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India is a ray of HOPE, says Prime Minister Modi in Johannesburg

Published By : Admin | July 8, 2016 | 23:18 IST
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Leaders of various political parties present here,

Sanibonani, Namaskar, Vanakkam, KemChho,

It is a pleasure to be here in South Africa.

यहाँ आना मेरे लिए बहुत हर्ष की बात है.

आप लोग दूर-दूर से चलकर मुझसे मिलने आये हैं.

जोहान्सबर्ग, डर्बन, ब्लूम्फोउनटेंन, केपटाऊन.

कुछ लोग तो बोस्त्स्वाना तथा लेसोतोसे आये है. मैं आपका बहुत आभारी हूं.

आप काम काजी लोग हैं.

आपने आज के दिन मुझसे मिलने का समय निकाला.

इसके लिए बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद.

Thank you for welcoming me with such warmth and affection. Your love and affection makes my visit to this great country all the more special. From across the vast Indian Ocean, I bring with me the warm friendship and best wishes of 1.25 billion Indians.

दोस्तों, 

• We may live on distant shores;

• in different time zones; and

• on different hemispheres;

• Our ancestors may have been separated in history;

• Our nationalities may be different; and

• Our support may be for different cricket teams.

But, our common cultural, religious and spiritual heritage ensured that we remain close and connected. Both, in our hearts and our minds,

Friends,

परसों 10 July है. आप लोग जानते हैं कि इस दिन का क्या महत्त्व है. इसी दिन, सन 1991 में, South Africa की cricket पर से international sanctions हटी थी. और इसके चंद महीनों बाद ही, South Africa की टीम ने अपना पहला cricket मैच भारत में खेला. वही भारत,जिसने Apartheid के दौरान South Africa का बहिष्कार किया. वही भारत, Apartheid, South Africa को गले लगाने वाला प्रथम देश था.

Friends,

आप को देखता हूं, तो मुझे आपके पुरखों [अन्सेसटरस], और उनकी पीड़ा की याद आती है. साथ ही साथ उनकी बहादुरी का भीस्मरण रहता है.

Centuries ago, our ancestors travelled to the unknown shores of South Africa. They faced hardship and extreme poverty. Yet, they endured and kept going. Under decades of Apartheid isolation, they not only preserved their culture, traditions and language.

They also gave them new wings to flourish. And, today, the beauty of Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu and Telugu continues to enrich the fabric of South African society. The colours of Holi, the sparkle of Diwali, tastes of Pongal, and festivities of Eid are not just the rainbow of Indian cultural traditions. They also symbolize the vibrant diversity of South Africa. The story of your ancestors in this nation may have been of poverty and oppression. But, their legacy is one of pride and sacrifice. And, it is reflected in your success and prosperity. Its reality rests in your immense contribution to the economic and social well-being of this country. In staying true to the Indian ethos, of वसुधैवकुटुम्बकम्, the notion that the world is a family, you have cared for others. And, in so doing you have also echoed the South African ethos of Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu (Meaning: You are what you are because of other people)

Friends,

Not many of you may recognize, but there is one contribution of your ancestors, that you should be proud of. Your ancestors were one of the first to leave the shores of India. Their sacrifice, their determination to preserve their cultural roots, and will to succeed against all odds not only shaped the generations of South African Indians. It also impacted, influenced and guided the mind-set of Indian diaspora the world over. In many ways, what Indian diaspora stands for all over the world today is because of what your forefathers were able to achieve despite all adversity .

Friends,

This city and its people mean a lot to us. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi conceptualised his politics. This is the birthplace of Satyagraha. South Africa transformed Mohandas into a Mahatma. But, Gandhi was not alone in his fight against racial oppression. The South African freedom struggle also has many heroes among you. Who can forget the sacrifice of sixteen year old, the fearless Thambi Naidoo and the selfless Mohammed Cachalia? I had the privilege of meeting Ahmed Kathrada earlier today. He spent 26 years in prison alongside Nelson Mandela. The harshness of the Robben Island prison could not bring down Lalu Chiba , Mac Maharaj or Billy Nair. Alongside their African brothers and sisters, generations of Indians fought, suffered and sacrificed so that all of South Africa could breathe freely. I salute you all, and the countless others, dedicated to this country. You are the proud sons and daughters of the Indian heritage. You are the hardworking and loyal citizens of South Africa. You are also a part of the flourishing global Indian family. You form a unique bond between our two great nations. A bond that is nurtured by our shared values and struggles. A bond on whose foundation we are building the promise of our prosperous future.

