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Shri Narendra Modi’s Speech during ‘Bhavsabhar Bhavnagar’ Cultural Programme on the Eve of the Republic Day

Published By : Admin | January 26, 2012 | 15:52 IST

 

My citizen brothers & sisters of Bhavnagar… We have threefold confluence today on the lands of Bhavnagar. The State Government has decided to celebrate ‘The Republic Day’ on the lands of Bhavnagar and it is selected as two great sons of Bhavnagar, who have lead their lives in such a manner that it will inspire many forthcoming generations, there is centenary of the kind king Krishna Kumar Singhji and 150th year of a person with amassing knowledge and adminitration Shri Prabha Shankar Pattaniji, such a unique occasion that can be associated with the Republic Day and could be celebrated and so the State has chosen Bhavnagar.

There was a time when 15th August or 26th January became programmes almost for school children, a mere ritual. It was like we ourselves had lost our vital force. But from last few years, we have made this entire celebrations enliven, meant for the people, an event for awakening of people power and that this valuable Independence is not just a programme to cast vote, it is for the Indian soil to carry the responsibility for the well being of the entire human race and if it is to maintain the responsibility, then it becomes our collective responsibility that we all should come together and try to fulfill the dream of Swami Vivekananda that “I can see my Bharat Mata in splendid condition and placed at the position of Universal Mentor”. To fulfill this dream of Vivekanandji, we need to put combined efforts with complete commitment, we need to become brave. The utmost level of efforts and courage only can fulfill the dream of Swami Vivekanandji. We have tried in the direction of making Bharat Mata grand by joining the power of the people in the development journey through continuous celebration of such occasions for awakening. We have transformed such occasions into the festival of development. Many people say me that Sir, as we clean our houses during Diwali, the same way we clean, burnish the whole Bhavnagar on the occasion of 26th January. You feel happy but I feel sad because you will next ask me when will you bring back the celebration of 15th August or 26th January here again, so that we can have cleaning..! Ladies & Gentlemen, as a citizens it is our duty to keep Bhavnagar clean and tidy. It begins from that sense of responsibility. We remember Gandhiji at every step, but if any true tribute is to be offered to Mahatma Gandhiji, then I would say that there can not be a better tribute for Mahatma Gandhiji then the insistence for cleanliness, to practice cleanliness and to live with cleanliness. How much tons of filth was cleaned… I had not come to dump this rubbish from Gandhinagar, but I have to come to clean it up..! We need to bring this change, change in our nature and if we do this, then in the entire world when India is considered as the country of 21st century, such important matter should not be neglected.

Ladies & Gentlemen, as we have considered this event as a festival, for last one month many developmental works have been initiated, dedicated and planned in Bhavnagar City and District. Generally if work is carried according to the tendency of the Government, then papers keep on moving, files goes on and on… takes at least one-two years, but on this occasion of 26th January, the works have been given shape on the lands of Bhavnagar within 10 to 15 days. The entire developmental work gets faster. And for that purpose, developmental works worth Rs. 140 crore are offered within a month. During the same period, new works of Rs. 155 crore have been launched along with new planning for development programmes worth Rs. 424 crore. You could imagine, on the occasion of 26th January, how the development works can be accelerated, and because of that even citizen partnership also increases. How a single festival can give so much inspiration to the people can be placed as an example in front of the entire nation.

Ladies & Gentlemen, Gujarat is a small State. The whole nation gathers at Delhi to watch the parade on 26th January. And after Delhi, if at all anywhere 26th January is celebrated which attracts attention of the country then it is on the lands of Gujarat, this situation is now established. Freedom lovers, great people who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom must have framed many dreams and handed us the nation. They struggled a lot, they were hanged to death, they rendered their youthful life behind the bars, so that our Bharat Mata may become Independent..! They have handed this independent India to us. It is the responsibility of 120 crore citizens of this country to convert this independence into good governance. Six crore Gujaratis have initiated the exemplary work of taking Gujarat in that direction. Our efforts are to take it further.

