Full Speech : Shri Narendra Modi at the BJP National Council Meet, Delhi

Published By : Admin | January 19, 2014 | 15:32 IST

 

Bharat Mata ki Jai..! Bharat Mata ki Jai..!

Most revered Advani Ji, our National President respected Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, Leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha respected Sushma Ji, Shri Arun Jaitley Ji, Shri Venkaiah Ji, the Chief Ministers who have made Bharatiya Janata Party proud, Shri Shivraj Ji, Shri Raman Singh Ji and Vasundhara Ji, all the senior leaders of the party present on the dais and all the dedicated party workers of Bharatiya Janata Party who have assembled here from every corner of the nation..!

We are discussing in detail the national concerns, the political concerns and our concerns and are also planning for the organizational programs of Bharatiya Janata Party since last two days. There have been many elections after independence. From the time of Jana Sangh and Bharatiya Janata Party, we all have experience of working in the elections, but if we look at all the elections of past, we will find that 2014 elections are completely different. We have not ever seen such plight in the country..! The world’s largest democratic country stands leaderless, strategy less and even its intentions are doubted, the country has never seen such a day, which we are living in today. The ghastly form of corruption that the country has witnessed in the last decade, was never seen before. Farmers committing suicide, the youth astray for employment, women worried for their honour, the children dying of inflation… such plight is unprecedented. And thus the elections of 2014 are not only the elections of change but they are the elections of hope and aspiration for the millions of people..! The elections of 2014 are the elections to realize the dreams of the heights that we were shown by Atal Ji and Advani Ji in the beginning of 21st century and even of surpassing them..!

Friends, National Councils of two major parties have been held at Delhi, if we analyze them then we will clearly see that in the Congress conclave that was held two days back, there was a struggle evident to save the face of party in 2014 elections. How to save their party, how to save Congress, how to keep a crumbling party together, these were their primary subjects. Friends, there they were trying to save the party, whereas here we are struggling to save the nation, this is the basic difference of the 2014 elections..!

Friends, the Congress party workers assembled very hopefully here in Delhi, as they were told that on 17th, the announcement of Congress’s Prime Ministerial candidate will be done. They were very anxious with lots of hope and expectation that they will go back with the name of their Prime Ministerial candidate. As our Arun Jaitley Ji said that Congress party workers from across the nation came here to take their Prime Minister, but went back with three bottles of gas, with three gas cylinders..!

Friends, I find it essential to mention the points that were raised there. They took excuse of democratic practices for not announcing the name of Prime Ministerial candidate, is it the truth..? I thought that the people who discuss night and day subjects like this will definitely discuss this, but no discussion took place, they might have their own respective reasons but the country wants to know that after independence, when the first Prime Minister was chosen, what happened to the democratic tradition at that time..? Entire Congress party unanimously wanted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to be the Prime Minister, what were those democratic traditions because of which even after wish of every member of Congress, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did not let become the Prime Minister. Such people talk of traditions..! I want to know that when on 31st October 1984 Mrs. Indira Gandhi was assassinated, Rajiv Gandhi was in Kolkata at that time, he came running from Kolkata, went straight to the hospital and within moments Rajiv Gandhi was sworn in as Prime Minister. I want to ask the Congress party which is referring to traditions that at that time in 1984, whether any parliamentary party meeting took place..? Did the party elect their Prime Ministerial candidate..? Are there any notes, minutes and agenda of it..? Nothing happened, just a few people gathered and got the oath taking done in haste and you are giving us lessons on traditions..?

After this, elections were held in 2004, UPA had to come in power. Friends, I can say this with full confidence that, in UPA-1, no one in the parliamentary party elected Dr. Manmohan Singh for the post of Prime Minister, as their leader. The parliamentary party of Congress selected Madam Sonia Gandhi as their leader, but later Madam Sonia Ji nominated Dr. Manmohan Singh and he was made to take the position of Prime Minister, and these people talk of parliamentary traditions..! We can’t save ourselves talking like this. Yesterday, respected Sushma Ji, Rajnath Ji, Venkaiah Ji and Arun Ji, all have said this in their own way that they may have their own reasons to run away from elections, but I can see a very humanitarian reason to it, there is definitely a political reasons, but there is also a human element, and that is, when the defeat is certainly clear, when the havoc heading is clearly evident, will any mother be ready to sacrifice her son..? Which mother will sacrifice her son on the political path, at last a mother’s heart decided to save her son..!

Friends, these days the tea vendors are being treated very well, every tea vendor of the country is walking with pride. There are two more reasons for them to run away from elections. First that the culture in which they are brought up, the way they have established themselves as an elite family, friends, the people who live in such lives, their mental setup becomes of a type that they become feudalists, they feel that General elections are important, Congress should win as well, but this is a matter of insult to compete against a tea vendor..! They are feeling ashamed, there is no equality..! They are ‘Naamdar’ (big named) and I am a ‘Kaamdar’ (worker)..! Such big names find it insulting to compete with a worker, they find it to be a shame, how can they fight a worker..? Not only this, sometimes this feeling of conventional discrimination, the venom of racism, the felling of superiority, all these are a matter of concern for the people born in high societies that we are born in such a high family who has been respected for ages and the person in front is one from a backward caste, one whose mother used to work as a domestic help and used to daily chores like cleaning, washing etc, and I should compete against a man who was born in a backward caste and used to sell tea in trains..?

