Published By : Admin |
February 17, 2015 | 13:59 IST
Share
Cardinal George Alencherry
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath
Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara
Archbishop Anil Couto
Shri Arun Jaitley,
Dr. Najma Heptulla,
Shri P.J. Kurien, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha
Monseigneur Sebastian Vadakumpadan
I am delighted to participate in this function to celebrate the elevation to sainthood of two great saints of Kerala - Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Saint Euphresia. The whole country is proud of their recognition. Their elevation was preceded by that of Saint Alphonsa, who also hailed from Kerala.
The life and deeds of Saint Chavara and Saint Euphresia are an inspiration not only to the Christian community, but to humanity as a whole. They are shining examples of dedication to God through selfless service for the betterment of mankind.
Saint Chavara was a man of prayer and also a social reformer. In an era when access to education was limited, he stressed that every church should have a school. He thus opened the doors of education to people from all sections of society.
Few outside Kerala know that he started a Sanskrit school, and also a printing press. His contribution towards women’s empowerment was also noteworthy.
Saint Euphrasia was a mystic who dedicated her life to prayer and devotion to God.
Both these saints dedicated their life to God through service of fellow beings. The ancient Indian saying: “आत्मानो मोक्षार्थम् जगत हितायाचा” – welfare of the world is the way to moksha (salvation) – explains their life.
Friends,
Spiritualism is rooted in India`s heritage. Indian saints and Greek sages had intellectual and spiritual exchanges thousands of years back. India’s openness to new ideas is manifest in the Rig Veda: आनो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतः Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides. This philosophy has guided our intellectual discourse since time immemorial. Mother India gave birth to many religious and spiritual streams. Some of them have even travelled beyond Indian borders.
The tradition of welcoming, respecting and honouring all faiths is as old as India itself. As Swami Vivekananda said: We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true.
What Swami Vivekananda had said a century ago holds good and will, for ever, not only for this nation but also for this government or for that matter any government in India, run by any political party. This principle of equal respect and treatment for all faiths has been a part of India`s ethos for thousands of years. And that is how it became integral to the Constitution of India. Our Constitution did not evolve in a vacuum. It has roots in the ancient cultural traditions of India.
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore had inspired us to dream of a land where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. It is that heaven of freedom we are duty bound to create and preserve. We believe that there is truth in every religion. एकम सत विप्र बहुधा वदन्ति
Friends,
Let me now come to the issue which is central and critical for peace and harmony in the contemporary world. The world is increasingly witnessing division and hostility on religious lines. This has become a matter of global concern. In this context the ancient Indian plea of mutual respect for all faiths is now beginning to manifest in global discourse.
This long felt need and urge for mutually respectful relations led to the interfaith conference on `Faith in Human Rights` at the Hague on tenth December, 2008. This was coincidentally also the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations.
Religious leaders representing every major world religion - Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Baha`i Faith, Buddhism, Islam, Taoism and indigenous religions met, discussed and pledged to uphold the Universal Declaration and of freedom of religion or belief.
In their historic declaration, this is how they defined what constitutes freedom of faith and how it is to be safeguarded.
We consider the freedom to have, to retain, and to adopt, a religion or belief, is a personal choice of a citizen.
The world is at cross roads which, if not crossed properly, can throw us back to the dark days of bigotry, fanaticism and bloodshed. This harmonious convergence among religions could not be achieved even when the world entered the third millennium. And now it has been. This shows that the rest of the world too is evolving along the lines of ancient India.
Speaking for India, and for my government, I declare that my government stands by every word of the above declaration. My government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence. My government will not allow any religious group, belonging to the majority or the minority, to incite hatred against others, overtly or covertly. Mine will be a government that gives equal respect to all religions.
India is the land of Buddha and Gandhi. Equal respect for all religions must be in the DNA of every Indian. We cannot accept violence against any religion on any pretext and I strongly condemn such violence. My government will act strongly in this regard.
With this commitment, I appeal to all religious groups to act with restraint, mutual respect, and tolerance in the true spirit of this ancient nation which is manifest in our Constitution and is in line with the Hague Declaration.
