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Shri Narendra Modi at International Sindhi Mahasammelan

Published By : Admin | December 16, 2011 | 15:29 IST

 Ahmedabad

16th December, 2011

I feel honored to have your presence. Friends, I respect you people from my heart, I admire you all and I have a revered feeling for you all in my mind and heart. And it is not just because as a Chief Minister, I have to say so, it’s not like that. There is a logic and fact behind it. When we look towards the cultural journey of entire human race and go to its roots, we stop after reaching at a particular spot, from where the development journey of human culture began. That is the place from where your ancestors made great deeds. You are the part of that great legacy. Your ancestors have made those great deeds and therefore I have a revered feeling towards that heritage and you being its representative, naturally it is expressed towards you.

The welfare of the entire humankind was always thought on the banks of Sindhu (the Indus) and Saraswati. When I went to Dholavira during my student life, Harappan culture, Mohenjo-Daro… and people over there explained me about the nicety, I used to feel so proud for the far sighted thinking of our ancestors. Each and every brick, every stone depicts the story of great sons for their great deeds for the heritage of the Indus Culture. Today the world discusses about the Olympic Games and big play grounds and stadiums. There might be many people among you who might not been fortunate enough to look towards the great deeds made by your own ancestors. If you visit Dholavira, you will find that 5000 years ago there was such a big stadium and big sports events were held, all the signs are still available there. It means what great attitude they had for it… At present, there is a concept of signage in the whole world, Friends. If a lane goes on this side then its name is written with an arrow, there are signages. And who needs signages? If you go to a small village, you will not find any such signages indicating that here is a way to Patel Street, the Baniya Lane… nothing of such sort is written over there. Because villages are small and everyone knows what is where, so there is no need to put on any board. 5000 years back, Dholavira was the first town of the world to have signages, they still exist today. What must be the reason? There might be two reasons. One, it must be a very big town and secondly, many foreigners might be visiting there and therefore only such signages might be required. Friends, Can you imagine such a legacy, 5000 years back. Do you feel anytime? And I wish that when we are conducting such programme and we are gathered here, singing glory of this great tradition, there should be some plan of action for introducing the history and culture to the new generation.

Friends, I have a mood to talk to you as a Friend rather than as a Chief Minister. Many times I feel that… Since here in Ahmedabad, I must have taken meals in more than half of Sindhi family’s house. As for 35 years, I lead a life like that only, I used to visit many families and eat at their houses, this was my routine… And therefore I have observed all this things very closely. But now if I visit any Sindhi family, the children are seen around Pasta and Pizza, so I feel that who will now serve me Mitha Lolla, Tikha Lolla, Pakwan? You just think, all this is going away now. All this things are now vanishing from my Sindhi Families. Isn’t this our responsibility to save our culture? Many times I tell my friends to arrange Sindhi Food Festival in Ahmedabad at least sometimes. This Narendra serves the whole world but is never able to serve any Sindhi Dish. I have told you that I am talking with you not as a Chief Minister but as a close pal. Because I have grown and bought up among you and so I know. You may go and ask young generation, what was the traditional Sindhi attire? What we used to wear? The world has changed, a lot of westernization is imbibed within you, excuse me for that. The Families speaking Sindhi language are getting reduced. Even Mother and the son have also started speaking in English. Friends, one who is able to sustain his mother tongue, lifestyle, traditional costumes in the world, has the power to put a life in it once again. And as a community, if you have lost the path, then I have a request that once take a resolution to speak in Sindhi at home. Whether we are in America, staying in Hong Kong, if we have been to China, anywhere we might go… why should not we speak Sindhi? And Sindhi language, a language itself has her own strength. Once Advaniji was narrating me, Benazir Bhutto had come here and they had a formal meeting, all the protocols were there, but the moment she saw Advaniji, Benazir started speaking in Sindhi and there was so much warmth between them in whole atmosphere, they were talking so freely… Now see, a language has so much of power and if we lose it… If a profession needs English then use it definitely, learn ten more languages, who is taking objection? On the contrary, it should be learnt. If you sit with our Sureshji, when he speaks Gujarati, no one is able to recognize that he knows Sindhi language also, he speaks Gujarati so fluently. He speaks Gujarati so well that not a single word is misspoken. I am really happy with this. But I feel that… Just see, here is a Sindhi Gathering, no one has worn Sindhi dress. Don’t take it as a criticism, Friends. This is your legacy, your strength, why are you losing it? It hurts me. And that’s why I am telling that sometimes at least you all may wear Sindhi costumes. See, our people went to Mauritius 150-200 years ago. They went there as labourers, rather as slaves. They were hand cuffed and taken in the ships. But they took with them Ramayana, ‘Tulsikrit Ramayana’, as they did not have anything else to carry. They went to Mauritius, and to many other such countries, but they had only this support. Today even after 200 years, many things are changed, but since they had Ramayana with them, they have been able to maintain the same relation with this soil. They have not changed their names, they have continued singing hymns of Ramayana and because of that their relationship… Otherwise how many generations are changed in 200 years. Those people are present here who have seen the Sindhi Culture and also gone through those dreadful days and later tried their luck in India, the entire generation is present. But who will be there after 50 years? Who will tell about the great deeds of your ancestors, who will narrate? And therefore Ladies & Gentlemen, according to me, the society, the community, the country which forgets its history, can never make a history. Only those can form a history, who knows to live it. Those who bury the history, can do nothing in their life but to drape over a sheet. And so, being descendants of such a great legacy, you should preserve it, love it. And if we don’t love our heritage, how can we expect our neighbours to adore it? And this passion is not against anybody. To be proud of our virtues doesn’t mean to hurt or abuse anybody. We should be proud to have a glorious history..!