Friends, there are also reasons beyond political periphery. The elections of 2014 are heading and when we meet people in the villages, on the roads, we ask them. On 27th October, when innocents were worshiping their motherland with their blood, the mass that was struggling then, that inspires me to think that in the era of our struggle for freedom, what was the motivation that Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were so excited to sacrifice their lives..? The fire that was there in people’s heart for freedom, that people were ready to dedicate their life behind bars just to attain freedom, these elections of 2014, after so many years of independence, have brought back that rage. People got a chance to immolate their lives for independence, then they had given their life for ‘Swaraj’ (self governance), and today the new generation is raging for ‘Suraaj’ (good governance)..! The youth of the country is feeling that though they did not get a chance to sacrifice their lives for the country’s freedom, but they have got a chance to live for good governance in free India; the inspiration of these elections is this feeling, this is the feel evident in these elections..! That is why the people who have no connection with Bharatiya Janata Party at all, those who have not even been a party worker with BJP, those who are simply untouched from politics; lakhs of such people reach BJP office, write letters to me, write to me on Twitter and Facebook, that give us some responsibility, we want to do something..! This spirit of 2014 elections, the spirit of good governance movement in 2014 elections resembles the spirit of independence movement..!

Friends, more than 60 years have passed since India got independence. We have heard a lot about concern for the poor, about development,; just for a moment keep the map of India in front of your eyes and try to analyze that what was the problem in our strategies, our policies, our actions, because of which when we look at western part of the country we can see slow but steady development taking place, it seems as if something is changing but what is the reason that when we look from the center towards the east, entire area seems to be struggling for development. Why is there such situation, such imbalance..?

Friends, today I want to assure all the countrymen that when you will give Bharatiya Janata Party a chance to serve India in May 2014, then our party’s first priority will be to uplift this lagging part of the country, which is still quite left behind in the journey of development, we first of all want to develop it, so that it at least reaches where western India already is..! How is our Bharat Maa be like if its one arm is strong, while the other is weak, this can’t be our motherland..! Our vision is that whether it is Bihar, Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, North East, Odisha, entire eastern part, eastern UP… we want to move ahead with a dream of balanced development in all the parts. Friends, if we want to strengthen the nation then we should not see regional aspirations as a threat..! In the last four decades the leaders have taken regional aspirations as if the center has been burdened heavily with them. Friends, regional aspirations can also be a great opportunity for development. They are opportunity and not challenge, because the desire of progressing that every state has developed, if it gets linked with Delhi then I have full faith that we can walk at a much faster pace..!

Friends, our country has a federal structure which can’t be limited to the clauses of constitution, we will have to respect it in letter and spirit, we need to be proud of it. Friends, it is a matter of joy for me that I have been a Chief Minister and now the party has selected me for a new role, but as a Chief Minister I completely understand and realize the importance of federal structure..! I have experience to work under Vajpayee Ji’s supportive government and in the current contradictory atmosphere in Delhi as well, and being experienced myself, I can understand the difficulties of the Chief Ministers very well and understand the importance of federal structure. Bharatiya Janata Party takes interest in empowering the federal structure and we want to strengthen it further..!

Friends, these days there is a big brother attitude. We are the Delhi regime, we give aid to the states, but this does not look good..! We promise to change this situation, there is no younger or big brother, the attitude should be that both the brothers are together taking the country ahead with equal efforts and strength..! Today it is considered that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet of Ministers will take the nation ahead together. I have a different opinion, I believe that the Prime Minister and all the Chief Ministers should together be a team which should take the country ahead..! Not only this, the Central Council of Ministers and the State Council of Ministers should together form a comprehensive team. The bureaucracy of the state and the center come together, and all these work together as a huge team, if we can create such environment, then we can take our country ahead by bringing these forces together facing all the challenges that lie ahead of us..!

Friends, good governance is a must for the nation, the root cause of all the problems of the country is bad governance, and if we want to get rid of it then we will have to focus on good governance..! Friends, this good governance is not a must for the rich, they can buy the governments, good governance is for the poor, is for the common man, it is for the exploited, suffering and the oppressed..! If there is good governance then the government schools will function properly, the underprivileged kids will have good studies, but if there will not be good government then the poor man’s child will be left there itself, and this is why good governance is needed. Friends, we want to move ahead with good governance, and these days we get to hear many things, we heard such talks for several days now, we have to decide that now we have to believe on the same age-old tape records or we want to trust the track records..! The same old record has already played enough, the country should now decide on the basis of track record that in whose hands do they see the nation safe..!

Friends, only bills will not serve any purpose, now we need political will and the heart to act..! Friends, we have heard the incantations of acts enough now, the country has heard enough of it now, now it wants action..! Friends, they offer doles to win the elections, but the government is still imbalanced..! Friends, the doles are at its place but for urban development, growth is needed, delivery is needed, thus in good governance, we will have to move ahead and include the mantra of development and delivery. Friends, in last ten years, there would have hardly been a day when the Prime Minister has not constituted a committee, a committee for every issue. My fellow citizens, the country is chocking under the burden of committees, we do not want committees but commitment, commitment for the country..!

Friends, our country is such an immense nation, when I look back at the ancient India, I can see its outstanding quality. We say, “Kuchh baat hai ki hasti mit’ti nahi hamari…i.e. there is something in us that we do not lose our existence, ultimately what is that thing..? 

