Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are our pride, our heritage: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | March 7, 2025 | 15:00 IST
QuoteDadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are our pride, our heritage: PM Modi
QuoteDadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu have reached a saturation level in several schemes: PM Modi
QuoteJan Aushadhi means guarantee of affordable treatment! The mantra of Jan Aushadhi is - lower prices, effective medicines: PM Modi
QuoteWe all should reduce 10% of the cooking oil in our food,manage with 10% less oil every month,This will be a significant step towards reducing obesity: PM Modi

Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Shri Prafulbhai Patel, my colleague in Parliament, Srimati Kalben Delkar, all the dignitaries, brothers and sisters, Namaskar.

How are you all? Today there is a lot of enthusiasm here. I am thankful to all the workers of the Union territory that you all together have given me this opportunity to come up. I got a chance to say namaste to many old friends.

Friends,

This natural beauty of Silvassa, the love of the people here and Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman Diu, you all know how old my relationship is with you people. This decades old feeling of belongingness and how much joy I get by coming here, only you and I know this. I was seeing very old friends today. Years ago, I used to get the opportunity to come here many times. What was the condition of Silvassa and the entire Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman-Diu at that time, how different it was and people also thought that what can happen in a small place on the seashore? But I had faith in the people here, in the capabilities of the people here, I had faith in you. After forming the government at the Centre in 2014, our government converted this faith into power, took it forward and today our Silvassa, this state is emerging with a modern identity. Silvassa has become a city where people from all places are living. This cosmopolitan temperament here shows how rapidly new opportunities have developed in Dadra Nagar Haveli.

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Friends,

Under this development campaign, the foundation stone of several projects worth more than Rs 2500 crores has been laid and inaugurated today. Infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education and tourism, that is, a lot of projects related to every sector, will give further pace to the development of this region, new opportunities will be created here. I congratulate all of you for these projects. I want to tell you one small thing, many of you, because there is nothing new here compared to foreign countries, must be going to Singapore, this Singapore was once a small village for fishermen, fishing was the main occupation. In a very short time, the determination of the people there made it Singapore today. Similarly, if every citizen of this Union Territory decides, then I am ready to stand with you, but you will also have to come along, otherwise it will not happen.

Friends,

Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are not just a union territory for us. This union territory is our pride, it is also our heritage. That is why we are making this state a model state, which is known for its overall development, holistic development. I want this region to be known for its high-tech infrastructure, modern health services, and world-class education institutes! This region should be known for its tourism and blue economy! This region should be known for its industrial progress, new opportunities for youth, women's participation and all-round development!

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Brothers and Sisters,

Due to the hard work of Prafulbhai Patel and the support of the Central Government, we are not far from this goal. In the last 10 years, we have worked together rapidly in this direction. Our Silvassa and this Union Territory are emerging with a distinct identity on the map of the country in terms of development. Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu have reached saturation in many schemes. Every beneficiary is getting the benefit of the government's scheme for every need in every aspect of life. You see, One Nation One Ration Card has guaranteed food to every person. Jal Jeevan Mission is providing clean drinking water to every family. Bharat Net has strengthened digital connectivity. PM Jan Dhan has connected every family to banking services. Every beneficiary is getting the benefit of PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana. The success of these schemes has brought confidence in people here. The positive changes in their lives due to the government's schemes are having a comprehensive impact. Now our effort is to achieve 100% saturation in schemes like Smart Cities Mission, Samagra Shiksha and PM Mudra. This is the first time when the government itself is going to the people with public welfare schemes. The deprived and tribal sections of the society have benefited a lot from this.

Friends,

From infrastructure to education, employment and industrial development, how the picture of this state has changed today we can see it. There was a time when the youth here had to go out for higher education. But now there are 6 national level institutes in this region. Namo Medical College, Gujarat National Law University, IIIT Diu, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, and Engineering College of Daman, due to these institutes, our Silvassa and this union territory have become a new hub of education. So that the youth here can get more benefit from these institutions, seats have been reserved for them. Earlier I used to feel happy to see that this is a state where education is imparted in 4 different mediums - Hindi, English, Gujarati and Marathi. Now I am also proud of the fact that even in primary and junior schools here, children are studying in smart classrooms.

Friends,

In the past years, modern health services have expanded significantly in this area. In 2023, I had the opportunity to inaugurate Namo Medical College here. Now another hospital with a capacity of 450 beds has been added to it. It has just been inaugurated here. Today, the foundation stone of many other health related projects has also been laid here. These health facilities in Silvassa will greatly benefit the tribal community here.