If you get an opportunity to visit Kutch, do go. You must have heard the story, 400 years back there was a man named Mekan Dada in Kutch. People used to go to worship Hinglaj Mata but due to the scarcity of water in the desert, sometimes they died in the desert itself. The devotees used to suffer a lot to cross the desert and go towards Sindh to have an auspicious presence of Hinglaj Mata. Mekan Dada used to keep a donkey and a dog with him which were trained to keep a watch if anybody in the desert is in trouble. The donkey and the dog used to deliver water in the desert and if required also carry the needy. And he was fortunate to have a well there on the outskirts of the desert which contained pure sweet water, it is available today also, if you ever visit. That place was destroyed during earthquake, but we have restored it, re-established it. 400 years back what Mekan Dada wrote, is still exists today. He wrote one thing that a day would come… A person who wrote this 400 years ago, was a watchman on the borders of Gujarat and Sindh, that Mekan Dada wrote that a day would come when Sindhu, Saraswati and Narmada all the three would confluence. Who had thought at that time that Sardar Sarovar Dam will be built on the river Narmada and from Sardar Sarovar, the water of Narmada will reach on the banks of Sindh, who would have thought? And you may be aware, now whenever there is flood in the river Sindhu, then on that side of Pakistan, a dam is built before the sea, so when the Sindhu river gets overflowed, the maximum water is flowed in our desert, in India towards Gujarat. And if you see this spot, it is miles broad bed where the water flows, but unfortunately it becomes salty, bitter just like sea water and it becomes of no use. But I went to see that spot in the desert where that water comes and then I wrote a letter to the Indian Government that can’t we have a talk with Pakistan? that this flood water which flows down in the sea, if we divert it towards this side through canal, then the Mekan Dada’s dream of combining Sindhu, Saraswati and Narmada can be fulfilled by us. Friends, this is the legacy we should be proud of and ought to be associated with.

Ladies & Gentlemen, I respect this community for one more reason also. You can imagine how could be those days of 1947, when the country was divided, everything was ruined, everything was destroyed and you came here with faith in God. Why did you come here, Friends? To get something, to achieve something? What was not with you? You came here because of your love for this soil, for this great heritage. You were not ready to give up this culture of your ancestors, therefore you have faced troubles. Is this spirit percolating in your children? If not, then it is not the dearth of our ancestors, it is the fault of our present generation and so it is necessary to think of it seriously. Friends, I used to observe a Sindhi gentleman in my village during my childhood. That time I was smaller in age then him, he was of somewhat 60-65 years old. His financial condition was very bad… I could still remember his whole face. A very weak-thin body, with worn-torn clothes and he was always seen on the bus stop selling Papad or chocolates and biscuits to the passengers in a tray. As long as I stayed in my village he was alive and I always saw him doing the same work. That one scene still touches my heart. How poor he was, leading a very miserable life, even his body was not supporting. Mine was a small village, who would consume biscuits or chocolates there? Who would spend? But even then he used to stand on the bus-stop with the professional spirit, trying to earn something by selling something but I never saw him begging. There are very few societies which have this strength. And this is in the genetic system of the Sindhi community, the strength of self-respect. They never beg..! You are the possessor of that inheritance. How to pass on this tradition on our children, how to make them ready?

Friends, Professional Skill..! Our Gopaldas Bhojwani is sitting here, when I was young, we used to go and sit on his shop sometimes. One thing came to our notice, I don’t know whether that tradition is present today or not. But from socio-economic point of view, I have kept my subject before many people, spoken at different places. Now whether that tradition still exists or not that I don’t know, but that time I saw it with my own eyes. Whenever any Sindhi youth or a person started his business then his friends, relatives, all would come on the inauguration and handed an envelope. Nothing would be written on that envelope, but it contained some money, some amount. Whoever came would give him. I asked with curiosity that what is this going on? Then I came to know that it is the tradition of their community, that whenever a person starts a new business then the community people come to meet and give him some money, which helps as a capital to carry his business. And afterwards, if there is any such opportunity, he himself also goes and gives it to somebody else. But the giver’s name is not written. Friends, the tradition that I have seen had excellent socio-economical concept to help our own relatives, the person of our own society to stabilize in business. This in itself may probably be the rarest in the world. Here, during the marriages it is given in this way to share the marriage expenditure with the family. But such a tradition in business came to my notice when I used to attend opening ceremonies of the shops of Sindhi families. And I feel that what an excellent socio-economic thinking is extended by our ancestors..! No one, just no one will be drown, everybody will give their helping hands and try to pull him up, such a great tradition.

