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'विकसित भारत, विकसित काश्मीर'साठी श्रीनगरचे विकसित भारत राजदूत एकवटले

Published By : Admin | April 20, 2024 | 23:18 IST

Srinagar hosted a momentous gathering under the banner of the Viksit Bharat Ambassador or VBA 2024. Held at the prestigious Radisson Collection, the event served as a unique platform, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to foster the nation's collective advancement towards development.

Graced by the esteemed presence of Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri as the Chief Guest, the event saw the attendance of over 400 distinguished members of society, representing influencers, industry stalwarts, environmentalists, and young minds, including first-time voters. Presidents of Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Kashmir Industrial Corporation, House Boat Owners Association, and members of the writers' association were also present.

The VBA 2024 meetup began with an interesting panel discussion on Viksit Kashmir, which focused on the symbiotic relationship between industry growth and sustainable development. This was followed by an interactive session by Minister Puri, who engaged with the attendees through an engaging presentation. Another event highlight was the live doodle capture by a local artist of the discussions.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri discussed how India has changed in the last decade. He said India is on track to become one of the world's top three economies, surpassing Germany and Japan soon.

 

"The country is set to surpass Germany and Japan and will become the world's third-largest economy by 2027-28," he said.

 

According to official estimates, India's economy is projected to reach a remarkable $40 trillion by 2040. Presently, the economy stands at approximately $3.5 trillion.

He also stressed that India's progress is incomplete without a developed Kashmir.

 

"Bharat cannot be Viksit without a Viksit Kashmir," he said.

Hardeep Puri reflected on India's economic journey, noting that in the 1700s, India contributed a significant 25% to the global GDP. However, as experts documented, this figure gradually dwindled to a mere 2% by 1947.

 

He highlighted how India, once renowned as the 'sone ki chidiya' (golden bird), lost its economic strength during British colonial rule and continued to struggle even after gaining independence, remaining categorized under the 'Fragile Five' until 2014.

 

Puri emphasized that the true shift in India's economic trajectory commenced under the Modi government. Over the past decade, the nation has ascended from among the top 11 economies to ranking among the top 5 globally.

The Union Minister also encouraged everyone to participate in the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission, emphasizing that achieving this dream requires the active engagement and coordination of all "ambassadors" of change.

He highlighted India's rapid progress in metro network development, stating that the operational metro network spans approximately 950 kilometres. He expressed confidence that within the next 2-3 years, India's metro network will expand to become the second-largest globally, surpassing that of the United States.

 

Regarding Jammu and Kashmir, he mentioned that through the Smart project, over 68 projects totalling Rs 6,800 crores were conceptualized, with Rs 3,200 crores worth of projects already completed.

 

He further stated that Jammu and Kashmir possesses more potential than Switzerland but has faced setbacks due to man-made crises. He emphasized the Modi government's dedication to the comprehensive development of the region.

The minister highlighted a significant government policy shift from women-centred to women-led development. Drawing from his extensive experience as a diplomat spanning 39 years, he shared that when a country transitions to women-led development, there is typically a substantial GDP increase of 20-30%. 

He mentioned that the government is actively pursuing this objective, citing examples such as the Awas Yojana, where houses are registered in the names of women household members, and the implementation of 33% reservation for women in elected bodies as part of this broader mission. 

He also provided insight into the transformative impact of the Modi government's welfare policies on people's lives. He highlighted the Ujjwala Yojana, noting that 32 crore individuals have received LPG cylinders, a significant increase from the 14 crore connections in 2014. Additionally, he mentioned the expansion of the gas pipeline network, which has grown from 14,000 km to over 20,000 km over the past ten years.

The Vision of Viksit Bharat: 140 crore dreams, 1 purpose 

The Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement aims to encourage citizens to take responsibility for contributing to India's development. VBA meet-ups and events are being organized in various parts of the country to achieve this goal. These events provide a platform for participants to engage in constructive discussions, exchange ideas, and explore practical strategies for contributing to the movement.

Join the movement on the NaMo App: https://www.narendramodi.in/ViksitBharatAmbassador

The NaMo App: Bridging the Gap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's app, the NaMo App, is a digital bridge that empowers citizens to participate in the Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement. The NaMo App serves as a one-stop platform for individuals to:

Join the cause: Sign up and become a Viksit Bharat Ambassador and make 10 other people

Amplify Development Stories: Access updates, news, and resources related to the movement.

Create/Join Events: Create and discover local events, meet-ups, and volunteer opportunities.

Connect/Network: Find and interact with like-minded individuals who share the vision of a developed India.

The 'VBA Event' section in the 'Onground Tasks' tab of the 'Volunteer Module' of the NaMo App allows users to stay updated with the ongoing VBA events.

