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TRANSCRIPT
The
Republican Ethic
President Ram Nath KovindSelected Speeches Vol. II
(July 2018 - July 2019)
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CONTENTS
I. ADDRESSING THE NATION
1. FOSTERING A COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING LIVES 3
Address to the Na�on on the eve of India's 72nd Independence day at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on August 14, 2018
2. ACHIEVING THE REPUBLIC'S VISION: COMMITMENT TO LIBERTY, FRATERNITY AND EQUALITY 9
Address to the Na�on on the eve of the 70th Republic Day in New Delhi on January 25, 2019
3. MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA 13
Address at the joint si�ng of the Parliament on January 31, 2019
4. CITIZENS' GOVERNMENT 33
Address at the joint si�ng of both houses of the Parliament in New Delhi on June 20, 2019
II. WINDOW TO THE WORLD
5. CELEBRATING THE VOYAGE OF BUDDHISM 55
Address at the inaugura�on of the 6th Interna�onal Buddhist Conclave in New Delhi on August 23, 2018
6. ASSIMILATING TO CONTRIBUTE: INDIAN DIASPORA IN CYPRUS 58
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi on the occasion of the ceremony organised by the Indian Diaspora in Cyprus on September 2, 2018
7. INDIA WITH CYPRUS AND CYPRUS WITH INDIA 62
Address at the House of Representa�ves of Cyprus in Cyprus on September 3, 2018
8. YOUTH, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN A RAPIDLY EVOLVING WORLD 66
Address at the University of Cyprus on “Youth, Technology and Ideas: Shaping the Contours of the 21st Century” in Cyprus on September 4, 2018
9. IN PURSUIT OF A CLOSER RELATION: BULGARIA AND INDIA 70
Address at Sofia University in Sofia on September 5, 2018
10. INDIA AND BULGARIA: TIME TESTED FRIENDS 75
Address at the India-Bulgaria Business Forum in Sofia on September 5, 2018
11. BOOSTING TRADE BETWEEN INDIA AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC 78
Address at the India-Czech Business Forum in Prague on September 7, 2018
12. SERVICE TO A LANGUAGE 81
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi on the occasion of the 11th World Hindi Conference in New Delhi on September 17, 2018
13. PARTNERSHIP FOR POSTERITY 84
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Indian Community and Friends of India Recep�on in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on October 7, 2018
14. NURTURING THE SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY ANDINCLUSIVENESS TO COUNTER RADICALISATION 87
Address at the Tajik Na�onal University on “Countering Radicaliza�on: Challenges before Modern Society” in Dushanbe on October 8, 2018
15. INDIA AND VIETNAM: A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP 92
A special address at the Na�onal Assembly of Vietnam in Hanoi on November 20, 2018
16. A READY PITCH: INDIA-AUSTRALIA BUSINESS RELATIONS 97
Address at the Australian Financial Review India Business Summit in Sydney on November 22, 2018
17. INDIA AND MYANMAR: A TIMELESS FRIENDSHIP 101
Address at a banquet in Nay Pyi Taw on December 11, 2018
18. PRIORITISING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD 103
Address at the Indian Community recep�on in Yangon on December 12, 2018
19. CELEBRATING A DIVERSE AND DISTINGUISHED DIASPORA 108
Address at the valedictory session of the 15th Pravasi Bhara�ya Divas on January 23, 2019
20. DEEPENING A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP AND A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: INDIA AND SOUTH AFRICA 112
Address at the banquet hosted in the honour of the President of South Africa, Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan in New Delhi on January 25, 2019
21. ENHANCING BILATERAL TIES: INDIA AND ARGENTINA 114
Address at the banquet hosted in the honour of the President of the Republic of Argen�na at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on February 18, 2019
22. :INDIA–SAUDI ARABIA SHARED CIVILISATIONAL LINKAGES 116
Address at the banquet in honour of Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Vice President and Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Rashtrapa� Bhavan on February 20, 2019
23. SPEARHEADING ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT: INDIA–CROATIA 118
Address at the India-Croa�a Business Forum in Zagreb on March 27, 2019
24. INDIA-CROATIA: REAFFIRMING THE HAND OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION 122
Address at the University of Zagreb on “India – Croa�a: The Way Forward” at Zagreb on March 27, 2019
25. INDIA-BOLIVIA: STRENGTHENING BUSINESS TIES 126
Address at the India-Bolivia Business Forum in Santa Cruz on March 29, 2019
26. INDIA-CHILE: PRESERVING THE GAINS OF THE BILATERAL TRADING ORDER 130
Address at the India-Chile Business Event in San�ago on April 1, 2019
27. INDIA–SOUTH AFRICA: SHARED VALUES AND PRINCIPLES 133
Address at the Indian Community and Friends of India recep�on in Cape Town on April 2, 2019
28. MARKING A NEW CHAPTER IN INDIA'S ONWARD MARCH 136
Address at the banquet hosted in the honour of the Heads/ Representa�ves of the State/ Government a�ending the Swearing-in-Ceremony of the Prime Minister of India at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan in New Delhi on May 30, 2019
III. EDUCATING INDIA, EQUIPPING INDIA
29. IIT HYDERABAD: AN ELEMENT IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECOSYSTEM 141
Address on the occasion of the 7th convoca�on of IIT, Hyderabad in Hyderabad on August 5, 2018
30. A HUNDRED YEARS OF SCHOLARSHIP AND TRUTH: ST. THOMAS COLLEGE 144
Address on the occasion of the centenary celebra�ons of St Thomas College in Thrissur on August 7, 2019
31. IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS IN EDUCATION 147
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at seminar on “Value-oriented educa�on” at Kanpur on October 6, 2018
32. HONOURING A LUMINOUS POET 150
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the unveiling of the statue of Shri Shyamlal Parshad in Kanpur on October 6, 2018
33. GIVING HER WINGS TO SOAR 153
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Interna�onal Conference on Women's Health, Welfare and Empowerment in Kanpur on October 6, 2018
34. EXPLORING THE FRONTIERS OF HUMANITY 157
Address at the inaugura�on of the 4th India Interna�onal Science Fes�val in Lucknow on October 6, 2018
35. SPREADING THE MESSAGE OF NON-VIOLENCE AND COMPASSION 161
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the inaugura�on of the World Peace and Ahimsa Conference in Rishabhdevpuram-Mangitungi in Nasik on October 22, 2018
36. CONTINUING THE TRADITIONS OF LEARNING AND EXCELLENCE 164
th Address at the 15 Convoca�on of Symbiosis Interna�onal University in Pune on October 23, 2018
37. SYNCHRONY BETWEEN FAITH AND MODERNITY 167
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the inaugura�on of the Interna�onal Arya Conference in New Delhi on October 25, 2018
38. MEDICAL PROFESSION: PATH OF SERVICE 171
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the first convoca�on of Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College in Kangra on October 29, 2018
39. LEARNING: THE REAL PURPOSE OF EDUCATION 174th Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the 24 Convoca�on of
the Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla on October 30, 2018
40. IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE AND VALUES 177
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the inaugura�on of the Gyan Kumbh held at Haridwar on November 3, 2018
41. A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR HEALTHY INDIA 181
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the first convoca�on of All India Ins�tute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, U�arakhand on November 3, 2018
42. STRIVING TO SAFEGUARD THE PLANET 185
Address to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the partnership between Department of Biotechnology, Government of India and Wellcome Trust in New Delhi on November 12, 2018
43. FOSTERING INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURE 188
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the first convoca�on func�on of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University in Samas�pur, Bihar on November 15, 2018
44. EDUCATION: OPPORTUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY 192
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the 8th Convoca�on func�on of the Na�onal Ins�tute of Technology in Patna, Bihar on November 15, 2018
45. ANALYSING THE DEVELOPMENTAL JOURNEY 195
Speech on the occasion of the presenta�on of the first copy of “Making of
New India – Transforma�on under the Modi Government” in New Delhi on
November 27, 2018
46. EDUCATION: THE KEY TO DEVELOPMENT 198
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Founder's Week
Celebra�on of the Maharana Pratap Educa�on Council in Gorakhpur on
December 10, 2018
47. YOGA: CONNECTING THE MIND, SOUL AND BODY 202
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Centenary
Celebra�on of the Yoga Ins�tute in Mumbai on December 28, 2019
48. COMMEMORATING A SYMBOL OF PERFECTION 205
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Centenary Func�on
of DAV College in Kanpur on February 25, 2019
49. EDUCATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NATION 208
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Joint Alumni
Conference and Annual func�on of the schools run by Brahmavarta Sanatan
Dharma Mandal in Kanpur on February 25, 2019
50. MAXIMISING INNOVATION'S BENEFIT TO THE SOCIETY AND NATION 211
Address at the inaugura�on of the Fes�val of Innova�on and Entrepreneurship
and Presenta�on of the 10th Biennial Na�onal Grassroots Innova�on Awards
at Gandhinagar on March 15, 2019
51. RECOGNISING QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION 215
Speech on the occasion of release of India Rankings 2019 and ATAL rankings of
Ins�tu�ons on Innova�on Achievement in New Delhi on April 8, 2019
IV. DHARMA OF PUBLIC SERVICE
52. HERALDING THE FUTURE: INDIA'S CHANGE AGENTS 221
Speech on the occasion of call on by the Indian Administra�ve Service Officers
(2016 Batch) at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan in New Delhi on July 27, 2018
53. APPRECIATING A CULTURE OF INFORMED AND EDUCATED DEBATE 223
Speech on the occasion of the Fes�val of Democracy organised to mark the
closure of the diamond jubilee celebra�on of the Kerala Legisla�ve Assembly
in Thiruvananthapuram on August 6, 2018
54. ENFORCING A JUST, FAIR AND EFFICIENT TAX STRUCTURE 226
Speech on the occasion of the call on by the proba�oners of the 68th batch of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise) at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on August 30, 2018
55. IMPARTING PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE BENEFIT OF INDIA AND HER PEOPLE 228
Speech on the occasion of the call on by the Officer Trainees of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Indian Trade Service and Indian Informa�on Service at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on September 17, 2018
56. TAKING CARE OF THE NATION'S SAFETY AND WELL-BEING 230
Speech on the occasion of the call on by the General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) of the 3rd founda�on programme at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on September 19, 2018
57. INFORMING, EMPOWERING AND ENGAGING CITIZENS IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS 232
Speech on the occasion of the 13th Annual Conven�on of the Central Informa�on Commission in New Delhi on October 12, 2018
58. UPHOLDING THE RULE OF LAW AND DEMOCRACY IN THE NATION 235
Speech on the occasion of the call on by the Officer Trainees of the 70 RR (2017 batch) of the Indian Police Service at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on October 12, 2018
59. KEEPING PACE WITH EMERGING GREEN AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES 238
Speech on the occasion of the call on by the Officer Trainees of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on October 15, 2018
60. ENSURING TRUST AND COOPERATION IN THE TAX STRUCTURE 241
Speech on the occasion of the call on by the Officer Trainees of the 72nd batch of the Indian Revenue Service at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on March 8, 2019
61. FOLLOWING A CALLING: SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE 244
Speech on the occasion of the call on by the Officer Trainees of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service and the Central Engineering Services (Roads) at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on March 18, 2019
62. STRENGTHENING BILATERAL RELATIONS AND GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS 246
Address on the occasion of the call on by the Officer Trainees of the Indian Foreign Service at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on May 14, 2019
63. AT THE FOREFRONT OF MANAGEMENT OF NATURE AND WILDLIFE 249
Address on the occasion of the call on by the Indian Forest Service Proba�oners at Rashtrapa� Bhavan on July 23, 2019
V. HONOURING OUR SENTINELS
64. NEED FOR A STRATEGIC SECURITY CULTURE 255
Address on the occasion of the call on by the faculty and course members of the 58th NDC at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on November 12, 2018
65. EXCELLING IN DEFENCE OF THE NATION 258
Address on the occasion of presenta�on of Standards to 118 Helicopters Unit and Colours to Air Defence College at the Air Force Sta�on Guwaha� on November 29, 2018
66. KEEPING THE SKIES SAFE AND IMPARTING QUALITY TRAINING TO THE FORCES 260
Address on the occasion of presenta�on of Colours to Air Force Sta�on Hakimpet and 5 Base Repair Depot at the Air Force Sta�on Sulur on March 4, 2019
67. SALUTING VALOUR AND SACRIFICE 262
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Na�onal Police Memorial in New Delhi on April 9, 2019
VI. SPIRIT OF THE CONSTITUTION AND LAW
68. REFORMING THE STRUCTURE OF LEGAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING 267
Speech on the occasion of the Na�onal Conference organised by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Associa�on (SCOARA) in New Delhi on September 1, 2018
69. PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION IN LAW 271
Address on the occasion of the pla�num jubilee celebra�on of Karnatak Law Society and Raja Lakhamgouda Law College in Belagavi on September 15, 2018
70. STRENGTHEN THE CULTURE OF INTEGRITY AND TRANSPARENCY 274
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Vigilance Awareness Week in New Delhi on October 31, 2018
71. THE CONSTITUTION: INDIA'S MODERN SCRIPTURE 277
Address on the occasion of the inaugura�on of the Cons�tu�on Day Celebra�ons in New Delhi on November 26, 2018
72. IN MEMORY OF BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR 282
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Interna�onal Ambedkar Conclave in New Delhi on November 30, 2018
73. UPHOLDERS OF DEMOCRACY 286
Transla�on of the address delivered in Hindi on the occasion of the 9th Voters' Day in New Delhi on January 25, 2019
74. COMMEMORATING AN INSTITUTION – JUSTICE PN BHAGWATI 289
Address on the occasion of the presenta�on of Festschri�, “Law, Jus�ce and Judicial Power – Jus�ce PN Bhagwa�'s Approach” in New Delhi on February 8, 2019
75. IN HONOUR OF A GREAT LUMINARY 292
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the unveiling of the portrait of Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee in the Central Hall of the Parliament on February 12, 2019
76. IMPORTANCE OF PRIMACY OF LAW 295
Address at the Special Convoca�on of the Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University in Chennai on July 13, 2019
77. TOWARDS A LEGALLY AWARE SOCIETY 298
Address on the occasion of the inaugura�on of the addi�onal building complex of the Supreme Court in New Delhi on July 17, 2019
VII. ACKNOWLEDGING EXCELLENCE
78. UPHOLDING THE SOUL OF DEMOCRACY 305
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award at Parliament House in New Delhi on August 1, 2018
79. LOCAL SKILLS AND INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT BACKBONE OF THE ECONOMY 309
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the One District One Product Summit held at Lucknow on August 10, 2018
80. ENSURING TRANSPARENCY OF OPERATIONS AND PROMOTING GOOD GOVERNANCE 313
Speech on the occasion of the inaugura�on of the 29th Accountants General Conference in New Delhi on October 10, 2018
81. IMPACTING AGRICULTURE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY 316
Address on the occasion of the inaugura�on of the CII Agro Tech Conference in Chandigarh on December 1, 2018
82. TRIBUTE THROUGH DEVELOPMENT AND WORK 320
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the laying of the founda�on of the Kewadia Sta�on in Kewadia, Gujarat on December 15, 2018
83. ENSURING PROSPERITY FOR THE FARMERS OF THE NATION 324
Address on the occasion of the inaugura�on of the Pla�num Jubilee Conference of the All India Food Processors' Associa�on in New Delhi on December 20, 2018
84. BUILDING GLOBAL HEATHCARE ALLIANCES 328
Address on the occasion of the inaugura�on of the 12th Global Healthcare
Summit in Mumbai on December 28, 2018
85. INNOVATION WITH NEW THINKING 332
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the prize distribu�on and
closing ceremony of the 4th Agri-Leadership Summit-2019 held in Gannaur,
Haryana on 17th February 2019
86. ACKNOWLEDGING EMBLEMS OF INDIAN CULTURE 336
Address on the occasion of the presenta�on of the Tagore Awards for Cultural
Harmony for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 in New Delhi on February 18, 2019
87. PROTECTORS OF PUBLIC HEALTH 339
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the inaugura�on of the
Apollomedics Hospital in Lucknow on February 24, 2019
88. A CULTURE OF CLEANLINESS 342
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Swacch Sarvekshan
ceremony in New Delhi on March 6, 2019
89. CLASSICAL LANGUAGES: PRESERVING CIVILISATIONS 346
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the ceremony of
cita�on of classical languages in New Delhi on April 5, 2019
VIII. MAHATMA GANDHI MORAL EXEMPLAR, GUIDING LIGHT
90. A CENTURY OF PRESERVING HINDI 351
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi on the occasion of the
centenary of the Dakshin Bharat Prachar Sabha at Vigyan Bhavan in New
Delhi on September 22, 2018
91. ON THE PATH TO ACHIEVING HOLISTIC SANITATION 354
Speech on the occasion of the inaugura�on of the Mahatma Gandhi
Interna�onal Sanita�on Conven�on in New Delhi on September 29, 2018
92. HONOURING GANDHI IN AUSTRALIA 360
Address on the occasion of the unveiling of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in
Parama�a, Sydney, Australia on November 22, 2018
93. CHANGE THROUGH NON-VIOLENCE 362
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi on the occasion of the
presenta�on of the Gandhi Peace Prize at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan in New
Delhi on February 26, 2019
94. 150 YEARS OF MAHATMA GANDHI: RELEVANCE FOR TODAY 366
Address at Autonomous University of Gabriel Rene Moreno, Santa Cruz,
Bolivia on the topic – 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi: Relevance for Today in
Santa Cruz, Bolivia on March 29, 2019
95. MAHATMA GANDHI: AN IDEOLOGY FOR THE YOUNG 371
Address at the University of Chile on the topic – Gandhi for Young at San�ago,
Chile on April 1, 2019
thnto the second year of his Presidency, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the 14 IPresident of the Republic of India, has con�nued to touch a chord with
all the sec�ons and regions of the great and vast na�on that India is.
This volume is a reflec�on of the wisdom and spirit of India, its diversity, and
aspira�ons that are embodied through the republican values and words of
the Honourable President of India.
Covering the period from July, 2018 to July, 2019, the book contains 92
speeches, and is divided into eight categories: 'Addressing the Na�on';
'Window to the World'; 'Educa�ng India, Equipping India'; 'Dharma of
Public Service'; 'Honouring our Sen�nels'; 'Spirit of the Cons�tu�on and
Law', 'Acknowledging Excellence' and 'Mahatma Gandhi: Moral Exemplar,
Guiding Light'.
The Honourable President is the Chairperson of the Na�onal Commi�ee for
Commemora�on of 150�� birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,
comprising eminent ci�zens from across the country, and has delivered key
addresses on the importance of Bapu's philosophy in contemporary age for
all na�ons across the globe. A special sec�on on Mahatma Gandhi has been
added in the book as President's tribute to the Father of the Na�on.
The speeches in a sense also act as bridges between mul�ple paradigms of
India, that of the great Indian cultural legacy and the modern technological
advances, that of the future possibili�es and the past achievements, that
between the urban and rural India, and that between the various linguis�c,
cultural and religious communi�es living within India. The speeches, very
effec�vely express and acknowledge the importance of each component
and the very idea of Unity in Diversity.
The Preamble of the Cons�tu�on of India is defined as its spirit, and President
Kovind's speeches reflect the best guiding lights of Sovereignty, Secularism,
Jus�ce, Liberty, and Equality, as enshrined in our Preamble. These principles
have stayed with the President throughout his personal journey that in
essence reflects the rise of India among the comity of Na�ons.
It is hoped that the selected speeches serve as an accurate indicator of the
ideas, ideals and aspira�ons of emerging New India.
PREFACE
Our young people, both boys and girls, represent the hope and optimism of India. Our freedom struggle saw the active participation of the young and the old, but its energy was provided by the young
“ “
3
y gree�ngs to you as we complete 71 years as an independent M ndna�on. Tomorrow we will commemorate our 72 Independence
Day. For every Indian, whether living at home or anywhere else
in the world, August 15 is sacred. It is marked on our calendars as a day of
celebra�on of our sovereignty. We unfurl our na�onal flag with great joy
and enthusiasm in workplaces, municipali�es, panchayats, colleges,
schools, homes and neighbourhoods. The Tricolour is a symbol of our
na�onal pride. It is a constant reminder of our striving and our self-belief.
Independence Day is a day to look back with sa�sfac�on and gra�tude for
what we have been able to achieve due to the efforts of successive
genera�ons of our elders. And it is a day for us to renew our resolve to fill the
gaps that s�ll remain in our na�on building project – gaps that our talented
young people will no doubt fill.
Freedom came to our country at the midnight of August 14-15, 1947. It was
the result of years and decades and centuries of sacrifice and valour on the
part of our ancestors and our freedom fighters. These were men and
women of rare courage and foresight who came from all regions of the
country, all sec�ons of society, all communi�es and all socio-economic
groups. They could easily have compromised and se�led for some personal
benefit but they did not. Their commitment to India – to a free, sovereign,
plural and egalitarian India – was absolute. It was my privilege to honour ththese freedom fighters on the anniversary of 'Quit India Day' on 9 August
in Rashtrapa� Bhavan.
We are fortunate that we have inherited the legacy of such remarkable
patriots. They le� us with a free India but they also le� us with unfinished
tasks for the development of our society, for the empowerment of the
proverbial last person, for their libera�on from poverty, and social and
economic inequality. Every breath in our collec�ve life as a na�on is a
tribute to our freedom fighters – and a commitment to accomplish
whatever is s�ll unaccomplished.
If we define freedom in narrow, poli�cal terms, then August 15, 1947,
marks a closure. It was the day the poli�cal struggle against an imperial
power culminated in success resul�ng in India's Independence Day. But
freedom is a broader concept. It is not fixed and finite. Freedom is a
constant and relentless endeavour. Even decades a�er 1947, each one of us
can contribute in the manner of a freedom fighter. We can do so if we
FOSTERING A COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING LIVES
4
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
expand the fron�ers of freedom and opportunity to our fellow Indians and
our beloved India.
Our farmers grow food for tens of thousands of fellow ci�zens whom they
have not met and will never meet. They are upholding our freedom by
ensuring food security and nutri�on for our children. As we assist our
farmers by providing access to technology and other facili�es for enhanced
produc�vity and enhanced incomes, we live up to the principles of our
freedom struggle.
Our Armed Forces stand guard valiantly on our borders, up in the cruel
climate of the mountains or under the blazing sun, or in the skies or at sea.
They are upholding our freedom by ensuring security from external threats.
As we give them be�er weapons and equipment, build supply chains for
such equipment in India itself, or ensure welfare benefits for our soldiers,
we live up to the principles of our freedom struggle.
Our police and paramilitary forces take on a variety of challenges:- in
ba�ling terrorism, figh�ng crime and law and order disturbances, or in
helping ordinary ci�zens by holding their hands as they cross a flooded
street. By doing this, they are upholding our civic freedom. As we improve
their professional and personal condi�ons, we live up to the principles of
our freedom struggle.
Women have a special role in our society. The expansion of freedom in our
country amounts to the expansion of freedom for women in our country.
This is true whether we see them as mothers, sisters, daughters or simply as
women who are en�tled to a life of their choosing – and deserving of the
opportunity and security to fulfil their poten�al. They could do this as
sheet-anchors of our families or as absolutely cri�cal entrants to our
ins�tu�ons of higher learning and our workforce. The choice is theirs; as a
na�on and as a society we must ensure that they have the right and the
ability to exercise that choice.
As we take this process further, by facilita�ng credit for women-run
enterprises and start-ups or by easier availability of LPG in millions of
kitchens and millions of homes, we live up to the principles of our
freedom struggle.
Our young people, both boys and girls, represent the hope and op�mism of
India. Our freedom struggle saw the ac�ve par�cipa�on of the young and
the old, but its energy was provided by the young. They chose different
modes of ac�vism in their quest for liberty – but their resolve and their
idealism, their passion for a free India, for a be�er India, for a more equal
India, was non-nego�able.
5
FOSTERING A COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING LIVES
Today, as we ignite the fire within our youth, by building capaci�es for
skilling and scholarship; for technology, engineering and entrepreneurship;
for crea�vity and cra�s; for playing music and producing mobile apps, for
excelling in sports, we are harnessing the unlimited human capital of our
youth. In doing so, we live up to the principles of our freedom struggle.
I have given only a few examples; there could be many more. The reality is
that every Indian who does his or her job with sincerity and commitment,
who contributes to society by being true to a professional ethic, be it the
doctor's ethic, the nurse's ethic, the teacher's ethic, the public servant's
ethic, the factory worker's ethic, the business-person's ethic, the ethic of
those who have to care for ageing parents who brought them up with love
and sacrifice – each of these and many others are in their own way
upholding the values of freedom. They are providing the fruits and goods
and services of freedom to fellow ci�zens. Every ci�zen of India who does
his or her duty sincerely, fulfils a personal and professional obliga�on and
keeps to a given word is, at a fundamental level, upholding the principles of
our freedom struggle. I would argue that every Indian who does not jump
the queue and respects the civic space and rights of those ahead in the line
also lives up to the principles of our freedom struggle. It is a very small
gesture. Let us try and abide by it.
You may wonder if what I have said so far would not have held true in the
years gone by, maybe 10 or 20 years ago or even earlier. To some extent, it
certainly would. Even so, we are at a juncture in our history that is very
different from any period we have so far experienced. We are at the cusp of
achieving many of our long-awaited goals. Universal access to electricity,
the elimina�on of open defeca�on, the elimina�on of homelessness, the
elimina�on of extreme poverty is achievable and a�ainable. We are at a
pivotal moment. Let conten�ous issues and extraneous debates not
distract us.
thA�er four years, we will be marking the 75 anniversary of Independence. thIn less than 30 years, our people will celebrate the 100 anniversary of India
as a free na�on. The decisions we take today, the founda�ons we lay today,
the projects we undertake today, the social and economic investments we
make today – whether for the immediate future or for the medium term –
will determine where we stand. The pace of change and development in
our country is rapid and appreciable. As per our civilisa�onal tradi�ons, it is
driven by our people, by civil society and by a partnership between ci�zen
and government. Its focus, again in keeping with the essence of Indian
thought, is on a be�er life for the less fortunate.
I will give you just one example. The Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is taking seven
flagship programmes to the doorstep of the poorest and the most deprived
among our fellow ci�zens. These services include access to electricity,
access to formal banking system, access to welfare and insurance
programmes, and access to immunisa�on in hitherto hard-to-reach areas.
The Gram Swaraj Abhiyan has been extended to 117 Aspira�onal Districts
where, seven decades a�er Independence, we s�ll have stark gaps in the
development narra�ve.
Not surprisingly there is a significant overlap between the popula�ons of
these districts and historically weaker communi�es, such as Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes. As such, we have an opportunity to raise the
quality of life for those of our fellow ci�zens who have unfortunately
remained at the bo�om of the pyramid. The Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is not
being carried out by government alone. It is a collabora�on of public
agencies and community groups, with selfless ci�zens who are keen to
share, empathise and give back.
Independence Day is always special, but this year there is an unusual ndsignificance a�ached to it. On 2 October we will begin the commemora�on
thof the 150 birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji did not just lead our
freedom struggle. He was and s�ll remains our moral compass. In my
capacity as the President of India, I have been fortunate to have travelled
around the world, par�cularly to a few countries in Africa. Everywhere,
across con�nents, Gandhiji is men�oned, cherished and remembered as an
icon for all humanity. He is the embodiment of India.
It is not always simple to understand Gandhiji. He refused to be restricted in
his defini�on of poli�cs and poli�cal ac�vism, or even freedom. When
Gandhiji and his wife Kasturba travelled to Champaran in Bihar for the
indigo farmers' agita�on, they devoted a considerable part of their �me to
educa�ng local people, par�cularly women and children, and teaching
them about hygiene and health. Here, and on other occasions, Gandhiji
personally led the drive for swachhta or cleanliness. He linked the removal
of dirt to an act of self-discipline and of promo�ng physical and
mental health.
Many were puzzled at that �me. What does all this have to do with
freedom? For Gandhiji, they were the centre-piece of the quest for
freedom. This was a struggle, according to him, not just for poli�cal power
but for empowering the poorest of the poor, educa�ng the uneducated,
ensuring the right to a dignified life and a feasible livelihood for every village,
for every neighbourhood, for every family – and for every individual.
6
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Gandhiji spoke of swadeshi with an uncommon zeal. To him this was a pride
in promo�ng Indian crea�vity and an Indian sensibility. Nevertheless, he
was alive to intellectual currents from the rest of the world. He invited
these to enrich our learning. To him, Indian civilisa�on was defined by open
windows and not closed doors. This was his concept of swadeshi and it is
s�ll relevant to us as we engage with the world – whether for our economy,
our health, educa�on and social aspira�ons, or our policy choices.
Perhaps Gandhiji's most noble mantra was to point out that the power of
ahimsa is far greater than the power of himsa. The power to stay your hand
is far greater than the power to strike with your hand and himsa has no
place in the society. The weapon of ahimsa was the most effec�ve weapon
Gandhiji gave us. Like his other teachings, it was rooted in the ancient
wisdom of India and yet has a resonance in the 21st century and in our daily
lives.On this Independence Day, close to the 150th anniversary
commemora�on of Gandhiji, let each of us adapt his ideas and maxims, in
whatever manner we can in our everyday work and conduct. I can think of
no be�er way to celebrate our freedom and Indianness.
This Indianness is not for us alone. It is part of what our country and our
civilisa�on bring to the global stage. In the spirit of Gandhiji and the spirit of
India, we believe in the age-old ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or the
“World is one Family”. This is why we demonstrate our concern for en�re
humanity by providing assistance to many African countries, taking
ini�a�ves on the issue of climate change, contribu�ng to United Na�ons
Peacekeeping Opera�ons in different parts of the world, helping
neighbouring countries affected by natural disasters, rescuing people
trapped in a conflict zone, both our own people and from other countries.
In the spirit of Gandhiji and the spirit of India, we share the prac�ce of yoga
for health and well-being, and using technology for development. We are
Gandhiji's children. We dream for all humanity, even when we walk alone.
In my engagements with students and university authori�es all over India, I
have urged students to spend a few days in a village. Undertaken as part of
what may be termed “University Social Responsibility”, this will help
students understand our country. It will allow them to observe and
par�cipate in social welfare programmes and see how they are making an
impact. It will be of benefit to the individual student and to the village, as
well as he country. It will also invoke the fervour of our freedom struggle,
and the iden�fica�on of every ci�zen with the na�onal mission.
I am gra�fied by the idealism and the passion of our young people. There is
a spirit to achieve something for oneself, for one's family, for wider society
7
FOSTERING A COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING LIVES
and for our country. This is the most moral educa�on we can wish for. The
outcome of educa�on is not merely a degree or a diploma but the
commitment to help improve the life of another in a way that is sustainable.
This is empathy and fraternity in ac�on. This is the Indian spirit. This is India,
because India belongs to the people of India – not just the Government.
Together we can help every ci�zen in our country and can conserve our
forests and natural heritage. Together we can safeguard our monuments
for future genera�ons and can renew our rural and urban habitats.
Together, we can eliminate poverty, illiteracy and inequality. We can and
must do this together. The government has a leading role but not the sole
role. Let us use the government's programmes and projects to further our
own efforts. Let us make that sense of ownership our mo�va�on.
With those words, I once again wish you and your families all the best for
Independence Day and best wishes for a bright future.
ndAddress to the Na�on on the eve of India's 72 Independence day at the Rashtrapa�
Bhavan, on August 14, 2018
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
8
th
My gree�ngs to all of you on the eve of our 70 Republic Day! This
is an occasion to commemorate the values of our democracy
and Republic; to reaffirm our commitment to liberty, fraternity
and equality across our society and among all our ci�zens; and above all, an
occasion to celebrate India and the spirit of being Indian.
Every Republic Day is precious and every day in the life of our Republic is
precious. Yet this year is a li�le more special. On October 2, we will mark the
150 birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who led us – and inspired oppressed th
socie�es in Asia and Africa– to freedom from colonial rule. Gandhiji remains
the moral compass of our Republic; his teachings are s�ll the touchstone to
measure our policies and ini�a�ves. His 150 anniversary is not for India th
alone; it is a joy to be shared with the world.
A few weeks a�er Gandhiji's birthday, on November 26, we will mark the
70 anniversary of the adop�on of our Cons�tu�on. This enlightened and th
far-reaching document laid the founda�ons of our Republic. It was the work
of men and women of principle and patrio�sm – the members of the
Cons�tuent Assembly. In par�cular, we recall the role of Babasaheb Dr
Bhimrao Ambedkar who chaired the Dra�ing Commi�ee. In his honour, and
in our Cons�tu�on's honour, the na�on will celebrate Cons�tu�on Day this
year in an appropriate manner.
The values that shaped Indian independence and that con�nue to shape
our Republic – the values inculcated in our democracy and the Cons�tu�on
– are also values that uphold the supremacy of the people of India. This
year, the people of India – each one of us – have another responsibility: of
vo�ng in the general elec�on and elec�ng the 17 Lok Sabha. The ideas and th
idealism of our democracy will come into full force. Once more, as we do
every five years, voters will deliver their verdict and write their des�ny. This
year's elec�on will be the first when voters born in the 21 century will st
contribute to elec�ng a new Lok Sabha.
An elec�on is not just a poli�cal exercise. An elec�on is a collec�ve call to
wisdom and ac�on. It represents a renewal and a recommitment to the
goals and hopes of a shared and egalitarian society. It also represents the
diverse and yet singular urges of the people and the Republic of India. This
makes the act of vo�ng a sacred act. Please perform this act. Who the voter
ACHIEVING THE REPUBLIC'S VISION: COMMITMENT TO LIBERTY, FRATERNITY AND EQUALITY
9
chooses to vote for is up to him or her, I would request all eligible voters to
go out and vote. Our country is at a key juncture. In some respects, this is as
cri�cal and forma�ve a period as the late 1940s and early 1950s. Decisions stand ac�ons of today will shape India for the remainder of the 21 century.
