Published By : Admin |
January 10, 2011 | 22:04 IST
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Place : Gandhinagar
Speech Date :10-01-2011
Our strategy for a golden Gujarat is to create a society where learning is the DNA of the social fabric and learning is lifelong
Knowledge's meaning is changing. It is now thought of as being like a form of energy, as a system of networks and flows…
My vision is that each and every student in Gujarat be made employable.
My Cabinet colleagues, distinguished guests from Foreign Universities, Vice Chancellors of Universities of Gujarat, Ladies and Gentlemen!
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the State of Gujarat on the occasion of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit. I would like to thank all of you, particularly, the foreign participants, for being with us here.
Friends, this is a historic stopover in Gujarat's journey towards a knowledge Society.
As you all might be aware, Gujarat is celebrating 50 years of its formation as a separate state this year. It is not merely a celebration of the achievements but the vision of a Golden Gujarat – a Gujarat which would be a place of opportunity for all the citizens.
Our strategy for a golden Gujarat is to create a society where learning is the DNA of the social fabric and learning is lifelong…a knowledge society where what counts is what you know, not who you know. I promise a Gujarat where each and every child has the liberty to dream and has access to the best education in the world to fulfill it.
Swami Vivekananda, once said, “Education is the manifestation of perfection already present in man”. This saying has stayed as relevant in today's competitive environment where building qualitative ‘human capital' - the knowledge, skills and attributes that a person holds is the most important input into the knowledge-based economy.
Knowledge's meaning is changing. Knowledge is no longer being thought of as things that are developed and stored in the minds of experts, represented in books, and classified into disciplines. Instead, it is now thought of as being like a form of energy, as a system of networks and flows – something that does things, or makes things happen.
Knowledge is defined—and valued—not for what it is, but for what it can do. It is produced, not by individual experts, but by ‘collectivising intelligence' – that is, groups of people with complementary expertise who collaborate for specific purposes. These changes have major implications for our education system.
My vision is that each and every student in Gujarat be made employable. And in its quest, many steps have been taken from grassroots level to higher and professional education.
At the grassroots level, we have programmes like Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav which combat high drop-out ratio and low literacy level at primary education level. Gunotsav is another program which ensures quality of education by laying a strong foundation and conducting regular checks. Specialized Universities such as Children's University, Raksha Shakti University, Forensic University, Sports University and Petroleum University have also been established to meet the challenges of today.
Thus, Gujarat has taken up the task of establishing education systems that can secure strong and equitable learning outcomes, mobilise rapid improvements and show others what it can achieve.
Gujarat has been a centre of learning and excellence from time immemorial. During the time of the Maitraka kings, wehadthe third largest Buddhist University, the “Vallabhi Buddhist University” in Vallabhipur which attracted scholars from all over the world for higher education.
In modern times on more than one occasion, Gujarat has been at the forefront of the knowledge revolution. Globally renowned educational institutes like Indian Institute of Management (IIM), National Institute of Design (NID), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) are outstanding examples of Gujarat's commitment to knowledge building.
Today, Gujarat is surging ahead on all fronts like never before. However, economic growth cannot happen without a sound knowledge base. Tie ups with foreign universities would lead to intangible gains. Hence, the contribution of foreign universities to our industry responsive skill development programme would indeed be significant.
This Round Table on education which is an attempt to learn from each other has taken off on a very healthy note. We all, especially the Universities of Gujarat, are looking forward to having joint collaborative research with other Universities of the world on topics of relevance to our people and to the development of the State. Also, we are open to the idea of having frequent faculty and student exchange between Universities of Gujarat and other countries.
I am sure that during your interaction with counterparts in Gujarat, you would have found them to be eager and pro-active. Gujarat is known to be a State with good work culture. The people of Gujarat are known to be open and enterprising. I am sure; this quality of our people will charm you and help building a lasting relationship. It is the result of your interaction with you counter-parts in Gujarat that I find that many MOUs are already firmed up by today.
