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January 12, 2013 | 12:29 IST
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We want an economy with mass production and production by masses: CM
Events like these can inspire people to use and integrate new technology into their businesses: CM
It is difficult for Individual businesses to make their place in the world. We need to build a credible brand on the lines of ‘Made in Japan’ brand: CM
I want to incorporate new technology and make innovations in the SME sector and ensure a skilled work force for the SME sector: CM
On January 12th 2013, as a part of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Shri Modi addressed an impressive SME convention at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
Before his address, Shri Modi released the ‘GIDC Golden Jubilee’ book and the ‘EDI Agro-processing’ dossier. During the function, Shri Modi also distributed awards for the ‘Best MSMEs’.
In his speech, Shri Modi, spoke about the importance of adopting new technologies by SMEs and the government’s initiatives in this regard. Shri Modi said, “For small industrialists, bringing in new technology can be difficult. We support and encourage them through conventions like these. We have honoured innovators; they can inspire others to innovate.”
He stressed the importance of ensuring a wider outreach for original technology developed by SMEs. He said, “Sometimes there are some products, which are useful to the society. It is important that these products reach to a majority of the people.”
Shri Modi also spoke about the importance of using eco-friendly technology and encouraged the Industrialists to patent their technologies. Shri Modi declared that the government would be setting up a new unit to assist industries regarding patenting laws.
Highlighting the importance of events like VGGS, Shri Modi declared, “Events like these can inspire people to use and integrate new technology into their businesses.” Further, he affirmed, “Through this summit we are also looking at potential global markets. This can benefit SMEs.”
Shri Modi spoke at length on the importance of the SME sector. He declared, “We want an economy with mass production and production by masses. The SME sector can help in generating substantial employment for the youth.”
Emphasizing Gujarat’s initiatives for the development of the SME sector, Shri Modi said, “We are looking at a cluster-based development approach for SMEs. For a large industry to build a car, more than 500-600 small industries are needed to supply components.”
Talking about Gujarat’s initiatives to develop skilled manpower, Shri Modi said, “Considerable time is spent in training those who are newly employed. However, if industries get skilled manpower, their efficiency can improve. For this, we require a need-based approach. Gujarat has made efforts in this direction. We aim to integrate ITI’s into the cluster- based approach by tailoring ITI courses according Industry needs.”
Shri Modi declared his intent to support Industries by saying, “It is our job to ensure your progress and reduce your difficulties.”
Talking about the reasons behind the progress of Gujarati industries, Shri Modi said, “Industry owners and labourers get along well and this has resulted in Industrial development.”
Shri Modi spoke about keeping up this sense of goodwill. He said, “We have increased the value of products we should also increase the value of labour. We should take care of our labourers.”
Giving an example of his oft-repeated mantra of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,’ Shri Modi said, “Earlier there were laws, which created obstacles for small industrialists. For example, the government had a practice of inspecting boilers, which often led to delays for industries. We realized that it was in the interest of the Industry-owners to maintain their boilers well and we made a law mandating that Industry-owners take the responsibility for boiler inspection.”
Speaking about the Indian Government’s appreciation of Gujarat’s success, the CM declared, “At a recent event in Surat, there was a central government representative who in his speech, said that while the growth rate for small industries in India is only 19 percent the rate of growth for the SME sector in Gujarat is 85 percent.” He further cited a report by the Central Government, which said that Gujarat had the least unemployment rate in India.
The CM spoke about the challenges and opportunities, which an increasingly connected world, presented before the SME sector. He said, “We are getting products from all over the world. We have to compete with those products.”
Recalling a past incident, which shed light on his views regarding achieving success in a globally competitive world, Shri Modi said, “Before I was CM, I met with a delegation from Agra, which complained about the import of cheap products into India. According to me the solution, is to provide better and cheaper products. We must provide goods, which are reliable, which last. We should not have a defensive mindset, instead we should dream about selling products to the world”
The CM expressed his confidence in the ability of Gujarati businesspersons to succeed globally and praised the Gujarati spirit of entrepreneurship saying that the Gujarati people had the ability to sell refrigerators even in the Himalayas.
