Mera Saansad
Search Search
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ language

PM launches Mission LiFE at Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat

Published By : Admin | October 20, 2022 | 11:00 IST
Attends bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
World leaders congratulate the Prime Minister for the initiative and pledge support
Immensely encouraged by the commitment that India has made to pursue environmentally sound policies: UN Secretary-General
Mr Guterres has ancestral connection to Goa, welcoming him to Gujarat is like welcoming a member of the family: PM
“Climate change goes beyond just policy making”
‘Mission LiFE makes the fight against climate change democratic, in which everyone can contribute”
“Mission LiFE makes us all trustees of the environment”
“Mission LiFE unites the people of the earth as pro planet people”
“'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle' and circular economy have been part of the lifestyle of Indians for thousands of years”
“India has become a prime example of how progress and nature can go hand in hand”
“Whenever India and the United Nations have worked together, new ways of making the world a better place have been found”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi attended a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr Antonio Guterres and subsequently launched Mission LiFE at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat. The Prime Minister and the UN Secretary-General also paid floral tributes at the Statue of Unity. Congratulatory video messages on the launch of Mission LiFE by the heads of 11 nations representing all regions of the United Nations were also relayed.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister informed that India is like a second home for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and he had travelled to India many times during the days of his youth. He further pointed out the ancestral connection of Mr Guterres with the state of Goa in India. The Prime Minister thanked Mr Guterres for taking the opportunity to visit India and highlighted that welcoming him to Gujarat is like welcoming a member of the family.

The Prime Minister expressed delight at the support that has been showered upon India for taking up the Mission LiFE initiative and thanked the heads of all nations for sending in their congratulatory messages on this gracious occasion. Highlighting the importance of unity in the fight against climate change, Shri Modi said that the launch of Mission LiFE is taking place before the Statue of Unity, a colossal statue of the pride of India, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. “The world’s largest statue will be a source of inspiration in achieving the set targets”, he said.

“When the standards are exceptional, the records are huge”, the Prime Minister remarked. Highlighting the significance of the launch taking place in Gujarat, the Prime Minister informed that Gujarat was the first state in the country to initiate steps in the direction of renewable energy and climate protection. Be it installing solar panels on canals or initiating water conservation projects for the drought-affected areas of the state, Gujarat has always come forward as a leader and a trendsetter.

The Prime Minister pointed towards the prevailing notion that climate change is an issue only related to policy that leads to a thought process that leaves this all-important issue only to the government or international organisations. He said that people are experiencing the effects of climate change in their surroundings, and in the last few decades unexpected calamities were witnessed. This is making it amply clear that Climate change goes beyond only policy-making and people themselves are finding that they should contribute as an individual, families and as communities to the environment.

The Prime Minister remarked, “The mantra of Mission Life is 'Lifestyle For Environment'. Emphasising the benefits of Mission LiFE, the Prime Minister said that it connects the powers of the people for the protection of this earth, and teaches them to utilise it in a better way. He underlined that Mission LiFE makes the fight against climate change democratic, in which everyone can contribute within their capacity. “Mission LiFE inspires us to do all that can be done in our everyday life to protect the environment. Mission LiFE believes that the environment can be protected by making changes in our lifestyle”, the Prime Minister said. He gave the example of the adoption of LED bulbs in India for reducing electricity bills and protecting the environment. “This led to massive savings and environmental benefits and this is a recurring permanent benefit”, the Prime Minister added.

Noting that Gujarat is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the Prime Minister said “He was one of those thinkers who long ago understood the importance of environmental protection and living life in harmony with nature. He developed the concept of trusteeship. Mission LiFE makes us all trustees of the environment. A trustee is someone who does not allow indiscriminate use of resources. A trustee works as a nurturer and not as an exploiter”

The Prime Minister elaborated that Mission LiFE emboldens the spirit of the P3 model i.e. Pro Planet People. Mission Life, unites the people of the earth as pro planet people, uniting them all in their thoughts. It functions on the basic principles of ‘Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet’. The Prime Minister remarked that the way to the future can only be paved by learning from the mistakes of the past. He recalled that India has had a tradition of worshipping nature for thousands of years. The Vedas precisely mention the importance of elements of nature like water, earth, land, fire and water. The Prime Minister quoted the Atharvaveda and recited, “‘Mata Bhumiah Putroham Prithivyah’ that is, the earth is our mother and we are her children.”