It is my earnest desire that Gujarat should develop at a faster rate in an inclusive manner. And for this, I am convinced that inculcation of knowledge and its sharing is very important. It is a tool for empowerment of the weakest. Therefore, the whole event of Vibrant Gujarat 2011 has got in all 33 knowledge sharing events. In order to institutionalize the activity of knowledge sharing, we propose to organize many more such Round Tables with the Universities of the world.
Friends! I once again welcome you to Gujarat. I hope that you stay here is comfortable and rewarding. It is possible that many of you would have come to Gujarat for the first time. I would request all of you to stay in Gujarat for some more time and visit some places. I also request you to be part of the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit on 12th & 13th of January, 2011.
Viksit Haryana for Viksit Bharat, this is our resolve: PM Modi in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana
April 14, 2025
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Viksit Haryana for Viksit Bharat, this is our resolve: PM
Our effort is to increase the production of electricity in the country, lack of electricity should not become an obstacle in nation building: PM
PM Suryagarh Muft Bijli Yojana started by us can reduce electricity bill to zero by installation of solar panels : PM
Our effort is to increase the potential of the farmers of Haryana: PM
The popular Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Nayab Singh Saini ji, my colleagues in the Union Cabinet Manohar Lal ji, Rao Inderjit Singh ji and Krishan Pal ji, ministers of the Haryana Government, Members of Parliament and the Legislative Assembly, and my dear brothers and sisters. Greetings from Modi to my brothers and sisters of Haryana.
Friends,
Today, I bow to the land where Mother Saraswati originated, where Goddess Mantra resides, where the five-faced Lord Hanuman is present, where the blessings of Kapalmochan Sahib are received, and where the confluence of culture, faith, and devotion flows. Today is also the 135th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar ji. I extend my heartfelt wishes to all the citizens of the country on Ambedkar Jayanti. Babasaheb’s vision and inspiration continue to guide us on the journey of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Friends,
Yamunanagar is not just a city—it is also an important part of Bharat’s industrial map. From plywood to brass and steel, this entire region strengthens the economy of Bharat. In fact, it boasts the Kapal Mochan fair, the land of penance of Rishi Ved Vyas, and, in a way, the land of arms of Guru Gobind Singh ji.
Friends,
This in itself is a matter of great pride. And as Manohar Lal ji and Saini ji were just saying, I have many old memories connected with Yamunanagar. When I was in charge of Haryana, I frequently travelled between Panchkula and here. I had the opportunity to work with many dedicated old-time party workers here. That tradition of hardworking workers continues even today.
Friends,
For the third time in a row, Haryana is witnessing the double speed of development under the double-engine government. And now, as Saini ji said, it's like a triple government. A ‘Viksit Haryana’ (Developed Haryana) for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) —that is our resolve. We are working at greater speed and on a much larger scale to fulfil this resolution, to serve the people of Haryana, and to realize the dreams of its youth. The development projects launched here today are a living example of this. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Haryana for these development initiatives.
Friends,
I am proud that our government is moving forward by carrying the thoughts of Babasaheb. Babasaheb Ambedkar viewed industrial development as a path to social justice. Babasaheb recognized the issue of small landholdings in Bharat. Babasaheb said that Dalits do not have enough land for farming, so industries would benefit them the most. Babasaheb’s vision was that industries would create more employment for Dalits and improve their standard of living. Babasaheb worked alongside the country’s first Industry Minister, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, in the direction of industrialization in Bharat.
Friends,
The harmony between industrialization and manufacturing was also considered by Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram ji as the foundation of rural prosperity. He used to say that true prosperity will come to villages when farmers increase their income not only through agriculture but also through small-scale industries. The vision of Chaudhary Charan Singh ji, who dedicated his life to the welfare of villages and farmers, was no different. Chaudhary Saheb said that industrial development should complement agriculture—both are pillars of our economy.
