Text of the Address by the Prime Minister to UNESCO

Published By : Admin | April 10, 2015 | 16:28 IST

Director General, Madam Bukova

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am truly honoured to address UNESCO.

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I feel specially privileged to visit this great institution in its 70th anniversary year.

This milestone reminds us of a fundamental achievement of our age: for the first time in human history, we have an organization for the entire world – the United Nations.

And, through the sweeping change of these decades, through many challenges of our times, and the great progress of this era, the organization has endured and grown.

There have been doubts and skepticism. There is need for urgent reforms.

But, for the nations that came together at its birth; and, for three times as many that joined it later, there is one unshakeable belief:

“Our world is and will remain a better place because of the United Nations.”

It is this faith that has given birth to so many of its institutions that deal with every aspect of human challenges.

Our collective goal is to seek a peaceful and prosperous future for our world, in which every nation has a voice;

all peoples have an identity;

all cultures are flowers in a garden;

every human being has a life of dignity;

every child a future of opportunity;

and our planet the chance to preserve its glory.

No organization serves our cause more than this one.

The seeds of our collective destiny are sown in human minds.

It is nurtured by the light of education and the spirit of enquiry.

It makes progress through the marvels of science.

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And, it draws strength from the basic character of Nature – the harmony and unity in diversity.

That is why UNESCO was among the first missions of the United Nations.

That is why India values the work of UNESCO so deeply; and, cherishes our partnership so immensely.

I am conscious of the extraordinary legacy of our relationship from the time of UNESCO's birth.

I recall Mahatma Gandhi's message to UNESCO, calling for urgent action to address the needs of education to secure lasting peace;

And, the leadership of Dr. Radhakrishnan, later our first President, in the early years of this institution.

We are grateful for UNESCO's support for education and science, in India and for preservation of our cultural heritage.

Equally, we are privileged to have worked with UNESCO in support of its mission around the world.

For, in the challenges India faces and the dreams that Indians seek, our approach mirrors the ideals of UNESCO.

We have built a modern state in an ancient land, with a timeless tradition of openness and co-existence; and, a society of extraordinary diversity.

The foundation of our Constitution rests on a fundamental principle: the peace and prosperity of all is indivisible from the welfare of the individual;

the strength of the nation is determined by the joined hands of every citizen;

and, real progress is measured through empowerment of the weakest.

This has been our creed since we assumed office nearly a year ago.

And, we shall judge our progress not just by the cold statistics of growth, but by the warm glow of belief and hope on human faces.

For me, it means many things.

We will defend and protect the rights and liberty of every citizen.

We will ensure that every citizen , of every faith, culture and creed has an equal place in our society; belief in her future; and the confidence to pursue it.

Education always had a special place in our tradition.

As our ancient saying goes, it is

व्यये कृते वर्धते एव नित्यं, विद्या धनं सर्व प्रधानं

The wealth that increases by giving, That wealth is knowledge and is supreme of all possessions

We have launched the most ambitious programme to provide skills to our youth; and education for every child in the remotest villages.

Our progress will remain a mirage unless women no longer suffer from daily fear, or barriers to opportunity; and, when they are no longer victims of exclusion and prejudice. And, this change must begin with the girl child.

So, the programme to educate and support the girl child in India is one that is closest to my heart. We will ensure that they can go to school; and, also, that they can attend it in safety and dignity.

Today, the digital age has created opportunities beyond imagination; but, digital divide can expand disparities.

On the other hand, digital connectivity and smart phones have create a revolution of possibilities to educate, deliver services and extend development.

This is the most exciting change in our era.

Our Digital India will create a participative, transparent and a responsive government, connected to the citizens. And, we have launched a digital literacy mission to connect each of our 600,000 villages.

The link between habitat and fulfillment of human potential is deep and strong.

So, the highest priority for my Government is to provide a roof over every head; power in every house; sanitation and clean water within everyone's reach; a hope for every child to survive; and a chance for every new mother to love her child.

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It also means clean rivers, air that we can breathe and forests filled with the sound of birds.

To achieve these goals, we need not just policies and resources, but even more the power of science.

For us, science is driven by the larger purpose of human development; and, for a safe, sustainable, prosperous future for India.

Science also unites people across borders in a shared purpose.

And, when we share its fruits with those who don't have it, we connect lives and make our world a better place.

India never forgets the help we have received in our early years; today, we are fulfilling our responsibility to others.

Therefore, science is a key priority of India's international engagement.

