PM's remarks at the Global Citizens Festival, Central Park, New York City

Published By : Admin | September 27, 2014 | 22:47 IST

How are you doing, New York...
I hope, you are having, a good time...

Namaste. My greetings, to all those, watching on TVs, laptops, tablets and phones, as well. 

Glo cit 684_1

This, is a great city. It has assimilated, the world, in itself. 
Today, you have shown, that you also care, for the world outside. 

I am truly delighted, to be here. In the open Central Park. And not inside, a closed Conference Room... 
Among the Youth. Among you. 
Because, you are the future. What you do Today, will decide, our Tomorrow. 

I feel, a current of hope, in this Park. Among you, I feel confident about the future...

You are touching, the lives of those, who are not as fortunate, as you are. What an admirable act, this is. What a sacred mission.

For you to think, about those, who are far. Whose faces, you have not seen. Whose names, you do not know. Whose nationality, does not matter to you.

Glo cit 684_2

For you to convert, your thoughts into action. And devote, your time, and energy. So that others, may have a better future too.

Those living in poverty. Without education. Without basic sanitation. Without opportunity. And worse, without hope.

I salute you. I feel proud, of each one of you. I am sure, your families, your friends, your nation, feels just as proud.

Some believe, that the world changes, with the wisdom of the old.
I think, that the idealism, innovation, energy and ‘can do’ attitude, of the youth, is even more powerful.

That is my hope, for India too. 800 million youth, joining hands, to transform our nation. 
To put, the light of hope, in every eye. And, the joy of belief, in every heart. Lift people, out of poverty. Put clean water, and sanitation, within the reach of all. Make healthcare, available to all. A roof, over every head. 

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I know, it is possible...
Because, I feel, a new sense of purpose, energy, and will, in India. 
Because, India’s youth, can see that, you are joining hands, with them.
Because, I believe, that we can speak with one voice. For one future...

That, is why, I am here.
Because, I believe in you...

Let me end, with a few lines in Sanskrit, that inspire me, personally:

सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः।
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु।
मा कश्चित् दुःख भाग्भवेत्॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

May All, be prosperous, and happy.
May All, be free from illness.
May All, see what is spiritually uplifting. 
May no one, suffer.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace...

Thank you once again, for having me over.
Thanks in particular, to Hugh Jackman here.

God bless you all. 
May the Force be with You...

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2014

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2014

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Cabinet approves Upgradation and Modernisation of Nagpur International Airport through long term license involving Private Partner under Public Private Partnership (PPP)
May 13, 2026

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has approved the Extension of Lease Period of the Airports Authority of India (AAI)’s land leased to MIL (MIHAN India Limited) beyond 06.08.2039, so as to enable MIL to license Nagpur Airport to the Concessionaire, viz. GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) for 30 years since Commercial Operation Date (COD).

This marks a major milestone in Nagpur airport’s journey to becoming a regional aviation hub under the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project.

In 2009, a Joint Venture Company (JVC)- MIL was formed by AAI and Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd. (MADC) with equity structure of 49:51 respectively. Though Airport assets of AAI were transferred to MIL in 2009 for airport operation, the lease deed got delayed due to land demarcation issues. Subsequently, AAI land has been leased to MIL up to 06.08.2039.

In 2016, MIL floated a global tender for identifying a Partner to operate the airport under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. GMR Airports Ltd. (GAL) emerged as the highest bidder, with quoted revenue share of 5.76%. This was later revised to 14.49% of Gross Revenue. Subsequently, MIL annulled the bidding process in March, 2020. This annulment was successfully challenged by GAL before Hon'ble Bombay High Court. Thereafter, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India also ruled in favor of GAL. Pursuant to Supreme Court Judgement dated 27th September, 2024, MIL signed Concession Agreement with 2nd JVC, i.e. GMR Nagpur International Airport Ltd. (GNIAL) on 8th October, 2024.

A New Era for Nagpur Airport :

With extension of Lease Period of the AAI land leased to MIL beyond 06.08.2039, it would now become co-terminus with the 30 years Concession Period of GNIAL, paving the way for handing over of airport to 2nd JVC-GNIAL. This is expected to usher in a new era of growth and infrastructure advancement for Nagpur Airport. With private sector efficiency and government oversight, the Airport is poised to see significant investment, modernization, and improved passenger and cargo services — Government of India's vision for robust infrastructure development in the aviation sector.

GNIAL will take up the transformation of Nagpur's Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport into a world-class facility with phased development envisaged to reach the ultimate capacity of handling 30 million passengers annually, positioning it as a key Airport in Central India. This transformation is set to not only enhance connectivity within the Vidarbha region, but also strengthen its economic infrastructure. Cargo handling capabilities would also be significantly boosted.