As such, this is not just a once-in-a-genera�on moment – it is a once-in-a-
century moment.
Having said that let us remember that this elec�on is only a milestone in the
journey towards fulfilling the aspira�ons of our people and building a
developed India. India is at the doorstep of elimina�ng extreme poverty for
the first �me. A programme of universal and equitable healthcare has
recently been rolled out. Affordable medicines and medical devices and
implants are becoming a reality for more and more sec�ons of our people. A
greater number of Indians than ever previously have access to proper
housing, with modern sanita�on and electricity.
Connec�vity – in the form of ports and inland waterways, upgraded
railways and new metro services, na�onal highways and rural roads, cost-
effec�ve air services to the interiors of India, and of course the surge in
mobile phones and data access – is bringing us together as never before.
India has been united and integrated – now it is being networked.
Leapfrogging technologies and enlightenment are empowering our
farmers and equipping our soldiers. They are enabling our tradi�onally
deprived fellow ci�zens and educa�ng our daughters and our sons. They are
exci�ng the entrepreneurial energies and the infec�ous start-up culture
that has made our younger genera�on and India the focus of world
a�en�on and admira�on.
In my travels across the country and my engagements with all sec�ons of
our society, I have sensed apprecia�on for such efforts and hard-won
advancement. This is more so in the percep�on of senior genera�ons that
have lived through and striven to overcome the shortage economy. In area
a�er area, commodity a�er commodity, we have converted difficulty into
availability. We have done this step-by-step and year-by-year. And yet
whether in foodgrains or LPG cylinders, telephone connec�ons or even the
ability to get a passport, change is apparent and visible. In many cases,
technology has been a force mul�plier. And in all cases, inclusiveness has
been a moral mul�plier.
No concep�on of India's development can be complete without a salute to
our spirit of inclusiveness – of access and opportunity for all; of an
expansion and an embrace of those whom we consider our own. This
country belongs to each and all of us – every group and community, every
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
10
region and iden�ty. It belongs to every ci�zen and every individual. India's
pluralism is its greatest strength and example to the world. The “Indian
model” rests on a tripod of diversity, democracy and development. We
cannot choose one above the other; we must have all three and we will
have all three.
The best indicator of social change in India is change towards gender equity
and towards providing equal opportuni�es, under condi�ons of equality, to
every girl child and woman. In my experience, when given the chance, our
daughters tend to not just equal but outperform our sons in the classroom.
Young women in our country are moving ahead in every field – from
academics to the crea�ve arts, from sports to the armed forces. There is no
stopping and no hesita�on in this process. It is the route to India's future.
Our Republic has come a long way and we must appreciate how far
successive genera�ons have brought us. We must appreciate that our
voyage is far from complete. There are s�ll waters to cover, gaps to fill and
tears to wipe. We have to recalibrate our yards�ck of achievement and
success – from quan�ty to quality; from a literate society to a knowledge
society; from a na�on that has room for all segments and all communi�es to
a family that invokes, encourages and celebrates the uniqueness and
poten�al in each person – each daughter and each son.
In his book “India of My Dreams”, Mahatma Gandhi wrote of an India where
the poorest will have an “effec�ve voice”, where there will be no “high class
and low class”, where “all communi�es shall live in perfect harmony”, and
where “women will enjoy the same rights as men”. These ideals are a
constant reminder of the India that we are building. In this context, the
recent cons�tu�onal amendment to provide special facili�es for talented
children from poorer families is another step to an India of our dreams – and
of Gandhiji's dreams.
The human experience is built on partnerships. Partnerships at home build a
family. Partnerships at work build a business. Partnerships of different
stakeholders build a society. Partnerships of the government and the people
build a na�on. And partnerships of na�ons build a be�er world. In this manner
partnerships are the threads kni�ng together a family, na�on and world – and
leading to the treatment of the World as a Family: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Partnerships are enhanced by open communica�on, honest conversa�on
and uns�nted compassion. This is true with members of our families. This is
also true with sec�ons or groups that have been historically disadvantaged
and whose grievances must con�nue to be heard and addressed. It is
important to create avenues for such conversa�ons, even if they are
ACHIEVING THE REPUBLIC'S VISION:
COMMITMENT TO LIBERTY, FRATERNITY & EQUALITY
11
12
inconvenient. In a society experiencing rapid change, we must be prepared
for such conversa�ons. And similarly we must be alive to the need for
compassion – to those less privileged than us and to the differently-abled,
for example.
Our society has shown great regard for
those, whether individuals or ins�tu�ons,
who devote themselves to people's welfare
and go beyond the call of duty. The concept
of seva, of devo�on to public service and to
the broadening of the ambit of jus�ce,
must get its due. Well- inten�oned
contribu�ons of individuals, of groups of
people, of ins�tu�ons, whether public or
private, of society at large, or for that
ma�er of the government, must be
acknowledged and appreciated.
These are guiding principles for us at home
as well as abroad. These are guiding
principles that shape India's global approach
– whether in peace-keeping, climate change
mi�ga�on, development partnerships, or
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
These are earning India a new respect in the interna�onal system.
These are the principles that are at the root of our Republic. Our Republic's
vision is that of reaching democra�c goals by democra�c means, pluralis�c
goals by pluralis�c means, enlightened goals by enlightened means,
inclusive goals by inclusive means, compassionate goals by compassionate
means – and cons�tu�onal goals by cons�tu�onal means.
May those principles always illuminate our path! A�er all, “We, the People
…” gave ourselves this Cons�tu�on and “We, the People …” are the
custodians and upholders of its principles.
With those words, I once again wish all of you a happy Republic Day.
Address to the Na�on on the eve of the 70�� Republic Day in New Delhi on January 25, 2019
““ Our Republic's
vision is that of reaching
democra�c goals by
democra�c means,
pluralis�c goals by pluralis�c
means, enlightened goals by
enlightened means,
inclusive goals by inclusive
means, compassionate
goals by compassionate
means – and cons�tu�onal
goals by cons�tu�onal
means
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
n the annals of our democracy, 2019 is an important milestone. We, the I thpeople of India, are celebra�ng the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma thGandhi, the Father of the Na�on this year. 13 April will also mark 100
years of the tragic massacre at Jallianwala Bagh. On behalf of the en�re
na�on, I bow to pay tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for a
bright future for us.
thThis year, our country will also celebrate the 70 anniversary of the
Cons�tu�on Day. It is in this historic Central Hall that the illustrious
architects of our Cons�tu�on had sculpted the Cons�tu�on of India. We are thalso celebra�ng the 550 birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji who taught
us to lead our lives with the spirit of service and goodwill.
I am glad that our country is following the dreams of Gandhiji to build an
inclusive society based on ethics and principles. Our na�on is also moving
ahead guided by the ideals of social and economic jus�ce as enshrined in
the Cons�tu�on by Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. The efforts of my
Government clearly reflect a belief in an egalitarian society as espoused by
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, the torch bearer of public conscience against the
poli�cs of exploita�on.
Prior to the 2014 General Elec�on, the country was passing through a phase
of uncertainty. A�er the elec�ons, my Government assumed charge and
vowed to build a new India. A new India with no place for imperfect, corrupt
and iner�a ridden systems. From day one, the mission of my Government,
based on transparency, was to improve the lives of our ci�zens, to eradicate
their difficul�es owing to poor governance, and to make sure that the
benefit of public services reach the lowest strata of the society.
The targets of my Government were determined by countless and helpless
faces such as - that poor mother who cooked in a smoke-filled kitchen; that
helpless sister, who despite being seriously ill was compelled to postpone her
own treatment due to financial worries; that daughter who had to wait the
whole day un�l the cover of darkness for going to the toilet; that child who
was compelled to wait for daylight to study because there was no electricity;
that farmer who was caught in the anxiety of repaying his loan while watching
his crops damaged by hail storm; that youth who was unable to earn his
livelihood because no bank would lend to him. These thoughts have shaped
the schemes of my Government. These ideals of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya's
Antyodaya have been the touchstone of my Government's work.
MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA
13
In the last four and a half years, my Government has infused new hope and
confidence among the people of the country, enhanced the country's
image and has effec�vely brought in social and economic change. As a
result, my Government has been able to win immeasurable affec�on and
trust of the people. The main goal of my Government is to improve the life
of every Indian.
For an inclusive and modern development of our country, it needs to be
ensured that not a single family is deprived of its fundamental needs. My
Government, which is sensi�ve to the needs of the common people and
understands their pain, has priori�sed the provision of basic ameni�es,
addressed health concerns of the people and implemented Government
schemes at an unprecedented pace a�er restructuring them.
�Espousing universal compassion towards all, Lord Basavanna had said:
^n;os /keZn ewy o¸;k*
(Dayave dharmad mool vayyaa)
That is “Kindness is the basis of all faiths”. Every human being must possess
affec�on and kindness in his heart for all living beings.
Lack of toilets had forced crores of Indians, especially our daughters and
daughters-in-law to lead an undignified and unhealthy life. Under the
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, more than 9 crore toilets have been constructed. It
is the outcome of this mass movement that coverage of rural sanita�on that
was less than 40 per cent in 2014 has increased to 98 per cent. According to
an assessment, because of the toilets built, numerous poor persons have
been spared of various kind of diseases and more than 3 lakh lives have thbeen saved. In the year of the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,
we must remember that we have resolved in his memory to achieve Swachh ndBharat by 2 October.
Many of our mothers, sisters and daughters used to suffer from various
illnesses because of smoke-filled kitchens, which also affected health of the
en�re family; and much of their effort and �me were spent in collec�ng
firewood. My Government has provided more than 6 crore cooking gas
connec�ons to such sisters and daughters under the Ujjwala Yojana. Even
a�er decades of efforts, there were only 12 crore gas connec�ons in the
country in 2014. In a short period of last four and a half years, 13 crore
families have been provided gas connec�ons.
We are fully aware that the burden of expenditure on medical treatment
further impoverishes the poor families. Empathising with this pain, my
Government has launched the Ayushman Bharat Yojana last year. Under the
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
14
world's biggest health care scheme, Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Abhiyan,
50 crore poor are eligible for availing treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per year per
family in case of a serious illness. In a short period of four months, more
than 10 lakh poor have already availed free treatment from hospitals under
this scheme.
The endeavour of my Government has also been on reducing the burden of
out-of-pocket expenses on medical care for the poor and the middle class.
Under Pradhan Mantri Bhara�ya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, 4,900 Jan
Aushadhi Centres have been opened in more than 600 districts. More than
700 different medicines are being dispensed at low cost in these Centres.
Similarly, reduc�on in the cost of cardiac stents has resulted in annual
savings of about Rs. 4,600 crore to the poor and middle class. Reduc�on in
the cost of knee replacement has led to an annual saving of about Rs. 1,500
crore. My Government has provided the facility of dialysis free of cost to
those suffering from kidney diseases. This has resulted in a saving of more
than Rs 2,000 per session for these people.
In addi�on, for a premium of just one rupee a month under Pradhan Mantri
Suraksha Bima Yojana and 90 paise a day under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyo�
Bima Yojana, as many as 21 crore poor brothers and sisters have been
provided with insurance coverage. An assistance of Rs 2 lakh in the event of
an untoward incident is made available to them under both the schemes. By
disbursing more than Rs. 3,100 crore under these schemes �ll now, my
Government has supported the people in their �mes of difficulty.
My Government is also striving hard to alleviate the challenge of
malnutri�on among poor women and children. For this purpose, my
Government has launched the Na�onal Nutri�on Mission for persons
suffering from malnutri�on and to eliminate the factors responsible for
malnutri�on. Mission Indradhanush has been launched by the Government
to provide immuniza�on facili�es to children and pregnant women living in
remote and tribal areas. As a result, the country has moved rapidly towards
the target of “Universal Immuniza�on”.
Be it ci�es or villages, the Government is working at a fast pace to
strengthen the healthcare related infrastructure. New medical colleges are
being set up by the Government, district hospitals are being upgraded and
Wellness Centres are being established in all major Panchayats of the
country. From Madurai in Tamil Nadu to Pulwama in Jammu-Kashmir; and
from Rajkot in Gujarat to Kamrup in Assam, new AIIMS are being
established. Government is se�ng up new Ayurveda Science Ins�tutes and
encouraging yoga for physical and mental well-being. To address the
MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA
15
shortage of doctors in rural areas, 31 thousand new seats have been added
in medical educa�on in the last four years.
When my Government set a target that by 2022 when the na�on celebrates th75 anniversary of its independence, no family would remain homeless,
many wondered how this would be possible. While comple�ng the houses
under the earlier scheme, the Government has also fast-tracked the
construc�on of houses across ci�es and villages under the Pradhan Mantri
Awas Yojana, in an unprecedented manner.
In the last four-and-a-half years, 1 crore and 30 lakh homes have been
constructed under the rural housing schemes of the Government, whereas
in the five years preceding 2014, only 25 lakh houses had been constructed.
This five-fold increase in the speed of construc�on of houses and handing
over the house keys to the poor is rapidly transforming the des�ny of the
poor and the rural landscape.
Similarly, buying or building a house in the ci�es has become easier for the
common person. The dream of building one's own home had become
difficult for people due to black money and rising costs. By enac�ng RERA
law, my Government has ensured that construc�on of houses is completed
and are handed over to the buyers as scheduled so that the hard-earned
money of buyers does not get stuck. A�er enactment of this law, about 35
thousand Real Estate Projects have been registered where lakhs of houses
are being constructed and handed over to families.
Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Government is also giving interest
subsidy of 6 and a half per cent to persons belonging to low income group.
According to an es�mate, an individual taking a home loan of Rs 20 lakh for
20 years, would get a benefit of about Rs 6 lakh.
By providing electricity connec�on to every household, my Government is
illumina�ng the life of each person. In 2014, there were more than 18
thousand villages which had no electricity. Today every village has been
electrified. Under Pradhan Mantri Saubhagya Yojana, 2 crore and 47 lakh
homes have been provided electricity connec�on. Now India is rapidly
moving on the path where every home is electrified and no poor household
will be forced to live in darkness.
My Government is working hard towards the realisa�on of the dreams and
aspira�ons of all sec�ons of the society. By decreasing the burden of income
tax and keeping the rate of infla�on under control, Government has created
new opportuni�es for expanding the savings of the middle class. The effort
of the Government is to increase the income of the hard working middle
class and provide avenues for investment to further augment their incomes.
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
16
When the na�on was fortunate to have a visionary and compassionate
Prime Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who understood the pain of the
poor; several new Departments and Ministries were created and new
programmes were launched. A separate Ministry for the North East, a
Ministry for welfare of the Tribals, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and connec�ng
the na�on through Golden Quadrilateral were singular contribu�ons of
Atalji. He undertook a grand ini�a�ve to eliminate widespread dispari�es
prevailing in the country. The programmes and Ministries conceived by
Atalji played a vital role in elimina�ng the social imbalances during the
ini�al years of 21st Century. But unfortunately these ini�a�ves did not get
the desired momentum and con�nuity in subsequent years.
We are all aware that if our Divyang brothers and sisters are provided
assistance to ameliorate their physical difficul�es, they can achieve new
heights on their own. With this in mind, the Ministry of Social Jus�ce and
Empowerment established by Atalji had started the tradi�on of organising
camps to assist the Divyangjans. But the situa�on was so dismal that up to
2014 only 56 such camps could be organised.
A�er forma�on of my Government in 2014, following the vision of Atalji,
efforts were made with full sensi�vity to solve the problems of Divyangjans.
In the past four-and-a-half years my Government has been organising 140
camps on an average every month where Divyangjans are receiving
assis�ve equipments. During this period, assis�ve equipments worth Rs
700 crore have been distributed to about 12 lakh Divyangjans in a fully
transparent manner.
We are all familiar with the ordeals faced by Divyangjans at railway sta�ons
and bus stands while commu�ng. My Government under the Sugamya
Bharat Abhiyan has made about 1,000 Government buildings and more
than 650 railway sta�ons fully accessible to Divyangjans.
Children using sign language in one State had to face considerable difficulty
due to different types of sign languages in other States. In many instances,
mul�ple sign languages were being used within a State. Taking note of their
difficulty, my Government started working on a uniform sign language for
Divyangjan applicable throughout the country. A dic�onary for the
Divyangjan with 3,000 words has already been published by the Delhi-
based Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre and the work on
another dic�onary with 3,000 new words is in progress. In addi�on, the
Central Government has made about 100 websites compliant to the needs
of Divyangjan. Through the enactment of 'The Rights of Persons with
Disabili�es Act, 2016', my Government has provided them with equal
opportunity in educa�on, social security and employment.
MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA
17
Tragic accidents at unmanned railway crossings have for years been a
subject of discussion in our country. This subject has also been raised many
�mes in the Parliament. In 2014, unmanned crossings in the country
numbered 8,300. My Government undertook a mission to eliminate
unmanned railway crossings, which have now almost been done away with.
Our ci�zens have to frequently deal with natural calami�es of one kind or
the other. Every year, there are floods in some districts and drought in some
others. My Government is fully focussed on the management of natural
disasters and financial assistance has been more than doubled so that relief
work can be performed with full capacity. Be it the cyclonic storms in
southern States or the floods in eastern India, my Government has
exhibited promptness and sensi�vity in relief and rehabilita�on works.
Mindful of the prevalence of injus�ce and depriva�on in the society, my
Government has been working towards reforming the legal system so as to
ensure social and economic jus�ce. The Ci�zenship Amendment Bill will
help in the securing of Indian ci�zenship by those vic�ms who were
persecuted and were compelled to seek refuge in India. These people
cannot be blamed since they were vic�ms of circumstances.
My Government has made a provision for capital punishment in the case of
heinous crimes like rape of minors. In many States, capital punishment has
been awarded a�er expedi�ously comple�ng the hearing which has sent
out a strong message to persons with such perverted thinking.
With a view to liberate our Muslim daughters from a life of fear and anxiety
and to provide them with an equal right to lead their lives at par with other
daughters, my Government is striving hard to get the Triple Talaq Bill passed
by the Parliament.
Similarly, the gran�ng of Cons�tu�onal status to the 'Other Backward
Classes Commission' demonstrates my Government's commitment
towards social jus�ce.
A historic decision has been taken in the last Winter Session of Parliament to rdpass the 103 Amendment to the Cons�tu�on to extend the benefit of
reserva�on to the poor belonging to the general category. This is an effort to
provide jus�ce and equal opportunity to those poor young men and women
who felt le� out because of poverty. To ensure that this new dispensa�on
has no impact on the exis�ng reserva�on, the number of seats in
educa�onal ins�tu�ons are being increased propor�onately.
Youth are the greatest strength of our na�on. India has the largest number
of young people in the world, and the policy decisions of my Government
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
18
have been inspired by the aspira�ons and dreams of the young Indians of st21 century.
Keeping in mind the desire of the youth to be self-reliant, the Kaushal Vikas
Abhiyan was launched. Under this Abhiyan, in the last four years, on an
average one crore youth have been trained every year in different skills. In
the coming days, more than 15,000 ITIs, more than 10,000 Kaushal Vikas
Kendras and more than 600 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Kendras, will play
a cri�cal role in developing the skill-set of the country's youth.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which facilitates credit for
professional and business requirements, loans worth more than Rs. 7 lakh
crore have been disbursed to the youth without any guarantee. More than
15 crore people have benefi�ed and over 4 crore 26 lakh first �me
borrowers have started their business under this scheme.
Under Start Up India and Stand Up India, my Government has provided
financial assistance to make the youth self-reliant. As a result, in the world
of startups, India now figures as a frontline country.
The Government has linked crea�on of jobs with tax incen�ves under
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana. Under this scheme, when a young
person gets a new job, the EPS and EPF contribu�on of 12 per cent payable
by the employer is being paid by the Government for the first three years.
More than 1 crore youth have already benefi�ed from this scheme.
Every parent aspires for a good educa�on for their children so that they can
succeed in life. Government is establishing new educa�onal ins�tu�ons to
provide increased opportuni�es for professional educa�on of the highest
standard. 7 IITs, 7 IIMs, 14 IIITs, 1 NIT and 4 NIDs are being established. It has
been decided to enhance the amount of scholarship and fellowship by
more than 25 per cent to encourage research ac�vi�es in the country. In
addi�on, efforts are being made to further strengthen the founda�on of the
educa�on system by opening 103 Kendriya Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model
Awasiya Vidyalayas in all talukas having a majority tribal popula�on and 62
new Navodaya Vidyalayas.
To improve the standard of educa�on, Government is following a mul�-
dimensional approach. To secure the future of the country, it is impera�ve
that children s�ll studying in schools get full opportunity to transform their
flight of imagina�on into concrete reality. The Government is se�ng up
more than 5,000 Atal Tinkering Labs for taking ideas to innova�on.
With changing �mes and evolving technology, methods and processes of
employment and business are also changing. My Government is constantly
working to ensure the preparedness of youth of our country for such changes.
MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA
19
My Government is making efforts to iden�fy talented sportspersons from
different corners of this country under the youth-centric 'Khelo India'
programme. Transparency in selec�on process has boosted the morale of
our sportspersons. The result is reflected in the number of medals won by
us at na�onal and interna�onal levels.
Our daughters are making remarkable contribu�on in every field today and
have brought laurels to the country. It is for the first �me since independence
that the policies and programmes of the Government have created
numerous new opportuni�es for enterprise for women and led to their
empowerment and economic mainstreaming.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, the maximum benefit has been
availed by women. Out of the 15 crore Mudra loans provided so far
throughout the country, 73 percent have been disbursed to women
entrepreneurs. Under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, about 6 crore
women have become members of Self Help Groups. My Government has
provided loans worth more than Rs 75 thousand crore to such Self Help
Groups. This amount is two and a half �mes more than the loans given in the
four years preceding 2014.
In order to ensure the par�cipa�on of women entrepreneurs in small and
medium enterprises, it has been made mandatory for major Government
companies to purchase at least 3 per cent of their material from the
enterprises owned by women entrepreneurs.
My Government is also making efforts to address the problem of gender-
based discrimina�on faced by women in different spheres. Last year, a
decision was taken whereby women officers recruited under the Short
Service Commission in the armed forces would be considered for
permanent commission through a transparent selec�on process just like
their male counterparts. Women, who had been deprived of employment
opportuni�es in the underground mining sector even a�er so many years of
independence, will now be given equal opportunity to work in this sector.
To enable working women to devote more �me towards the upbringing of
their newborn children during their crucial forma�ve years, the
Government has enhanced maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.
Despite the scorching sun, heavy downpour, snow fall, or any other
challenge, the hardworking farmers of our country have toiled day and
night to produce record food grain harvest. There has been an increase in
dairy and fish produc�on, as also in other areas. Many of you have
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
20
witnessed village life and the struggles of the farmers from very close
quarters. Our farmer brothers and sisters are not only the founda�on of our
economy, but they also keep our tradi�ons alive.
On behalf of this august House, I compliment our annadata farmers. My
Government is striving day and night to a�ain the goal of doubling farmers'
income. Understanding the needs of farmers, the Government is seeking to
find permanent solu�ons to their problems. It is the priority of the
Government to provide be�er facili�es and assistance to farmers for the
en�re spectrum of agriculture ac�vi�es from purchase of equipment and
seeds to transporta�on of produce and its sale.
Work is being carried out with a new approach for reducing the cost of
farming, providing the farmers with fair price for their crops, providing
access to new markets and helping them with addi�onal sources of income.
My Government has taken the historic decision of fixing the Minimum
Support Price (MSP) of 22 crops at one-and-a-half �mes higher than the
produc�on cost of the crop.
In addi�on, it is being ensured that good quality seeds are made available to
the farmers. The number of Krishi Vigyan Kendras is being increased across
the country to assist the farmers with scien�fic methods of farming. More
than 17 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to inform the farmers
about the health of the soil. 100 per cent neem coa�ng of urea has been
done to facilitate its availability and to prevent its misuse.
My Government is comple�ng 99 incomplete old irriga�on projects so that
farmers do not face any hurdle in irriga�on. 71 of these projects will be
completed by the next few months. Micro-irriga�on is also being promoted
by the Government to ensure full u�lisa�on of every drop of water.
Crop insurance is being provided to farmers at low premium under the
'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' to safeguard them from poten�al crisis
due to crop damage. A campaign has been launched to link online more
than 1,500 Agricultural Mandis to facilitate market access to farmers. Cold
storage capaci�es are being increased at a fast pace to minimise crop
damage from the field to the market and to ensure proper storage. The
'Waste to Wealth' campaign is being implemented to ensure that farmers
generate addi�onal income out of the crop residue from their field.
Under the Blue Revolu�on scheme, my Government is providing training to
fishermen in deep sea fishing and financial assistance for buying modern
fishing trawlers.
MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA
21
These comprehensive interven�ons will trigger a permanent transforma�on
in our 70-year old agriculture system, empower our annadata farmers, pull
them out of their problems; and do jus�ce to their poten�al.
By lending momentum to schemes linked with the Digital India programme,
my Government is trying to provide full advantage of e-governance to
people living in rural areas. In 2014, only 59 village panchayats in the
country had digital connec�vity. Today, 1 lakh 16 thousand village
panchayats are connected with op�cal fibre and about 40 thousand village
panchayats have been provided with wi-fi hotspots.
Establishment of Common Service Centres has been accelerated to ensure
that various benefits and services are easily available to brothers and sisters
in rural areas. In these Centres, facili�es like banking, insurance, pension
and scholarship etc are being made available online to the village folk. In
2014 there were only 84 thousand Common Service Centres. Today, their
number has increased to more than 3 lakhs. Of these, 2 lakh and 12
thousand centres have been set up in village panchayats.
In this era of informa�on technology, easy availability of data at low cost is a big
facility as well as means for development for our people. The cost of one GB
data which was about Rs. 250 in 2014 has now reduced to only Rs. 10 to 12.
Similarly, the mobile talk�me charges have now been reduced to less than half.
Earlier, it was almost impossible for ordinary entrepreneurs to supply their
products to Government Departments. The Government has now
developed an online pla�orm called GeM i.e. Government e-Marketplace
for public procurement. This pla�orm has helped in bringing transparency
in public procurement and at the same �me has provided an opportunity to
entrepreneurs in big and small ci�es as well as villages to sell their products
without any difficulty to the Government.
Recently, in order to simplify the processes, the Government has started
a scheme wherein loans of amounts up to Rs.1 crore are approved within
59 minutes.
The great Saint Thiruvalluvar has said:
^^b;Vªyqe bêyqe dkÙkyqe dkÙk]oxqÙkyqe~ oYyn vjlq**
(Iya�ralum ee�alum kaa�alum kaa�a,
Vagu�alum vallad arasu)
�That is, a well governed State is one where there is adequate growth in
assets and services, where assets are well distributed and protected, and all
ci�zens get their fair share.
22
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
We are all aware of the dismal state of banking facili�es for the poor, that
existed even 45 years a�er the na�onalisa�on of banks. The Jan Dhan
Yojana of my Government is an excellent example of how the founda�on of
major economic transforma�on can be laid out. This scheme is not merely
for opening new bank accounts; its objec�ves are far wider. This scheme is
not only ushering in economic inclusion of the poor, it is also increasing
their self-confidence.
34 crore bank accounts have been opened in the country because of 'Jan
Dhan Yojana' and almost every family is now connected to the banking
system. According to an interna�onal agency, of all the bank accounts
opened in the world from 2014 to 2017, 55 percent were opened in India
alone. Beyond these numbers, it is important to appreciate the posi�ve
impact of this ini�a�ve on the na�on's economy.
Our mothers and sisters always used to save some money for difficult �mes.
But o�en these savings were spent on daily needs. Today, Rs 88 thousand
crore deposited in Jan Dhan accounts is a tes�mony to the changing saving
habits. It is only because of the Jan Dhan scheme that wages from MGNREGA,
benefits from different insurance schemes, scholarships, pensions and most
other Government benefits are being credited directly into the bank
accounts of the poor through DBT. Jan Dhan accounts have succeeded in
elimina�ng the middlemen between the Government and the poor.
Jan Dhan Yojana is playing an important role in facilita�ng cost effec�ve
digital transac�ons in the country through more than 60 crore Rupay debit
cards and BHIM App. Similarly Government is bringing banking services
closer to the people through the India Post Payments Bank setup in the post
offices. As a result, the whole world has taken note of this step towards
financial inclusion in India.
Whereas many social welfare programmes had been in existence for the
past several decades, they had failed to produce the desired impact. The
alertness, ac�on-oriented approach and good inten�on displayed by my
Government towards the aspira�ons and difficul�es of ci�zens have made
it possible to bring about large scale visible changes.
While giving a clear majority to my Government in 2014, the people of the
country had also given a clear mandate to take strict ac�on against
corrup�on and black money. My Government has come down heavily on
corrup�on in the past four-and-a-half years. Being sensi�ve to public
sen�ment, my Government has waged a war on corrup�on and black
money from day one, and approved the cons�tu�on of a Special
Inves�ga�on Team (SIT) on black money in the first mee�ng of the Cabinet.
23
MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA
Therea�er, Government enacted a new and strict law on black money. My
Government also carried out a campaign against illegally acquired assets in
foreign countries. New agreements were signed with several countries
known as tax havens, and several others were signed with many other
countries to rec�fy deficiencies in exis�ng agreements.
While preven�ng the flow of black money abroad, my Government also
launched a major campaign against black money within the country. New laws
were enacted for sectors thriving on black money, and those were brought
under the ambit of taxa�on. Amid these ac�ons, Government also provided
an opportunity to voluntarily disclose unaccounted income and wealth.
Demone�sa�on was a defining moment in the Government's war on
corrup�on and black money. This decision struck at the very root of the
parallel economy thriving on black money; and the money outside the
formal system was brought within the ambit of na�on's economy.
This ac�on of the Government broke the back of the forces destabilising the
country; and the systems sustaining the flow of black money. The registra�on
of 3 lakh 38 thousand dubious shell companies responsible for flow of black
money have been annulled by the Government. The directors of these
companies have also been prohibited from holding such offices again.
Assets worth more than Rs 50 thousand crore are being confiscated under
the Benami Property Act, Preven�on of Money Laundering Act and the law
against fugi�ve economic offenders. As a result of the policies of my
Government, black money in real estate sector has declined substan�ally,
the prices of houses have come down and the dream of a normal middle
class family for possessing their own house is being realised.
I am pleased that on account of these policies of my Government, people's
trust in the Government has increased, and there has been a sharp increase
in the number of persons paying income tax. Whereas prior to 2014, 3.8
crore people had filed their return, this number has increased and more
than 6.8 crore people have come forward to file their returns. Today, the tax
payer is confident that each paisa contributed by him or her is being spent
honestly on na�on building.
My Government believes that corrup�on and black money cons�tute a grave
injus�ce towards the honest taxpayer of the country. Corrup�on always
infringes on the rights of some poor or middle class person. The Government
is relying on applica�on of modern technology to address this situa�on.
As a result of the expansion in Direct Benefit Transfer in the last four and a
half years, more than Rs 6 lakh 5 thousand crore have been directly
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
24
transferred to the bank accounts of beneficiaries. About Rs. 1 lakh 10
thousand crore has been saved from falling into wrong hands. Government
has removed about 8 crore fic��ous names which were being used by
middlemen to misappropriate the righ�ul benefits of genuine beneficiaries.
In order to build a strong na�on, it is impera�ve that we develop our
economy in such a manner that will help our fellow ci�zens to progress with
transparency and honesty.
Prior to 2014, auc�on of coal mines used to be a subject of discussion due to
lack of transparency. My Government developed a transparent system for
auc�on of coal mines and has protected this na�onal resource. Banks and
creditors have directly or indirectly dealt with Rs 3 lakh crore a�er the new
Bankruptcy and Insolvency Code has come into effect. The tendency to avail
large loans and misappropriate them with an intent to default has
been curbed.
While Sardar Patel with his extraordinary abili�es had accomplished the
challenging objec�ve of geographic and poli�cal integra�on of the na�on,
the task of economic integra�on remained incomplete. Our traders and
entrepreneurs always faced difficul�es in sale and purchase of their goods
and in complying with different tax regimes prevalent in different States.
Now with the implementa�on of a comprehensive tax reform like GST, the
concept of 'One Na�on-One Tax-One Market' has been realised. GST is
proving instrumental in establishing an honest and transparent system of
trade and commerce which is also benefi�ng the country's youth. This
system, while reducing the difficul�es faced by traders, has enhanced their
ease of doing business across the country. I congratulate my compatriots for
wholeheartedly embracing the new system in a short span of �me in the
interest of a be�er future for the country, in spite of the ini�al bo�lenecks.
My Government is con�nuously improving the GST regime keeping in view
the sugges�ons being received from the business community.
The primary focus of my Government has been to enable our youth to earn
their livelihood with dignity, while also crea�ng employment opportuni�es
for others. In order to facilitate self-employment, my Government has
introduced wide ranging reforms, which are being appreciated globally. As a
result of these reforms, India's posi�on has improved by 65 places in the
Ease of Doing Business ranking, from 142 in 2014 to 77 now. This is an
extraordinary achievement.
During the last four and a half years, the economy of the country has been
growing at a rate of 7.3 per cent on an average. India is playing a significant
role in interna�onal trade. While India's contribu�on to the world GDP was
MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA
25
2.6 per cent in 2014, it has increased to 3.3 per cent in 2017 as per the latest threports. India has emerged as the 6 largest economy in the world. This is
than opportune moment for the country to play a decisive role in the 4
industrial revolu�on and my Government is commi�ed to ensure that our
ci�zens take full benefit of this opportunity.
