Towards a safe and secure India

Published By : Admin | March 10, 2014 | 13:12 IST

What happens when…

Those who set out to defend India are beheaded?

An innocent fisherman who goes out to catch fish does not come back with fish, but what comes back is his dead body?

Foreign powers arm-twist the world’s largest democracy for their selfish interests?

Welcome to the India of 2014. Gone are the days when India conducted Nuclear Tests in Pokhran under the leadership of Shri AtalBihari Vajpayee, overcoming foreign pressure and economic sanctions. Gone are the days when a Prime Minister got a neighbouring country to its knees in the Summer of 1999, when intruders entered the Indian territory, and following which India gave a fitting response.

Today’s India is different. A Jawan goes to the border but his wife does not know whether he will come back alive or not. A fisherman goes out to catch fish but his little children don’t know whether they will see their father alive or will two foreigners come and brutally kill him.

Here is a Government whose Foreign Minister first calls Chinese incursions ‘minor acne’ and then says he would not mind settling in Beijing. Here is a Government whose Defence Minister, on being asked whether Pakistan beheaded our Jawans, says - they may have been terrorists dressed in Pakistan uniform.

We have a Government that has all the time to misuse official machinery to target political opponents but has no time to give a fitting answer to terrorists and Maoists. Pakistan gives us humiliation but we give its leaders delicious Chicken Biryani. Smaller nations like Maldives and Sri Lanka raise fingers at us but those in Delhi are in glorious slumber.

India wants to break free from this humiliation. India wants to be a global trendsetter, continuing its centuries-old-tradition of living in harmony with the world, and at the same time it wants its self-respect and dignity firmly protected.

Towards a safe and secure India

After a dark decade of despondency and helplessness, India awaits a ray of hope and that ray of hope is Narendra Modi.

Ballot, not the Bullet: A firm message to Maoists

Time and again, Shri Narendra Modi has stated that there is no place for the bullet in our democracy and that youngsters inspired by Maoism should leave their guns and embrace the pen and the plough to create better lives for themselves and for society. India must be coloured by the colours of progress, not the colour of blood.

The UPA’s response towards Maoism has been tepid at best and confused in spirit. The result is that a handful people have been able to create disturbances among the forest areas, causing inconvenience to people.

The wonderful work done by BJP Chief Ministers in states with significant tribal population (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) suggests how good and inclusive governance harnesses aspirations and mitigates the fears of the tribal communities. It is the NDA and Shri Modi that can provide a pro-people solution to the Maoist problem.

Zero Tolerance to Terrorism

A NDA government would ensure that there is no tolerance with terrorist activity on Indian soil. It was Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Government that had introduced POTA, keeping in mind the national security requirements. Shri Modi is determined to ensure that people of India don’t have to suffer the evils of terrorism but will taste the fruits of development.

Sending back of illegal immigrants of Bangladesh

Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has become a major concern in parts of Eastern and Northeastern India. To make matters worse, illegal immigration from the border has been encouraged by vested political interests only to fill their ballot boxes. The sufferers in this are the people of the Northeast, whose resources and rights are being snatched away.

The Prime Minister has represented Assam for over two decades now but he has done nothing to solve this problem. Today, the people are seeing a ray of hope in Shri Narendra Modi, who has called for the sending back of illegal migrants to Bangladesh.

Similarly, he has spoken out against the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and said that India needs to welcome them in a way that each state embraces a few Hindus from Bangladesh so that there is no strain on the resources of only one particular state. In the era of compromising national security for votebank politics, this is a whiff of fresh air.

Becoming Self-Sufficient in Defence Production

From Bofors to Augusta Chopper Scam, it is amply clear that the ways and means of the Congress Party are not going to change. Defence deals are not seen as ways to strengthen the nation but are seen as a method to enrich the pockets of a select few.

Narendra Modi has repeatedly given the solution to this- become totally self-sufficient in defence production. Our nation has all the talent, what is needed is rock-solid determination and the will to move in this direction. Shri Modi will leave no stone unturned to ensure that India becomes self-sufficient in defence production so that the pride and honour of the nation is not auctioned to the highest bidder and so that we can give a strong answer to anti-national forces.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

If you go by track record, then Shri Modi’s actions demonstrate the steps he would take to ensure the safety and well-being of Indians across the world.

In 2011, Shri Modi had sought a speedy trial for diamond workers who were stranded in China. Shri Modi’s efforts bore fruit as China did release some of the traders, who were then able to breathe the air of freedom in their own Motherland. Similarly, it was Shri Narendra Modi who took up the cause of the Indian workers stuck in Angola, even as the Centre remained indifferent.

When an Indian diplomat was ill-treated in USA, Shri Modi refused to meet a USA delegation and raised the issue with the American Ambassador during their meeting.

Believer in Global Peace and Co-operation

Shri Modi believes that for India to grow and reach its destined role as the world leader, India must engage with the world and keep up with changing trends. That explains why Gujarat has forged successful relationships with several nations across the world.

He himself has visited China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, African countries and Switzerland to name a few. Likewise, Ambassadors from Asia, Europe, USA, Canada, South America and Australia have visited Gandhinagar and met Shri Modi. The real gainers of these initiatives are the people,who benefit from the investments, trade exchanges etc.

Therefore, through his actions and proven track record, Shri Modi promises a proactive India, committed to global peace, tolerance and at the same time an India that will never bow down to any other nation. India’s security won’t be compromised, soldiers won’t be killed, and killers of poor fishermen won’t be spared. Thus, India will engage with the world, but on its own terms, protecting the dignity and honour of its billion people.

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Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar Ji
Members of the Cabinet,
All the Dignitaries present today,
Members of the Indian diaspora,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Namaskar !
Seeta Ram !
Jai Shri Ram !

Can you mark something… what a coincidence!

It is a matter of immense pride and joy for me to be with all of you this evening. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Ji for her wonderful hospitality and kind words.

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I arrived a short while ago in this beautiful land of Humming Birds.And, my very first engagement is with the Indian community here. It feels completely natural. After all, we are part of one family. I thank you for your warmth and affection.

Friends,

I know the story of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence.

They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in their hearts. They left their soil, but not their soul. They were not just migrants. They were messengers of a timeless civilization. Their contributions have benefitted this country - culturally, economically and spiritually. Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji - as the first woman Prime Minister of this country. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo Ji - as the female President. Late Shri Basdeo Pandey, the son of a farmer, rose to become Prime Minister and a respected global leader. Eminent math scholar Rudranath Capildeo, Music Icon Sundar Popo, Cricketing talent Daren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, whose devotion built the Temple in the Sea. The list of achievers goes on.

You, the children of Girmitiyas, are not defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by your success, your service, and your values. Honestly, there must be something magical in the "doubles” and "dal poori” — because you have doubled the success of this great nation!

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Friends,

When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who ignite the same excitement in the hearts of our youth. Between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger.

Benaras, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi may be cities in India. But they are also names of streets here. Navratra, Mahashivratri, Janmasthmi are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chowtal and Baithak Gana continue to thrive here.

I can see the warmth of many familiar faces. And I see curiosity in the bright eyes of a younger generation - keen to know and grow together. Truly, our bonds go well beyond geography and generations.

Friends,

I know of your deep faith in Prabhu Shri Ram.

एक सौ अस्सी साल बीतल हो, मन न भुलल हो, भजन राम के, हर दिल में गूंजल हो ।

The Ram-Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village are said to be truly unique. Shri Ram Charit Manas says,

राम धामदा पुरी सुहावनि।
लोक समस्त बिदित अति पावनि।।

It means, the sacred city of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is spread across the world. I am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy.

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We remember, you had sent holy water and Shilas for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. It is my honour to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the river Sarayu in Ayodhya.

जन्मभूमि मम पुरी सुहावनि ।
उत्तर दिसि बह सरजू पावनि ।।
जा मज्जन ते बिनहिं प्रयासा ।
मम समीप नर पावहिं बासा ।।

Prabhu Shri Ram says that the glory of Ayodhya springs from the holy Sarayu. Whoever takes a dip in its water, finds eternal union with Shri Ram himself.