Friends, there are seven colours in the rainbow, if we describe those seven colours, then those seven colours have been glorifying our motherland since centuries. The first colour of the rainbow is - the great heritage of Indian culture, our family system..! This family system has made us, held us and developed us since ages. How can we strengthen that family system, how can our strategies, our policies strengthen this great family system of India..!

The second colour of the rainbow is - our agriculture, our cattle, our villages..! Mahatma Gandhi used to call this country, a country of villages. It is a very vibrant and important colour of our rainbow, if we do not make it shine then whether it is agriculture, livestock breeding, villages, poor, thus it is important that we have the intentions to formulate strategies for their good..!

Friends, the point we can feel proud of, that is the third colour of our rainbow - the women of India, our maternal strength, a portrait of knowledge and austerity..! But where have we taken it today..? If we want to make the rainbow beautiful then our women should be empowered, there education and upbringing should be focused upon, we should emphasize on making them financially self dependent, and we should ensure their safety..!

The fourth colour of the rainbow is - water, land, forests and air..! These are our heritage and reverence, if we want to keep India in the race of development for centuries to come, then we need to nurture the fourth colour of the rainbow, we need to conserve it and make it stronger through modern technology..!

Friends, the fifth colour of the rainbow, which is the most important aspect today - our youth capital, the power of youth of our nation..! How fortunate we are, that India is the youngest nation in the world, 65% of our population is under the age of 35. Friends, the country which has such huge demographic dividend, such a huge strength of the youth, what is that we can’t give to the country..? In the coming days the entire world is going to face a crisis of the workforce, if we had prepared then the youth of India would not only have developed India, but would have had the strength to contribute in the development of the world, we should have worked for it. Friends, a few things are bothering a lot, is the colour of western influence making this colour of the rainbow dull..? When we get news of drugs, narcotics etc, then we get to know that this is spoiling our generations in some areas. Friends, this is a responsibility for us to rise above politics and refrain our youth from drugs and narcotics etc. We will have to develop an atmosphere of zero tolerance, we will have to safeguard our youth by legal systems, by putting a stop at the smuggling of such substances, we will have to fulfill this responsibility and saving our youth capital we will have to make India a world leader using this youth capital only..!

Friends, sixth colour of the rainbow also is a very cherished heritage - our democracy..! The country which has democratic dividend, it can move ahead the world with a great strength..! Thus our democracy is our most prized possession; we can look in the eye of the world because we are a democracy. Friend, we need to think of the measures that can strengthen this colour of democracy. We need to take our democracy from representative system to participative system, we need to move towards public participation from public representation. We are proud that we follow the tradition of a republic, but now it is need of the hour that even the common man feels the ‘Gunatantra’ (quality system) in ‘Ganatantra’ (the republic). We will have to work on filling in that essence through our attitude, by being proud of the democratic ideals..!

Friends, seventh colour of the rainbow is – knowledge, which is extremely important..! Whenever the human race has been in the era of knowledge, India has always leaded it. We are devotees of knowledge. When a mother here blesses her child, she says that son study well and become a great man, every mother just has these same words. This knowledge - the most important colour of our rainbow, we have to work towards strengthening it. Friends, we want to move ahead in order to make these colours more vibrant, to realize their concepts with new ideas..!

Friends, in the Congress conclave, it was aid that Congress party is an idea. We also believe that, there can’t be any party without an idea, there can’t be any movement without an idea, but today the problem is that the matter of concern is not whether the Congress has any vision or not, what is their vision, they are something to think about, but the country knows one thing for sure that the entire Congress party is in worry..! Friends, today I want to say this in front of you that we need to understand this mentality. I want to tell it to all that what is their thinking and what is ours. All the countrymen who are watching me on TV, I will also request them all to give ear to me..!

Their  mindset is - India is a beehive,

Our mindset is that India is our mother..!

Their mindset is - Poverty is a state of mind,

Our mindset is that the poor is Godly..!

Their mindset is - We do not enjoy till we talk of the poor,

Our mindset is that we can’t sleep at nights listening to the sufferings of the poor..!

Their mindset is - Money does not grow on trees,

Our mindset is that money grows in the fields and farms, and is nurtured by the sweat of labours..!

Their mindset is - Divide and Rule,

Our mindset is to unite the society and develop..!

Their mindset is - dynastic regime,

Our mindset is nationalism..!

Their mindset is - Politics is everything,

Our mindset is that national policy is everything..!

Their mindset is - How to save sovereignty,

Our mindset is that how can we save the nation..!

They have just declared that tickets will be given to only those who have Congress in their heart,

Their mindset is - The country will be run by those who have Congress in their heart,

Our mindset is that ticket will be given to those who have India in their heart..!

This is the difference of mentality..! Thus today when the elections of 2014 are heading towards us, when we are standing in election battleground, I want to say this to Indians that you have elected rules, preferred them and have given them the power. Today from this solemn stage of Bharatiya Janata Party, I request all my fellow countrymen that you have given 60 years to rulers, give 60 months to a servant..! The country does not need ‘Shasak’ (ruler), it needs ‘Sevak’ (servant). It is the need of the democracy that everyone gets a chance to serve the nation..!

