Shri Narendra Modi's speech on 42nd anniversary of Thuglak Magazine, Chennai.

Published By : Admin | January 14, 2012 | 05:34 IST

Place :Chennai Speech Date :14-01-2012

  • Happy to be here on the occasion of Pongal. Tamil Nadu and Gujarat share many things in common. Bapu from Gujarat but his consicence keeper Rajaji from Tamil Nadu
  • The economy did not take off because, after the Independence, Indian policies were not growth oriented. It was status-quo governance.
  • There is willingness to work hard. We are a young nation but, unfortunately, there is total lack of direction in governance at the national level.
  • We have to make development a mass movement. We should move away from the politics of caste, religion and region to development oriented politics.
Respected Advaniji Shri. Cho Ramasamy, dignitaries on the dias and dear Thuglak readers,

I am happy to be here with you on the occasion of pongal festival. I know pongal is one of the most important festivals of Tamils. In fact this is the festival for Tamils. Pongal is the festival of farmers. It is the festival of thanks giving for the sun god, animals and nature after a good harvest. On this day I share your joy and festivity.

Tamil Nadu and Gujarat share many things in common. They have many links from ancient days. People of Tamil Nadu love coffee . I too like your filter coffee. But Chikkari for making perfect coffee comes from Gujarat. I know you like Ground Nut oil. This is mainly supplied by us. Tamil women love cotton sarees and Gujarat produces maximum cotton in India.

While Gandhiji was from Gujarat, his conscience keeper Rajaji was from Tamil Nadu. Above all, our people from Gujarat what we call as Saurashtra came and settled in Tamil Nadu in large numbers. They have become Tamils by heart and lifestyle and are contributing to the economy, culture and literature of Tamil Nadu.

Similarly there is a huge population of Tamils living in Gujarat, peacefully contributing to our economy. In my own constituency Maninagar, there are more than twenty thousand Tamils. By inviting me for this function Cho is making the social cultural and economic ties between Gujarat and Tamil Nadu more stronger. One more thing also is common between both states- both are ruled by Non-Congress Chief Ministers.

Today is the 42nd anniversary of Thuglak. I remember I was here, for the anniversary celebrations of Thuglak a couple of years ago. Now I am here again, and I consider it my proud privilege. Thuglak is for the thinking people. It has stood by certain values since its launch. It has stood for Truth, objectivity and ethical journalism. My friend, Ashtavadhani Cho has consistently stood for these values with courage and determination for nearly four decades. I need to congratulate him and Thuglak team on this proud occasion.

We see every day a new magazine launched with lofty ideals, but not many are able to sustain themselves. If Thuglak has been able to survive, and improve it is mainly because of you people, the readers and supporters. In fact, the main credit for the success of Thuglak goes to you. I congratulate all the readers here and all over Tamil Nadu for the same .

Thuglak is not for entertainment. It does not cater to the baser instincts in man. It deals with social and political issues. It believes that true democracy and development can be ushered in only if people are politically aware to make right choices. Good governance is the birth right of citizens. Cho for four decades has been fighting for good governance and corruption free governments.

Today, I am here to congratulate Cho, his team and Thuglak on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary. At the same time, I am also here to share some of the concerns that I have not only as a chief minister but also as a citizen of this country. In a federal set up, state governments can be expected to deliver good governance only if the Central government leads the states by being an example. Is that happening in our country?

The great poet and philosopher of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvalluvar has clearly and beautifully told us what good governance is. He says,

Iyartalum Ittalum Kattalum Katta

Vakuttalum Vallatu Arasu

The meaning of this Kural is as follows

Generating wealth, saving wealth, maintaining wealth and spending it for the welfare of the people is the duty of a good government.

Last week, someone asked me a question. The question was that in 1950 the Indian economy was bigger than China. Today China’s economy is three times the size of India. What is the reason? The answer is simple.

The economy did not take off because, after the Independence, Indian policies were not growth oriented. It was status-quo governance. It was more focused on consolidation of power and position of a political party rather than consolidation and expansion of economy. The same situation continued for long time. In took forty long years for the ruling party to realize that the policies they were pursuing were not right.

By that time, the rest of the world including China had leaped ahead. In fact, even in smaller countries like Taiwan and Korea, per capita GDP has grown twenty times in last fifty years. India has achieved only a three-fold increase in the same period. Even after so called liberalization in 1991, only half hearted efforts were made.

Today, the situation is even worse. The country is passing through a very critical phase. On one hand the expectations of the people are rising. Also, the abilities of people to fulfill those expectations are also rising. There is willingness in our people to work hard. We are a young nation and our youth have the aspiration and the ability to scale very high. But, unfortunately, there is total lack of direction in governance at the national level.

