Published By : Admin |
August 15, 2013 | 22:30 IST
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"After the British, India should shun nepotism, power-pride, scams, inflation, old mind sets, mistrust: Narendra Modi"
"As we breathe in the air of freedom we remember those who who devoted their lives for our Freedom: Narendra Modi"
"Great men and women spent their youth in the prisons and went to the gallows: Shri Modi"
"We may have attained freedom but not escaped mental slavery. Status quo-ist mindset must go to grow: Shri Modi"
"Hoped as a common man that PM’s speech would give a new message, but was disappointed: Narendra Modi"
"Should'nt we remember Sardar Patel & Shastriji too, instead of just one family from RedFort: CM "
"PM raised same issues like Nehruji did 60 years ago while unfurling the Tricolour: Narendra Modi"
"UPA's Food Security Bill is like serving salt & acid on plates of poor instead of food: CM"
Watch Full Independence Day Programme at Lalan College, Bhuj here
Addressing the state level Independence Day Celebrations at the Lalan College grounds in Bhuj, Kutch, Shri Narendra Modi said that Gujarat’s Mantra has always been ‘Gujarat’s growth for India’s growth.’ He pointed that the credit for the development of Gujarat goes to the 6.5 crore people of Gujarat. Shri Modi spoke about the need to create ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ The Chief Minister unfurled the Tricolour in the presence of the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and other senior officials. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Shri Modi declared that like India was freed from the British, it needs to become free from nepotism, arrogance stemming from power, corruption, price rise, obsolete mindset and this atmosphere of mistrust. “The country is in poverty and needs a Nayi Soch,” observed the CM.
The Chief Minister extended his warm Independence Day greetings to the people of India. Paying tributes to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation Shri Modi said, “As we breathe in the air of freedom we remember those great men and women who devoted their lives to give us Freedom. They spent their youth in the prisons and went to the gallows.” He remarked that there were two different strands during the freedom struggle, one of non-violence and the other of revolutionary nationalism and both have very close links with the soil of Gujarat as it is home to Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel (who led the non violent struggle) as well as Shyamji Krishna Varma (who inspired the revolutionary nationalists). Shri Modi affirmed that while we may have attained freedom, we have still not emerged out of the mental slavery and that is a need to change the status quo-ist mindset for the progress of the country.
Shri Narendra Modi said that he heard the speech of the Prime Minister earlier today as a common citizen with a hope that it would give a new message but described the speech as extremely disappointing. Referring to Honourable President Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the nation last evening, Shri Modi opined that the Honourable President raised several important issues but the Prime Minister did not answer them. “Rashtrapati ji said there is a limit to patience with Pakistan. This was a big indication. I was expecting the PM to say something about it but we could not hear anything about it from the PM. I do not say the Red Fort is a place to challenge Pakistan but surely it is a place to raise the morale of our Armed Forces. Today our security is under threat but we watch silently.” Elaborating further on his point, Shri Modi said, “The Honourable President spoke about corruption. It would have been good if something on corruption would have been said by the PM. Why is there no fight against corruption? People want answers. Earlier people used to say ‘Bhai Bhatijawad’ then came ‘Mama Bhanja’ but now it is ‘Saans, Bahu and Damad.” Shri Modi avowed that the points raised by the President are a matter of both Chinta (worry) and Chintan (introspection) and that both must come from the top.
Shri Modi came down heavily on the PM for not being able to rise to the occasion to remember the greats of India in his address. Instead, Shri Modi declared that the Prime Minister was immersed in the Bhakti of only one family. Shri Modi said, “You are the Prime Minister of the nation. Many Governments have worked for it. But from Red Fort you only remember one family. Would it not be better if you remembered Sardar Patel as well? Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, who coined the slogan Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan was a PM of your own party, you could have remembered him. These greats gave their lives to the Congress” Likewise, Shri Modi pointed that while the Prime Minister spoke about the efforts of the Centre for relief in Uttarakhand, he did not talk about the efforts of the people of India and the contribution of every state towards relief for Uttarakhand. Attacking the lack of vision in the speech of the PM, Shri Modi affirmed, “You unfurled the Tricolour so many times but the issue you raised were the same as Pandit Nehru sixty years ago. So what has changed? What have you given?”
On the economy front, the Chief Minister opined that the Rupee is falling but the Prime Minister did not say anything about this in his speech from the Red Fort. On the proposed Food Security Bill, Shri Modi said that he listed some of the deficiencies in Bill in a letter to the Prime Minister but the Prime Minister did not even speak on that. Shri Modi stated that he is not opposed to the Bill but said that the Bill being brought by the UPA is like putting salt and acid on the plates of the poor instead of serving them food. He shared that in Gujarat the poor get 35 kg grains but after the Food Security Bill it will be 25 kg, making him wonder is this filling plates or emptying them. Referring to the pessimistic atmosphere in the nation, Shri Modi said, “Yeh faasle janta ko naye faisle lene ke liye majboor karegi.”
Shri Modi recalled that there was the 20 Point Programme going on from the time of Mrs. Indira Gandhi but when the Centre realized that that the top performing states are NDA ruled states, they stopped ranking the states instead of taking corrective measures. He also observed that when the NDA was in power under the leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Shri LK Advani, the world saw India as an emerging superpower but that momentum ended after the UPA assumed office. Shri Modi attacked the ruling party for the constant disruptions in Parliament as well. He said that there could be shortcomings in everything but never in thought. Similarly, the speech could be less but the targets cannot.
The Chief Minister spoke elaborately on the development of Gujarat. He said that the development of Gujarat stands equally on the three pillars of agriculture, industry and services sector. He shared that Gujarat has the lowest unemployment rate in the country. He talked about the creation of the seven new districts and expressed confidence that the districts would development very fast in the times to come.
PM Modi inaugurates New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam
December 20, 2025
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Modern airports and advanced connectivity infrastructure serve as gateways to new possibilities and new opportunities for any state: PM
Today, Assam and the entire North East are emerging as the new gateway to India's development: PM
The North East will lead India's future growth: PM
Marking a transformative milestone in Assam’s connectivity, economic expansion and global engagement, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi said that today marks the festival of development and progress of Assam and the North East. He highlighted that when the light of progress reaches people, every path in life begins to touch new heights. The Prime Minister further remarked that his deep attachment to the land of Assam, the love and affection of its people, and especially the warmth and belongingness of the mothers and sisters of Assam and the Northeast continuously inspire him and strengthen the collective resolve for the development of the region. He highlighted that today once again a new chapter is being added in Assam’s development. Referring to Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika’s lines, Shri Modi emphasized that this means the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river will shine, every wall of darkness will be broken, and this will certainly happen as it is the nation’s resolve and solemn pledge.
Highlighting that Bhupen Hazarika’s lines were not merely a song but a solemn resolve of every great soul who loved Assam, and today this resolve is being fulfilled, Shri Modi remarked that just as the mighty currents of the Brahmaputra never stop, similarly under their governments at the Union and State, the stream of development in Assam continues uninterrupted. He stated that the inauguration of the new terminal at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi Airport stands as proof of this commitment, and extended congratulations to the people of Assam and the nation for this new terminal building.
The Prime Minister further remarked that a short while ago he had the privilege of unveiling the statue of Gopinath Bardoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister and a source of pride for the state. He emphasized that Shri Bardoloi never compromised on Assam’s identity, future, and interests, and his statue will continue to inspire future generations, instilling in them a deep sense of pride for Assam.
“Modern airport facilities and advanced connectivity infrastructure serve as gateways to new possibilities and opportunities for any state, and stand as pillars of growing confidence and trust among the people”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He remarked that when people witness the construction of magnificent highways and airports in Assam, they themselves acknowledge that true justice for Assam has finally begun. He contrasted this with the past, stating that for the previous governments, the development of Assam and the Northeast was never on their agenda. He noted that leaders in those governments used to say, “Who even goes to Assam and the Northeast?” and questioned the need for modern airports, highways, and better railways in the region. The Prime Minister emphasized that this mindset led the opposition to neglect the entire region for decades.
Pointing out that the mistakes committed by the opposition over six to seven decades are being corrected one by one under his leadership, Shri Modi stated that whether opposition leaders visit the Northeast or not, he himself feels a sense of belonging among his own people whenever he comes to Assam and the region. He emphasized that for him, the development of Assam is not only a necessity but also a responsibility and an accountability. The Prime Minister highlighted that in the past eleven years, development projects worth lakhs of crores of rupees have been initiated for Assam and the Northeast. He noted that Assam is progressing further and creating new milestones, mentioning with satisfaction that Assam has become the number one state in the country to implement the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He added that Assam has also set a record by installing more than 50 lakh smart prepaid meters. He contrasted this with the previous dispensation era, when obtaining a government job without bribes or recommendations was impossible, and underlined that today thousands of youth are getting jobs without such practices. Shri Modi further highlighted that under their government, Assam’s culture is being promoted on every platform. He recalled the historic event of 13 April 2023, when more than 11,000 artists performed the Bihu dance together at the Guwahati stadium, an achievement that was recorded in the Guinness World Records. He remarked that by creating such new records, Assam is moving forward rapidly.
Underlining that with this new terminal building, the capacity of Guwahati and Assam will increase significantly, enabling more than 1.25 crore passengers to travel annually, Shri Modi highlighted that this will also allow a large number of tourists to visit Assam and make it easier for devotees to have darshan of Maa Kamakhya. He stated that stepping into this new airport terminal clearly reflects the true meaning of the mantra of development along with heritage. The Prime Minister emphasized that the airport has been designed keeping in mind Assam’s nature and culture, with greenery inside and arrangements resembling an indoor forest. He noted that the design is connected to nature all around so that every passenger feels peace and comfort. He further highlighted the special use of bamboo in the construction, underscoring that bamboo is an integral part of life in Assam, symbolizing both strength and beauty. Shri Modi also recalled that their government in a landmark move in 2017, amended the Indian Forest Act, 1927, to legally reclassify bamboo grown in non-forest areas as a "grass" instead of a "tree". This move, he said, has led to the creation of a wonderful structure in the form of a new Terminal today.
Underscoring the development of infrastructure carries a very significant message, the Prime Minister highlighted that it boosts industries, gives investors confidence in connectivity, and opens pathways for local products to reach global markets. He emphasized that the greatest assurance is given to the youth, for whom new opportunities are created. “Today, Assam is seen advancing on this very flight of limitless possibilities”, stated the Prime Minister.
Shri Modi remarked that today the world’s perspective towards India has changed, and India’s role has also transformed. He highlighted that India is now on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He questioned how this was achieved within just 11 years and emphasized that the development of modern infrastructure has played a major role. The Prime Minister stated that India is preparing for 2047, focusing on infrastructure to fulfill the resolve of a developed nation. He underlined that the most important aspect of this grand development campaign is the participation of every state and every region. He noted that the government is prioritizing the underprivileged, ensuring that every state progresses together and contributes to the mission of a developed India. He expressed happiness that Assam and the Northeast are leading this mission. Shri Modi highlighted that through the Act East Policy, the Northeast has been given priority, and today Assam is emerging as India’s Eastern Gateway. He remarked that Assam is playing the role of a bridge connecting India with ASEAN countries. He affirmed that this beginning will go much further, and Assam will become an engine of developed India in many sectors.
“Assam and the entire Northeast are becoming the new gateway of India’s development,” emphasised Shri Modi, highlighting that the vision of multi-modal connectivity has transformed both the condition and direction of this region. He stated that the pace of building new bridges in Assam, the speed of installing new mobile towers, and the momentum of every development project are turning dreams into reality. He emphasized that the bridges built over the Brahmaputra have given Assam new strength and confidence in connectivity. The Prime Minister pointed out that in the six to seven decades after independence, only three major bridges were built here, but in the last decade four new mega bridges have been completed, along with several historic projects taking shape. He noted that the longest bridges such as Bogibeel and Dhola-Sadiya have made Assam strategically stronger. He underlined that railway connectivity has also undergone a revolutionary change, with the Bogibeel Bridge reducing the distance between Upper Assam and the rest of the country. He remarked that the Vande Bharat Express running from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri has reduced travel time. Shri Modi further highlighted that Assam is also benefiting from the development of waterways, with cargo traffic increasing by 140 percent, proving that the Brahmaputra is not just a river but a flow of economic power. He stated that the first ship repair facility is being developed at Pandu, and the enthusiasm around the Ganga Vilas Cruise from Varanasi to Dibrugarh has placed the Northeast firmly on the global cruise tourism map.
Criticizing the previous governments for keeping Assam and the Northeast away from development, Shri Modi said the nation had to pay a heavy price in terms of security, unity, and integrity. He highlighted that under opposition rule, violence thrived for decades, whereas in the last 10–11 years efforts are being made to end it. He stated that where once violence and bloodshed prevailed in the Northeast, today digital connectivity through 4G and 5G technology is reaching these areas. The Prime Minister emphasized that districts once considered violence-affected are now developing as aspirational districts, and in the coming times these very regions will become industrial corridors. He underlined that a new confidence has arisen regarding the Northeast, and stressed the need to strengthen it further.
The Prime Minister remarked that success in the development of Assam and the Northeast is also being achieved because the government is safeguarding the identity and culture of the region. He highlighted that the opposition by conspiring to erase this identity, and this conspiracy was not limited to just a few years. He stated that the roots of this wrongdoing go back to the pre-independence era, when the Muslim League and the British government were preparing the ground for India’s partition, and at that time there was also a plan to make Assam a part of undivided Bengal, that is, East Pakistan. Shri Modi noted that Congress was going to be part of this conspiracy, but Shri Bardoloi ji stood against his own party, opposed this plot to destroy Assam’s identity, and saved Assam from being separated from the country. He emphasized that their party rises above party lines to honor every patriot, and under the leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, when their government came to power, Bardoloi ji was conferred the Bharat Ratna.
The Prime Minister remarked that while Shri Bardoloi ji had saved Assam before independence, the first ruling dispensation in the post- independence era once again began anti-Assam and anti-national activities thereafter. He highlighted that they conspired to expand their vote bank through religious appeasement, giving free rein to infiltrators in Bengal and Assam. He stated that the region’s demography was altered, and these infiltrators encroached upon forests and lands. The Prime Minister emphasized that as a result, the security and identity of the entire state of Assam were put at risk.
Shri Modi remarked that the government under Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma is working diligently to free Assam’s resources from illegal and anti-national encroachments. He highlighted that efforts are being made at every level to ensure Assam’s resources benefit the people of Assam. He stated that the Union government has also taken strict measures to stop infiltration, with identification processes underway to remove illegal infiltrators.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Opposition and their alliance have openly adopted anti-national agendas, even as the Supreme Court has spoken about removing infiltrators. He noted that these parties are issuing statements in defense of infiltrators, and their lawyers are pleading in court to settle them. He remarked that when the Election Commission is conducting the SIR process to ensure fair elections, these groups are opposing it. The Prime Minister underlined that such people will not protect the interests of Assamese brothers and sisters, and will allow others to occupy their land and forests. He warned that their anti-national mindset could recreate the violence and unrest of earlier times. He stressed that it is therefore essential to remain vigilant, for the people of Assam to stay united, and to continue defeating the Opposition's conspiracies to prevent Assam’s development from being derailed.
“Today the world is looking towards India with hope, and the new sunrise of India’s future is to begin from the Northeast’, affirmed Shri Modi. He highlighted that for this, collective efforts are required to work towards shared dreams, with Assam’s development kept at the forefront. He expressed confidence that these joint endeavors will take Assam to new heights and fulfill the vision of a developed India. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister once again extended congratulations on the inauguration of the new terminal.
Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Shri K Rammohan Naidu, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Shri Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
The newly completed Integrated New Terminal Building Of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, spread over nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, is designed to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually, supported by major upgrades to the runway, airfield systems, aprons and taxiways.
India’s first nature-themed airport terminal, the airport’s design draws inspiration from Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage under the theme “Bamboo Orchids”. The terminal makes pioneering use of about 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced Northeast bamboo, complemented by Kaziranga-inspired green landscapes, japi motifs, the iconic rhino symbol and 57 orchid-inspired columns reflecting the Kopou flower. A unique “Sky Forest”, featuring nearly one lakh plants of indigenous species, offers arriving passengers an immersive, forest-like experience.
The terminal sets new benchmarks in passenger convenience and digital innovation. Features such as full-body scanners for fast, non-intrusive security screening, DigiYatra-enabled contactless travel, automated baggage handling, fast-track immigration and AI-driven airport operations ensure seamless, secure and efficient journeys.
Modern airports and advanced connectivity infrastructure serve as gateways to new possibilities and new opportunities for any state. pic.twitter.com/E7fs1kgCQK