Friends,
I have a vision of a Modern India. I have embarked on a huge mission to convert that vision into reality. My mantra is Development - सबका साथ, सबका विकास.
In simple terms it means food on every table, every child in school, a job for everybody and a house with toilet and electricity for every family. This will make India proud. We can achieve this through unity. Unity strengthens us. Division weakens us. I sincerely request all Indians, and all of you present here to support me in this huge task.
Let the elevation to sainthood of Saint Chavara and Saint Euphrasia, and their noble deeds inspire us:
-to maximize our inner strength
-to use that strength for transforming society through selfless service
-to fulfil our collective vision of a developed and modern India.
Viksit Haryana for Viksit Bharat, this is our resolve: PM Modi in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana
April 14, 2025
Share
Viksit Haryana for Viksit Bharat, this is our resolve: PM
Our effort is to increase the production of electricity in the country, lack of electricity should not become an obstacle in nation building: PM
PM Suryagarh Muft Bijli Yojana started by us can reduce electricity bill to zero by installation of solar panels : PM
Our effort is to increase the potential of the farmers of Haryana: PM
The popular Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Nayab Singh Saini ji, my colleagues in the Union Cabinet Manohar Lal ji, Rao Inderjit Singh ji and Krishan Pal ji, ministers of the Haryana Government, Members of Parliament and the Legislative Assembly, and my dear brothers and sisters. Greetings from Modi to my brothers and sisters of Haryana.
Friends,
Today, I bow to the land where Mother Saraswati originated, where Goddess Mantra resides, where the five-faced Lord Hanuman is present, where the blessings of Kapalmochan Sahib are received, and where the confluence of culture, faith, and devotion flows. Today is also the 135th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar ji. I extend my heartfelt wishes to all the citizens of the country on Ambedkar Jayanti. Babasaheb’s vision and inspiration continue to guide us on the journey of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Friends,
Yamunanagar is not just a city—it is also an important part of Bharat’s industrial map. From plywood to brass and steel, this entire region strengthens the economy of Bharat. In fact, it boasts the Kapal Mochan fair, the land of penance of Rishi Ved Vyas, and, in a way, the land of arms of Guru Gobind Singh ji.
Friends,
This in itself is a matter of great pride. And as Manohar Lal ji and Saini ji were just saying, I have many old memories connected with Yamunanagar. When I was in charge of Haryana, I frequently travelled between Panchkula and here. I had the opportunity to work with many dedicated old-time party workers here. That tradition of hardworking workers continues even today.
Friends,
For the third time in a row, Haryana is witnessing the double speed of development under the double-engine government. And now, as Saini ji said, it's like a triple government. A ‘Viksit Haryana’ (Developed Haryana) for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) —that is our resolve. We are working at greater speed and on a much larger scale to fulfil this resolution, to serve the people of Haryana, and to realize the dreams of its youth. The development projects launched here today are a living example of this. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Haryana for these development initiatives.
Friends,
I am proud that our government is moving forward by carrying the thoughts of Babasaheb. Babasaheb Ambedkar viewed industrial development as a path to social justice. Babasaheb recognized the issue of small landholdings in Bharat. Babasaheb said that Dalits do not have enough land for farming, so industries would benefit them the most. Babasaheb’s vision was that industries would create more employment for Dalits and improve their standard of living. Babasaheb worked alongside the country’s first Industry Minister, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, in the direction of industrialization in Bharat.
Friends,
The harmony between industrialization and manufacturing was also considered by Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram ji as the foundation of rural prosperity. He used to say that true prosperity will come to villages when farmers increase their income not only through agriculture but also through small-scale industries. The vision of Chaudhary Charan Singh ji, who dedicated his life to the welfare of villages and farmers, was no different. Chaudhary Saheb said that industrial development should complement agriculture—both are pillars of our economy.
