Respected Advaniji, esteemed Shri Shrenikbhai, Dipakbhai, the focal point of today’s programme Shri Utkarshbhai, all the great personalities sitting on the dais, elders, mothers, brothers and sisters..!
Such type of activity is the symbol of how fast the trends are changing in our social life. We all have lived as a society with strength for more than five thousand years and the reason behind it was our family system. Among all the social structures in the world, if there is any organization in which there is dynamism, which itself has vitality, which has the ability to energize itself then it is only the great family system of India. But by the passage of time the generations are changed. But, chronologically the times have changed, 1200 years of slavery brought many setbacks in social life, we could not get a chance to change according to the times. The strength of social leaders was lost in movements to get independence from slavery and so the period of 1200 years was passed in such a way that the refinements that were required to be made according to the time could not be made. Consequently, the way if an old building is not maintained from time to time and it becomes outworn day by day, in the same way our social structure, our family system started becoming weaker and to survive, the society found some innovatory ways and gradually we all detoured towards micro family. And when such situation arises, naturally new systems need to be developed, new arrangements are to be supported and then only we can take care of a big class of the society. It is true that the situation over here is not such as in some countries where senior citizen becomes a burden on the society and the country, we don’t have that worse situation. In such a big Gujarat with the population of six crore, there are hardly 170 old age homes today. It doesn’t mean that here there is an absence of old people, but even today there is some strength in the social structure that is still maintained by the family and the society itself. And therefore, the basic force that we have needs to be nourished consciously forever. The biggest threat that has come up is that of generation gap and if anybody becomes the victim of it largely, they are either old people or the children. Because there is a combination of three generations living together and if the present generation becomes incapable of maintaining the balance, then this imbalance is suffered at the most by elderly persons and secondly by the children. In such a situation, a firm effort is needed to see how an integrated system could be developed in the social life.
The manner in which we are worried for senior citizens, in the same way it has become important to have concern for the children also. During the time of joint families, the family itself was like a university. The elders used to give their significant contribution in the child’s development. The child used to learn one thing from grandfather, another thing from grandmother… One thing from mother, second from uncle, third thing from maternal uncle… And in a way, because of the joint family, development of the child was in form of a university. With the passage of time, today’s children are deprived of this fortuity with the upcoming of micro families and at younger age, they have to grope elsewhere. They have to live in some different environment. Such conditions are created. The child lives on the dependence of a maid. And because of this, whatever the child sees, he tries to frame his own life on that basis. Today if we take 100 children to a toy shop and ask them to choose a toy of their choice. To our surprise, out of 100, 60 to 65 children choose pistol from all other toys. This is a matter of big shock. If the child is deprived of love and affection, where shall he go then….! Perhaps the old generation in our family plays a very meaningful role in moulding the character of our children. When such a big problem is formed, Gujarat has made a small effort. Gujarat is the first State in the world which has imagined for a ‘Children University’. And in this Children University, with the changing times, in the situation of micro families, we can not shake off our responsibility and just leave the matter to concerned people… No. We have to think farsightedly and should make some new arrangement and as a part of that, by the Children University, a research has been undertaken to develop a system for the overall development of children despite of living in micro family so that such a generation could be prepared which may brighten the future of the social life. Gujarat has commenced to work in that direction.
Various kinds of activities are carried out by the Social Welfare Department of the Gujarat Government. Old age homes are also there, they are also provided with financial aid by the Government. But now we are taking a new approach, i.e. ‘Cluster Approach’. There are separate arrangements for abandoned women at one place, for orphaned children at second place, for old aged people at some third place… Such Governmental arrangements are already there, but scattered and also expensive. We are thinking to bring these abandoned women, orphaned children and old aged people in the same campus. If a family life environment gets created, then it is possible that these scattered arrangements may become strength in social life. We have initiated our efforts in this direction. In the coming days, we will be trying to develop ‘Bal Gokulam’ type of centres. I hope that by making the efforts in this direction, the social life will get a new strength.