The Congress led government at the centre is at a total loss as to what is happening around the world. Moreover, as Advaniji had put it, it is the most corrupt government after independence. Rajiv Gandhi had once said that if 100 paisa is spent from Delhi only 15 paisa reaches the common man. But his party has done little to change the situation.

Many of you might feel that it is easy to criticize but difficult to deliver. No. I am saying all this with the confidence and conviction that its all possible. I will speak from my own experience and from the experience of Gujarat.

Agricultural growth of Gujarat has been around 10% for the past ten years. There are no farmers suicide in the state. But it doesn’t happen overnight.

We have worked on integration of rivers; We focused on creation of lakhs of water harvesting structures. The result is that on one hand surface water is available and on the other, ground water is getting recharged. We have introduced micro-irrigation techniques for optimum usage of water. We have been moving in the villages during peak summer in the month of May to educate farmers on scientific agriculture practices. As a result, farmers income has increased six folds.

Our high agriculture productivity and growth is not only limited to cash crops. It is reflected in horticulture and vegetables as well. Naturally, it has a good effect on the nutrition front. But not resting there, Government is making pro-active efforts by taking steps like fortifying the flour and streamlining the Public distribution system. We have involved the society in a big way to help the poor in nutrition matters.

We have encouraged people to offer healthy food in the schools on their important dates, we have invited the milk producers and dairies to contribute a small portion for the poor pregnant and nursing mothers. Similar interventions initiated by us have become a mass movement.

All our villages are connected with broadband facility All of our primary and secondary schools have computers. Our village Panchayats are connected with broadband and are doing their transactions online. E-Governance has reached the village level. Villagers are able to use this technology also because Gujarat is the only State without power cuts even in the villages.

Gujarat leads in employment generation in the country. Simultaneously we are concentrating on skill development by creating new institutions, new courses and refining the existing courses. In fact, to give more focus to youth activities we are celebrating 2012 as the ‘Year of the Youth’. We began the celebrations only two days ago on the occasion of Swami Vivekanand’s 150th birth anniversary.

We have made our administration easy, effective and economical through e-governance. We have also made it transparent. Be it our e-procurement for online tendering or e-dhara for computerized records, or e-royalty which prevents mining scams . Through Garib Kalyan Melas we provide a corruption free delivery model where assistance under various schemes is given to the beneficiaries under one umbrella.

We have now decentralized our administration upto Tehsil (subdistrict) level so that instead of 26 pillars of development, the state now has 225 pillars of administration.

Friends! in Gujarat, we are working not only for our State, but for growth of the country. With our GSDP growth rate of more than 10%, we contribute highly to the economic growth of the country. That is why I say Development of Gujarat for the development of India If Gujarat is my atma India is Paramatma.

Our efforts in good governance have been acknowledged the world over. But, Gujarat has developed without much help from Central Government. Gujarat has developed inspite of all the hurdles and problems created by the UPA government. I repeat Gujarat developed not with the help of central government but inspite of it.

Friends, Year 2012 dawned upon us with a baggage of doubts and worries due to slow economic growth, increase in inflation, and growing terrorism. Corruption has reached new heights in the UPA led central government, all driven by vote bank politics. People have started wondering if at all there is a government at the centre. Let us look at these issues in detail.

First is the slowing down of the economic growth. Growth rate has come down from 8.5 per cent per annum to 6.9 per cent in the second quarter of 2011-12 It is due to fact that the credibility of the present government at the Centre has hit rock bottom. It has been caught in a series of corruption scandals that has weakened its resolve to govern. There is no clear roadmap, no reforms to correct the slowdown.

Coupled with weak leadership and intellectual bankruptcy the UPA government is a model of indecision leading to a drop in investor confidence.

The current mood of pessimism has already impacted the economy through drop in investments. There is a policy pause all around resulting in a crisis of confidence in the India story. Currently, the dream of the India story is fast turning into an economic and social nightmare.

Steep Inflation, declining production, GDP growth at record low levels, stock market and rupee collapse, rising deficits and rising foreign debts as well as current account deficits - a perfect economic storm!

The most worrisome is that both foreign and domestic investments activity is at low ebb. Restoring the growth momentum is imperative as any further slippage would entail losing a truly historic opportunity of being a global player.

Faster growth also provides the necessary resources to improve the quality of life for all. This opportunity should not be missed.

In these troubling times, Indian industrialists prefer to invest more outside than in their own country. India’s outbound foreign investments outpaced inflows of FDI for the first time in 2010-11: At this rate, outflows may well exceed inflows again this financial year, affecting overall growth!

We talk about Double Digit Growth Rates. Every month, these estimates are revised downwards. This is due to total mismanagement by UPA government. Only this financial year, Rs. 4.7 lakh crores have been borrowed to run the government. It is reflected in high inflation and price rise. It is the common man who is suffering. To top it all the entire government is paralyzed in Delhi. What pride you and I can take as citizens of a progressive India.

Who is responsible for this mess and what is the way out? This situation is regrettable when Dr. Manmohan singh, a world class economist is the Prime Minister. Or it may be because he is only a pawn and the control is elsewhere

The next issue is the safety and security of the people. More than half the area of this country is prone to the threat of terrorism. As far terrorism is concerned the UPA government has no political will due to its vote bank politics. After 9\11, the US government enacted strict laws against terrorism. Enacting of laws and strict implementation gave dividends and there has not been a single attack after that. But in India, even after 26\11 attack in Mumbai, the central government has no will. Not only is it unwilling to come out with stricter laws, it also does not allow the states to enact stringent laws against terrorism.

For example, GUJCOC bill- that is Gujarat Control of Organized Crime has been waiting for four years to be approved by the central government. You won’t do it because you want votes and you won’t allow others to do it because they should not get votes. Can such vote bank politics be tolerated when it comes to national security?

This in a sense is undermining the very federal structure of the country.

Gujarat shares a border with Pakistan and is a very sensitive border state. It is well within our rights to enact a bill to protect our state and our people from terrorism. But UPA government by not allowing us to enact the bill is challenging the very federal structure of the state, despite law and order being a state subject. This is one of the many examples of UPA government trampling on the powers of the state.

Dividing and ruling has been the very core of congress politics. Majority and Minority – this division of the people has been going on for more than 6 decades. Now when the elections of five states are approaching congress has played this game again. The allocation of 4.5% of reservation to minority communities from OBC quota is one such move. Do you think this will help the minority community?

Congress is trying to create a division among them as forward and backward castes. I am not saying this. Some of the Muslim leaders themselves have said this and have understood the vote bank politics of congress very well.

Another issue of national concern would be the proposed Communal Violence Bill. The Bill presumes that the majority community is always responsible for any riot. This is too harsh an assumption and a threat to the peaceful functioning of a diverse nation like India.

It is a dangerous Bill as it harms the federal structure of the Constitution. Not only does it allow the Centre to hold all the powers, it doesn’t even consider anybody a citizen. The Bill treats a person only as one belonging to either a majority or a minority, which is against the secular feature of our constitution.

The Bill in its present form, drafted by National Advisory Council, presumes that the majority community is unjust, and the minority community is the victim. Not only will this be an injustice to the society, it will further lead to communal tensions. These issues are state specific and the state governments should be allowed to handle these issues.

While Swarajya has been attained for more than half a century, Surajya (Good Governance ) is still a distant dream in large parts of the country. It is only through good governance and building transparent systems with a capacity to deliver can India move forward. Unfortunately, corruption has stopped the growth and development in many spheres. For the past two years, the UPA government has been rocked with scandals and corruptions.

Ministers and MPs belonging to UPA or its allies have been either forced to resign or even forced to go to prison. The scandals are not small or negligible. The sums involved are more than the annual budget of many Indian states. The cold attitude of the central government in responding to a series of scams – 2G, Commonwealth Games and many such has broken the trust of the common man. There is an outcry for clean and robust governance all across the nation. Strong, stable and most importantly transparent leadership is the need of the hour. I know people of Tamil Nadu are very particular about punishing corrupt people. The recent assembly elections in Tamil Nadu stands testimony to this. I am sure, the people of Tamil Nadu will help clean the society of the disease called corruption. This would greatly improve the economy of the state as well as the country. The central government interferes in the powers of the state. It attempts to destroy the federal structure by introducing central laws in the matter pertaining to the states. This has always been the attitude of the congress party. In the name of development they have tried to monopolize power and funds at the central level. The financial resources are not divided based on the constitutional rights but are being used to keep the states in a sub-ordinate position.

The residuary powers are with the union and the distribution of powers is biased towards the centre. There have also been repeated attempts to transfer subjects from state list to con-current list using various opportunities and excuses. Of late this tendency has increased. We need to reverse this. The states should co-ordinate with the union government, not remain in sub-ordinate position.

We have a vast country with different languages, cultures, different levels of development and geographical situations. Indian citizens have multiple identities despite the common factor of being Indians. Hence, the federal structure should be in tune with this, respecting the diversity of this land at the same time ensuring unity. Gujarat like Tamil Nadu has always been representing this spirit of unity in diversity, always keeping the interest of the nation in mind but without compromising the needs of the state.

Decentralization and democratization would make the political systems at different levels more accountable and responsive. It will bring in more efficiency in delivery of public services. The state governments are closer to people, and can better understand the problems of people and their needs, and respond better. The UPA government needs to understand this and enable a federal structure that will bring good governance and address people’s problems rather than taking the powers from the state. What we need is co-operation federalism not coercion federalism. Sharing and Caring federalism is required. They are the real pillars of federalism.

What is the dharma of the central government ? In a true federal structure, it is to help the states with policies as the states are the implementing agencies. In matters of national interest there should be consultative process involving all the states.

As I told you, the states were not consulted in drafting the communal violence bill to the extent required. Central government announces policies and programs to push its agenda, without taking into account the capacity of the states. This sometimes imposes financial burden also on the states. The Sarkaria Commission appointed by Indira Gandhi and Punchchi committee recommended that whenever Union Government proposes legislation on Concurrent List there should be prior consultation with State Government.

But even today, nearly after three decades this is not happening but instead more and more centralization is taking place. Not only centralization is taking place, the central government is not able to tolerate if any state is praised. It is vindictive. A CEO of an NGO was sacked for praising Gujarat’s economic freedom.

Political parties can have ideological differences- Left, Right or Centre. But, a new trend has started in the country by Congress – of Individual target politics. If you don’t like a political leader, try to destroy him by any means. With strong prejudice and biases, they make use of every arm of the government, constitutional authorities and Institutions, all agencies at their disposal to cause harm to you. If you have differences, fight in the political field. I have been a major victim of this harassment. CBI is being used; Courts are being influenced through PIL by vested NGOs sponsored by Congress. There is not a single top opposition political leader, who has not been harassed by misusing CBI, Intelligence Bureau, Income-Tax Department and other Investigating Agencies. But, I have moved on because I have faith in people. This kind of negative politics is going to damage India’s development in a big way.

I will tell you how I view federalism from my personal experience. When Tata Nano was facing problems in West Bengal, my officers used to tell me – Sir, other States are offering incentives to TATA Motors to relocate We should also make an offer. I told them that once Bengal was hub of industrial revolution in India. If West Bengal develops, it will trigger development in Eastern India. We should not fish in troubled waters.

It was only when Ratan Tata came on TV and said, he is withdrawing from Singur that I sent an SMS message, “Swagatham”. Rest is history. Today, Gujarat has become an automobile hub. If India has to establish itself as a major global power, the foundation will have to be strong infrastructure. Unfortunately, currently due to lack of vision, willingness and indecision of the central government the infrastructural growth is not happening.

For uniform growth across India, the government will have to fulfill the infrastructural needs of good roads, ports, power, airports, etc. Then only will our dream of a prosperous Bharat can be realized. There are comparisons made between India and China. As far as infrastructure is concerned we are nowhere when compared with China. I saw this myself during my recent visit to China.

Given the current liquidity problem in the market, it is the government who has to majorly invest and drive the infrastructural growth in this country. If we ever want to remain in competition with China or win over china, Government of India should focus on infrastructure development in a big way.

The other area of concern is the manufacturing sector in India, still hostage to huge regulations. There is an urgent need to review these regulations and increase flexibility in labour laws. In fact, labour should be made a State subject. The slowdown in world economy should be made an opportunity for India to attract manufacturing activity from across the world.

Ensuring agricultural growth at the national level is another area of concern for all of us. We need huge investments in the field of agriculture to ensure food security. Indian farmers are switching to commercial crops at an alarming rate in recent times and this has resulted in a huge shortage in the supply of pulses, edible oils and coarse grains which forces the central government to import them.

This is a major threat to our goal of attaining self-sufficiency in food grains. A solution could be spatial specialization in the agricultural sector that will increase productivity and ensure higher agricultural growth rate. At the same time, it is imperative to take corrective measures, give incentives, implement modern agricultural practices and provide the farmer with the necessary farm inputs, knowhow and a conducive environment to improve the productivity of the land. Along with food security, regional imbalance is one of the biggest challenges that India faces today. While one part of India has been witnessing rapid growth and progress there are still vast parts of the country that are underdeveloped. The regional divide needs to be reduced and the development needs to take root in every nook and corner of the country. Development is the main antidote for fighting national threats such as naxalism.

What one needs today are good governance and a commitment to create productive assets. Hence, the focus should be on skill up gradation and providing sustainable employment rather than simple distribution of funds under MNREGA.

If India is to fulfill its destiny of being a super power in the coming decades, investments in research and development cannot be ignored. Dr. Manmohan Singh himself has agreed that in R & D we are far behind China.

While China invested 174 billion dollars, India’s investment is only around 17 billion dollars. There is need for greater industry-academic co-ordination. Government of India should wake up to this fact and consciously work towards bringing in private sector investment in Research and Development.

Another major problem area is generation of employment at the national level. Despite UPA government’s ambitious plan to create 50 million jobs in the 11th plan period it could actually create only one million jobs. Of these one million jobs created, most jobs were in informal sector and majority being casual labour. This trend is particularly worrisome when we consider the youth population of India. India is one of the nations with a large youth population. India’s young workforce is estimated to increase by 240 million over the next two decades, and by 2035 India will have the largest working population in the world. In India 65 per cent will be of working age

By developing our talent pool, in one decade our youth will be the engine of growth not just for India, but also for the world. We need to impart skills and take up skill building in a big way.

In short, to conclude I will say we have to make development a mass movement. We should move away from the politics of caste, religion and region to development oriented politics. Where ever I go I see a hunger for development. Vote-bank politics cannot survive anymore.

Today, I have flagged some of the major issues that our country is facing. I am sure, Cho will write in detail about these issues and carry on the work of creating awareness for necessary action. I know and I am sure, that Tamil Nadu, a highly politically aware state under the able leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Selvi. Jayalalithaa will add to its existing level of development and march forward on the path of good governance.

I hope this thai pongal will show light not only to Tamil Nadu but also to the entire nation. Visiting Tamil Nadu and Participating in Thuglak’ function has given me joy. Once again I thank Cho and the readers of Thuglak. My heartfelt thanks for inviting me here and provided me an opportunity to share my thoughts.

I know, you have three days of Pongal celebrations left- Kadiravan Pongal, Mattu Pongal (in honor of cattle that helps the farmers) and Kannum Pongal. Pongal is a time for celebrations here. Movie lovers expect pongal releases. Book lovers enjoy the Chennai book fare during this time. For food lovers you have sweet, milk and ven pongal. Enjoy those days. Happy Pongal Once again.

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परम श्रद्धेय श्रीमत् स्वामी गौतमानंद जी महाराज, देश-विदेश से आए रामकृष्ण मठ और मिशन के पूज्य संतगण, गुजरात के मुख्यमंत्री श्रीमान भूपेन्द्र भाई पटेल, इस कार्यक्रम से जुड़े अन्य सभी महानुभाव, देवियों और सज्जनों, नमस्कार!

गुजरात का बेटा होने के नाते मैं आप सभी का इस कार्यक्रम में स्वागत करता हूँ, अभिनंदन करता हूं। मैं मां शारदा, गुरुदेव रामकृष्ण परमहंस और स्वामी विवेकानंद जी को, उनके श्री चरणों में प्रणाम करता हूं। आज का ये कार्यक्रम श्रीमत् स्वामी प्रेमानन्द महाराज जी की जयंती के दिन आयोजित हो रहा है। मैं उनके चरणों में भी प्रणाम करता हूँ।

साथियों,

महान विभूतियों की ऊर्जा कई सदियों तक संसार में सकारात्मक सृजन को विस्तार देती रहती है। इसीलिए, आज स्वामी प्रेमानन्द महाराज की जयंती के दिन हम इतने पवित्र कार्य के साक्षी बन रहे हैं। लेखंबा में नवनिर्मित प्रार्थना सभागृह और साधु निवास का निर्माण, ये भारत की संत परंपरा का पोषण करेगा। यहां से सेवा और शिक्षा की एक ऐसी यात्रा शुरू हो रही है, जिसका लाभ आने वाली कई पीढ़ियों को मिलेगा। श्रीरामकृष्ण देव का मंदिर, गरीब छात्रों के लिए हॉस्टल, वोकेशनल ट्रेनिंग सेंटर, अस्पताल और यात्री निवास, ये कार्य आध्यात्म के प्रसार और मानवता की सेवा के माध्यम बनेंगे। और एक तरह से गुजरात में मुझे दूसरा घर भी मिल गया है। वैसे भी संतों के बीच, आध्यात्मिक माहौल में मेरा मन खूब रमता भी है। मैं आप सभी को इस अवसर पर बधाई देता हूँ, अपनी शुभकामनाएं अर्पित करता हूं।

साथियों,

सानंद का ये क्षेत्र इससे हमारी कितनी ही यादें भी जुड़ी हैं। इस कार्यक्रम में मेरे कई पुराने मित्र और आध्यात्मिक बंधु भी हैं। आपमें से कई साथियों के साथ मैंने यहाँ जीवन का कितना समय गुजारा है, कितने ही घरों में रहा हूँ, कई परिवारों में माताओं-बहनों के हाथ का खाना खाया है, उनके सुख-दुःख में सहभागी रहा हूँ। मेरे वो मित्र जानते होंगे, हमने इस क्षेत्र का, यहाँ के लोगों का कितना संघर्ष देखा है। इस क्षेत्र को जिस economic development की जरूरत थी, आज वो हम होता हुआ देख रहे हैं। मुझे पुरानी बातें याद हैं कि पहले बस से जाना हो तो एक सुबह में बस आती थी और एक शाम को बस आती थी। इसलिए ज्यादातर लोग साइकिल से जाना पसंद करते थे। इसलिए इस क्षेत्र को मैं अच्छी तरह से पहचानता हूँ। इसके चप्पे-चप्पे से जैसे मेरा नाता जुड़ा हुआ है। मैं मानता हूँ, इसमें हमारे प्रयासों और नीतियों के साथ-साथ आप संतों के आशीर्वाद की भी बड़ी भूमिका है। अब समय बदला है तो समाज की जरूरत भी बदली है। अब तो मैं चाहूँगा, हमारा ये क्षेत्र economic development के साथ-साथ spiritual development का भी केंद्र बने। क्योंकि, संतुलित जीवन के लिए अर्थ के साथ आध्यात्म का होना उतना ही जरूरी है। और मुझे खुशी है, हमारे संतों और मनीषियों के मार्गदर्शन में सानंद और गुजरात इस दिशा में आगे बढ़ रहा है।

साथियों,

किसी वृक्ष के फल की, उसके सामर्थ्य की पहचान उसके बीज से होती है। रामकृष्ण मठ वो वृक्ष है, जिसके बीज में स्वामी विवेकानंद जैसे महान तपस्वी की अनंत ऊर्जा समाहित है। इसीलिए इसका सतत विस्तार, इससे मानवता को मिलने वाली छांव अनंत है, असीमित है। रामकृष्ण मठ के मूल में जो विचार है, उसे जानने के लिए स्वामी विवेकानंद को जानना बहुत जरूरी है, इतना ही नहीं उनके विचारों को जीना पड़ता है। और जब आप उन विचारों को जीना सीख जाते हैं, तो किस तरह एक अलग प्रकाश आपका मार्गदर्शन करता है, मैंने स्वयं इसे अनुभव किया है। पुराने संत जानते हैं, रामकृष्ण मिशन ने, रामकृष्ण मिशन के संतों ने और स्वामी विवेकानंद के चिंतन ने कैसे मेरे जीवन को दिशा दी है। इसलिए मुझे जब भी अवसर मिलता है, मैं अपने इस परिवार के बीच आने का, आपसे जुड़ने का प्रयास करता हूँ। संतों के आशीर्वाद से मैं मिशन से जुड़े कई कार्यों में निमित्त भी बनता रहा हूँ। 2005 में मुझे वडोदरा के दिलाराम बंगलो को रामकृष्ण मिशन को सौंपने का सौभाग्य मिला था। यहां स्वामी विवेकानंद जी ने कुछ समय बिताया था। और मेरा सौभाग्य है कि पूज्य स्वामी आत्मस्थानन्द जी स्वयं उपस्थित हुए थे, क्योंकि मुझे उनकी उंगली पकड़कर के चलना-सीखने का मौका मिला था, आध्यात्मिक यात्रा में मुझे उनका संबल मिला था। और मैंने, ये मेरा सौभाग्य था कि बंग्लो मैंने उनके हाथों में वो दस्तावेज सौंपे थे। उस समय भी मुझे स्वामी आत्मस्थानन्द जी का जैसे निरंतर स्नेह मिलता रहा है, जीवन के आखिरी पल तक, उनका प्यार और आशीर्वाद मेरे जीवन की एक बहुत बड़ी पूंजी है।