Friends,
This very sentiment, this very idea, this very inspiration lies at the heart of 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India). That is why our government is placing such strong emphasis on manufacturing in Bharat. In this year’s Budget, we announced the Mission Manufacturing. Its aim is to provide maximum employment to the youth from Dalit, backward, oppressed, and deprived communities; to provide youth with the necessary training; to reduce business costs; to strengthen the MSME sector; to ensure industries benefit from technology; and to make our products the best in the world. To achieve all these goals, it is very important that the country does not face any shortage of electricity. We must also become self-reliant in energy. That’s why today’s event is very significant. Today, work has started on the third unit of the Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant. This will benefit Yamunanagar and its industries. Nearly half of the plywood production in Bharat happens here in Yamunanagar. Large-scale manufacturing of aluminium, copper, and brass utensils takes place here. Equipment for petrochemical plants made here is exported to many countries around the world. With increased electricity production, all of these sectors will benefit, and it will give a boost to Mission Manufacturing here.
Friends,
Electricity is going to play a major role in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Our government is working on all fronts to increase electricity availability. Be it the One Nation-One Grid initiative, new coal power plants, solar energy, or the expansion of the nuclear sector—our effort is to boost electricity production so that the lack of power does not become an obstacle in nation-building.
But friends,
We must not forget the days of Congress rule. Before 2014, when Congress was in power, we saw days when there were blackouts across the country—entire regions would be without electricity. If the Congress government had continued, the country would still be facing such blackouts today. Factories wouldn’t run, trains wouldn’t operate, and water wouldn’t reach the fields. In other words, if Congress were still in power, such crises would have continued, and the country would remain divided and stuck. But after years of effort, the situation is changing today. In the past decade, Bharat has nearly doubled its electricity generation capacity. Today, not only does Bharat meet its own needs, but it also exports electricity to neighbouring countries. This focus on power generation by the BJP government has also benefited Haryana. Today, Haryana produces 16,000 megawatts of electricity. We are working with the goal of increasing this capacity to 24,000 megawatts in the near future.
Friends,
On one hand, we are investing in thermal power plants, and on the other, we are turning the people of the country into power generators themselves. We have launched the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. By installing solar panels on their rooftops, people can reduce their electricity bills to zero. Not only that, any extra electricity generated can be sold for additional income. So far, over 1.25 crore people across the country have registered under this scheme. I’m happy to share that lakhs of people from Haryana have also applied to join this initiative. And as this scheme continues to expand, the service ecosystem around it is also growing. New skills are being developed in the solar sector. New opportunities are opening up for MSMEs, and numerous possibilities are being created for the youth.
Friends,
Along with ensuring that small industries in our small towns have adequate electricity, the government is also focusing on ensuring they have enough financial resources. During the COVID period, the government provided financial assistance worth lakhs of crores of rupees to save MSMEs. We also changed the definition of MSMEs so that small businesses could expand without fear. Now small industries are not worried that as soon as they grow, they will lose government support. Now, the government is introducing special credit cards for small industries. Credit guarantee coverage is also being expanded. Just a few days ago, the MUDRA Yojana completed 10 years. You’ll be happy—and perhaps pleasantly surprised—to know that over the past 10 years, 33 lakh crore rupees has been disbursed as loans without any collateral under this scheme to ordinary citizens stepping into business and industry for the first time. Imagine that—33 lakh crore rupees without a guarantee! More than 50% of the beneficiaries of this scheme belong to SC/ST/OBC communities. The goal is to empower these small enterprises to fulfil the big dreams of our youth.
Friends,
The hard work of our farmer brothers and sisters from Haryana is visible in every Indian’s plate. The BJP’s double-engine government is the biggest companion in both the joys and sorrows of our farmers. Our effort is to enhance the strength and capacity of Haryana’s farmers. Today, the BJP government in Haryana procures 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Lakhs of farmers in Haryana have also benefited from the PM Fasal Bima Yojana. Under this scheme, claims worth over 9,000 crore rupees have been paid out. Similarly, 6,500 crore rupees has gone directly into the pockets of Haryana’s farmers through the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Friends,
The Haryana government has also abolished the Aabiyana (canal water tax), a practice that had been continuing since British times. Now, you won’t have to pay tax on canal water, and outstanding dues of over 130 crore rupees under Aabiyana have also been waived.
