This is the golden period of India: PM Modi in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Published By : Admin | September 16, 2024 | 16:30 IST
Inaugurates Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Ahmedabad and Bhuj
Flags off several Vande Bharat trains
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Launches Single Window IT System (SWITS) of International Financial Services Centres Authority
“The first 100 days of our third term have brought impactful development for all”
“Big decision taken regarding the health of the poor and the middle class by providing free treatment worth Rs 5 lakh to all elderly people above 70 years of age”
“Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is going to provide a lot of convenience to middle-class families”
“Expansion of Vande Bharat network in these 100 days is unprecedented”
“This is the time for India, This is the golden period of India, This is the Amrit Kaal of India”
“India has no time to lose now, We have to increase credibility and also provide every Indian a life of dignity”

Bharat Mata ki –Jai!

Bharat Mata ki –Jai!

Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat ji, the popular Chief Minister of the state, Bhupendrabhai Patel, my colleague in the Union cabinet C.R. Patil, all the Governors, Deputy Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, other public representatives joining this event from different parts of the country and my dear brothers and sisters who have come here in large numbers.

How are you all? Is everyone doing well? Please excuse me today, as I will deliver this speech in Hindi, because many friends from other states have joined this event in large numbers. And Hindi works well in Gujarat, right? It works, doesn’t it?

Today, the entire country is immersed in the celebrations of Ganesh Utsav. Ganpati has been installed in homes. Today is also Milad-un-Nabi. Many festivals are being celebrated across different parts of the country. Amidst these celebrations, the celebration of Bharat’s development continues. Here today, projects worth about ₹8,500 crores have been either inaugurated or their foundation stones have been laid, which include projects in railways, roads, metro, and many others. Today, another star has been added to Gujarat's glory. The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has also started today, which is going to be a milestone for urban connectivity in Bharat. Thousands of families in Gujarat are also entering their new homes today. The first instalment of funding for pucca houses has been released to thousands of families. I hope that from now on, you will celebrate Navratri, Dussehra, Durga Puja, Dhanteras, Diwali, and all other festivals in your new homes with the same enthusiasm. I wish you a blessed housewarming, and that it gives wings to your dreams. I especially congratulate the thousands of women in whose names these homes are registered. I extend my congratulations to the people of Gujarat and the people of the country for all these development projects.

Friends,

amidst this festive atmosphere, there is also a pain. Many regions of Gujarat have been hit by heavy rains simultaneously this year. For the first time in history, we have witnessed such widespread, intense rainfall in such a short span of time. This situation has arisen not just in isolated places but across every corner of Gujarat, and as a result, we have lost many loved ones. There has been significant damage to life and property. Both the central and state governments are working to provide all possible relief to the affected. I wish for a speedy recovery for those friends who are undergoing treatment.

Friends,

This is my first visit to Gujarat after taking the oath for the third time as Prime Minister, my first visit among all of you. Gujarat is my birthplace; Gujarat has taught me all the lessons of life. You have always showered me with love. And when a son returns home, and receives blessings from his own people, he gets new energy. His enthusiasm and spirit soar higher. I consider it a great fortune as you have come here in such a large number to give blessings.

Friends,

I am also aware of your expectations. I used to get messages from different corners, time and again. You wanted me to come to you as soon as possible after taking the oath for the third time. And it's natural – after 60 years, the people of this country have created a new history. A government has been given the opportunity to serve the country for the third consecutive term. This is a great event in Bharat’s democracy, and therefore, it is natural for Gujarat to feel that “Narendra Bhai is ours, and he should come to Gujarat immediately.” Your sentiment is valid. But you are the ones who sent me to Delhi with the resolve that the nation comes first. During the Lok Sabha elections, I gave you – the people of this country – a guarantee. I said that unprecedented decisions will be taken for the country in the first 100 days of the third term. In these 100 days, I worked day and night to fulfil this agenda, leaving no stone unturned. Whether within the country or abroad, wherever efforts were needed, they were made – nothing was left incomplete. And you must have seen how various kinds of things started happening in the last 100 days. During this time, they began mocking me... making fun of Modi... presenting all sorts of arguments and counterarguments. They were enjoying it, and people were surprised, wondering, “What is Modi doing? Why is he silent? There's so much mockery happening... so much insult."

But my brothers and sisters of Gujarat,

This son was born in the land of Sardar Patel. Bearing every joke, every mockery, every insult, I took a vow and spent these 100 days focused on making policies and decisions for your welfare and the nation's interest. I had decided to let those who want to mock me, continue doing so. Let them enjoy it, go ahead. And I resolved not to respond to any of those taunts. No matter the jokes, the mockery, or the ridicule, I would not stray from the path of the nation's welfare. Today, I am happy that by enduring all those insults, the decisions made in these 100 days have ensured the welfare of every citizen, every family, and every section of society. In these 100 days, projects worth more than 15 lakh crore rupees have been initiated. During the elections, I guaranteed the country 3 crore new homes. Work on this guarantee is progressing rapidly. Today, in this program as well, thousands of families in Gujarat have received their own pucca houses. Yesterday, I was in Jharkhand, where thousands of families also received homes. Whether in the village or the city, we are working to provide everyone with better living conditions. Whether it's providing financial help to urban middle-class families for homes, launching campaigns to provide good rental housing to workers at fair rates, special housing schemes for factory workers, or building new hostels for working women across the country, the government is spending thousands of crores on these projects.

Friends,

A few days ago, a very significant decision was made regarding the health of the poor and the middle class. I had promised you that every elderly person above the age of 70 in the country would receive free treatment worth up to 5 lakh rupees. This guarantee has also been fulfilled. Now, the sons and daughters of the middle class won't have to worry about the treatment of their parents. Now, your son will take care of that.

Friends,

In these 100 days, major decisions have been made for the employment, self-employment, and skill development of the youth. A special PM package of 2 lakh crore rupees has been announced for the youth. Over 4 crore youth will benefit from this. Now, if a company is giving the youth employment for the first time, the government will provide the funds for the first salary of a young person’s first job in that company. The government has also increased the amount of the Mudra loan scheme, which has brought a new revolution in the field of self-employment and has been very successful. Seeing its success, the previous limit of 10 lakh rupees has been enhanced to 20 lakh rupees.

Friends,

I had guaranteed the mothers and sisters that 3 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' would be created in the country. Over the past years, 1 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' have already been made. But you will be happy to know that in the first 100 days of my third term, 11 lakh new 'Lakhpati Didis' have been created across the country, including Gujarat. Recently, the government has made a significant decision in favour of oilseed farmers. This decision was made to ensure that our oilseed farmers receive more than the increased MSP (Minimum Support Price). To benefit oilseed farmers, duties on oil imports have been increased. This will greatly benefit farmers growing crops like soybean and sunflower. This will also accelerate the mission to make the country self-reliant in edible oils. The government has also lifted the export ban on Basmati rice and onions. As a result, the demand for Indian rice and onions has increased abroad. This decision will also benefit millions of farmers across the country.

Friends,

In the past 100 days, dozens of projects related to rail, road, ports, airports, and metros have been approved. This is also reflected in today's event, as shown in the video. Many connectivity-related projects in Gujarat have been inaugurated or laid the foundation for today. A short while ago, I travelled by metro to the Gift City station. Many people shared their experiences during this journey. Everyone is happy with the expansion of the Ahmedabad metro. In the past 100 days, decisions have been made to expand metro services in many cities across the country.

Friends,

Today is also special for Gujarat for another reason. From today, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Ahmedabad and Bhuj has started running. The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will greatly benefit our middle-class families who commute daily between cities. It will provide convenience for those involved in jobs, businesses, and education. In the coming time, many cities across the country will be connected by the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail.

Friends,

The rapid expansion of the Vande Bharat trains' network in the last 100 days has been unprecedented. During this period, more than 15 new routes for Vande Bharat trains have been launched. This means that, in the last 15 weeks, on average, one new Vande Bharat train has been started each week. Just yesterday, I flagged off several Vande Bharat trains from Jharkhand. Today as well, new Vande Bharat trains have started running on routes such as Nagpur-Secunderabad, Kolhapur-Pune, Agra Cantt-Banaras, Durg-Visakhapatnam, and Pune-Hubli. The Vande Bharat train running between Varanasi and New Delhi now has 20 coaches. Today, more than 125 Vande Bharat trains across the country are providing thousands of passengers with a better travel experience every day.

Friends,

We, the people of Gujarat, understand the value of time. This is Bharat’s golden period, Bharat’s 'Amrit Kaal.' In the next 25 years, we have to make our country developed, and Gujarat has a significant role in this. Today, Gujarat is becoming a major hub of manufacturing. Gujarat is one of the most well-connected states in Bharat. The day is not far when Gujarat will give Bharat its first Made-in-India transport aircraft, the C-295. Gujarat is also leading the way in the semiconductor mission, which is extraordinary. Today, Gujarat has some of the best universities, whether in Petroleum, Forensics, or Wellness. There are excellent opportunities in Gujarat for studying modern subjects, and even foreign universities are opening their campuses here. Gujarat is making waves across the world from culture to agriculture. Crops and grains that we couldn't even imagine are now being exported from Gujarat to foreign countries. And who made all of this possible? Who brought this transformation in Gujarat?

Friends,

It is the hardworking people of Gujarat who have brought about this transformation. A whole generation has passed, working tirelessly for the development of Gujarat. Now, from here, we must take Gujarat to new heights. You will remember that in my recent address from the Red Fort, I spoke about the quality of products made in Bharat. When we say something is 'export quality,' we often imply that products not being exported might not be of the same high quality. That’s why we call it ‘export quality’. We need to come out of this mindset. I want Gujarat to establish a great reputation for its best-quality products, both in Bharat and worldwide.

Friends,

Today, the way Bharat is working with new resolutions, the world is praising our country. In recent times, I had the opportunity to represent Bharat on various large international platforms in numerous countries. You must have also seen how much respect Bharat is receiving worldwide. Everyone welcomes Bharat and Indians with open arms. Everyone wants to establish good relations with Bharat. If there is a crisis or problem anywhere, people turn to Bharat for solutions. The way the people of Bharat have continuously chosen a stable government for the third time and the way Bharat is rapidly developing have increased the world's expectations of us. It is the unwavering trust of 140 crore Indians that allows me to stand tall with pride and assure the world of our nation's strength. The growing trust in Bharat directly benefits our farmers and youth. As the world's trust in Bharat increases, the demand for our skilled youth rises. As the trust in Bharat increases, our exports grow, and more investment comes into the country. As the trust in Bharat increases, foreign investors choose to invest in Bharat and set up factories here.

Brothers and sisters,

On one hand, every Indian wants to become a brand ambassador for the country and is working towards enhancing its potential. On the other hand, some people filled with negativity are working against the country. They are attacking the unity of the country. Sardar Patel united over 500 princely states to integrate Bharat. These power-hungry people want to break Bharat into pieces. You must have heard that these people are now saying they will bring back Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. They want to reintroduce the rule of two constitutions and two legislations in Jammu and Kashmir. To appease certain groups, they are willing to go to any extent. Filled with hatred, these people leave no opportunity to defame Bharat. They are also continuously targeting Gujarat. Therefore, Gujarat must remain alert and keep an eye on these people.

Friends,

Bharat, on the path to becoming a developed nation, will stand firm against such forces. Bharat no longer has time to lose. We must enhance Bharat’s reputation and ensure a life of dignity for every Indian. I know Gujarat will lead in this as well. We will achieve every goal with all our efforts. Today, with the enthusiasm and blessings you are giving me, I will move forward with new energy and live with a renewed spirit. I will dedicate every moment of my life for you and for your dreams. I have no other wish or ambition other than your well-being, your success, and realizing your dreams. You, the people of Bharat, are my deity. I have decided to dedicate myself to the worship of this deity, to offer my life in this service. Therefore, friends, I will live for you, struggle for you, and give my all for you. Bless me. With the blessings of millions of people, I will continue living with new confidence, enthusiasm, and courage for the dreams of 140 crore Indians. Thank you for coming in such large numbers to bless me. Though I came to Gujarat last evening after a long time, your love continues to grow, and my resolve becomes even stronger. Once again, I extend my congratulations to all of you for the new facilities, new plans, and new opportunities. Say with me – 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai!' Raise both your hands and shout it with all your strength --

Bharat Mata ki –Jai!

Bharat Mata ki –Jai!

Bharat Mata ki –Jai!

Thank you very much.

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12 Years of Transformation: PM Modi Highlights India’s Progress in Independence Day Address
August 15, 2026

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted India’s transformation over the last 12 years, outlining the progress made across manufacturing, digital infrastructure, basic amenities, energy security, youth empowerment, innovation, social security and other key sectors.

Key highlights from the Prime Minister’s address include:

1. Manufacturing: Scale and Self-Reliance

Over the last 12 years:

  • Defence production has increased nearly 4 times.
  • Khadi and Village Industries production has increased nearly 5 times.
  • Electronics manufacturing has increased nearly 7 times.
  • Modern railway coach production has increased 21 times.
  • Mobile phone production has increased 35 times.

2. Digital India and Innovation

The Prime Minister highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s digital and innovation ecosystem:

  • Internet consumers have increased nearly 4 times.
  • Patent grants have increased 4 times.
  • Digital transactions have increased around 100 times.
  • India has built a significantly larger digital and innovation ecosystem.

3. Faster Delivery of Basic Amenities

The Prime Minister highlighted the faster pace at which basic facilities are reaching ordinary citizens:

  • Tap-water connections have been provided at an average annual pace nearly 15 times faster.
  • LPG connections have been provided at an annual pace nearly 6 times faster.
  • Toilets for the poor have been constructed at an annual pace nearly 4 times faster.
  • Pucca houses for the poor have been provided at an annual pace nearly 3 times faster.
  • Hundreds of obsolete laws have been abolished.
  • Modern public transport, including metro systems, has reached several more cities.

4. Building the Semiconductor Ecosystem

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s progress in building domestic semiconductor capabilities:

  • India earlier had no major semiconductor manufacturing plant.
  • A complete semiconductor ecosystem is now being built in India.
  • Three semiconductor plants have been initiated.
  • India has also started exporting chips.

5. Securing Critical Minerals

Highlighting the importance of critical minerals for emerging technologies, the Prime Minister referred to the steps being taken to strengthen India’s capabilities in this sector:

  • National Critical Mineral Mission has been launched.
  • Critical Mineral Corridor has been announced in the Budget.
  • Agreements have been signed with several countries for critical mineral supplies.

6. Strengthening Energy Security

The Prime Minister underlined that energy security is an essential condition for building a developed India, particularly as technologies such as chips, AI and data centres require huge quantities of electricity.

Underlining the role of nuclear energy, the Prime Minister highlighted:

  • The SHANTI Act as a major reform in the nuclear energy sector.
  • India crossing an important milestone in Fast Breeder Nuclear Technology.
  • The potential of the technology to play a major role in making India self-reliant in nuclear fuel.

7. Expanding Oil and Gas Exploration

The Prime Minister highlighted the change in India’s approach towards offshore exploration:

  • Nearly 99% of India’s offshore area was earlier classified as a No-Go Area.
  • The approach has now changed from No-Go Area to Go Ahead Area.
  • Previously restricted areas have been opened for exploration.
  • This has created possibilities for discovering new oil and gas reserves.

8. Energy Diversification

The Prime Minister highlighted the rapid expansion in different sources of energy.

City Gas Distribution

  • 2014: Available in fewer than 70 cities.
  • Today: Available in around 700 cities.

Piped Cooking Gas

 

  • 2014: Around 20–22 lakh households.
  • Today: Nearly 1.75 crore households.

Solar Energy

 

  • 2014: Around 2 GW.
  • Today: Around 160 GW.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

 

  • The scheme has crossed 50 lakh households.
  • Lakhs of families are benefiting through lower or zero electricity bills.
  • Families can also sell surplus electricity and earn.
  • Assistance of up to around ₹80,000 per household is available.

9. Railways: Electrification and Future Fuels

The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of Indian Railways:

  • In 2014, after nearly 90 years, only around 30% of the railway network had been electrified.
  • Today, Indian Railways has moved towards near-complete electrification.
  • India has started work on its first Made-in-India hydrogen train.
  • It is being developed as the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen train.

10. India’s Resilience During Global Crises

The Prime Minister said that the capabilities built over the last 10–12 years were tested during:

  • COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Russia-Ukraine war.
  • Conflicts in West Asia.

11. Affordable Fertiliser for Farmers

Highlighting the Government’s efforts to protect farmers from high global fertiliser prices, the Prime Minister stated:

  • Urea: Around ₹3,000 per bag internationally; Indian farmers get it for less than ₹300.
  • DAP: More than ₹5,000 internationally; Indian farmers get it for ₹1,350.

12. Trade and Export Opportunities

The Prime Minister highlighted the new opportunities being created for Indian producers and exporters:

  • Since 2014, India has entered into FTAs with around 40 countries.
  • New opportunities have opened for agriculture, fisheries, MSMEs, textiles and other export sectors.

13. Youth at the Centre of Viksit Bharat

The Prime Minister said that India’s youth have a major role in building Viksit Bharat and highlighted the new pathways opened up for them:

  • Startup India: New avenues for innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • ₹1 lakh crore Research Fund: New opportunities for young researchers.
  • Digital India: Empowerment through affordable data.
  • Skill India: National skills ecosystem.
  • Space Sector: Opened for private participation.
  • National Drone Policy: New opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators.
  • Khelo India: Strengthened sports ecosystem.

14. Education and Innovation

The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of educational and innovation opportunities:

  • National Education Policy 2020: Introduced after a gap of 35 years.
  • Universities: Fewer than 350 during 2004–2014; around 650 new universities added in the following decade.
  • Medical Colleges: Fewer than 400 before 2014; around 850 today.
  • More than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established in schools.
  • Focus has been placed on developing a technology and innovation mindset from an early age.

15. Startups, Space and AI

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing startup and innovation ecosystem:

  • An Indian space startup has launched a Made-in-India rocket.
  • India now has around 2.5 lakh registered startups.
  • AI is creating new opportunities for young Indians.
  • India hosted the AI Impact Summit this year.

16. New Sectors and New Opportunities

Bioeconomy

  • 2014: Around ₹60,000 crore.
  • Today: Nearly ₹20 lakh crore.
  • The expansion is creating new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Electric Vehicles

 

  • Towards the end of the previous decade: Around 1.5 lakh EVs sold annually.
  • Last year: Around 25 lakh EVs sold.

Aviation

 

  • New airports and routes are creating employment.
  • MRO is opening new opportunities.
  • India is moving towards Made-in-India aircraft manufacturing.
  • The Made-in-India C-295 defence transport aircraft has successfully completed its flight.

17. Rural Empowerment through SVAMITVA

The Prime Minister highlighted the impact of the SVAMITVA initiative:

  • Around 3.25 crore families have received property cards.
  • Around ₹140 lakh crore of economic potential has been unlocked in rural areas.
  • Property records are enabling villagers to access bank loans against their property.
  • New avenues for rural employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship have opened up.

18. Growth in Defence Exports

The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of India’s defence exports:

  • Defence exports have increased more than 50 times.
  • Indian defence equipment is now exported to around 100 countries.

19. Women-Led Development: Lakhpati Didi

Highlighting the growing role of women in India’s development:

  • The target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis has been achieved.
  • Women from general, Dalit, backward and tribal families have become Lakhpati Didis.

20. Expanding Social Security

The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of social security coverage:

  • Before 2014, around 25 crore people were covered by social security.
  • Today, around 100 crore Indians are covered by one or another social security scheme.

21. Ayushman Bharat

The Prime Minister highlighted the financial relief provided to families through Ayushman Bharat:

  • Beneficiary families have avoided an estimated ₹2 lakh crore in medical expenditure.