True Essence of Our Democracy
Dear Friends,
Some extremely emotional experiences have inspired me to share a few words today.
This year, Gujarat Government is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the institution of Panchayati Raj. It would have been wonderful if the Government of India had also decided to commemorate this historic occasion. As a part of the celebrations, various programmes will be held across Gujarat with an aim to comprehensively strengthen the idea of Gram Swaraj. But, there is one programme that has touched my heart- that is felicitating all the elected representatives who have served in the various Panchayat bodies since the creation of Gujarat in 1960.
In every Taluka Panchayat that includes 5-6 villages, we are organizing programmes where at the hands of my senior Cabinet colleagues we honour these elected representatives who toiled at the grass root level.
To honour these powerhouses of experience and wisdom after many years has been a matter of great joy for me and even the atmosphere among the representatives being felicitated remains full of emotion! In the last 50 years, the number of elected functionaries has crossed one lakh and it is our privilege that we have got a chance to remember their invaluable contribution in the annals of history.
Friends, since it was the Congress that dominated the political landscape for a very long time, it is natural that a substantial number of individuals who are being felicitated have been fundamentally associated with the Congress and had been getting elected on its symbol. But, to transcend the realm of politics and honour people who have left a mark of public service is extremely special.
This is the true beauty of democracy and that is why we always say… ‘Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas’ (All together, growth for all).
Yours,
Narendra Modi
Also See :
Video: An elder who has been felicitated shares his kind words on the initiative of the Gujarat Government.
Presentation: Power Point Presentation on Panchayati Raj