I was just now asking Shrichandji if there is any Sindhi TV Channel. I know that, but why I asked him that you should know, isn’t it? I know that… No, to have small-time programmes is a different thing, that is not a full-fledged channel, short programmes go on air. No, I had asked the question at the right place. Now he is asking for some land. He is a businessman, why are you devaluating us, Hindujaji? Whole Gujarat is yours, my Brother & Sisters, the whole Gujarat is yours. Whole Gujarat is at your hands, enjoy it..! But few gentlemen from Mumbai have come forward, possibly they have come here, to build a similar Sindhi Cultural Centre near Narayan Sarovar and we have given them a big land for that purpose. The work is in progress to build a very nice cultural centre at the Narayan Sarovar, which is the last end of today’s India and lies near the border of Pakistan. That will be very beneficial and a great work is going to happen. Yes, they are sitting here… That will be a very nice job, I am sure.

You all know very well that Gujarat has made great progress and development. You all would like to have food or should I narrate the story of Gujarat..? Voice is not coming. Yes, Sindhis eat food very late, I also when used to work for the whole day and if it gets late, then eat food at your house only, I used to go at any Sindhi house and there I would get something to eat. No, at today’s date, you certainly eat. Well, by and large this has been the image of Gujarat that we were a trader’s state and what we used to do as a trader’s state? We used to buy goods from one place, sell it at other and take out the cream in between. This was it, what would the businessmen do? From that it is transformed. Today Gujarat has become an industrial state. And in the first decade of this 21st Century, the heights that are crossed by Gujarat, if anyone takes Gujarat as a sample then he may become confident that if it is possible in Gujarat then it can be made possible in the whole India and our country can become great. Because we are the same kind of people in each and every corner of India. The same are the laws and the same system. Progress and Development are possible, this is the example placed by Gujarat.

There was a time, when the coastal area of 1600 km was considered as a burden. We felt that what will happen here? This water, this salty water, lack of drinking water… People of Kutch and Saurashtra went on departing their villages. The villages were getting vacant. We had considered it as burden. Friends, today we have converted that sea into an opportunity. Once which was considered as a burden has been converted into an opportunity and we have raised a complete network of more than 40 ports on 1600 KMs of coastal area. And 85% of the total private cargo of India is handled on the coasts of Gujarat.

Kutch. There was a terrible earthquake in 2001, it was felt as if Gujarat would be ruined. And it was a shattering earthquake, more than 13,000 people were killed, lakhs of houses were collapsed, the entire infrastructure came to an end. Schools, colleges nothing, even hospitals were not left. The God was so enraged that we could not even imagine. In other words, Gujarat was sleeping under a death sheet and the whole country believed that now Gujarat would not endure any more. Friends, the World Bank record shows that even a developed country needs 7 years to come out after disaster like earthquake, minimum 7 years. Friends, Gujarat could sprint within 3 years. There was a time when the growth of Kutch was negative, even population. People were migrating, population was getting reduced. Kutch which was once covered under a sheet of death, today it is the fastest growing district of India, fastest growing. In these 10 years, the work related to the production of 8000 MW of electricity has been started within the radius of 20 KMs around Mundra in Kutch. It means that the production of electricity has been started, within the radius of 20 KMs only. There might be many states in India who may not be having electricity equal to 8000 MW in total. And here, production of 8000 MW of electricity within the radius of 20 KMs..! The production of Steel Pipes within 15 KMs of radius near Anjar is the highest in the world.

Friends, Gujarat is such a state which lacks raw-material, we do not have mines and minerals, we do not have iron ores… but we produce the highest steel. We do not have diamond mines, but 9 out of 10 diamonds in the world are prepared by us. There would not be any actress in the world with diamond on her body which is not touched by my Gujarati. God has not bestowed us, we have not got that fortune, we do not have. We do not have the coal, we do not have water, in spite of that Gujarat is the only state in India that supplies electricity for 24 hours, it supplies electricity for 24x7 house to house, 24 hours electricity is available. Here, if ever the power supply is cut just for 5 minutes then it becomes a big news that it was dark for 5 minutes today in the State of Modi..! Other states of India are such that where if power comes then it becomes a news that there was power on Tuesday..! Friends, there is such a vast difference in the scale of development.

In the world of pharmaceuticals about 45% of medicines are produced in Gujarat. We export it in every country of the world. We were in the world of chemicals, if you get an opportunity to visit Dahej, the only liquid chemical port of India and where our new S.I.R. has been set up, in Dahej. It is equivalent to Shanghai, it is compared, we have chemical port like that of Sanghai in Dahej and now S.I.R is being set up there. So, Gujarat was mainly identified in the world of chemical production, now from there we have entered in the field of engineering. When ‘Nano’ arrived here, Gujarat came in the limelight on the map of the world for the first time, else nobody knew its existence. Friends, ‘Nano’ has just arrived and it would not be out of place to say the least that now all the well known car companies are coming to Gujarat. In the coming days, we will be manufacturing about 5 million cars in Gujarat, five million cars. You can imagine how the economy will be working here, with what pace we will be growing..! We have entered yet another sector in the industrial development.