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Friends,

Today, these health-related projects in Silvassa have become special for another reason. Today is also Jan Aushadhi Diwas. Jan Aushadhi means guarantee of inexpensive treatment! The mantra of Jan Aushadhi is - low price, effective medicine, low price, effective medicine, our government is also building good hospitals, providing free treatment under Ayushman Yojana and also providing medicines at less price through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. We have all seen in our lives that even after treatment in the hospital, the burden of the cost of medicines remains for a long time. To reduce this burden, people are getting medicines at up to 80 percent less price at more than 15 thousand Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. Say discount up to 80 percent! People of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are also getting the benefit of about 40 Jan Aushadhi Kendras. In the coming time, we are moving ahead with the target of opening 25 thousand Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. Since the launch of this scheme, the government has provided medicines worth about Rs. 6.5 thousand crores at less price to the needy. With the opening of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the poor and middle class have saved more than Rs. 30 thousand crores. Due to Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the treatment of many serious diseases has become cheaper. This is proof of how sensitive our government is towards the needs of the common man.

Friends,

Along with these important topics related to health, I want to raise another important topic. You all know that today's lifestyle and its related diseases are becoming a big threat to our health. One such disease is obesity. They cannot even sit on a chair and do not look around. Otherwise, if I say so, they will look around to see who is sitting next to me with a higher weight. This obesity is becoming the cause of many other diseases today. Recently a report has come on the problem of obesity. This report says that by 2050 more than 44 crore Indians will suffer from obesity. This figure is very big, this figure is scary. This means that one out of every three people can fall prey to serious diseases due to obesity, this obesity can be fatal. That means, one person in every family will be a victim of obesity, how big a crisis can this be. We have to try to avoid such a situation from now itself. And therefore, there can be many measures. I have made a call and I want a promise from you today. This hospital has been built well, But I don't want you to go through the trouble of going to the hospital. Even if the hospital remains empty, you people should remain healthy. I want you to do one thing, will you do it? Please raise your hands and tell me, will you do it? Give me a promise that you will do it, all of you raise your hands and say, you will do it 100 percent. The weight of this body will increase and you will keep on becoming fat, instead of that you have to try to become thin.

We all should reduce our cooking oil by 10%. We have to try to use 10% less cooking oil every month. That means, decide to buy 10% less cooking oil than you buy every month. Say, you promise to reduce your oil consumption by 10%. All should raise their hands, especially sisters should say, then even if you have to listen at home, you will definitely reduce oil consumption. This will be a very big step towards reducing obesity. Apart from this, we have to make exercise a part of our life. If you walk a few kilometers every day, or do cycling on Sunday, then it will be very beneficial. And you see, I have said to reduce oil by 10 percent, I have not said to do any other work, otherwise you will say that if sir says reduce it by 50 percent in the evening, then you will not call me to Silvassa. Today, the country is engaged in realizing the resolve of a developed India. We have to remember that only a healthy country can achieve such a goal. Therefore, I would like to tell the people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, this Union Territory, that if you cut down on cooking oil and keep yourself fit, then this will be a big contribution in the journey towards a developed India.

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Friends,

In a state which has a vision of development, opportunities are created rapidly. That is why, in the last decade, this region has emerged as an industrial center. And this time in the budget, we have taken up a very big task, mission manufacturing, which can benefit the most here. In the last 10 years, hundreds of new industries have started here, many industries have expanded. Thousands of crores of rupees have been invested in this. These industries are providing employment opportunities to the local people on a large scale. We are also ensuring that our tribal society, tribal friends get maximum benefit from these employment opportunities. Similarly, to empower SC, ST, OBC women, Gir Adarsh ​​Ajeevika Yojana has also been implemented here. New opportunities for self-employment have also been created by setting up a small dairy farm here.

Friends,

Tourism is also a major source of employment. The beaches and rich heritage here are attracting a large number of tourists from India and abroad. The development of Ram Setu, Namopath and Tent City in Daman has increased the attraction of this area. Tourists are also liking the night market of Daman a lot. A huge bird sanctuary has been built here. There are plans to build an eco-resort in Dudhani. Work on coastal promenade and beach development is also being done on the sea coast in Diu. In 2024, Diu Beach Games were organized, after which the attraction of beach games has increased among the people. After getting the Blue Flag, Ghoghla Beach of Diu has also become a popular tourist destination. And now 'cable car' is being developed in Diu district. This will be India's first aerial ropeway, through which you will get to see a marvelous view of the Arabian Sea. That means, our Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu, our union territory, is becoming one of the best tourist destinations of India.

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Friends,

The connectivity works done here have also played a big role in this. Today, a bullet train station is being built near Dadra. The Mumbai-Delhi Expressway is passing through Silvassa. In the last few years, several kilometers of new roads have been built here and construction of more than 500 kilometers of roads is underway. Thousands of crores of rupees are being spent on this. The state has also benefited from the Udan scheme. The airport here is being upgraded for better connectivity. That means our government is leaving no stone unturned for your development.

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Friends,

I am glad that along with development, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are also becoming states with good governance and ease of living. There was a time when people had to run around government offices to get their problems resolved. Today, most of the government related work is done with just one click on the mobile. The tribal areas which were ignored for decades are being benefited the most from this new approach. Today, special camps are being organized in villages. People's problems are heard and efforts are made to solve them there. I congratulate Prafulbhai and his team for such efforts. I assure you that we will continue to make continuous efforts for the development of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu. I once again congratulate you for today's development projects and I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the citizens of the Union Territory for the wonderful welcome you gave me, the love and affection you showered upon me, the welcome and respect you extended to me. Thank you very much.

 

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PM Modi addresses the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
June 21, 2025
QuoteYoga has united the entire world: PM
QuoteYoga is for Everyone, Beyond Boundaries, Beyond Backgrounds, Beyond age or ability: PM
QuoteYoga leads us on a journey towards oneness with the world, It teaches us that we are not isolated individuals but part of nature: PM
QuoteYoga is a system that takes us from Me to We: PM
QuoteYoga is the pause button humanity needs, to breathe, to balance, to become whole again: PM
QuoteLet this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where Inner Peace becomes Global Policy: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the 11th International Day of Yoga (IYD) event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh today. The Prime Minister led the celebrations of International Yoga Day and took part in the Yoga session.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister extended warm greetings to people across India and the world on International Yoga Day, highlighting that this year marks the 11th occasion when the world has come together on 21st June to practice yoga collectively. He remarked that the essence of yoga is "to unite", and it is heartening to see how yoga has united the world. Reflecting on the journey of Yoga over the past decade, Shri Modi recalled the moment when India proposed the idea of International Yoga Day at the United Nations. He noted that 175 countries supported the proposal, a rare instance of such wide global unity. He emphasised that the support was not merely for a proposal but represented a collective effort by the world for the greater good of humanity. “Eleven years on, yoga has become an integral part of the lifestyle of millions across the globe”, he added. The Prime Minister expressed pride in seeing how Divyang individuals are reading yogic texts in Braille and how scientists are practicing yoga in space. He also noted enthusiastic participation of youth from rural areas in Yoga Olympiads. Shri Modi underscored that whether it is the steps of the Sydney Opera House, the summit of Mount Everest, or the vast expanse of the ocean, the message remains the same,“Yoga is for everyone and for all, Beyond Boundaries, Beyond Backgrounds, Beyond age or ability.”

Expressing satisfaction at being in Visakhapatnam, describing the city as a confluence of nature and progress, Shri Modi commended the people for their excellent organisation of the event and extended congratulations to Shri Chandrababu Naidu and Shri Pawan Kalyan for their leadership. The Prime Minister highlighted that under their leadership, Andhra Pradesh launched a remarkable initiative—Yogandhra Abhiyan. He also specially appreciated the efforts of Shri Nara Lokesh, stating that he has demonstrated how yoga can be a true social celebration and how every section of society can be included. Shri Modi remarked that in the past one to one-and-a-half months, Shri Lokesh has shown exemplary commitment through the Yogandhra Abhiyan and is deserving of praise for his efforts.

Noting that more than two crore people have joined the Yogandhra Abhiyan, reflecting a vibrant spirit of public participation, the Prime Minister emphasised that this very spirit forms the bedrock of a Viksit Bharat. He remarked that when citizens themselves take ownership of a mission and actively participate, no goal remains beyond reach. Shri Modi stated that the people’s goodwill and enthusiastic efforts were visible throughout the event in Visakhapatnam.

Underlining this year’s International Day of Yoga theme,“Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the Prime Minister remarked that the theme reflects a profound truth: the health of every entity on Earth is interconnected. Human well-being, he stated, depends on the health of the soil that produces our food, the rivers that supply our water, the animals that share our ecosystems, and the plants that nourish us. Shri Modi highlighted that yoga awakens us to this interconnectedness and guides us on a journey toward oneness with the world. “Yoga teaches us we are not isolated individuals but integral parts of nature. Initially, we learn to care for our own health and wellness, but gradually, this care expands to our environment, society, and the planet. Yoga is a profound personal discipline that, at the same time, serves as a collective system—one that transitions individuals from Me to We”, the Prime Minister stated.