As a result of the 'Make in India' ini�a�ve effec�ve outcomes in the field of
industrial development and employment genera�on are clearly visible. Now
India is the 2nd largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world. Recently,
the milestone of conver�ng diesel locomo�ves into 10 thousand horsepower
electric engines has also been established by India. As a part of Make in India
ini�a�ve, Asia's largest MedTech Zone is being established in Andhra Pradesh.
Defence Corridors are being established in U�ar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,
which will not only strengthen our security through establishment of
produc�on facili�es for defence equipment, but also provide employment to
the youth. Soon, the passengers will also be able to avail the ultra-modern
facili�es of our fastest train �ll date – 'Vande Bharat Express'.
I also want to congratulate the scien�sts and engineers of our country who
are �relessly working for recogni�on of India's prowess in this era of
modern technology. The scien�sts and engineers from ISRO in par�cular
are proving their pre-eminent posi�on in the world by se�ng new records
in launching satellites. I, on behalf of the na�on, convey our best wishes to
our scien�sts and engineers for 'Mission Gaganyaan'.
The focus of my Government on �mely comple�on of tasks, with
accountability, has resulted in increasing the confidence of the people in
Government func�oning and has enhanced the pace of development. My
Government has established a reputa�on for �me bound comple�on
of projects.
Many projects where delays in comple�on had become synonymous with
injus�ce to common people of this country such as India's longest Bogibeel
railroad bridge in Assam, Western Peripheral Expressway near Delhi, Kollam
Bypass in Kerala have been fast-tracked and completed. By comple�ng
these projects, my Government has done jus�ce to the resources of the
na�on and aspira�ons of the people.
Developing modern infrastructure for economic development as per the stneeds of 21 century is the aspira�on of every Indian, and in par�cular the
middle class. Sensi�ve to their aspira�ons, my Government is comple�ng
new projects at a fast pace.
The airport terminal constructed at Prayagraj in a record period of 11
months is an evident example. Last year, the country's first container vessel
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
26
sailed along the na�onal waterway from Kolkata and reached Varanasi.
Eastern Peripheral Expressway, started in November 2015, has also been
dedicated to the na�on last year.
My Government believes that eastern part of India comprising east U�ar
Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and the States of North- East, has the
poten�al to become a new 'Growth Engine'. Therefore, my Government is
relentlessly striving to strengthen the infrastructure related to railways,
highways, waterways and airways in Eastern India.
Under the Udan Yojana, 19 new airports are being built in Eastern India and
of these 5 are coming up in the North East. The construc�on of Pakyong
airport in Sikkim and Veer Surendra Sai Airport at Jharsuguda in Odisha has
been completed.
The work of reconstruc�on of fer�lizer plants at Gorakhpur in U�ar
Pradesh, Barauni in Bihar and Sindri in Jharkhand, which were closed for
several years, is progressing rapidly. The Urja Ganga Pariyojana started with
an approximate outlay of Rs. 13 thousand crores will help expand the
industries based on gas pipeline in several ci�es of Eastern India.
My Government is se�ng up new AIIMS and new Indian Agriculture Research
Ins�tutes in Eastern India and has also established a Central University at East
Champaran-Mo�hari, the 'Karma-bhumi' of Mahatma Gandhi.�
Similarly, the work on the Gas Cracker Project which is important for Assam
and Paradip Oil Refinery in Odisha has also been expedited. The Dhola
Sadiya Bridge named a�er Bhupen Hazarika, linking Assam and Arunachal
Pradesh has already been dedicated to the na�on. Out of the 18 thousand
villages electrified by the Government, about 13 thousand villages are in
Eastern India and out of these 5 thousand villages are in the remote areas of
the North-East.
My Government is working towards bringing about a transforma�on
through transport and tourism in order to make the lives of the people of
North-East easier. Almost all the railway lines of the North-East have been
converted to broad gauge. Efforts are underway to provide rail connec�vity
to the capital ci�es of all the 8 States. For this, the work on 15 new rail lines is
under progress at a cost of approximately Rs.50 thousand crores.
Be it the country's fastest train, the highest bridge, the longest sea-link, the
longest tunnel, construc�on of highways at double the speed or gauge
conversion of railway tracks, modern faceli� of railway sta�ons or metro
projects in ci�es, air connec�vity among small towns or construc�on of a
new waterway, my Government is rapidly developing modern infrastructure
MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA
27
in all these areas. Keeping environment conserva�on in mind, my
Government is moving forward on the electric mobility front.
In order to make the latest technology-based systems available in our ci�es
so that they can become growth engines of the economy, modern facili�es
are being developed in 100 ci�es under the Smart City Mission.
The na�on is moving at a fast pace in the civil avia�on sector also. This sector
has seen a double digit growth during the last four years. More than 12 crore
and 30 lakh people travelled by air during 2017-18 and this number is
increasing constantly. This transforma�on, offers a glimpse of an India on
the move. Under the Udan scheme, 12 lakh seats have been made available
to people at lower tariffs. This has provided the common person with an
opportunity of air travel.
In addi�on, in the last four and a half years Government has established
more than 300 new Passport Sewa Kendras in the country. Prior to 2014,
there were 77 Passport Sewa Kendras, which have now increased to more
than 400. People are no longer required to repeatedly visit big ci�es for
ge�ng their passports.
In the all-round development of the country, a pivotal role is played by our
labourer brothers and sisters, small and medium entrepreneurs, engineers,
auditors, doctors, teachers, scien�sts and every professional. All these
responsible ci�zens have lived up to this saying of Sant Ravidas that work is
the best form of worship.
Je dm bZlj tkfu dS] tÅ iwtfg fnu jSu A*jSnkl* frUgfga lalkj eg] lnk feyfg lq[k pSu AA
(Shram kau Isar jaani kai, jau poojahi din rain,
'Raidas' �nahin sansaar mah, sadaa milahi sukh chain)
Those who deem work as God, and worship it day and night, are blessed
with all the worldly joys and contentment.
Our hardworking professionals, whether linked directly or indirectly with
the Government, are watchful of the process of na�on building. When their
hopes and aspira�ons are combined with the willpower of Government
employees, the result is unprecedented, as witnessed by the na�on today.
My Government is also suppor�ng the employees in their hour of need. By thimplemen�ng the recommenda�ons of the 7 Pay Commission, my
Government has strived to improve their living standards.
My Government has worked con�nuously to strengthen the spirit of
Coopera�ve Federalism enshrined in the Cons�tu�on. It has been the
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
28
endeavour of the Government to enable the State Governments to
undertake development work in their respec�ve States in a more effec�ve
manner. In line with this objec�ve, my Government took the decision to
provide the States with 10 percent addi�onal share in taxes as per the
recommenda�ons of the Finance Commission.
The whole world is now talking about Kumbh that is currently underway at
Prayagraj. For this colossal event, world-class infrastructure and other
facili�es on a permanent basis have been developed at a fast pace. The
confluence of Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswa� is se�ng an impressive example of
cleanliness and modern management.
Ganga is not just a river for us but, is like a mother to us, a living symbol of our
culture and faith. To keep Ganga clean is our sacred duty. Under the 'Namami
Gange Mission', projects worth Rs 25,500 crore have been approved so far.
My Government is engaged with the task of cleaning up of the river Ganga by
diver�ng dozens of major drains, stopping flow of industrial effluents and by
se�ng up several Sewage Treatment Plants in the ci�es.
Every ci�zen and the Government are duty bound to honour the contribu�on
of Na�onal heroes. Carrying forward the tradi�on of honouring the builders
of modern India, my Government has dedicated to the na�on the 'Na�onal
Salt Satyagraha Memorial' at Dandi on the death anniversary of Mahatma
Gandhi. Kran� Mandir, a museum in Delhi dedicated to Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose has been opened to public this month. The Government has
also ins�tuted Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award in
his honour. The Government has developed 5 sacred places associated with
Baba Saheb Ambedkar as “Panchteerth”. The na�on has paid tribute to the
Iron Man of India Sardar Patel, by building the 'Statue of Unity', which is the
tallest statue in the world. My Government is se�ng up museums in various
States in the memory of the country's tribal freedom fighters.
My Government has conferred the Bharat Ratna on Mahamana Madan
Mohan Malaviya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2015. This year it has been
decided to confer Bharat Ratna on Nanaji Deshmukh, Bhupen Hazarika and
Pranab Mukherjee.
By conferring na�onal awards on the basis of merit and without any
discrimina�on to those ci�zens, who have worked selflessly for the welfare
of the people, my Government has demonstrated country's commitment
towards the ideals of sacrifice and service.
In our tradi�on, the Saints and Gurus occupy the highest posi�on. To
commemorate the Prakash Parv of Guru Govind Singhji, the Government
MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA
29
has released a special coin this month. It is a ma�er of immense pleasure for
all of us that my Government has taken the historic decision to construct the
Kartarpur corridor.
In the Interna�onal context, while India is a staunch supporter of friendly
�es with all countries, there is also a need to constantly strengthen our
capabili�es to tackle any challenges. Through the surgical strike on cross-
border terror posts, India has shown its new strategy and approach towards
the country's security. Last year India joined the handful of countries that
possess the Nuclear Triad capability.
Our defence forces and their morale symbolise the prowess of the India of the st21 century. Not only has my Government fulfilled the demand for One Rank
One Pension that had been pending for 4 decades, but it has also disbursed
arrears amoun�ng to more than Rs 10,700 crore to 20 lakh ex-servicemen.
My Government believes that neglec�ng the country's defence needs is
detrimental to the present as well as future of the country. The new
agreements rela�ng to defence sector signed last year, purchase of new
defence equipment and indigenous produc�on within the country under
the Make in India ini�a�ve have all helped in boos�ng the morale of the
defence forces and increasing the country's military self-reliance. A�er a
gap of many decades, the Indian Air Force is preparing to welcome, in the
coming months, its new genera�on ultra-modern fighter aircra� Rafale and
strengthen its strike capability.
On this occasion, I would also like to congratulate the country's security
forces that are constantly striving to strengthen the country's internal
security. Their concerted efforts have played a crucial role in reducing
terrorism and violence. In the last few years, a record number of youngsters
in the Maoist areas have come forward to join the mainstream. The Police
Memorial, which was dedicated to the na�on last year, seeks to honour
their sacrifice and also preserves the memories of their sacrifice for the
future genera�ons.
My Government is commi�ed to the equitable development of Jammu,
Ladakh and Kashmir. As a result of the efforts of my Government, an
environment favourable to development has been created in the State.
Recently, in Jammu and Kashmir, elec�ons to Urban Local Bodies a�er an
interval of 13 years and in Panchayats a�er 7 years have been conducted
peacefully with more than 70 per cent voters par�cipa�ng enthusias�cally.
Commi�ed to the development of Jammu and Kashmir, my Government
announced a package of Rs. 80 thousand crores. Under the package,
projects related to infrastructure, health and educa�on sectors worth
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
30
more than Rs. 66 thousand crores have been
approved so far.
It is a measure of my Government's diploma�c
success that today India's voice is heard with
respect at interna�onal fora. Pravasi Bhara�ya
Diwas organised recently in Varanasi has streinforced this fact. At the ini�a�ve of India, 21
June was declared as Interna�onal Yoga Day by
the United Na�ons and is now being celebrated
with great enthusiasm across the world. Yoga is
rapidly gaining in popularity at the global level.
India is proud to have gi�ed the outstanding
discipline of Yoga to the world community.
My Government has not only enhanced the credibility and pres�ge of the
passports held by the Indian diaspora but has also stood by them in their hour
of need. During the last four years, more than 2 Lakh 26 thousand Indians
stranded abroad have been rescued and brought back to the country.
The United Na�ons Award for India's efforts in the field of environment
conserva�on has made every Indian proud. It is a ma�er of pride for all of us
that India is providing leadership to the global solar revolu�on and last year
the first summit of the Interna�onal Solar Alliance was successfully
organised in Delhi.
In 2022, India will host the G-20 Summit. Hos�ng the summit in the year thmarking the 75 anniversary celebra�on of our independence will further
enhance India's global influence.
This year our na�on will provide a decisive impetus to our march towards a stpowerful, self-reliant and prosperous 21 century new India. The biggest
fes�val of democracy will be celebrated this year in the form of General
Elec�on. Through this august House, I convey my best wishes to the young
voters who will cast their votes for first �me in this century. As ci�zens of
India, they will exercise their right to vote, and determine the direc�on of the
na�on's policies and decisions.
My Government's efforts are ushering in change for the be�erment of the
country and this process will con�nue. With the blessings and support of
130 crore Indians, my Government has commenced its journey towards
building a New India.
! A New India, where every person has access to basic ameni�es.
! A New India, where every person is healthy, secure and educated
31
““ During the last
four years, more than
2 Lakh 26 thousand
Indians stranded
abroad have been
rescued and brought
back to the
country
MARCHING TOWARDS A NEW INDIA
! A New India, where every person gets an opportunity to nurture his
or her talent, and has equal opportuni�es of advancement.
! A New India, where every child progresses in life without any
depriva�on, and every daughter feels safe.
! A New India, where every person gets jus�ce with dignity.
! A New India, which commands the respect of the en�re world.
Let us all come together to pave the way for a New India and take India to stglorious new heights in the 21 Century.
Address at the joint si�ng of the Parliament on January 31, 2019
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
32
am pleased to address the first joint si�ng of Parliament a�er the Ielec�on of the 17 Lok Sabha, in the year that will commemorate the th
150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. I extend my hear�est th
congratula�ons to all newly elected Members of this Lok Sabha.
�More than 61-crore voters of the country set a new record by cas�ng their
votes and enhanced the credibility of India's democracy in the world.
People stood in long queues, braving extreme heat to cast their votes. This
�me, as compared to previous elec�ons, more women have cast their votes
and their par�cipa�on has been almost equal to men. Crores of youth have
voted for the first �me and played an important role in shaping India's
future. All voters deserve to be congratulated for the success of this
elec�on. I also convey my best wishes to the new Speaker of the Lok Sabha
for this new responsibility.
I congratulate the en�re team of the Elec�on Commission for the successful
comple�on of the world's largest elec�on. The contribu�on of employees
of several administra�ve departments and various ins�tu�ons and the
security forces in the successful conduct of the electoral process is
extremely praiseworthy.
Nearly half the MPs in this Lok Sabha have been elected for the first �me.
The elec�on of 78 women MPs, the highest number in the history of Lok
Sabha, presents the picture of a New India.
It is a ma�er of joy that the reflec�on of India's diversity is visible in this joint
si�ng. People of every age, from villages and ci�es, belonging to every
profession, are members of both the Houses. Many members are
associated with social service, many from the field of agriculture, from
business and economic sphere while other members are from the field of
educa�on, medical profession that saves the lives of people and the legal
profession that provides jus�ce to the people. MPs who have made their
mark in the world of cinema, art, literature and culture are also present
here. I am confident that your unique experiences will contribute to
enriching the discussions in Parliament.
The people of the country have given a clear mandate in this elec�on. A�er
assessing the performance of the Government during the first tenure, the
people have given an even stronger support for a second term. The people
of the country have given a mandate for con�nuing, uninterrupted and at an
accelerated pace, the journey of development which started in 2014. All the
fellow countrymen are familiar with the atmosphere that prevailed in the
CITIZENS' GOVERNMENT
33
country before 2014. In order to take the country out of a sense of gloom
and instability, a�er three decades, the people elected a Government with
absolute majority. Giving the highest regard to that mandate, my
Government started to march forward without any discrimina�on with the
mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas to create a New India.
st On January 31 this year, in this Central Hall, I had said that my Government
from the first day was dedicated to the goal of improving the lives of all
ci�zens, addressing their problems that rose from mis-governance and
providing all basic ameni�es to the last person at the margins of society.
During the last five years, the countrymen have come to believe that the
Government is always with them, working to improve their lives and to
enhance their Ease of Living. Based on this wealth of people's trust, a fresh
mandate was sought.
People of the country have long waited for basic ameni�es of life. But now
condi�ons are changing. My Government wants to make people conscious,
capable, well-provided and unfe�ered to such an extent that that they do
not feel the 'Burden, Force, or Absence' of the Government in their daily
life. Empowering every person in the country is the main goal of my
Government. My Government is commi�ed to that idea of na�on-building,
the founda�on for which was laid in 2014. While fulfilling the basic needs of
the countrymen, now the Government is moving forward towards realising
their aspira�ons of building a Strong, Safe, Prosperous and All-inclusive
India. This journey is inspired by the basic spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas
aur Sabka Vishwas.
This New India's vision is mo�vated by the noble thoughts of Shri Narayana
Guru, a great spiritual figure, social reformer and poet from Kerala :
� � “Jaa�-Bhedam Mat-Dwesham AdumIlladey Sarvrum
Sodar-tvain Vaadunn Matrukasthan Maanit”
That is, an ideal place is one where people live like brothers free from the thdiscrimina�on of caste and religion. Three weeks ago, on 30 May,
immediately a�er swearing-in the Government has started working
towards building a New India.
A New India where equal opportuni�es to progress are available to every
person; where life of every person becomes be�er and their self-esteem is
enhanced; where brotherhood and harmony bind the people with each
other; where the founda�on built on our ideals and values becomes
stronger; and where the benefits of development reach every region and
the last person standing in the queue.
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
34
This New India, will move forward towards
that ideal state envisioned by Gurudev
Rabindranath Tagore where the mind of
the people is without fear and the head is
held high with self-esteem. In Gurudev's
words: “Chi�o Jetha Bhay-Shunno, Uchcho
Jetha Shir.”
�It is a ma�er of pride for every Indian that
when our country completes 75 years of
independence in 2022, we would have
achieved many na�onal goals for building a
New India. To pave the way for the golden
future of New India, my Government has
resolved that on this path towards a New
India, the rural India will be strong and
urban India will also be empowered; the
entrepreneurial India will a�ain new
heights and the dreams of young India will
also be fulfilled; all systems will be
transparent and the pres�ge of honest
countrymen wil l increase further; st infrastructure for the 21 century will be
built and all resources for crea�on of a
powerful India will be mobilised.
In the light of these resolu�ons, in a short period of 21 days, my
Government has taken many decisions aimed at the welfare of farmers,
soldiers, students, entrepreneurs, women and other sec�ons of society and
has also started implemen�ng them. Ini�a�ves have also been taken to
enact several new laws. A decision has been taken to increase the income
support to farmers who are our annadaata, by extending the coverage
under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, to every farmer in the country.
To enable the farmer brothers and sisters who work day and night in their
fields to lead a respectable life a�er a�aining the age of 60 years, a pension
scheme for them has also been approved. Livestock is invaluable for
farmers. They have to spend a lot of money for treatment of ca�le-related
diseases. To reduce this expenditure, my Government has also decided to
start a special scheme with an alloca�on of Rs 13,000-crore. For the first
�me, a Government has taken note of the economic security of small
shopkeepers. In the first mee�ng of the Cabinet, a separate pension
Scheme has been approved for small shopkeepers and retail traders. About
3-crore small shopkeepers in the country will benefit from this scheme.
35
CITIZENS' GOVERNMENT
“
“ A New India: where
equal opportuni�es to
progress are available to
every person; where life of
every person becomes
be�er and their self-esteem
is enhanced; where
brotherhood and harmony
bind the people with each
other; where the
founda�on built on our
ideals and values becomes
stronger; and where the
benefits of development
reach every region and the
last person standing in the
queue
We are all indebted to the soldiers who dedicate themselves to protect the
countrymen by sacrificing every joy, every pleasure and every fes�ve
occasion. It is our duty to secure the future of children of those who guard
the border, and ensure peace and security for everyone. Inspired by this
sen�ment, the amount of scholarship under the Na�onal Defence Fund
has been increased for the children of our brave soldiers. For the first �me,
sons and daughters of the State police personnel have also been included
in this scholarship.
stOne of the biggest challenges of the 21 century is the growing water crisis.
Over �me, tradi�onal and effec�ve prac�ces of water conserva�on in our
country are disappearing. Houses have come up over ponds and lakes and the
vanishing water sources have accentuated the water crisis for the poor. In
view of the growing impact of Climate Change and Global Warming, the water
crisis is likely to aggravate further. Today, the need of the hour is that the way
the country has shown seriousness about Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, the same
seriousness be shown towards Water Conserva�on and Management.
We must conserve water for our children and future genera�ons. The
crea�on of the Ministry of Jalshak� is a decisive step in this direc�on, which
will have far-reaching benefits. Through this Ministry, the systems related to
water conserva�on and management will be made more effec�ve.
My Government is fully conscious of the crisis in the drought-hit areas and
stands by every affected ci�zen. With the support of State Governments
and Sarpanches at the village level, it is being ensured that farmers are
assisted and the scarcity of drinking water is tackled.
Strengthening the system and spirit of Co-opera�ve Federalism, my
Government is taking the States along to achieve the na�onal goals. Last
week, important developmental issues were discussed with the Chief
Ministers and a decision was taken to cons�tute a Commi�ee of Chief
Ministers to look into Structural Reforms in the field of agriculture.
Only on the founda�on of a strong rural economy, is it possible to build a
strong na�onal economy. Our farmers are the pillars of rural economy. All
possible efforts are being made by the Central Government to provide
adequate assistance to the States for agricultural development.
Large scale investments have been made to strengthen rural India. In order
to enhance agriculture produc�vity, an investment of Rs. 25-lakh-crore will
be made in the coming years.
To double the income of farmers by 2022, several steps have been taken in
the last 5 years. Be it the decision to increase the MSP or approval for 100
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
36
per cent FDI in food processing; be it comple�on of the irriga�on projects
pending for decades or extension of the Crop Insurance Scheme; be it the
Soil Health Card or 100% neem coa�ng of urea; my Government has taken
many decisions, apprecia�ng such numerous small and big needs of the
farmers. The Government has made the agriculture policy both produc�on-
centric as well as income-centric.
An important link in these efforts is Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Through this, an amount of more than Rs. 12,000 crore has been disbursed
to the farmers in just three months. An es�mated expenditure of Rs. 90,000
crore is likely to be incurred annually on this scheme since every farmer has
now been brought in its ambit.
With the provision of storage for farm produce, the economic security of
the farmers is strengthened. Now the storage facility will be provided to the
farmers near their village through the Grameen Bhandaran Yojana.
The benefit of coopera�ves in the agriculture sector is being availed by the
farmers in the dairy business. In other areas of agriculture also, the target is
to create 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organisa�ons to benefit the farmers.
Today, India is second in the world in fish produc�on. Our country has the
poten�al to a�ain the first place. There is immense poten�al for increasing
the income of farmers through marine fish industry and inland fisheries.
That is why the Government is commi�ed to Neeli Kran� (Blue Revolu�on).
A separate Department has been cons�tuted for integrated development
of fisheries. Similarly, a special fund has been created to develop
infrastructure related to fishing industry.
We can achieve our cons�tu�onal objec�ves only by libera�ng the poor
families of the country from poverty. During the last five years, the schemes
implemented in the country for the welfare of farmers, labourers, divyangjan,
tribals and women have achieved wide spread success. Only by empowering
the poor can they be rescued from the vicious cycle of poverty. That is why the
Government has adopted an approach to empower the poor, deprived and
weaker sec�ons through provision of housing, healthcare, essen�al ameni�es
of life, financial inclusion, educa�on, skill and self-employment. This is in
harmony with Deen Dayal Upadhyaya's concept of Antyodaya.
Comprehensive work is underway for the development of 112 Aspira�onal
Districts in the country. One lakh fi�een thousand most backward villages
of the country are in these districts. With the development of educa�on
and healthcare facili�es and infrastructure in these villages, there will be a
posi�ve impact on the lives of crores of poor families.
CITIZENS' GOVERNMENT
37
A�er the success of the world's largest financial inclusion campaign,
through the Jan Dhan Yojana, my Government is also working to bring the
banking services to the doorsteps of the people. In order to ensure that
banking services are readily available in every village of the country and in
the inaccessible areas of North East, work is being done at a fast pace. About
1.5-lakh post offices in the country are being prepared to provide banking
services through the India Post Payment Bank. Our goal is to u�lise the
postman as a mobile bank to bring banking services to every doorstep.
Cost of medical treatment pushes the poor families into financial crisis. In
order to protect them from this crisis, world's biggest healthcare scheme
Ayushman Bharat Yojana has been implemented, providing Health-
Protec�on-Cover to 50 crore poor people. Under this, so far about 26 lakh
poor pa�ents have availed treatment in hospitals. In order to provide
medicines at affordable rates, 5,300 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have also been
opened. It is our endeavour to provide medicines at affordable rates to
people residing in far-flung areas through these Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
The objec�ve is to set up about 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres in all
rural areas by 2022. So far, about 18,000 such Centres have already been
opera�onalised.
Our countrymen can learn a lot from tribal communi�es. Our tribal brothers
and sisters live in harmony with the environment and nature and maintain a
beau�ful balance between development and tradi�on. In New India, every
effort will be made to create an inclusive and sensi�ve system in the interest
of tribal communi�es. Many schemes have been implemented for all-round
development of tribal areas. Work is in progress to provide Learning to
Earning facili�es to the youth residing in the forest areas. In tribal
dominated areas, Eklavya Model Residen�al Schools are being set up for
children. The thrust is on value addi�on and marke�ng of forest produce
through Van Dhan Kendras.
Women Empowerment is one of the top priori�es of my Government.
Empowerment of women and their effec�ve involvement in society and
economy is the touchstone of a developed society. The Government's
thinking promotes not only women's development but also women-led
development. According the highest priority to women's security, several
effec�ve steps have been ini�ated with the coopera�on of the States.
Penal�es for crimes against women have been made harsher and the new
penal provisions are being strictly enforced. The Be� Bachao Be� Padhao
campaign has brought down female foe�cide and improved the sex ra�o in
many districts of the country.
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
38
Rural women are the biggest beneficiaries of freedom from smoke through
Ujjwala Yojana, vaccina�on through Mission Indradhanush and free
electricity connec�ons under Saubhagya Yojana. Women are also being
given priority in the registra�on of houses built under Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana in the rural areas. Under this scheme, nearly 2 crore new houses will
be built in the villages during the next three years.
Facili�es for the women workers in the un-organised sector are also being
augmented. Self-employment opportuni�es are being made available to
rural women through Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Rashtriya Aajivika Mission.
Under the Rashtriya Aajivika Mission, loans amoun�ng to more than Rs 2
lakh-crore have been disbursed so far to 3 crore women in rural areas.
My Government is commi�ed to make women equal stakeholders in the
country's development and prosperity. Efforts will be made in collabora�on
with industry and corporate sector to provide be�er employment
opportuni�es to women. In addi�on, in Government procurement, priority
will be given to those enterprises where women's par�cipa�on in the
workforce is more than the prescribed limit.
To secure equal rights for every sister and daughter in the country,
eradica�on of social evils like Triple Talaq and Nikah-Halala is impera�ve. I
would urge all the members to cooperate in these efforts to make the lives
of our sisters and daughters be�er and dignified.
Our young genera�on must have a meaningful par�cipa�on in the building
of New India. In the last five years, a�empts have been made for
developing the skills of the youth, providing them financial support for
start-ups and self-employment, and making available adequate number of
seats for higher educa�on. The amount of scholarship has also been
increased by 25 per cent.
The Government has made provision of 10 per cent reserva�on for youth
from economically weaker sec�on of the general category. This will enable
them to get more opportuni�es in employment and educa�on. To enable
the youth of all strata of society to fulfil their dreams, �mely provision of
financial resources is being emphasised. The impact of the Pradhan Mantri
Mudra Yojna has been felt on a big scale. Under this scheme, about 19-crore
loans have been disbursed for self-employment. An effort will now be made
to cover 30-crore people by expanding this scheme. A facility for
entrepreneurs to avail loan up to Rs. 50-lakh without any guarantee will also
be introduced. Apart from this, new employment opportuni�es will be
generated through appropriate policies in sectors which have the poten�al
to accelerate the economy.
CITIZENS' GOVERNMENT
39
Today India has joined the league of countries with most number of start-
ups in the world. To improve the start-up ecosystem, the Government is
simplifying the rules. This campaign will be further expedited. Our goal is to
establish 50,000 start-ups in the country by 2024.
Research is being encouraged in higher educa�onal ins�tu�ons. To further
strengthen this effort, it is proposed to establish a Na�onal Research
Founda�on. This proposed founda�on will work as a bridge between
different Departments of the Central Government, science laboratories,
higher educa�onal ins�tu�ons and industrial ins�tu�ons.
To enable various higher educa�onal ins�tu�ons of India to find a place in
the top 500 educa�onal ins�tu�ons of the world, they are being
encouraged through grant of autonomy and financial assistance.
My Government is striving to increase the number of seats in the country's
Higher Educa�on System by one-and-a-half �mes by 2024. With this
ini�a�ve, 2-crore addi�onal seats would be available for the youth in higher
educa�onal ins�tu�ons.
It is our responsibility to provide appropriate opportuni�es, environment
and quality educa�on to enhance the talent of children. In this regard, the
Pradhan Mantri Innova�ve Learning Programme will be started.
In order to a�ract children early enough, at the school level, towards
technology, suitable infrastructure is being created. Through the Atal
Innova�on Mission, the work of establishing Atal Tinkering Labs in about
9,000 schools across the country is progressing rapidly. Similarly, Atal
Incuba�on Centres are being set up in 102 universi�es and other ins�tu�ons.
Impressive performance in sports compe��ons at the world level enhances
the pride of the country as well as increases the interest of children and
youth in sports. It also strengthens the culture of according primacy to health
in life. To make India a global sports powerhouse, it is important that talented
players living in far-flung areas of the country are iden�fied and their
selec�on process is made transparent. To iden�fy the players at the state and
district level, it has been decided to widen the Khelo India Programme.
Under this, 2,500 talented players have been selected, and are being trained.
Now this facility will be provided to 2,500 new players every year.
The sports infrastructure in the country will be modernised as well as
expanded. A new system is being evolved to make available modern
infrastructure and facili�es to the players. It is our endeavour that our
players win high accolades in the sports world and enhance the pres�ge of
our country.
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
40
Economic development plays the most vital role in improving the lives of
our countrymen. Today India is among the fastest growing economies in the
world. Infla�on is low, fiscal deficit is under control, foreign exchange
reserves are growing and the impact of Make In India is clearly visible.
thIndia is now on the way to become the world's 5 largest economy in terms
of GDP. To maintain the high growth rate, reform process will con�nue. It is
our objec�ve to make India a 5-trillion dollar economy by 2024.
Work is underway in full earnest to transform India into a Global
Manufacturing Hub. Keeping in view Industry 4.0, a New Industrial Policy will
be announced shortly. In the global ranking conducted on Ease of Doing
Business, India has leapfrogged 65 posi�ons during the past 5 years, from a
ranking of 142 in 2014 to 77. Now our goal is to be among the top 50 countries
of the world. In order to achieve this, process of simplifica�on of rules will be
further expedited in collabora�on with the States. In this sequence,
necessary amendments are also being brought in the Companies Law.
Taxa�on regime plays an important role in accelera�ng economic
development. Along with con�nuous reform, simplifica�on of taxa�on
system is also being emphasised. Exemp�on to persons earning up to Rs. 5-
lakh from payment of income tax is an important step in this direc�on.
Similarly, indirect tax system is also being made simple and effec�ve. With
the implementa�on of GST, the concept of 'One country, One tax, One
market' has become a reality. Efforts to further simplify the GST will con�nue.
Keeping in view the interests of small traders, my Government has launched
a New Pension Scheme for them. The Na�onal Traders Welfare Board will
be cons�tuted shortly, and the Na�onal Retail Trade Policy will be
formulated to promote retail business. Accident insurance of up to Rs. 10-
lakh will also be provided to all traders registered under GST.
MSME sector provides a strong founda�on to the country's economy, and
plays a cri�cal role in employment genera�on. Several steps have been
taken to ensure smooth cash flow to enterprises run by small entrepreneurs.
In order to ensure that entrepreneurs associated with MSME sector do not
face any problem in accessing credit, the credit guarantee coverage is being
enhanced to Rs. 1-lakh-crore.
Good governance reduces corrup�on, enhances self-respect of the ci�zens
and enables them to op�mally u�lise their talents and capabili�es.
My Government will make the Zero Tolerance Policy against corrup�on
more comprehensive and effec�ve. The mission to eliminate corrup�on
from public life and Government services will be implemented with greater
CITIZENS' GOVERNMENT
41
zeal. Towards this objec�ve, Minimum Government - Maximum
Governance will be further emphasised. In addi�on, use of technology will
be maximised to reduce Human Interface. Appointment of Lokpal will also
promote transparency.
The campaign against black money will be taken forward at a faster pace.
During the last two years, 4-lakh 25-thousand company directors have been
disqualified and the registra�on of 3-lakh-50 thousand suspicious
companies has been revoked.
The Fugi�ve and Economic Offenders Act, has proved effec�ve in
controlling fugi�ve economic offenders. Now we are receiving informa�on
in this regard from 146 countries, including Switzerland. Of these, we have
concluded agreements with 80 countries for automa�c exchange of
informa�on. We are now receiving informa�on about all those who have
stashed black money abroad.
The impact of Real Estate Regula�on Act or RERA is clearly visible in curbing
black money transac�ons in real estate sector and protec�ng the interests
of the customers; providing huge relief to the middle class families.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is among the biggest and most
impac�ul economic reforms undertaken in the country. With the coming
into force of this Code, banks and other financial ins�tu�ons have been able
to se�le directly or indirectly an amount of more than Rs. 3-lakh 50-
thousand-crore. This Code has also curbed the tendency of willfully
defaul�ng on loans taken from banks and other financial ins�tu�ons.
Under Direct Benefit Transfer, funds from more than 400 schemes are being
directly credited into the accounts of beneficiaries. During the last five
years, Rs. 7-lakh 30-thousand-crore have been transferred through DBT. So
far, not only has DBT prevented Rs. 1-lakh 41-thousand-crore from falling
into wrong hands, but it has also enabled dele�on of names of about 8 crore
ineligible beneficiaries. DBT will be further expanded in the coming days. I
would urge the State Governments to use DBT in more and more schemes.
Infrastructure will play an important role in ushering in a prosperous India.
My Government's con�nuous endeavour has been to build infrastructure in
an eco-friendly manner. Along with concrete, greenery has been made an
integral part of the highway and expressway projects. For supply of
electricity, op�mal u�lisa�on of solar energy is being stressed. Household
and industrial wastes are also being used in road construc�on.
stIn the 21 century economy, the pace and spread of urbanisa�on will
con�nue to increase. Development of urban infrastructure in ci�es and
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
42
suburbs will pave the way for economic progress and enhance employment
opportuni�es. My Government is �relessly working for a modern India, by
providing world-class infrastructure and public ameni�es in villages as well
as ci�es. Special emphasis is being accorded to improving connec�vity in
the North-East, hilly and tribal areas. In addi�on to increasing the ease of
living of ci�zens in the North-East; tourism, agriculture and other allied
sectors will also benefit from be�er connec�vity. Effec�ve steps are being
taken to expand organic farming in the North-East.
Under the Bharatmala Project, construc�on or upgrada�on of about 35,000
kilometers of Na�onal Highways is to be undertaken by 2022. In addi�on,
under the Sagarmala Project, a network of good quality roads is being
constructed in coastal areas and areas adjoining ports.
Along with the highways, Government is also working extensively in the
area of Railways, Airways and Inland Waterways. Under the UDAN Scheme,
air connec�vity to smaller towns is being expanded rapidly.
Urban transport infrastructure is being created to cater to present and future
requirements. While developing infrastructure, a�en�on is also being given
to addressing challenges posed by pollu�on. My Government is developing a
transport system, which is not only fast and safe, but is also environment
friendly. For this, special emphasis is being given to Public transport. Metro
rail network is being expanded rapidly in several ci�es. One Na�on, One Card
has been launched to realise the dream of seamless mobility. Similarly,
electric vehicles are being promoted to reduce vehicular pollu�on. The
network of electric charging sta�ons is also being expanded rapidly.
Modern ameni�es like gas-grid and I-Ways are being developed at a rapid
pace. PNG based domes�c fuel and CNG based transporta�on systems are
being developed. In modern India, we are according a special emphasis on
produc�on of bio-fuel. Prior to 2014, about 67-crore-litre of ethanol was
being blended. This year, we have set a target of about 270-crore-litre for
ethanol blending. Enhancing the use of blended ethanol will not only
benefit our farmers but also safeguard the environment. Further, it will
reduce import of petroleum products thus saving foreign exchange.
My Government is fully devoted to make the flow of Ganga uninterrupted
and pollu�on free. Recently, encouraging evidence of revival of aqua�c life
at several loca�ons along Ganga has been reported. This year, during the
Ardhakumbh in Prayagraj, the cleanliness of Ganga, and ameni�es provided
to the devotees, have made news throughout the world. My Government
has enhanced the dignity and self-esteem of every person who contributed
towards the successful organisa�on of Ardhakumbh by honouring them.
CITIZENS' GOVERNMENT
43
Under the Namami Gange scheme, my Government will further accelerate
the campaign for closure of drains releasing effluents in the river Ganga. On
the lines of river Ganga, the Government will also endeavour to clean up
other rivers such as Kaveri, Periyar, Narmada, Yamuna, Mahanadi
and Godavari.
My Government is making earnest efforts for conserva�on of forests,
wildlife and the environment. In recent years, forest and tree cover has
increased by more than one per cent. During the last five years, protected
areas in the country have also increased. In 2014, the number of protected
areas in the country was 692, which has now gone up to 868. To address the
challenges posed by air pollu�on, Na�onal Clean Air Programme has been
started in 102 ci�es.
Solar energy plays an important role in reducing the adverse effects of
Climate Change and Global Warming. Proac�ve efforts of India have
resulted in the forma�on of the Interna�onal Solar Alliance. Through this
organisa�on, India is contribu�ng significantly to the development of solar
energy in the developing countries of the world.
Space Technology plays a central role in improving the lives of the common
man, providing early-warning of impending disasters, iden�fying loca�on
of natural resources, providing signals to various means of communica�on
and ensuring na�onal security. It is the endeavour of my Government to
maximise the use of space technology for human welfare. Several facili�es
such as roads, houses for poor, farming or equipment for fishermen have all
been linked to space technology.
Space technology has helped us in further strengthening our security at
land, air and water. Our exper�se in accurate weather forecast has
improved. This was evidenced during the recent Cyclone Phani that struck
the eastern coast of the country. Due to accurate informa�on and �mely
prepara�on, large scale destruc�on to life and property was averted.
India is marching forward to assume a leadership role in unraveling and
comprehending the mysteries of space. Our scien�sts are involved in the
prepara�ons for the launch of Chandrayaan-2, which will be India's first
spacecra� to reach the Moon. We are also making rapid progress towards
achieving the goal of sending the first Indian in India's own Gaganyaan
by 2022.
During the Lok Sabha elec�ons, the country a�ained another milestone,
which however, did not receive as much a�en�on as it should have. With
the successful tes�ng of Mission Shak� a new dimension has been added to
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
44
India's capability in space technology and security-preparedness. For this,
today I once again congratulate our scien�sts and engineers.
The role of technology in the field of security is expanding con�nuously.
Keeping this in view, work is in progress to establish three joint service
agencies for space, cyber and special-forces. These collabora�ve efforts will
strengthen the security of the country.
New India is rapidly moving towards occupying its righ�ul place in the world
community. Today, India has acquired a new image and our rela�ons with
other countries have become stronger. It is a ma�er of immense pleasure
that in 2022 India will host the G-20 Summit.
The world community enthusias�cally supported India's proposal to stdeclare June 21 as Interna�onal Day of Yoga by the United Na�ons. At
present, several programmes associated with Interna�onal Day of Yoga are
being organised with great enthusiasm in various countries, of which the st most important events will be held on the 21 June.
The world community supports India's posi�on on various issues such as
climate change, economic and cyber-crime, ac�on against corrup�on and
black money and energy security. Today the whole world stands with India
on the issue of terrorism. Designa�on of Masood Azhar, responsible for
dastardly terrorist a�acks on our soil, as a global terrorist by United Na�ons,
is a major tes�mony to this fact.
My Government's “Neighborhood First” policy is an evidence of our
approach of according priority to South Asia and countries in the adjoining
region. India will play a crucial role in the progress of this region.
Accordingly, trade, connec�vity and people-to-people contact are being
encouraged in this region. The presence of Heads of States and Heads of
Governments of BIMSTEC countries, Kyrgyzstan – the current chair of
Shanghai Coopera�on Organisa�on and Mauri�us during the swearing-in
of the new Government is a reflec�on of this policy.
My Government is also conscious of protec�ng the interests of Indians
living and working abroad. Today an Indian, if caught in any crisis abroad, is
confident of receiving �mely help and relief. Several services ranging from
passports to visas have been made easy and accessible.
Due to the efforts of my Government, India's philosophy, culture and
achievements have got a dis�nct recogni�on at the global stage. This year, ththe 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, which is being celebrated
world over, will provide a fillip to India's thought leadership. Similarly,
CITIZENS' GOVERNMENT
45
thprogrammes related to the 550 birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji, will
help spread the light of India's spiritual wisdom throughout the world.
New India will be sensi�ve and also economically prosperous. But for this to
happen, na�on's security is of utmost importance. My Government accords
top most priority to na�onal security. Therefore, effec�ve steps are being
taken to tackle Terrorism and Naxalism.
India has amply demonstrated both her intent and capabili�es, first
through surgical strikes and then through air strikes a�er the Pulwama
a�ack at terrorist hideouts across the border. In future too, all possible
steps will be taken to ensure our security.
Illegal infiltrators pose a major threat to our internal security. This is leading
to social imbalance in many parts of the country, as well as pu�ng a huge
pressure on limited livelihood opportuni�es. My Government has decided
to implement the process of Na�onal Register of Ci�zens on priority basis in
areas affected by infiltra�on. Security along the border will be further
strengthened to prevent infiltra�on.
While on the one hand, Government is working to iden�fy the infiltrators, on
the other, it is also fully commi�ed to protec�ng the vic�ms of persecu�on
due to their faith. In this regard, efforts will be made to amend the
Ci�zenship Act while protec�ng the linguis�c, cultural and social iden��es.
My Government is making efforts with complete dedica�on to provide a
safe and peaceful environment to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The
recently concluded peaceful elec�ons to local bodies and to Lok Sabha have
bolstered our efforts. My Government is commi�ed to take all necessary
steps for the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
My Government is resolutely working to eradicate the menace of Naxalism
from the country. Considerable success has been achieved in this direc�on
during the last 5 years. The area affected by Naxalism is reducing
con�nuously. In the coming years, development projects will be expedited in
these areas, which will benefit our tribal brothers and sisters residing there.
My Government is rapidly taking forward the work of modernisa�on of the
army and the armed forces. India is going to receive the delivery of first
Rafale fighter aircra� and Apache helicopters in the near future.
Special emphasis is being accorded by the Government to manufacture of
modern armaments under Make in India. The policy of indigenously
manufacturing weapons such as modern rifles and cannons, tanks and
combat aircra�s is being carried forward successfully. Defence Corridors
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
46
coming up in U�ar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will further strengthen this
mission. While fulfilling our security requirements, export of defence
equipment is also being encouraged.
Respect towards soldiers and martyrs, enhances self-respect and
enthusiasm among the forces, and also strengthens our military
capabili�es. Hence, all possible efforts are being made to take care of our
soldiers and their families. Through One Rank One Pension, increased
pensionary benefits to ex-service men and expansion of health facili�es,
efforts are being made to improve their living standards.
The Na�onal War Memorial near India Gate in Delhi, built by my
Government, seven decades a�er India's independence, is a tribute to the
martyrs by a grateful na�on. Similarly my Government has set up the
Na�onal Police Memorial in memory of police personnel who were
martyred while safeguarding the security of the country.
Inspira�on from history guides us towards the future path of na�on
building. It is our duty to preserve the memory of our na�on-builders and
gratefully remember them. There have been many such efforts during the
last five years. Dandi Museum has been built to honour Pujya Bapu and the
historic Dandi March. The Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world, has
been built as a mark of our gra�tude to the Iron Man Sardar Patel. Kran�
Mandir has been set up at the Red Fort in Delhi, as a tribute to Netaji
Subhash Chandra Bose and other freedom fighters of Azad Hind Fauj. 26
Alipur Road in Delhi, the site of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's
Mahaparinirvana has been developed as a Na�onal Memorial. A museum is
also being built in Delhi as a mark of respect to the contribu�ons of all
former Prime Ministers of the country.
My Government, inspired by Sardar Patel, is commi�ed to further
strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. For this, it is essen�al
to accord importance to Na�onal Ambi�ons and Regional Aspira�ons. All
forms of dialogue and coopera�on will be encouraged to achieve this.
Guided by the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas, it is
the endeavour of my Government to ensure that no ci�zen is le� behind in
India's journey of development.
India had to pass through a long period of subjuga�on. But throughout this
period, Indians kept figh�ng for independence in different parts of the
country. The longing for freedom and willingness to make sacrifices to
achieve freedom had never waned. This desire for independence
culminated into the Quit India Movement in 1942, when the en�re na�on
was determined to achieve independence and even to sacrifice their lives in
CITIZENS' GOVERNMENT
47
this cause. Contribu�ng to the freedom struggle was the only thought
behind all the ac�ons of our countrymen. We achieved our independence
in 1947 on the strength of this collec�ve spirit.
Today, all of us are again at a juncture of crea�ng history. We are striving to
launch a new movement for ushering in a new era. Our resolve today will
determine the shape of the India of 2047 when we celebrate the centenary
of our independence.
Today, our country is enriched with the experiences of a 72-year journey
since independence. The na�on is moving ahead only by learning from these
experiences. All of us have to move ahead with the resolve to realise the idea thof New India by the year 2022 when we celebrate the 75 anniversary of
thIndia's independence. In the New India in the 75 year of its independence:
! Farmers' income will be doubled;
! Every poor will have a pucca roof over his head;
! Every poor will have access to clean fuel;
! Every poor will have electricity connec�on;
! No poor will be compelled to defecate in the open;
! Every poor will have access to medical facili�es;
! Every village in the country will be connected by roads;
! River Ganga will flow uninterrupted, and pollu�on free;
! In collabora�on with States, India will be close to becoming a $ 5 trillion
economy;
! We will be progressing towards joining world's three largest economies;
! An Indian will unfurl the tri-colour in space, en�rely on the strength of
indigenous resources; and
! We will provide leadership to global development with a new zeal and
confidence.
If the gap between the public and the Government is reduced and public
partnership is ensured, our countrymen can transform Government
schemes and programmes into mass movements. This is the way forward to
achieve transforma�ve na�onal goals. Adop�ng this approach, programmes
like the Be� Bachao, Be� Padhao, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan evolved into
mass movements. On the strength of people's par�cipa�on, we will also
achieve the objec�ve of a New India.
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
48
It is the belief of my Government that poli�cal
par�es, States and 130-crore countrymen are all
commi�ed to India's integrated and accelerated
development. Our vibrant democracy has also
matured adequately. During the last few
decades, due to frequent elec�ons being held in
some part of the country or the other, the pace
and con�nuity of development programmes
have been impacted. Our countrymen have
demonstrated their wisdom by delivering a
clear verdict both at State and Na�onal issues.
One Na�on – Simultaneous Elec�ons is the
need of the hour, which would facilitate
accelerated development, thereby benefi�ng
our countrymen. With such a system in place, all
poli�cal par�es, according to their respec�ve
ideologies, will be able to be�er u�lise their
energy towards development and public
welfare. Therefore, I urge all Members of
Parliament to seriously ponder over this
development oriented proposal of One Na�on - Simultaneous Elec�ons.
This year also marks 70 years of adop�on of the Indian Cons�tu�on. As a
Member of Parliament, all of you have undertaken the oath or affirma�on
to discharge your du�es with true faith and allegiance to the Cons�tu�on
of India. The Cons�tu�on is paramount to all of us. The chief architect of
our Cons�tu�on, Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar had said that “we
must hold fast to cons�tu�onal methods of achieving our social and
economic objec�ves”.
Our Cons�tu�on provides guidance to ensure social, economic and poli�cal
jus�ce, secure liberty and equality for all ci�zens; and promote fraternity
among all, assuring the dignity of the individual.
I believe that you all Members of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, as
parliamentarians, will make invaluable contribu�ons in achieving the ideals
of the Cons�tu�on while discharging your du�es. In this way, you will
contribute effec�vely in ushering in a New India.
All of us will have to accord priority to our du�es as public representa�ves
and as ci�zens of the country. Only then will we be able to inspire
countrymen to discharge their du�es as ci�zens.
CITIZENS' GOVERNMENT
49
““ If the gap
between the public and
the Government is
reduced and public
partnership is ensured,
our countrymen can
transform Government
schemes and
programmes into mass
movements. This is the
way forward to achieve
transforma�ve na�onal
goals
My advice to all MPs is that you should always remember the fundamental
mantra of Gandhiji. He had said that every decision of ours should be guided
by its impact on the poorest and the weakest person in the society. You must
also remember the voter who se�ng aside all his work and overcoming his
difficul�es went to the polling sta�on to cast his vote and discharge his
responsibili�es towards the na�on. Your priority should be to fulfil his
aspira�ons.
I urge you all to dedicate yourselves in the task of building a New India and
to discharge your du�es with utmost sincerity over the next five years. I
once again wish the very best to all of you.
Address at the joint si�ng of both houses of the Parliament on June 20, 2019
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
50
India's development stride reflects the confidence of the country... For centuries, we have believed in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and regarded the whole world as our family
“ “
Iam happy to be here for the inaugura�on of the Interna�onal Buddhist
Conclave 2018. This is a gathering of eminent personali�es associated
with Buddhist thought and scholarship, with Buddhist heritage and
monuments, and with the tourism industry that does so much to facilitate
the Buddhist travel and pilgrimage circuit. In par�cular, I would like to
welcome the delegates from approximately 30 countries who have come to
India for this Conclave, and who will be part of this event and other events in
Maharashtra, Bihar and U�ar Pradesh over the next three days.
I would also like to acknowledge the par�cipa�on of Japan as a partner
country in this Conclave. India and Japan have much in common, but there
are few links we treasure as much as our shared Buddhist heritage. Through
thousands of years of human existence, India has been a storehouse of
history and culture, of faith and philosophy. Buddhism has been among
India's greatest spiritual tradi�ons. Many great loca�ons associated with
the life and teachings of Lord Buddha are found in India. These include
Kapilvastu (Piprahwa), where he spent his childhood; Bodhgaya, where he
a�ained Enlightenment; Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon; and
Kushinagar, where he embraced Mahaparinirvana.
Even a�er Lord Buddha's passing, monasteries, pilgrimage sites, universi�es
and places of learning and worship that carried forward his work came up
across India. Today Buddhist heritage sites are to be found in virtually every
state of India. Together these are known to pilgrims, religious tourists and
fascinated travellers as the Buddhist Circuit.
The Buddhist Circuit in India is an important and revered set of des�na�ons
for the approximately 500 million-strong community of Buddhists that lives
across Asia and other parts of the world. It is to facilitate such a travel and
pilgrimage experience that this Conclave has been organised and that the
website and film dedicated to the Buddhist Circuit have been
formally launched.
The prac�ce of cultural and religious travel and tourism is not new to India. It
goes back thousands of years and in fact visits from Buddhist pilgrims,
monks and scholars from other countries and civilisa�ons have been a
proud feature of our history. This has been mutually enriching and in diverse
ways. The voyage of Buddhism from India to Asia and the transcon�nental
links that were created carried more than just spiritualism. They carried a
rich cargo of knowledge and learning, arts and cra�s and medita�on
CELEBRATING THE VOYAGE OF BUDDHISM
55
techniques and even mar�al arts. Eventually, the many roads that the monks
and nuns - those men and women of faith - carved out became among the
earliest trade routes. In that sense, Buddhism was the basis for an early form
of globalisa�on – and of inter-connectedness in our con�nent.
It is these principles and values that must con�nue to guide us. I would
emphasise that such thinking shapes the Indian tourism industry's
approach to cultural and religious tourism. And it shapes the government of
India's promo�on of Buddhist-themed tourism.
Do consider some measures taken in this
regard. The introduc�on and expansion of
the e-visa scheme, which is an ini�a�ve of
this government, facilitates among others,
those tourists coming to experience India's
Buddhist legacy. The government is also
making earnest efforts to develop
Buddhist heritage sites as even more
welcoming des�na�ons. I understand the
Ministry of Tourism has iden�fied the
Buddhist Circuit as one of the thema�c
circuits for development under its
Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Five projects,
with a combined outlay of more than 350
crore rupees, have been sanc�oned for the
states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh and U�ar Pradesh.
It goes without saying that the government
cannot do everything on its own. Tourism is
a mul�-stakeholder enterprise. The private
sector and civil society have substan�al
roles. And in terms of providing a safe and
secure visitor experience, state and
municipal administra�ons play a cri�cal
part. Of course, the business poten�al of tourism is immense. Across our
world, this industry is a big job creator, especially for local households and
local communi�es. In its essence, tourism, like Buddhism, is about people and
empowering them to realise their poten�al.
In this context I am happy to note that the Ministry of Tourism, Government
of India, is organising an Investors' Summit as part of the Conclave. The
objec�ve is to finalise business and investment plans for developing world-
““ The voyage of
Buddhism from India to Asia
and the transcon�nental links
that were created carried more
than just spiritualism. They
carried a rich cargo of
knowledge and learning, arts
and cra�s and medita�on
techniques and even mar�al
arts. Eventually, the many
roads that the monks and nuns
- those men and women of
faith - carved out became
among the earliest trade
routes. In that sense,
Buddhism was the basis for an
early form of globalisa�on –
and of inter-connectedness in
our con�nent
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
56
class infrastructure in the iden�fied Buddhist heritage sites. I am confident
that the delegates to the Investors' Summit, both from India and other
countries, will give concrete shape to their proposals.
I would also like to acknowledge support from interna�onal agencies that
have contributed to the development of tourist infrastructure in the
Buddhist Circuit. The collabora�on between the Japan Interna�onal
Coopera�on Agency and the government of India for the Ajanta-Ellora
Conserva�on and Tourism Development Project is worth men�oning. This
will conserve one of our most remarkable cultural sites for future
genera�ons as well as enhance the tourist experience for those visi�ng the
Ajanta and Ellora caves.
With loan assistance from the Japan Interna�onal Coopera�on Agency, the
first phase of development of the Buddhist Circuit in U�ar Pradesh and
Bihar too has been completed. The Union Ministry of Tourism and the state
governments of Bihar and U�ar Pradesh are now coopera�ng with the
Interna�onal Finance Corpora�on, which is a part of the World Bank Group,
on an integrated Buddhist Circuit Tourism Development Project. This will
upgrade the quality of services for visitors.
In conclusion, I must emphasise that while we should take advantage of our
strengths, we also need to overcome issues that are limi�ng us from scaling
up. There are issues related to limited market research; limited interpreta�on;
and inadequate exhibi�ng and presenta�on of the Buddhist Circuit's history
and narra�ve. While air services have expanded in the past few years, last-
mile connec�vity, whether by way of road and rail, s�ll has gaps that need to
be filled. Pollu�on and environmental changes are other pressing concerns.
Despite these niggling problems, the poten�al is so large that it can only
mo�vate us to move ahead with greater energy and vigour. I am confident
that the combined exper�se of the delegates at this Conclave, drawing
inspira�on from the wisdom and the problem-solving techniques of Lord
Buddha, will lead our heritage tourism efforts to a more enlightened path.
And with that, I wish the Conclave and its sessions and sub-events all success.
thAddress at the inaugura�on of the 6 Interna�onal Buddhist Conclave in New Delhi on
August 23, 2018
CELEBRATING THE VOYAGE OF BUDDHISM
57
am pleased to be here in Cyprus and to meet all of you. I thank you for Iwelcoming me with such warmth and love. Your presence here shows
that despite being outside India, all of you con�nue to maintain the
tradi�on of . It is said that wherever we go in the world, A�thi Devo Bhava
we carry love and harmony with us.
I have always met the Indian community in every country that I have visited.
However, mee�ng all of you today generates special emo�ons in me. These
emo�ons are usually felt when one meets loved ones, family, and friends. I
am feeling a similar kind of exuberance at this moment.
As a part of my delega�on, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers'
Welfare and Panchaya� Raj, Shri Purusho�am Rupala is accompanying me.
He belongs to Gujarat. Two honourable Member of Parliament are also
travelling with me, one is Mr Sunil Kumar Singh from Jharkhand, and the
other is Mr Ram Shakal from U�ar Pradesh.
We have shared a close rela�onship with this beau�ful country. India and
Cyprus had extended mutual support during their respec�ve Independence
struggles and a�er a�aining freedom, have helped each other develop as
na�ons. The civilisa�on of Cyprus is ancient like India's. Its understanding
about diversity and mul�culturalism is quite deep and the prevalent ethics
and morals are also like ours. Perhaps this is the reason why India and
Cyprus consider each other friends. This country has immense respect for
Mahatma Gandhi and other Indian leaders. Similarly, we immensely
respect the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios. We have named
a street in Delhi a�er him.
Cyprus has given a graceful place to the father of our na�on and his statue is
erected next to the House of Representa�ves. Tomorrow, I will pay my
tributes there. In 1970, Mahatma Gandhi's birth centenary was celebrated
here and a commemora�on postage stamp was issued. It is the expression
of the deep respect that Cypriots hold for Mahatma Gandhi. Exactly a nd thmonth from today, on 2 October, the world will begin celebra�ng the 150
birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. I hope that Cyprus will also
par�cipate in the celebra�ons. I appeal that all of you too help us in
spreading Gandhiji's message and thought.
A lot of people present here today know that under the U.N. Peacekeeping
Mission, the Indian Army has played an important role in maintaining peace
ASSIMILATING TO CONTRIBUTE:INDIAN DIASPORA IN CYPRUS
58
and harmony in this country. The great son of India, General K.S. Thimayya
laid down his life here, during service, in 1965. We commend the people
and the government of Cyprus for naming the road from Larnaca to Nicosia
a�er him.
It is a�er 9 years that any Indian President is visi�ng Cyprus. Smt. Pra�bha
Pa�l had come to Cyprus in 2009. Prior to that our former Prime Minister,
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had come to Cyprus in 2002. All of you know that
he passed away last month. His contribu�ons to our na�on building and
poli�cs as a popular leader and Prime Minister cannot be forgo�en.
Tomorrow, I will meet President Anastasiades and we will discuss the
strengthening of rela�onship between the people of Cyprus and India. I
will also have an opportunity of addressing an extraordinary session of
the House of Representa�ves of Cyprus. I have been told that there are
many Indian students in Cyprus. To strengthen the rela�onship between
the youth of our two countries, I will address the students at Cyprus
University and on this occasion, I will also unveil a statue of Gurudev
Rabindranath Tagore.
Among the people present here today, there are professionals, students,
and entrepreneurs. You all must be hailing
from different parts of India – Punjab, U�ar
Pradesh, Southern India. However, the
thread of unity running between us keeps us
united and this thread is composed of our
common cultural and spiritual heritage.
Some of you may have arrived here a long
�me ago and some may have arrived here
only a few years ago. In all this �me, India has
achieved many things. When you come to
India now, you will find it changed. I invite
you to become a part of this new India.
I am pleased that the Indian community
here is considered peaceful. All of you have
assimilated well with the local culture. You
are also contribu�ng to Cyprus's social and
economic development. The apprecia�on
that the Government of Cyprus and people
have for your contribu�ons can be easily
seen. You have made us proud with your
hard work and dedica�on.
59
““ All of you have
assimilated well with
the local culture. You
are also contribu�ng to
Cyprus's social and
economic development.
The apprecia�on that
the Government of
Cyprus and people have
for your contribu�ons
can be easily
seen
ASSIMILATING TO CONTRIBUTE: INDIAN DIASPORA IN CYPRUS
We Indians are lucky in the sense that wherever we go, we have a lot to
share with the people of those places. I am happy that you have kept your
cultural tradi�ons alive in this country. I have been told that you celebrate
with exuberance and excitement Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Eid, and other
Indian fes�vals.
India is now world's sixth largest economy and the fastest growing major
economy. We have achieved a growth rate of 8.2% in the last quarter. In the
last four years, by providing electricity to more than 18000 villages, we have
successfully electrified all the villages of the country. Government
programmes including Make in India, Start-Up India and Digital India are
growing rapidly. Under the Ujjwala programme, we have provided clean
fuel for cooking to more than 50 million people. One can feel a new energy
in India now. I appeal to you to search for opportuni�es in India and
contribute in your own way towards na�on building.
India's development stride reflects the confidence of the country. We have
made notable expansion in our interna�onal rela�ons. For centuries, we
have believed in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and regarded
the whole world as our family. This is why we have rescued not just our own
people from hos�le circumstances and natural disasters but helped others,
too. In the last 4 years, we have been successful in rescuing more than
90,000 ci�zens stuck abroad under difficult circumstances. These include
ci�zens of more than 50 countries.
You must have felt in the last few years that we have massively changed the
government's way of connec�ng with the Indian Diaspora. The rela�onship
between resident and non-resident Indians has deepened emo�onally,
culturally, economically, and ins�tu�onally. We have made the O.C.I. scheme
easier so that more people can benefit from it. We have also directed our
High Commissions and Embassies that they be available 24 hours for helping
people. I have been told that this system is working efficiently.
We believe that the Indian Diaspora is our important partner in
strengthening our interna�onal reach. Each Indian is important in
spreading India's message. While it is true that the government of India has
appointed senior diplomat Dr. Raghavan as the High Commissioner but we
believe that every Indian is our cultural ambassador. We trust that you will
bring India and Cyprus even closer.
On this occasion, I would also like to invite you to Rashtrapa� Bhavan
whenever you come to India. It belongs to all Indians, to all of you. I would
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
60
61
once again like to thank you for being present here and welcoming me with
such warmth and love.
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi on the occasion of the ceremony
organised by the Indian Diaspora in Cyprus on September 2, 2018
ASSIMILATING TO CONTRIBUTE: INDIAN DIASPORA IN CYPRUS
It is a happy feeling to be among friends. In India, we consider the
Republic of Cyprus as not just a friend but one of our most steadfast
partners in the interna�onal community. That is why it is a ma�er of
pride for me to be addressing the legisla�ve forum of your na�on. This
invita�on is an honour for India and a personal privilege for me.
I was touched by the enthusias�c welcome I received when I entered this
grand building. I would like to thank the President of the House of
Representa�ves and the Members of the House for this gesture. And I
would like to thank the people and government of Cyprus, led by the
President of Cyprus, for the extraordinary warmth with which my
delega�on and I have been treated since we landed yesterday a�ernoon.
This is my first visit to Cyprus. The landscape and the sheer beauty of your
country have le� me dazzled. There is something about the waters of the
Mediterranean and the clear air here that is so calming and charming. It is
not just the warm sun that reminds me of home. It is our shared values,
symbols of which are everywhere, including in this House.
These values and symbols exist in the form of the legacy of democracy that
both our countries have adopted. They are present in the mutual respect
for each other's founding figures. In New Delhi, a major road is named in
honour of the venerable Archbishop Makarios. Shortly before coming here,
I paid homage to a bust of Mahatma Gandhi erected in the adjoining park.
Mahatma Gandhi was not only the leader of our freedom movement and
that of the en�re Indian subcon�nent. He was also an inspira�on for an�-
colonial struggles and for upholding human dignity and liberty everywhere.
In India, we remember fondly that about 50 years ago Cyprus issued two
postage stamps to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's birth centenary.
These stamps are s�ll cherished by collectors. It is a fine coincidence that my ndcurrent visit is taking place only a few weeks before October 2 , when we
thbegin the two-year celebra�ons of the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma
Gandhi. Figures like Gandhiji and Archbishop Makarios don't belong to any
one country. They are part of the heritage of humanity.
Rela�ons between Cyprus and India are old, deep and have mul�ple facets.
As ancient civilisa�ons, our first priority is our people. The strong connec�on
between the ci�zens of Cyprus and India is the most important source of our
bilateral energy. From people-to-people contacts, we build economic and
INDIA WITH CYPRUS AND CYPRUS WITH INDIA
62
trade links, educa�onal and intellectual connec�ons, and a frui�ul bilateral
partnership. Then of course are issues of common concern and our mutual
commitment to peace, security and sovereignty. This takes us to the
mul�lateral sphere and to global ma�ers, where inevitably we find
ourselves on the same side. In fact, there are hardly any major issues on
which Cyprus and India disagree.
India's overriding mission is its economic growth and modernisa�on, with
the fruits of development reaching all sec�ons of our people. Cyprus, as a
trusted partner and as one of the largest investors in India, is cri�cal to this
process. India is at an exci�ng juncture and offers appealing business
opportuni�es. Sta�s�cs released just before I le� New Delhi said that
India's GDP had grown at a scorching 8.2 per cent in the previous quarter.
This is part of a trend of high growth over the past few years. It has made
India the world's fastest-growing large economy.
This has happened due to determined efforts and policy ini�a�ves taken by
the government to make India one of the world's most open des�na�ons
for investment, a leading hub of technology start-ups, and an easier place to
do business. India's ranking in the World Bank's Doing Business Report 2018
showed an improvement of 30 places in one year. It was the sharpest rise for
any na�on. In the Global Innova�on Index, India has improved 24 places in st ththe past three years – from 81 in 2015 to 57 in 2018.
Tax reforms to galvanise India's widespread manufacturing and business
capaci�es and large domes�c market have also helped. The implementa�on
of the Goods and Services Tax has led to an uniform, simpler and digitally-
enabled taxa�on in all of our 29 states. It has integrated the country into one
business system. This is a historic achievement that can be compared to
bringing the European Union into a common fiscal framework. There have
been other measures too. The enactment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code has made it easier for non-performing businesses to exit. India is also
striving to create a cleaner economy. This is both a domes�c and a global
problem. In this context, the agreement signed earlier today between the
Financial Intelligence Unit of India and the Unit for Comba�ng Money
Laundering of Cyprus will be useful for both of us.
Massive outlays and a�rac�ve and viable projects are evident in the Digital
India mission – which is taking broadband connec�vity deep into rural
India; in the Smart Ci�es mission, aimed at urban revitalisa�on; and in key
infrastructure sectors such as power and energy, highways, and ports and
shipping. India is promo�ng tourism in a big manner, including by way of
simplifying visa provisions and augmen�ng tourism infrastructure
and facili�es.
INDIA WITH CYPRUS AND CYPRUS WITH INDIA
63
In all these areas, we look to Cyprus for partnership. You can come as
investors and you can come as stakeholders, you can come to buy or to sell,
you can come with your exper�se and you can come with your brands and
your skills. India is open for business – and India is open for Cyprus. Do
come, and come quickly.
Mahatma Gandhi o�en spoke of the Indian village as an organic, integrated
en�ty, where everybody, every family, was part of an interlinked chain and
contributed to each other's prosperity as well as to the prosperity of the
community. This thinking is rooted in the ancient tradi�ons of India.
Through all these years, and in all our endeavours, it has con�nued to
inspire India. When we think for India and when we act for India, we try and
think and act for the world. We are clear in our belief that the global village
is an organic, integrated en�ty, where everybody, every na�on, is part of an
interlinked chain and contributes to each other's prosperity.
I will give you two examples. First, Indian research laboratories and companies
have developed impressive capaci�es in pharmaceu�cal manufacture. Yet, we
don't look upon this as simply business. It is our contribu�on to global
healthcare, while making for a viable industry. High-quality Indian generics
and vaccines have driven down prices, reduced costs of healthcare and helped
communi�es across the world. This is a field
in which we would be happy to share our
experiences and capaci�es with Cyprus.
Earlier this year, India co-founded and
hosted the inaugural conference of
the Interna�onal Solar Alliance. The
secretariat of the ISA is located in India and
this ins�tu�on is central to India's effort to
mobilise interna�onal resources and
technologies to combat climate change.
The scope for renewable energy is
immense and will be crucial to checking
rising temperatures and rising seas. As
geographies marked by long coastlines as
well as being blessed by sunshine, there is
much Cyprus and India can do together.
We invite you to become part of the ISA family.
As responsible na�on-states, both Cyprus and India are alive to the
challenges in the interna�onal system. As civilisa�ons, we have been open
socie�es and trading economies for millennia. The con�nued relevance of a
rules-based interna�onal order, for trade, for our sea lanes and the global
““ When we think for
India and when we act for
India, we try and think and
act for the world. We are
clear in our belief that the
global village is an organic,
integrated en�ty, where
everybody, every na�on, is
part of an interlinked chain
and contributes to each
other's prosperity
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
64
INDIA WITH CYPRUS AND CYPRUS WITH INDIA
65
mari�me commons, and in other domains is an ar�cle of faith for us. The
salience of na�onal sovereignty and the essen�al need to defeat radicalism
and terrorism unites us. In this regard, India has called for finalising the
Comprehensive Conven�on on Interna�onal Terrorism at the United
Na�ons and we count on your support. I would also like to thank Cyprus for
its uns�nted backing of India's candidature for an expanded UN Security
Council as well as for the Nuclear Suppliers' Group.
Exchange of visits and interac�ons between our countries are frequent and
much looked forward to. I am the fourth President of India to visit Cyprus;
and only a year ago the President of Cyprus graced us with his presence. It is
not common in diplomacy for Presidents of two countries to exchange visits
in successive years. That this has happened is an indicator of how special
our rela�onship is. Our Members of Parliament too have a tradi�on of
mee�ng each other and sharing thoughts on the deepening of democracy
and of development. I commend this and invite each one of you to visit
India. Allow us to at least a�empt to give you the type of hospitality that you
have so generously given my delega�on and me – and through us to the
people of India.
With those words, I once again thank you for allowing me the opportunity
to address this House. I wish all of you, and I wish the people of Cyprus, all
the very best for the future.
Address at the House of Representa�ves of Cyprus in Cyprus on September 3, 2018
Iam delighted to be here at the University of Cyprus to meet you and
reflect on what awaits the future of youth across na�ons. I am in Cyprus
for the first �me and have been cap�vated by the warmth of the Cypriot
people. Our two na�ons share very special �es and we celebrate this
friendship with great joy and pride.
Your esteemed University has contributed significantly towards the pursuit
of academic excellence and to the progress of Cyprus as a modern na�on.
The works of Nobel Laureate Christopher Pissarides and the cu�ng-edge
research being undertaken in this Campus are truly inspira�onal.
We live in a rapidly evolving world. The scale of change that we are likely to
see in a decade or so will be unprecedented in human history. The world of
technology, of start-ups, of innova�ons, of new ideas, of digital assistants,
of clean energy and of pasta straws will reorient our daily lives in an
unbelievable manner. What is of deeper import is that perhaps for the first
�me in history, the youth is directly involved in bringing about sweeping
changes and on such a massive scale. Yes, we did have young people
par�cipate in the Industrial Revolu�on but their energy and involvement
cannot be compared to what we see today.
Is there a correla�on or is it just a coincidence that when half the global
popula�on is below the age of 30, we are witnessing a youth-led digital
revolu�on? Let's leave that ques�on aside for the �me being. Youth, by
nature, is open-minded, always ready to experiment with the new. World
over, they have taken to technology and are the principal drivers of the
digital revolu�on. These changes present new opportuni�es to our youth
but also several challenges. Since we are among students, let us first look at
how the field of educa�on itself is being impacted by these developments.
Today, the tools available for learning have grownexponen�ally. Digital
classrooms have made learning more inclusive and interac�ve. Students
si�ng across different con�nents engage in a classroom. The catchment
area of ideas and cultures involved in educa�on has grown manifold.
Obviously, there is lot more imagina�on, thinking and involvement in
solving problems. Chemistry today is not being taught with just books but
with sounds, visuals and digital experiments. E-books and educa�on apps
have acquired a new salience. I understand that you are engaged in high-
end research on energy and oceans at this university. Talk to your colleagues
YOUTH, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN A RAPIDLY EVOLVING WORLD
66
and you would know what meaning the new world of collabora�on has
added to their work.
Technology, indeed, has opened a whole new world of learning. And it has
also made it easier to accomplish our tasks. You should, however, not get
carried away by the instantness of technology. You must con�nue to work
hard without the expecta�on of immediate reward. The pursuit of
excellence should be the key factor that should dominate the minds of
future genera�ons.
As we talk of digital progress, we must dwell
on what the Fourth Industrial Revolu�on
promises for us. To me, it would be a force
mul�plier for development and growth. Yes,
it would disrupt conven�onal jobs - but with
advances in ar�ficial intelligence, life-
sciences and energy management, many
and more employment opportuni�es would
be created. Digital pla�orms, robo�cs, and
data analy�cs are going to impact not just
business processes, human health, public mobility but also dairy produc�on,
agricultural produc�vity and forest conserva�on.
A whole new life awaits us. These changes would also impact social mores.
We must shield our tradi�onal social structure and family against these
stresses. On one account, we have had posi�ve experience. Technology
growth has made students into new-age teachers. They are teaching the silver
genera�on to download apps and enjoy the comfort of new-age products.
As we move towards a knowledge-based society, skilling and retraining will
acquire centrestage of policy making and business development. In India,
we have undertaken a massive programme to skill 150 million people over
the next few years.
We are also focussed on making our educa�onal ins�tu�ons a�ain global
standards. Recently, six educa�onal ins�tu�ons have been accorded the
status of “Ins�tu�on of Eminence” to help them become world class
teaching and research centres. India has the third-largest scien�fic and
technical manpower in the world with over 4000 doctorate degrees
awarded annually. The patents filed by Indian Start-ups have gone up 15
�mes in 2017; from 61 in 2016 to 909 last year.
The changing world seeks greater collabora�on among the global community.
Despite its value, a digital classroom can hardly bring educa�on for all, if
““ The pursuit of
excellence should be the
key factor that should
dominate the minds of
future genera�ons
67
YOUTH, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN A RAPIDLY EVOLVING WORLD
mountain communi�es in India, rural folks in Cyprus or desert towns in Africa
are le� behind on the digital highway. As we move deeper towards the
technology world, we must create open source pla�orms for communi�es
and countries to access the fruits of science and technology. Access, equity
and inclusion should remain key to developing and deploying technologies.
The Indian experience is of relevance in this context. Empowerment
through digital access is an objec�ve that the Government of India is
commi�ed to. "Digital India" is the world's largest, technology-led
transforma�ve programme which is paving the way for our ci�zens to avail
public services. Let me share a few examples of how digital technology is
becoming a great facilitator for "ease of living” in India:
- Today, a farmer can access weather and rainfall informa�on at the click
of a bu�on and decide on his cropping op�ons. Digital technology is,
therefore, contribu�ng to increase farm incomes.
- A small entrepreneur can register on the Government e-Marketplace,
and bid compe��vely for supply of goods. This leads to increased
efficiency and greater value for public money.
- Our students avail the services of the Na�onal Academic Depository. This
has allowed easy access of their cer�ficates and awards. The process of
seeking admission in schools and colleges has, thus, become simpler.
And it is not that we have developed these technology pla�orms for just
ourselves. We are equally commi�ed to sharing them with those who need
them. In this endeavour, we are guided by our age-old philosophy -
Vasudhaiva Kutumbamkam, that is, the whole world is a family. We are
making our space technology available for rural development in Madagascar
and bringing the fruits of tele-medicine to many across the globe.
As with the open space above us, the depths of our oceans also hold great
promise. There are limitless possibili�es that we can harness from Blue
economy. Cyprus has been a seafaring na�on for centuries. Time has come
for us to explore our oceans and its depth, for science, sustainability and food.
So far, I have talked of the opportuni�es before us. Now let us turn to some
of the challenges. As I said earlier, more than half the popula�on of this
world is under the age of 30. In India, we have 65% of our people below the
age of 35. This demographic trend calls for sustained growth so that there
are enough jobs for our young people. Global growth engines must,
therefore, con�nue to run, and run with speed. Greater trade, freer flow of
finance and purposeful technology collabora�on should define the path of
interna�onal rela�ons.
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
68
A far greater challenge, however, would be how you manage Climate
Change and the environmental stress. For the present genera�on, this
challenge amounts to dealing with variability in weather pa�erns, flash
floods and forest fires. The severity might be far more serious for our future
genera�ons. The problem is not insurmountable. By adding sustainability
to development, by preserving forests, respec�ng ecology and by adop�ng
clean energy op�ons, we can tackle climate change. On this account, India
has taken the lead through the Interna�onal Solar Alliance. As two ancient
cultures, India and Cyprus have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.
It is �me for us to bring back our sustainable prac�ces into our modern lives.
New age technology combined with the wisdom of the past can solve many
of our ecological problems.
The world of Big Data has its own security risks. As we put our economy, our
health and our educa�on online, we cannot afford any degree of
vulnerability. In �mes ahead, I foresee more ac�ve global coopera�on and
coordina�on to deal with cyber security.
Our two countries have the greatest respect for each other's leaders. We
have the highest regard for Archbishop Makarios in India. He gave you
freedom and us pride. In less than a month's �me, on 2ⁿ� October, we will
begin celebra�ng the 150�� birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. His message of
peace, compassion and jus�ce may always guide us as we seek to create a
be�er world for ourselves and for others. I will shortly unveil the bust of our
great poet Rabindranath Tagore in your campus. I would like to conclude my
address by quo�ng him. He said - “The highest educa�on is that which does
not merely give us informa�on, but makes our life in harmony with all
existence.” These words of wisdom are more relevant today when we try to
find our balance in the new world of technology and environmental ac�on.
I once again thank the University of Cyprus for providing me an opportunity
to share my thoughts with you. The youth of Cyprus are the future leaders
of this country. May you flourish and take your na�on to new heights. I wish
you every success in your careers.
Address at the University of Cyprus on “Youth, Technology and Ideas: Shaping the stContours of the 21 Century” in Cyprus on September 4, 2018
69
YOUTH, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY IN A RAPIDLY EVOLVING WORLD
Iam happy to be here at the Sofia University, the premier ins�tu�on of
higher learning in Bulgaria, to speak on the theme “Educa�on as an
Instrument of Change and Shared Prosperity.” The growth of this
University has run in parallel with Bulgaria's na�onal renewal. Established
in 1888, shortly a�er Bulgaria gained independence, it has been at the
centre of intellectual ferment. For me this is an appropriate ins�tu�on to
meet the student community of Bulgaria and share thoughts on what our
people can do together. Scholarship and learning are the building blocks of
any meaningful interna�onal rela�onship – as is certainly the case between
Bulgaria and India.
thIt is a coincidence that I am at this University on September 5 . In India, this
is commemorated as Teachers' Day in honour of Dr S. Radhakrishnan,
whose birth anniversary falls today. Dr Radhakrishnan was one of my
dis�nguished predecessors as the President of India. He was a scholar-
statesman and philosopher of rare eminence. In 1954, as Vice-President of
India, he visited Bulgaria, and helped lay the founda�ons of our modern
rela�onship. My address today is dedicated to this great teacher and this
embodiment of Bulgaria-India rela�ons.
I would also like to use this occasion to pay tribute to India's teachers,
scholars and academics. They have drawn from India's age-old tradi�ons of
learning and wisdom and have contributed to India's reputa�on as a
knowledge power. They are a source of pride for India. Across con�nents,
Indian scholarship and academic excellence is recognised. It adds to the
global economy and knowledge structures – and it earns India goodwill.
Like India, Bulgaria understands such intellectual legacies. We are both
representa�ves of ancient civilisa�ons rooted in an�quity. There is evidence
of interac�on way back in the fourth century BC – during the age of the
Maurya dynasty in my country. Similari�es have been detected between the
Indian Brahmi script and the ancient Bulgarian script of Glagolitsa.
It does not stop there. The mutual fascina�on s�ll persists. Sofia University
has a flourishing Indology Department since 1983. It offers courses and
conducts research on India. It also has a Hindi Chair supported by the Indian
Council for Cultural Rela�ons. Delhi University has a Chair of Bulgarian
Language Studies. Students from Sofia University and other ins�tu�ons
travel to India on scholarships. They are part of a growing interna�onal
IN PURSUIT OF A CLOSER RELATION: BULGARIA AND INDIA
70
IN PURSUIT OF A CLOSER RELATION- BULGARIA AND INDIA
student community in India that come from 166 countries. I would like to
believe that the young Bulgarians who are part of this group come back
home as friends and ambassadors of India.
Many Indian students also study in Bulgaria, par�cularly at the medical
universi�es in Sofia, Pleven, Varna and elsewhere. Under the European
Union's EURASIA Project, our countries are collabora�ng in higher
educa�on. A Bulgaria-India Programme for Coopera�on in the Fields of
Science, Educa�on and Culture, which began in 1994, has proved to be
extremely useful. Among the agreements that have been signed during my
current visit is one on Coopera�on in Science and Technology. I am
confident it will take forward the partnership between our academic and
research communi�es.
Educa�on and the pursuit of learning serve mul�ple purposes. At a basic
level, they sa�sfy human curiosity and the quest to understand the universe
that much more, and that much be�er. Yet, the outcomes of learning are
also relevant to solving immediate problems and mee�ng challenges in our
socie�es. This is especially so with young people who are grappling with
unprecedented change.
The focus of our educa�on system, of our
knowledge produc�on and of our broader
social and economic efforts is to secure a
meaningful future for our younger
genera�ons – both in employment
poten�al and in contribu�ng to social
wellbeing. Here Bulgaria and India,
despite being so different, have common
concerns and common aspira�ons. About
a quarter of Bulgaria's popula�on is below
the age of 25. In India, 65 per cent of our
people are aged below 35. It is the dreams
of these young people, people such as
those who are here at this University, that
drive our endeavours.
These are dreams that we can realise
together. India would be happy to share its
blueprints and its experiences with Bulgaria, as per your country's priori�es.
India has a massive network of 903 universi�es and 39050 colleges. Close to
40 per cent of the universi�es and 80 per cent of the colleges are run by the
private sector. The government is encouraging the founding of more and
““ The focus of our
educa�on system, of our
knowledge produc�on
and of our broader social
and economic efforts is to
secure a meaningful
future for our younger
genera�ons – both in
employment poten�al
and in contribu�ng to
social wellbeing
71
more ins�tu�ons, par�cularly for medicine, technology and basic and
applied sciences. These could be public or private ins�tu�ons – that is not
important. What is cri�cal is that these ins�tu�ons conform to quality.
As part of this journey, the government of India has recently designated six
leading ins�tu�ons – including two of the well-regarded Indian Ins�tutes of
Technology – as “Ins�tu�ons of Eminence”. Three are public universi�es
and three private universi�es. They have been given academic and
administra�ve flexibility and special support. In return, they have
commi�ed to adhere to a �me-bound plan to upgrade and become among
the world's best in their domains.
stThe 21 century is an era of drama�c technological change. The Fourth
Industrial Revolu�on, Ar�ficial Intelligence, and the maturing of robo�cs
and of 3D and precision manufacture are changing how we live and work.
Digital technologies are allowing us to make jumps that were hitherto not
possible. In the classroom and outside, technology can be an enabler and
force-mul�plier. I will give you an example. India is one of the largest mobile
phone markets in the world, with over a billion mobile phone users.
Bulgaria also has impressive mobile penetra�on with, I have been told, over
125 mobile connec�ons per hundred residents.
These sta�s�cs indicate a communica�on revolu�on that has allowed our
people to leapfrog the stage of landline connec�ons. In India, the humble
mobile phone and Internet expansion have led to much more than just
people speaking to each other or e-mailing each other. They have created
an innova�on and start-up revolu�on that is disrup�ng many tradi�onal
business systems but, equally, crea�ng exci�ng opportuni�es.
This phenomenon is allowing farmers to access distant markets and get a
be�er price for their produce or for the value-added food products that
they process virtually at the farm-gate. It is allowing distant communi�es to
reach the formal financial and banking system without needing to visit
physical banks. This has dras�cally reduced the cost of transac�ons and
made business easier to do. The technology and digital revolu�on is being stled by young people from campuses. The university campuses of the 21
century are not just providers of degrees but also hubs of innova�on and
entrepreneurship and incubators of start-ups and small businesses driven
by technology – and by crea�ve minds buzzing with ideas and designing
game-changing apps.
This is a revolu�on playing out in real �me in India. It has made India the
world's third-largest innova�on and start-up hub and also the fastest-
growing large economy. The start-up universe in India is crea�ng not just jobs
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
72
and wealth – but also intellectual property. ln 2017 patent applica�ons by
Indian start-ups alone went up to 909 – a fi�een-fold increase from 2016. This
is part of a larger story that places India as the world's second-largest thcontributor to high-quality scien�fic research and 12 highest in terms of
patents filed. India's R&D investments are expected to touch USD 83 billion
this year. This is an exci�ng ecosystem. We invite our talented young friends
from Bulgaria to be a part of it. There are synergies between Bulgarian and
Indian ins�tu�ons that we can exploit to common benefit.
The surge in technology and knowledge-driven industries has implica�ons
beyond the lab and beyond the boardroom. For instance, India's space
programme launches satellites for a number of countries and is gearing up
to send Indian astronauts beyond our planet. Yet, the true worth of our
space mission is in remote-sensing technology that gives our farmers early
indica�ons of weather and soil pa�erns, and so enhances agricultural
produc�vity and incomes. Similar innova�ons are helping India fight
environmental challenges and air pollu�on, manage industrial effluents,
and seek alternate energy sources. India is co-founder and secretariat host
of the Interna�onal Solar Alliance, which was inaugurated earlier this year.
This is part of our push to combat climate change and create a more
sustainable world.
IN PURSUIT OF A CLOSER RELATION- BULGARIA AND INDIA
73
At the Sofia University
Other poten�al areas of research and scholarly coopera�on between
Bulgaria and India are in devising technologies to clean rivers and to explore
the poten�al of the blue economy. From the Black Sea to the Indian Ocean,
there is a vast treasure of mineral wealth under the waters. We need to
explore and use it, and here too our marine scien�sts and universi�es can
work together.
The 21st century is throwing a great many ques�ons at us. It is shaking our
cer�tudes as perhaps no previous century has. Our educa�on system and
universi�es will have to respond and provide answers that our socie�es
seek. And our universi�es will be our navigators through this roller-coaster
ride. Historically, Bulgaria and India have been centres of tradi�on as well as
change. We are socie�es with deep reserves and long memories. We are
also anchor na�ons in our respec�ve regions – in the Balkans and in the
Indian Ocean Region. It is for us, for our people, for our young people such
as the students in front of me, to make our partnership even more
meaningful. We are old civilisa�ons and young na�ons – we know each
other's value, and we understand each other's values. And this process
begins best when it begins on our university campuses.
May that spirit of inquiry and that ins�nct of learning bind the students of
Bulgaria and India – and may it bind our na�ons in an even closer associa�on.
With those words, I wish each one of you and I wish Sofia University all the
best. I look forward to your con�nued engagement with India.
Address at Sofia University in Sofia on September 5, 2018
74
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Iam delighted to address the Bulgaria-India Business Forum along with
President Radev. I am happy to see the enthusias�c par�cipa�on in
this event. I commend the work of the Bulgarian Small and Medium
Enterprises Promo�on Agency supported by the Indian-Bulgarian Business
Chamber, who have worked hard to get a large delega�on to engage with
their Indian counterparts. From India, we have 65 companies led by the
Federa�on of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the
Confedera�on of Indian Industry, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and
Industry and the Trade Promo�on Council of India.
India and Bulgaria are �me-tested friends with a rela�onship that dates thback to the 8 century. Our rela�ons have progressed well in modern �mes
based on shared values of democracy and the rule of law. But I must confess,
while our poli�cal rela�ons have always
been strong and deep, our economic �es
have so far been modest. It is �me for us to
catch up. President Radev and I in our
mee�ng today have commi�ed ourselves
to write a new chapter in our economic
rela�ons. And I seek your commi�ed
support in this endeavour.
There are natural synergies between the
two economies and we need to tap them for
our mutual benefit. Bulgarian companies
can take advantage of the high growth
trajectory of the Indian economy. Indian
companies could form partnerships in
Bulgaria both for the domes�c market and
for the wider EU economy. The key areas
with poten�al for two-way trade and investment engagement include ICT,
Biotechnology, Pharmaceu�cals, Agriculture, Food Processing, Auto
Components, Medical Devices, Defence Produc�on, Infrastructure and
Tourism sectors. I am happy that all these sectors are well represented in this
hall. In several of them, Indian companies have already established their
presence here and Bulgarian enterprises in India.
Our bilateral trade stands at just over USD 300 million. This falls way below
the poten�al. I am confident that a lot more can be done together if we
INDIA AND BULGARIA: TIME-TESTED FRIENDS
““ India and Bulgaria
are �me-tested friends
with a rela�onship that
dates back to the 8th
century. Our rela�ons
have progressed well in
modern �mes based on
shared values of
democracy and the rule
of law
75
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
76
drive deeper into each other's economies and look for prospects. I am
certain your delibera�ons today would be produc�ve on that account.
The India story today is a promising one. As the fastest growing major
economy in the world, with a current growth rate of 8.2%, it is on course to
become a 5 trillion economy by 2025. It has recently become the 6th largest
economy in the world with a GDP of USD 2.6 trillion. The IMF has forecast
the Indian growth at 7.8% in 2019.Our economic graph offers long-term
prospects for Bulgarian companies to invest, trade and establish technology
�e-ups in India.
In order to transform India into a modern 21�� century inclusive economy,
our Government has taken a number of measures both to upli� the
economy and to improve the living standards of our ci�zens. An ambi�ous
plan to build next-genera�on infrastructure including 100 Smart Ci�es, 10
green-field airports, 7 high-speed train corridors, 5 major ports, highways
and na�onwide broadband connec�vity linking our villages and urban
areas is underway. 10,000 kilometres of na�onal highways were built last
year alone - that is an average of 27 kilometres daily! 111 rivers have been
iden�fied as Na�onal Waterways and our railway modernisa�on with new
metros and dedicated freight corridors is on track. Our clean energy target
is to produce 175 Gigawa� of renewable energy by 2022.
To boost manufacturing and the Make in India programme, a host of path
breaking reforms have been ini�ated, including the seminal Goods and
Service Tax. It has fulfilled the dreams of 1.3 billion Indians to have ONE
NATION, ONE TAX and ONE MARKET for the first �me in history. We have
repealed over 1400 outdated laws and the Central and State Governments
together have undertaken over 10,000 measures to make it easier for
businesses to establish and grow in India. As a result, India has jumped a
record 42 places in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index in the last
four years. Our business-friendly policies have placed India among the top
foreign direct investment des�na�ons globally, having received more than
US dollars 60 billion Foreign Direct Investment in 2016.
India is leading the Digital Revolu�on from the front. We are promo�ng
innova�on and entrepreneurship to provide choices to our youth. India
today is home to the third largest Start-up ecosystem in the world. In the
next few years, India will have a trinity of a billion bank accounts, a billion
Aadhar that is biometric Iden�fica�on cards and a billion mobile phones.
This will create a digital ecosystem unique in the world.
Tradi�onally strong in the IT sector, India has the largest pool of digital
talent in the world and is the largest ICT sourcing des�na�on. Bulgaria is
also famous for its ICT strengths. There is immense poten�al for our
77
companies to come together to collaborate in ar�ficial intelligence, data
analy�cs, the internet of things, robo�cs and nanotechnology.
The India-Bulgaria defence coopera�on is a longstanding one. Bulgaria can
help India meet its massive defence requirements. I invite Bulgarian
companies to join hands with Indian majors and manufacture in India both
for the local market and for rest of the world.
India and Bulgaria have proven strengths in science & technology. India is
the home of frugal innova�on. We sent a space shu�le Mangalyaan to Mars
at a cost of USD 74 million which is less than what it takes to make a
Hollywood movie. Last year we successfully launched 104 satellites into the
orbit from a single launch vehicle, the first of its kind in the world. We now
look forward to launch our first manned space mission – Gaganyaan.
Business to Business collabora�on in high-technology, energy and space
fields holds tremendous prospects for the two sides.
Bulgaria's beau�ful mountains and the Black Sea coast are a�rac�ng the
Indian film industry. This has added to the a�rac�on that Bulgaria holds as a
tourist des�na�on. There are new opportuni�es to be tapped in the
hospitality, infrastructure and avia�on sectors. Today's signing of the
Memorandum of Understanding on Coopera�on in Tourism is a welcome
step in this direc�on.
Educa�on and skill development are also areas where there is scope to train
each others' students and professionals in high standards at a modest cost,
especially in ICT and medicine. This will lead to new jobs and opportuni�es
for our people. Further, there is significant poten�al for joint ventures and
business �e-ups in the pharma and healthcare sectors. Indian companies
have lately made pharma acquisi�ons in the Bulgarian market. Lot more
mutually beneficial businesses await to be transacted. Coopera�on in the
field of agriculture and food processing also holds much promise.
India is abuzz with growth and business dynamism. I call upon the wealth of
experience, exper�se and enthusiasm in this hall to seize these
opportuni�es. I invite you to engage and invest in India. I wish you the very
best and seek your support to take India-Bulgaria economic partnership to
greater heights.
Address at the India-Bulgaria Business Forum in Sofia on September 5, 2018
INDIA AND BULGARIA: TIME TESTED FRIENDS
Iam delighted to address the India-Czech Business Forum. I am happy
to see the enthusias�c par�cipa�on from both sides in our
engagement today. We have members from the Czech Chambers of
Commerce and the Czech Associa�on of Medium and Small Enterprises in
the gathering. From India, we have a 50 member delega�on represen�ng
the Federa�on of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the
Confedera�on of Indian Industry, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and
Industry and the Trade Promo�on Council of India with us. I warmly
welcome all of you. Your strong presence here is indeed a signature of the
trust that you place in the India-Czech business co-opera�on.
I understand you have had a frui�ul day of
engagement. I am hopeful that our
economic �es will get a boost from your
business delibera�ons today. India and
the Czech Republic are two ancient
civilisa�ons. There was a flourishing trade
in spices, between India and the Kingdom
of Bohemia, as early as the 9th century.
The Czechoslovak Consulate opened in Bombay in 1920 even before India's
independence. The Bata Shoe Company was founded in this country but its
widespread presence in India compels us to consider it our own. Such early
and rich history of engagement can only inspire us to be more op�mis�c, of
the future of India-Czech trade and investment rela�ons.
Today, I had meaningful discussions with President Zeman, on taking
forward India-Czech mul�-faceted rela�ons, with special emphasis on our
economic �es. We are both convinced that there is immense poten�al to
take the rela�onship to a higher level.
We consider the Czech Republic as a leading economic partner. India's
growth story and Czech technological exper�se and manufacturing prowess
make the two natural partners. India is the fastest growing, major economy
in the world, with a growth rate of 8.2% last quarter. We have undertaken an
ambi�ous plan to build the next-genera�on infrastructure, including smart
ci�es, airports, high-speed trains, highways, and cyber connec�vity. There is
a rapid growth in construc�on of na�onal highways, and there are ambi�ous
plans to develop more than a hundred rivers as na�onal waterways. These
open up immense opportuni�es for our interna�onal partners.
BOOSTING TRADE BETWEEN INDIA AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC
““ There is immense
poten�al to take the
rela�onship to a higher
level
78
We have also undertaken bold reforms to boost our manufacturing sector,
and 'Make in India' ini�a�ve. A major reform is the introduc�on of Goods
and Services Tax. This has fulfilled the dreams of 1.3 billion Indians to have
ONE NATION, ONE TAX and ONE MARKET for the first �me. Both the central
and state governments have undertaken measures to make it easier for
business to be established in India. These reforms have helped India jump
42 places in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index.
Our business-friendly policy has allowed Foreign Direct Investment worth
USD 60 billion to flow into the country in 2016-17. India has recently thbecome the 6 largest economy in the world and is poised to be a 5 trillion
dollar economy by 2025. The Indian growth and demand, complemented
with a large consumer market, offer huge business opportuni�es and scope
for investment. Our flagship programs including the Swachh Bharat i.e.
Clean India, Skill India, Make in India, and Digital India offer immense
prospects for Czech companies to join the Indian growth story.
Our economies have significant complementari�es which can be leveraged
for mutually beneficial coopera�on. Indian companies have achieved
exper�se in the fields of IT, Infrastructure, pharmaceu�cals, automobiles
and services. India offers market for scaling up strengths of Czech companies
in heavy engineering, defence, advanced manufacturing, automo�ve and
energy fields. I also see a lot of scope for Indian and Czech companies to
engage in new-age technologies and join hands to reap the benefits of the
Fourth Industrial Revolu�on.
The Defence sector has been a vital area of coopera�on between the two
countries. Defence produc�on in India has been opened for the private
sector to par�cipate. Our defence requirements are huge. Indian
79
BOOSTING TRADE BETWEEN INDIA AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Address at the India-Czech Republic Business Forum
80
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
companies are looking at Czech defence majors to partner with them. I
invite Czech defence companies to come, invest and manufacture in India.
Major Indian companies have invested in the Czech Republic in sectors like IT,
vehicles, tea, tex�le, pharmaceu�cal, and auto-components. Czech
investments in India are present in the machinery, transporta�on, power
and automo�ve sectors. Czech auto brand SKODA is doing very well in India
and we are happy that they have announced new plans to expand their
produc�on with an investment of USD 1 billion.
The investment by Czech majors in 'Make in India' ini�a�ve is a reaffirma�on
of the immense promise of Indo-Czech rela�onship. From BATA to SKODA,
the story of India-Czech partnership has been defined by popular embrace,
sustainable prac�ces and high business confidence. We encourage Czech
enterprises to remain invested in the Indian growth story.
India-Czech bilateral trade at USD 1.07 billion, does not really reflect our
true poten�al. There is a need to redouble our efforts. From our side, our
Commerce and Industry Minister will lead a business delega�on next
month to co-chair the Joint India-Czech Economic Commission, to be held in
Prague. I am sure the Commission mee�ng will generate new ideas to give a
boost to our bilateral trade and diversify our economic linkages.
Another area which we must always consider is par�cipa�on in each other's
fairs and exhibi�ons. India's par�cipa�on as a partner country in the
pres�gious MSV Interna�onal Engineering Expo in Brno, last October
reciprocated by Czech Republic's par�cipa�on as a partner country in the
Interna�onal Engineering Sourcing Show in Chennai this year has resulted
in new business openings for the two sides.
Entertainment is another growing area of economic engagement. A
number of Indian and Bollywood films have been shot in the Czech
Republic. This has led to increased tourist flow from India to this country.
The Indian economy is a dynamic story. We urge you to explore, ini�ate and
expand your footprint in India. Indian companies are also keen to invest and
establish new business �e-ups here. I invite you to partner us in India's
exci�ng and transforma�ve journey which is going to usher in a new era not
just for India and the Czech Republic but for the en�re world.
Address at the India-Czech Business Forum in Prague on September 7, 2018
The 11 World Hindi Conference was held recently in Mauri�us about th
a month ago. I would like to congratulate the External Affairs Minister
Smt. Sushma Swaraj and her team for its outstanding success.
Out of the 11 World Hindi Conferences held so far, eight have been held
abroad and three of them have been held in Mauri�us itself. However, this
was the first �me that a World Hindi Conference had been organised with
the support of the local government. The Government of Mauri�us
provided immense support at every level for its successful organisa�on. I
would especially like to congratulate the Government of Mauri�us for this.
thOn 20 August 2018, Hindi scholars, teachers, and ins�tutes from India and
abroad were honoured in Mauri�us. I
congratulate all those Hindi scholars. 6 Hindi
scholars who could not a�end the ceremony
then have been honoured today. I would like
to congratulate them also and wish them a
long life and hope that they con�nue to serve
Hindi language and society. Service to
language is service to na�on. It is the na�on
that is honoured when writers, linguists,
teachers, and ins�tutes who serve a language
are honoured.
The former Prime Minister late Shri Atal
Bihari Vajpayee had a special place for Hindi
in his heart and had honoured and respected
the language by delivering his address in
Hindi at the United Na�ons. He did true
service to Hindi. We lost him exactly a month
ago. I bow in his memory.
Today, one can observe Hindi's powerful presence on the world map. Outside
India, more than 10 million people speak Hindi and it is being taught in
universi�es in all major countries. This is why more than 2000 representa�ves thfrom 45 countries have taken part in the 11 World Hindi conference. In India,
in the 2011 census, it was revealed that the number of Hindi speakers had
risen to almost 530 million. This is a good thing. We all know that a language's
power depends on its speakers' prosperity, thought, and behavior. If a society
becomes powerful, its language becomes powerful. And, in turn, if a language
prospers, its society prospers both socially and economically.
SERVICE TO A LANGUAGE
81
““ ..... a language's
power depends on its
speakers' prosperity,
thought, and behavior.
If a society becomes
powerful, its language
becomes powerful. And,
in turn, if a language
prospers, its society
prospers both socially
and economically
It is said that any culture stays alive on the strength of its language and
customs. Language and culture increases self-esteem. A society teeming
with self-esteem moves forward. Cultural preserva�on through language thhas been achieved in Mauri�us. I had travelled to Mauri�us on the 50
anniversary of Mauri�an independence, about 6 months ago, in March
2018. I felt a unique familiarity and cultural affinity. Hindi played an
important part in our independence struggle and it played a similar role in
Mauri�an independence movement. Hindi language and Indian culture is
melded with Mauri�an social-cultural behavior.
Indian emigrants resisted the oppression during the colonial �mes on the
strength of courage, pa�ence, culture, faith, language, and hard work.
These tools helped create an honourable place for Indian emigrants in
countries like Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad-Tobago, South Africa, and Fiji.
Hindi has been designated the na�onal language of Fiji. Almost 37 per cent
of people in Fiji speak Hindi. We are proud of them. They share a deep
a�achment with India. The threads of this a�achment are implicit in
Indian linguis�c tradi�ons. To strengthen this rela�onship, I will soon be
travelling to Fiji.
Hindi films have made an unprecedented contribu�on in popularising
Indian linguis�c tradi�ons in India and abroad. It is a pleasant surprise to see
that our cinema and our cinema characters serve as our introduc�on
abroad. This month, during my trip to Bulgaria and Czech Republic, I
observed that Hindi films and Hindi literature are immensely popular there. I
have been told that the President of Bulgaria is a Hindi cinema lover. This is
why I gi�ed him casse�es of 25 Hindi films and he was very happy about this.
During my trip to Czech Republic earlier, I was invited to give a lecture at the
Department of Indology of theUniversity of Charles. Four students of the
Department were asked to speak in the language of their choice during my
welcome ceremony. Do you know which languages they chose? They spoke
in Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Bangla. This touched everyone's hearts.
Prague has named a railway sta�on and a park a�er the great poet
Rabindranath Tagore. Many people greeted me in Hindi. We must put this
so� power of Hindi literature and films to good use.
The use of film dialogues and songs can be increased in the teaching of
Indian languages to foreigners. Such an experiment to teach Hindi and Urdu
in Japan has been successful. Many people from abroad come to India in
large numbers to study or travel. For their ease, mobile apps can be
developed in which they can learn about India through songs and tunes.
They can also use such apps to learn about how to ask anyone about our day
to day language, rituals and customs and cuisine
82
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
The literature composed by Tulsidas has played an important role in
popularising Hindi in foreign countries. The Ramayana has had a special
place in Girimi�ya countries. From Japan to the U.S.A. and from Russia to
Mauri�us, Ramayana has been translated in local languages and many
thesis have been wri�en on it.
To strengthen Hindi's pres�ge in the world, we must first strengthen its
founda�on in India. We must make it into a language of knowledge and
advanced sciences. We must increase employment opportuni�es in Hindi.
Today's era is an era of technology. Devices like smartphones are shortening
the distance between languages and hence we must make great use of
technology in popularising Hindi.
India has made good progress in the field of informa�on technology. It has
the poten�al to shape the future of Indian languages, including Hindi. It has
been es�mated that the Internet content in Hindi is increasing by 94% every
year. It has also been speculated that in the next few years, the Indian
languages will make up 50% of the language used for internet. In the past
few years, big companies have fast adopted Hindi and Indian languages to
communicate its messages and adver�se its products to the Indian
consumer. The demand for Indian languages in digital technology is
increasing. The future of Indian languages seems bright.
I would, once again, like to thank the External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma
Swaraj and her colleagues, along with the en�re Hindi fraternity, for
successfully organising the World Hindi Conference. I express my best wishes
for the success of their commitment to the pres�ge of the Hindi language.
thTranslated version of the address delivered in Hindi on the occasion of the 11 World
Hindi Conference in New Delhi on September 17, 2018
83
SERVICE TO A LANGUAGE
Iwould like to thank all of you from the bo�om of my heart for this warm
welcome. I am very happy to be on this visit to Tajikistan and meet all of
you. We have had a special and historical rela�onship with this country.
As the President of India, this is my first visit to this beau�ful country and to
Central Asia. However, I am connected to Tajik people and culture in
another special way and I would like to share it with you.
When I was the Governor of Bihar, I had the opportunity of learning deeply
about the humanism of the great Farsi poet, Bedil. He was born in Patna, the
capital of Bihar. Tajik people greatly admire him and his poetry. Tomorrow, I
will meet President Rahmon where we will discuss the advancement of
Indo-Tajik rela�onship. He is a close friend of India and has always given his
unwavering support to India-Tajikistan rela�onship.
I have been welcomed in Dushanbe with great warmth and affec�on. One
feels a profound closeness to one's own people when one meets them in
another country. I have had the opportunity of mee�ng and addressing the
Indian Diaspora in many parts of the world. I want to tell you that it gives me
immense pleasure to meet them this way and I cherish this feeling.
I have been told that the Indian community here is small but what is special is
that they have become close not just with each other but also with the Tajik
people. Just now, in my welcome, Tajik and Indian youth presented a
beau�ful Indian cultural programme. This magnificent presenta�on is a
proof of this closeness and it has won my heart. What gives me most
happiness is that this country has a deep interest in learning about Indian
culture, languages, dance, and music. Indian cinema and Bollywood stars are
quite popular here. Why is this so? Perhaps because our two countries have
similar lifestyles, and this is why we understand each other with such ease.
There is a lot of cultural similarity between India
and Tajikistan. This similarity can also be observed
in our cuisines, music, a�res, and languages. Our
Indian brothers and sisters who live here must
find great comfort in these similari�es.
Since centuries there has been a mutual sharing
of ideologies, philosophy, thought, and religion
between India and Tajikistan. In both these
countries, tolerant humanis�c tradi�ons have
prospered. The great emperor Kanishka is as revered here as in India.
Buddhist, Parsi, and Hindu beliefs have also prospered in this country.
PARTNERSHIP FOR POSTERITY
84
““ Since centuries
there has been a mutual
sharing of ideologies,
philosophy, thought, and
religion between India
and Tajikistan
Travelling through the Silk Route via rivers, valleys, and mountainous
passes, Tajik art, cra�, and commerce has had a presence in India. This
a�ernoon while travelling to Tajikistan, I was gazing down from my aircra�
and I was pleased to no�ce that not just history but also geography has
helped create closeness between the two countries. From the sky, it seems
like the huge Pamir Mountains, with open arms, are moving towards the
Himalayas for an embrace.
I have been told that medical students and professionals comprise a large
part of Tajikistan's Indian Diaspora. I am happy that you have earned
pres�ge with your hard work and integrity. Many among you, a�er
comple�ng your educa�on here, will return to India and contribute to our
health and wellbeing. I am also happy to see that Indian cultural tradi�ons
have been kept alive in this country. I have been told that all of you celebrate
Holi, Diwali, Eid, and other Indian fes�vals with euphoria and excitement.
Once, Indian communi�es prospered in Khujand, Panjakent, Samarkand,
and other glorious ci�es of the Silk Route. They must have celebrated
fes�vals and carnivals much in the same way as you do today.
India is the world's fastest growing major economy, growing at the rate of
7.8%. Our economic reforms and development-focused governance have
started showing good results. In a period of just 4 years, we have electrified
every village of India by providing electricity to the remaining 18,000
villages located in remote areas. This achievement has helped India move thup 73 places to reach 26 posi�on in the World Bank's electricity
accessibility ranking. Major flagship government programmes including
Make in India, Clean India, Start Up India, and Digital India are advancing
rapidly. We have provided clean LPG to 50 million households under our
Ujjwala programme. We have provided financial support to millions of
people under the Mudra programme. Women are the biggest beneficiaries
of this programme.
Through Interna�onal Solar Alliance, we are uni�ng the world in the fight
against climate change. A new energy can be seen in India now. I request all
of you to find opportuni�es in India and contribute in your own way to its
economic development.
thThis year, we are celebra�ng Mahatma Gandhi's 150 birth anniversary. On nd2 October, in Gandhiji's memory, the Mahatma Gandhi Interna�onal
Sanita�on Conven�on was organised in Delhi. Tajikistan also took part in
the Conven�on. I hope that you will spread Bapu's message across the
world. Tomorrow, I am looking forward to pay my respects at the statue of
Mahatma Gandhi in Dushanbe.
85
PARTNERSHIP FOR POSTERITY
86
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
The development of India reflects the new confidence of the country. We
have made notable expansion in our Interna�onal rela�ons. For centuries,
we have believed in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and
regarded the whole world as our family. This is why we have rescued not just
our own people from hos�le circumstances and natural disasters but
helped others, too. In the last 4 years, we have been successful in rescuing
more than 90,000 ci�zens stuck abroad under difficult circumstances. This
includes ci�zens of more than 50 countries.
You must have felt in the last few years that we have massively changed the
government's way of connec�ng with the Indian Diaspora. The rela�onship
between resident and non-resident Indians has deepened emo�onally,
culturally, economically, and ins�tu�onally. We have started a 'Know-India
Quiz' for improving our communica�on with Indians living abroad. We have
also directed our High Commissions and Embassies to remain open for 24
hours to help those in need.
We believe that the Indian Diaspora is our important partner in
strengthening our interna�onal reach. Every Indian among you is important
in spreading India's message. While it is true that the Government of India
has appointed an ambassador here, we believe that every Indian is our
cultural ambassador. We trust that you will bring India and Tajikistan even st rdcloser. Next year, from 21 to 23 January, we are celebra�ng Pravasi
Bhara�ya Diwas in Varanasi. I invite all of you to be a part of it.
I would like to tell our Tajik friends present here that India will con�nue to
support Tajikistan in fields of capacity building and development. I would
also like to praise the work being done by this country's teachers,
professors, and specialists in Indology and Indian languages. This year, it has
given me immense pleasure to award the Padma Shri to the famous
Indologist of Tajikistan, Professor Habibullah Rajabov, for his contribu�ons
in the fields of educa�on and literature.
To conclude, I would urge you to contribute extensively to the deepening
partnership between these two great na�ons.
Translated version of the address delivered in Hindi at the Indian Community and
Friends of India Recep�on in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on October 7, 2018
Iam delighted to be at the Tajik Na�onal University, a seat of learning
that has played a defining role in the making of Tajikistan, and
con�nues to illuminate and guide its vision and progress. Your country
and Central Asia, the great centres of learning and culture- Samarkand and
Khujand, have nurtured the spirit of crea�vity and inquiry for centuries. You
are proud flag-bearers of that enlightened scholas�c tradi�on, of the voice
of Rudaki and Bedil, from which the en�re world con�nues to draw
sustenance and inspira�on.
I have chosen to speak on the topic “Countering Radicaliza�on: Challenges
before Modern Society” for two reasons. First, your country has done
commendable work to tackle this global menace and foster peace for one
and all. And the world must recognise it. Second, the ba�le against
terrorism, extremism and radicalism must be fought, first and foremost, in
the minds of people, between those who believe in peace, love and
humanity and those who feed on hatred, death and destruc�on. It is a ba�le
of opposing ideas, of humanity on one hand and a make-belief world on the
other. Talking to the youth, our future; and scholars, our guide and
pathfinders, therefore, becomes essen�al. As the President of India, I am
Visitor of 160 Universi�es and Ins�tu�ons of Higher Learning. This has given
me an opportunity to frequently speak to the youth in my country as well.
Our two countries have much in common. Our histories are rooted in
inclusive and tolerant values. All religions and thoughts have prospered and
blossomed in the land of the Pamir and the Himalayas. Today, we are
confronted with those who wish to burn and destroy the fabric of our faiths,
the embrace of our togetherness.
The people of this country have made enormous sacrifice to stop the surge
of bigotry and faith-based regressive ideas from capturing centre-stage.
This not only saved your budding Republic in the 1990s but also firewalled
your neighbouring Central Asian Republics. They too, were then, struggling
with challenges that young na�ons face. We sincerely hope there is deeper
understanding of the geopoli�cal significance of the Tajik Civil War.
Today, as you can see around you, there are renewed a�empts to impose
obscuran�st thoughts on peaceful socie�es. This is threatening the
founda�on of human civilisa�on. Their targets are people and socie�es,
NURTURING THE SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY AND INCLUSIVENESS TO COUNTER RADICALISATION
87
who value progressive life and respect diversity of faiths and cultures.
Notwithstanding your historic struggle and subsequent victory in the civil
war, the long-drawn war is far from over. It is evident in every day brutal
killings and senseless violence. Perpetrators of this evil seek legi�macy in
scriptures, where none exist. No religion, none whatsoever, be it Hinduism,
Islam, Buddhism, Chris�anity, Sikhism or Judaism jus�fies violence and
killing one human being by the other. They all talk in one language and that
is the language of peace, harmony, compassion and kindness. The war on
terror and radicalisa�on is not against any religion, and should never be.
Quite on the contrary, it is against those who believe in destroying the
crea�on of the Almighty.
We laud the leadership of President Rahmon in figh�ng terrorism and
countering radicalisa�on. You are a frontline State against the war on terror
and the world admires and respects your courage. We recognise the
enormous challenges the Tajik security forces face every day. You have to
fight terrorists and deal with those who are brain-washed with radical
ideas. The hot-bed of death and destruc�on is not far from you. You also
have to contend with provoca�ons to young minds – many of which are
through the Internet and social media.
The world that we Indians live in is not very different from yours. Terrorism
does not believe in borders! India, like Tajikistan, is taking on terrorism and
extremism head-on. We, too, face the problem of radicalisa�on but we
have been successful in dealing with it. It is not the ques�on of how we
have done but rather why we have been able to do it. I wish to share some
of our experiences.
Our inclusive society, where socio-economic partnership and par�cipatory
poli�cs provide everybody an inherent sense of belonging to the na�on has
been the most effec�ve bulwark against radicalisa�on. Our belief in
pluralism, democracy and secularism has been successful in trumping the
ideology of hate and divisiveness. From the film industry to India's cricket
team and from the professional arena to poli�cs, India is a land of equal
opportunity and equal respect for all. A growing economy li�s one and all
leading to inclusive development.
Our society has always believed in the power of ideas derived from our
history, civilisa�on and culture. Our age-old values of Sufism, of humanism
have shielded us against dark and ugly designs. The call of our revered Sufi
saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya,– “Almighty holds dear those who love Him
for the sake of human beings, and those who love human beings for the sake
of Almighty” binds our social fabric.
88
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
From our childhood, we are taught
oneness, of insaniyat as our creed, of
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – meaning, the
world is one family. It is natural, then, that
the invita�on to destruc�on, even with its
false but temp�ng narra�ves, generally
does not appeal to the Indian mind. For a
vast country that we are, I must share that
those working over�me to infect us with
their deadly virus have not succeeded and
never will.
I must also emphasise the posi�ve role of
family and educa�on in preven�ng and
countering radicalisa�on of the youth in
my country. Our family-based social
structure, much like yours, is a guarantee
against extremist ideas. We have
witnessed tremendous resilience in our
family as an ins�tu�on, which has
prevented vulnerable youth from ge�ng
drawn into the vortex of radicalisa�on and
terror. There have been cases where
parents and rela�ves alerted authori�es to save young targets from
radicalisa�on. Added to our family and community linkages, our religious
leaders have also played a pivotal role in rejec�ng, condemning and
countering the narra�ve of hate and terror.
But we have to be ever vigilant against aliena�on. We have to ensure fairness
and honesty in our approach. And we have to be cau�ous of the cyber world to
prevent those who can go astray. This is challenging no doubt. But with
technology, with digital finger-prin�ng and algorithms we can out do the other.
The poli�cs of terror and radicalisa�on to destabilise society is not the
monopoly of non-state actors. India has been ba�ling cross-border
terrorism for long. If you recall your early days of civil war, I am certain that
similar bi�er memories will resurface. You could put those days behind you,
successfully repelling unwanted interven�on. Our close friend Afghanistan
is not so lucky. Both India and Tajikistan must work together to bring peace
and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
India has deep and special historical �es with all Central Asian Republics. Our
rela�ons with each of them are flourishing. Our shared past and our shared
89
NURTURING THE SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY AND
INCLUSIVENESS TO COUNTER RADICALISATION
“
“ Our inclusive
society, where socio-
economic partnership
and par�cipatory poli�cs
provide everybody an
inherent sense of
belonging to the na�on
has been the most
effec�ve bulwark against
radicalisa�on. Our belief
in pluralism, democracy
and secularism has been
successful in trumping
the ideology of hate and
divisiveness
90
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
aspira�ons have got us together in a collec�ve embrace. We are strengthening
our security coopera�on programmes. We held the latest India-Central Asia
dialogue in Samarkand. We are also engaging each other through regional
pla�orms such as the Shanghai Coopera�on Organiza�on to tackle terrorism
and extremism. India remains commi�ed to collaborate bilaterally, regionally
and mul�laterally to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.
Today morning, I met President Rahmon. We shared our common concerns
on the security situa�on around us. I complimented him for the lead taken
by Tajikistan in collabora�on with the United Na�ons to counter radicalism.
We also commi�ed ourselves to defea�ng these forces. In this endeavour,
we can do much to learn from each other, be it for youth mobilisa�on,
effec�ve social communica�on, impar�ng educa�on or inter-faith dialogue
and conversa�on. We must cooperate to choke the financing networks of
terrorists and their likes. And we must strengthen our security coopera�on
and share best prac�ces to counter radicalisa�on.
Trade and economic growth are long-term fundamentals on which
peaceful socie�es prosper. Economic progress and equity act as a bulwark
against the spread of radical ideas. We are determined to overcome the
lack of our connec�vity with Tajikistan and with Central Asia, so that our
economic rela�ons grow and gallop. We, indeed, have a stake in your
progress and prosperity.
Before arriving here, I had the honour to pay floral tributes to two great sons
of India – Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. Mahatma Gandhi has
shown us the path of Ahimsa or nonviolence, and the words of Tagore teach
us to shun parochialism. These are eternal
values that we must share and we must live.
I would like to conclude by drawing your
a�en�on to our shared heritage of humanism.
The great Indian poet Mirza Abdul Qadir Bedil,
who is remembered fondly in the lands of
Amu and Syr Dariya wrote :
fpLr balku~\ dekys dqnjrs b”d ekfu;s dk,ukrks lwjr b”d
What is human being? Perfect expression of
love. He is the true meaning of universe and
face of love.
““ Trade and
economic growth are
long-term fundamentals
on which peaceful
socie�es prosper.
Economic progress and
equity act as a bulwark
against the spread of
radical ideas
91
If we ins�ll this love for humanity in ourselves and spread the same to
others, peace and love will prevail in our hearts, in our minds and in our
world. I wish all of you a bright future.
Address at the Tajik Na�onal University on “Countering Radicaliza�on: Challenges
before Modern Society” in Dushanbe on October 8, 2018
Address at the Tajik National University on the topic “Countering Radicalization: Challenges before Modern Society”
NURTURING THE SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY AND
INCLUSIVENESS TO COUNTER RADICALISATION
It is an honour for me to be addressing the Na�onal Assembly and the
people of Vietnam. I would like to thank the members of this Assembly,
who represent all regions of your country, and in par�cular Madam
Chairperson for extending the invita�on. And I would like to thank President
Nguyen Phu Trong and the government and people of Vietnam for the
warm hospitality accorded to my delega�on and me over the past two days.
For India, all diploma�c engagements are important but some rela�onships
are special. Our friendship with Vietnam is certainly special. Vietnam is the
first ASEAN and Southeast Asian country I am visi�ng in my capacity as
President of India. In fact, this is my first state visit to any na�on in the east
of India. Vietnam is always on our minds and in our hearts. It is pivotal to
India's “Act East” policy.
The strength of engagement between two countries is represented by their
bilateral calendar. Four years ago, in 2014, my predecessor, President
Pranab Mukherjee visited Vietnam. Two years a�er that in 2016, our Prime
Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, arrived for a landmark visit that upgraded our
linkages to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The year 2018 has been
even more intense. In January, I have had the opportunity to welcome
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan to our Republic Day celebra�ons, at which he
was Chief Guest, along with leaders of other ASEAN countries. In March, we
were privileged to host the late President Tran Dai Quang. His sudden
passing was a shock for all of us. He was a great patriot and an ardent
advocate of India-Vietnam rela�ons. I offer condolences on behalf of the
Government and people of India, and on my own part as well.
I would take this opportunity to congratulate General Secretary and
President Nguyen Phu Trong for the overwhelming confidence reposed in
him by the Party and the Na�onal Assembly and for assuming the
responsibility of President of Vietnam. I am confident that India-Vietnam
rela�ons will prosper with his support, guidance and leadership.
India's associa�on with Vietnam has many aspects. We have robust
business, poli�cal and people-to-people bonds. We exchange parliamentary
visits, as members of this Assembly are no doubt familiar. We are both
ancient mari�me na�ons and are stakeholders in the commerce, security
and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region. Above all, we share the same values.
Our founding fathers taught us to dream the same dreams – dreams for
INDIA AND VIETNAM:A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP
92
ourselves, dreams for each other, dreams for post-colonial na�ons
everywhere, and dreams for the future and for our children.
I would like to point out that 2019 is of great significance. In India, it marks ththe 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and in Vietnam it is being
thcommemorated as the 50 anniversary of the passing of the great Ho Chi
Minh. These revolu�onary figures inspired our respec�ve countries to
a�ain poli�cal freedom. They remain inspira�ons for not just Vietnam and
India but for the en�re Asian con�nent and the global community. The
coming year once again links these two remarkable personali�es and unites
our countries.
The values of liberty, freedom and integrity that Gandhiji and President Ho
Chi Minh espoused are rooted in our shared history – a history of
scholarship and mutual learning, and of abiding Buddhist and Hindu
spiritual connec�ons. The enlightened path of the Buddha has brought our
countries closer. Buddhism's journey as a world religion began from India
and in Vietnam it acquired a unique iden�ty, embedded in local culture.
Buddhist monks and nuns travelled far and wide, carrying with them the
cargo of compassion – and also showing the way to traders and
businesspersons. Buddhism created an early form of globalisa�on and of
connectedness across our ocean.
Yesterday, in Da Nang, I saw glimpses of Vietnam's rich heritage when I
visited the Museum of Cham Culture and the My Son temple complex,
where, I was happy to note, the Archaeological Survey of India is
contribu�ng to the restora�on of your cultural marvels. Almost 2,000 years
ago, the Cham kingdom symbolised one of history's great civilisa�ons. From
Vietnam, it traded across the ocean – its ships carrying goods as far west as
India and West Asia. It is believed that ancient Vietnam had flourishing
mari�me and trade links with southern India's Pallava and Chola kingdoms.
Those pioneering travellers and pilgrims promoted fraternal rela�ons
between cultures and countries –within a framework of restraint and self-
discipline, sustainability and accommoda�on. These are important lessons
from Lord Buddha that are relevant for us even today.
The historical values and lessons I referred to have also shaped India's
approach to socio-economic development. We believe in development that
is people-centric, that adds value to rather than adds a burden to local
communi�es; that respects and conserves nature and the environment and
is not extrac�ve; and that challenges and disincen�vises corrup�on and
related prac�ces. In India we are deeply apprecia�ve of the rapid progress
made by Vietnam in recent years. Poverty levels here were at over 70 per
93
INDIA AND VIETNAM - A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP
cent in the 1990s but are below 10 per cent today. India too is on course to
elimina�ng extreme poverty by 2030.
Our economy and society are going through a massive change. Technology
is transforming the way we live and work, and empowering local
communi�es. Digital India and the humble mobile phone are bridging
physical gaps – whether by enhancing communica�on or providing virtual
bank accounts to those in remote loca�ons. A start-up ecosystem, one of
the largest in the world, is leveraging technology and rela�vely frugal capital
to promote entrepreneurship among young people, among self-driven men
and women, and among farmers looking for a wider market for their
produce. Our space programme is launching satellites for several friendly
countries and providing invaluable data on weather and soil pa�erns for
those of our ci�zens engaged in agriculture. We are preparing to send an
Indian into space. India will be happy to share its developmental
experiences with Vietnam as per your country's priori�es.
Such ideals shape India's interna�onal coopera�on. Take the challenge of
climate change. It poses a danger to all humankind, but coastal na�ons such
as India and Vietnam feel the pressure that much more. While many steps
are needed, a push towards renewable energy is essen�al. It is with this in
mind that India hosted the founding conference of the Interna�onal Solar
Alliance earlier this year. The ISA is an interna�onal body headquartered in
India but with implica�ons for our en�re planet. I invite Vietnam to become
an ac�ve part of the ISA family.
Climate change is not the only ques�on mark looming before the Indo-
Pacific Region. This ocean system is a resource for Vietnam and India and for
so many other countries and communi�es. Vietnam and India share a vision
for the Indo-Pacific Region, of which the South China Sea is a cri�cal
component. We share a vision of a rules-based order that respects
sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensures freedom of naviga�on and
over-flight, as well as unimpeded commerce. Our shared vision seeks
peaceful resolu�on of disputes, with full respect for legal and diploma�c
processes in accordance with principles of interna�onal law, including
those reflected in the United Na�ons Conven�on on the Law of the Sea.
In this context, India looks forward to enhanced bilateral coopera�on in the
mari�me domain – for instance, through our first Bilateral Mari�me Security
Dialogue to be hosted by Vietnam in early 2019. Mari�me security, piracy, and
drug trafficking using oceans are issues of common concern. I am confident
that the programme of regular and friendly visits to each other's ports by
naval and coast guard ships from our countries will upgrade coopera�on.
94
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Such confidence is only enhanced by the knowledge that Vietnam will be
taking over the ASEAN Chair in 2020. India has consistently supported
ASEAN's unity and centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms for regional
security and economic architecture – to promote peace and prosperity in
the Indo-Pacific Region. India offers a coopera�on model that does not
require its friends to make choices but rather expands choices and
opportuni�es for all; that opens not one but many roads.
Beyond our region, India and Vietnam remain commi�ed to coopera�on in
areas of emerging risk such as cyber-security, and in mul�lateral
organisa�ons. Hard-won gains of interna�onal governance and of
globalisa�on must be nurtured. The world community must respond
collec�vely to worldwide challenges. India is thankful to Vietnam for its
support in building consensus for an early adop�on of a Comprehensive
Conven�on on Interna�onal Terrorism at the United Na�ons.
At the root of India's and Vietnam's na�onal endeavours are the aspira�ons
and the prosperity of our people. Enhancing business rela�ons and physical
connec�vity between our countries is vital
for this. We are both dynamic economies.
Vietnam has had an impressive, export-
driven growth, and India is today the
world's fastest growing large economy.
Bilateral trade touched US$ 12.8 billion in
the past year and India is one of Vietnam's
top 10 trading partners. For India too,
Vietnam and ASEAN are crucial to its trade
basket. A high-level business delega�on is
accompanying me. Yesterday I addressed
the Vietnam-India Business Forum. I am
certain that enterprising businesspersons
from our countries will help us reach new
trade benchmarks.
There is scope for coopera�on and
complementari�es in tex�les and agriculture and agricultural technologies,
in biotech and IT, in energy and pharmaceu�cals, and in infrastructure and
minerals. Indian investors, manufacturers and service providers look to
Vietnam with much excitement.
And so do, I must say, the rest of the people of India. Back home,
Vietnamese food is becoming more and more popular – and a society of tea
drinkers have acquired a taste for Vietnamese coffee. I am keen that
95
INDIA AND VIETNAM - A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP
““ In the ul�mate
analysis, the people-to-
people network between
Vietnam and India – an
inheritor of one of the
oldest people-to-people
networks in Asia and the
Indo-Pacific – is the
founda�on and the edifice
of our partnership
tourism between Vietnam and India expands and direct flights in the period
ahead help more and more of our ci�zens to visit each other's countries. In
the ul�mate analysis, the people-to-people network between Vietnam and
India – an inheritor of one of the oldest people-to-people networks in Asia
and the Indo-Pacific – is the founda�on and the edifice of our partnership.
With those words, and with a renewed thank you to Madam Chairperson
and the members of this Assembly for having hosted me, I conclude my
address. May the wisdom of Lord Buddha and may his message of
embracing compassion and coopera�on con�nue to guide our people, our
countries and our shared oceanic region.
A Special address at the Na�onal Assembly of Vietnam in Hanoi on November 20, 2018
96
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Iam happy to speak at the Australian Financial Review India Business
Summit. I thank the organisers for the invita�on to address Australia's
leading businesspersons and thought leaders. This is my first visit to
your country in my capacity as the President of India and I am thankful for
the wonderful recep�on accorded by the Governor-General, the Prime
Minister and the government and people of Australia. Coming to this
beau�ful city and savouring its scenic harbour, it has been easy to
understand why people are so quickly charmed by Sydney – and
by Australia.
I must acknowledge the presence of Prime
Minister Sco� Morrison. I appreciate his
leadership of Australia and commitment to
the rela�onship with India, as well as his
encouraging words on the recently
released “India Economic Strategy”. About
a week ago, in Singapore, he met our Prime
Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, and my visit
takes forward our dialogue, discussion and
coopera�on. I gather that Prime Minister
Morrison has a taste for Indian food and in
fact cooks a mean curry. I am sure he can
help us come up with a recipe for even
be�er Australia-India rela�ons.
Australia and India are united by a history
of shared sacrifice on the beaches of
Gallipoli; a shared vision for the peace and
prosperity of a free, open and rules-based
Indo-Pacific Region; a shared ins�nct for entrepreneurship; a shared hope
for a prosperous and yet eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable
planet; and a shared passion for cricket. For many Indian cricket fans,
Australia is their favourite team – except when you are playing India but
especially when you are compe�ng for the Ashes. There are other a�ributes
we share as well – the values of democracy, pluralism and human dignity,
the English language – and the belief that at the simplest, basic level,
business, trade and technology must change lives of those sec�ons of
society who need change the most.
A READY PITCH: INDIA-AUSTRALIA BUSINESS RELATIONS
97
““ Australia and India
are united by a history of
shared sacrifice on the
beaches of Gallipoli; a shared
vision for the peace and
prosperity of a free, open
and rules-based Indo-Pacific
Region; a shared ins�nct for
entrepreneurship; a shared
hope for a prosperous and
yet eco-friendly and
environmentally sustainable
planet; and a shared passion
for cricket
Our countries have been among the beneficiaries of globalisa�on.
Australia's economy has expanded strongly in the past quarter-century. In
this period, India's economic integra�on with the global business system too
has strengthened. In the ul�mate analysis, a process such as globalisa�on is
most meaningful when it helps the range of global stakeholders – from
interna�onal corpora�ons to local communi�es, whether in Australia or
India. In recent years, India has renewed its commitment to a liberal,
transparent and globalised economy. In terms of openness to foreign capital
and interna�onal investors, India is in the top league. Business sector a�er
business sector, from avia�on to mining to defence produc�on, has had
doors thrown open to global players and investors.
Such steps have been complemented by other ini�a�ves at home. India is in
the midst of an infrastructure push of unusual urgency. A determined
accre�on in highway construc�on; a na�onwide urban and rural broadband
rollout; crea�ng new railway and freight corridors; an ambi�ous
programme of modernising ports; high-speed train networks in major
urban centres; expanding air connec�vity using upgraded as well as
greenfield airports; industrial corridors that are gathering momentum – the
buzz of construc�on is everywhere. Large cranes and armies of workers in
hard hats dot the Indian landscape. India is in business.
India's growth is different from that of many others. We are the first major
country that is seeking to make that leap into industrialisa�on while also
comba�ng climate change, and while reducing the intensity of dependence
on fossil fuels. I will not bore you with sta�s�cs – in the context of India, they
are always large and impressive – but there is one number I want to share
with you. India has set itself a target of 175 gigawa�s of renewable energy
by 2022, of which 100 gigawa�s will comprise solar energy. We are on
course to not just achieving that target but exceeding it.
Fiscal and regulatory processes have also been significantly revamped. A
li�le over a year ago India inaugurated the Goods and Services Tax regime.
This has brought the 29 states of our country on a common tax pla�orm. It is
already making for a cleaner and more structured business system. In
parallel, on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index India has moved
up from a rank of 142 in 2014 to 77 in 2018. This 65 step jump is the biggest
for any single country.
All of these measures – fiscal and regulatory, infrastructure promo�on and
investment policy – are aimed at making India even more of a hub for new,
exci�ng and global businesses. These could be in manufacturing and
services, in agricultural industries as well as emerging technologies. Our
98
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Make in India programme is gathering pace. It aims to promote India as a
design, fabrica�on and manufacture loca�on – not in isola�on, for that is
neither possible nor desirable, but as part of global and Indo-Pacific value
chains. I am happy to note that mass-transit rail coaches made in India have
recently been exported to Australia. From tex�les to automobiles there are
so many other made-in-India products in which we could interest you.
The interna�onal business community has responded to India's
achievements with appreciable investment. In financial year 2017-18, India
drew about USD 62 billion. This was an acknowledgement of India's honest
and reformist efforts – and of its high GDP growth. In the previous quarter,
for instance, our economy grew by 8.2 per cent.
An underlying theme of economic and social transforma�on in India is the
role of technology and innova�on. India's tradi�onal strength in IT is well-
known. There are many Indian IT companies that have invested in Australia
itself, adding value to companies and clients here and employing young
Australians. In India, technology is acquiring a wider base and climbing up
the chain. A start-up culture, the world's third largest, has made
entrepreneurs out of young students and led to businesses being incubated
on campuses, in small homes, and even li�le farms, where the farmer is
using her excess produce to nego�ate a be�er price in a larger market.
Inevitably, India's digital economy, its e-commerce companies, its
technology start-ups and its fin-tech innovators are a�rac�ng FDI.
Frankly the big country and friend that we are not seeing as much of in the
India investment story, is Australia. This is a gap we need to address.
Australia and India have too much at stake in each other to not up their
game. We can collaborate and benefit from each other's exper�se in fin-
tech and logis�cs, in industrial design and biotech, in the capital markets
and in farm-to-fork management of the food chain – even in space tech and
satellite launch services, where India's long-standing space programme will
be happy to support the new Australian Space Agency. It's not that
Australian companies are not present in India – it's just that there is s�ll
enormous room for us to work together.
The Indian market offers Australian companies and investors a huge
consumer base and the prospect of considerable returns. Australian super-
funds or pension funds have a reputa�on for careful, calibrated investment
decisions. They will find the Indian infrastructure space worth their while –
with long-term investments, steady to high returns, confidence in growing
consump�on, and security in contractual adherence. Let us put our heads
together and create investment products that work for Australian super-
99
A READY PITCH – INDIA-AUSTRALIA BUSINESS RELATIONS
funds and Indian infrastructure and that work for Australian pensioners and
Indian consumers – and that lead to a win-win situa�on.
Along with investment, bilateral trade numbers have grown but remain
below poten�al. India-Australia trade was valued at about US$ 21 billion in
2017. Our trade basket must grow. I am confident that we will make progress
on the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Coopera�on Agreement. In
the recent Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership mee�ng held in
Singapore, India and Australia, along with the other nego�a�ng partners,
made significant progress. India is posi�vely and construc�vely engaging in
the nego�a�ons and will contribute to the conclusion of RCEP by 2019. India
looks forward to a balanced outcome that results in a modern,
comprehensive and mutually beneficial economic Partnership.
In many senses, society is already ahead of governments. The Indian
community in Australia is adding value to the economy. The Indian diaspora
has a reputa�on for contribu�ng to local business ecosystems and opening
job and innova�on avenues for its host country. Silicon Valley is a case in point.
I have been told that here in Australia, India-born migrants are the second-
highest tax-paying diaspora a�er United Kingdom born migrants. That must
please the Prime Minister. And in India too, Australians are a growing part of
the workforce in fields as far apart as so�ware and entertainment. The Indian
Premier League, perhaps the ho�est cricket start-up of all �me, recruits many
high-performing and highly-paid cricket professionals from Australia –
players, coaches and support staff. In their own way, the Indians in Australia
and the Australians in India are showing us the future.
They say cricket is a metaphor for life. I believe it is also a metaphor for
business. Australian businesspersons and investors looking to India should
borrow from the methods of cricketers. The most successful Australian
batsmen in India have been those who have shown pa�ence, read the
condi�ons carefully, se�led down for a long innings, nurtured dependable
partnerships – and have not fallen for spin.
Come to India. The pitch is ready!
Address at the Australian Financial Review India Business Summit in Sydney on
November 22, 2018
100
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Iam grateful to you, Mr President, for your warm words of welcome.
Allow me to express my deep apprecia�on for your generosity and for
the hospitality that has been accorded to me, my wife and my
delega�on. We are all deeply touched and we do feel at home.
I am par�cularly honoured to be your first state guest a�er you assumed
office as the President of Myanmar.
Your beau�ful country has a special place in our hearts. We are bound
together by shared waters, forests and hills, by culture, cuisine, language
and history. And more profoundly, by the blessings of Lord Buddha. These
are the bedrock of our rela�onship, which provide it strength and a unique
emo�onal connect.
Our people have much to cherish and celebrate, of our special �es and
friendship. The vibrant Indian-origin community, who have made Myanmar
their home, are an organic link between us. Our an�-colonial struggles and
our shared aspira�ons bring us together as well. We gave home to each
other when force and fate defeated us. King Thibaw spent his days in
Ratnagiri and Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar in Yangon. We have, indeed,
been friends in prosperity and as much in adversity.
The propaga�on of vipassana in the modern era, a medita�on technique
developed and prac�ced by Lord Buddha himself, owes so much to the
pioneering work of Satya Narayan Goenka, who received his ini�al lessons
from Sayagyi U Ba Khin. And of course, we fondly remember Daw Tint Tint,
or Usha Narayanan, the daughter of Myanmar, who became the First Lady
of India.
Our discussions today convinced me that our �es can only get closer and
more intense from here. Both sides are working �relessly to enhance the
intensity of our bilateral engagement through increased connec�vity,
capacity-building and growing commercial and cultural exchanges.
In India, we are aware of the challenges Myanmar faces in taking forward
the peace process, na�onal reconcilia�on and economic recovery. I want to
say to you that the Government and people of India stand by you. We are in
full support of your peace process and in preserving the unity and territorial
integrity of Myanmar—all of which are fundamentally in our own interests
as well. For without that, India cannot succeed in its effort to bring
INDIA AND MYANMAR: A TIMELESS FRIENDSHIP
101
development, prosperity and connec�vity to our ci�zens in the Northeast,
which borders Myanmar.
Therefore, because our des�nies are intertwined and interlinked, our
friendship is driven not by short term goals, but by a larger and las�ng quest
for mutual peace, progress and prosperity. And our partnership with
Myanmar is at that important intersec�on between friendship,
neighbourhood and shared core interests.
With those words, I propose a toast to the good health and personal well-
being of the President of Myanmar, the First Lady and the State Counsellor;
the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Myanmar; and the
�meless friendship and ever-growing closeness between India and Myanmar.
Address at a banquet hosted in his honour in Nay Pyi Taw on December 11, 2018
102
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Thank you for your warm and special welcome. The depth of
Gandhiji's favourite bhajan is ever more upli�ing, and the melody
of Bollywood always more enjoyable, and more so when it
celebrates our togetherness and our familial �es.
I bring you gree�ngs from the land of Lord Buddha. May his noble teachings
and wisdom con�nue to guide us through daily life, and lead us on the path
to enlightenment.
I also bring you good wishes of 1.3 billion ci�zens of the world's largest
democracy, and of friends and families in India. Myanmar has embarked on
an exci�ng but challenging journey. I am here to reassure Myanmar that
India is always ready to help it fulfill its aspira�ons for a brighter future.
I am delighted to be among so many people of Indian origin and Indian
expatriates. All of you, through your hard work and dedica�on, have made a
mark for yourself. You are proud ci�zens of this na�on and are contribu�ng
to its na�on-building and progress. And you have upheld your culture,
values and ethos, while adap�ng to local customs. In doing so, you have
enriched the cultural fabric of this beau�ful country and its special people.
In preserving your tradi�ons, you have been a torchbearer of Indian culture
and values. You have, indeed, nurtured India's rela�onship with this country,
some�mes by connec�ng people, some�mes by facilita�ng businesses and
some�mes by guiding the pious on a spiritual journey to India.
This is my first visit to Myanmar. It is both a pilgrimage and a homecoming.
This country has a proud, millennia-old tradi�on of Buddhist thought and
philosophy. It is home to one of the leading schools of Buddhism.
At the same �me, Myanmar, like India, is an enormously diverse country,
with different ethnici�es and faiths coexis�ng here. And our shared
civilisa�onal ethos shows us that all faiths share fundamental truths, which
guide all of us. We have always understood, as a philosopher of religions
said, that "It is possible to climb life's mountain from any side, but when the
top is reached, the trails converge".
Myanmar is today undergoing mul�ple and simultaneous transi�ons towards
democracy, peace and economic development. Success here under the
courageous leadership of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, is important
for this country, for South Asia and the ASEAN family and for the world.
As a sister democracy and a civilisa�onal friend, India is fully conscious of
the challenges Myanmar faces. Over 70 years, we have put in place systems
PRIORITISING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
103
and structures of governance that have enabled diversity to serve the cause
of na�onal progress. And since this is based on our civilisa�onal ethos, we
have made significant strides in this regard.
It is in this spirit of good neighbourly coopera�on that we are ready to offer
Myanmar any assistance in addressing the challenges of na�onal
reconcilia�on, reconstruc�on and economic development.
Today, we are all faced with a daun�ng combina�on of tradi�onal and non-
tradi�onal threats. Terrorism and violent extremism are among the biggest
dangers to humankind. Democracies, especially diverse ones, are
par�cularly vulnerable.
The world is also faced with threats to its energy and food security, climate
change, pandemics and recurring humanitarian disasters. Global
commons, such as outer space, the high seas and cyber space, witness
more compe��on.
No country is immune to these challenges. Equally, no single country can
address them by itself. We must all share capaci�es and choose coopera�on
over confronta�on and must transcend differences that divide us. And we
must recognise that values of humanity, equality and kindness unite us and
lead us toward meaningful coopera�on.
These values are the essence of Buddhist thought, and are part of our
shared cultures. They resonate in the Mahabharata, which asks us to
conquer anger by calmness, evil by good, and falsehood by truth. In India,
this ancient wisdom was channelised by Mahatma Gandhi into satyagraha,
which inspired our nonviolent struggle for freedom. Gandhiji, whose 150th
birth anniversary celebra�ons we started recently, demonstrated how
nonviolent means can drive poli�cal change. Indeed, independent India
built its foreign policy on this idea, underlining the centrality of peace,
friendship and renuncia�on of violence.
Today, the central tenets of our foreign policy are guided by recogni�on that
the road to development runs through the region. It is for this reason that
both the "Act East" and "Neighbourhood First" policies are key aspects of
our foreign policy. Both priori�se our immediate environments, and
Myanmar is a focus country in both. These policies have helped India adjust
to a world where our country is not only one of the leading economies, but
is also enabling its neighbours to engage in partnerships for growth and
development. Such opportuni�es have expanded beyond trade and
investment to energy and electrical grids, communica�ons and transport,
and people-to-people �es.
104
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Lately, development coopera�on has
become an important part of India's
rela�ons, especially in our neighbourhood.
Today we share our exper�se with
neighbours and others including by building
infrastructure, crea�ng capacity, and se�ng
up ins�tu�ons. We do so in the convic�on
that a peaceful, prosperous and stable
neighbourhood is in everyone's interest.
And while implemen�ng such projects, our
approach is based on:
! Ensuring they are in line with the
priori�es of our partners;
! Ensuring they respect the rule of law
and good governance;
! Insis�ng on transparency, and commi�ng to transfer skills and
technologies to local communi�es;
! Making sure they are environmentally and socially-responsible; and,
most importantly,
! Ensuring they do not create unsustainable burdens.
These precepts are essen�al parameters of responsible project
development. I am glad that our bilateral coopera�on is designed in
accordance with these principles.
During my mee�ngs yesterday with the President and the State Counsellor, I
reiterated India's full support for Myanmar's efforts to achieve peace,
na�onal reconcilia�on and economic development.
India is a witness to the Na�onwide Ceasefire Agreement; we are in full
support of efforts to make it more inclusive. We support a peaceful dialogue
between all stakeholders based on jus�ce, equality and dignity. We also fully
respect the unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of the Union of
Myanmar. This is based on recogni�on that in the security of Myanmar lies
our own security and the security of the larger region.
I also discussed Myanmar's development priori�es and India's efforts to
execute crucial infrastructure projects. These are progressing well on the
ground and we look forward to the con�nued facilita�on of Myanmar
authori�es to complete them on schedule. The direct and indirect economic
105
PRIORITISING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
““ Today we share
our exper�se with
neighbours and others
including by building
infrastructure, crea�ng
capacity, and se�ng up
ins�tu�ons. We do so in
the convic�on that a
peaceful, prosperous and
stable neighbourhood is in
everyone's interest
opportuni�es created by these projects will transform these areas into
development corridors, and create prosperity in the en�re region.
Indeed, our North East and Myanmar's North West share strong
commonali�es of culture, language and tradi�ons. These regions are central
to our bilateral vision for growth, prosperity and security. A�er all, be�er
connec�vity increases people-to-people �es, expands trade and creates
prosperity. And so, our border regions, far from peripheries, are the advance
guard of our partnership.
For this to succeed, however, peace on our borders is an essen�al
prerequisite. We must pair hard infrastructure being created with so�
infrastructure of legal arrangements, like a motor vehicle agreement, for
people to travel legally and easily. This will help realise the full poten�al of
our projects.
Today, 25 years of bilateral effort to renew friendship and rediscover
linkages is bearing fruit. Here, an important role has been played by the
large expatriate Indian and Indian-origin communi�es. Among you are
many who are fi�h or sixth genera�on PIOs. Yours is a community known for
its peace-loving and law-abiding nature. You add value to the development
of Myanmar through your hard work.
I salute you for your spirit, pluralism, industry and dedica�on and, most of
all, for your progressive a�tude. No ma�er the country that PIOs are ci�zens
of, and wherever Indians are, their ac�ons are based on core values of
Indianness: of family, fraternity, dialogue, hard work, educa�on, and service.
But today in Myanmar, we must do more. Our youth need to celebrate the
�es that bind our civilisa�ons together. They need to learn of our struggles
against colonialism. They need to be told about Satguru Ram Singh, Bal
Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, who were
jailed here by the Bri�sh. They need to learn how Mahatma Gandhi's vision
impacted on the independence movement in Myanmar. And they need to
be told how Shri Satya Narayan Goenka took lessons from Sayagyi U Ba Khin,
before taking vipassana to the world.
Only when we understand our history, can we take full advantage of each
other's capabili�es. We must turn towards each other with greater resolve
to work together. And the rising �de of India's growth increases our capacity
to do more. You must connect with the transforma�onal changes
happening in India and see how you can bring its energy and value to
Myanmar, and in the process help both to grow and develop.
106
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
In a month's �me, we will celebrate the Pravasi Bhara�ya Divas, where we
recognise the great contribu�ons made by all of you. I urge you to
par�cipate at this Conven�on in the historic city of Varanasi to be held from st rd21 to 23 January 2019. Today, India is full of opportuni�es for business,
social enterprise and cultural links. India is at the cusp of transforma�ve
change. I invite each one of you to join us in this journey, and to make this
partnership more meaningful.
Address at the Indian Community recep�on in Yangon on December 12, 2018
107
PRIORITISING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
tham delighted to be amongst you at the Closing Session of the 15 IPravasi Bhara�ya Divas Conven�on. I have met some of you in different
parts of the world, but to be with you on this occasion is, indeed,
special. The august presence of our Chief Guest, Prime Minister Jugnauth,
makes it even more so, and a�ests to the unique �es that we share with
Mauri�us. I am happy to have conferred the Pravasi Bhara�ya Samman on
30 members of our Diaspora. We value your commi�ed efforts to promote
India and to work for the welfare of Indian community abroad. You have,
indeed, been a living bridge between us and the outside world. I
congratulate each one of you for this stellar contribu�on.
As you know, India has been a land of fes�vi�es, celebra�ons and human
excellence for centuries. Its cultural fabric and ethos have been enriched
with each passing phase of its history. And to that, we added a new chapter
when we embarked on a journey to connect and embrace our brothers and
sisters around the world. That was in 2003, when we held the first Pravasi
Bhara�ya Divas, and the man behind this vision was our then Prime
Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji. We lost him recently but his thought
and wisdom con�nue to guide the na�on.
thThe 15 Pravasi Bhara�ya Divas celebra�on is special, and for several reasons. thThis year, we are marking the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,
whom we consider our greatest pravasi and in whose honour we have chosen th9 January as the Indian Diaspora Day to be celebrated each year. It is also the
first �me that we are hos�ng this fes�vity in Varanasi, a city which is so much
part of our lives - our thought, our beliefs, our music and dance, and our
spirituality. And as we talk of Varanasi, there is yet another facet that we must
recollect. The ghats of this ancient city and its surroundings have been
witness to one of the most poignant epochs of our diasporic history. For
Prime Minister Jugnauth and many others, whose forefathers hailed from a
place not far from here, this visit would, indeed, be a special one. In a sense,
in this Conven�on Hall, the journey undertaken centuries ago, has come a full
circle today. There would s�ll be others who would find it fulfilling to connect
to their roots through the eclec�c ethos of this �meless city.
From here, many of you would be travelling to the Kumbh to be blessed by
the Sangam. And days later, you would witness the onward march of our
Republic as a modern na�on. I am sure we could not have asked for a more
joyous fes�val! I hope you enjoy every moment of it.
CELEBRATING A DIVERSE AND DISTINGUISHED DIASPORA
108
We are living in an age of rapid changes. The youth is in the forefront of
these developments. I am happy that we had a special focus on the youth in
this fes�val. We must listen to them and to their ideas, to make our bonds
deeper and stronger. I am pleased that two of the youngest diaspora
leaders, Mr. Himanshu Gula�, Member of Parliament from Norway and Mr.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Member of Parliament from New Zealand
par�cipated in this Conven�on as Special Guests at the Youth Pravasi Divas.
The Indian Diaspora is among the largest in
the world and its history is rich and
diverse. In the hoary past, our ancestors
travelled to Southeast Asia as merchants
and as monks. Much later, many lived and
prospered as traders and entrepreneurs
along the ancient Silk Route. And more
than a century ago, under the indenture
system, we witnessed millions of our
people crossing the seven seas. The world
has moved a long way since for our
Diaspora. You are reaching heights globally
today, while embracing your cultural ethos
and diversity. And while you do so, you
must also preserve and strengthen your
unity as a community.
Your success and hard work have set an
example which many want to emulate.
The communi�es that you live in, count on
your enterprise and skills; the countries
that you reside in, are proud of your
ci�zenship; and the world-at-large turns
to your ingenuity when faced with intractable challenges. We count each
one of you as our cultural ambassador. You are the face of India and its
iden�ty abroad. We are, indeed, proud of you and your achievements. But
what really makes your contribu�ons standout are the values that you
espouse and live for. These are values that intrinsically remain Indian,
drawn from millennia of thought and progress, and which are firmly
anchored in our age-old belief of Vasudhaiva Kutumbamkam that is – “the
World is One Family”.
The last few years have seen a sea-change in the way we engage our people
abroad. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has
worked hard to connect its 1.3 billion people with its 31 million strong
109
CELEBRATING A DIVERSE AND DISTINGUISHED DIASPORA
““
The Indian Diaspora is
among the largest in the
world and its history is rich
and diverse. In the hoary
past, our ancestors travelled
to Southeast Asia as
merchants and as monks.
Much later, many lived and
prospered as traders and
entrepreneurs along the
ancient Silk Route. And more
than a century ago, under
the indenture system, we
witnessed millions of our
people crossing the
seven seas
Diaspora. New programmes have been established to bring Indians and
Indian-origin people living abroad closer to our hearts and minds. Projects
such as the Know India Programme and the Bharat Ko Janiye quiz have
ins�lled our youth with a new sense of confidence in their motherland. They
want to strengthen their connect with India, for emo�onal and cultural
reasons, but increasingly for other persuasive reasons too. The breakthroughs
happening in India in the fields of innova�on, research, start-ups and digital
revolu�on are a�rac�ng people from far and wide. To give this pull a concrete
shape, we have started Experience the Scien�fic India Programme for our
young Diaspora scien�sts. We want them to become a bridge between us and
the world so that we can cross-pollinate and enrich each other.
While giving a new meaning to our umbilical connect, we have also taken
measures to improve the “Ease of Travel” and the “Ease of Living abroad”
for our people. Today, under the able guidance of our External Affairs
Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj, our Embassies and Consulates are available
24 by 7 to help those in need. We have brought the benefits of the digital
world to their doorstep through E-Visa, Passport App, MADAD and e-
migrate pla�orms. Likewise, we have employed social media tools, from
Twi�er to Facebook, to reach out and help. Our visa, passport and OCI
110
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Address at the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention
services have been made flexible, for the benefit of many. For our
professionals, we have entered into Social Security Agreements with a large
number of countries, so that their financial contribu�ons are protected.
And for our migrant workers, we have started skilling programmes and pre-
departure training to enhance their income and to ensure their wellbeing.
At the same �me, we remain deeply commi�ed to the safety and security of
the Indian community abroad. In the last 4 years, our government has
rescued over 90,000 Indians caught in poli�cal strife or natural disasters.
We have also facilitated the return of over 94,000 Indians during Amnesty
schemes in the Gulf countries. As a result of these ac�ons and assurances,
our Diaspora has a new confidence in the country and in the government.
India is going through a transforma�on of unprecedented scale. The Indian
story today is one of inclusivity and progress. From economic growth to
economic reforms, from women emancipa�on to women empowerment,
from Health for All to Total Sanita�on, and from Space Mission to Digital
Revolu�on, we are leading the way on many fronts. Our socio-economic
achievements are helping the Sustainable Development Goals, and our
growth, powering the global economic engine. We have put ourselves in ththe forefront of the 4 Industrial Revolu�on, and through the Interna�onal
Solar Alliance, we are leading the world in comba�ng Climate Change.
India is a land of billion ideas and a billion opportuni�es. I invite each one of
you to become a part of India's growth story which is being etched by its
billion minds. We want to leverage your technology, knowhow and
investment to power our Make in India, Digital India, Clean India and Skill
India programmes. We count on your convening strength to encourage
people to visit India as knowledge-providers and as tourists. And we want
more and more of you to connect with your ancestral villages and towns.
We want to change the brain-drain of yesterday to brain-gain of today. I
once again call upon you to contribute and partner us in the New India that
we are commi�ed to build and to become a part of India's history in making.
With these words, I thank you for making the Pravasi Bhara�ya Divas a
success. I wish all of you a prosperous and enriching year ahead. And I
eagerly look forward to your par�cipa�on in the Republic day Parade.
thAddress at the valedictory session of the 15 Pravasi Bhara�ya Divas on
January 23, 2019.
111
CELEBRATING A DIVERSE AND DISTINGUISHED DIASPORA
112
It is an honour for me to welcome you Mr. President and Madam First
Lady on your first State Visit to India. Your visit comes at a very special
moment. We are celebra�ng the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma th
Gandhi and the 100 birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela. For our two th
leaders, who walked parallel poli�cal pathways, this coincidence could not
bring a sharper focus on the shared legacy they have le� behind for us and
for humanity.
And as we talk of their lives, I must recall what Mahatma Gandhi said while
leaving South Africa for good – and I quote- “This subcon�nent has become
to me a sacred and dear land, next only to my motherland. I leave the shores
of South Africa with a heavy heart, and the distance that will now separate
me from South Africa, will but, draw me closer to it, and its welfare will
always be a ma�er of great concern.” - unquote. These prophe�c words
have con�nued to guide us, as we work to enhance and deepen our special
friendship and our strategic partnership.
Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela belong not just to India and South thAfrica, but to the en�re world. To commemorate the 150 birth anniversary
of Mahatma Gandhi, we have launched an ar�ficial limb fitment
programme - “India for Humanity”. In doing so, we are inspired by his
universal message and as much by the South African spirit of “Ubuntu”, that
is - the spirit of humanity and compassion towards others.
Our economic partnership is a key pillar of our rela�onship. Indian Industry
is much enthused by your economic policies and approach. On our part, we
have undertaken path-breaking economic reforms to a�ract interna�onal
businesses and to propel our growth. We invite South African companies to
partner us in Make In India, Digital India, Clean India and Smart City
programmes. And we invite new-age stakeholders, from innovators to
incubators, from start-ups to entrepreneurs, to join our partnership.
thWe must also work to capitalise on the opportuni�es posed by the 4
Industrial Revolu�on. The digital world has much to offer to our people. I am
happy that soon we would be able to share with you and with other
countries in Africa the benefits of our tele-medicine and tele-educa�on
programmes: e-Vidya-Bhara� and e-Aarogya-Bhara�.
Your Rainbow na�on has a colourful slice of India and our mul�cultural
fabric several weaves of South Africa. From cuisine to cricket, and from
DEEPENING A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP AND A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP:
INDIA AND SOUTH AFRICA
baboo�e to biryani, there is much that our people share and relish. Let us
con�nue to celebrate our shared heritage and our values.
I offer my warm congratula�ons to South Africa as you now sit on the United
Na�ons Security Council for the third �me. We will work with you to make the
UN more effec�ve, equitable, and reflec�ve of today's reali�es. We will also
work together for a just, representa�ve and democra�c global order that has
a voice and a role for one-third of humanity that lives in Africa and India.
On that promising note, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you to
join me in raising a toast to the good health and wellbeing of President
Ramaphosa and Dr. Motsepe; the con�nued progress and prosperity of the
people of South Africa; and the everlas�ng friendship between India and
South Africa.
Address at the banquet hosted in the honour of the President of South Africa, Mr.
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan in New Delhi on January 25, 2019
113
DEEPENING A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP AND A
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP – INDIA AND SOUTH AFRICA
Iwarmly welcome you, Mr. President and your esteemed delega�on on
your State Visit to India. This is a special year for our bilateral �es. We
are celebra�ng 70 years of our diploma�c rela�ons. We are, indeed,
honoured that you have chosen to visit us on this momentous occasion.
thThis year we will celebrate the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,
the Father of our Na�on. We deeply appreciate the respect that your
country and people have shown to his life and legacy. I recall Argen�ne
President Dr. Arturo Frondizi, the first Head of State from La�n America to
have visited India, in 1961, who told us that while in prison he read the
autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi, for inspira�on, hope and sustenance.
Mr. President, we are equally delighted to learn of your personal
admira�on of Mahatma Gandhi. It strengthens our collec�ve belief in his
universal legacy, and those of San Mar�n, whom we have given a
permanent place in our hearts and in our Capital.
An even older connect between our two countries was forged by Gurudev
Rabindranath Tagore when he visited Argen�na in 1924. The days he spent
in Argen�na and the enriching delibera�ons he had with Victoria Ocampo
have been so beau�fully captured in the
film 'Thinking of Him'.
We may be located in con�nents afar but
our people and ideas have brought us
close. We understand the depth of your
intellectual tradi�ons, of Borges and
Carlos Gardel, and you the introspec�on
of our philosophy, of Bhagavad Gita and
Yoga. We are beholden by the skills of
Maradona and Messi, and you by the
magic of Bollywood. The embrace of the
Tango and the Tabla could not be warmer!
Over the last 70 years, our engagement in
various spheres of human endeavour has
grown several-fold. Trade and technology,
agriculture and Antarc�c science, cyberspace and satellites are propelling
our rela�ons. India's transforma�ve growth and Argen�ne capabili�es are
crea�ng new opportuni�es for us. We are both commi�ed to South-South
ENHANCING BILATERAL TIES: INDIA AND ARGENTINA
114
““ Trade and
technology, agriculture
and Antarc�c science,
cyberspace and satellites
are propelling our
rela�ons. India's
transforma�ve growth
and Argen�ne capabili�es
are crea�ng new
opportuni�es for us
solidarity and we are together working to create more space for our people
in global governance. In this context, India looks forward to contribu�ng
meaningfully to the “Review of the Buenos Aires Plan of Ac�on” next month.
Our mul�lateral partnership is bearing results. I commend your leadership
of the G-20. We also remain grateful to you for suppor�ng our accession to
the various technology regimes and for standing by us for our membership
of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. And as we both reinforce our pledge to
tackle climate change, I am happy that we will work as a team to strengthen
the Interna�onal Solar Alliance.
Terrorism poses the gravest threat to humanity today. As long-standing
friends and trusted partners, we must come together, firmly and decisively, to
destroy and defeat terrorism, to protect our present and to secure our future.
We are both polo playing na�ons, and world-beaters in the game of hockey.
I am delighted that we have today commi�ed to bring the energy and
enthusiasm of the spor�ng arena to the bilateral turf! May our Strategic
Partnership bring peace and progress for one and all. On that op�mis�c
note Excellencies, I propose a toast to the good health and well-being of the
President and First Lady of Argen�na; the prosperity of the people of
Argen�na; and the ever-las�ng friendship between India and Argen�na.
Address at the banquet hosted in the honour of the President of the Republic of
Argen�na at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan on February 18, 2019
115
ENHANCING BILATERAL TIES – INDIA AND ARGENTINA
It is with great pleasure I warmly welcome Your Royal Highness and your
dis�nguished delega�on to India. We fondly remember the historic
visits of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah
in 2006 and His Majesty King Salman in 2014 to New Delhi.
The visit of our Prime Minister in 2016 to Saudi Arabia has further expanded
our Strategic Partnership. Your Royal Highness, our two countries have rich
historical connec�ons based on shared civilisa�onal linkages. These
affini�es find expression in ever growing economic exchanges and vibrant
people-to-people contacts. We deeply appreciate your special gesture of
invi�ng India as the 'Guest of Honour' at Janadriyah 2018.
The depth of our engagement has, indeed,
been vast and immeasurable. The stories and
fables of India reached the shores of Arabia
and from you to other parts of the world. It is
the Arab mind that the world remains
indebted to in so many different fields of arts
and science. The Arab intellect ever vigorous,
exploratory and quick to absorb knowledge,
translated the “Panchtantra” into the “Kalila
Wa Dimna”, and other such works. In return,
the monsoon, derived from the Arabic word
“mausim” brought for our people the
scholarship and brotherhood of their Arab
friends. The book Ajaib-al-Hind contains so
many accounts of our merchants and
traders, philosophers and mendicants, of their togetherness and
interac�ons, as they crisscrossed the vast Indian Ocean. The birth of the
modern world owes a lot to this historical engagement between our peoples.
Based on the richness of our age-old �es, our people, from diverse
backgrounds, have over the ages, lived in peace and harmony. Our shared
cultural experiences, economic synergies and common quest for a peaceful
and sustainable world make us natural partners. We deeply appreciate your
efforts to bring social change and progress, especially among the youth and
women in your country.
India deeply values Saudi Arabia as a reliable partner for its energy security.
We welcome your par�cipa�on in our Strategic Petroleum Reserves. We
INDIA–SAUDI ARABIA: SHARED CIVILISATIONAL LINKAGES
116
““ Our two countries
have rich historical con-
nec�ons based on shared
civilisa�onal linkages.
These affini�es find
expression in ever growing
economic exchanges and
vibrant people-to-people
contacts
are equally delighted at Aramco's par�cipa�on in the upcoming world's
largest greenfield oil refinery. And we thank you for joining the
Interna�onal Solar Alliance.
We look at Saudi Arabia as a factor of stability in the region and beyond and
appreciate your visionary leadership to diversify the economy. We welcome
your 'Vision 2030' programme. Let me assure that India wishes to be a
strong and reliable partner for the Kingdom's growth and progress. Our
companies have invested in and created jobs in Saudi Arabia, especially in
the technology sector, which is India's strength. We also welcome your
commitment to strengthen your presence in our growth story, in our Make
in India, Skill India, Digital India, Start-up India programmes, and our next-
genera�on infrastructure projects. Terrorism is the gravest threat to
humanity today. We thank you for your strong condemna�on of the
barbaric terror a�ack in Pulwama, and for standing by the people of India.
India and Saudi Arabia, and indeed, the global community must come
together to defeat and destroy these evil forces and combat radicalisa�on.
Those responsible for such acts have no place in our peace-loving society,
and they need to be dealt with, firmly and decisively.
The linkages between the people of our two friendly countries date back to
several millennia. Saudi Arabia has generously embraced a large number of
Indian expatriates and encouraged them to flourish and grow. Through
their hard work, professionalism and commitment to peace and progress,
they have made a significant contribu�on to your growth and prosperity.
We are confident of the con�nued support of the Government of Saudi
Arabia in ensuring their well-being and welfare.
I once again extend a very warm and special welcome to Your Royal
Highness. I am confident that your visit will herald a new chapter in our
excellent bilateral rela�ons.
Address at the banquet in honour of Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,
Crown Prince, Vice President and Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at
Rashtrapa� Bhavan on February 20, 2019
117
INDIA – SAUDI ARABIA – SHARED CIVILISATIONAL LINKAGES
Ihave great pleasure to be here this morning to address the India-
Croa�a Business Forum. I would par�cularly like to thank Madam
President for being with us today. Our joint presence underlines the
commitment both countries have to deepen our economic linkages.
I would like to thank the Croa�an Chamber of Economy, the Associated
Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, the Confedera�on of Indian
Industry and the Federa�on of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
for organising this business event. I am happy at the enthusias�c turnout
from both countries; some 30 companies have travelled from India to
par�cipate in this Forum.
I had produc�ve discussions yesterday with
Madam President and with Prime Minister
Plenkovic on how to take forward our mul�-
faceted bilateral �es. There is immense
poten�al to expand trade and investment
profile and establish innova�on, research
and start-up partnerships. Add to this, we
have a rich trading past to encourage and
inspire us! Many here would know of the
flourishing mercan�le connect between thDubrovnik and Goa that existed in the 16
century. Over 1000 Croa�an traders lived in
Goa shipping merchandise across con�nents
and oceans. The church of Saint Blaise in
Goa, a replica of the original in Dubrovnik,
stands tes�mony to their enterprise and prosperity.
There are s�ll other compelling factors enriching the India-Croa�a business
ecosystem. Croa�a's popularity in India has increased manifold following
Croa�an team's outstanding performance in the FIFA World Cup last year.
Croa�a's natural beauty and friendliness are a�rac�ons no less, and Indian
tourists have started to visit this beau�ful country in large numbers. These
exchanges and understanding would be most helpful for enhancing two-
way business collabora�ons.
India is known as the land of culture and spiritualism in Croa�a. That may
be the case, but you need to experience the economic energy, dynamism
and vigour of the new India in the making. The world is taking note of it.
SPEARHEADING ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT: INDIA–CROATIA
118
““ There is immense
poten�al to expand trade
and investment profile
and establish innova�on,
research and start-up
partnerships. Add to this,
we have a rich trading
past to encourage and
inspire us!
India today is the fastest growing major economy in the world with a growth
of over 7%. Presently, it is the third largest economy in the world in
purchasing power terms and the sixth largest in absolute terms. And it is
poised to be a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2025. India has a transformed
business climate today, a good measure of which is India's extraordinary
jump of 65 places during the last four years in the World Bank Ease of Doing
Business Index. The introduc�on of the path-breaking Goods and Services
Tax has transformed India, a country of 1.3 billion people, into One Na�on,
One Tax, and One Market for the first �me in her history.
With growth, we are combining equity to empower women and to allow
those at the bo�om of the pyramid a stake in progress and prosperity. Our
financial inclusion programme - Jan Dhan Yojana - has seen over 330 million
bank accounts opened for the poor and the needy. The largest public health
insurance scheme in the world, Ayushman Bharat, has been rolled out with
enormous success.
We are also at work to tailor our reforms to realise the full poten�al of our
youth. India enjoys a uniquely favourable demography with nearly half of
our popula�on below the age of 25 years. Our Skill India and Start-up India
programmes are unleashing a new wave of entrepreneurship and
enterprise. India has the second largest network of start-ups in the world
with one of the highest numbers of unicorn success.
India is known for its so�ware prowess. Work is now underway to upgrade
the “hardware” of our na�on through next-genera�on infrastructure, be it
the 100 Smart ci�es, high-speed train corridors, airports, highways, or
na�onwide broadband connec�vity.
India is changing and fast. The interna�onal business community has given
a vote of confidence to these changes with new investments. During our
last financial year, we received USD 62 billion in foreign direct investment.
The Indian industry is also reaching out across the world, be it through
trade, direct investments or joint collabora�ons. But numbers o�en don't
capture the enormous changes taking place or the dynamism that
accompanies them. I invite you to come and experience what we are doing
for ourselves and for the world. We invite Croa�a to partner with us and
take advantage of the opportuni�es that India presents.
I am encouraged that bilateral trade has doubled during the last decade,
and some investments have been made in both direc�ons. However, you
would admit that our bilateral trade and investment flows are s�ll modest.
For Croa�a, the Indian growth story presents opportuni�es for two-way
engagement in informa�on technology, pharmaceu�cals, digital economy,
119
SPEARHEADING ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT: INDIA–CROATIA
renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, defence and tourism sectors,
just to name a few.
We would like Croa�a to collaborate with us in our flagship programmes -
Make in India, Clean India, Start-up India and Digital India. We are also keen
to learn from Croa�a in the tourism and urban infrastructure sectors.
The Indian IT sector has much to offer to Croa�a. One of our largest IT
companies, Infosys, is present in Croa�a, as is a large pharmaceu�cal
company, the ACG Group. The Indian pharmaceu�cals industry is the third
largest in the world in terms of volume and the world's largest provider of
generic drugs. They can partner with Croa�a in providing quality
healthcare, medicines and medical devices for the public health system at
an affordable cost. There are prospects for promo�ng medical and wellness
tourism as well.
The Defence sector could be a vital area of coopera�on between our two
countries. Our defence requirements are huge and I invite Croa�an
companies to partner with us in mee�ng our demands. There are
opportuni�es in the renewable energy sector. In India, we have set a target
to reach renewable energy genera�on capacity of 175 Gigawa�s, including
100 Gigawa�s of solar by 2022. I am told that an Indian company, Green
Orient Power, has invested in wind farms near Sibenik. Entertainment is
another growing area of economic engagement. A number of Indian
filmmakers are now showing interest to shoot in this beau�ful country.
The services sector contributes significantly to the economies of both India
and Croa�a. We must look at ways to enhance coopera�on in this field.
India can also be a partner in Croa�a's development by providing skilled
manpower in informa�on technology, construc�on, hospitality and
health sectors.
There is lot more to happen in our bilateral economic rela�ons. I invite
Indian and Croa�an businesses to partner with each other for trade,
technology and investment collabora�on. In today's globalised world, we
cannot think only in terms of export and import, we must also look at
integra�ng our value and supply chains to derive maximum benefit. I am
happy that an India-Croa�a Business Council has been set in place. We need
to energise it and seek its assistance in iden�fying new areas of
coopera�on. As Governments, we can be the facilitators for business but
you are the true spearheads of greater economic engagement. I wish you
the very best in this endeavour.
120
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
I once again thank all the stakeholders for making today's forum a success
and convey my deep apprecia�on for the esteemed presence of Madam
President and her commitment to promote India-Croa�a business �es.
Address at the India-Croa�a Business Forum in Zagreb on March 27, 2019
121
SPEARHEADING ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT: INDIA–CROATIA
t is a privilege for me to be at the University of Zagreb, this historic Ihome of thought and knowledge which is celebra�ng its 350th
anniversary this year. India's second President and my illustrious
predecessor Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan had visited this university in
October 1965. I thank Dr. Boras and the University for this opportunity to
once again bring to you the message of India.
The University of Zagreb is renowned as a centre for learning and
scholarship. We in India have a special connect with this university, and in
par�cular its Faculty of Humani�es and Social Sciences, for hos�ng the
Department of Indology. The rich work that this Department has undertaken
in promo�ng the study of India has been invaluable. In studying India, our
languages, our tradi�ons and our cultures, you have truly brought our two
countries together. We are privileged to have partnered with you in many
endeavours. Yesterday, we launched a Sanskrit Chair and have renewed the
Hindi Chair. These would yet again deepen our connect and collabora�on.
In India, we are proud inheritors of the legacy of ancient universi�es such as
Nalanda, which flourished from the 5th to the 12th century A.D. At its peak,
more than 10,000 students studied a wide variety of subjects on its campus.
Many of our modern universi�es were founded on the principles of
strengthening technological prowess of India. This has paid rich dividends
in the expansion of technological fron�ers in India, and by Indians across
the world.
Work on Indology is just one element of long history of linkages between
India and Croa�a, which date back to a �me when our two countries where
not the same poli�cal en��es as we are today. We are aware of Croa�ans
venturing to India as early as the 16th century, as traders, as explorers and
as men of ideas. I understand that one of your leaders, Stjepan Radic, was
highly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. This year, we are celebra�ng the
150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Na�on. For
him, knowledge and educa�on were about understanding the oneness of ndhumanity and about harnessing the power of truth. On 2 October, his bust
will be unveiled in your historic capital. I do hope you will join the
celebra�ons to remember his legacy, and to imbibe his universal values.
Our noted poet and the first non-western Nobel laureate, Rabindranath
Tagore, visited Zagreb in 1926. His lectures appear to have profoundly
INDIA-CROATIA: REAFFIRMING THE HAND OF FRIENDSHIP
AND COOPERATION
122
impacted well known Croa�an minds. I understand that Tagore is the most
translated Indian poet in Croa�a, and that your writer Ivana Mazuranic's
works have been published in several Indian
languages including Bengali and Hindi. These
are truly people-to-people links that transcend
na�onal boundaries. We are delighted to see
so many Croa�an associa�ons interested in
Indian spiritualism, music, Yoga, and Ayurveda.
Intellectual curiosity and yearning in this
country is second to none.
Our cultural connec�ons are a ma�er of
immense pride for us. On these strong
founda�ons, we now have to build a new-age
partnership, a partnership anchored in
economic synergies, in geo-poli�cal reali�es, in
technology and innova�on, in sustainability and
the Fourth Industrial Revolu�on, and in the
strengths and priori�es of the two countries.
Croa�a's progress to a stable and prosperous
democracy is indeed inspira�onal. Your
journey as a member of the European Union, a
key global partner for India, heralds a new beginning for you and we wish
you well. All of us would do well with a stronger Europe, one that should
con�nue to anchor a mul�-polar world upli�ing mul�lateralism,
strengthening global governance and ensuring adherence to interna�onal
laws and regula�ons.
As the Croa�an saying goes, “nema kruha bez mo�ke” that is - there is no
bread without a shovel. You are certainly working hard to chart a new
future. The whole world admired you when you displayed your skill and
spirit on the FIFA football field. It reflected not just your spor�ng excellence,
but a bold new confidence to conquer and to succeed.
Recent changes in India have been hugely transforma�onal for our
economic growth and upli�ment of society. There is a new India in the
making, an India that is aspira�onal; that is globally connected and
impac�ng the global economy; and is willing to lead interna�onal efforts to
find solu�ons to global challenges – be it Climate Change or building a new
global architecture to deal with the menace of terrorism.
Technology integra�on has been a key ingredient of our na�onal
development policy. We have many recent successes to talk about. The
123
INDIA- CROATIA: REAFFIRMING THE HAND OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION
““ On these strong
founda�ons, we now
have to build a new-age
partnership, a
partnership anchored in
economic synergies, in
geo-poli�cal reali�es, in
technology and
innova�on, in
sustainability and the
Fourth Industrial
Revolu�on, and in the
strengths and priori�es of
the two countries
Indian Space Research Organiza�on launched 104 satellites at one go, a feat
unparalleled in the world. We are the only country to have successfully
launched a mission to Mars in our maiden a�empt, and at a cost that is less
than what it takes to make a space science-fic�on movie by Hollywood! We
are now aiming to launch a manned space mission in 2022 on the occasion
of the 75�� year of our independence.
Our biometrics-based unique iden�fica�on number system, Aadhaar, is
perhaps the largest informa�on technology project in the world, and has
already reached out to 1.2 billion people across our vast land. Its link with
mobile phone and bank accounts has heralded a digital revolu�on in India.
Thanks to our world class ins�tu�ons of higher learning, India has the third
largest scien�fic and technical manpower pool in the world, with 162
universi�es awarding over 4000 doctorates annually. India's skill in
informa�on technology is well-known. I am delighted that one of our major
IT companies operates an office in Croa�a almost en�rely with Croa�an
employees. India has a thriving research and development services market,
which is expected to reach 38 billion USD by 2020. A third of the top 1000
companies in terms of global research and development spending now
have centres in India. The knowledge economy wrapped around the digital
highway and powered by ar�ficial intelligence has immense scope to bring
our research-labs together, to bring our entrepreneurs together, and to
bring new solu�ons for health and well-being for our people.
124
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Address at the University of Zagreb, Croatia
Demography is another key element in the India of today. We are perhaps
the world's youngest country, with nearly half our popula�on below the age
of 25 and nearly two-thirds of our popula�on in the working age group. This
is a genera�on that thrives on innova�on and entrepreneurship. They are
leading India's start-up culture par�cularly in the technology sector. We are
now the largest consumer of mobile data in the world, ahead of the US and
China put together. We also have the world's second largest internet base.
For decades to come, the youth of India will be at the forefront of
humanity's efforts to address our most pressing challenges. You have a
saying in Croa�a that aptly describes this – “na mladima svijet ostaje” that is
- the world rests on the youth.
Economically, we are the fastest growing large economy in the world with
growth rates of 7% and above for decades. This has pulled millions out of
poverty and allowed us to share the benefits of growth. Our economic
indicators are robust and we are confident that India will con�nue to be an
engine for global economic growth for the foreseeable future.
And in all our efforts, we have not forgo�en the essence of India, of
pluralism and unparalleled diversity, of democracy, of rule of law, of
upholding human rights, of standing up to terrorism and violence, of
extending a hand in friendship to the world. Many challenges remain in our
journey towards social and economic development, but we are confident
that we are on the right path.
As I have outlined, there is now a new India before you. Coincidentally,
Croa�a too, is reaching out to the world. There is much we can do together.
My visit, the first by a President of India to Croa�a, is to reaffirm our hand of
friendship and to invite Croa�ans, par�cularly its youth, to venture out to
India. I invite you to explore and experience this new India of hope, of
opportunity, of promise.
Address at the University of Zagreb on “India – Croa�a: The Way Forward” at Zagreb on
March 27, 2019
125
INDIA- CROATIA: REAFFIRMING THE HAND OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION
Iam delighted to address the India-Bolivia Business Forum. I thank
President Morales for his esteemed presence here. Our joint
par�cipa�on speaks of our deep mutual commitment to strengthening
business �es. I thank the Bolivian Chamber and Industry groups and the
Federa�on of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the
Confedera�on of Indian Industry for partnering in this event.
I am honoured to pay the first ever State
Visit from India to Bolivia. Today I was
conferred the highest award of Bolivia.
This was an honour bestowed upon my
country and my people, and I thank
President Morales from the bo�om of our
hearts for this special gesture. Our poli�cal
�es are strong and growing, but we have to
work more and hand-in-hand to bring our
economic partnership to the level of our
mutual understanding. I am accompanied
by 30 Indian companies represen�ng
different sectors - from gold, mining,
infrastructure, IT, automobile to energy.
We want their ideas and enterprise to
connect with Bolivian Commerce and
Industry, to create new corridors of growth
and prosperity.
During my discussion with President Morales earlier today, we commi�ed
to take our economic �es to the next level. We signed several MOUs in
diverse fields. Both our countries have their own economic strengths and
the two can complement each other in the mutual quest for growth and
prosperity. India is today the 6th largest economy in the world. We
manufacture everything from satellites, light aircra�, cars to major high
technology industrial products. We have the third largest scien�fic human
resource pool in the world. All these aspects, coupled with our large middle-
class market of over 400 million and a vibrant business ecosystem fostered
under a stable democra�c governance system, posi�on India as a unique
des�na�on for interna�onal trade and business. Our sustained efforts to
create a business-friendly environment have led to a spectacular jump of 65
INDIA-BOLIVIA:STRENGTHENING BUSINESS TIES
126
““ All these aspects,
coupled with our large
middle-class market of
over 400 million and a
vibrant business ecosys-
tem fostered under a
stable democra�c gover-
nance system, posi�on
India as a unique des�na-
�on for interna�onal
trade and business
places on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index in the last four years.
India is ready for more business.
Indian economy has been growing over 7% for several years and the
forecast for the future is equally robust. At this rate, we would become a 5
trillion dollar economy by 2025. This holds immense poten�al for our global
stakeholders to establish energy, natural resource, infrastructure and
technology collabora�on with us. Bolivia, with its huge natural resource
base, can become a valuable partner for us, crea�ng new jobs and
prosperity for both countries. Yes, it is true that distance is a factor in trade
and investment collabora�on. But with seamless connec�vity made
possible by digital communica�ons and globalisa�on, I must say, we have
overcome this limita�on in a major way.
On the trade side, we are doing well but we can do a lot more. Two-way
trade has picked up in the last two years. Our total bilateral trade grew by
over 200 per cent in 2018 touching 875 million USD. With this India became
the third largest export des�na�on for Bolivia. We import almost 60% of
Bolivian gold. This is impressive but we need to broaden the trade basket. I
am confident that with efforts of all our stakeholders, Confedera�on of
Private Entrepreneurs of Bolivia, CAINCO, CABINCO and others from Bolivia
and FICCI and CII from India, new ideas can take roots and flourish as
promising businesses.
In India, we have a focused business approach to this region. We hold the
India-La�n America and Caribbean Conclaves annually to deepen our
business collabora�ons. These Conclaves have served us well. Several
Indian global majors have made entry into Bolivia bringing cu�ng-edge
technology, products and services to the people. Our automobile products
are performing well on the Bolivian roads. India today is the largest drug
manufacturer in the world. Our high quality and cost-effec�ve medicines
and medical devices are enabling countries and governments to not just
provide quality healthcare but also to lower their costs.
Indian IT capacity is another cri�cal area for Bolivia to leverage. Our IT
services are helping countries to make public service delivery efficient,
targeted and cheaper. Given our mutual commitment to social equity and
improving the lives of the poor, India has much to share from its DIGITAL
INDIA and SKILL INDIA programmes with Bolivia under the framework of
South-South Coopera�on.
We are commi�ed to a transforma�onal economic growth in India. But we
want to be respec�ul to Mother Earth, nature in the same manner and with
127
INDIA-BOLIVIA: STRENGTHENING BUSINESS TIES
same devo�on as you have done. We want our progress to be propelled by
clean technology and sustainable prac�ces. We want growth and
environment protec�on to go hand in hand. We have established the
Interna�onal Solar Alliance to develop clean pathways and to tackle climate
change. We welcome Bolivia in the Alliance and look forward to crea�ng a
greener planet with its support and ideas. As part of this commitment, we
have a target to produce 175 gigawa�s of renewable energy by 2022,
including 100 gigawa�s of solar energy. We are developing our capacity and
at the same �me making available our services to fellow countries to tap
renewable energy. We see opportuni�es for �e-ups with Bolivia in solar,
wind and bio-fuel segments.
Talking of environment and sustainability, we have an ambi�ous
programme to develop electric vehicles in India. And for this, we would like
to enter into long-term Lithium partnership with Bolivia. Indian enterprises
are keen to mark their presence here as investment and technology
partners - to develop lithium products and to master storage technology.
We look forward to such promising ventures taking flight. India has gained
128
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
Address at the Bolivia-India Business Forum
129
vast exper�se in developing modern infrastructure – from railways,
highways, waterways, airways to energy pathways. This can also be a
poten�al area for collabora�on between our two countries.
Agriculture is another area that holds promise. Indian agro-scien�sts have
won interna�onal patents for developing cri�cal agricultural techniques
and high-yielding variety of seeds. Our companies are keen to invest in the
agriculture sector in Bolivia and enhance food security for our two peoples.
India has made impressive advances in the domain of Space applica�ons.
We sent a vehicle to the Moon in the very first a�empt at an unbelievable
cost of only 60 million USD less than what it takes to make a Hollywood
science fic�on! We successfully launched 104 satellites into the orbit from a
single launch vehicle, the first of its kind in the world. We now look forward
to our first human space flight mission in 2022. Bolivia, I understand, has
plans to develop its space satellite programme. We can be a reliable partner
for each other in this sector.
In keeping with our commitment to deepen our economic connect with the
world at large, we have extended e-visa facili�es covering business visits to
all La�n American and Caribbean countries. We would be happy if our
business community were encouraged with easier travel to Bolivia and a
more predictable business environment in the country for them to plan and
prospect be�er, and for us to deepen and strengthen our partnership.
With those words, I once again thank President Morales for his esteemed
presence and deep commitment to foster India-Bolivia economic rela�ons.
And I wish each one of you success in your business endeavours.
Speech at the India-Bolivia Business Forum in Santa Cruz on March 29, 2019
INDIA-BOLIVIA: STRENGTHENING BUSINESS TIES
Iam happy to be here for the India-Chile Business Roundtable. Indeed,
my visit itself is a tribute to growing bilateral linkages. This is the third
visit by a President of India to Chile, and all three visits have occurred in
the past 25 years. It is my first visit to Chile – and in fact the furthest I have
travelled from home since becoming President.
The welcome by the people and government of Chile has been warm and
special. I would like to thank President Piñera for the recep�on and
conversa�on, and of course for organising this engagement at La Moneda.
Geographically Chile and India are far apart, but
in substan�ve terms there are many similari�es.
The same waters wash our shores – we are part of
the same Indo-Pacific system. We have both used
these oceans intelligently and are among the
beneficiaries of globalisa�on and interna�onal
trade. It is in our interests to preserve the hard-
won gains of the mul�lateral trading order.
You are a country of talented and entrepreneurial
people with an exci�ng start-up culture. India too
has emerged as one of the world's largest start-up
hubs. Both Chile and India represent urbanising
growth stories. India is urbanising at a fast pace,
with 100 urban centres being upgraded in a smart
ci�es mission that covers next-genera�on
infrastructure, environmental management and
pollu�on control systems. In these areas, like in
many others, there is so much we can learn from
each other.
For India and for Indian business, Chile is not just a market; it is an
important long-term partner. Chile is India's window to La�n America and
to the Pacific Alliance. Our bilateral trade is growing and stood at USD 2.8
billion in 2017-18. Twenty-six major Indian business corpora�ons have so
far invested close to USD 220 million in Chile in different sectors.
While our bilateral trade is growing sharply, it is s�ll way below poten�al.
We shall work together to expand our trade basket and open new pathways
for economic engagement.
INDIA-CHILE: PRESERVING THE GAINS OF THE BILATERAL TRADING ORDER
130
““ Geographically
Chile and India are far
apart, but in substan�ve
terms there are many
similari�es. The same
waters wash our shores
– we are part of the
same Indo-Pacific
system. We have both
used these oceans
intelligently and are
among the beneficiaries
of globalisa�on and
interna�onal trade
131
INDIA-CHILE: PRESERVING THE GAINS OF THE BILATERAL TRADING ORDER
We can cooperate in areas such as marine research and other scien�fic
explora�on. India is also keen to strengthen its collabora�on with Chile in
the space sector.
India has a robust pharmaceu�cal sector known for manufacturing low-
cost, high-quality pharmaceu�cal drugs and vaccines. This is helping to
make healthcare affordable and accessible to many more families. The
government of India has set up a chain of almost 5,000 affordable medicine
shops across the country. The Farmacias Populares or People's Pharmacies
ini�a�ve of the government of Chile has similar mo�va�ons. I am confident
that together we can do a lot in this sector and promote public health.
India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. In 2019 and 2020,
India's GDP is predicted to grow by over 7 per cent. By 2025, India's
economy is expected to double in value to reach USD 5 trillion.
These numbers and these projec�ons are the result of sustained policy
reform and effort to improve the business environment. In recent years,
India has renewed its commitment to a liberal, transparent and globalised
economy. In terms of openness to foreign capital and interna�onal
investors, India is in the top league.
India is in the midst of an infrastructure push of unusual urgency. The country is
making and expanding highways, urban and rural broadband connec�vity, new
railway and freight corridors, ports, high-speed train networks, airports and
industrial corridors. The humming sound of construc�on is heard everywhere.
Address at the India-Chile Business Event
Fiscal and regulatory processes have undergone a transforma�onal change.
In the summer of 2017, India inaugurated the Goods and Services Tax regime.
This has brought the 29 states of our country on a common tax pla�orm. It
has created a cleaner and more structured business environment. In parallel,
on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index, India has moved up from a
rank of 142 in 2014 to 77 in 2018. This 65-step jump is the biggest for any
single country.
The interna�onal business community has responded to India's
achievements. In financial year 2017-18, India drew about USD 62 billion in
FDI and was recognised as among the world's most a�rac�ve investment
des�na�ons. Given this, Chile's modest investment in India is an anomaly.
Since the beginning of the century, Chilean companies have invested just
about USD 150 million in India. This needs to be rec�fied.
Chile's two sovereign wealth funds have a reputa�on for sound investment
decisions. They could consider opportuni�es in Indian infrastructure sector.
Together we can design investment products that serve Chile's Economic
and Social Stabilisa�on Fund as well as its Pension Reserve Fund – and feed
into the Indian growth story. This would lead to a win-win situa�on.
India's growth is different from that of many others. We are the first major
country that is seeking to make that leap into industrialisa�on while also
comba�ng climate change, and while reducing the intensity of dependence
on fossil fuels. India has set itself a target of 175 gigawa�s of renewable
energy by 2022, of which 100 gigawa�s will comprise solar energy.
India has commi�ed that by 2030, 40 per cent of installed power genera�on
capacity will be from clean energy sources. Your country too is inves�ng in
renewable energy with determina�on and is expected to generate 20 per
cent of energy from such sources by 2020.
Our coopera�on in the Interna�onal Solar Alliance will work wonders for
both our countries. So will, I may add, our lithium partnership. I am
extremely op�mis�c that business leaders from India and Chile will use this
event to renew old alliances and build new equa�ons – and take our
countries closer to a shared prosperity. I wish all of you the very best – and I
wish you many busy sessions of produc�ve deal-making.
Address at the India-Chile Business Event in San�ago on April 1, 2019
132
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
am delighted to meet all of you. Thank you for your warm and I affec�onate welcome.
nf{k.k vÝhdk vkSj Hkkjr] fofo/krkvksa vkSj lkaLd`frd le`f) ds ns”k gSaA ;g fofo/krk thou ds gj {ks= esa feyrh gS] ysfdu blesa ,drk dk etcwr /kkxk ekStwn jgrk gSA pkgs flrkj gks ;k lkjaxh] rcyk gks ;k e`nax] gkjeksfu;e gks ;k ckalqjh] “kkL=h; laxhr gks ;k ckWyhoqM ds xhr & Hkkjr ds bu thoar dyk:iksa us ges”kk ls gh tuekul esa vkuan vkSj mYykl dk lapkj fd;k gSA vki lHkh us vkt ;gka ftl rUe;rk vkSj yxu ds lkFk ;g jaxkjax lkaLd`frd dk;ZØe izLrqr fd;k gS] mls ns[kdj eq>s cgqr [kq”kh gqbZ gSA
It is a unique privilege for me to be visi�ng South Africa in the year of the
150th birth anniversary celebra�ons of Mahatma Gandhi. As we pay tribute
to him and to his ideals of peace and nonviolence on the occasion, it is natural
to be reminded of the role South Africa played in his journey from Mohandas
Karamchand Gandhi to Mahatma Gandhi. The 21 years he spent in South
Africa from 1893 �ll 1914 turned him into a true stalwart of freedom and
jus�ce. In honour of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we
have begun our celebra�ons the world over. Over 130 countries, including
South Africa, joined us in singing his favourite bhajan “Vaishnav Jan To Tene
Kahiye”. I paid my tributes to him in all the three countries - Croa�a, Bolivia
and Chile - that I visited on this overseas tour, and spoke to the youth on the
relevance of Gandhiji's legacy in our daily life.
India stood firmly with our brothers and sisters in South Africa in their trials
and tribula�ons during the Apartheid regime. We cried in joy when Nelson
Mandela visited India in 1990 a�er his release from Robben Island. We
were honoured to have conferred on him the Bharat Ratna, our highest
na�onal honour the same year. Tomorrow, I will have the opportunity to pay
my respects to him at the Robben Island.
South Africa is home to one of the largest Indian diaspora anywhere in the
world and we take great pride in your success and accomplishments. Most
of you belong to communi�es and families that arrived in this beau�ful
country several genera�ons ago. We have heard inspiring stories of your
forefathers, of how they overcame adversity and built life for themselves.
Many among you have come to this country recently as professionals,
scholars and entrepreneurs. I deeply appreciate that despite the distance
and the passage of �me, South Africans of Indian origin have kept India close
to their hearts. You celebrate your fairs and fes�vals with much fanfare, and
you have maintained your tradi�on and culture with pride and glory.
INDIA–SOUTH AFRICA: SHARED VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
133
Just a few weeks back, I had the pleasure of conferring Padma Bhushan,
India's third-highest civilian honour on Mr. Pravin Gordhan, Minister of
Public Enterprises of South Africa. He is a shining example of the contribu�on
of Indian diaspora to the making of this great na�on and carrying forward the
legacy of stalwarts like Ahmed Kathrada, Lalu Chiba, Mac Maharaj, Billy Nair,
Fa�ma Meer, Dullah Omar, and many other dis�nguished members of the
Indian diaspora who stood shoulder to shoulder with their compatriots in
waging a struggle for freedom and crea�ng a modern Republic.
The visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa to India this January as Chief Guest
for our Republic Day celebra�ons opened another chapter in our bilateral
rela�ons. The rela�onship between the two great na�ons is going from
strength to strength. Our economic engagement is one of the key
ingredients of this vibrant partnership. Indian companies in South Africa are
adding value by opening new avenues of growth in the country. They are
providing direct and indirect employment to thousands and stand fully
commi�ed to suppor�ng the leadership's vision of bolstering the economy.
South African companies are also partnering in India's growth and
collabora�ng in our flagship ini�a�ves like Make In India, Digital India, Clean
India, and Smart City programme.
Our rela�ons are, indeed, deep and varied. We stood with South Africa not
just in the poli�cal sphere. We also took the lead in bringing South Africa
back to interna�onal cricket. And today these
spor�ng �es are flourishing and running to the
boundary, from Newlands to Eden Gardens, and
from test cricket to T-20. There is a slice of South
Africa in every corner of India, and a bit of South
Africa in every IPL team.
The Government of India is commi�ed to
deepening its �es with our diaspora abroad. I
would urge you to benefit from the schemes and
plans that we have put in place. We have made
our OCI scheme simple for more and more
people to benefit. Through technology, we have
scaled up our outreach and improved our public
service delivery. Today, as a ma�er of rou�ne, we
are reaching out to those in need, and with a
sense of urgency. I wish to share with you that in
the last four years we have rescued over 90,000
Indians caught in violence, strife and natural
disasters overseas.
134
THE REPUBLICAN ETHIC
“
“ May our two
na�ons con�nue to
chart new paths and
forge new �es to
unleash the crea�ve
energies of the two
peoples in ensuring
peace and prosperity,
not just for ourselves,
but for the en�re
humanity, ably guided
by the Mahatma and
Madiba
135
INDIA – SOUTH AFRICA: SHARED VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
Tomorrow, as I pay homage to the Struggle Veterans on the Robben Island, I
will recall the shared values of our two peoples, and the shared principles of
the founding fathers of our two na�ons that drive us steadily onto the path of
equality and prosperity. May our two na�ons con�nue to chart new paths and
forge new �es to unleash the crea�ve energies of the two peoples in ensuring
peace and prosperity, not just for ourselves, but for the en�re humanity, ably
guided by the Mahatma and Madiba.
vkils euaS s dNq le; igy]s ijEijk vkjS lLa df̀r dks lta kds j j[kus dh ckr dh FkhA eaS vkils ,d vkjS vujq k/s k djuk pkgxaw k & vki vius ?kj ij vius ifjokj ls ekrH̀kk’kk ea s ckr dja s pkgs og fgUnh gk]s dkdsa .kh gk]s xtq jkrh gk]s ita kch gks ;k rys xq ;k rfey gk]s tks fd vkidks viuh :Vl~ o lH;rk ls tkMs s + j[k ldAs vki lHkh ls fonk yus s ls igys eaS vki lHkh dks jk’Vªifr Hkou dks n[s kus ds fy, vkefU=r djrk g¡Aw gk¡] ;g ejs k vkokl ,oa dk;kyZ ; gS ijUrq ;g ,fs rgkfld Hkou vki lHkh ds fy, lnoS [kyq k gAS gekjh fojklr o ykds rkfU=d eYw ;ka s dks tkuus ds fy, vki lHkh jk’Vªifr Hkou ea s Lokxr gAS
And as I say good bye, I wish to invite each one of you to visit Rashtrapa�
Bhavan. Yes, it is my residence and office, but more importantly it is a
na�onal monument, and you must come and learn of its democra�c values
and heritage.
Address at the Indian Community and Friends of India recep�on in Cape Town on
April 2, 2019
MARKING A NEW CHAPTER IN INDIA'S ONWARD MARCH
Iwarmly welcome you to Rashtrapa� Bhavan and would like to thank
you for graciously accep�ng our invita�on to be with us for the historic
swearing-in-ceremony of the new government led by our Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi. We count you as our close friends. Our people
are bound together by common democra�c values. For these affini�es,
your presence on this august occasion is truly special for us. On cherished
occasions, we Indians like to be in the company of cherished friends!
Today we are celebra�ng democracy, the
will of our people, ever nourished by their
aspira�ons and their achievements. Only a
few days ago, we successfully concluded the
largest democra�c exercise in human
history. It was a moment of pride for us and
an inspira�on for millions across the world.
As you know, the people of India have given
a decisive mandate to Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi. This verdict is an affirma�on
of his visionary leadership to build a New
India, not in a distant future, but here and thnow – as we celebrate the 150 birth
anniversary this year of the Father of our thNa�on, Mahatma Gandhi, and mark the 75
anniversary of our Independence in 2022.
This mandate is a call from our people for an
India where there is progress for all and no
one is le� behind; an India that is on course
to elimina�ng extreme poverty in the
coming decade, and to realising the
poten�al in every girl-child; an India that is at
work to harness new-age technology and
the limitless energy of its youth; an India that
wishes to connect deeper with its rich
cultural past even as it draws the contours of
its promising future; and an India that is fast
transforming itself as an engine of global growth and a centre of global
power-rela�ons.
136
““
This mandate is a call
from our people for an India
where there is progress for all
and no one is le� behind; an
India that is on course to
elimina�ng extreme poverty
in the coming decade, and to
realising the poten�al in
every girl-child; an India that
is at work to harness new-age
technology and the limitless
energy of its youth; an India
that wishes to connect
deeper with its rich cultural
past even as it draws the
contours of its promising
future; and an India that is
fast transforming itself as an
engine of global growth and
a centre of global power-
rela�ons
137
MARKING A NEW CHAPTER IN INDIA'S ONWARD MARCH
Aspira�ons run high in our people. They constantly yearn for a be�er life for
themselves and their children. There is no let-up in their demand for good
governance, equal opportuni�es and efficient and equitable delivery of
public goods and services. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi leads a
government that will con�nue to work selflessly and �relessly to fulfill these
aspira�ons and enable a life of dignity and respect to our ci�zens. His
dedica�on compels me to recall what Mahatma Gandhi said about
democracy: “My no�on of democracy is that, under it, the weakest shall
have the same opportuni�es, as the strongest.”
India's dreams are not for India alone. As we work for our progress, we
remain deeply conscious of the support we draw from our close friends and
our close neighbours. From the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the
earnest embrace of the Bay of Bengal and further to the shared cultural
affini�es and economic opportuni�es of Central Asia, our people embody
similar hopes and aspira�ons. Over the centuries, India has been the
centrepiece of a great trading system that has run from the heartland of
Central Asia right to the Indian Ocean. This is our legacy also our future. For
all our people and for the global community, we must work together to
foster peace and prosperity in our region and beyond. Our countries remain
stakeholders in each other's progress and wellbeing.
This evening marks a new chapter in India's onward march as a na�on. I
wish Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi every success as he takes on his
high responsibility in the service of our people. Once again, I thank you
for your august presence. May our na�ons prosper forever – and may we
prosper together.
Address at the banquet hosted in the honour of the Heads/ Representa�ves of the
State/ Government a�ending the Swearing-in-Ceremony of the Prime Minister of
India at the Rashtrapa� Bhavan in New Delhi on May 30, 2019