Bharat Mata Ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata Ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata Ki – Jai!
Shall I begin? His Excellency Minister of Economy & Labour of Austria, all my fellow members of the Indian Diaspora, all friends and well-wishers of Bharat, greetings to all of you.
Guten Tag!
Friends,
This is my first visit to Austria. The enthusiasm and excitement I am seeing here is truly amazing. A Prime Minister of Bharat has come here after 41 years. Many of you might not have even been born when a Prime Minister from Bharat last visited here. Do you think this wait has been too long? Well, the wait is over now. Are you happy now? Are you really happy or just telling me? Truly!
And friends,
This wait has ended on a historic occasion. Many of you might not know that Bharat and Austria are celebrating 75 years of their friendship. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Chancellor Karl Nehammer for this wonderful welcome. I also express my gratitude to the Minister of Economy & Labour, Martin Kocher. Your presence here shows how special and important the Indian community is to Austria.
Friends,
Geographically, Bharat and Austria are on opposite sides of the world, but there are many similarities between us. Democracy connects both our countries. Respect for Liberty, Equality, Pluralism, and the rule of law are our shared values. Both our societies are multicultural and multilingual. Celebrating diversity is a part of both our countries' traditions. Elections are a significant medium reflecting these values. Austria is set to have elections in a few months, while Bharat has recently celebrated the festival of democracy with great pride. The world's biggest election has just concluded in Bharat.
Friends,
People around the world are amazed when they hear about elections in Bharat. In the election that concluded a few weeks ago, more than 650 million people cast their votes. This is equivalent to 65 times the population of Austria. Imagine, such a massive election is held, yet the results are declared within a few hours. This is the strength of Bharat’s electoral machinery and our democracy.
Friends,
Hundreds of political parties and more than eight thousand candidates participated in these elections. It was a highly competitive and diverse contest, and the people of Bharat gave their mandate. What was the mandate? After sixty years, a government in Bharat has been given the opportunity to serve for a third consecutive term. We have seen political instability around the world in the post-COVID era. It has not been easy for governments in most countries to survive. It has been a major challenge for the governments to be re-elected. In such a situation, the people of Bharat have trusted me, my party, and the NDA. This mandate is a testament that Bharat desires stability and continuity. This continuity is for the policies and programs of the past ten years. This continuity is for good governance. This continuity is for working with dedication towards grand resolutions.
Friends,
I have always believed that relationships between two countries are not built by governments alone. People's participation is crucial in strengthening these relationships. That's why I consider your role very important for these ties. Decades ago, you made the land of Mozart and strudels your own, but the music and taste of your motherland still reside in your hearts. You have filled the streets of Vienna, Graz, Linz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and other cities with the colours of Bharat. Whether it is Diwali or Christmas, you celebrate the same with equal enthusiasm. You make, eat and offer both tortes and laddoos with great delight. You cheer for Austria's football team and Bharat’s cricket team with the same passion. You enjoy the coffee here and also fondly remember the tea stalls from your hometown in Bharat.
Friends,
Like Bharat, Austria's history and culture are also very old and magnificent. Our historical connections have benefitted both countries culturally and commercially. About 200 years ago, Sanskrit studies began at the University of Vienna. The establishment of an independent chair for Indology in 1880 further elevated this interest in Sanskrit. Today, I had the opportunity to meet some well-known Indologists here. Their conversations clearly reflected their deep interest in Bharat. Many great Indian personalities have also been dearly loved by Austria. Vienna has hosted many of our greats like Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Gandhi's disciple Mirabehn spent her last days in Vienna.
Friends,
Our relationship is not just about culture and commerce; science also connects us. Many years ago, our Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman gave a lecture at the University of Vienna. Today, I had the opportunity to meet Nobel laureate Anton Zeilinger. Both these great scientists are connected by Quantum. Anton Zeilinger's work in Quantum Computing inspires and encourages the world.
Friends,
Today, there is a lot of discussion about Bharat all over the world. Isn't that so? Everyone wants to know and understand Bharat. You must have experienced this, right? People ask you a lot of questions, don't they? In such a scenario, what is Bharat thinking about? What is Bharat doing? It is important to create a better informed world about Bharat. Bharat represents 1/6th of humanity and contributes almost equally to global growth. For thousands of years, we have been sharing knowledge and expertise with the world. We have not started wars; we can proudly say that Bharat has given Buddha and not ‘yudh’ (wars). When I talk about Buddha, it means that Bharat has always provided peace and prosperity. Therefore, Bharat will continue to strengthen this role in the 21st-century world. Today, when the world sees Bharat as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (global friend), it is a matter of pride for us. You too must feel proud, right?
Friends,
When you read and hear about the rapid changes happening in Bharat, how do you feel? What happens? I am sure, friends, your chest also swells with pride. Bharat is today the 5th largest economy. In 2014, when I took up this service, we were at number 10, not in a negative sense. Today, we have reached number 5. When you hear this, how do you feel? Do you feel proud friends or not? Today, Bharat is growing at a rate of 8%. Do you know what will happen at this speed? Shall I tell you? Today, we are at number 5; we will reach the top 3, and friends, I have promised the citizens that I will take the country to the world's top 3 economies in my third term. Let me tell you, we are not just working to reach the top; our mission is 2047. In 1947, the country gained independence and in 2047, the country will celebrate its centenary. But that century will be the century of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). Bharat will be developed in every way. We are laying the strong foundation of Bharat for the next 1000 years.
Friends,
Bharat is working on an unprecedented scale in education, skills, research, and innovation. Remember this figure... In 10 years, two new colleges have opened in Bharat every day. Shall I tell you more? Every week, a new university has opened. Last year, more than 250 patents were granted every day. Today, Bharat is the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world. Every 10th unicorn in the world is in Bharat. The total real-time digital transactions happening in the rest of the world are matched by Bharat alone. Our payments are digital, and our processes are also digital. Bharat is moving towards a less paper, less cash, but seamless economy.
Friends,
Today, Bharat is working for the Best, Brightest, Biggest, and Highest milestones. We are preparing Bharat for Industry 4.0 and a green future. The goal of the Green Hydrogen Mission is to achieve net-zero goals by 2070. We are emphasizing green mobility. Austria is also benefiting from Bharat’s unprecedented growth story. Today, over 150 Austrian companies are working in various sectors in Bharat. They are helping to fulfil the infrastructure aspirations of Bharat. Austrian companies are involved in many infra projects like metros, dams, and tunnels in Bharat, and I hope that more companies and investors from here will expand in Bharat in the near future.
Friends,
The number of Indians living in Austria is not very large. But your contribution to Austrian society is commendable. Especially your role in the healthcare sector here is highly appreciated. We Indians are known for our care and compassion. I am glad that you carry these values with you in your profession here. May you all continue to contribute to Austria's development in this way! Once again, I express my gratitude to all of you for coming here in such large numbers and for your enthusiasm and energy. Thank you very much.
Friends,
This first visit to Austria has been very meaningful. Once again, I express my gratitude to the government and the people of Austria. My best wishes to all of you. I am confident that you will break all previous records in celebrating August 15 this time. Will it be? For sure? Say with me...
Bharat Mata Ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata Ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata Ki – Jai!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Thanks a lot!