Shri Modi gave Japan’s example and stressed the importance of building a credible brand saying, “It is difficult for Individual businesses to make their place in the world. We need to build a credible brand on the lines of ‘Made in Japan’ brand. Earlier people would by a product just because it was made in Japan. However, to build a credible brand we should make products that are cheaper and better than the competition. We should focus on ensuring zero defects in our products.”
The CM also spoke about need for industries to understand the consumer’s changing mindset. He declared, “Earlier, there were people who used the same shoes for their entire lives. However, today, the young generation wants change. The industrialists should understand and act according to this changing mindset.”
In his concluding remarks, Shri Modi said, “I want to incorporate new technology and make new innovations in the SME sector and ensure a skilled work-force for the SME sector.”
Cabinet Minister Shri Saurabh Patel and Chief Secretary Shri AK Joti were present on the occasion.
PM Modi addresses the centenary celebration of historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru & Mahatma Gandhi
June 24, 2025
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The ideals of Sree Narayana Guru are a great treasure for all of humanity: PM
India has been blessed with remarkable saints, sages and social reformers who have brought about transformative changes in society: PM
Sree Narayana Guru envisioned a society free from all forms of discrimination, today, by adopting the saturation approach, the country is working to eliminate every possibility of discrimination: PM
Missions like Skill India are empowering the youth and making them self-reliant: PM
To empower India, we must lead on every front - economic, social and military. Today, the nation is moving forward on this very path: PM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the centenary celebration of the historic conversation between two of India’s greatest spiritual and moral leaders Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister extended his respectful greetings, remarking that today the venue is witnessing an unprecedented moment in the nation’s history. He emphasized that it was a historic event that gave new direction to our freedom movement, concrete meaning to the objectives of freedom and the dream of an independent India. “The meeting between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi, which took place 100 years ago, remains inspirational and relevant even today, and serves as a powerful source of energy for social harmony and for collective goals of a developed India”, stated the Prime Minister. On this historic occasion, he offered his salutations at the feet of Sree Narayana Guru and also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
“The ideals of Sree Narayana Guru are a great asset to all of humanity”, exclaimed Shri Modi, adding that for those committed to the service of the country and society, Sree Narayana Guru serves as a guiding light. He shared his long-standing connection with the oppressed, exploited, and deprived sections of society. The Prime Minister emphasized that even today, when he takes major decisions for the betterment of these communities, he remembers Gurudev. Reflecting on the social conditions 100 years ago, shaped by distortions from centuries of colonial rule, Shri Modi noted that at that time, people were afraid to speak out against prevailing social evils. However, he highlighted that Sree Narayana Guru was undeterred by opposition and unafraid of challenges. The Prime Minister pointed out that Sree Narayana Guru’s conviction lay in harmony and equality with staunch belief in truth, service, and goodwill. Affirming that this very inspiration shows us the path of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, Shri Modi stated that this belief empowers us to build an India where the person standing at the last mile is our highest priority.
Underlining that the people and saints associated with the Sivagiri Math are well aware of his deep and unwavering faith in Sree Narayana Guru and the Math, the Prime Minister expressed that he has always been blessed with the affection of the revered saints of the Math. He recalled the 2013 natural disaster in Kedarnath, during which many individuals from Sivagiri Math were stranded, the Math entrusted him, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, with the responsibility of safely evacuating those trapped. Shri Modi noted that in times of crisis, one’s attention first turns to those they consider their own — those they feel a sense of belonging and responsibility toward. He remarked that there can be no greater spiritual satisfaction for him than the sense of kinship and trust shown by the saints of Sivagiri Math.
Stressing that he shares a connection with Kashi, the Prime Minister mentioned that Varkala has long been referred to as the Kashi of the South. He affirmed that whether Kashi is in the North or the South, for him, every Kashi is his own.
Shri Modi said that he has been fortunate to intimately understand and live India’s spiritual traditions and the legacy of its sages and seers. He highlighted that a unique strength of India lies in how, whenever the nation faces turmoil, a great personality arises from some corner of the country to show a new path to society. He noted that some work toward the spiritual upliftment of society, while others accelerate social reforms. The Prime Minister remarked that Sree Narayana Guru was one such great saint. He noted that his works such as ‘Nivritti Panchakam’ and ‘Atmopadesa Satakam’ serve as essential guides for any student of Advaita and spiritual study.