Friends, today when we are drawing the blueprint of the coming time, then inflation is the biggest challenge in front of us. Poor does not get their daily breads to eat. Children sleep crying of hunger. Friends, can’t we control inflation, isn’t there any solution for it..? What is the situation of the country today..! We do not have any real time data that in the season of harvest, which crop is being grown where and in what quantity. Which grain, which pulse has been grown in what quantity, we have no idea of it. Our first priority will be to develop a real time data mechanism for the farmers and agriculture and the country will get to know in time that this crop has been sowed in this season and after harvest we will know that this much yield has been there of the given crop; this is need of the hour. There is a need of real time data of every area. We can decide on that basis that if there is this much demand, and the yield is this much, so what and how much do we need import, what and how much can we export. What is happening in the nation today..? What is needed in the nation is being exported by another route. The country starves and then the same commodity is imported. Don’t know what business is this..? Thus Friends, it is my appeal to you all and have full faith that prize stabilization fund should be raised in this nation so that the common does not have to bear the blow of inflation, so that the farmer is not exploited and through the prize stabilization fund, the government should ensure that the poor always gets his meals..!

In the same way, it is need of the hour that a national agriculture market is established. Not only this, special courts should be formed for black marketeers and by penalizing the black marketeers within a specific time limit, this trend should be put to an end in our country. If in this way, we take one step at a time then it would be good. Friends, if Atal Ji’s government can control inflation, if Morarjibhai Desai’s government could control inflation then the BJP government in 2014 can also combat inflation, this I would ensure you..!

Friends, the country which has such immense youth capital, but is yearning for employment, what kind of situation is this..! We have to strengthen the Center for Excellence to combat it, we need to emphasize on skill development and that too make it need based..! If a chemical factory is being established then what kind of skill development is needed in it, if an automobile industry is being set up, then how to equip youth with the skills needed for it, if these endeavors are tackled carefully then we can fight well against unemployment..!

Friends, we do not have any planning for human resource. If we ask in the country today that how many science teachers will we require in 2020, then the country will not have an answer to it..! If we start planning for human resource from today itself and start skill development accordingly then as soon as that person will be ready, he will get employment according to his need and skill. Friends, the youth capital of India is its strength, it should be equipped with skill, it should get the chance to work, we can’t have a better asset to increase the growth of India, and we want to nurture it..!

Friends, honorable Advani Ji has started a great battle against black money. It is a commitment of every worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party that we will realize the dream that Advani Ji has seen..! We will prepare whatever legal systems are needed, if we need to constitute a task force of expert in that area, we will do it, but every single penny looted from India that has been deposited in the foreign banks, will be brought back and will be used for the benefit of the poor..!

Friends, today is the era of globalization, and we can’t work as an isolated nation in this era, we will have to make a mark for us and continuously move on in the global competition. If we want to do this, then good governance is as essential as human resource and infrastructure are..! Friends, now India should not delay any further, we need to emphasize on next generation infrastructure, there should be roads, highways but in the coming days we will have to see that how the water grids should be envisaged, how the rivers can be connected, how can the agro infrastructure be strengthened, how the gas grid should be set up, if there is gas grid in the nation then this struggle for cylinders would come to an end..! Why don’t we develop an optical fiber network across the nation for next generation..! India has such huge coastal area, we should make a new image and position for us in the world by developing new infrastructure there..!

Friends, we have such a huge rail network, but it is our misfortune that no attention is paid to railways in the country. The change that Japan’s rail system has undergone, it deserves to be applauded. After all that change occurred because Japan introduced the concept of Bullet trains and got the country raised. China also followed that concept. We have such a long rail network, but we are not thinking about its modernization..! Why can’t there be four universities in the country, where we try to develop the manpower, and conduct the research and innovations to modify the railways..! Friends, this is a matter of mentality. Friends, you can’t imagine that how big a strength railway can be for India. If the present railway network is modernized, then we would be able to give a new pace to the developmental journey of the country..!

Friends, BJP developed a golden quadrilateral and that gave India a place in the world. Friends, it is need of the hour that after 7-8 years when 75 years of Indian independence, and the time of diamond jubilee will come, isn’t it need of the hour that we give a new colour to the vision of Atal Ji and prepare a diamond quadrilateral of bullet train..? And when we observe 75 years of independence, then at least we start the bullet trains in at least four directions of the country, and you will see that the world will see India from a new perspective..!

Friends, I am saying this today that we can’t think of an isolated India in the world today. I am not discussing that who is responsible and who is not, but as a civilized, cultured and humane society, we are not eligible to face the world because of what is going on with women in our society. It is a responsibility of us all that the women should be respected, dignity of women should be our social responsibility and we will have to create that atmosphere, we will have to strengthen our social systems along with the legal system. We have to move ahead on the front of mission ‘Beti bachao, Beti padhao’ i.e. save and educate the girl child. There can’t be a greater stigma than female feticide in the 21st century..! Lives of lakhs of girls/daughters are brought to end in the mother's womb only and it is our onus to save and educate the girl child..!  (Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao) We will have to think that how can we move ahead with this mission. Friends, we will also have to change our attitude towards women. The women whom we perceive as home maker, now the time demands that we start seeing the women of our country as nation builder, if we will see her as nation builder then our mentality will change and we will be able to evolve as a new power in front of the nation..!