Friends,

South Africa is a sacred land. It is the land of Madiba , and the कर्मभूमि of Mahatma Gandhi. The path these two great men have shown us, and the freedom that they have won for us, is an inspiration for all of mankind. Their tireless spirit, courage and moral force will remain a guiding beacon for the generations to come. The Mahatma led India's march to freedom from the British, which gave birth to modern India. The forgiveness of Nelson Mandela and his Long March to Freedom gave rise to A Rainbow Nation. Gandhi held South Africa dear to his heart. 

वह मानते थे कि इस भूमि पर एक प्रकार से उनका यहाँ एक नया जन्म हुआ था.

In his farewell to South Africa in July 1914, he said:"This subcontinent has become to me a sacred and dear land, next only to my motherland. I leave the shores of South Africa with a heavy heart, and the distance that will now separate me from South Africa will but draw me closer to it, and its welfare will always be a matter of great concern”. और आज सौ साल बाद; a century later, these very words resonate in our minds when we think of South Africa, when we think of you.

Brothers and Sisters,

We live in a world that is inter-dependent and hyper-connected. Many of you are now closely engaged with developments in India. Your desire to connect with the lands of your forefathers may be an emotional urge. But, you need not limit yourself to that alone.

India, today, is also a land of opportunity for those who want to:

• Connect and collaborate ;

• Innovate and create;

• Trade and Invest; and

• Produce and Engineer.

India is today one of the brightest spots in the global economy. In a world marked by reducing growth rates and economic slowdown, India has registered a healthy growth rate of 7.6% this year. We are working to grow over 8% and more in the years ahead. India's dynamism is not of mere words. It is driven by concrete action. And, is defined by our commitment to change the face ofthe Indian economy. Not, just through sustained rapid economic growth. But, through multiple transformations.

Transformations that aim to uplift:

• India's 1.25 billion people;

• its 500 cities; and

• its six hundred thousand villages.

We want enterprises to flourish , businesses to grow and the country to rise. For this, we are already shaping a policy framework that strengthens India's ability to build trade, manufacturing, innovation and investment partnerships with other countries in the world. Our focus on Ease of Doing Business is aimed at ensuring that the public, private and personal businesses can grow to their full potential in India. And, we want it to be driven by state of the art infrastructure. Infrastructure that not only provides basic needs of housing, shelter, electricity, water and sanitation to the people. But, also engineers a modern network of ports, airports, rail and road for them to serve as gateways of economic prosperity for our people. Our plan to build 100 smart cities is aimed at creating an urbanized society that is sustainable, and easy on the environment and on our resources. Backed by the strength of the best information technology specialists in the world, we are also shaping a digital revolution.

A revolution that would change the way:

• a government engages with its citizens;

• a business interacts with its clients; and

• a society relates to its old and new structures.

A revolution, which rests on digital infrastructure, that allows free flow of information, innovation and ideas on the information high-ways.

Friends,

India, like South Africa is a young nation. The energy and drive of our 800 million youth fuels and mirrors the ambition and aspiration of the entire country. We want them to be the engine that pulls India's economy and society. And, for this, we are working in campaign mode to skill India's youth. The plan is to generate over 500 million new jobs in India by 2022. We want them not just to fulfil India's needs. But, also to meet the growing global demand of skilled manpower. It is not just economy and society that is racing ahead. The mind sets of our people are also changing. And, the change that I am talking about is not just on paper and in our plans. It is already visible on the ground. The villages are buzzing with new momentum, drive and purpose. The cities are full of enterprise and energy. There is confidence in our youth. And, the citizens of India are full of optimism.

India's rise is a story of:

• Rare resilience

• Renewed resurgence ;

• superb speed; and

• spectacular scale.

Today, India's success story can be define in just four letters. They are letters of HOPE, where:

• H is for : Harmony;

• O for: Optimism;

• P for: Potential; and

• E for: Energy.

And the credit for this does not go to Modi. It goes to 1.25 billion people of India. And, to the fact that they placed their faith in my government and gave it a mandate to govern.

In doing so they opted for:

• Action over words;

• Positivity over negative approaches;

• A sense of focus and purpose over a feeling of drift.

• Willingness to shape the international agenda rather than react to it; and

• Transformational jump rather than incremental change.

Brothers and Sisters,

Our two countries have similar aspirations and challenges. India was one of the leaders of the international movement for freedom in this country. We led from the front in the global fight against Apartheid. But, as I said earlier, as the Rainbow nation was born, we were also the first ones to extend the warm embrace of our friendship.