It is true that if there is any identity of Gujarat, it is because of its spirit and activity of service. Here we have charity work at such a large scale that the activities that were carried out by Mahajans (illustrious capitalist people) from so many years, you may go to any village… Cow-shed is made by Mahajans, School is made by Mahajans, Water Hut is made by Mahajans, Library is made by Mahajans… It has been our strength from centuries. These works are not done by any Government. For centuries, because of this Mahajan tradition… And the purpose of Mahajan tradition itself is that charity has become another name for an activity in the society and that has remained a great strength in the social life. I remember, after the earthquake when I was working in Kutch, at that time large numbers of foreigners had come to work there. In the evening they used to go in small tents that they had brought along with them. I was also anxious to meet them, to know their experiences, what do they say..! These foreigners expressed their surprise on one matter. Many of their groups came directly from Turkey where the last earthquake took place. They told me that Sir, wherever we went for earthquake relief, there used to be only three or four NGOs, whether it is WHO or Red Cross… only these NGOs work there. To our surprise, here in each and every lane some NGO is found working. Some take care of catering, some take care of bandaging, some are providing physiotherapy..! It was a matter of surprise for them. This is the strength of our social life and its reflection can be seen in such a well organized ‘Shanti Niketan’.
I am confident that this Shanti Niketan will become a centre to fill new energy. I am sure that anywhere in Gujarat or in the whole country, wherever such activities for old age homes are carried out, how should be its model, how to partner them, how can the experience of senior citizens and their ability be utilised for the creative development of the coming generation, how to make this in a way a centre to transform the experiences of senior citizens into activity… The more we think in that direction, we would be able to place a new reward in front of the people of our country. Many many congratulations to Utkarshbhai and his family and Dipakbhai and his family.
The Dehradun-Delhi Economic Corridor will transform the entire region: PM Modi in Uttarakhand
April 14, 2026
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The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, being inaugurated today, is a world-class infrastructure project that will deepen connectivity, boost the economy and tourism: PM
With the completion of 25 years since its formation, Uttarakhand has now entered its 26th year; Today, with the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, another major milestone has been added: PM
The Dehradun-Delhi Economic Corridor will transform the entire region: PM
The Corridor will save time, travel will become cheaper and faster, people will spend less on petrol and diesel, and fares and freight costs will decrease;it will also facilitate employment: PM
Our mountains, these forest areas, this heritage of Devbhoomi, these are very, very sacred places; It is our duty to keep such places clean: PM
Plastic bottles, heaps of garbage in these areas hurt the sanctity of Devbhoomi ; it is very essential that we keep these sites of Devbhoomi, our pilgrimage sites, clean and beautiful: PM
Bharat Mata ki Jai.
Bharat Mata ki Jai.
Bharat Mata ki Jai.
Governor of Uttarakhand Gurmeet Singh ji, the popular and hardworking young Chief Minister here Pushkar Singh Dhami ji, my colleagues in the Union Cabinet Nitin Gadkari ji, Ajay Tamta ji, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath ji joined through technology, Governor Anandiben, Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta ji, State BJP President Mahendra Bhatt ji present on stage, former Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari ji, former Chief Ministers brother Ramesh Pokhriyal, Vijay Bahuguna ji, Tirath Singh Rawat ji, Trivendra Singh Rawat ji, all ministers of the Uttarakhand government, MPs and MLAs, and my dear brothers and sisters who have arrived in huge numbers.
My salutations to all of you on this holy land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Salutations also to the revered saints who have come in very large numbers. To the beloved younger brothers, sisters-in-law and sisters, elders of Uttarakhand, namaskar to you all! To my dear elder brothers, sisters, grandparents, I offer my respectful greetings to everyone.