Friends, it has been a misfortune of our nation that, at the time when urbanization should have been treated as an opportunity, it got considered to be a problem, a challenge and this wrong viewpoint is the reason of all our problems. Friends, urbanization should be taken as an opportunity, its importance for growth should be accepted, and strategies should be formulated accordingly. Why should not there be 100 new cities in our country, modern cities, in accordance with the concept of walk to work, smart cities, health city, sports city and many other such specialized cities as per the need..! Friends we can realize the dream of 100 new cities for this country..!

Friends, as there is need of 100 new cities, in the same way for two adjacent cities, the concept of twin city should be developed..! The way there are New Jersey and New York, we should work on the concept of twin city and we can get a new model for development..! In the same way, a network of satellite city should be developed near the big cities, and it should be taken as an opportunity. You can imagine that when work on such large scale would start then how much iron ore, how much cement factories, how many men will be needed and it will generate employment for many a people. We can get an answer to the concern of the GDP of the country. Friends, after so many years of independence, shouldn’t the poor have house to live in..? Why should he be compelled to live without shelter..? Let us start with a dream of building millions of houses and start a mission bringing the state and central governments together, so that even the poorest man has house to live in and we can progress..!

Friends, the country can’t sustain without water, land, forest, cattle and agriculture..! How the strategies should be encouraged to modernize the agriculture, to increase productivity, to realize the concept of per drop, more crop, to improve the yield with every drop of water, for drip irrigation, for sprinklers, for aligning modern science with agriculture..! We should work on the mode of waste land development which is essential for the agriculture and India on a whole as well..! Friends, today we need to specially focus on agro infrastructure, and along with it, we also need to work on the dream of Atal Ji to connect the rivers and realize it..!

Friends, Amul dairy is running in Gujarat since so many years, can’t there be white revolution in the big states of India..? Can’t the farmer of other states can’t be so powerful that they can meet the demand of milk..? Friends, we will have to move ahead in this direction and ensure that our farmer never has to face the problem. That is why I say that if we want growth in agriculture, then we need to work one third on farming, one third on animal husbandry and one third on tree plantation..! But look at the bad luck of the nation that even the land has not been measured here as yet. We should take an exhaustive account of the lands of the farmers and its measurement immediately through satellite..! If the farmer plants trees in place of the fence that he builds around his farms, then we will be able to avoid the timber import that we need today..! Thus, if we want to refrain from timber import and strengthen our farmer then we will have to focus on it and move ahead in this direction. I have full faith that if we take these measures then we can change the circumstances. In the same way there is power crisis in the nation, and power generation units with the capacity of 20,000 megawatt are closed, because there isn’t any fuel as the coal mines are closed..! Can’t we aspire for ‘Power on Demand’..? If the states take initiative and the center cooperates then every house can have 24 hours electricity, and life of the common man can be changed..!

Friends, if we want to stand tall in front of the world in 21st century then we should not compromise in the field of education at al..! Our primary education needs more attention and along with it, why don’t we develop IIMs, IITs and AIIMS in every state of India..! It is our dream that there should be an IIT, IIM and AIIMS in every state of India and we want to take ahead the effort of taking education to a new level in India..!

Friends, today when a disease strikes someone in a poor or middle class family then that family gets completely ruined, his financial condition gets paralyzed, and thus we need to change the approach..! As in education we need to move on to learning approach from teaching approach, in the same way in health sector instead of addressing sickness, we should start addressing wellness, we care more of diseases and less of health..! Thus things like preventive healthcare and paramedical forces need to be connected and we need to emphasize on finding ways for it. Friends, health insurance has been talked a lot about, now in the 21st century, we need to promise Health Assurance moving from Health Insurance..!

Friends, can’t we fight against poverty..? Will the poor just remain being a subject of slogans..? Friends, I am saying this with full faith that through financial policies, through public participation, by joining small scale, cottage and all these sectors we can eradicate poverty..! To fight against poverty the poor should be empowered..! We have to give them opportunity, and we have got results wherever we have given them opportunities, we have to take this ahead and eliminate poverty..!

Friends, there is one more thing in addition to this that to stand strong before the world, the country also needs branding..! We all know that many years back when we used to purchase any commodity, there used to be a tag on it – ‘Made in Japan’, and we used to buy it seeing that. Friends, isn’t it high time that we should also emphasize on Brand India..? When I am talking of ‘Brand India’, then I talk of ‘5-T’ - Talent, Tradition, Tourism, Trade and Technology..! These are the 5-Ts based on which we can make brand India stand tall in the world markets. India should produce and sell to the world, but for that we need to upgrade the technology, use our talent to its best, and introduce the world with our tradition. Friends, tourism has a great strength. Friends, terrorism divides and tourism unites..! Friends, let us move ahead with technology, trade, tourism and tradition..!

Friends, these days a new terminology has come in front of us, today I want to discuss it. Some people are saying, My Idea of India..! There can be idea of India by 125 crore citizens of India, it can’t be one man’s manor..! It can be yours, it can be theirs, it can be of people sitting here, it can be mine also. Idea of India can’t be restricted. Today I want to present My Idea of India in front of you all..!

My Idea of India : Satyameva Jayate

(Truth alone triumphs)

My Idea of India : Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

(The whole world is one single family)

My Idea of India : Ahimsa Paramo Dharma

(Non-violence is the prime duty)

My Idea of India : Aano Bhadra Kratvo Yantu Vishwata

(Let good thoughts come from everywhere - from all the world)

My Idea of India : Sarva Pantha Samabhāva

(Equality towards all paths)

My Idea of India : My Idea of India -    Ekam Sad Viprā Bahudhā Vadanti

(The Existent is one, the learned express it variously)

My Idea of India : Sarvey Bhavantu Sukhin, Sarvey Santu Niramaya

(May all be happy, May all be healthy)

My Idea of India : Saha Nāvavatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu, Saha Vīrya Karavāvahai

(May we all be protected, nourished and may we work together with great energy)

My Idea of India : Na Tyahan Kāmayē Rājyam, Na Svarga Na Punarbhavam, Kāmayē Dukhtaptānām Praninamārtinashnam(Happiness does not lie in the desire for state, nor in the heaven or reincarnation, it lies in dousing the pain and suffering of all living beings)
My Idea of India : Janani Janmabhoomishcha, Swargādapi Gariyasi

(The mother and the motherland are superior even to heaven)

My Idea of India : Paudho me bhi Parmatma hote hain

(The Gods resides even in the plants)

My Idea of India : Vaishnava jana to tene re kahiye, jey peed parai jaane re

(Devotees of Vishnu are those who feel the pain of others,)

My Idea of India : Vaach kaach man nishchal raakhe, Pardhan nav jhale haath re

(The one who is not tinted and does not touch other’s money)

My Idea of India : Yatra Naryastu Pujyante Ramante Tatra Devta

(Where women are honoured, the divinity blossoms there)

My Idea of India : Naari Tu Narayani

(Woman is a veritable Goddess)

My Idea of India : Daridra Narayan Ki Seva

(Service of the poor)

My Idea of India : Nar karni kare toh Narayan ho jaaye

(Man can become God by his deeds)

Friends, when I am talking of My Ideas of India and when we are going to contest 2014 elections, then will you recite a slogan with me..? Raise both your hands and say after every line with full force, Vote for India..!

For freedom from dynastic rule …..         Vote for India..!

For liberation from nepotism …..              Vote for India..!

For eradication of corruption …..              Vote for India..!

For controlling the inflation …..                Vote for India..!

For freedom from bad governance …..    Vote for India..!

For protecting the country …..                   Vote for India..!

For the safety of people …..                       Vote for India..!

For house to live …..                                     Vote for India..!

For food to eat ..…                                         Vote for India..!

For medicines for the ill …..                       Vote for India..!

For well being of the poor …..                    Vote for India..!

For improvement in education …..           Vote for India..!

For employment to the youth …..             Vote for India..!

For dignity of the women …..                      Vote for India..!

For the welfare of the farmer …..               Vote for India..!

For self-dependent India …..                       Vote for India..!

For a strong India …..                                    Vote for India..!

For a prosperous India …..                          Vote for India..!

For a progressive India …..                         Vote for India..!

For unity of the nation …..                           Vote for India..!

For Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat …..         Vote for India..!

(One India, Great India)

For politics of good governance …..         Vote for India..!

For politics of development …..                Vote for India..!

Friends, this is our dream of ‘Vote for India’..! Friends, we are going back to our areas after taking blessings of Advani Ji, and let us go with the resolution to win, not only we resolve to win, but we also make our colleagues resolved to win..! Friends, let us remember that the victory in elections is conceived in the polling booths..! Polling booths are the mothers of victory, and it is our responsibility to protect the mother..! Thus the polling booths should be protected, they should be a matter of concern, there should be a resolution to win the polling booth and we move ahead with this resolution to build a divine India, and to realize this dream we convert the strength of the nation in votes, with this hope I want to thank our national leadership that they have given this responsibility to a common man like me..! Friends, when a tea vendor contests the elections, then you can say that Modi Ji is a man who has nothing to himself and when you will say that, 10 crore families will give funds for sure. The poorest man will come to fund BJP with enthusiasm, and we decide that we will contest elections by the funding by the common man..! Our workers in Kerala have done this recently, in the 2012 Gujarat elections, the party workers of Gujarat BJP went to people and collected Rs. 5, 10, 100 and we raised funds for elections..! From last three terms we are in power in Gujarat, actually BJP has been in power in Gujarat seven times, but I have got the opportunity four times, and workers have contested the elections with funds raised with common man’s money..! We have to take this tradition ahead, and when son of a poor mother, a tea vendor is contesting, then the country will fund us by all means, I am confident about it. Thanks a lot to everyone..!

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अयोध्येत श्री राम जन्मभूमी मंदिर ध्वजारोहण उत्सवात पंतप्रधानांनी केलेले भाषण

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अयोध्येत श्री राम जन्मभूमी मंदिर ध्वजारोहण उत्सवात पंतप्रधानांनी केलेले भाषण
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India and Ethiopia are natural partners in regional peace, security and connectivity: PM Modi during the Joint session of Ethiopian Parliament
December 17, 2025

Your Excellency, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia,
Honourable Speakers of both Houses of Parliament,
Honourable Members,
Excellencies,
and my dear sisters and brothers of Ethiopia,

It is a moment of great privilege for me to stand before you today. It is wonderful to be here in Ethiopia, the land of lions. I feel very much at home. Because my home state Gujarat in India, is also home to Lions.