सरयू जी और पवित्र संगम का ये जल, आस्था का अमृत है। ये वो प्रवाहमान धारा है, जो हमारे मूल्यों को...हमारे संस्कारों को हमेशा जीवंत रखती है।

You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Maha Kumbh also with me. I request Kamla ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu River and Maha Kumbh to the Ganga Dhara here. May these holy waters bless the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Friends,

We deeply value the strength and support of our diaspora. With over 35 million people spread across the world, the Indian diaspora is our pride. As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot – an Ambassador of India’s values, culture and heritage.

This year, when we hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Her Excellency President Christine Carla Kangaloo ji was our Chief Guest. A few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji had honoured us with her presence.

At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world. We are mapping the past and bringing people closer for a bright future. We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya Community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well.

Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India looks out you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you.

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Friends,

प्रधानमंत्री कमला जी के पूर्वज बिहार के बक्सर में रहा करते थे। कमला जी वहां जाकर भी आई हैं.... लोग इन्हें बिहार की बेटी मानते हैं

People in India consider Prime Minister Kamla ji as the daughter of Bihar.

यहां उपस्थित अनेक लोगों के पूर्वज बिहार से ही आए थे। बिहार की विरासत... भारत के साथ ही दुनिया का भी गौरव है। लोकतंत्र हो, राजनीति हो, कूटनीति हो, हायर एजुकेशन हो...बिहार ने सदियों पहले दुनिया को ऐसे अनेक विषयों में नई दिशा दिखाई थी। मुझे विश्वास है, 21वीं सदी की दुनिया के लिए भी बिहार की धरती से, नई प्रेरणाएं, नए अवसर निकलेंगे।

Like Kamla ji, there are many people here whose roots lie in Bihar. The heritage of Bihar is a matter of pride for all of us.

Friends,

I am sure everyone among you feels proud when India grows. For New India, even the sky is not the limit. You all must have cheered when India’s Chandrayaan landed on the moon. The place where it landed, we have named it Shiv Shakti point.

You must have also heard the news recently. An Indian astronaut is on board the International Space Station even as we speak. We are now working on a manned space mission – Gaganyaan. The time is not far when an Indian will walk on the moon and India will have its own space station.

हम अब तारों को सिर्फ गिनते नहीं हैं...आदित्य मिशन के रूप में...उनके पास तक जाने का प्रयास करते हैं।हमारे लिए अब चंदा मामा दूर के नहीं हैं ।हम अपनी मेहनत से असंभव को भी संभव बना रहे हैं।

India’s achievements in space are not just ours. We are sharing its fruits with the rest of the world.

Friends,

India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies of the world. The fruits of India’s growth and progress are reaching the most needy.

भारत ने दिखाया है कि गरीबों को सशक्त करके... Empower करके... गरीबी को हराया जा सकता है। पहली बार करोड़ों लोगों में विश्वास जागा है, कि भारत गरीबी से मुक्त हो सकता है।

The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India’s growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth.

Today, India is the third largest startup hub in the world. Nearly half of these startups also have women as directors. Nearly 120 startups have got unicorn status. National missions for AI, Semiconductor and Quantum computing are becoming the new engines of growth. In a way, innovation is becoming a mass movement.

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments. Nearly 50% of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India. I congratulate Trinidad & Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now sending money will be as easy as sending a ‘good morning’ text message! And I promise, it will be faster than West Indies bowling.

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Friends,

Our Mission Manufacturing is working to make India a manufacturing hub. We have become the world’s second largest mobile manufacturer. We are exporting railway locomotives to the world.

Our defence exports have increased 20-fold in just the last decade. We are not just making in India. We are making for the world. As we grow, we are ensuring that it is of mutual benefit to the world.

Friends,

Today’s India is a land of opportunities. Whether it is business, tourism, education, or healthcare, India has a lot to offer.

Your ancestors took a long and difficult journey, over a 100 days across the seas, to reach here – Saat Samandar Par! Today, that same journey takes just a few hours. I encourage you all to visit India more, in person, not just virtually on social media!

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Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children, bring your neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys chai and a good story. We will welcome you all – with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi!

With these words, I thank you all once again for the love and affection you have shown to me.

I specially thank Prime Minister Kamla Ji for honouring me with your highest national award.

बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद.

Namaskar !
Sita Ram !
Jai Shri Ram !