उसके बाद के तो इतिहास ही बिलकुल भिन्न है.

With this, began a new and glorious chapter in our ties. In our economic choices, we can do many things together for our youth and for our peoples. Both India and South Africa, have huge demographic opportunities. We both have a young population. Two-thirds of our people in India are below the age of 35. Similar is the story on the African continent, and in South Africa. We must share our experiences, our partnership and our expertise to meet our development goals. As South Africa works towards economic prosperity, safety and security for its people, it will find in India a trusted and reliable partner. India is ready to join you in this journey. Our development and business partnerships are already doing well. But we must do more to help them gallop , to run as the springbok . Together we can create new enterprises, new skills and new social values. India and South Africa are strategic partners. We should build a partnership that spans the entirety of the human endeavour .

A partnership that scales new heights in diverse fields:

• From agriculture to health care;

• From culture to commerce;

• From tradition to trade;

• From Industry to Institution building;

• From Investment to Information technology;

• From mining to manufacturing;

• From Sports to Science and Technology; and

• From Defence to Development.

We are also active drivers of regional partnerships. Together, we can also create new values for our friends in Africa. Our companies are already partnering and bringing economic benefit to our people. They can also be instrument of change on this continent. We can work together, to empower youth, to fight poverty, malnutrition, disease and hunger. Again, not just in our countries, but across Africa and other developing regions. We live in an age of global challenges. Fight against terrorism and piracy, AIDS and Ebola are some of the key priorities of our partnership. Our partnership for economic prosperity also has to be sensitive to Climate Change. We agreed to a landmark deal in Paris. We now have to work together as strong partners to look at new energy pathways and technology solutions for a climate smart world. To galvanise global action, India has started the International Solar Alliance, which has the support of over 120 countries. Solar rich South Africa is a critical partner in this programme. Through IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) and BRICS, our partnership is also shaping priorities within the global agenda.

Brothers and Sisters,

A resurgent India awaits you. And, we have taken several steps towards eliminating barriers of entry. The OCI and PIO schemes have been rolled into one. In February this year we launched e-visa for South Africa. You can now get Indian visa sitting at home in your email, and that too at no cost! Brothers and Sisters, India and South Africa have much to benefit from a closer partnership. You are a window to India's heritage, to our ethos and to our values. And, you form an important life line for our ties with this land. In conclusion, let me say that your achievements, your contributions and your success makes us all proud. It has been a privilege for me to connect with you.

Thank you.

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PM Modi inaugurates New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam
December 20, 2025
Modern airports and advanced connectivity infrastructure serve as gateways to new possibilities and new opportunities for any state: PM
Today, Assam and the entire North East are emerging as the new gateway to India's development: PM
The North East will lead India's future growth: PM

Marking a transformative milestone in Assam’s connectivity, economic expansion and global engagement, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi said that today marks the festival of development and progress of Assam and the North East. He highlighted that when the light of progress reaches people, every path in life begins to touch new heights. The Prime Minister further remarked that his deep attachment to the land of Assam, the love and affection of its people, and especially the warmth and belongingness of the mothers and sisters of Assam and the Northeast continuously inspire him and strengthen the collective resolve for the development of the region. He highlighted that today once again a new chapter is being added in Assam’s development. Referring to Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika’s lines, Shri Modi emphasized that this means the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river will shine, every wall of darkness will be broken, and this will certainly happen as it is the nation’s resolve and solemn pledge.

Highlighting that Bhupen Hazarika’s lines were not merely a song but a solemn resolve of every great soul who loved Assam, and today this resolve is being fulfilled, Shri Modi remarked that just as the mighty currents of the Brahmaputra never stop, similarly under their governments at the Union and State, the stream of development in Assam continues uninterrupted. He stated that the inauguration of the new terminal at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi Airport stands as proof of this commitment, and extended congratulations to the people of Assam and the nation for this new terminal building.

The Prime Minister further remarked that a short while ago he had the privilege of unveiling the statue of Gopinath Bardoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister and a source of pride for the state. He emphasized that Shri Bardoloi never compromised on Assam’s identity, future, and interests, and his statue will continue to inspire future generations, instilling in them a deep sense of pride for Assam.

“Modern airport facilities and advanced connectivity infrastructure serve as gateways to new possibilities and opportunities for any state, and stand as pillars of growing confidence and trust among the people”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He remarked that when people witness the construction of magnificent highways and airports in Assam, they themselves acknowledge that true justice for Assam has finally begun. He contrasted this with the past, stating that for the previous governments, the development of Assam and the Northeast was never on their agenda. He noted that leaders in those governments used to say, “Who even goes to Assam and the Northeast?” and questioned the need for modern airports, highways, and better railways in the region. The Prime Minister emphasized that this mindset led the opposition to neglect the entire region for decades.