Noting that the core subjects of Sree Narayana Guru were yoga, Vedanta, spiritual practice, and liberation, Shri Modi emphasized that Sree Narayana Guru understood the spiritual upliftment of a society trapped in social evils could only be achieved through its social advancement. He highlighted that Sree Narayana Guru transformed spirituality into a medium for social reform and public welfare. He remarked that Gandhi ji too drew inspiration and guidance from the efforts of Sree Narayana Guru. The Prime Minister added that even scholars like Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore benefited from discussions with Sree Narayana Guru.
Sharing an anecdote about a time when someone recited Sree Narayana Guru’s Atmopadesa Satakam to Ramana Maharshi, the Prime Minister noted that upon hearing it, Ramana Maharshi remarked that “He knows everything.” He reflected on the period when foreign ideologies attempted to undermine India’s civilization, culture, and philosophy, Sree Narayana Guru made us realize that the fault did not lie in our original traditions, but needed to truly internalize our spirituality. He stated that we are a people who see Narayana in every human and Shiva in every living being. He added that we perceive non-duality in duality, unity in diversity, and oneness even in apparent differences.
Highlighting that everyone is aware of Sree Narayana Guru’s mantra — ‘Oru Jati, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanum,’ meaning ‘One caste, one religion, one God for mankind’, which reflects the unity of all humanity and all living beings, Shri Modi emphasized that this philosophy forms the foundation of India’s civilizational ethos. He noted that today, India is expanding this philosophy with the spirit of global welfare. Highlighting the recent celebration of International Yoga Day and mentioned that this year’s theme was ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, symbolizing the vision of one planet and universal well-being, the Prime Minister stated that earlier, India had also launched global initiatives like ‘One World, One Health’ for the welfare of humanity. He underlined that India is now leading global movements in the direction of sustainable development, such as ‘One Sun, One Earth, One Grid’. Recalling that during India’s presidency of the G20 Summit in 2023, the theme was ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, the Prime Minister affirmed that these efforts are rooted in the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and inspired by saints like Sree Narayana Guru.
“Sree Narayana Guru envisioned a society free from discrimination, Today, the country is eliminating every possibility of discrimination by following a saturation approach”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He urged people to recall the conditions 10–11 years ago, when despite decades of independence, millions of citizens were forced to live in extremely difficult circumstances. The Prime Minister pointed out that millions of families lacked shelter, countless villages had no access to clean drinking water, and even minor illnesses could not be treated due to lack of healthcare and in cases of serious illness, there was no way to save lives. He said that millions of poor people—Dalits, tribals, women—were deprived of basic human dignity. Shri Modi emphasized that these hardships persisted across generations, leading many to give up hope for a better life. He questioned how a nation could progress when such a large population lived in pain and despair. Shri Modi stressed that their government made compassion a central part of its thinking and turned service into its mission. He added that as a result under the PM Awas Yojana, millions of poor, Dalit, distressed, oppressed, and deprived families have been provided with permanent homes. He reiterated the government’s goal of ensuring a home for every poor citizen and these homes are not just brick-and-cement structures but reflect the full concept of a home, equipped with all necessary amenities. That is why the houses built under the PM Awas Yojana come with gas, electricity, and sanitation facilities. Talking about the Jal Jeevan Mission, under which clean water is being delivered to every household, the Prime Minister highlighted that even in tribal regions where government services had never reached, development is now assured. He added that for the most marginalized tribal communities, the PM Janman Yojana was launched and many regions are witnessing transformation because of this initiative. Shri Modi remarked that as a result, even those at the lowest rungs of society have found renewed hope. “These initiatives are not only changing their lives, but also seeing themselves playing a vital role in nation-building”, he added.
The Prime Minister stated that Sree Narayana Guru consistently emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment, and the government is progressing with the mantra of Women-Led Development. He pointed out that even decades after independence, there were several sectors in India where women were outrightly banned from entry. He affirmed that the government removed these restrictions, enabling women to gain rights in new areas. Shri Modi highlighted that today, from sports to space, women are making the nation proud in every field. Noting that every section and segment of society is now contributing to the dream of a developed India with renewed confidence, the Prime Minister mentioned initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, environmental campaigns, the construction of Amrit Sarovars, and millet awareness drives. He emphasized that these efforts are progressing through the spirit of public participation, powered by the strength of 140 crore Indians.
