Shri Narendra Modi addresses Swami Vivekananda Women Chess Event

Published By : Admin | August 27, 2012 | 15:09 IST

Today, the praiseworthy daughter of Gujarat, Dhyani, who’s made a new world record in the world of chess, the honorable people seated on the stage, and the ladies who have come from different corners of Gujarat to demonstrate their talent in the game of chess, my heartiest congratulations to you all!.. as it is a common belief in the minds of people that women cannot do this particular work or cannot do that particular job. Regarding chess too, people have harnessed a similar thinking, today you women have done a good job to help change this belief and for that I congratulate you! 4000 women all together under one roof, participating in this game of chess, in itself is is a big event of the world and today it is taking place at Gandhinagar in the presence of Viswanathan Anand. It is also a matter of great joy that today 148 visually challenged women have got their names registered in this game of chess and thus have created a world record too. Therefore, today’s event shall be memorized as an important event for Gujarat, for Gujarat Govt. and for Women power.

In our country it has been very clearly accepted that whenever human race has ushered in the era of knowledge, it is India that has taken the lead. 21st century is the century of knowledge, and chess in the world of knowledge is a game of great patience, it is a ‘war of nerves’..! Concentration required in the game of chess is much more as compared to that required in the yogic world. And in a way, to come out as a winner in the war of nerves is the greatest strength and those who are victorious in the war of nerves, can never lose a war fought physically. They get this strength automatically. Chess offers that kind of power. Entire world is talking about the phase of frustration that the new generation is going through. Psychologically it is being discussed that new generation has no place to release the anger within them, has no place to express the grievances they have and when they can’t find a way out, sometimes the youth tends to the path of suicide. Paper was not good or some problem occurs in exams and they feel like committing suicide, at times parents scold them and they feel like committing suicide, sometimes teachers in school said something and they feel like committing suicide. However one who plays chess, no matter how many problems come his way, he has the capacity to face them very easily, he never loses his mental balance, he does not lose his patience and never indulges in such sins, this is the power of this game…!

We have used the word, ‘Shat-ranj’. The word ‘Shatranj’ has been devised with great wisdom. ‘Ranj’ means the frustrations in one’s mind, one which removes 100 (Shat) types of frustrations (Ranj) that is ‘Shatranj’. This is the power of chess, and thus, more than deafeating the opponent, this game offers the power to win one’s own self. This is the only game where man keeps conquering his own self. If there is a game which helps one get victory over his own self, it is chess. And so, it is the attempt of the Gujarat Govt. to promote this game such that it becomes a part of every family, it becomes a part of one’s life, it becomes a part of school syllabus and it becomes a game which shows the path to liberation.

Kasparov from Russia who always plays against our Anand at ‘Grandmaster’ and achieves the honor of defeat against him, hails from a state that follows the tradition of Buddha and since past 700 years chess has been made compulsory at schools by the state administration. Every family in that state due to Buddhist tradition plays chess and even today whoever from Russia has come into this game has come from that particular state. And in whole of Russia, the lowest crime rate is in this state where chess is compulsory, this is the power of chess. Brothers and Sisters, in order to change the life in Gujarat we are trying to use chess as a tool to connect the lives of people. And in this direction, participation of you people in such a manner depicts a new wave of joy and enthusiasm.

Brothers and Sisters, among the children who have come here, some are from 5th std., some are from 6th std., some are from 7th, some are from 8th, and some are from 9th. They are little kids from school. These children do not have voting rights today nor do they have a right to participate in elections. People advise me “Modiji, this is the election year, elections are coming up in next 2-3 months, please concentrate on voters..!” Brothers and Sisters, to me Gujarat is important, these small children may not be voters, but they are the future of Gujarat and therefore it is the priority for the Government to bond with them.

