Published By : Admin |
December 13, 2021 | 18:49 IST
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“Devotees should participate in the enterprise with a sense of spiritual purpose as well as a purpose of social service”
Exhorts people to take up organic farming, new cropping patterns
Namaste,
How is everyone?
I was supposed to visit Personally. If I would have been able to come personally, I could have met all of you. However, due to shortage of time, and by using the technology, today, I am very fortunate to participate in this auspicious program. In my view, this task is having multi-faceted importance - Bruhad Seva Mandir Project, which is being done by the efforts of all.
I said from the ramparts of The Red Fort, “SABKA PRAYAAS” (Efforts of everyone). All must come together for the development work of Maa Umiya Dham by getting connected with the Maa Umiya Seva Sankul, should set a new goal for religious purpose, spiritual purpose and more than that, with the purpose of social service. And this is the real path. It is being said at our place that “NAR KARNI KARE TO NARAYAN HO JAYE” (Human can achieve the divinity by the Karma). It is also being said at our Place that “JAN SEVA EJ JAG SEVA” (Serving the People is as good as Serving the World). We are the People who see the Lord in every living creature. And hence, the planning which is made here in order to prepare the younger generation, future generation, and that too with the cooperation of the Society, is very much commendable as well as a welcome move. I was told that you initiated a campaign to chant and write the Mantra of “MAA UMIYA SHARANAM MAMA” (Surrendering one’s self to Maa Umiya) for 51 Crore times. That itself becomes a spring of energy. And you have chosen the path of service of the public at large by surrendering yourself to Maa Umiya. And today, many of the enormous tasks of service are being commenced herewith. Maa Umiya Dham Development Project, which is a vast campaign of service, is going to be extremely useful for the upcoming generations. And hence, each one of you deserve a compliment.
But when you are providing so many opportunities to the youth and have been setting up so many Facilities for them, I would like to say one thing and the reason being, the current times have proven the importance of the Skill Development. You must associate the Skill Development with each and every aspect of your Organization. You must have thought about it. However, the need of the hour is to increase the importance of the skills. In our older times, the family set up used to have the structure so as to pass on the skill as a legacy to the next generation. Now the social fabric has changed a lot. So we will have to do this by setting up mechanism required for the same. And when the country is celebrating “AZADI KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV”; and till the time I got the chance to serve you all at Gujarat; and when now you all have given me an opportunity to serve the nation, I shall remind you my words that even during the “AZADI KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV”, we must make a firm resolution that as a society what we shall contribute towards building the country and the society, before leaving this place. It is a fact that whenever I have come to you, we have discussed a lot of things. I have sought your cooperation and companionship over so many matters. And you all have given the same.
I correctly remember that when I was running the Campaign of “BETI BACHAO” (Save the Girl Child), I came to Unjha once and I had shared so many things with all of you. I also briefed that Unjha, which is the seat of Maa Umiya Dham and where we had witnessed the steep fall in the female birth rate can be a stigma for us. At that same time, I asked a promise from you all that we need to improve this situation. Today, I am here to thank you all for accepting that challenge which slowly and gradually resulting in a situation where number of Girl Child has almost become equivalent to the Boys. You must also have felt the need of bring this change in the society. And you did it well.
Likewise, I correctly remember that when we commenced the water supply of the Narmada River under “SUJALAM SUFALAM” Scheme, I made a special request to the farmers of North Gujarat and Saurashtra Region as well as the devotees of Maa Umiya that although the water has reached, we must realize the importance of this water. For the rest of the people, “JAL EJ JEEVAN CHHE” (Water is Life) might just be another slogan. But we all knew that how we have been struggling without water. We knew the pain of wasting the days or even a year due to delayed rainfalls. Hence, we resolved to save the water. I insisted to adopt the Drip Irrigation system in the North Gujarat which was welcomed and accepted by you all. Drip Irrigation System had implemented in so many areas and which resulted in saving the water as well as good crops.
In the same way, we discussed our concern about our Mother Land. Gujarat was the first to establish the system of Soil Health Card which is now being followed in the entire nation. That was about checking the health of our Mother Land which is the source of life for all living beings. And we used to check the health of soil through the Soil Health Card System which revealed the defects, illnesses, necessities of the soil. We did all these things. However, the greed for produce, seeking quick results is all a part of human nature. And so, we started using different kinds of chemicals, fertilizers and medicines without worrying about the health of the Mother Land. Today I have come to you with a request. When we have resolved to serve Maa Umiya, we cannot forget this Mother Land. And the children of Maa Umiya have no right to forget the Mother Land. Both of them are equivalent for us. Mother Land is our life and Maa Umiya is our Spiritual Guide. And hence, I insist to all of you that we should make a timely resolution in the presence of Maa Umiya to switch to the organic farming in the North Gujarat region. Organic farming can also be termed as Zero Budget Farming. Many of us will think that Modiji does not understand the farming, still he keeps on advising. Alright, if you do not find my request as a suitable, I would suggest an alternate that if you have a farm land of 2 Acres, try doing the organic farming at least in 1 acre and for the rest of 1 acre, do it as usual. Try the same for another year. In case if you find it beneficial, then you can switch to Organic Farming for entire 2 acres. This will save the cost and shall result in a rejuvenation of our Mother Land having new life blood for our soil. You shall be doing a great work for many of the upcoming generations, I firmly believe. All of these things have been proven scientifically. I am supposed to address a gathering at a program organized by Amul Dairy on 16th December. I shall be discussing about the Organic Farming in detail over there. I again request you all to understand what the organic farming is, accept as well as adopt it and carry it forward with the blessings of Maa Umiya. And our only concern is “SABKA PRAYAAS”. “SABKA SAATH, SABKA VIKAAS, SABKA VISHWAAS” and now, “SABKA PRAYAAS”.
Similarly, you must have observed that particularly Banaskantha has witnessed a change in the crop patterns, too. Many new agricultural produce have been adopted. Look at the Kutch district. Kutch received the water and started adopting Drip Irrigation System. Today the fruits of Kutch are being exported to the foreign countries. We can do this, too. We must give a thought to it. Hence, I again insist that when today you all are commencing so many tasks in the service of Maa Umiya; and it is a fact that we worship Maa Umiya for heavenly realm; however, you have associated the service with the devotion to Maa Umiya; hence, alongside being considerate for the heavenly realm, you have been concerned about this world, too. I firmly believe that with the blessings of Maa Umiya and in order to make the current generation capable as well as to enrich their life, the new efforts and schemes that are being initiated today will surely have a notable contribution towards the development of Gujarat as well as the Nation.
At the time when the Nation is celebrating “AZADI KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV” as well as construction of the Temple of Maa Umiya, we all must proceed together with a lots of new resolutions.
Once again, many many congratulations to each & every one of you. Whenever we get a chance to meet personally, we shall discuss about the progress of the work. See you all.
India is not only a fast-growing economy, but also a credible one: PM Modi
June 22, 2026
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India is not only a fast-growing economy, but also a credible one: PM
Along with being a rising power, India is also a reliable power: PM
For India, Nation First is the highest guiding principle: PM
Maoist terror is breathing its last in India: PM
The shift in mindset from "this can never be done" to "this will be done" is India's greatest achievement: PM
The government is empowering the poor and middle-class: PM
The collective efforts of 140 crore Indians will realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat: PM
Swar Sadhana, Manokamana, Aradhana - after such an auspicious beginning, it would have been wonderful if your program had continued. Greetings to all of you.
I extend my regards to all viewers of Republic TV Network, which now broadcasts in many languages. I also welcome all companions who have come to participate in this summit. In 24-hour news channels, breaking news holds great importance. And nowadays, if you look anywhere in the world, the entire world seems to be in breaking news mode. Amidst such hustle and bustle, you are hosting and participating in this summit, and therefore you deserve special congratulations. This time, your theme of discussion is equally significant: Great Power India: Nation First.
Friends,
Our scriptures say: Yato Dharmastato Jayah! - meaning, the root of victory and strength is Dharma. And Dharma means duty, Dharma means justice, Dharma means equality, Dharma means dialogue, Dharma means compassion. This very essence is embedded in the spirit of Nation First. India views its power through this lens, weighing it on this scale.
Friends,
India has another unique quality, which the world has now acknowledged. We are not a nation that reacts hastily to momentary events. We are a nation that has witnessed both development and destruction, endured them as well. We are a nation with the memory chip of ages embedded in our consciousness - a nation with the memory chip of millennia. That is why what India is doing today - and I say this with full responsibility - what India is doing today will write the future of the next thousand years. This is India’s greatest guarantee to the world. India is not only a fast-growing economy, it is also a credible economy. Alongside being a rising power - and you even stretched the dictionary to call it a superpower - I would certainly say that India is a reliable power. Just a few days ago, I returned from the G7 Summit, and every leader, every country understands very well that for today’s India, Nation First is the greatest mantra, the highest principle.
Friends,
Just a few days ago, our government completed 12 years. Arnab even compelled you to clap for that. If you weigh the achievements of the past twelve years, you will find that at the core of every decision, every step, every effort lies the spirit of Nation First. From the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to Make in India, from emphasizing khadi to encouraging local products - all these initiatives succeeded because the people of the country placed the nation above all and fulfilled their duty. I salute the citizens of this country.
Friends,
Here with us is our companion, Shri Sridhar Vembu ji. When our entrepreneurs walk with the spirit of Nation First, when they set their goals by understanding the needs of the nation, institutions are built and the country prospers. I don’t know how much has been discussed here about Shri Vembu ji’s work, but recently I went to VivaTech in France. There were nearly 1.5 to 2 lakh young people there. As I and the President of France walked through different stalls to see the innovations of the youth, we came to the Zoho stall. I was astonished and filled with pride to see the crowd of European youth gathered there, eager to understand what this new creation was. Perhaps in India it is not discussed as much, but what I saw in France was remarkable. Congratulations to you.
Friends,
The impact of Nation First in government policy and decisions can be seen in our tribal regions. I am not here to deliver philosophy, but let me share a few light examples so you can understand how work happens. I speak of tribal areas - a population of more than 100 million, the tribal society. We all know that for decades, Maoist terror had entrenched itself there. Even in the 21st century, these terrorists did not allow a single facility to reach those areas. No government vehicle could pass through; they would be riddled with bullets. Many governments came and went, generations passed, and it seemed this misfortune of violence would remain forever. You can imagine - between 2004 and 2014, in those ten years, due to Maoist terror, more than 17,000 violent incidents occurred, and nearly 7,000 lives were lost.
Friends,
For you, today’s headline or half-hour TV debate might be that Maoist terrorism has ended. But things don’t happen like that. It requires immense effort, and that is why I want to explain. Nowadays, some people keep waving the Constitution, but when they were in government, in Naxal-affected areas, even uttering the word “Constitution” could get you shot. At that time, they sat silently, their hands trembling, unable to hold up the Constitution. The Congress was hardly affected by that painful situation.
Friends,
After 2014, we moved forward with the spirit of Nation First to change the situation. We did not just talk, we did not just announce, we acted. We resolved to uproot Naxalism-Maoism completely, and today the whole country can see the result. Maoist terrorism in India is now counting its final breaths.
And friends,
Often the final outcome is so vast and significant that the hard work behind it goes unnoticed. I want to especially tell Republic TV viewers about this.
Friends,
In those Naxal-affected areas where even going out in daylight would terrify ordinary people - fearing abduction, extortion, or looting - where even speaking of development was impossible, we advanced with a pledge of progress. In the past 12 years, our government has built more than 12,000 kilometers of roads in such regions. Many times, our construction equipment was burned, contractors were chased away. If 25 people worked on a road, 200 police personnel had to guard them so the work could continue. We did all this because we had resolved to do it.
Friends,
We built more than 9,500 mobile towers. Earlier, even one tower could not be installed, and if installed, it would be destroyed. Because they always wanted to fuel anger. We brought mobile connectivity to nearly 45,000 villages. In Naxal-affected districts, more than 1,800 bank branches were opened. Around 75,000 banking correspondents and more than 6,000 new post offices were established. We did not rely only on bombs, guns, and bullets, friends - we invested every ounce of strength given by God to win hearts.
Friends,
With firm resolve, we went into Naxal-affected areas to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of ordinary people. You will be astonished - a notorious Naxalite, with a bounty of crores on his head, his mother received a ration card from us for the first time. Her son never allowed her to get one, because he wanted to run his terror regime. There are countless such incidents. I was shocked. And the government of that time sat silently, blind to the Constitution. But the result of all these efforts was a new wave of trust among the people. Today, look at Bastar - instead of bombs and guns, Bastar Olympics are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Two editions have already been held. In the first, more than 1.5 lakh youth participated, and in the second, nearly 4 lakh youth joined. Where once there was terror, now talent is finding opportunity, and sports are flourishing.
Friends,
One of the greatest achievements of these 12 years of service has been building an India filled with hope and aspiration, rising out of despair.
Friends,
Naxalism may have been concentrated in certain areas, but its pain was felt across every corner of India. And when news began to spread that Naxalism was ending, the sense of trust was not limited to those affected regions - it spread across the entire nation. In the ten years before 2014, under the Congress government, the discontent was not only about governance. The despair was far deeper. The nation had lost hope. People felt nothing could change, nothing could improve.
Friends,
In the past 12 years, India has transformed despair into hope, and this gives me the greatest satisfaction. Today, everyone feels that with a little more effort, things can be achieved. Gone are the days when the only refrain was “It cannot happen, it cannot happen.” That era has passed. Today, the spirit is “It will happen.” This new confidence is India’s true achievement, and this is real power. Challenges remain, and they always will. Challenges are shape-shifters, appearing in new forms. But whatever form they take, we will fight and we will win. When the nation moves forward with the belief that “it can be done and we will do it,” dreams are fulfilled.
Friends,
I want to speak here about more than 100 districts and over 500 blocks in India. These were left behind on every parameter of development, and earlier governments had stamped them as “backward districts” and “backward areas.” We lifted these vast regions out of the despair of backwardness and ignited aspirations for development. First, we changed their identity. We said these are “aspirational districts,” these are “aspirational blocks.” We created programs for aspirational districts and aspirational blocks, and the government began working meticulously on every parameter of development. In each district, we identified three aspects to overcome, in others six aspects, and focused efforts began. Today, these aspirational districts and blocks are driving the overall growth of states. Earlier, they dragged growth backward. These districts had large populations living in poverty and deprivation. In recent years, 250 million poor people have defeated poverty, and aspirational districts have played a major role in this.
Friends,
We see that when one person is cured of illness, it is not just that individual who recovers - the whole family feels relief. Similarly, when a son or daughter achieves something, it is not just their achievement, but the entire family is filled with pride and confidence. In the same way, when someone rises out of poverty, the entire society benefits, the nation benefits. When 250 million people have come out of poverty and entered the neo-middle class, the benefit is not limited to those families. The middle class also gains, because these are new consumers who drive the economy, ultimately creating opportunities for the middle class. Thus, poverty reduction is not merely a matter of welfare - it is a story of expanding opportunities, a source of new aspirations.
Friends,
The vast middle class that has emerged in the country over the past 12 years has been a major priority for the government. For the ease of living of the middle class, the government has worked at every level. Take the dream of owning a home. Every middle-class family desires to have their own house. In 2014, if a family wanted to buy a home, home loans came with double-digit interest rates. Today, loans are available from banks at 7–8 percent interest. Earlier, getting a loan was like winning a war, requiring immense effort. Today, it is possible from the comfort of one’s home. Here in Delhi-NCR, people know how thousands of urban middle-class homes were stuck incomplete. Families had paid their life savings to builders, who showed glossy pamphlets and dreams, but the houses were never delivered. Families had to pay rent while waiting endlessly for their homes. It was a terrible situation. To complete these stalled projects, we created a special fund of ₹25,000 crore. You will be glad to know that nearly 60,000 long-delayed homes have now been delivered across the country.
Friends,
Another aspect that affects daily life is connectivity and transport. Today, if you look at social media, tourists from around the world are amazed by our metro system.
Friends,
In 2014, about 2.8 million people traveled daily by metro. Today, nearly 12.8 million people travel by metro every day. Now, high-speed trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are connecting the nation. With better roads and highways, not only is time saved, but vehicle maintenance costs have also reduced. In recent years, the number of airports has doubled. This has given the middle class in many smaller cities the opportunity to fly for the first time.
Friends,
In the past 12 years, India has not only increased the earnings of the middle class but also their savings. In 2013–14, income up to about ₹2 lakh was taxable, and the middle class bore that burden. Today, income up to ₹12 lakh is tax-free. In other words, tax-free income has multiplied several times.
Friends,
GST reforms have also brought great convenience to the middle class. Filing taxes has become easier, saving both time and money. Income tax returns can now be filed from home, and even settlement issues are handled in a faceless manner.
Friends,
A major expense for middle-class families is treatment for diabetes and other lifestyle-related conditions. At Jan Aushadhi Kendras, such medicines are available at an 80 percent discount. If earlier you spent ₹1,000, today you spend only ₹200, saving ₹800. Over the years, this has resulted in savings of nearly ₹40,000 crore for countless families. Another significant portion of the middle-class budget goes toward healthcare for the elderly. Today, every citizen above 70 years of age is entitled to free treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
Friends,
It is human nature to forget past difficulties when conveniences become routine. Earlier, you paid tax on ₹2 lakh income; now, up to ₹12 lakh is tax-free. Yet applause comes only when reminded. On the other hand, if a bus or train is delayed, complaints pour in. This is the most vocal class.
Friends,
As I said, people forget old troubles. You may not even remember the difficulties once faced in getting a driving license or passport. Earlier, it was a struggle. Today, obtaining a driving license is easier, and passports are usually issued within three days.
Friends,
I know the way our government works has raised people’s aspirations. Once a demand is met, people immediately seek something better, something upgraded. If earlier the demand was for a new road, once built, the next question is: when will the metro arrive? Earlier, expectations were that trains should arrive on time and provide clean seating. Today, the demand is: why isn’t Vande Bharat running on our route?
Friends,
Some see this as dissatisfaction, but it is aspiration. In fact, even the Congress party constantly says, “Modi ji, this should happen, that should happen.” They trust that if anyone can deliver, it is this government.
Friends,
Aspirations arise only where people believe dreams can be fulfilled. This is the aspiration of India’s youth, poor, and middle class. Today, it is the driving energy of BJP-NDA governments.
Friends,
On one side, a large section of the nation is aspirational. On the other side, there is a political group whose life mantra has become “Always Against.” This group is filled with chronic dissatisfaction. Let me share some symptoms so Republic TV viewers can recognize them. They will say, “Why doesn’t this place have 24-hour electricity?” But the next day, they protest against dams, solar parks, thermal plants, or nuclear projects. One day they ask why there is no electricity, the next day they oppose power generation. These are the same people who once opposed mineral mining, but today ask where India’s rare earth mineral reserves and supply chains are, and why India doesn’t have an EV ecosystem like other countries. They once debated “data versus flour,” but now demand to know what India has done in AI. In one breath, they say AI should have advanced further, and in the next, they oppose data centers and semiconductor plants, listing endless drawbacks on social media, TV debates, and newspapers.
Friends,
These people bring up corruption indices from around the world to put India in the dock. Their ecosystem’s media amplifies it 24/7. But when action is taken against corruption, they are the first to cry foul, claiming raids and investigations are harassment. They question why action is taken now, why not then, why against A and not B. This is their game.
Friends,
It is vital for the nation to understand their character. Especially our youth, and Gen Z in particular, must recognize them quickly. Otherwise, as I say, “Suryavanshi has arrived,” and he explains swiftly.
Friends,
These people claim the armed forces lack freedom and weapons. But when the government makes a defense deal or buys modern arms, they are the first to question why. They challenge India’s diplomacy worldwide, but when India builds infrastructure projects for diplomacy and security, they protest loudly.
Friends,
At this crucial juncture, India must identify such people, understand their flawed arguments, and remain alert. Unfortunately, today the main opposition party, Congress, has been taken over by such elements. To imagine Congress speaking of Nation First, as it did in Gandhi ji’s time, is now a false dream.
Friends,
The world today is challenging old paradigms, and the scale of disruption is immense. But these challenges also bring new opportunities. Every youth, entrepreneur, innovator, and startup in India must focus on these opportunities. The government, with the spirit of Nation First, stands fully with the people. India is now riding the Reform Express. This momentum will only accelerate. From this Republic TV platform, I say again: our dreams are vast, and our efforts will be equally immense. The collective endeavor of 1.4 billion Indians will build a developed India. And I assure you, you will see this developed India with your own eyes. It will not be left for future generations to wait. With this confidence, I once again extend my best wishes to Republic TV, its viewers, and all of you. Thank you very much!