Highlighting the timeless vision of Sree Narayana Guru, who proclaimed: ‘Enlightenment through education, Strength through organisation, and Prosperity through industry’, Shri Modi said, ‘Sree Narayana Guru not only articulated this vision but also laid the foundation of key institutions to realise it’. The Prime Minister noted that it was in Sivagiri that Guruji established the Sharada Mutt, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. He emphasised that this institution symbolises the belief that education must become the means of upliftment and liberation for the marginalised. Shri Modi expressed satisfaction that the efforts initiated by Gurudev continue to expand even today, with numerous cities across the country, Gurudev Centres and the Sree Narayana Cultural Mission actively working for the welfare of humanity.
“The vision of social welfare through education, organisation, and industrial progress is clearly reflected in the country’s current policies and decisions”, said the Prime Minister, highlighting that after several decades, a new National Education Policy has been implemented. This policy not only modernises and makes education more inclusive but also promotes learning in the mother tongue. He emphasised that the greatest beneficiaries of this initiative are the underprivileged and marginalised sections of society. Shri Modi stated that in the past decade, the number of new IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS established across the country has surpassed the total created in the first 60 years after independence. As a result, new opportunities in higher education have opened up for poor and disadvantaged youth. The Prime Minister noted that over 400 Eklavya residential schools have been opened in tribal areas in the last 10 years. He observed that children from tribal communities, who had been deprived of education for generations, are now progressing. He further stated that education has been directly linked to skills and opportunities. Missions like Skill India are empowering the youth to become self-reliant. Underlining the country’s industrial progress, Shri Modi said major reforms in the private sector, and schemes like Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India are delivering the greatest benefits to Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities.
“Sree Narayana Guru envisioned a strong and empowered India, and to realise this vision, India must remain at the forefront across economic, social, and military domains”, remarked the Prime Minister. He stated that the country is moving steadily along this path and is rapidly advancing toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy. Shri Modi remarked that the world has recently witnessed the strength of India, pointing out that Operation Sindoor has clearly demonstrated India’s firm and uncompromising policy against terrorism on the global stage. He affirmed that India has made it evident—no shelter is safe for terrorists who spill the blood of Indian citizens.
“Today’s India takes decisions based solely on what is right for national interest”, stated Shri Modi, emphasising that the country’s dependence on foreign nations for military needs is steadily decreasing. He highlighted that India is becoming self-reliant in the defence sector. The Prime Minister noted that this shift was clearly evident during Operation Sindoor, where Indian forces compelled the enemy to surrender within 22 minutes using domestically manufactured weapons. He expressed confidence that in the coming times, Made-in-India weapons will earn global recognition and acclaim.
Emphasising that to fulfil the nation’s aspirations, it is essential to take the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru to every citizen, the Prime Minister stated that the government is actively working in this direction. He highlighted that the development of the Sivagiri Circuit is underway to connect pilgrimage sites associated with the life of Sree Narayana Guru. Shri Modi expressed confidence that the blessings and teachings of Shri Narayana Guru will continue to guide the nation on its journey through Amrit Kaal. He affirmed that together, the people of India will realise the dream of a developed nation. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister extended his reverence once again to all the saints of the Sivagiri Mutt, wishing that the blessings of Sree Narayana Guru remain with everyone.
Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri George Kurien, revered saints from the Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
The historic conversation between two of India’s greatest spiritual and moral leaders Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi took place at Sivagiri Mutt on 12 March 1925 during Mahatma Gandhi’s visit and centred around Vaikom Satyagraha, religious conversions, non-violence, abolition of untouchability, attainment of salvation, the uplift of the downtrodden among others.
Organised by Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust, the celebration will bring together spiritual leaders and other members to reflect upon and commemorate the visionary dialogue that continues to shape India’s social and moral fabric. It stands as a powerful tribute to the shared vision of social justice, unity, and spiritual harmony championed by both Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.
India has been blessed with remarkable saints, sages and social reformers who have brought about transformative changes in society. pic.twitter.com/j9ZL7D6vJw
To empower India, we must lead on every front - economic, social and military. Today, the nation is moving forward on this very path. pic.twitter.com/1zQFJK9CcA
The ideals of Sree Narayana Guru are a great treasure for all of humanity: PM