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अयोध्येत श्री राम जन्मभूमी मंदिर ध्वजारोहण उत्सवात पंतप्रधानांनी केलेले भाषण
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‘Age doesn't Reduce Human Potential’: PM Modi Highlights Power of Yoga in Kolkata

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‘Age doesn't Reduce Human Potential’: PM Modi Highlights Power of Yoga in Kolkata
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Text of PM’s address at 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kolkata, West Bengal
June 21, 2026
Yoga connects us all and brings us together: PM
When yoga becomes a way of life, it becomes the foundation of human unity: PM
Yoga helps us tune our bodies to be flexible; It keeps our energy levels high: PM
Yoga teaches us the art of living a balanced life: PM
Yoga shows the path from mental well-being to physical well-being: PM

Honourable Governor Shri R. N. Ravi Ji, the energetic Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari Ji, my colleague in the Union Government Shri Prataprao Jadhav Ji, all other distinguished dignitaries present on the dais, all the participants gathered here in Kolkata, everyone joining this Yoga celebration from across India and around the world, and my dear fellow countrymen, My greetings to all of you.

 

June 21st is the day when, in some parts of the Earth, the longest duration of daylight occurs. And because of International Yoga Day, June 21st has also become the day of the world’s largest collective celebration. From different corners of the globe, extraordinary images of yoga are arriving. In India, from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, from the Northeast and Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west, the entire nation appears filled with the energy and consciousness of yoga. The whole country, the whole world, looks connected - and that is the true power of yoga. Yoga unites everyone, yoga brings everyone together. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the entire world, to all of humanity, on International Yoga Day.

 

Friends,

Today, on Yoga Day, I would like to commend the people of Kolkata for the Yoga of Cleanliness that has been created here, especially in Bengal. This is a wonderful initiative – the consistent efforts and civic duty that have been undertaken here for the Swachhata Se Swagat initiative have become a great inspiration for all our countrymen.

Friends,

Being in Bengal on the occasion of Yoga Day is truly special. This sacred land of Bengal, where saints like Bhagwan Ramakrishna Paramhansa were born, where Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the entire world, where great yogis like Maharshi Aurobindo were born, where Lahiri Mahasaya elevated the yoga tradition to new heights - experiencing collective yoga on this soil gives a unique spiritual feeling. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, born on this land, believed that the identity of man lies not in remaining separate, but in connecting with the world around him. This connection is the essence of yoga. Maharshi Aurobindo also said - our entire life is yoga, whether we are aware of it or not. When yoga becomes part of our nature, it becomes the foundation of human unity.

Friends,

Yoga is not merely a means of physical exercise. Yoga is not limited to any one age group. In India, we know and have seen that yoga is a light in human life, a union with consciousness and energy. That is why this year’s theme for International Yoga Day has been chosen as Yoga for Healthy Ageing. Even as age advances, we can remain healthy, energetic, and active - yoga shows us the way for this.

Friends,

When we speak of "Yoga for Healthy Aging," It means that we can work to ensure that age does not reduce human potential. Yoga can help human life to aspire for constant growth. Our target must be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. Our target must be to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. Our target must be to be more resistant to lifestyle diseases at 70 than we were at 50. This is where Yoga can help us. It helps us tune our bodies to be flexible. It keeps our energy levels high, it also helps us maintain a calm stress-free life and helps keep lifestyle diseases away. Moreover, with regular practice, Yoga teaches us to remain lifelong learners of our own bodies and minds. The more we know about ourselves, the better we can manage ourselves. That is why, Yoga for Healthy Aging. This theme must be seen as one for people of all ages, not just for the elderly.

Friends,

In the Gita, Lord Krishna spoke about yoga: “Yukta ahara viharasya, yukta cheshtasya karmasu, Yukta swapnavabodhasya, yogo bhavati dukhaha.” This means through balanced food and recreation, balanced actions and duties, balanced sleep and wakefulness, yoga becomes the destroyer of sorrow. Balance is the foundation of yoga. Balance is also the foundation of our lives. Yet, in modern times, most people struggle with imbalance in life. Yoga teaches us the art of living in a balanced way. Yoga shows us the do’s and don’ts. And when we learn to guide our body properly, health becomes our natural state.

Friends,

Yoga does not only focus on our physical health. Yoga shows the path from mental health to physical health. That is why it is said in yoga - “Yukta cheshtasya karmasu” - meaning, awareness of what we should do and what we should not do. This awareness becomes a source of peace in our lives, and it also opens the path to world peace. That is why yoga today is not only essential for our personal lifestyle, but it is also a necessity for a better future of the world.

Friends,

On International Yoga Day, millions of people connect with yoga. But today gives us the opportunity to renew our shared resolve. Let us pledge that yoga will not be limited to just one day, yoga will not be confined to just one program. We will make yoga a part of our lives, a part of our families, and a part of future generations.

Friends,

In this direction, the initiative “Yoga 365” has also been advanced this year. Under this, a 100-day online yoga program was organized, which saw unprecedented public participation. More than 3 million people from 130 countries took part in it.

Friends,

When society is healthy, the nation becomes more capable, more prosperous, and more confident. I wish for all of you: “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah.” With this, I once again extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on International Yoga Day.

Thank you very much!