Pointing out that the mistakes committed by the opposition over six to seven decades are being corrected one by one under his leadership, Shri Modi stated that whether opposition leaders visit the Northeast or not, he himself feels a sense of belonging among his own people whenever he comes to Assam and the region. He emphasized that for him, the development of Assam is not only a necessity but also a responsibility and an accountability. The Prime Minister highlighted that in the past eleven years, development projects worth lakhs of crores of rupees have been initiated for Assam and the Northeast. He noted that Assam is progressing further and creating new milestones, mentioning with satisfaction that Assam has become the number one state in the country to implement the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He added that Assam has also set a record by installing more than 50 lakh smart prepaid meters. He contrasted this with the previous dispensation era, when obtaining a government job without bribes or recommendations was impossible, and underlined that today thousands of youth are getting jobs without such practices. Shri Modi further highlighted that under their government, Assam’s culture is being promoted on every platform. He recalled the historic event of 13 April 2023, when more than 11,000 artists performed the Bihu dance together at the Guwahati stadium, an achievement that was recorded in the Guinness World Records. He remarked that by creating such new records, Assam is moving forward rapidly.

Underlining that with this new terminal building, the capacity of Guwahati and Assam will increase significantly, enabling more than 1.25 crore passengers to travel annually, Shri Modi highlighted that this will also allow a large number of tourists to visit Assam and make it easier for devotees to have darshan of Maa Kamakhya. He stated that stepping into this new airport terminal clearly reflects the true meaning of the mantra of development along with heritage. The Prime Minister emphasized that the airport has been designed keeping in mind Assam’s nature and culture, with greenery inside and arrangements resembling an indoor forest. He noted that the design is connected to nature all around so that every passenger feels peace and comfort. He further highlighted the special use of bamboo in the construction, underscoring that bamboo is an integral part of life in Assam, symbolizing both strength and beauty. Shri Modi also recalled that their government in a landmark move in 2017, amended the Indian Forest Act, 1927, to legally reclassify bamboo grown in non-forest areas as a "grass" instead of a "tree". This move, he said, has led to the creation of a wonderful structure in the form of a new Terminal today.

Underscoring the development of infrastructure carries a very significant message, the Prime Minister highlighted that it boosts industries, gives investors confidence in connectivity, and opens pathways for local products to reach global markets. He emphasized that the greatest assurance is given to the youth, for whom new opportunities are created. “Today, Assam is seen advancing on this very flight of limitless possibilities”, stated the Prime Minister.

Shri Modi remarked that today the world’s perspective towards India has changed, and India’s role has also transformed. He highlighted that India is now on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He questioned how this was achieved within just 11 years and emphasized that the development of modern infrastructure has played a major role. The Prime Minister stated that India is preparing for 2047, focusing on infrastructure to fulfill the resolve of a developed nation. He underlined that the most important aspect of this grand development campaign is the participation of every state and every region. He noted that the government is prioritizing the underprivileged, ensuring that every state progresses together and contributes to the mission of a developed India. He expressed happiness that Assam and the Northeast are leading this mission. Shri Modi highlighted that through the Act East Policy, the Northeast has been given priority, and today Assam is emerging as India’s Eastern Gateway. He remarked that Assam is playing the role of a bridge connecting India with ASEAN countries. He affirmed that this beginning will go much further, and Assam will become an engine of developed India in many sectors.

“Assam and the entire Northeast are becoming the new gateway of India’s development,” emphasised Shri Modi, highlighting that the vision of multi-modal connectivity has transformed both the condition and direction of this region. He stated that the pace of building new bridges in Assam, the speed of installing new mobile towers, and the momentum of every development project are turning dreams into reality. He emphasized that the bridges built over the Brahmaputra have given Assam new strength and confidence in connectivity. The Prime Minister pointed out that in the six to seven decades after independence, only three major bridges were built here, but in the last decade four new mega bridges have been completed, along with several historic projects taking shape. He noted that the longest bridges such as Bogibeel and Dhola-Sadiya have made Assam strategically stronger. He underlined that railway connectivity has also undergone a revolutionary change, with the Bogibeel Bridge reducing the distance between Upper Assam and the rest of the country. He remarked that the Vande Bharat Express running from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri has reduced travel time. Shri Modi further highlighted that Assam is also benefiting from the development of waterways, with cargo traffic increasing by 140 percent, proving that the Brahmaputra is not just a river but a flow of economic power. He stated that the first ship repair facility is being developed at Pandu, and the enthusiasm around the Ganga Vilas Cruise from Varanasi to Dibrugarh has placed the Northeast firmly on the global cruise tourism map.