Friends,
This very sentiment, this very idea, this very inspiration lies at the heart of 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India). That is why our government is placing such strong emphasis on manufacturing in Bharat. In this year’s Budget, we announced the Mission Manufacturing. Its aim is to provide maximum employment to the youth from Dalit, backward, oppressed, and deprived communities; to provide youth with the necessary training; to reduce business costs; to strengthen the MSME sector; to ensure industries benefit from technology; and to make our products the best in the world. To achieve all these goals, it is very important that the country does not face any shortage of electricity. We must also become self-reliant in energy. That’s why today’s event is very significant. Today, work has started on the third unit of the Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant. This will benefit Yamunanagar and its industries. Nearly half of the plywood production in Bharat happens here in Yamunanagar. Large-scale manufacturing of aluminium, copper, and brass utensils takes place here. Equipment for petrochemical plants made here is exported to many countries around the world. With increased electricity production, all of these sectors will benefit, and it will give a boost to Mission Manufacturing here.
Friends,
Electricity is going to play a major role in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Our government is working on all fronts to increase electricity availability. Be it the One Nation-One Grid initiative, new coal power plants, solar energy, or the expansion of the nuclear sector—our effort is to boost electricity production so that the lack of power does not become an obstacle in nation-building.
But friends,
We must not forget the days of Congress rule. Before 2014, when Congress was in power, we saw days when there were blackouts across the country—entire regions would be without electricity. If the Congress government had continued, the country would still be facing such blackouts today. Factories wouldn’t run, trains wouldn’t operate, and water wouldn’t reach the fields. In other words, if Congress were still in power, such crises would have continued, and the country would remain divided and stuck. But after years of effort, the situation is changing today. In the past decade, Bharat has nearly doubled its electricity generation capacity. Today, not only does Bharat meet its own needs, but it also exports electricity to neighbouring countries. This focus on power generation by the BJP government has also benefited Haryana. Today, Haryana produces 16,000 megawatts of electricity. We are working with the goal of increasing this capacity to 24,000 megawatts in the near future.
Friends,
On one hand, we are investing in thermal power plants, and on the other, we are turning the people of the country into power generators themselves. We have launched the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. By installing solar panels on their rooftops, people can reduce their electricity bills to zero. Not only that, any extra electricity generated can be sold for additional income. So far, over 1.25 crore people across the country have registered under this scheme. I’m happy to share that lakhs of people from Haryana have also applied to join this initiative. And as this scheme continues to expand, the service ecosystem around it is also growing. New skills are being developed in the solar sector. New opportunities are opening up for MSMEs, and numerous possibilities are being created for the youth.
Friends,
Along with ensuring that small industries in our small towns have adequate electricity, the government is also focusing on ensuring they have enough financial resources. During the COVID period, the government provided financial assistance worth lakhs of crores of rupees to save MSMEs. We also changed the definition of MSMEs so that small businesses could expand without fear. Now small industries are not worried that as soon as they grow, they will lose government support. Now, the government is introducing special credit cards for small industries. Credit guarantee coverage is also being expanded. Just a few days ago, the MUDRA Yojana completed 10 years. You’ll be happy—and perhaps pleasantly surprised—to know that over the past 10 years, 33 lakh crore rupees has been disbursed as loans without any collateral under this scheme to ordinary citizens stepping into business and industry for the first time. Imagine that—33 lakh crore rupees without a guarantee! More than 50% of the beneficiaries of this scheme belong to SC/ST/OBC communities. The goal is to empower these small enterprises to fulfil the big dreams of our youth.
Friends,
The hard work of our farmer brothers and sisters from Haryana is visible in every Indian’s plate. The BJP’s double-engine government is the biggest companion in both the joys and sorrows of our farmers. Our effort is to enhance the strength and capacity of Haryana’s farmers. Today, the BJP government in Haryana procures 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Lakhs of farmers in Haryana have also benefited from the PM Fasal Bima Yojana. Under this scheme, claims worth over 9,000 crore rupees have been paid out. Similarly, 6,500 crore rupees has gone directly into the pockets of Haryana’s farmers through the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Friends,
The Haryana government has also abolished the Aabiyana (canal water tax), a practice that had been continuing since British times. Now, you won’t have to pay tax on canal water, and outstanding dues of over 130 crore rupees under Aabiyana have also been waived.