The whole world is discussing about ‘Global Warming’ & ‘Climate Change’. There are only four Governments in the world that are having their own Climate Change Department and the Government is working accordingly. Only four in the world, and one of these four is the Government of Gujarat. We have a separate Climate Change Department and we emphasize more on Eco-friendly development, because we know the way Gujarat is developing, the human life should also be taken care of as well and there should be a proper balance between them. And in that, we have taken an initiative of Solar Energy. Friends, I can say with pride that Gujarat has become the ‘Solar Capital’ of the world, we are the World Capital of Solar Energy. In the coming days, in the field of Solar Energy, in the field of Solar Energy Equipments Manufacturing, we are going to dominate and in the future we are going to take it further. We are bringing a policy for Roof-top Solar Energy System targeting to have Solar System on the roof of every house that will be constructed. The Government will decide to purchase the power from them, as the way the prices of petroleum and coal are sky rocketing, a very big crisis of electricity may arise. And Friends, I can say with confidence, no matter how big the crisis may come, Gujarat will tide from that. And the development will come to a grinding halt without energy. Wherever will be this crisis, the development will be stopped. But we have very thoughtfully worked on it. These days we are working a lot on Bio-fuel. And Friends, the day will come when instead of depending on fossil fuel, we will make do with Bio-fuel. The Bio-fuel will be generated in the fields. We are largely working in that direction and committed with an ideology to use ‘Jhadi’ (Shrub) Oil, instead of ‘Khadi’ (Gulf) Oil. A situation will come for a major change due to this ideology.

Friends, there was a time when about 4000 villages were supplied water with tankers for almost 6 months after February. Till the time these tankers did not reach such villages, there was no potable water available. This was the situation of Gujarat till 2001-02. We planned to provide Narmada water through pipeline in villages and laid about 1400 km of pipeline within 700 days, 1400 KMs of pipeline in stupendous 700 days. It is a common practice in our country that it takes 2 years to lay 2 inch pipeline and the potholes remain as it is. Why? The reply is that water pipeline is being laid. We laid down 1400 KMs of pipeline in just 700 days and the size is such that you can easily go through in your Maruti car with your family, that big is the size. 1400 KMs of pipeline in just 700 days. Gujarat is the only state in the country having gas grid of 2200 KMs. Here most households are getting gas supply just by tapping from the pipeline, there is no need of cylinders. It has taken place in many cities and will move forward in many more towns. It means we have taken up a new form of infrastructure. In the past, the infrastructure was in form of construction of new roads, bus stop, gradually came the construction of railway station, then air port… Our thinking of infrastructure is keeping the needs of 21st century in mind, gas grid, water grid… It is in that direction. The other thing that we have taken up is the work of Optical Fiber Network. We are at No.1 position in the world, with regard to the length of Optical Fiber Network. And Friends, there has been a great change in the journey of development of human culture. There was a time, wherever there was river, there was habitation human civilization. Then there came a change, the human civilization developed near the highways. Now people build even temples near highways, so that ‘clients’ would not suffer. But Friends, the time is changing. Now the human civilization is going to be developed at the place near the passage of Optical Fiber. And Gujarat is the State having longest lengthwise Optical Fiber Network in the world. In the last Budget of 2011-2012, the Government of India had declared to initiate a pilot project of broadband connectivity in 3000 villages. It was Delhi’s Indian Government, please excuse me if there is anyone over here connected to any party, I am not criticizing any party. But the Indian Government had declared at the time of Budget to make pilot project of broadband connectivity in 3000 villages. Ladies & Gentlemen, you will be pleased to know that 18,000 villages in Gujarat already have broadband connectivity for last three years and because of that, today I can have video conference from Gandhinagar to any village, we are able to have long distance education in the remote schools and impart teaching, a qualified teacher is now able to teach children of the villages situated at a distance of 500 km from Gandhinagar itself, this is the network in Gujarat..!

Usually, States keep asking for some or the other things from the Centre. It is always appeared in the newspaper that there is demand for construction of roads, this and that is demanded, demanded money for a hospital, more wheat is demanded, somewhere it is appeared that give us salt, such thing also comes… so this is what in our country. But what does Gujarat ask for? Gujarat has a different approach to ask. I had written a letter to the Prime Minister before one year. I told him that Sir, we are having so many satellites, give me some right to make a use of these satellites, this is the letter I had written. Because so much of technology is being used here and for that I need this network. And Friends, I am glad as three days back the Indian Government has authorized us to utilize one transponder, i.e. 36 MHz from the satellite. At present, I am able to run one channel for long distance, but now will be able to run 14 channels, fourteen. You can imagine at what heights and level I am taking the development to..! We are working on such a large canvas. I have given a small glimpse of few things.