The Prime Minister threw light on the concept of 'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle' and circular economy and mentioned that it has been a part of the lifestyle of Indians for thousands of years. Speaking of other parts of the world, the Prime Minister said that such practices are prevalent, which inspire us to walk in harmony with nature. “Mission LiFE will encompass every lifestyle related to the conservation of nature, which our ancestors adopted, and that can be made a part of our lifestyle today”, he said.

India is committed to tackling the menace of climate change. Today, the Prime Minister informed, “The annual per capita carbon footprint in India is only about 1.5 tonnes, compared to the world average of 4 tonnes per year.” Nevertheless, India is working at the forefront to solve global problems like climate change. Shri Modi talked about the initiatives like Ujjwala Yojana, 75 ‘Amrit Sarovars’ in every district and unprecedented emphasis on waste to wealth. Today India has the fourth largest capacity for renewable energy in the world. “Today we are ranked fourth in wind energy and fifth in solar energy. India's renewable energy capacity has increased by about 290 percent in the last 7-8 years. We have also achieved the target of achieving 40 percent of the electric capacity from non-fossil-fuel sources 9 years ahead of the deadline. We had also achieved a target of 10 percent ethanol blending in petrol, and that too 5 months before the deadline. Through the National Hydrogen Mission, India has moved towards an environment-friendly energy source. This will help India and many countries of the world to achieve their goal of net zero”, the Prime Minister added. India has become a prime example of how progress and nature can go hand in hand. Now that India has also become the fifth largest economy in the world, our forest area is also increasing and the number of wildlife is also increasing, he said.

Highlighting the global campaign of One Sun, One World, One Grid, the Prime Minister remarked that India now wants to increase its partnership with the world even more while strengthening its resolve towards such goals. “By leading the creation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, India has conveyed its concept towards environmental protection to the world. Mission LiFE is the next step in this series.”, the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister noted the fact that whenever India and the United Nations have worked together, new ways of making the world a better place have been found. The Prime Minister said, “India had proposed the International Day of Yoga, which was supported by the United Nations. Today it is inspiring millions of people around the world to lead a healthy life.” Giving the example of the International Year of Millets which found profound support for the United Nations, the Prime Minister remarked that India wanted to connect the world with its traditional and eco-friendly, coarse cereals. He said that the International Year of Millets next year will be discussed all over the world. He added, “Mission LiFE will be successful in taking it to every corner of the world, to every country.” “We have to remember this mantra – Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita, that is, those who protect nature, nature protects them. I believe we will build a better world by following our Mission LiFE” the Prime Minister concluded.

UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr Antonio Guterres said that in these perilous times for our planet, we need all hands on deck. Lifestyle For Environment -LiFE initiative is designed to highlight essential and hopeful truths. All of us, individuals and communities, can and must be part of the solution of protecting our planet and our collective futures. After all, over-consumption is at the root of the triple planet emergency of climate, change, biodiversity loss and pollution. We are using the equivalent of 1.6 planet earth to support our lifestyle. This great excess is compounded by the great inequality, he said. He hoped that initiatives of the LiFE movement spread throughout the world. “I am immensely encouraged by the commitment that India has made to pursue environmentally sound policies and its pledge to significantly increase investment in renewable energy, championing International Solar Alliance…..we need to unleash the renewable revolution and I look forward to working with India in driving this agenda forward.” Talking about the upcoming CoP 27 in Egypt, the Secretary-General said that the conference presents a key political opportunity to reveal trust and accelerate action across all the pillars of the Paris agreement. “With its vulnerability to climate impacts and its massive economy, India can play a critical bridging role”, he said.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Mr Guterres said, “The world has enough for everyone’s needs but not everyone’s greed.” He further added that we must treat the earth’s resources with wisdom and respect. The UN Secretary-General pledged to alter the economies and lifestyles so we are able to share earth’s resources fairly and only take what we need. He also urged everyone to count on India as it assumes G20 Presidency to help usher in a new era of sustainability, fully in line with its history, its culture and its tradition.”

Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of External Affairs, Shri Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr Antonio Guterres were those present on the occasion among others.