Ladies & Gentlemen, today since I have come among you on the occasion of 26th January to celebrate the Republic Day, as we are also celebrating Krishna Kumar Singhji’s centenary, I wish to offer Gohilwad with a reward. And the memento is that from today onwards Bhavnagar University will be known as ‘Krishna Kumar Singhji Bhavnagar University’ and I hope that each and every student studying here will be prepared not just by taking name of the king, but by getting inspiration he may gear up himself to inspire coming new generation. Ladies & Gentlemen, today morning I have laid foundation stone of ‘Ro-Ro Ferry Service’ at Ghogha. I have got the opportunity to fulfill the dream that was left pending from last 3-4 decades. It’s a moment of pleasure for me. I can see how the form of development would be changed. But at the same time, Alang got recognized across the world as a ‘Ship Breaking Yard’, but we did not progress ahead. How long will we do breaking up, it’s enough now..! We have broken many ships and sold scrap… Now I want to take it in a new direction and for that with the investment of Rs. 175 crore, the Government has decided to construct a ‘Marine Ship Building Yard’ here. Manufacturing of ships will be done here, the skills of the youth here will make the means of crossing the ocean. We have thought to work in that direction. In Nava Madhia, a new Industrial Estate will be established by GIDC, the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation, in 2300 hectares so that small scale industries, youth may get employment opportunities. Ladies & Gentlemen, there is speedy urbanization in Gujarat. The amount of urbanization in the Gujarat is more than that of India. In near future, 50-55% people of this State will start living in only few cities. Ladies & Gentlemen, as human beings require lungs for its survival, similarly cities also need lungs. If the city is without lung, then the human being residing over there will never lead a healthy life and hence to provide Bhavnagar with sturdy lungs, it is decided to develop ‘Victoria Park’ as a beautiful tourist spot. It is planned to build a modern Gems and Jewellery Park on the land of Bhavnagar’s ‘New Jahangir Mill’. Friends, there is a very big jewellery market in the whole world, but India is still in negligible state in the world market. We want to capture that big world market. We have the skill. Even today if you go to Thailand, you will find the goldsmiths of Bhavnagar showings their talents in Thailand. Today also whenever Gems and Jewellery exhibitions are organized in Dubai, there also creations of artisans of Bhavnagar and Rajkot are sold in the world market. Ability is there, then why don’t we have such opportunities on this land..! Hence, it has been decided to build a Gems and Jewellery Park on this land. Ladies & Gentlemen, I had not announced anything in Bhavnagar during ‘Sadbhavna Mission’, but today on this occasion I announce Rs. 1900 crore for the development of Bhavnagar, nearly Rs. 2000 crores in this coming one year, before the next 26th January. Friends, when this Pratapbhai and others were in the Assembly, the budget of even the entire government was not Rs. 2000 crore..! Today, I am announcing Rs. 1900 crores for the developmental programmes within one year. About Rs. 494 crore will be spent for water supply schemes for Gariadhar and Bhavnagar and we have taken as challenge to permanently solve the drinking water problem of Gariadhar and Bhavnagar. For the works related to Narmada Canal-Branch covering 92 villages including Vallabhipur, Botad, Limbdi and for the irrigation of 65,000 hectares of land, a big amount of approximately Rs. 125 crore is decided to be spent for the farmers. Ladies & Gentlemen, provision of nearly Rs. 225 crore will be made from this for irrigation facility in 8500 hectares of land via pipeline from Narmada Canal Branch linking Botad, Goma, Sukhbhadar Dam, Krishnasagar Lake. Ladies & Gentlemen, along with Rs. 1900 crores, while the Republic Day is being celebrated here, an additional amount of Rs. 1 crore for Bhavnagar city, Rs. 1 crore for Bhavnagar District and Rs. 1 crore for Municipal Corporations of Bhavnagar District, all together a cheque amounting to Rs. 3 crores will be given by me from here itself.

Ladies & Gentlemen, while celebrating the Republic Day, the previous day is celebrated as ‘Voters Awareness Day’ (Matdata Jagruti Divas) in the whole country. In democracy, the importance of citizen is extraordinary, but unfortunately in our country, the meaning of democracy has become very limited. The voting is done every fifth year and it is like giving a contract to someone do something within 5 years… and if he does not do, next time the contract is given to someone else. Such a trend has been established. Ladies & Gentlemen, there should be participation of the people in the journey of development in democracy. It is not over by just pressing a button. People’s partnership is required every moment and so when we are moving ahead by celebrating the festival of people’s participation as festival of development, when the entire country is celebrating today as ‘‘Voters Day”, it is my request to all the citizens that it is the fundamental condition for the success of democracy that every adult citizen should be a voter and every voter should be voting, then only the democracy prospers. We shall celebrate this event today and tomorrow the Republic Day also. The constitution, offered to us by the great personalities like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and others, has given us a promise to protect our federation, promised to defend our union. Let us take oath for the protection of the federal structure. Tomorrow when we hoist the tricoloured flag, let us resolve in the witness of this tricolour that we will not let even a minor harm to the federal structure of India, we will not allow any sinful activity that may disrupt the unity of the nation. And for the unity and integrity of India, protection of the federal structure in letter and spirit, if we express these feelings then only the State Government and the Central Government can work together for the progress of the country. May the tricolour flag and the architects of the constitution bestow their blessings for the fulfilment of this resolution and with their sentiments let us all move ahead.

Today after the completion of my programme, we will watch a glance of ‘Bhavsabhar Bhavnagar’. Our friends from Youth & Cultural Activities, Shri Bhagyeshbhai Jha and Fakirbhai Vaghela, under whose guidance many traditions have been developed such as to make this national festival, a festival to relive the history also, an occasion to educate the new generation by dramatising the historical events. Shri Vishnubhai Pandya keeps on researching continuously in this matter, he keeps on searching numerous books so as to serve the best to the new generation.

It was the dream of Swami Vivekananda to see Bharat Mata to be splendid and placed on the position of ‘Universal Mentor’. To fulfil these dreams of Swami Vivekananda, as a citizen we all should be committed to work hard and to be mighty. The highest degree of hard works and courage can fulfil the dreams of Swami Vivekananda.

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My colleagues in the Union Cabinet, all Members of Parliament, the winners of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Challenge, other dignitaries, and my young friends who have come here from across the country including those who have come from abroad must all have had a new experience here. Aren’t you tired? You have been engaged for two days now, so won’t you feel tired listening once again? Anyway, from my seat at the back, I have already said as much as I needed to. When I first took the oath as Chief Minister, I believe that many of you had not even been born. And when I took the oath as Prime Minister in 2014, most of you would still have been children. But whether as Chief Minister or now as Prime Minister, I have always had immense faith in the younger generation. I have always drawn energy from your capability and your talent. And today, I see that you are holding the reins of the mission to build a developed India.

Friends,

In 2047, when India completes 100 years of independence, the journey leading up to that milestone is extremely important for the nation. At the same time, these years are also the most crucial period of your lives. This is a great golden opportunity for you. Your capability will become India’s capability, and your success will take India’s success to new heights. I congratulate all of you for participating in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. I will speak on this subject in greater detail later, but first let us reflect on the significance of today.

Friends,

Today is the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Even today, his thoughts continue to inspire every young person. What is the goal of our lives? What is our purpose? How should we live with the spirit of “Nation First”? In every action of ours, the welfare of society and of the nation must be central. In this regard, the life of Swami Vivekananda serves as a great guide and source of inspiration. In his memory, every year 12 January is celebrated as National Youth Day, and inspired by him, this date has been chosen for the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.

Friends,

I am pleased to see that in such a short time, the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue has become such a major platform, a platform where youth directly participate in shaping the direction of the nation’s development. More than five million youth registered, over three million actively participated in the Viksit Bharat Challenge, and shared their ideas for India’s future. Youth engagement on such a massive scale is unprecedented. Around the world, the term “think tank” is commonly used. Think tanks hold discussions and influence opinion-making. But after watching the presentations today and the manner in which you raised challenging ideas, I believe that this forum itself has become an institution- a unique global think tank. When millions of minds brainstorm together on defined subjects with a clear goal, what greater exercise of thinking can there be? In fact, the word “think tank” seems inadequate. A “tank” may be small, but this initiative is vast broader than the ocean and deeper than it in ideas. The subjects you discussed today- particularly Women-Led Development and Youth Participation in Democracy- were addressed with remarkable maturity. Your presentations demonstrate how determined our Amrit Generation is to build a developed India. They also reveal the temperament of India’s Gen-Z: creative, confident, and committed. I congratulate all my young friends and everyone associated with the Yuva Bharat organisation for making this event a success.

Friends,

When I mentioned the year 2014 earlier, most of you here would have been only eight or ten years old. You would not have developed the habit of reading newspapers at that time. You did not witness the era of policy paralysis, when governments were criticised for delayed decisions and even when decisions were taken, they were poorly implemented. The rules and regulations were such that youth could not even imagine doing something new. Young people were burdened by restrictions at every step.

Friends,

At that time, something as simple as applying for an examination or a job required running from office to office just to get certificates attested. Paying fees meant visiting banks and post offices to get demand drafts. Starting a business required multiple guarantees even for a small loan. Today, these things seem unbelievable, but this was reality just a decade ago.

Friends,

You spoke here about start-ups, so let me explain the transformation of the start-up ecosystem. While start-up culture began globally decades ago, India saw very little discussion on it until recently. Until 2014, there were fewer than 500 registered start-ups in the country. Excessive government control dominated every sector, leaving young talent with little opportunity to pursue innovation.

Friends,

I have faith in the youth of my country and confidence in your capabilities. That is why we chose a different path. Keeping youth at the centre, we introduced one reform after another, and it was from here that the Startup Revolution truly gained momentum in India. Ease of Doing Business reforms, Startup India, Digital India, the Fund of Funds, and tax and compliance simplification — many such initiatives were undertaken. Sectors that were earlier completely dominated by the government were opened up for youth-led innovation and enterprise. The impact of these efforts has itself become a remarkable success story.

Friends,

Take the space sector as an example. Until five or six years ago, the responsibility for advancing the space sector rested solely with ISRO. We opened the space sector to private enterprise, created the necessary frameworks, and established supporting institutions. As a result, today more than 300 start-ups are operating in India’s space sector. In a short span of time, our start-up Skyroot Aerospace developed its rocket, Vikram-S. Another start-up, Agnikul Cosmos, astonished the world by creating the world’s first 3D-printed engine. All of this is the result of the power of start-ups. India’s space start-ups are now consistently demonstrating their capabilities.

Friends,

Let me now ask you a question. Imagine if there had been round-the-clock restrictions of every kind on flying drones -what would have happened? That was exactly the situation earlier. In our country, both flying and manufacturing drones were trapped in a web of laws. Obtaining a licence was like climbing a mountain, and the entire issue was viewed only from a security perspective. We introduced new rules and simplified them. As a result, many youth today have received the opportunity to move forward in the drone-related sector. On the battlefield, Made in India drones are defeating the enemies of the nation, and in the agricultural sector, our Namo Drone Didi sisters are using drone technology in farming.

Friends,

The defence sector earlier depended entirely on government companies. Our government changed this as well and opened the doors of India’s defence ecosystem to start-ups. This has brought significant benefits to our youth. Today, more than 1,000 defence start-ups are working in India. One young entrepreneur is building drones, another is developing anti-drone systems, some are creating AI-based cameras, while others are working in the field of robotics.