Friends, we do such works that you will be astonished by listening it. In these 10 years, the growth rate of milk production is 60% in Gujarat, can you imagine? There is 60% growth. And it is the result of hard work made for that. We organize ‘Cattle Health Fairs’ here. And a cattle is not supposed to be taken for more than 3 KMs, because to take a sick cattle more than that it is a crime and a sin. We conduct about 3000-3500 Cattle Camps for their health check-ups. And we have been conducting this consecutively from last seven years. The vaccinations, medicines, their proper care… it resulted in for example as if it’s very cold, we catch cold, if it rains heavily we catch cold, in the same way it happens with cattle also. Few diseases are such that if there is a slight change in weather, it immediately affects cattle. But because of the regular care, 112 diseases were such which are totally eradicated from my state, they are wiped out and it has made a great effect on the cattle’s health. Not only this, how do we take care of the cattle..? We have cataract surgery and in some poor areas people conduct ‘Netra Yagna’ (eye camps) in the name of charity and implant free lens to the poor people. We all have heard about the cataract operation, intraocular lens… This is the first time that I am telling you that Gujarat is the only State in the whole world where the cataract operations for the cattle are conducted. Operations of the lens for the cattle are carried out in my State, Dental treatment of animals are carried in my State, because of such exquisite care, today we have reached here in milk production. And Friends, those who have come here from Singapore, I can tell with confidence that if they are drinking Indian style tea in Singapore, then write it down, the milk will be of my Gujarat. Friends, the work that we have done in agricultural sector… Today in any country of the world, if Lady’s Finger is cooked, you make write it down, it would be from my Bardoli. Friends, there was a time when ‘Kesar’ of Gir was famous. Today ‘Kesar’ of Kutch, which was once a desert… Mangoes are produced in Kutch and today ‘Kesar’ of my Kutch is exported in the entire world.

Friends, I have shown you just a small trailer of what can be done within 10 years, if you wish to see the whole movie, it may take a month. There has been development in all the sectors, and development is the only Mantra. Ladies & Gentlemen, development is the only solution to all the troubles, all the problems, with that only ideology we are moving ahead.

I am thankful for giving me an opportunity to meet you all. What I told you in the beginning that was because of the feeling of affection towards you, the feeling of respect that I have in my mind towards you, on that basis I again request you all, not to ruin this great heritage, do not let this culture be shattered. If you make some arrangement to imbibe this language, this culture, this cuisines within your children then I believe it would be a great service to the nation.

 

Thank you very much..!

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My dear countrymen, Namaskar. I am delighted to connect with you once again on 'Mann Ki Baat'. People from different parts of the country are doing amazing things for the benefit of the nation, the society… and when we hear about them, we find a new inspiration. Today, I will begin the program with one such achievement of the country in athletics. Just a few days ago, the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition was held in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Nearly 800 athletes participated in it – from all over the country. During this, four national records were broken in four different events. Gurindervir Singh, Vishal TK, Tejaswin Shankar, Dev Meena, and Kuldeep Kumar… These friends set new records in different categories. First of all, I congratulate all of them.

Friends, one event that is being widely discussed across the country is the 100-metre race. Within just two days, the national record in the Men's 100-metre Race was broken three times. The two athletes who achieved this feat are Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur. I thought I'd talk to these two athletes this time on 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Prime Minister: Namaskar Animesh ji. Gurinder Veer, Namaskar to you too… Satshri Akal.D

Animesh, Gurindervir Singh: Namaskar sir, Namaskar sir.

Prime Minister: Well brother, you have made a big achievement. Your pair has also done something amazing. We have seen jugalbandi in music, but now in challenges, there is jugalbandi where one person throws a challenge and then the other takes it up. Then they do it a third time. Yours has been a very interesting subject. I want that the listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' should know… they should have knowledge about you people. They should know about the feat you have achieved.

Animesh ji: Namaste Sir, my name is Animesh Kujur. I am the National record holder in 200m and 400m and I belong to Chhattisgarh Sir. And currently I play for Odisha. Last year I won Asian Medal and World University Games Medal and I started athletics from 2021 when I passed out from school. I am a pass out from Sainik School Ambikapur, and I used to play football earlier, and during the time of COVID, my parents used to give me some freedom to go out and run or play. So, when COVID started to subside, my football friends told me that there is going to be a State meet… go and participate. I participated and I did not know that there was a selection for the National level from there. I got selected in the National from there and today I am representing India Internationally.

Prime Minister: Well what is it Gurindervir Singh ji?

Gurindervir Singh: Namaste Sir, my name is Gurindervir Singh and I am a Petty Officer in the Indian Navy and I am India's fastest sprinter. I have just now made a national record of 10.09 in 100 meters. And I am the first Indian to run below the 10.1 barrier. And I am trying to serve my country on the track and in uniform as well. Both my father and grandfather used to play sports, so it is our Indian culture that whenever there is a festival like Diwali, New Year, we clean our house. So I used to clean my father's trophies and medals… I used to like it a lot… I used to feel very happy. Then when I used to clean any trophy, I used to ask him where he won this trophy, where he won this medal, when was this photo from… then he used to tell me his story, that well… I went to play here, I won this National Medal, I made my team win in that. Then I also used to tell him that well, I also want to do some sport. He used to go for running in the morning, so I started telling him that well take me along with you. So he started taking me along, and whatever he had learnt in game-sports, he started teaching me. So my interest started developing. I saw Usain Bolt's world record being broken. So there is one such funny story. I was watching TV when my mother switched it off saying, "Son, it's time to study. You should study." I said, "It's okay, you don't let me watch TV. One day, you'll find me on TV and see Gurindervir running." I too feel happy when my mother sees me running on TV.