Background

Mission LiFE aims at following a three-pronged strategy for changing our collective approach towards sustainability. First is by nudging individuals to practise simple yet effective environment-friendly actions in their daily lives (demand); second is by enabling industries and markets to respond swiftly to the changing demand (supply) and; third is to influence government and industrial policy to support both sustainable consumption and production (policy).

Click here to read full text speech

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਜਨਮ-ਭੂਮੀ ਮੰਦਿਰ ਧਵਜਾਰੋਹਣ ਉਤਸਵ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਦੇ ਭਾਸ਼ਣ ਦਾ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ

Popular Speeches

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਜਨਮ-ਭੂਮੀ ਮੰਦਿਰ ਧਵਜਾਰੋਹਣ ਉਤਸਵ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਦੇ ਭਾਸ਼ਣ ਦਾ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ
View All
PM Modi inaugurates Micron’s ₹22,516-crore ATMP facility in Gujarat; calls chips ‘Regulator of 21st century’

Media Coverage

PM Modi inaugurates Micron’s ₹22,516-crore ATMP facility in Gujarat; calls chips ‘Regulator of 21st century’
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
Text of PM’s address during the launch of various development projects in Puducherry
March 01, 2026
Delighted to be among the wonderful people of Puducherry, Today, multiple development works are being launched that will enhance ease of living and boost the region’s economic growth: PM
When I came here earlier, I had given the mantra of BEST Puducherry; BEST means Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism, in the last four and a half years, this vision is bearing fruit: PM
Puducherry has witnessed good governance and development: PM
A strong and empowered youth is the foundation of our growth. We are working to support their dreams: PM
At NIT Karaikal, the new Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and modern hostel facilities will strengthen technical education for many students; Infrastructure upgrades have been done in Pondicherry University: PM
We believe that healthcare should be accessible, available and affordable to all ; Ayushman Bharat scheme is already fulfilling this vision for crores of families across India: PM
I strongly believe that Puducherry can become a medical tourism hub. Puducherry already has nine medical colleges;The modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER will further expand healthcare capacity: PM
Today, the foundation stone has been laid for three Critical Care Blocks for critically ill patients under PM-ABHIM: PM

Chief Minister of Puducherry, Shri N. Rangasamy, My Union Cabinet colleague, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Lt. Governor of Puducherry, Shri K. Kailashnathan, Speaker, Shri R. Selvam, Home Minister, Shri A. Namassivayam, Other leaders, My dear sisters and brothers of Puducherry, Vanakkam! 

Friends,

It is an honour to be here in Puducherry. This is the land of Siddhar, saints, poets and freedom fighters. This is where Mahakavi Subramania Bharati ignited the fire of nationalism. From here, Sri Aurobindo and The Mother gave a new spiritual vision for the whole world. 

Friends,

When I came here earlier, I had given the mantra of BEST Puducherry. BEST means Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism. In the last four and a half years, this vision is bearing fruit. Puducherry has witnessed good governance and development. When the Centre and the UT work with the same vision and dedication, results are faster and better. Puducherry has shown an impressive rise in per capita income. It has also achieved the highest Social Progress Index score in the country. Now, the double-engine NDA government will add more momentum to Puducherry’s growth. Today, projects worth more than Two Thousand Seven Hundred Crore Rupees are being inaugurated and foundation stones are being laid. These projects will transform the lives of the people.

Friends,

Across India, there is a great emphasis on building top-quality infrastructure. In this year’s budget, we have set aside a record Twelve Lakh Crore Rupees for building infrastructure. This will also benefit the people of Puducherry. We included Puducherry under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Scheme, which used to be open only for states. More funding for infrastructure means better roads, water supply, coastal infrastructure, schools, hospitals and many such projects. These facilities directly make the lives of the people better.

Friends,

A strong and empowered youth is the foundation of our growth. We are working to support their dreams. At NIT Karaikal, the new Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and modern hostel facilities will strengthen technical education for many students. Infrastructure upgrades have been done in Pondicherry University. Its new lecture halls, girls’ hostels and other infrastructure will help students. I am told that thousands of vacancies in various departments of the Puducherry government have been filled. For many of these posts, direct recruitment examinations had not been conducted for decades. But the double engine government got it done. I congratulate all youth who have joined to serve the people.