These days I watch two types of TV news. Whether you watch TV or read newspaper, stories about corruption going on in Delhi keeps getting relayed. Everyday a new corruption story comes. A question may be arising in the minds of this youth that what is this going on..? On the other hand, some people give advertisements, games are being played with money. They give advertisements like, ‘Change the direction, Condition will change’..! I would like to tell them, I would like to tell my media friends that just look at this scene, more than 4000 girls are earning honor for India in the whole world, they are making a world record. Mr. Prime Minister, if you follow this direction of Gujarat, the condition of the country will also change. Follow the direction of Gujarat and I assure you, the condition of the country will change..! You are in the wrong direction and that is why the condition of this country is constantly deteriorating. My young Brothers and Sisters, whether or not you have the right to vote, but I assure you that when you grow up, we shall hand you such a Gujarat that you shall be proud of. We want to give you such a Gujarat that fulfills all your dreams in life, our willing effort is in this direction. We are working with a dream of a building a vibrant and most capable Gujarat. This ‘Mahatma Mandir’ where you are sitting, is built by the workers of our own country. They have built it in 182 days, yes, within hundred and eighty two days, hardly 6 months..! This is the strength of our country. And Gujarat successfully kindles this strength.

I once again congratulate you all, my applause is for you. I congratulate dear Dhyani for making yet another record today. She has been breaking her own records every time. Today she made a new record by breaking her own old record. I am very thankful to Viswanathan Anand for his presence on this occasion today and appreciate his continuous support in Gujarat’s struggle and effort to to do something significant in the world of chess. I express my special gratitude towards respected Advaniji, who inspite of Parliament being in session and hot exchanges happening in Delhi, has come here, has participated in this world glorious event and has blessed us, I am immensely grateful to him…!

 

Bharat Mata ki Jai…!! Say it with full strength Friends, with closed fists and raised hands,

Bharat Mata ki Jai…!! Bharat Mata ki Jai…!! Bharat Mata ki Jai…!! Bharat Mata ki Jai…!!

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India has always played the role of the first responder for Maldives: PM Modi
October 07, 2024

Your Excellency, President Muizzu,
Delegates of both the nation,
Our Friends from Media,.

Namaskar to all!

First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to President Muizzu and his delegation.

India and Maldives share relations that spans centuries.

And India is the Maldives' closest neighbour and a steadfast friend.

The Maldives holds a significant place in both our 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the 'SAGAR' vision.

India has consistently acted as the first responder for the Maldives.

Be it essential commodities for the people of the Maldives, providing drinking water during natural disasters, delivering vaccines during the COVID pandemic, India has consistently upheld its responsibilities as a neighbour.

And today, to provide strategic direction to our mutual cooperation, we have adopted the vision of "Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership”.

Friends,

Development partnership is a key pillar of our relationship.And we always give preference to the priorities of Maldivian people in this context.

This year SBI has rolled over USD 100 million of Treasury Bills for Maldives. Today, as per the need of Maldives, a currency swap agreement of USD 400 million and INR 3000 crore (INR 30 billion) has also been concluded.

We have discussed about comprehensive cooperation for infrastructure development in the Maldives.Today, we inaugurated a runway at the Hanimadhoo International Airport.Now, the ‘Greater Male’ Connectivity Project will also be expedited. Support will also be provided in the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi.

Today, over 700 social housing units constructed with India’s assistance have been handed over.Water and sewerage projects have been completed on 28 islands of the Maldives.Work on six other islands will soon be completed.These projects will ensure supply of clean water to thirty thousand people.

Assistance will also be provided in setting up Agriculture Economic Zone in "Haa Dhaalu” and fish processing facility in "Haa Alifu”.

We will also work together in the fields of oceanography and blue economy.

Friends,

To strengthen our economic ties, we have decided to initiate discussions on a Free Trade Agreement. We will also work on trade settlements in local currencies.

We have also focused on digital connectivity.Earlier today, the RuPay card was launched in the Maldives. In future, we will work to connect India and the Maldives through UPI as well.

We have discussed opening a new Indian consulate in Addu and a new Maldivian consulate in Bengaluru.

All these initiatives will strengthen our people-to-people ties.

Friends,

We have engaged in comprehensive discussions on various aspects of defence and security cooperation.

The Ekatha Harbor project is progressing swiftly.

We will continue our cooperation in training and capacity building of the Maldives National Defence Forces. Together, we will strive for stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.We will enhance our cooperation in hydrography and disaster response.

We also welcome Maldives joining the Colombo Security Conclave as a founding member.

Climate Change poses a big challenge for both the countries. In this regard, India is prepared to share its expertise in solar energy and energy efficiency with Maldives.

Excellency,

Once again, I welcome you and your delegation to India. Your visit is adding a new chapter to our relationship. We will continue to provide all possible support for the progress and prosperity of the people of Maldives.

Thank you very much.