Culture is a sublime expression of a people; and, the foundations of a society.

UNESCO's initiatives to preserve the world's cultural heritage, including in India, are inspiring.

We see India's rich and diverse cultural heritage as humanity's wealth.

And, we will do everything to preserve it for future generations.

We have launched ‘Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana – HRIDAY or heart in Hindi – to preserve the cultural heritage of our cities.

We have started a special scheme called “PRASAD” – or offerings) – Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive” for rejuvenation of our pilgrim centres”.

Madam Chairman,

I speak of our vision and initiatives, because in our own aspirations and efforts, we see the value of UNESCO to our world with great clarity.

In the challenges of our times, we see its purpose with a sense of urgency.

The fault lines in our world are shifting from the boundaries of nations into the web of our societies and the streets of our cities.

The threats are changing from domination by states to destruction by groups.

We fight today not only over what we claim, but also for who we are.

And, in many parts of the world, culture remains a source of conflict.

We have access to communication at the click of a mouse.

We live in a world of information.

Yet, we know that familiarity does not always lead to fraternity; or reduce prejudice.

When Ebola threatens an entire region; the fury of unseasonal storms destroys crops and lives; and, diseases still defeat our most courageous fight, we understand how fragile we are.

When we see people living at the edge of existence; children shut out of classrooms; and, nations without the human resources to shoulder the responsibility of progress, we know that we still have a long way to go.

To be sure, our world has made incredible progress over seven decades. So, our progress should inspire us to meet our challenges.

UNESCO can play a vital role in addressing them.

Culture must connect, not divide, our world.

It should be a bridge to greater respect and understanding between people.

It should join nations in peace and harmony. Across India's neighbourhood, Asia and Indian Ocean, we are retracing our cultural connections to form a closer bond of friendship in this dynamic region.

We must turn deep into our cultures; traditions; and religions; to overcome the rising tide of extremism, violence, and divisions across the world.

We must intensify exchanges between the youth of the world to sow the seeds of a more peaceful world.

Cultures also hold great wealth of traditional knowledge. Societies across the world have evolved them through wisdom gathered over the ages.

And, they hold the secrets to economic, efficient, and, environment friendly solutions to many of our problems.

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But, today they are at risk of extinction in our globalised world.

So, we must here make more efforts to revive, preserve and nurture traditional knowledge.

This will also redefine a fundamental truth about human civilization: as our cultures are diverse, knowledge has many sources.

In doing so, we will give ourselves a greater chance to meet our challenges.

We must do more to harness science for human welfare in some of the most vulnerable parts of the world – especially for health and food security.

Climate change is a pressing global challenge. And, it calls for a collective human action; and, a comprehensive response.

We must draw upon our entire wealth of wisdom; the strength of every institution; all possibilities of innovation; and, the power of science.

In India, faith and Nature have had a deep link since ancient times.

For us, the only path to prosperity is the sustainable one.

We make this choice with the natural instincts of our culture and tradition. But, we also do this with a commitment to our future.

We have, for example, set a target of adding 175,000 MW of clean and renewable energy in the next seven years.

Too often, our discussion is reduced to an argument about emission cuts. But, we are more likely to succeed if we offer affordable solutions, not simply impose choices.

That is why I have called for global public action to develop clean energy, that is affordable and accessible to all.

And, it is for the same reason that I call for a change in lifestyle. Because, the emission reduction that we seek will be the natural outcome of how we live.

And, it will also mean a different path to economic well being.

It is with this vision that I had called the United Nations General Assembly last September to declare June 21st as the International Day of Yoga.

Yoga awakens a sense of oneness and harmony with self, society and Nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change and create a more balanced world.

Last December, the UNGA adopted it with a record co-sponsorship in a record time.

It was not just an act of friendship for India. It reflected our collective ability to go beyond our familiar boundaries in search for solutions to common challenges.

The campaign to clean our Ganges River is a mission that connects culture, science, traditional knowledge, education, economy, and, environment; but, it is also about attitudes and lifestyles.

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Madam Chairperson,

Outside this hall, I paid respect at the statue of a great Indian philosopher and sage, Shri Aurobindo.

There is much that we can learn from his humanism and spiritualism, from his belief in the unity of individual consciousness with the world outside; the enlightened purpose of education; the service of science; and, the unity of world, founded on national freedom, diversity of civilizations and autonomy of culture.

It is a guiding spirit for the purpose of this institution – the defence of peace in the mind of men.