Friends,

Digital India has also created a new community of creators in India. Today, India is witnessing unprecedented growth in the Orange Economy that is, culture, content, and creativity. India is emerging as a major global hub in fields such as media, film, gaming, music, digital content, and VR–XR technologies. A presentation here just now spoke about exporting our culture. I urge the youth present: we have such a vast treasure of stories and legends the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and so much more. Can we take these into the world of gaming? Globally, gaming is a massive market and a major economy. We can create innovative games based on our mythological narratives. Our Hanuman ji can capture the imagination of gamers across the world. In this way, our culture will be exported in a modern form, using technology as its medium. Even today, I see several Indian start-ups that are beautifully presenting India’s stories through gaming, making it easier for children to understand India while they play.

Friends,

The World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) has become a powerful launchpad for young creators. No matter which sector you belong to, today India is opening doors to infinite possibilities. Therefore, my call to all youth associated with this event, and to the youth of the nation, is this: move forward with your ideas, do not hesitate to take risks. The government is walking with you, shoulder to shoulder.

Friends,

Over the past decade, the series of changes and reforms we began has now turned into a Reform Express. At the heart of these reforms is you- our youth power. Next-generation reforms in GST have made processes even simpler for youth and entrepreneurs. Income up to twelve lakh rupees is now tax-free, which significantly increases the potential for savings for those entering the workforce or starting new businesses.

Friends,

You all know that today, electricity is not merely a source of light. From AI and data centres to semiconductors and manufacturing, every modern ecosystem requires abundant energy. That is why India is ensuring Assured Energy. Reforms related to civil nuclear energy- the Shanti Act have been undertaken with this objective. This will create thousands of new jobs in the nuclear sector and will also generate a strong multiplier effect across other sectors.

Friends,

Different countries across the world have different needs and demands, and their workforces are steadily shrinking. Our effort is to ensure that India’s youth are prepared for the opportunities emerging globally. Therefore, continuous reforms in skill development sectors are essential and we are actively pursuing them. After the introduction of the new National Education Policy, regulations related to higher education are also being reformed. Foreign universities are now opening their campuses in India. Recently, the PM SETU programme was launched with investments worth thousands of crores of rupees. This initiative will upgrade thousands of ITIs so that youth can be trained according to the present and future needs of industry. In recent years, India has also signed trade agreements with several countries, which are bringing new opportunities for Indian youth.

Friends,

No nation can become self-reliant or developed without self-confidence. A lack of pride in our capabilities, our heritage, and our tools weakens us. We need commitment and a sense of pride, and we must move forward with strength and confidence. You must have read about the British politician Macaulay, who, during the colonial period, worked through the education system to create a generation of Indians who were mentally enslaved. This fostered an inferiority complex towards indigenous traditions, products, and capabilities. Being foreign or imported came to be seen as a guarantee of superiority. Is that mindset acceptable today? Together, we must put an end to this mentality of slavery. Ten years from now, two hundred years will have passed since Macaulay’s actions, and it is the responsibility of this generation to wash away the injustice of those two centuries. We still have ten years, and I have complete faith that this young generation will accomplish this task. Every young citizen must resolve to free the country from this mindset.

Friends,

Our scriptures say and this was also mentioned in one of the start-up presentations here- “Aa no bhadraḥ kratavo yantu viśvataḥ”, meaning let noble, auspicious, and beneficial thoughts come to us from all directions. You must learn from the world’s best practices, but never allow the tendency to undervalue your own heritage and ideas to dominate. This is precisely what the life of Swami Vivekananda teaches us. He travelled the world, appreciated its strengths, yet continuously challenged the misconceptions spread about India’s civilisation. He did not accept ideas simply because they were popular; instead, he confronted social evils and sought to build a better India. With the same spirit, our youth power must now move forward. And at the same time, take care of your fitness- play, laugh, and live fully.

I have unshakeable faith in all of you, in your capabilities and in your energy. With these words, I once again extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on National Youth Day. One final suggestion, I want to give you: this dialogue programme should also be organised at the state level to discuss development within states. After that, we should move towards district-level dialogues. In this way, what we call a think tank can evolve into a think web. My best wishes are always with you.

Thank you very much, friends.