Criticizing the previous governments for keeping Assam and the Northeast away from development, Shri Modi said the nation had to pay a heavy price in terms of security, unity, and integrity. He highlighted that under opposition rule, violence thrived for decades, whereas in the last 10–11 years efforts are being made to end it. He stated that where once violence and bloodshed prevailed in the Northeast, today digital connectivity through 4G and 5G technology is reaching these areas. The Prime Minister emphasized that districts once considered violence-affected are now developing as aspirational districts, and in the coming times these very regions will become industrial corridors. He underlined that a new confidence has arisen regarding the Northeast, and stressed the need to strengthen it further.

The Prime Minister remarked that success in the development of Assam and the Northeast is also being achieved because the government is safeguarding the identity and culture of the region. He highlighted that the opposition by conspiring to erase this identity, and this conspiracy was not limited to just a few years. He stated that the roots of this wrongdoing go back to the pre-independence era, when the Muslim League and the British government were preparing the ground for India’s partition, and at that time there was also a plan to make Assam a part of undivided Bengal, that is, East Pakistan. Shri Modi noted that Congress was going to be part of this conspiracy, but Shri Bardoloi ji stood against his own party, opposed this plot to destroy Assam’s identity, and saved Assam from being separated from the country. He emphasized that their party rises above party lines to honor every patriot, and under the leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, when their government came to power, Bardoloi ji was conferred the Bharat Ratna.

The Prime Minister remarked that while Shri Bardoloi ji had saved Assam before independence, the first ruling dispensation in the post- independence era once again began anti-Assam and anti-national activities thereafter. He highlighted that they conspired to expand their vote bank through religious appeasement, giving free rein to infiltrators in Bengal and Assam. He stated that the region’s demography was altered, and these infiltrators encroached upon forests and lands. The Prime Minister emphasized that as a result, the security and identity of the entire state of Assam were put at risk.

Shri Modi remarked that the government under Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma is working diligently to free Assam’s resources from illegal and anti-national encroachments. He highlighted that efforts are being made at every level to ensure Assam’s resources benefit the people of Assam. He stated that the Union government has also taken strict measures to stop infiltration, with identification processes underway to remove illegal infiltrators.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Opposition and their alliance have openly adopted anti-national agendas, even as the Supreme Court has spoken about removing infiltrators. He noted that these parties are issuing statements in defense of infiltrators, and their lawyers are pleading in court to settle them. He remarked that when the Election Commission is conducting the SIR process to ensure fair elections, these groups are opposing it. The Prime Minister underlined that such people will not protect the interests of Assamese brothers and sisters, and will allow others to occupy their land and forests. He warned that their anti-national mindset could recreate the violence and unrest of earlier times. He stressed that it is therefore essential to remain vigilant, for the people of Assam to stay united, and to continue defeating the Opposition's conspiracies to prevent Assam’s development from being derailed.

“Today the world is looking towards India with hope, and the new sunrise of India’s future is to begin from the Northeast’, affirmed Shri Modi. He highlighted that for this, collective efforts are required to work towards shared dreams, with Assam’s development kept at the forefront. He expressed confidence that these joint endeavors will take Assam to new heights and fulfill the vision of a developed India. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister once again extended congratulations on the inauguration of the new terminal.

Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Shri K Rammohan Naidu, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Shri Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

The newly completed Integrated New Terminal Building Of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, spread over nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, is designed to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually, supported by major upgrades to the runway, airfield systems, aprons and taxiways.

India’s first nature-themed airport terminal, the airport’s design draws inspiration from Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage under the theme “Bamboo Orchids”. The terminal makes pioneering use of about 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced Northeast bamboo, complemented by Kaziranga-inspired green landscapes, japi motifs, the iconic rhino symbol and 57 orchid-inspired columns reflecting the Kopou flower. A unique “Sky Forest”, featuring nearly one lakh plants of indigenous species, offers arriving passengers an immersive, forest-like experience.

The terminal sets new benchmarks in passenger convenience and digital innovation. Features such as full-body scanners for fast, non-intrusive security screening, DigiYatra-enabled contactless travel, automated baggage handling, fast-track immigration and AI-driven airport operations ensure seamless, secure and efficient journeys.