“The spirit of “Me to We” encapsulates the very soul of India”, said Shri Modi, remarking that when an individual rises above self-interest and begins to think about society at large, the welfare of all humanity becomes possible. He referred to Indian culture, stating that it teaches us the value of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”—the welfare of all is one’s sacred duty and this journey from ‘Me’ to ‘We’ forms the foundation of service, dedication, and coexistence. The Prime Minister stated that it is this very thinking that fosters social harmony.

Expressing concern over the growing stress, unrest, and instability in various parts of the world, Shri Modi remarked that in such times, yoga offers a pathway to peace. “Yoga is the pause button humanity needs,to breathe, to balance, to become whole again”, he stated. The Prime Minister made a special appeal to the global community on the occasion of International Yoga Day, urging, “let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where Inner Peace becomes Global Policy”. He emphasised that yoga should not remain merely a personal practice but should evolve into a medium for global partnerships. He called upon every nation and every society to integrate yoga into their lifestyle and public policy. Shri Modi envisioned a collective effort to advance a peaceful, balanced, and sustainable world. “Yoga should guide the world from conflict to cooperation, and from stress to solutions”, he added.

Highlighting India’s efforts to strengthen the science of yoga through modern research to support its global dissemination, the Prime Minister noted that the country’s leading medical institutions are actively engaged in yoga research, aiming to establish its scientific relevance within contemporary medical practices. He underscored that India is promoting evidence-based therapy in the field of yoga through its medical and research institutions. Shri Modi praised the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, for its exemplary contribution in this direction. Citing AIIMS research findings, he stated that yoga has shown significant impact in the treatment of cardiac and neurological disorders, as well as in improving women’s health and mental well-being.

Shri Modi noted that through the National Ayush Mission, the message of yoga and wellness is being actively advanced across the country. He remarked that digital technology has played a significant role in this effort. Over one million events have been registered nationwide through the Yoga Portal and YogAndhra Portal, indicating the remarkable expansion of yoga’s reach across the country. He stated that the scale of events taking place in every corner of India reflects yoga's growing influence.

Noting the rising global popularity of the “Heal in India” mantra, highlighting India’s emergence as a leading destination for healing, Shri Modi emphasised that yoga is playing a vital role in this development. He expressed satisfaction that a Common Yoga Protocol has been developed to standardise practice. Underlining the efforts of the Yoga Certification Board, which has trained more than 6.5 lakh volunteers, and recognised around 130 institutions, the Prime Minister also noted the inclusion of a 10-day yoga module in medical colleges as part of building a holistic wellness ecosystem. He informed that trained yoga teachers are being deployed across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs nationwide. To ensure the global community benefits from India’s wellness ecosystem, the Prime Minister announced the provision of special e-Ayush visas.

Drawing attention to the issue of obesity, calling it a growing global challenge, Shri Modi recalled his discussion on the topic in detail during the Mann Ki Baat programme and had launched a challenge to reduce oil consumption by 10 percent in daily diets. The Prime Minister reiterated his appeal to citizens across India and the world to join this initiative. Emphasising the need to spread awareness on how individuals can reduce oil consumption by at least 10 percent in their meals, Shri Modi stated that cutting down on oil, avoiding unhealthy diets, and practicing yoga are vital components of a healthy lifestyle.

Calling upon everyone to transform yoga into a jan andolan - a people’s movement, the Prime Minister envisioned a movement that would lead the world towards peace, health, and harmony. He urged that every individual begin their day with yoga to bring balance in life, and every society embrace yoga to be free of stress. The Prime Minister concluded by stating, “Yoga should serve as a thread that weaves humanity together, Yoga for One Earth, One Health should become a global resolution”.

The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Syed Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Cabinet Ministers Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Shri Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

On the occasion of 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), Prime Minister lead the national celebration from Visakhapatnam. He participated in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session at the beachfront of Visakhapatnam, alongside nearly 5 lakh participants, while leading the nation in a harmonious yoga demonstration. Yoga sangam events were held simultaneously at more than 3.5 lakh locations across India. This year, special contests such as Yoga with Family and youth-focused initiatives under Yoga Unplugged have been launched on platforms like MyGov and MyBharat, encouraging mass participation.

The theme for this year, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” highlights the interconnectedness of human and planetary health and echoes the global vision of collective wellness, rooted in India’s philosophy of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease). Since its inception in 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India’s proposal to observe 21st June as IDY, Prime Minister has led the celebrations from various locations including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, New York (UN Headquarters), and Srinagar. IDY has since evolved into a powerful global health movement.