Friends,
Thanks to the efforts of the double-engine government, new sources of income are being created for farmers and livestock owners. The GOBARdhan Yojana is helping farmers manage waste while also creating income opportunities. Biogas is being produced from cow dung, crop residues, and other organic waste. A plan was announced to establish 500 GOBARdhan plants across the country in this year’s Budget. Today, a new GOBARdhan plant has also been inaugurated in Yamunanagar. This will save the municipal corporation about 3 crore rupees every year. The GOBARdhan Yojana is also contributing to the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Friends,
Haryana is now speeding along the path of development. Before coming here, I had the opportunity to meet people in Hisar. A direct air service to Ayodhya Dham has now started from there. Today, the people of Rewari have also received the gift of a new bypass. This will free them from traffic jams at markets, intersections, and railway crossings. This four-lane bypass will allow vehicles to smoothly bypass the city. Travel time from Delhi to Narnaul will be reduced by one hour. I congratulate you all on this development.
Friends,
For us, politics is not about enjoying power, but a medium of service—service to the people and service to the nation. That is why the BJP does boldly what it says. After forming the government for the third time in Haryana, we have consistently been fulfilling the promises we made to you. But what’s happening in Congress-ruled states? Complete betrayal of public trust. Just look at our neighbouring state, Himachal—people are suffering immensely. All development and welfare work has come to a standstill. In Karnataka, from electricity to milk, from bus fares to seeds—everything is becoming more expensive. I saw on social media how the Congress government in Karnataka has imposed a variety of taxes and increased prices across the board. People in social media have creatively exposed this through an A to Z list—literally every letter of the alphabet paired with a different kind of tax hike, revealing the reality of the Congress government's actions. Even those close to the Chief Minister admit that Congress has made Karnataka number one in corruption.
Friends,
The Congress government in Telangana has also forgotten the promises it made to the people. There, Congress is busy bulldozing forests. Damaging nature, endangering wildlife—this is the working style of Congress! While we are working hard here to turn waste into wealth through the GOBARdhan scheme, they are destroying already-existing forests. This presents two clear models of governance before you. On one side is the Congress model—completely proven false—focused solely on power and positions. On the other side is the BJP model, which is grounded in truth, guided by the path shown by Babasaheb Ambedkar, and fully respectful of the Constitution. Our vision is to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’, and here in Yamunanagar today, we see that effort moving forward.
Friends,
I want to talk to you about another important topic. Yesterday, the nation celebrated the festival of Baisakhi. Yesterday also marked 106 years since the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The memories of those who lost their lives in that massacre still live on with us today. Apart from the cruelty of the British and the sacrifice of the patriots who were martyred in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, there is another aspect that was kept in the dark for a long time. This aspect reflects the spirit of standing with humanity and with the nation. And the name associated with this spirit is Sankaran Nair. Many of you may not have heard this name, but nowadays, he is being talked about a lot. Sankaran Nair ji was a renowned lawyer, and about 100 years ago, he held a high position in the British government. He could have lived a comfortable, luxurious life by staying close to power. But deeply moved by the cruelty of foreign rule and the incident at Jallianwala Bagh, he stepped forward to raise his voice against the British. He boldly resigned from his prestigious position and chose to stand with the country. Though he was from Kerala and the incident occurred in Punjab, he decided to personally take up the case of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He fought it on his own, shaking the very foundation of the British Empire. The British empire on which 'the sun never set'—Sankaran Nair ji brought them to court over the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and held them accountable.
Friends,
This was not just a matter of standing with humanity. It was also a shining example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India). How a man from far-off Kerala stood up against British rule for a massacre that happened in Punjab — this is the true spirit that inspired our freedom struggle. Even today, that same spirit is a great strength in our journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’. We must learn about the contribution of Kerala’s Sankaran Nair ji, and every child in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal should know about him.
Friends,
To empower the four key pillars — the poor, farmers, youth, and women — the double-engine government is constantly working. With the efforts of all of us, Haryana will definitely develop. I can see it with my own eyes — Haryana will flourish, prosper, and bring glory to the nation. Many, many congratulations to all of you for these numerous development projects. Raise both hands and say with full energy along with me:
