threatened to cut off the Siliguri Corridor. They wanted to separate the northeast from the country. TMC, which indulges in appeasement politics, supports such people from the road to Parliament. This is the real face of TMC.”

He contrasted this with the Centre’s development push: “For BJP, Siliguri Corridor represents both national security and prosperity. Projects like the Sevoke-Rangpo railway line will directly connect Sikkim to the national rail network, boosting trade, tourism and employment for North Bengal’s youth.”

Outlining BJP’s roadmap, PM Modi said, “Under a double-engine government, Bengal will see double-speed development. We are committed to building modern engineering and medical colleges, a cancer hospital and a fashion designing institute in North Bengal.”

“We want the children of Bengal to have opportunities to play and excel in sports. That’s why BJP Bengal has announced plans to establish a Sports University in North Bengal. However, the TMC government is restricting the freedom of young women. They have created an atmosphere of fear among parents and women across the state,” he added.

Addressing tea garden workers, the PM noted, “Your tea’s flavour is known to me. But TMC has pushed tea gardens into distress. BJP will ensure land rights, housing, water, electricity, education and healthcare for every worker family.”

Raising concerns over law and order, the PM stated, “TMC has created fear among daughters and their families. “Modi guarantees justice in every case of crime against women. BJP will establish women police stations and help desks in every block and increase women’s recruitment in the police force,” he assured.

Announcing financial support, PM Modi said, “Bengal BJP has pledged ₹3,000 assistance for women. This money will reach directly into their bank accounts without any cut or commission.” “North Bengal is a land of immense talent. Tribal communities and Rajbanshi society have contributed greatly to India’s culture and progress. Our government is committed to preserving their language, traditions and identity,” he added.

In a strong closing appeal, PM Modi urged voters to give BJP an opportunity: “For 70 years, you gave chances to the Left, Congress and TMC. Now give Modi one chance, for the safety of daughters, for jobs for youth, for ending infiltration, for restoring law and order and for bringing back development.” He concluded with a powerful slogan, “Kamal khilao, ghuspaithiya bhagao! End fear, bring trust - this change is possible only with BJP.”