Asia is at the crossroads of a very special moment in the history of humanity: PM Modi
All Asian civilizations had had a common value system which could avoid conflicts among humans & between humans and nature: PM
Conflict avoidance based on harmonizing the diversity of humans is inherent in Asian democracy as its basic value: PM Narendra Modi
Our democratic approach is founded on consensus, says Prime Minister Modi
Our idea of democracy is founded on values which recognize the space of not only humans but also of nature: PM Narendra Modi

Following is the transcript of video message of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi for the Tokyo meet on January 19, 2016:

I am delighted that the Tokyo Foundation is hosting a conclave on the theme of “Asian Values and Democracy” on January 19 as follow-up of the conclave held by Vivekananda International Foundation in Delhi last year.

The theme of the two-day conference held in Delhi in September 2015 was “Conflict Avoidance and Environmental Consciousness” from the Hindu Buddhist civilizational perspective.

It is universally accepted that this century belongs to Asia. Asia is at the crossroads of a very special moment in the history of humanity. This is a continent bustling with energy, enthusiasm and exuberance, driven by the dynamism of a youthful population that is constantly innovating.

All Asian civilizations, Indic, Shinto, or Dao, had had a common value system which could avoid conflicts among humans and between humans and nature-- the conflict among states being different. That common value system recognizes, accepts and even celebrates diversity among humans. This is what leads to conflict avoidance as it is founded on harmony in diversity. Conflict avoidance based on harmonizing the diversity of humans is inherent in Asian democracy as its basic value.

Our idea of democracy is not just a game of numbers mediated by the rules of majority and minority as it happens in numerical democracies. Our democratic approach is founded on consensus. It does not rest on the idea of rights alone but also includes duties. The Indian constitution provides for moral fundamental duties of individuals towards one another and to the creation which sustains us all.

Our idea of democracy is founded on values which recognize the space of not only humans but also of nature -- animals and plants -- which incorporates the principles of environment.

The inclusion of nature and environment makes our life and approach less anthropocentric and more eco-centric.

Great Indian thinkers like Maharishi Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore have envisioned Asian unity in this higher sense of the term.

I am sure that with its theme of Asian Values and Democracy, the Tokyo Conclave will enable India and Japan to expand articulate and include the concepts of conflict avoidance and environmental consciousness as integral to our larger democratic framework.

With this I wish the Tokyo Conclave all success. I send my heartiest congratulations to the Tokyo Foundation and the Japanese government for having organized this meeting.

Thank you.

Explore More
140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day

Popular Speeches

140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day
India's financial ecosystem booms, to become $1 trillion digital economy by 2028

Media Coverage

India's financial ecosystem booms, to become $1 trillion digital economy by 2028
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Cabinet approves and announces Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for 78 days to railway employees
October 03, 2024

In recognition of the excellent performance by the Railway staff, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved payment of PLB of 78 days for Rs. 2028.57 crore to 11,72,240 railway employees.

The amount will be paid to various categories, of Railway staff like Track maintainers, Loco Pilots, Train Managers (Guards), Station Masters, Supervisors, Technicians, Technician Helpers, Pointsman, Ministerial staff and other Group C staff. The payment of PLB acts as an incentive to motivate the railway employees for working towards improvement in the performance of the Railways.

Payment of PLB to eligible railway employees is made each year before the Durga Puja/ Dusshera holidays. This year also, PLB amount equivalent to 78 days' wages is being paid to about 11.72 lakh non-gazetted Railway employees.

The maximum amount payable per eligible railway employee is Rs.17,951/- for 78 days. The above amount will be paid to various categories, of Railway staff like Track maintainers, Loco Pilots, Train Managers (Guards), Station Masters, Supervisors, Technicians, Technician Helpers, Pointsman, Ministerial staff and other Group 'C staff.

The performance of Railways in the year 2023-2024 was very good. Railways loaded a record cargo of 1588 Million Tonnes and carried nearly 6.7 Billion Passengers.

Many factors contributed to this record performance. These include improvement in infrastructure due to infusion of record Capex by the Government in Railways, efficiency in operations and better technology etc.