Prime Minister: Wow, Wonderful! That's a great thing about you.

Gurindervir Singh: Yes, Sir. It’s a middle-class family. My father also used to play volleyball. Due to family problems, he left his sports. His dream remained unfulfilled. So he saw that dream in me… Well, my son will fulfill that dream. I used to talk to him and then I used to hear about Milkha Singh working so hard. I used to tell him that I will also fulfill your dream one day. Then he used to say that dreams are not fulfilled like this, one has to work very hard for it. One has to persevere. Milkha Singh ji used to vomit blood, used to run in the sun. He used to train the whole day, so those things used to inspire me. My father used to inspire me that if I run, I should bring a medal for my country and win. And also when I chose the event 100 meters, everyone used to tell me that brother, don't do 100, 100 is not an event for Indians. The body of Indians is not at all made for 100 meters. So my father and I always used to say that well Gurindervir , we have chosen this, we will not step back from it. Whosoever tells me to tell us that, we cannot do it, we will show them that we can do it. And you will do it, I have faith in you. So when my father placed that trust in me, I turned that trust into my courage and moved ahead, and today I tell every Indian to do the Sprint.

Prime Minister: Look, both of you have done a great job, and within just two days, you both have broken the National Record three times. Running in the 100 metre race, as Gurindervir Singh said, people say that Indians do not have the body for this task. Despite such difficulties, you worked hard, so I would like to know this from both of you, and the listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' would also like to listen to what was your passion, what was your determination, what were your thoughts, and how you were doing it? How difficult is it?

Gurindervir Singh: Yes Sir, this is Gurindervir… when I started, there was a lot of struggle, many times I doubted whether I was doing the right thing, I made the right choice because you don't win every time, sometimes you learn. When I used to lose, when I didn't perform well, or when I got injured, my family would support me, saying, "It's okay. If one day goes bad; one year goes bad, it doesn't ruin your life. Don't stop dreaming." My coach also taught me that if you don't do it, no one else will. So, when people around us, our community, encourage us, that motivation never breaks.

Prime Minister: Animesh Ji

Animesh: Sir, everyone used to tell me that when I started athletics in 2021, they used to ask me, "Look, this is a new field, will you be able to do it or not?" So, I said, "Now that I've entered this field, I will definitely do it." My father also always used to tell me that if you have entered this field then never look back because everyone thinks that they have to do this, they have to do that but very few show it by doing it. You have just entered this field so stick to it, move ahead in it. You will get all the facilities, we will support you in everything, family support, financial support, we will do everything… just work hard and show India that Indians can also run… because people used to tell me as well that the genes of Indians are not such that they can run in Sub 10 or Sub 10.1 or can someone do that sprint, but now both of us have proved that Indians can also do it. Nothing is so hard for us, we can also do everything. So Sir, all these things motivate me a lot and as we are training, we are breaking our timings and other Indians are also seeing this thing that Indians can also do it… and we will do more Sir, and now both of us have been selected for the Commonwealth Games as well, so we will perform even better in the upcoming competition there.

Prime Minister: Well, look, I too have a curiosity. And people too might have it. I have heard that both of you are good friends, you both had decided that if you broke my record, I should break yours! Animesh, tell me first.

Animesh: Sir ji, the first record was 10.18, which was mine only, and then Gurindervir Bhaiya broke it in the semi-final by doing 10.17, and I broke it again in the second semi-final by doing 10.15. At that time, when my semi-final happened, we both were happy that yes, it's okay, today the record was broken, and we both did it, because at that time there is rivalry in the competition, but we both were already determined, before that we had also gone to Saudi Arabia to compete, we both were roommates there too, so we both used to talk there that we have to take Indian sprinting forward and it is in our hands, whatever we do will motivate others.

Prime Minister: Gurindervir Singh, what would you like to say?

Gurindervir Singh: We both had just decided that we will both run well. So whenever Sir, we need each other, we stand with each other, like just now before setting the record, when I set the record and then Animesh did it. So when we were warming up, I was telling Animesh, Animesh, that block is right, go and sit on it and stride there, we will do the warm-up here, if the warm-up is right here, then we help each other, if we help each other then the other also improves, we also improve. So friendship is also needed, but Sir, when we are outside the ground, outside the competition, so we are friends, when we go on the ground, then we become competitors of each other. So, it's like, I'll run faster than this one, I'll run faster than this one.

Prime Minister: Look, the competition you've participated in is to enhance the nation's prestige, to take the country to this position in the future, and done with a positive spirit. And I believe that this sportsman spirit of yours… - to play, also to challenge each other, also to strive to get ahead, and to help each other to move ahead - this is a wonderful job you've done. My heartfelt congratulations to you, my best wishes, and you'll bring glory to the country… I'm confident. Do continue to work hard just like this and make great progress. My best wishes to you.