Friends,
Thanks to the efforts of the double-engine government, new sources of income are being created for farmers and livestock owners. The GOBARdhan Yojana is helping farmers manage waste while also creating income opportunities. Biogas is being produced from cow dung, crop residues, and other organic waste. A plan was announced to establish 500 GOBARdhan plants across the country in this year’s Budget. Today, a new GOBARdhan plant has also been inaugurated in Yamunanagar. This will save the municipal corporation about 3 crore rupees every year. The GOBARdhan Yojana is also contributing to the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Friends,
Haryana is now speeding along the path of development. Before coming here, I had the opportunity to meet people in Hisar. A direct air service to Ayodhya Dham has now started from there. Today, the people of Rewari have also received the gift of a new bypass. This will free them from traffic jams at markets, intersections, and railway crossings. This four-lane bypass will allow vehicles to smoothly bypass the city. Travel time from Delhi to Narnaul will be reduced by one hour. I congratulate you all on this development.
Friends,
For us, politics is not about enjoying power, but a medium of service—service to the people and service to the nation. That is why the BJP does boldly what it says. After forming the government for the third time in Haryana, we have consistently been fulfilling the promises we made to you. But what’s happening in Congress-ruled states? Complete betrayal of public trust. Just look at our neighbouring state, Himachal—people are suffering immensely. All development and welfare work has come to a standstill. In Karnataka, from electricity to milk, from bus fares to seeds—everything is becoming more expensive. I saw on social media how the Congress government in Karnataka has imposed a variety of taxes and increased prices across the board. People in social media have creatively exposed this through an A to Z list—literally every letter of the alphabet paired with a different kind of tax hike, revealing the reality of the Congress government's actions. Even those close to the Chief Minister admit that Congress has made Karnataka number one in corruption.
Friends,
The Congress government in Telangana has also forgotten the promises it made to the people. There, Congress is busy bulldozing forests. Damaging nature, endangering wildlife—this is the working style of Congress! While we are working hard here to turn waste into wealth through the GOBARdhan scheme, they are destroying already-existing forests. This presents two clear models of governance before you. On one side is the Congress model—completely proven false—focused solely on power and positions. On the other side is the BJP model, which is grounded in truth, guided by the path shown by Babasaheb Ambedkar, and fully respectful of the Constitution. Our vision is to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’, and here in Yamunanagar today, we see that effort moving forward.
Friends,
I want to talk to you about another important topic. Yesterday, the nation celebrated the festival of Baisakhi. Yesterday also marked 106 years since the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The memories of those who lost their lives in that massacre still live on with us today. Apart from the cruelty of the British and the sacrifice of the patriots who were martyred in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, there is another aspect that was kept in the dark for a long time. This aspect reflects the spirit of standing with humanity and with the nation. And the name associated with this spirit is Sankaran Nair. Many of you may not have heard this name, but nowadays, he is being talked about a lot. Sankaran Nair ji was a renowned lawyer, and about 100 years ago, he held a high position in the British government. He could have lived a comfortable, luxurious life by staying close to power. But deeply moved by the cruelty of foreign rule and the incident at Jallianwala Bagh, he stepped forward to raise his voice against the British. He boldly resigned from his prestigious position and chose to stand with the country. Though he was from Kerala and the incident occurred in Punjab, he decided to personally take up the case of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He fought it on his own, shaking the very foundation of the British Empire. The British empire on which 'the sun never set'—Sankaran Nair ji brought them to court over the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and held them accountable.
Friends,
This was not just a matter of standing with humanity. It was also a shining example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India). How a man from far-off Kerala stood up against British rule for a massacre that happened in Punjab — this is the true spirit that inspired our freedom struggle. Even today, that same spirit is a great strength in our journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’. We must learn about the contribution of Kerala’s Sankaran Nair ji, and every child in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal should know about him.
Friends,
To empower the four key pillars — the poor, farmers, youth, and women — the double-engine government is constantly working. With the efforts of all of us, Haryana will definitely develop. I can see it with my own eyes — Haryana will flourish, prosper, and bring glory to the nation. Many, many congratulations to all of you for these numerous development projects. Raise both hands and say with full energy along with me:
