Lasting solutions can come from the ideals of Lord Buddha: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | July 4, 2020 | 09:05 IST
Buddhism teaches respect — Respect for people. Respect for the poor. Respect for women. Respect for peace and non-violence: PM
Bright young minds are finding solutions to global problems. India has one of the largest start-up
eco-systems: PM
Lasting solutions can come from the ideals of Lord Buddha. They were relevant in the past. They are relevant in the present. They will remain relevant in the future: PM

Respected President Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji, other distinguished guests. Let me begin by conveying my greetings on Ashadha Poornima. It is also known as Guru Purnima. This is a day to remember our Gurus, who gave us knowledge. In that spirit, we pay homage to Lord Buddha.

I am happy that copies of the Mongolian Kanjur are being presented to the Government of Mongolia. The Mongolian Kanjur is widely respected in Mongolia. Most monasteries have a copy of it.

Friends, the eight-fold path of Lord Buddha shows the way towards the well-being of many societies and nations. It highlights the importance of compassion and kindness. The teachings of Lord Buddha celebrate simplicity both in thought and action. Buddhism teaches respect. Respect for people. Respect for the poor. Respect for women. Respect for peace and non-violence. Therefore, the teachings of Buddhism are the means to a sustainable planet.

Friends, in his very first sermon in Sarnath, and his teachings after that, Lord Buddha spoke on two things- hope and purpose. He saw a strong link between them. From hope comes a spirit of purpose. For Lord Buddha it was the removal of human suffering. We have to rise to the occasion and do whatever we can to increase hope among people.

Friends, I am very hopeful about the 21st century. This hope comes from my young friends- our youth. If you want to see a great example of how hope, innovation and compassion can remove suffering, it is our Start-up sector. Bright young minds are finding solutions to global problems. India has one of the largest start-up ecosystems.

I would urge my young friends to also stay connected with the thoughts of Lord Buddha. They will motivate and show the way ahead. At times,they will even calm you down or cheer you up. Infact, Lord Buddha's teaching of - अप्प: दीपो भव: , be your own guiding light is a wonderful management lesson.

Friends, today the world fights extraordinary challenges. To these challenges, lasting solutions can come from the ideals of Lord Buddha. They were relevant in the past. They are relevant in the present. And, they will remain relevant in the future.

Friends, it is the need of the hour to connect more and more people with Buddhist heritage sites. We in India have many such sites. You know how people also know my parliamentary constituency of Varanasi? As the home to Sarnath. We want to focus on connectivity to Buddhist sites. A few days back the Indian Cabinet announced that Kushinagar airport will be an international one. This would bring so many people, pilgrims and tourists. It would also generate economic opportunities for many.

India awaits you!

Friends, once again, my greetings to you all. May the thoughts of Lord Buddha further brightness, togetherness and brotherhood. May his blessings inspire us to do good.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

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Amid a massive gathering in Ernakulam today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the enthusiasm and confidence of the people reflected a strong aspiration for Keralam’s development and a new political direction in the state. He emphasised that the aspirations of the people clearly indicate a desire for faster growth and new opportunities.

Expressing confidence in the people’s mandate, PM Modi said, “The 21st century is a crucial time for Keralam. The state needs a new future and a new beginning. I am happy that the people of Keralam have decided to come out of the cycle of LDF and UDF. The confidence visible in this massive public meeting shows that people are ready for change.”

Highlighting the vision of a double-engine government, He stated Keralam possesses immense natural and human potential. He noted that the state has nature, culture, talent, technology and the blessings of the vast sea. However, he remarked that despite these strengths, development had not progressed at the desired pace due to alternating governments and political patterns that slowed long-term progress.

Calling for a new political direction, PM Modi iterated, “For rapid development, this pattern must change. You have given Congress and the Left more than seventy years. Now give BJP-NDA the next five years and you will see the vision of a Viksit Keralam take shape. You have Modi’s guarantee, what has not changed until now will change and Keralam will move forward.”

The Prime Minister said the vision of BJP-NDA is to position Keralam as a global hub for wellness, tourism and cultural experiences. He said, “For a Viksit Keralam, we must create new opportunities in tourism, talent and technology. The youth of Keralam have tremendous capability, and they should lead new sectors like startups, innovation and emerging technologies.”

Highlighting economic priorities, the PM stated, “Our government has ensured financial support and security for fishermen. Fishermen have been provided access to credit through the Kisan Credit Card and insurance coverage of up to five lakh rupees. Major projects like the Vizhinjam International Seaport show our commitment to strengthening the Blue Economy.”

Addressing concerns related to developments in the Gulf region, PM Modi said the government remains fully committed to the safety and welfare of Indian citizens working abroad. “Whenever any Indian citizen has faced danger anywhere in the world, India has made every effort to bring them back safely. Our embassies and missions are working round the clock to ensure help, food, medical care and support for our people,” he said.

“Whether it was rescuing nurses trapped in Iraq or securing the release of Father Tom from terrorists in Yemen, today’s India does not leave its citizens alone in times of crisis. We also brought Father Alexis Prem Kumar safely back from Afghanistan. Even today, our effort is to ensure safety and every possible assistance for Indians caught in difficult situations,” he added.

Coming down heavily on the Congress, PM Modi said, “It is unfortunate that even in such a serious global situation, the Congress party is indulging in politics. Congress leaders are making provocative statements so that the situation worsens, our people face difficulties and then they can start a campaign of abusing Modi.”

Highlighting the importance of self-reliance, PM Modi said, “India is continuously working to become self-reliant in the energy sector. Solar power capacity is expanding, electric mobility is being promoted and railway electrification is progressing rapidly. These steps are strengthening India’s long-term energy security.”

“On one hand, the BJP-NDA government is working tirelessly to make India self-reliant. On the other hand, Congress and the Left are busy mocking the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign. When they were in power, they only increased the country’s dependence on foreign nations. Even today, at a time when the world is facing conflict, Congress, the Left and their ecosystem are spreading rumours and creating panic. I urge the people of the country to stay alert and cautious against such misinformation.”

Criticising political opponents in the state, the Prime Minister said LDF and UDF represent two sides of the same system. He alleged that both groups have been associated with corruption, stalled development and divisive politics, which have hindered the progress of the state.

He continued, “When UDF was in power, the state witnessed the solar scam. Today, under LDF rule, the CMRL scam is dominating the headlines. Look at their partnership even in controversies around the Sabarimala temple. There are allegations of gold loot against leaders of one side and accusations of selling the looted gold against leaders of the other.”

Taking a swipe at the UDF and LDF, PM Modi asserted, "On one side is the UDF led by the Congress, which has now become MMC - Muslim League Maoist Congress. To win elections in Keralam, Congress depends on organisations like Jamaat and others whose radical agendas threaten the peace of the state. On the other side, the LDF has long-standing ties with extremist elements like the PDP, whose leaders are known for spreading extremism among the youth. Therefore, the people of Keralam must remain cautious of both UDF and LDF.”

Calling for a new mandate, the Prime Minister concluded by saying, “The goal of BJP is the development of the nation and the development of Keralam. With a BJP-NDA government here and a double-engine government, Keralam will move ahead with double the speed toward prosperity and growth.”