When we empower women in a family, we empower the entire house-hold: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | February 24, 2018 | 18:03 IST
QuotePM Modi inaugurates the Amma Two Wheeler Scheme in Chennai, pays tribute to Jayalalithaa ji
QuoteWhen we empower women in a family, we empower the entire house-hold: PM Modi
QuoteWhen we help with a woman's education, we ensure that the family is educated: PM
QuoteWhen we secure her future, we secure future of the entire home: PM Narendra Modi

Ladies and gentlemen,

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of SelviJayalalithaaji, I pay my tributes to her and extend my greetings and best wishes to all of you.Wherever she is, I am sure, she would be very happy, to see the happiness on your faces.

 I am glad, today, to be able to launch one of her dream projects– the Amma Two Wheeler Scheme. I am told, that on Amma's70 birth anniversary, seventy lakh plants will be planted across Tamil Nadu.These two initiatives will go a long way in the empowerment of women,and the protection of nature.

Friends.

When we empower the women in a family, we empower the entire house-hold.When we help with a woman's education, we ensure that the entire family is educated.When we facilitateher good health, we help keep the entire family healthy.When we secure her future, we secure the future of the entire home. We are working in this direction.

Friends.

The Union Government has focused on improving "Ease of Living"for the common citizen.All our schemes and programmes have been oriented towards this aim.Be it financial inclusion, easy availability of credit for farmers and small business,healthcare or sanitation, this is the basic mantra, with which the NDA Government at the Centre is working.

Over 11 crore loanshave been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. An amount of 4 lakh, 60 thousand crore rupees has been given to people without any bank guarantee.And most importantly, seventy per cent of the beneficiaries are women.

The success of this scheme, therefore, is proof that the women of India are now stepping out of the age-old shackles, and seeking self-employment.We have taken a number of other steps too, for women empowerment. In the recent Union Budget, we announced that the EPF contribution for new women employees will be reduced from 12 percent to 8 percent for three years. The Employer contribution will remain 12 percent.

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Under the Stand Up India scheme, women entrepreneurs will be given loans worth 10 lakh rupees to one crore rupees.We have also made a change in the Factory's Act, and suggested to States, that they allow women to work in the night shift as well. We have also extended maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

Under the Pradhan MantriAwaasYojana, the registry of the House is done in the name of the woman.

The Jan DhanYojana has also benefited women in a big way.Out of 31 croreJan Dhan Bank Accounts,16 crore are of women.

The percentage of total bank accounts held by women, has gone up from 28 percent in 2014, to 40 percent now.The Swachh Bharat Mission has given women respect and dignity, which is their right.Rural sanitation coverage in the country has expanded from 40 percent to 78 percent.We worked in a mission mode, to provide toilets for girl children in all government schools.

Friends.

The schemes of the Union Government are protecting nature, even as they are empowering people.29 crore LED bulbs have been distributed so far under the Ujala scheme.They have led to a saving of 15 thousand crore rupees in Electricity Bills. They have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by a significant amount.

The Union Government has so far given over 3.4 crore free gas connections under the UjjwalaYojana.As women benefit from a smoke-free environment,the reduction in kerosene usage is also helping the environment.Nine and a half lakh women in Tamil Nadu have benefited so far, from this scheme.

Keeping in mind, the issues of gas supply and sanitation in rural areas, the Union Government has come up with the Gobar-Dhanscheme.The aim is to convert animal

dung and agricultural waste into compost, bio-gas, and bio-CNG.This will raise incomes,and reduce expenditure on gas.

Friends.

More than 24 thousand crore rupees worth of projects are currently being implemented by the Centre, in Tamil Nadu.All these projects have begun after the NDA Government assumed office.They include solar power plants, crude oil pipelines National Highways, and port related works.More than three thousand, seven hundred crore rupees have been sanctioned for the Chennai Metro Rail.

When there was a Congress-led Government at the Centre, Tamil Nadu had received 81 thousand crore rupees under the 13th Finance Commission. After the NDA came to power, Tamil Nadu received One Lakh, 80 Thousand Crore rupees under the 14th Finance Commission.This is an increase of about one hundred and twenty percent.

The Government is working to provide a home to every poor person by 2022. About one crore houses have been built in the last three years.

Tamil Nadu has been given about 700 crore rupees in 2016-17, and about 200 crore rupees in 2017-18, for rural housing.For urban housing, the State has been given over 6000 crore rupees.