साथियों,

समय-समय पर मुझे मिशन के कार्यक्रमों और आयोजनों का हिस्सा बनने का सौभाग्य मिलता रहा है। आज विश्व भर में रामकृष्ण मिशन के 280 से ज्यादा शाखा-केंद्र हैं, भारत में रामकृष्ण भावधारा से जुड़े लगभग 1200 आश्रम-केंद्र हैं। ये आश्रम, मावन सेवा के संकल्प के अधिष्ठान बनकर काम कर रहे हैं। और गुजरात तो बहुत पहले से रामकृष्ण मिशन के सेवाकार्यों का साक्षी रहा है। शायद पिछले कई दशकों में गुजरात में कोई भी संकट आया हो, रामकृष्ण मिशन हमेशा आपको खड़ा हुआ मिलेगा, काम करता हुआ मिलेगा। सारी बातें याद करने जाऊंगा तो बहुत लंबा समय निकल जाएगा। लेकिन आपको याद है सूरत में आई बाढ़ का समय हो, मोरबी में बांध हादसे के बाद की घटनाएं हों, या भुज में भूकंप के बाद जो तबाही के बाद के दिन थे, अकाल का कालखंड हो, अतिवृष्टि का कालखंड हो। जब-जब गुजरात में आपदा आई है, रामकृष्ण मिशन से जुड़े लोगों ने आगे बढ़कर पीड़ितों का हाथ थामा है। भूकंप से तबाह हुए 80 से ज्यादा स्कूलों को फिर से बनाने में रामकृष्ण मिशन ने महत्वपूर्ण योगदान दिया था। गुजरात के लोग आज भी उस सेवा को याद करते हैं, उससे प्रेरणा भी लेते हैं।

साथियों,

स्वामी विवेकानंद जी का गुजरात से एक अलग आत्मीय रिश्ता रहा है, उनकी जीवन यात्रा में गुजरात की बड़ी भूमिका रही है। स्वामी विवेकानंद जी ने गुजरात के कई स्थानों का भ्रमण किया था। गुजरात में ही स्वामी जी को सबसे पहले शिकागो विश्वधर्म महासभा के बारे में जानकारी मिली थी। यहीं पर उन्होंने कई शास्त्रों का गहन अध्ययन कर वेदांत के प्रचार के लिए अपने आप को तैयार किया था। 1891 के दौरान स्वामी जी पोरबंदर के भोजेश्वर भवन में कई महीने रहे थे। गुजरात सरकार ने ये भवन भी स्मृति मन्दिर बनाने के लिए रामकृष्ण मिशन को सुपुर्द किया था। आपको याद होगा, गुजरात सरकार ने स्वामी विवेकानन्द की 150वीं जन्म जयन्ती 2012 से 2014 तक मनायी थी। इसका समापन समारोह गांधीनगर के महात्मा मंदिर में बड़े उत्साहपूर्वक मनाया गया था। इसमें देश-विदेश के हजारों प्रतिभागी शामिल हुए थे। मुझे संतोष है कि गुजरात से स्वामी जी के संबंधों की स्मृति में अब गुजरात सरकार स्वामी विवेकानंद टूरिस्ट सर्किट के निर्माण की रूपरेखा तैयार कर रही है।

भाइयों और बहनों,

स्वामी विवेकानंद आधुनिक विज्ञान के बहुत बड़े समर्थक थे। स्वामी जी कहते थे- विज्ञान का महत्व केवल चीजों या घटनाओं के वर्णन तक नहीं है, बल्कि विज्ञान का महत्व हमें प्रेरित करने और आगे बढ़ाने में है। आज आधुनिक टेक्नोलॉजी के क्षेत्र में भारत की बढ़ती धमक, दुनिया के तीसरे सबसे बड़े स्टार्टअप ecosystem के रूप में भारत की नई पहचान, दुनिया की तीसरी सबसे बड़ी economy बनने की ओर बढ़ते कदम, इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर के क्षेत्र में हो रहे आधुनिक निर्माण, भारत के द्वारा दिये जा रहे वैश्विक चुनौतियों के समाधान, आज का भारत, अपनी ज्ञान परंपरा को आधार बनाते हुए, अपनी सदियों पुरानी शिक्षाओं को आधार बनाते हुए, आज हमारा भारत तेज गति से आगे बढ़ रहा है। स्वामी विवेकानंद मानते थे कि युवाशक्ति ही राष्ट्र की रीढ़ होती है। स्वामी जी का वो कथन, वो आह्वान, स्वामी जी ने कहा था- ''मुझे आत्मविश्वास और ऊर्जा से भरे 100 युवा दे दो, मैं भारत का कायाकल्प कर दूँगा''। अब समय है, हम वो ज़िम्मेदारी उठाएँ। आज हम अमृतकाल की नई यात्रा शुरू कर चुके हैं। हमने विकसित भारत का अमोघ संकल्प लिया है। हमें इसे पूरा करना है, और तय समयसीमा में पूरा करना है। आज भारत विश्व का सबसे युवा राष्ट्र है। आज भारत का युवा विश्व में अपनी क्षमता और सामर्थ्य को प्रमाणित कर चुका है।