Many people from Delhi and UP are also connected to this program through technology; I welcome all of them. First of all, I apologize to all of you, and I also ask for forgiveness from the people joined in the programs in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, that I have been delayed by more than an hour in reaching here, you all had to wait for a long time at all places, and the reason was just this: I had set out on time, but a roadshow of nearly 12 kilometers, from Kali temple to here - there was so much enthusiasm and zeal that it became very difficult for me to drive the car at a fast speed. So, slowly greeting people, taking the blessings of the 'Janardan' , I was delayed by more than an hour in reaching here, and for this, I ask your forgiveness. And this sea of people in such sun for 12 kilometers, this love of Uttarakhand, the blessings of mothers and sisters - today I will take a new energy from Uttarakhand, I will take new inspiration, and for this, I express my gratitude to everyone from the bottom of my heart.
Friends,
Today there is enthusiasm of festivals in the country. The New Year has arrived in various parts. I give wishes for Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, and Puthandu to the countrymen!
Friends,
In the next few days, the journey to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Baba Kedarnath, and Badrinath Dham is also going to start. Crores of faithful people of the country wait for this holy time with a sense of devotion. I respectfully bow to Panch Badri, Panch Kedar, Panch Prayag, and the presiding deities here. I also bow to Santala Mata. Before coming here, I had the good fortune of having darshan of Maa Daat Kali. There is great grace of Maa Daat Kali on Dehradun city. In completing such a big project of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, the blessing of Mata Daat Kali has been a very big strength.
Friends,
Uttarakhand state, along with completing 25 years of its establishment, has entered its twenty-sixth year. Today, with the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, another big achievement has been added to this progress. You will remember, after the darshan of Baba Kedar, it had come out of my mouth spontaneously that the third decade of this century will be the decade of Uttarakhand. I am very happy that due to the policies of the double-engine government and the hard work of the people of Uttarakhand, this young state is adding new dimensions of development. This project will also give new momentum to the development of Uttarakhand. A very large part of this expressway passes through UP. From this, many cities like Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Baraut, Shamli, and Saharanpur will also benefit greatly. From the perspective of tourism, this project is very important. I give many, many congratulations to the whole country for this project.
Friends,
Today is also the birth anniversary of Doctor Babasaheb Ambedkar. I offer tributes to Babasaheb on behalf of crores of countrymen. In the past decade, the policies our government made, the decisions taken, have been those that re-establish the dignity of the Constitution. After the removal of Article 370, today the Constitution of India is applicable in the whole country. In the dozens of districts where Maoism-Naxalism has ended, work is now being done there too in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution. That a Uniform Civil Code be implemented in the country is the expectation of our Constitution. Uttarakhand, by moving forward with this spirit of the Constitution and taking that spirit forward, has shown the way to the whole country.
Friends,
Babasaheb's life was dedicated to giving a just system to the poor, the deprived, and the exploited. Today, our government, with that same spirit, is engaged in giving true social justice to every poor and every deprived person. And a very big medium of social justice is the balanced development of the country, facilities for all, and prosperity for all. That is why Babasaheb used to strongly advocate for modern infrastructure and industrialization.
Friends,
What the condition and direction of the future will be, people often look at and show the lines of the hand for this. Those who are fortune tellers, they see palm lines and tell about the future of every individual. I do not know this science, but they say that this too is a scripture. Now, this was about the fate of an individual which is in the lines in his hand, but if I look at this context by connecting it to national life, then what are the fate lines of a nation? The fate lines of a nation are these roads of ours, our highways, our expressways, airways, railways, waterways - these are the fate lines of our nation. And for the past one decade, our country has been engaged in the construction of such fate lines of development to make a developed India. These development lines are not just today's facilities; they are the guarantee of prosperity for coming generations, and this is Modi's guarantee. Since the past decade, our government has been making unprecedented investments in these development lines of the nation. I give you a figure. Just now Nitin ji has told you many figures related only to Uttarakhand. See, until the year 2014, for such infrastructure, in a year, in the whole country, even 2 lakh crore rupees were not spent. I am telling the fact of the whole of India - it used not to be even 2 lakh crores; today this has become more than six times more, more than 12 lakh crore rupees. Here in Uttarakhand itself, work is ongoing on infrastructure projects of more than two and a quarter lakh crore rupees. Before 2014, 2 lakh crores for the whole country; today two and a quarter lakh crore rupees for Uttarakhand alone. Once in the villages of Uttarakhand, generations used to change waiting for a road. Today, due to the efforts of the double-engine government, now the road is reaching the village; the villages that had become deserted earlier are becoming vibrant again. Be it the Chardham Mahamarg project, the expansion of rail projects, the Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib ropeway - these lines of development are also becoming fate lines of life in every corner of this region.