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Friends.

Farmers in Tamil Nadu have also benefited from the Pradhan MantriFasalBimaYojana. I am told that claim amounts worth over 2600 crore rupees have been given to farmers in Tamil Nadu so far, under this scheme.

The Union Government is working towards modernization of fishing in Tamil Nadu Under the Blue Revolution Scheme, we are providing financial assistance to fishermen for long liner trawlers.Last year, we gave the State Government 100 crore rupees, to convert over seven hundred and fifty boats to long liner trawlers. Besides making their lives easier, such trawlers will also help the fishermen earn more.

 India's vast ocean resources, and long coast-line offer immense possibilities.The Union Government is workingon the Sagarmalaprogramme, to overhaul our logistics sector.This will reduce the cost of both domestic and foreigntrade.It will also benefit people living along India's coast-line.

We have announced the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the recent Union Budget.Each poor family will be given the facility of free medical treatmentupto a cost of 5 lakh rupees per year, at identified hospitals.This will help 45 to 50 crore people across the country.

The Pradhan MantriSurakshaBeemaYojana and the JeevanJyotiYojana have provided insurance cover to more than 18 crore people. We have also taken other steps such as providing medicines at economical rates, through more than 800 Jan AushadhiKendras.

We remain committed towards working hard in bringing a positive change in the lives of people.

 I once again pay my respectsto SelviJayalalithaaji.I wish you all the very best.

 

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

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ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಭಾರತೀಯನ ರಕ್ತ ಕುದಿಯುತ್ತಿದೆ: ಮನ್ ಕಿ ಬಾತ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಮೋದಿ
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The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage: PM Modi
July 04, 2025
QuoteThe journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage: PM
QuoteI am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy: PM
QuoteThe Indian diaspora is our pride: PM
QuoteAt the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world: PM
QuoteIndia's success in space is global in spirit: PM

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar Ji
Members of the Cabinet,
All the Dignitaries present today,
Members of the Indian diaspora,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Namaskar !
Seeta Ram !
Jai Shri Ram !

Can you mark something… what a coincidence!

It is a matter of immense pride and joy for me to be with all of you this evening. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Ji for her wonderful hospitality and kind words.

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I arrived a short while ago in this beautiful land of Humming Birds.And, my very first engagement is with the Indian community here. It feels completely natural. After all, we are part of one family. I thank you for your warmth and affection.

Friends,

I know the story of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence.

They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in their hearts. They left their soil, but not their soul. They were not just migrants. They were messengers of a timeless civilization. Their contributions have benefitted this country - culturally, economically and spiritually. Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji - as the first woman Prime Minister of this country. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo Ji - as the female President. Late Shri Basdeo Pandey, the son of a farmer, rose to become Prime Minister and a respected global leader. Eminent math scholar Rudranath Capildeo, Music Icon Sundar Popo, Cricketing talent Daren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, whose devotion built the Temple in the Sea. The list of achievers goes on.

You, the children of Girmitiyas, are not defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by your success, your service, and your values. Honestly, there must be something magical in the "doubles” and "dal poori” — because you have doubled the success of this great nation!

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Friends,

When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who ignite the same excitement in the hearts of our youth. Between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger.

Benaras, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi may be cities in India. But they are also names of streets here. Navratra, Mahashivratri, Janmasthmi are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chowtal and Baithak Gana continue to thrive here.

I can see the warmth of many familiar faces. And I see curiosity in the bright eyes of a younger generation - keen to know and grow together. Truly, our bonds go well beyond geography and generations.

Friends,

I know of your deep faith in Prabhu Shri Ram.

एक सौ अस्सी साल बीतल हो, मन न भुलल हो, भजन राम के, हर दिल में गूंजल हो ।

The Ram-Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village are said to be truly unique. Shri Ram Charit Manas says,

राम धामदा पुरी सुहावनि।
लोक समस्त बिदित अति पावनि।।

It means, the sacred city of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is spread across the world. I am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy.

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We remember, you had sent holy water and Shilas for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. It is my honour to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the river Sarayu in Ayodhya.

जन्मभूमि मम पुरी सुहावनि ।
उत्तर दिसि बह सरजू पावनि ।।
जा मज्जन ते बिनहिं प्रयासा ।
मम समीप नर पावहिं बासा ।।

Prabhu Shri Ram says that the glory of Ayodhya springs from the holy Sarayu. Whoever takes a dip in its water, finds eternal union with Shri Ram himself.