Gurindervir Singh/Animesh: Thank you, sir. Thank you.

Prime Minister: Thank you very much.

My dear countrymen, it is very hot in most parts of the country right now. Strong sun, hot winds, it is very important to take care of yourself in such weather. Keep drinking water. If at all you have to go out in the sun, do so with caution. Don't forget the guidelines issued by various government departments in this regard.

Friends, in our country, the way to fight the heat is many a time found in the kitchen as well. You must have noticed that as the heat increases, the taste of home cooking changes, the type of cooking changes. At some places, water from earthen pots is brought forth; in others, curd starts setting, and in others, raw mangoes start boiling – and then starts the time of Indigenous drinks. You are also familiar with these Desi drinks. If you go to North India, you will find Aam Panna in many places, the taste of raw mango, and relief from the heat. If you go to Punjab or Haryana, you'll find lassi in large glasses. Buttermilk in Rajasthan and Gujarat is like a companion to every meal.

And what's more, Sattu sherbet in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh is simply amazing – it fills the stomach and provides strength. Kokum sherbet and Sol Kadhi in Konkan and Goa. Panakam, Neer Mor, Sambaram in South India, and Bael Pana in Odisha aren't just drinks, they're a part of the traditions of different regions of India. And they also reflect the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat." And one thing you must remember: most of these things come from our own kitchens, from our farms and fields. There's no big branding, but they embody the experience of generations. You too enjoy these desi drinks during the summer.

Friends, as soon as summer arrives, another topic of discussion starts in every household: and that is mangoes. Mangoes are a common topic of discussion. There's hardly a home in India where mangoes are not talked about in Summer.

Every region… its own mango, its own flavor, its own aroma. Maharashtra and Konkan's Hapus, Alphonso, Gujarat's Kesar, it's the soul of Aamras, Uttar Pradesh's Dussehri, and my Kashi's Langra. Incidentally, the Langra mango has a special quality: it often remains green even after ripening. Bihar's Zardalu, whose aroma can be recognized from afar. Chausa, Malda - each name has memories associated with it. Go to South India, and there's Banganapalli, Totapuri, Neelam, Malgova, Bengal's Himsagar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh's Suvarnarekha. In other words, as the place changes, the mango's appearance, color, and taste also change.

And friends, this journey of the mango is now reaching the global market from the village. Today, through 'Mann Ki Baat', I will praise my farmer brothers and sisters involved in mango cultivation. You are not just ordinary farmers… you are very special for the agricultural economy of the country. May you keep shining like this. Friends, during these summer days, while schools are usually on vacation, I'll talk about a class you'll want to enroll in. Friends, imagine a school where children, both young and old, attend, where there are no fees, no large buildings, no classrooms, and, most interestingly, classes are held in a river.

Friends, this isn't a story. This is a true effort. In Aluva, Keralam, Saji Valasheril runs one such swimming club. More than 15,000 people have learnt to swim here. Saji ji has also taught swimming to Divyang children. Lying behind this effort, there's a hidden pain too.

A few years ago, several students had died in a boat accident. That incident shook Saji ji deeply. He thought, if the children knew how to swim, perhaps many lives could have been saved—and that's where his campaign began.

Friends, Saji Valasherilji's life teaches us a great lesson. Service doesn't require vast resources—what's needed is a good intent and consistent effort. On the strength of these alone, the lives of thousands can be transformed.

My dear countrymen, recently I had the opportunity to visit the Netherlands in Europe. I attended several meetings there. During this time, a moment arrived that filled every Indian with pride. In a special ceremony held in the Netherlands, ancient copper plates from the Chola period were returned to India. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands was also present at the event. I have been receiving continuous messages from India and abroad regarding these copper plates. People are sharing joy and expressing pride. The Tamil community around the world is also particularly enthusiastic about this.

Friends, there is a lot of curiosity among people about these copper plates. Hence, today I would like to share some information related to them. These include 21 large and 3 small copper plates. They primarily relate to King Rajendra Chola the first, fulfilling a vow made by his father, King Rajaraja Chola. They mention the donation of the village of Anaimangalam to a Buddhist monastery. These copper plates also describe the achievements of the Chola dynasty. They reveal how formidable the Chola Empire’s maritime power was. They also provide information about their relations with Southeast Asian countries. All of us are very proud of the Chola Empire's rich history and culture.

Friends, our government is continuously making efforts to preserve such priceless heritage sites of India. In this regard, an important discovery has been made in Malhar, Chhattisgarh, under the Gyan Bharatam Abhiyan. Three rare copper plates have been found here. They are believed to be related to the reign of Maharishi Balarjun of the Panduvanshi dynasty. Experts believe that these inscriptions date back to the sixth-seventh centuries, meaning fourteen hundred to fifteen hundred years old. These copper plates are written in ancient Brahmi script and Pali language. They provide important information about the governance, religion, and culture of that time.

Friends, we Indians have always had a special fascination for astronomy. Centuries-old observatories still exist in our country. Amazing mathematical discoveries have been made here. Be it navigation, the almanac, or our festivals, all of these are related to the sky and the stars.

Astronomy has aroused curiosity in every generation in our country. It has inspired exploration; a lot of enthusiasm is visible in today’s youth. You too must have noticed that astronomy clubs are becoming increasingly popular across the country. Their activities are visible from big cities to small towns, from schools to parks. I learnt about the Bangalore Astronomical Society. Observational sessions are held here. This organization has also launched a mission to popularize astronomy in rural areas. A team called 'Khagol Mandal' has started a very innovative 30-hour course.

Friends, gazing at the stars at night is a entrancing experience in itself. An organization called Astro Keralam organizes Night Observation Camps and workshops. Here, young people learn to make telescopes and use star maps. The Big Bang Astronomy Club of Rajkot has organized numerous astronomy events… from the Gir forests to the Rann of Kutch. 'Jyotirvidya Parisanstha' is also one of the oldest astronomy institutions. It offers observational facilities, as well as a book library, and a telescope library.

I would also like to mention ISAAC. This is a student-led nationwide network that connects astronomy and astrophysics clubs.

Friends, it is very important to take out time for your hobby and constantly learn something new. I would urge the youth to join an astronomy club and visit a planetarium during these holidays.

Friends, to those watching 'Mann Ki Baat' on TV, I would like to say – You must watch this video. This video has been in the news recently. In this, some people are patiently and carefully trying to save a Gangetic dolphin. You will be surprised to know that this entire effort took about 13 hours, and ultimately the dolphin was saved.

Friends, India's first Ganga dolphin rescue ambulance played a huge role in this. This incident took place in Uttar Pradesh. A Gangetic dolphin was trapped in a canal there. At that time, this ambulance, built under the 'Namami Gange Abhiyan', reached there as a ray of hope. It was then carefully pulled out. It was examined, it was treated and then it was safely released into the Rapti River. In a way, a life returned home…

Friends, this dolphin rescue ambulance is very special. It has been designed like a mobile hospital. It has arrangements for keeping the dolphin safe. It has oxygen facilities, special stretchers, and rescue equipment. This means that if a dolphin gets injured, gets stuck in a canal, or gets cut off from the river, it can be helped immediately. Friends, when we save the Gangetic dolphin, we don't just save a species; we save the biodiversity of the Ganga. We save the river's entire life system and preserve a priceless natural heritage for our future generations.

My dear countrymen, many of you must have memories connected with a river, pond, or well water. Some might remember swimming in a pond, some might remember playing with friends on the pond's banks, some might remember the fragrance of the mud. Such childhood memories linger in the heart for a lifetime.

Friends, an inspiring story of saving such memories has emerged from Basti district of Uttar Pradesh. Akash Gupta of Basti was deeply saddened by the sight of his village's Manorama River. The river he had seen as clean and vibrant in his childhood... Over time, plastic had started accumulating in the river, and the filth was increasing. Shriman Akash decided not to complain, but to make a new beginning. "No complaints, a fresh start" became his mantra. He took his friends along.

All they had was a net, a spade, a basket, and their greatest strength: the determination to make a difference. These young people would wade into the river, remove water hyacinth, and bring out plastic and garbage. Sometimes, they removed up to 50-60 kilograms of garbage from the river in a single day. Gradually, that section of the Manorama River began to look clean again. The work also drew the attention of the people in the surroundings… awareness about cleanliness increased.

Friends, a similar inspiring story has emerged from Goa. Balkrishna Aiya, is a retired teacher from Goa. But the zeal for social work is as strong, even today. He was deeply perturbed by the water problem in the Maddi-Tolap area. He, too, began working towards a solution. Balkrishna played a key role in laying pipelines. This brought water to many homes. This was a huge relief for families who had to struggle daily for water.

Friends, last month I had a wonderful experience. It's also related to 'Mann Ki Baat'. That's why I want to discuss it with you today. I met a teacher in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. I had met her nearly three decades ago. I'm talking about Girija Amma ji. During this meeting, some young students were also with her.

Friends, Girija Amma ji runs close to 15 schools. Among these, Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai is very prominent. Her patriotic spirit inspires every Indian. Inspired by 'Mann Ki Baat', she pledged to contribute to many soldiers in the country. To do this, she inspired the students of all her schools. She asked the children to contribute one rupee every day for the brave soldiers. This means that each student collected 365 rupees in a year. Through these small contributions, approximately 40 lakh rupees were collected. Girija Amma handed me a cheque for this entire amount. During my conversation with her, I felt how deep her dedication to Mother India was.

Just last year, Chennai's first Hindu school completed its 50th anniversary. The role of this school network in advancing the country's education and cultural pride is commendable. I congratulate everyone involved and especially appreciate the students who contributed for our brave soldiers. Friends, in every village and city of India, something or the other is happening that inspires us. Often, these efforts are not widely discussed, but when we become aware of them, our belief grows stronger that the country is moving forward with the power of its people. I urge you to certainly look around for such efforts. Recognize those people who are doing good work for the society, appreciate them, learn from them, and if possible, become part of some good cause yourself. I'll join you again next month in "Mann Ki Baat" with some more inspiring stories. Thank you very much. Namaskar.