ये भारत की युवाशक्ति ही है, जो आज विश्व की बड़ी-बड़ी कंपनियों का नेतृत्व कर रही है। ये भारत की युवाशक्ति ही है, जिसने भारत के विकास की कमान संभाली हुई है। आज देश के पास समय भी है, संयोग भी है, स्वप्न भी है, संकल्प भी है और अथाग पुरूषार्थ की संकल्प से सिद्धि की यात्रा भी है। इसलिए, हमें राष्ट्र निर्माण के हर क्षेत्र में नेतृत्व के लिए युवाओं को तैयार करने की जरूरत है। आज जरूरत है, टेक्नोलॉजी और दूसरे क्षेत्रों की तरह ही हमारे युवा राजनीति में भी देश का नेतृत्व करें। अब हम राजनीति को केवल परिवारवादियों के लिए नहीं छोड़ सकते, हम राजनीति को, अपने परिवार की जागीर मानने वालों के हवाले नहीं कर सकते इसलिए, हम नए वर्ष में, 2025 में एक नई शुरुआत करने जा रहे हैं। 12 जनवरी 2025 को, स्वामी विवेकानंद जी की जयंती पर, युवा दिवस के अवसर पर दिल्ली में Young Leaders Dialogue का आयोजन होगा। इसमें देश से 2 हजार चयनित, selected युवाओं को बुलाया जाएगा। करोड़ों अन्य युवा देशभर से, टेक्नोलॉजी से इसमें जुड़ेंगे। युवाओं के दृष्टिकोण से विकसित भारत के संकल्प पर चर्चा होगी। युवाओं को राजनीति से जोड़ने के लिए रोडमैप बनाया जाएगा। हमारा संकल्प है, हम आने वाले समय में एक लाख प्रतिभाशाली और ऊर्जावान युवाओं को राजनीति में लाएँगे। और ये युवा 21वीं सदी के भारत की राजनीति का नया चेहरा बनेंगे, देश का भविष्य बनेंगे।

साथियों,

आज के इस पावन अवसर पर, धरती को बेहतर बनाने वाले 2 महत्वपूर्ण विचारों को याद करना भी आवश्यक है। Spirituality और Sustainable Development. इन दोनों विचारों में सामंजस्य बिठाकर हम एक बेहतर भविष्य का निर्माण कर सकते हैं। स्वामी विवेकानंद आध्यात्मिकता के व्यावहारिक पक्ष पर जोर देते थे। वो ऐसी आध्यात्मिकता चाहते थे, जो समाज की जरूरतें पूरी कर सके। वो विचारों की शुद्धि के साथ-साथ अपने आसपास स्वच्छता रखने पर भी जोर देते थे। आर्थिक विकास, समाज कल्याण और पर्यावरण संरक्षण के बीच संतुलन बिठाकर सस्टेनेबल डेवलपमेंट का लक्ष्य हासिल किया जा सकता है। स्वामी विवेकानंद जी के विचार इस लक्ष्य तक पहुँचने में हमारा मार्गदर्शन करेंगे। हम जानते हैं, spirituality और sustainability दोनों में ही संतुलन का महत्व है। एक मन के अंदर संतुलन पैदा करता है, तो दूसरा हमें प्रकृति के साथ संतुलन बिठाना सिखाता है। इसलिए, मैं मानता हूं कि रामकृष्ण मिशन जैसे संस्थान हमारे अभियानों को गति देने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकते हैं। मिशन लाइफ हो, एक पेड़ मां के नाम जैसे अभियान हों, रामकृष्ण मिशन के जरिए इन्हें और विस्तार दिया जा सकता है।

साथियों,

स्वामी विवेकानंद भारत को सशक्त और आत्मनिर्भर देश के रूप देखना चाहते थे। उनके स्वप्न को साकार करने की दिशा में देश अब आगे बढ़ चुका है। ये स्वप्न जल्द से जल्द पूरा हो, सशक्त और समर्थ भारत एक बार फिर मानवता को दिशा दे, इसके लिए हर देशवासी को गुरुदेव रामकृष्ण परमहंस और स्वामी विवेकानंद जी के विचारों को आत्मसात करना होगा। इस तरह के कार्यक्रम, संतों के प्रयास इसका बहुत बड़ा माध्यम हैं। मैं एक बार फिर आज के आयोजन के लिए आपको बधाई देता हूं। सभी पूज्य संतगण को श्रद्धापूर्वक नमन करता हूं और स्वामी विवेकानंद जी के स्वप्न को साकार करने में आज की ये नई शुरुआत, नई ऊर्जा बनेगी, इसी एक अपेक्षा के साथ आप सबका बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।