सरयू जी और पवित्र संगम का ये जल, आस्था का अमृत है। ये वो प्रवाहमान धारा है, जो हमारे मूल्यों को...हमारे संस्कारों को हमेशा जीवंत रखती है।

You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Maha Kumbh also with me. I request Kamla ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu River and Maha Kumbh to the Ganga Dhara here. May these holy waters bless the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Friends,

We deeply value the strength and support of our diaspora. With over 35 million people spread across the world, the Indian diaspora is our pride. As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot – an Ambassador of India’s values, culture and heritage.

This year, when we hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Her Excellency President Christine Carla Kangaloo ji was our Chief Guest. A few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji had honoured us with her presence.

At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world. We are mapping the past and bringing people closer for a bright future. We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya Community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well.

Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India looks out you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you.

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Friends,

प्रधानमंत्री कमला जी के पूर्वज बिहार के बक्सर में रहा करते थे। कमला जी वहां जाकर भी आई हैं.... लोग इन्हें बिहार की बेटी मानते हैं

People in India consider Prime Minister Kamla ji as the daughter of Bihar.

यहां उपस्थित अनेक लोगों के पूर्वज बिहार से ही आए थे। बिहार की विरासत... भारत के साथ ही दुनिया का भी गौरव है। लोकतंत्र हो, राजनीति हो, कूटनीति हो, हायर एजुकेशन हो...बिहार ने सदियों पहले दुनिया को ऐसे अनेक विषयों में नई दिशा दिखाई थी। मुझे विश्वास है, 21वीं सदी की दुनिया के लिए भी बिहार की धरती से, नई प्रेरणाएं, नए अवसर निकलेंगे।

Like Kamla ji, there are many people here whose roots lie in Bihar. The heritage of Bihar is a matter of pride for all of us.

Friends,

I am sure everyone among you feels proud when India grows. For New India, even the sky is not the limit. You all must have cheered when India’s Chandrayaan landed on the moon. The place where it landed, we have named it Shiv Shakti point.

You must have also heard the news recently. An Indian astronaut is on board the International Space Station even as we speak. We are now working on a manned space mission – Gaganyaan. The time is not far when an Indian will walk on the moon and India will have its own space station.

हम अब तारों को सिर्फ गिनते नहीं हैं...आदित्य मिशन के रूप में...उनके पास तक जाने का प्रयास करते हैं।हमारे लिए अब चंदा मामा दूर के नहीं हैं ।हम अपनी मेहनत से असंभव को भी संभव बना रहे हैं।

India’s achievements in space are not just ours. We are sharing its fruits with the rest of the world.

Friends,

India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies of the world. The fruits of India’s growth and progress are reaching the most needy.

भारत ने दिखाया है कि गरीबों को सशक्त करके... Empower करके... गरीबी को हराया जा सकता है। पहली बार करोड़ों लोगों में विश्वास जागा है, कि भारत गरीबी से मुक्त हो सकता है।

The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India’s growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth.

Today, India is the third largest startup hub in the world. Nearly half of these startups also have women as directors. Nearly 120 startups have got unicorn status. National missions for AI, Semiconductor and Quantum computing are becoming the new engines of growth. In a way, innovation is becoming a mass movement.

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments. Nearly 50% of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India. I congratulate Trinidad & Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now sending money will be as easy as sending a ‘good morning’ text message! And I promise, it will be faster than West Indies bowling.

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Friends,

Our Mission Manufacturing is working to make India a manufacturing hub. We have become the world’s second largest mobile manufacturer. We are exporting railway locomotives to the world.

Our defence exports have increased 20-fold in just the last decade. We are not just making in India. We are making for the world. As we grow, we are ensuring that it is of mutual benefit to the world.

Friends,

Today’s India is a land of opportunities. Whether it is business, tourism, education, or healthcare, India has a lot to offer.

Your ancestors took a long and difficult journey, over a 100 days across the seas, to reach here – Saat Samandar Par! Today, that same journey takes just a few hours. I encourage you all to visit India more, in person, not just virtually on social media!

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Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children, bring your neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys chai and a good story. We will welcome you all – with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi!

With these words, I thank you all once again for the love and affection you have shown to me.

I specially thank Prime Minister Kamla Ji for honouring me with your highest national award.

बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद.

Namaskar !
Sita Ram !
Jai Shri Ram !