Friends,
The speed and scale at which the India of the 21st century is working today, the whole world is discussing it. I give you the example of Uttarakhand, Western UP, and Delhi itself. Only a few weeks ago, the Delhi Metro was expanded, metro service started in Meerut, Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Rail was dedicated to the country, Noida International Airport was started, work started on MRO facility for airplanes, and today, Dehradun-Delhi Expressway is starting.
Friends,
In such a small region, all this is happening in such a short time. Imagine on what a large scale infrastructure is being built in the country. And that is why I say - the India of the 21st century, the new era of modern infrastructure it is entering, is unprecedented, unimaginable.
Friends,
Today, work is going on on many economic corridors connecting different parts of India. Like Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, East Coast Economic Corridor, Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor - many such economic corridors are being built in the country. These economic corridors are new doors of progress, gateways, doors. And the string of hopes is also connected to these. These economic corridors, apart from the road, create paths for new trade and business. They prepare the foundation for a whole network for factories and warehouses.
Friends,
The transformation of this entire region is going to happen through the Dehradun-Delhi Economic Corridor as well. The first benefit is that it will save time, traveling will be cheap and fast, people's petrol and diesel will be spent less, fares will be less, and the second big benefit will be of employment. Right now 12 thousand crore rupees were spent on its construction, so thousands of laborers got work. Along with this, those who are engineers, other skilled workforce, partners associated with transport - they too have got work in very large quantities. The produce of farmers and livestock owners will also now reach big mandis and big markets at a fast speed.
Friends,
Uttarakhand's tourism will get a very big benefit from this magnificent expressway. This will become the most prominent route for Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and Chardham Yatra. And we all know, when tourism develops, everyone earns something or the other. Be it hotels, dhaba owners, taxis, autos, homestays - everyone benefits from it.
Friends,
I am happy that today Uttarakhand is becoming a very excellent destination for winter tourism, winter sports, and 'Wed in India' - for weddings.
Friends,
Perennial tourism is very necessary for the economy of Uttarakhand. That is why I have been very insistent regarding religious journeys happening in winters. And I am happy that every year the number of people in these journeys is increasing. You will remember, I had gone on the journey to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat in 2023. I used to go a lot earlier, in between I could not go at all, I went after many years, and the Chief Minister was telling me, the Governor sir came in between, he was also telling that I went there in 2023 and after that, a very large number of devotees are going there. Earlier only a few hundred people used to go there for the journey in winters. In the year 2025, more than about 40 thousand people have traveled to these holy places. Once it didn't use to be one thousand; if forty thousand reach, then how much strength comes to the livelihood of the people here. Similarly, in the winter Chardham Yatra in the year 2024, about eighty thousand devotees had come. In 2025, this number has crossed one and a half lakhs.
Friends,
We are engaged in making such a developed India where there is progress, nature, and culture. And that is why, every construction happening today is being developed based on these values of 'Triveni' - the trinity of progress, nature, and culture. There should be facility for humans from infrastructure, and there should not be inconvenience to the wildlife living there - this is our effort. And that is why on this expressway, an elevated wildlife corridor about 12 kilometers long has also been built. Care has been taken that elephants also do not face inconvenience.
By the way friends,
Today I want to make an appeal to all tourists and pilgrims across the country as well. Our mountains, these forest areas, this heritage of Devbhoomi - these are very, very holy places. To keep such places neat and clean is the duty of all of us. Of those living here and also of those coming as travelers. Plastic bottles, heaps of garbage in these areas, hurt the sanctity of Devbhoomi. Therefore, it is very necessary that we keep these sites of Devbhoomi, these pilgrimage sites of ours, clean and beautiful.
Friends,
Kumbh is also to be organized in Haridwar next year. We have to leave no stone unturned in making this confluence of faith divine, grand, and clean.
Friends,
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra also takes place in Uttarakhand. This is a festival of faith, and it is also a living example of our cultural consciousness. Where Mother Nanda is considered a daughter and bid farewell with full respect. The participation of sisters and daughters in this journey makes it special. While bowing to Maa Nanda, I want to give a special message to the sisters and daughters across the country as well. You have a very big role in the building of a developed India. I am seeing a very big role of the daughters of this country, the mothers of this country, the sisters. And the convenience, safety, and participation in democracy of sisters and daughters is a very big priority of the double-engine government. You are seeing right now what a big crisis has come in the world. From this, how much outcry there is even in the developed countries of the world. Even in such difficult circumstances, it is the constant effort of the government that our sisters face minimum trouble.
Friends,
Another important milestone of the participation of sisters and daughters is now before the country. After a wait of 4 decades, Parliament had passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Through this, thirty-three percent reservation for women in the Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha was fixed. All parties came forward and supported this important law. Now that women have got this right, there should be no delay in implementing this right. Now this should be implemented. Now the Lok Sabha elections that will happen in 2029, from then on, and legislative assembly elections will also keep coming - whatever elections keep coming - this should be implemented from 2029 itself. This is the sentiment of the country; this is the wish of every sister and daughter of the country. Bowing to this wish of the Matrushakti (mother power), a special discussion has been fixed in Parliament from April 16. All political parties should together, by consensus, take forward this work related to the rights of the sisters and daughters of the country and complete it. And today I have written an open letter in the name of all the sisters of the country; perhaps this letter of mine would have reached you in social media; it is possible TV and newspaper people might also be mentioning this letter. I have invited the mothers and sisters of the country with great insistence to become participants in this work. I have firm belief that the mothers and sisters of my country will definitely read the letter. They will contemplate every single word, and for doing such a big holy work, the MPs coming to Parliament on the 16th, 17th, and 18th will also get their blessings. Today from Devbhoomi, I will again appeal to all parties of the country to definitely support the amendment in the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. In 2029, 50 percent of the population of our country - our mothers, sisters, our daughters - let us give them their right.
Friends,
If I come to Uttarakhand and there is no talk of the army, then the talk remains incomplete. This Garhi Cantt, this meeting venue, is a proof of the great military tradition of Uttarakhand. Nearby here are many institutions related to the defense and security of the country; the country can never forget the valor of Shaheed Jaswant Singh Rawat ji in the 1962 war.
Friends,
Whether it is to strengthen the capability of the army or the facility and respect of our soldier families, our government is constantly striving for this. Through One Rank One Pension, our government has so far deposited about one and a quarter lakh crore rupees in the accounts of former soldiers. Thousands of families of Uttarakhand have also got its benefit. Apart from this, this year the budget of the health scheme for former soldiers has also been increased by thirty-six percent. For ex-servicemen of 70 years and above, door-step home delivery of medicines has also been started. The education grant for children of former soldiers has also been doubled. And the assistance received for the marriage of daughters has also been increased from 50 thousand to one lakh rupees.
Friends,
Connecting every dimension like patriotism, devotion to God, and progress, we have to make the country developed. Once again to the people of Delhi, the people of Uttar Pradesh, and in a way to the countrymen, I give many, many best wishes for this magnificent expressway.
