Our dream is to make Gandhinagar a solar city –Shri Narendra Modi

Published By : Admin | January 22, 2011 | 05:37 IST

There will be a time when a person in Gandhinagar with his house would be able to generate solar power on his roof top, and the government will be there to buy it. This would help to earn extra income for the people of Gandhinagar, said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi while dedicating 1 MW demonstration solar power plant at Pandit Dindayal Petroleum University near Gandhinagar.

“We have commissioned this project in 106 days. The coast incurred is Rs. 15 crore. This is world's first solar project where three types of technologies are present. This is the first project that can be monitored from any part of the world. One would be able to monitor how much power is being generated from remote place,” Shri Modi said.

“This only one project would generate 15 lakh unit power annually. The human kind will be saved from generation of 1500 ton carbon dioxide annually due to usage of this plant,” he added.

“This facility can provide power to 1500 plus Air Conditioned houses. Our dream is to make Gandhinagar a solar city. We are going ahead in that direction. There will be a time when each person would be able to generate power on roof top and the government would buy it. This will be an extra income for the people of Gandhinagar.”

Shri Modi said the project is important because it will be helpful for human resource development. It is also important because it's an example of generating solar power in Indian condition.

While dedicating The Institute of Seismological Research in Gandhinagar, Shri Narendra Modi today said that the first decade of 21st century is a decade of institutes in Gujarat.

“In 1960s there was a time when major institutes were established in Gujarat. This includes institutes like ISRO and IIM. But after 1960s this trend was not as strong. However the 21st century's first decade 2001-10 is an era of institutions.”

“Two days back I went to Hyderabad. The people were excited the way we are using Bhaskaracharya institute of satellite (BISAG) in the state. We received an award of best satellite technology user state.”

“I just took a round of seismology institute and I can say that this institute will give a great contribution to the world in the area of Seismology. We had IIT, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University where we are sitting at present, and a long list of universities in this decade. This is an era of institutionalization.”

“Good governance cannot be driven by an individual. Good governance means to institutionalize the idea. And Gujarat has attempted to institutionalized each idea. We are doing this in one corner of India, but I am satisfied that after all we are contributing this to the nation.”

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi further said “When Gujarat was hit by major earthquake in 2001 and responsibility of post-earth quake works was on my shoulder, I requested then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee for setting up a Seismological institute in Gujarat, and the central government gave us assurance of providing Rs. 200 crore for this purpose, but it was unfortunate that subsequent government had opinion that this was not needed.”

“I told central government that fine if they didn't want to do in Gujarat (because it is BJP ruled), but they could at least set up such institute somewhere else in the country if not in Gujarat, may be in Congress ruled state. However it is unfortunate that those in centre don't have longer vision.”

“Here I am not giving a political comment. But I want to make a point that there's strength in science, and that has to be recognized well. Our young boys are doing good research. They the youths involved in scientific research know that they are not going to get coverage in newspaper or magazine of their works, but they are working with great spirit because they know their hard work will serve the society. If this institute of seismology was set up by central govt, I could be happier. After the central govt escaped from this project, I had to make choice whether I should do this or drop the project, but it was God that asked me to go ahead with the project, and I have done it. The institute is here with the best facilities on ground to serve the nation and the world.”

While inaugurating ‘the International Symposium on the 2001 Bhuj Earthquake and Advances in Earthquake Science' at Raisan campus of The Institute of Seismological Research on Saturday, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi asked researchers to come to Gujarat to do PhD on post-earthquake works in Gujarat.

“I want to give a message that if any university youth from Gujarat or outside the state, wants to study earthquake rehabilitation, policy framework and related issues for doing PhD, this is the time to do such research work,” Shri Modi said adding that such research would be a great help to future generations.

Shri Modi also offered to become host and sponsor of the students wanting to do PhD on post-Gujarat earthquake related issues.

He said, “the Gujarat government will arrange an accommodation for such students and will also provide scholarship to encourage research in this area.”

Shri Modi said such research would also possibly throw light on Gujarat government's shortcomings in the area of post-earthquake works, however that too will be helpful for future.

Explore More
Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya

Popular Speeches

Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya
1 in 4 iPhones are now made in India as Apple ramps up production by 53 per cent

Media Coverage

1 in 4 iPhones are now made in India as Apple ramps up production by 53 per cent
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
PM Modi addresses a mega public meeting in Ernakulam, Keralam
March 11, 2026
You have given Congress and Left more than 70 years. Now give a chance so that BJP-NDA serves you. You will see a great glimpse of #ViksitKeralam: PM
I am also grateful that the governments in Gulf countries are protecting our citizens. Our Indian embassies are helping them 24x7, says PM Modi
To reduce dependence on petrol and diesel, electric vehicles are being promoted. 100 percent electrification of railways is being carried out: PM Modi
Congress-led UDF is now MMC- Muslim League Maoist Congress, while LDF has long-standing ties with extremist elements like the PDP: PM Modi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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