I am honoured to be here, in this temple of democracy, in the heart of a nation with ancient wisdom and modern aspirations. And, I come to you with deep respect for your Parliament, your people, and your democratic journey. On behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, I bring greetings of friendship, goodwill, and brotherhood.

I bring greetings of friendship, goodwill, and brotherhood.

तेना इस्तील्लीन
सलाम

Honourable Members,

In this great building, your laws are shaped. Here, the will of the people becomes the will of the state. And when the will of the state is in harmony with the will of the people, the wheel of progress moves forward with hope and purpose.

Through you, I am also speaking to your farmers in the fields, To the entrepreneurs building new ideas, to the proud women leading communities and institutions, and, to the young people of Ethiopia who are shaping the future. I thank you for this immense privilege.

Yesterday, I was also honoured to receive the Grand Honor, Nishan of Ethiopia, from my dear friend Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. I accept this award with folded hands, with humility, on behalf of the people of India.

आम सग्नालो

Honourable Members,

Ethiopia is one of the oldest civilisations in human history. Here, history is alive in the mountains, in the valleys, and in the hearts of the Ethiopian people. Today, Ethiopia stands tall because its roots are deep. To stand in Ethiopia is to stand where the past is honoured, the present is full of purpose, and the future is welcomed with open hearts.

This blend of old and new... This balance between ancient wisdom and modern ambition... This is the true strength of Ethiopia.

This spirit of मेडेमर, or synergy, is very familiar to us in India. Like the monolithic churches of लालिबेला, the ancient rock temples of Tamil Nadu in India are also prayers set in stone. We too are an ancient civilisation, walking confidently into the future.

With the call of सबका साथ, सबका विकास, सबका विश्वास, सबका प्रयास। Together, for everyone’s growth, with everyone’s trust and effort. Our emotions for our motherland, also reflect our shared perspectives.

India’s national song Vande Mataram, and the Ethiopian national anthem, both refer to our land as the mother. They inspire us to take pride in the heritage, culture, natural beauty and protect the motherland.

Honourable Members,

Science has traced some of the earliest footprints of our species in Ethiopia. When the world speaks of Lucy, of दिन्किनेश they are not speaking only of a fossil. They are speaking of a beginning. A beginning that belongs to all of us, whether we live in आडिस अबाबा or in Ayodhya.

In India, we say Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family. It reminds us that beyond politics, beyond borders, beyond differences, we share a common origin. And if our beginning was shared, then our destiny must also be shared.

Honourable Members,

India and Ethiopia share warmth in climate, as well as in spirit. Nearly two thousand years ago, our ancestors built connections across great waters. Across the Indian Ocean, merchants sailed with spices, cotton, coffee, and gold. But, they traded more than goods. They exchanged ideas, stories, and ways of life. Ports like अदूलिस and Dholera were not just trade centres. They were bridges between civilisations.

In modern times, our relationship entered a new era. Indian soldiers fought alongside Ethiopians for the liberation of Ethiopia in 1941. Our formal diplomatic relations began soon after India became independent.

But even before embassies were set up, our people had already started writing a new chapter together. Thousands of Indian teachers came to Ethiopia. They taught children in आडिस अबाबा, in दिरे दावा, from बाहिर दार to मेकेले. They reached Ethiopian schools, and entered Ethiopian hearts. Even today, many Ethiopian parents speak warmly about Indian teachers who shaped the future of their children.

And just as Indian teachers came here, Ethiopian students also travelled to India, seeking knowledge and friendship. They went to India as students and returned home as the builders of modern Ethiopia. I am told that some of them are present here in this Parliament right now! Including the Honourable Speaker तागेसे चाफो.

They have also played a special role in building our people-to-people ties. Because they introduced Ethiopian cuisine in India. In India, we also enjoy eating "श्री अन्न” millets like Ragi and Bajra. So, the flavour of Ethiopian टेफ is very comforting for us. And, since we enjoy eating the Indian Thali, the Ethiopian बेया-नैतू also feels very familiar to us.

Honourable Members,

Today, Indian companies are among the largest foreign investors in Ethiopia. They have invested more than five billion dollars in diverse sectors like textiles, manufacturing, agriculture, health, and more. And, they have created more than seventy-five thousand local jobs.

But, I am sure we can all agree, our partnership has a lot more potential. That is why, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and I took a big step forward yesterday. We have decided to elevate our bilateral relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

This will unleash the potential of our economies, through cooperation in technology, innovation, mining, sustainability, and clean energy. It will also help secure the future for our peoples through cooperation in food security, health security and capacity building. In addition, we will also enhance our trade and investment cooperation, as well as on defence and security matters.

Honourable Members,

As developing countries, we have a lot to learn from and offer to each other. Agriculture forms the backbone of our two nations. It feeds our people. It sustains our farmers. It connects tradition with innovation. We can work together to develop better seeds, irrigation systems and soil-health technologies.

As climate change affects rainfall and crop cycles, we can share knowledge in climate-resilient farming. From dairy farming to farm mechanisation, from millet research to food processing, together, we can help our farmers prosper.

Honourable Members,

In India, we have built a robust Digital Public Infrastructure. It has transformed the way we deliver services and how people access them. Today, every citizen in India can use technology for payments, for identity, and for government services. More than half of the world’s real-time digital payments now happen in India.

Welfare benefits worth over 500 billion dollars have reached hundreds of millions of beneficiaries directly in their bank accounts, without leakages or corruption. Three times every year, nearly 100 million farmers receive financial assistance at the click of a button.

As you roll out the Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, we are ready to share our expertise and our experience with Ethiopia. And, we are honoured that you have picked India as the trusted partner to develop the Data Centre for your Foreign Ministry.

Honourable Members,

India is known as the pharmacy of the world. During the Covid pandemic, the entire world was worried. It was a very difficult time. Despite limited resources, we considered it our sacred duty to humanity to do everything possible to help others.

India sent medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries. It was India’s proud privilege to supply Ethiopia with over 4 million vaccine doses. And, our good fortune to do so in partnership with the W.H.O led by डॉक्टर टेडरोस, a proud son of Ethiopia, known in India as तुलसी भाई.

I am glad that our healthcare cooperation is growing, from pharmaceuticals to hospitals, and from traditional medicine to telemedicine. We are committed to strengthen our health security cooperation further - from provisioning of new equipment in hospitals, to capacity building of healthcare professionals.

Honourable Members,

Ethiopia sits at a crossroads of Africa. India stands at the heart of the Indian Ocean. We are natural partners in regional peace, security, and connectivity.

Our commitment to mutual security became stronger with the signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement earlier this year. This agreement focuses on closer military cooperation. It includes collaboration in cybersecurity, in defence industries, in joint research, and in capacity building.

I take this opportunity to thank Ethiopia for your solidarity after the terrorist attack in India in Pahalgam in April. I also thank you for receiving our All Party Parliamentary Delegation so warmly, and for affirming the commitment of Zero Tolerance towards terrorism.

Honourable Members,

As vibrant and diverse democracies, we both understand that democracy is a way of life, and it is a journey. It is shaped sometimes by debate, sometimes by disagreement, but always by belief in the rule of law and the will of the people.

Both our constitutions also reflect this spirit. India’s Constitution begins with the words: "We, the People of India.” Ethiopia’s Constitution begins with: "We, the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia.” Their message is the same: our destiny is in our hands.

This morning, I had the honor to lay a wreath at the आड्वा Victory Monument. This monument is a timeless reminder of how Ethiopia’s victory inspired the entire colonised world in its quest for dignity and freedom. And in these times of conflict and uncertainty, it is a reminder that the people of the Global South can stand up for themselves.

Honourable Members,

Mahatma Gandhi gave us the concept of trusteeship. We do not own this beautiful planet and its resources. Instead, we are trustees who must take care of them and pass them to our children. The spirit of trusteeship that guides India’s "एक पेड़ माँ के नाम” - "A Tree for Mother” initiative - is also reflected in Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative.

Both our nations believe in caring for Mother Earth. Both believe in giving back to nature. Together, let us work on renewable energy and green jobs. Let us work on disaster resilient infrastructure and bio-fuels. And let us raise a strong voice for climate justice. India will be happy to support Ethiopia’s efforts to give a powerful voice to the Global South at COP-32 in 2027.

Honourable Members,

I am told that there is a saying in Ethiopia, "When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” We too believe in India, that मन मिलें तो पर्वत भी रास्ता दे देते हैं - when hearts are united, even mountains give way.

Indeed, solidarity is strength, and cooperation is power. And today, as nations of the Global South, as ancient civilisations, as friends, India and Ethiopia are standing together. We stand together as members of one family. And we work for a world that is more just, more equal, and more peaceful.

It was here, in आडिस अबाबा, that the dreams of African unity found a home. I am told that many streets of this wonderful city are even named after African countries!

On the other side of the Indian Ocean, it was in New Delhi, that India was honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. Last year, we marked another historic step with the inclusion of Ethiopia as a full member of the BRICS.

In fact, over the 11 years of my government, the connection between India and Africa has grown manifold. During this period, we have exchanged more than 100 visits at the level of Heads of State and Government.

Honourable Members,

The Global South is writing its own destiny. And, India and Ethiopia share a vision for it. Our vision is of a world where the Global South rises not against anyone, but for everyone.

A world where development is fair, where technology is accessible, and where sovereignty is respected. A world where prosperity is shared, and peace is defended. And, a world where decision-making reflects today’s reality, not the world of 1945. Because the world cannot move forward if its systems remain locked in the past.

That is why, India has emphasized a Global Development Compact. It will prioritize technology sharing, affordable finance, capacity building, and trade for sustainable growth. That is why, at the G-20 Summit in November, I called for an "Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative”, to train one million trainers. It will build local capacities, and help your efforts towards inclusive and sustainable development.

Honourable Members,

My personal association with tea is well-known. But, it is impossible to come to Ethiopia and not mention coffee! It is one of your greatest gifts to the world!

In an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, people sit together, time slows down, and friendships deepen. In India too, a cup of tea is an invitation to talk, to share, to connect. And, just like Ethiopian coffee and Indian tea, our friendship is brewing stronger!

Today, I stand before you, among sisters and brothers, with a deep sense of gratitude, and bright hopes for the future. The future is calling. And, India and Ethiopia are ready to answer.

Honourable Members,

As I conclude, I give you my word, that we will walk together as equals. We will build together as partners. And, we will succeed together as friends.

Thank you for the honour of addressing this Parliament. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your trust.

तब्बारकु
देना हुन्नु
आम सग्नालो

Thank you.