CM attends Bihar Centennial Celebration at Surat

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tribal guests and Tableaux Artists who would be a part of the upcoming Republic Day parade at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg yesterday (24 Jan 2025). During the interaction, many participants expressed their joy of meeting the Prime Minister in person, to which the PM replied that “this demonstrates the strength of Indian Democracy”.

Interacting with a participant from Munger, Bihar, the PM extended his respects to the land of Munger, acknowledging that Munger is renowned worldwide for yoga and now the entire world is embracing yoga.

Another participant said that initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission and National Health Mission have not only contributed to the country's progress but have also attracted the youth. She added that everyone was drawn to the Prime Minister like a magnet, and it was a matter of great pride for the nation to have a Prime Minister with such a personality. Shri Modi emphasized that if 140 crore Indians resolve to maintain cleanliness, then India will always remain Swachh.

Another participant from Odisha asked Shri Modi, the actual definition of success, to which he remarked that one should never accept failure. He highlighted that those who accept failure never achieve success, but those who learn from it reach the pinnacle. The Prime Minister emphasized that one should never fear failure, but rather have the spirit to learn from it and those who learn from failure ultimately reach the top.

Upon being asked by a participant what keeps him motivated and energetic, the Prime Minister remarked “Meeting young people like you gives me energy and inspiration”. He highlighted that when he thinks of the farmers in the country, he realizes how many hours they work; when he remembers the soldiers, he reflects on how many hours they stand guard at the borders. The Prime Minister emphasized that everyone works very hard, and if we observe and try to live like them, we feel that we don't have the right to rest either. He noted that as they fulfill their duties with such dedication, the 140 crore citizens of the country have also entrusted him with duties to fulfill.

The Prime Minister remarked that the habit of waking up early was very beneficial in life. He shared that being an NCC cadet in the past and the habit of waking up early during camps had taught him discipline. The Prime Minister highlighted that even today, his habit of waking up early is a valuable asset, allowing him to complete many tasks before the world wakes up. He encouraged everyone to maintain the habit of waking up early, as it will be very useful to them.

On the topic of learning from great personalities, the Prime Minister shared that we need to learn from everyone, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from great leaders of the past and applying those lessons to serve the nation today.

The Prime Minister asked a participant about her learnings from others during the Republic Day program preparations, to which she replied that building friendships and interacting with various participants and blending together to form a unified India. She added that it has also taught a lot about making adjustments of every kind. Shri Modi was pleased when it was shared by a young participant from a Kashmiri Pandit family that being in the program has taught her to be self-independent. She highlighted that despite never having done household chores before, learning to manage everything independently here has been a significant experience. She emphasized that once she returns home, she will help her mother with the household work alongside her studies.

The Prime Minister was deeply touched when it was shared by a young participant that one of the most important lessons learned here is that family is not only composed of those who live with us at home, but also included the people here – friends and seniors – all forming a big family. The participant emphasized that this is a valuable lesson that will always be remembered. Shri Modi remarked that embracing the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat" as a significant learning from this experience.

Upon being asked by Shri Modi to the participants about their selection or non - selection in the upcoming Republic Day Parade, a participant replied that selection or non-selection was a different matter, but making an effort is a significant achievement in itself. Shri Modi then emphasized that the most important thing is to give your best, regardless of the outcome.

Prime Minister highlighted to the participants, who have spent a month here, that they were able to video conference with their friends and family because of Technology and Digital India which was leading us to Viksit Bharat. He emphasized that there are very few countries around the world that have data as affordable as it is in India. He added that as a result, even the poorest in the country can comfortably talk to their loved ones via video conference. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi asked how many people use UPI and digital payments, remarking that the new generation seems to hardly carry cash in their pockets.

Upon being asked by Shri Modi about what valuable aspects the participants gained from NCC which they didn't have before, a participant replied punctuality, time management and leadership. Another participant highlighted that the most important lesson learned from NCC was public service, such as organizing blood donation camps and maintaining cleanliness in the surroundings. Highlighting the MY Bharat or Mera Yuva Bharat platform run by the Government of India, PM remarked that over three crore young men and women have registered on this platform. He emphasized that the participants had made significant contributions, including debates on a developed India, quiz competitions, essay writing, and speech contests. He noted that around 30 lakh people across the country were involved in these activities. Shri Modi urged the participants to register in the MY Bharat portal soon.

Discussing the goal set by India and Indians to make Bharat a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, the Prime Minister remarked that if 140 crore citizens resolve to do something positive, achieving the goal will not be difficult. He emphasized, “By fulfilling our duties, we can become a significant force in building a developed India”.

Asking the participants that who among us loves our mothers deeply and who loves Mother Earth just as much, Shri Modi stressed that a program ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ that expresses reverence for both our mothers and Mother Earth. He urged everyone to plant a tree in their mother's name and ensure it never dries up. He added that the first beneficiary of this act will be Mother Earth.

Interacting with a participant from Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Modi highlighted that the unique feature of Arunachal Pradesh was it is where the first rays of the sun reach India. He mentioned that in Arunachal Pradesh, people greet each other with "Jai Hind" instead of "Ram Ram" or "Namaste." The Prime Minister encouraged everyone to experience the diversity, art, natural beauty, and love of the people in Arunachal Pradesh. He urged people to visit the entire region of Ashtalakshmi, including Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya, mentioning that there is so much to see that even two or three months may not be enough.

Prime Minister asked the participants if there was any work done by the unit that has been widely recognized in their area while working with the NSS team. Sharing his experience, a participant from Jharkhand said that one notable effort involved helping the Mahiri community in Dumka, known for crafting bamboo items. He added that the community faced challenges as their products were only sold seasonally. He said that the unit identified such artisans and connected them with factories that manufacture incense sticks (agarbatti). The Prime Minister highlighted that the forests in Agartala, Tripura produce agar wood, known for its unique and pleasant fragrance. He mentioned that the oil extracted from these trees is highly valuable and among the most expensive oils in the world. He added that the rich aroma of agar has led to the tradition of making incense sticks (agarbatti) with this fragrance.

Shri Modi highlighted the government's GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal. He encouraged educated youth to help local artisans and producers register their products on the portal. The Prime Minister explained that by listing products and prices, there is a possibility that the government might place orders for those items, enabling swift transactions. He shared his vision of making 3 crore women from self-help groups (SHGs) in villages become "Lakhpati Didis" and noted that their numbers have already reached 1.3 crore. A participant shared that his mother learned sewing, and now makes traditional Chaniyas worn during Navratri. He added that these chaniyas were even exported abroad. He added that this sets an inspiring example and emphasized that the "Lakhpati Didi" program can play a crucial role in building a developed India.

The Prime Minister was pleased to hear from a participant from Nepal, who expressed excitement about visiting India and meeting him. She also took a moment to thank the Prime Minister for the unconditional hospitality extended to her. Another participant from Mauritius said that on the eve of their departure, the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius met with them and encouraged them to visit India, referring to it as their "second home." The Prime Minister emphasized that India is not only their second home but also the first home of their forefathers.

The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya were present among other dignitaries during the event.