Friends,

Today, the world is focussing on mobility that is cleaner and greener. Electric vehicles have become an important part of our life. In a tourism hub like Puducherry, electric buses can be a gamechanger in reducing pollution. Under PM e-Bus Sewa, electric buses are being provided today. The housing projects related to our programme today will give families stability and dignity. There are projects worth several hundred crores across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam which will help people. Water desalination plants will ensure clean drinking water. New Sewage Treatment Plants will improve waste management. The government is also working to reduce flooding and waterlogging during monsoons. All our efforts are towards providing Ease of Living for the people of Puducherry. यहाँ कुछ बच्चे बढ़िया-बढ़िया चित्र बनाकर ले आए हैं। जरा एसपीजी के लोगों से कहूँगा, जरा उसको कलेक्ट कर लें। Thank you my friends, Thank you Very Much. Please collect all the gifts.

Friends,

Any nation can progress only when its human capital is healthy. That is why healthcare remains our foremost priority. We believe that healthcare should be accessible, available and affordable to all. Ayushman Bharat scheme is already fulfilling this vision for crores of families across India. No citizen of Puducherry should be forced to travel far for treatment. Instead, we want people of other regions to come here to heal. I strongly believe that Puducherry can become a medical tourism hub. Puducherry already has nine medical colleges. The modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER will further expand healthcare capacity. Today, the foundation stone has been laid for three Critical Care Blocks for critically ill patients under PM-ABHIM. These new Critical Care Blocks in Puducherry and Karaikal will significantly enhance emergency capacity. Puducherry is known for Siddha medicine and holistic healthcare. The new Integrated AYUSH Hospital in Karaikal will serve the people.

Friends,

Connectivity is the backbone of progress. We are focusing both on rural and urban infrastructure. On one hand, hundreds of kilometres of rural roads are being built. They are improving connectivity for students, farmers, workers and small businesses. At the same time, we are also working to ensure decongestion of Puducherry. We have announced projects worth over One Thousand Crore Rupees in Puducherry Town. This includes a flyover worth Four Hundred And Forty Crore Rupees.

Friends,

Connectivity to Chennai is being improved through upgrades in the East Coast Road and Grand Southern Trunk Road. Travel time between Puducherry and Chennai will reduce to about 1.5-2 hours. The Puducherry to Cuddalore National Highway is already completed and the Karaikal National Highway is being upgraded. We are investing more than Thirty Thousand Crore Rupees in road projects in the East Coast Corridor up to Kanyakumari. These projects link parts of Puducherry to major economic hubs like Chennai, Bengaluru and Coimbatore. Such connectivity will significantly boost tourism, trade and industry.

Friends,

Tourism is one of Puducherry’s greatest strengths. As a weekend destination, it already attracts thousands of people. Trains and flights are always full. It is due to the warmth of the people of Puducherry that this is happening. With investments in spiritual tourism, eco-tourism and health tourism, we are taking this to new heights. Under the PRASHAD Scheme, development of pilgrimage facilities at various temples is being done. Sri Aurobindo and the Mother saw Auroville as the Universal City of Consciousness. I am happy to know that a Global Spiritual Mahotsav is beginning today in Auroville. Such gatherings unite people across regions and religions.

Friends,

It is important to celebrate the good work that is being done by the double engine government. But it is also important to remember how things were earlier. The people of Puducherry suffered immensely during Congress-DMK rule. Those years were marked by political instability, corruption, crime and suffering of the poor. Ration shops had no rice. Salaries were delayed. Goons and drug mafias ruled the streets.

Friends,

Congress had made Puducherry an ATM for one family that sits in Delhi. When it comes to DMK, you are seeing the long list of scams that are happening in Tamil Nadu also. Congress and DMK had become a speed breaker in Puducherry’s development journey. Now the same forces are hungry for power again. Should Puducherry go back to that era of corruption and crime? I am sure the people of Puducherry do not want that.

Friends,

Puducherry has been such an important part of our freedom struggle. Many leaders were born here. Some of them came here and worked from here. This land has been crucial to India getting freedom in 1947. Now, by 2047, we must create a developed Puducherry and a developed India. The double engine government of Puducherry is with you in this mission. We will keep working for BEST Puducherry.

नण्ड्री!