The 70th anniversary is a moment to celebrate our remarkable journey so far. It is also a time to look ahead with wisdom that has come with time and experience.

Whatever we wish to achieve as United Nations, UNESCO will always have a part to play – whether it is sustainable development, our post-2015 agenda, climate change or peace and security.

UNESCO's responsibilities to our future have become bigger; and, so our resolve must be stronger.

Thank you very much for this opportunity.

Thank you.

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Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

It is my great privilege to be here on the country’s border, near Sir Creek, in the land of Kutch, alongside the nation’s armed forces and the Border Security Force, to celebrate Deepawali with you. My heartiest wishes to each one of you on this Deepawali!

Celebrating Deepawali with you amplifies the joy of the festival for me, and this year, it is especially significant. Each Deepawali has its own meaning, yet this one holds a unique place: Lord Ram is now enshrined in his grand temple in Ayodhya after 500 years. I extend my heartfelt Deepawali wishes to you all and to every soldier dedicated to the service of Maa Bharati. My greetings also carry with them the gratitude of 140 crore countrymen who recognize and appreciate your service.

Friends,

The opportunity to serve the motherland is indeed a rare fortune. This service is by no means easy; it reflects the devotion of those who hold the motherland as their everything. It is the sacrifice and dedication of Maa Bharati's (India’s) brave sons and daughters. Be it the freezing temperatures and glaciers of the Himalayas, the biting cold nights, the scorching desert heat, the burning sun, the dusty sandstorms, the challenges of marshlands, or the turbulent sea—this devotion forges our soldiers like steel, and it instills fear in the hearts of enemies. When enemies look at you, they realize that no one can defeat those who remain unshaken even in the face of such severe conditions. Your unwavering determination, boundless courage, and supreme bravery serve as a symbol of security and peace for our country. To the world, you represent Bharat's might, and to our enemies, you embody the destruction of their sinister schemes. When you roar with enthusiasm, the forces of terror are struck with fear. This is the bravery of our army, our armed forces. I take pride in the fact that our soldiers have demonstrated their prowess in every challenging situation.

Friends,

Standing here in Kutch, it is fitting to acknowledge our Navy as well. The coastline of Gujarat is a formidable asset to the nation, making this maritime border a focal point of anti-India conspiracies. Sir Creek, a symbol of Bharat's sovereignty, lies here in Kutch. In the past, there have been attempts to turn this area into a battleground. The nation knows all too well how the enemy’s malicious gaze has long been fixed on Sir Creek. But our country rests assured, knowing that you stand guard. Our adversaries remember well the resolute response you gave in the 1971 war, and so, with our Navy present, no one dares cast a covetous eye on Sir Creek and Kutch.

Friends,

Today, our nation has a government that refuses to compromise even an inch of our border. There was a time when, under the guise of diplomacy, deceptive policies aimed to capture Sir Creek. As Chief Minister of Gujarat, I raised the voice of our country, and this is not my first visit to this region. I know this area well; I have been here many times and travelled extensively. Now, as we hold responsibility, our policies align with the vision of our forces. We do not place our trust in the promises of our enemies but in the resolve of our forces.

Friends,

In keeping with the needs of the 21st century, we are equipping our armed forces with modern resources. We are bringing our military into the ranks of the world’s most advanced forces. The foundation of these efforts is a self-reliant Bharat in the defence sector. Recently, the C295 factory was inaugurated here in Vadodara, Gujarat. Today, we have 'Made in India' assets like the Vikrant aircraft carrier, and we are producing our own submarines. Our Tejas fighter jets are strengthening the Air Force, and work has begun on developing a 5th Generation Fighter aircraft. Bharat, once seen as a country dependent on arms imports, is now exporting defence equipment to nations across the globe. In the last 10 years, our defence exports have increased thirty-fold.

Friends,

The cooperation of our armed forces is crucial in realising the government’s vision. Our security forces play an essential role, and I congratulate them for creating a list of over 5,000 military items they will no longer import. This decision has given new momentum to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in the defence sector.

Friends,

Today, as we talk about new-age warfare, drone technology has become a pivotal asset. We see how extensively drone technology is being used in ongoing conflicts. Drones now serve in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and identifying individuals or locations. They are aiding in the transport of supplies and being deployed as weapons. Additionally, drones are posing new challenges for traditional air defences. Recognising this, Bharat is strengthening its armed forces with drone technology. The government is acquiring Predator drones for the three forces, and strategies for drone deployment are being crafted. I am pleased to see that numerous Indian companies are developing fully indigenous drones, with many startups entering this sector.

Friends,

Today, the nature of warfare is evolving, and new security challenges are emerging. Future conflicts will be more complex, so it is crucial that the capabilities of our three armed forces and security forces are integrated. For our three forces in particular, this integration will significantly enhance their operational efficiency. I sometimes say that while we see one army, one air force, and one navy, when they conduct joint exercises, they don’t appear as separate entities but as a unified force. With this modernisation vision, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was appointed, playing a major role in strengthening our armed forces. Now, we are progressing towards the Integrated Theatre Command. A structured mechanism for this command has been prepared, which will lead to enhanced coordination across the three wings of the military.

Friends,

Our motto is *Nation First, Nation First*. The nation begins at its borders, so developing border infrastructure is one of our top priorities. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed over 80,000 kilometres of roads, including strategically significant ones in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. In the past decade, BRO has built around 400 major bridges. You are aware of the importance of tunnels for all-weather connectivity in remote areas for our armed forces. Consequently, in the last 10 years, several crucial tunnels like the Atal and Sela tunnels have been completed. BRO is accelerating its work on tunnels across various parts of the country.

Friends,

We have also shifted the perspective of seeing border villages as “the last villages.” Today, we call them the first villages of the country. Under the Vibrant Village scheme, these first villages are being developed as vibrant communities on the border where one can witness the first glimpse of a vibrant India. Our nation is fortunate, as many of our border areas have unique natural treasures, offering immense potential for tourism. We must nurture and enhance this potential. Through this, the lives of those living in these villages will improve, and new opportunities will arise. We are seeing this transformation through the Vibrant Village campaign. In remote villages near your area, previously called the “last villages” but now recognized as the first, industries like the seaweed business are thriving before your eyes. A significant new economic sector is emerging. We are also investing heavily in mangrove conservation here, a promising step for our environment. The mangrove forests being developed here will attract tourists, and, much like the way Dhordo’s 'Rann Utsav' has captivated the nation and the world, this area is poised to become a paradise for tourists soon. It will unfold right before your eyes.

Friends,

To support this vision, our government ministers are visiting the Vibrant Villages along the border, staying in these villages and spending much of their time there. This has increased interest and curiosity about these areas among the people of our country.

Friends,

There is another aspect of national security that is rarely discussed—border tourism. Kutch holds immense potential for this, with its rich heritage, captivating sites of faith, and the splendid gifts of nature. The mangrove forests of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat are especially significant, housing a complete ecosystem of marine life and coastal flora. The government has taken substantial steps to expand these mangrove forests and is working rapidly on the MISHTI Yojana launched last year.

Friends,

Our Dholavira, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolises the strength of our nation for thousands of years. The remains of the Indus Valley Civilisation in Dholavira show us the meticulous planning of that city thousands of years ago. Just a short distance from the sea, trading centres like Lothal once played a major role in Bharat's prosperity. The footprints of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are present in Lakhpat. There is the Koteshwar Mahadev Temple in Kutch, the temple of Mata Aashapura, the shrine of Lord Dattatreya on Kala Dungar hill, the Rann Utsav, and the fascinating views of Sir Creek. The tourism potential within this single district of Kutch alone is so vast that a week may not be enough for a visitor. We have also witnessed the appeal of border tourism in Nadabet, on the border of North Gujarat. We must turn all these possibilities into reality. When tourists visit such places from different parts of the country, they connect different regions of Bharat with one another. These tourists carry with them the spirit of national unity and embody the essence of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.' They keep this spirit alive when they return to their own communities, laying a solid foundation for our national security. This is why we must elevate Kutch and other border regions to new levels of development. As our border areas develop and new facilities emerge, the experience for soldiers stationed here will also be enhanced.

Friends,

Our nation is a living entity, revered as Maa Bharati. It is due to the sacrifice and dedication of our soldiers that the country is safe today. The safety of our people relies on this, as only a secure nation can progress. As we move rapidly towards our vision of a developed Bharat, you are the protectors of this dream. Today, every citizen is contributing wholeheartedly to the nation’s progress because of the faith they place in you. I am confident that your courage will continue to bolster Bharat’s development. With this belief, I once again wish you all a very happy Diwali!

Thank you very much!

Join me in saying, Bharat Mata ki Jai! Mata ki Jai! Mata ki Jai! Mata ki Jai!

Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram!