Promotion of E-governance by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in communicating with NSFs and IOA

Promotion of E-governance by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in communicating with NSFs and IOA

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has decided to discontinue with the practice of sending letters/ circulars / guidelines in hard copy form to National Sports Federations (NSFs) /IOA. The Ministry has decided that hence forth, communications required to be sent to all NSFs / a group of NSFs with copy to IOA (letter to a specific NSF not included) would be uploaded on MYAS website in a specific database for the purpose. An email will also be sent to one nodal email ID of each NSF. NSFs are required to visit the said database regularly and also check the said email account so as to download the communication and take necessary action on the same within the stipulated time frame. Letters will not be sent physically to NSFs for such communications in future.

The Ministry has said that failure to take necessary action by NSFs/IOA for want of downloading communications from the database on MYAS website would be construed as non compliance of Sports Code and action taken accordingly.

However, it may be noted that matter pertaining to any particular NSF will be sent as per the current practice and will be communicated to the respective NSF directly.

The Ministry has asked each of the NSFs and IOA to intimate their nodal email ID within a week to the MYAS for compliance of the instructions.

The decision has been taken in order to save time, efforts and promote E-governance. Further, it was also noticed that the communication sent in hard copy form was received back undelivered from some NSFs due to wrong addresses etc. it was also felt that under the new system, a database would be maintained which can serve as a repository of all such communications so as to easily retrieve the same as and when required.    

“Welfare of the Child” in Custody Matters

Law Commission of India Submits Report on Guardianship and Custody Laws
Proposes Amendments to Focus on “Welfare of the Child” in Custody Matters

The Law Commission of India has submitted its Report No. 257 on “Reforms in Guardianship and Custody Laws in India”  today  to the Union Minister of Law and Justice. The report suggests amendments to existing laws to emphasize the “welfare of the child” in custody and guardianship matters, and introduces the concept of joint custody as an option to be considered in certain cases.

Children are the worst affected in proceedings of divorce and family breakdowns. Often, parents use children as pawns to strike their own bargains, without considering the emotional, social and mental upheavals that the children may face. The Commission believes this imbalanced situation can be addressed in some measure through changes to the law that will place a duty upon the court to uphold the child’s welfare in each and every case. This will ensure that the child’s future is safe and protected, regardless of changing familial circumstances.

Courts in India have recognised the welfare principle, but many aspects of the legal and judicial framework remain wanting. Courts tend to grant custody of a child to either one parent or another, presuming that it is for the welfare of the child. Joint custody arrangements, where both parents have custody of the child, are rarely considered.

Problems in court decisions are compounded by inconsistencies in the law. For instance, the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, regards the welfare of the child as being of paramount consideration, but the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, contains no such provision. Similarly, the 1956 law does not treat the mother on an equal footing with the father as the natural guardian of her child. Further, custody battles are among the most fiercely fought in courts, because there is no agreement or understanding about what constitutes the welfare of the child. As a result, it is impossible to ensure that the interests of the child are actually protected. The legal framework also contains no guidelines about the manner and process by which custody issues should be handled.

Accordingly, this report of the Law Commission reviews the current laws dealing with custody and guardianship, and recommends legislative amendments to the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 and the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956. These amendments are necessary in order to bring these laws in tune with modern social considerations. Major amendments are recommended to the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, by introducing a new chapter on custody and visitation arrangements. The Commission believes that the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, being a secular law, will be relevant for all custody proceedings, besides any personal laws that may apply.

The new chapter opens with a set of objectives, to clarify that the welfare of the child is the primary guiding factor in all such matters. For the first time in India, the amendments also introduce several concepts relating to joint custody and child welfare, such as child support, mediation processes, parenting plans, and grand parenting time.

The key aspects of the legislative recommendations are as follows:

1.    Welfare principle: The draft law strengthens the welfare principle in the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, with a continuous emphasis on its relevance in each aspect of guardianship and custody related decision-making

2.    Abolition of preference: The draft law removes the preference for the father as the natural guardian under Hindu law, and both parents are granted equal legal status with respect to guardianship and custody.

3.    Joint custody: The draft law empowers courts to award joint custody to both parents in circumstances conducive to the welfare of the child, or award sole custody to one parent with visitation rights to the other.

4.    Mediation: Parties to a custody matter must ordinarily consider expert-led and time-bound mediation, which can not only promote better outcomes for parents and children, but also reduce the strain on the overburdened court system.

5.    Child support: The draft law empowers courts to fix an amount specifically for child support, to meet basic living expenses of the child. Financial resources of parents, and the standard of living of the child must be considered when fixing such amounts. Child support must continue till the child turns 18, but may be extended till 25; or longer, in case of a child with mental or physical disability.

6.    Guidelines: The draft law includes detailed guidelines to help courts, parents and other stakeholders arrive at the best arrangement to serve the welfare of the child. The guidelines introduce several new concepts in this regard, including parenting plans, grand parenting time, visitation rights, and relocation of parents. They also elaborate the position on related aspects such as determining the intelligent preference of a child, access to records of the child, and mediation.

2015 Common Preliminary Examination

Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination – 2015 Common Preliminary Examination

The Union Public Service Commission will hold the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2015 on August 23, 2015. This Preliminary Examination will be common for the candidates applying for Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination, and will act as a screening mechanism for selection of candidates for the Civil Services (Main) Examination and Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination. The Examination will be held at 71 Centres across the country, in accordance with the rules of Civil Services Examination notified in the Official Gazette on May 23, 2015 by the Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India and the Rules of Indian Forest Service Examination notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the Official Gazette on May 23, 2015.

Candidates are required to apply through online mode on the Commission’s Website www.upsconline.nic.in. No other mode is allowed for submission of application. The commencement of filling online applications shall start from May 23, 2015 and conclude on June 19, 2015 [till 11.59 PM].

For details regarding the Syllabus and Scheme of the Examination, Centers of Examination, and Guidelines for filling up application form etc. aspirants must login to the Commission’s Website www.upsconline.nic.in or www.upsc.gov.in and refer to the notices of the above mentioned two examinations.

While submitting the online applications for the Civil Service (Preliminary) Examination, the candidates will have the option to choose either the Civil Services or the Indian Forest Service or both. Therefore, before exercising their options, applicants may carefully read and understand the eligibility and other criteria contained in the detailed notices of both the Civil Services Examination, 2015 and Indian Forest Service Examination, 2015 which are available on the aforementioned Website of the Commission.  

New ACC Appointments

ACC Appointments

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the following:

1. The Appointment of Shri G. Mohan Kumar, IAS (OR:79), Secretary, Department of Defence Production as Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence for a period of two years from the date of taking over the charge of the post vice Shri Radha Krishna Mathur, IAS (MT:77), on his retirement.

2. The Appointment of Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta, IAS (TN:81), Special Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence as Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence vice Shri G. Mohan Kumar, IAS(OR:79), on his relinquishing the charge of the post.

3. The extension of tenure of Dr. T.C.A. Anant, Chief Statistician of India (CSI)-cum-Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation beyond 29.06.2015, subject to clearance of his parent organization, until he attains the age of 60 years, i.e. the age of normal superannuation in Government of India. 

PM calls for an end to caste-based politics, says Eastern India must progress fast

PM calls for an end to caste-based politics, says Eastern India must progress fast

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today invoked the great poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar to call for an end to caste-based politics. The Prime Minister said that for India to progress, it is essential for eastern India, including Bihar, to progress and catch up with the western part of India. He was speaking at a function in New Delhi, to mark the golden jubilee of two of Dinkar's great works: "Sanskriti ke chaar adhyaay," and "Parshuram ki pratiksha." The Prime Minister recalled a letter written by Shri Ramdhari Singh Dinkar in 1961, in which the poet emphasized that his native state of Bihar must forget caste-based divisions, and work towards a merit-based society. In the letter, Dinkar further said that if the people of Bihar do not rise above caste, public life in the state will decay.

The Prime Minister described "Rashtrakavi" Dinkar as a great visionary. He said Dinkar's poems, which were once memorized by thousands, assimilated India's heritage and culture, and were the best way to understand the essence of India.

Shri Narendra Modi also added that there are very few creations, which stand the scrutiny of time, the way Dinkar's writing has. He said Dinkar wanted to light a path, and show the way forward for society, through his writings.

The Prime Minister said Dinkar's works have continued to provide the inspiration to achieve and progress, to generations of Indians.   

Imbibing Scientific Reasoning, and Development of Scientific Outlook, is Intrinsic to Modernity in our Times – Vice President

Imbibing Scientific Reasoning, and Development of Scientific Outlook, is Intrinsic to Modernity in our Times – Vice President

Vice President Inaugurates 15th All India People’s Science Congress at Bengaluru

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the use of science and scientific method is essential for socio-economic development, through research in industry and agriculture, and a search for truth through experiment. The dictum of a 20^thcentury statesman sums it up: ‘discover truth through practice, and through practice verify and develop truth.’Alongside, it is essential to wage a vigorous battle against all types of irrational beliefs and resultant bigotry. Delivering inaugural address at the “15^th All India People’s Science Congress at Central College, Bengaluru” today, he said that imbibing scientific reasoning, and development of scientific outlook, is intrinsic to modernity in our times.

He said that today, Science is indispensable for addressing major contemporary challenges of economic growth and social transformation in societies. The socio-economic health of a nation now depends, more and more on, among other factors, the health of the state of its science and technology.

The Vice President opined that Science presupposes, and emanates from, scientific method and its application to problems confronting humans. It accords absolute priority to empirical investigations and logical reasoning. It eschews a priori conclusions emanating from authority or tradition. In its quest for truth, it makes space available for dissenting voices and alternate lines of investigation. It thereby promotes a rational approach. In societal matters, it induces a secular approach towards individual belief systems and helps fight against social intolerance.

He further said that one set of thinkers opt for ‘science and technology determinism’ and suggest that one would follow another; a second group opine ‘social shaping’ and argue that it is never science and technology itself that cause change; instead, it is the people. A valid judgement would perhaps include elements of both and suggest that affirmative action of social shaping could help bring about social results desired by advancements of science and technology.

The Vice President said that the obvious instrumentality is education. At one level, it overcomes ignorance in a formal sense. Does it address itself to superstition and obscurantism? The answer is in the negative; the reason, regrettably, is to be found in ideologies and social belief and practices that prevail in various segments of our society. These induce a narrowing of the mind and cultivation of prejudices and intolerance. They impede, even suppress, the voice of rationalists.  

He emphasized that these disturbing trends need to be countered. This can be done if citizens discharge their constitutional duties. In a plural society, the sanctity of all sacred texts is to be observed.  The sacred text for the citizen quo citizen, it has been rightly observed, is the Constitution and the duties enjoined by it. Therefore, the promotion and embedding of science and scientific temper in our citizenry is a constitutional duty apart from being a moral one, if we are to emerge as a modern, progressive nation.

Following is the text of Vice President’s address :

“I am happy to be in Bengaluru today for the inauguration of the 15^th All India People’s Science Congress.

I congratulate the All India People’s Science Network and all the participants for their valuable contributions towards promotion of scientific temper among our citizens and for their devoted advocacy of science and technology for progress and welfare of our people.

‘How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future’ was the subtitle of a book published a few years back in the United States. Its authors argued that most of the urgent problems of the twenty first century require scientific solutions and yet the coverage of science in ordinary public discourse has dropped sharply. The book urged that that ‘this dangerous trend’ be reversed and citizens’ awareness of the importance of science to politics and society be enhanced.     

What was said of America could be said of our country too, and in greater measure if one were to go by the contents of TV programs! For this reason, the theme of this session of the Congress, ‘Science for Social change’ is topical and important. The interface between science and society has been a major influence in shaping the world and would continue to be the driving force behind the evolution of humanity in the future.

Given the multifaceted and symbiotic relationship between science and society and the critical role the former plays in the development of the latter, I would focus today on the importance of science for social change and its impact on society.

II

Since the time of Archimedes, and before, science has arguably been the primary motor for social change in human history. Big discoveries have influenced societies through new technologies and innovations which have created general material and intellectual benefits for humankind and led to its advancement over millennia.

Today, Science is indispensable for addressing major contemporary challenges of economic growth and social transformation in societies. The socio-economic health of a nation now depends, more and more on, among other factors, the health of the state of its science and technology.

Science presupposes, and emanates from, scientific method and its application to problems confronting humans. It accords absolute priority to empirical investigations and logical reasoning. It eschews a prioriconclusions emanating from authority or tradition. In its quest for truth, it makes space available for dissenting voices and alternate lines of investigation. It thereby promotes a rational approach. In societal matters, it induces a secular approach towards individual belief systems and helps fight against social intolerance.

The use of science and scientific method is essential for socio-economic development, through research in industry and agriculture, and a search for truth through experiment. The dictum of a 20^th century statesman sums it up: ‘discover truth through practice, and through practice verify and develop truth.’Alongside, it is essential to wage a vigorous battle against all types of irrational beliefs and resultant bigotry.

We can well say that imbibing scientific reasoning, and development of scientific outlook, is intrinsic to modernity in our times.

The wealth and prosperity of a nation today depend on the effective utilisation of its human and material resources through industrialisation based on scientific research and development. Science expands the frontiers of productivity by creating more efficient manufacturing processes, newer raw materials and better equipped manpower. New scientific techniques can also make up for a deficiency in natural resources.

It is a truism that inequality that exists between nations and within them, especially between the developed and developing world, has been exacerbated by the relative levels of scientific development amongst them. These gaps can be bridged only through greater focus on the development of science and technology. Science thus has a pivotal role in helping attain inclusive growth within nations and amongst them.

The founders of our Republic appreciated the criticality of this matter. In one of his early pronouncements, Jawaharlal Nehru observed:

“It is science alone that can solve the problems of hunger and poverty, of insanitation and illiteracy, of superstition and deadening custom and tradition, of vast resources running to waste, of a rich country inhabited by starving people.... the future belongs to science and those who make friends with science.”

We gave shape to this vision through the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958, and in all subsequent policy pronouncements. The outcome of our efforts has been a mixed one. Nevertheless, notable progress has been achieved in most sectors and we now have an advanced and impressive physical and pedagogic infrastructure for scientific research and development to serve the nation’s needs in basic and applied sciences.

III

This brings me to the central theme of this session: How does science impact on social change? How should it impact? The debate on this is ongoing. One set of thinkers opt for ‘science and technology determinism’ and suggest that one would follow another; a second group opine ‘social shaping’ and argue that it is never science and technology itself that cause change; instead, it is the people. A valid judgement would perhaps include elements of both and suggest that affirmative action of social shaping could help bring about social results desired by advancements of science and technology.

The debate is not merely a theoretical one. The imperative in our own context is provided by the Constitution of India. I refer in particular to Article 51(A) and its sub-section (h) which stipulates that it shall be the duty of every citizen ‘to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of enquiry and reform.’

In other words, development of scientific temper present in a nascent form in every child’s propensity to touch, feel and explore, and humanism, would facilitate the discharge of constitutional obligation of promoting the fraternity of all citizens and rendering them justice, liberty and equality as enjoined in the Preamble of the Constitution.

What are the impediments? These are widespread prevalence in our society of poverty, hunger, disease, ignorance, superstition and obscurantism. In fact, the latter three impede the eradication of the first three. In other words, to fight poverty, hunger and disease we need to overcome ignorance, superstition and obscurantism.

The obvious instrumentality is education. At one level, it overcomes ignorance in a formal sense. Does it address itself to superstition and obscurantism? The answer is in the negative; the reason, regrettably, is to be found in ideologies and social belief and practices that prevail in various segments of our society. These induce a narrowing of the mind and cultivation of prejudices and intolerance. They impede, even suppress, the voice of rationalists.  

These disturbing trends need to be countered. This can be done if citizens discharge their constitutional duties. In a plural society, the sanctity of all sacred texts is to be observed.  The sacred text for the citizen quo citizen, it has been rightly observed, is the Constitution and the duties enjoined by it. Therefore, the promotion and embedding of science and scientific temper in our citizenry is a constitutional duty apart from being a moral one, if we are to emerge as a modern, progressive nation.

It is in this context, groups such as the All India People’s Science Network and all of you gathered here today must be commended for your role in spreading the scientific temper amongst our masses and promoting scientific efforts for inclusive, sustainable, socio-economic development of the country.

Let me conclude by sharing with you an observation made by Galileo over four and a half centuries ago; it has abiding relevance. He said “I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use”.

I thank you for having invited me. I wish you all success in your deliberations during the 15^thCongress.

Jai Hind.”

President of India congratulates David Arthur Granger

President of India congratulates David Arthur Granger on his assumption of office as the executive President of Guyana

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has congratulated H.E. Brig. (Retd) David Arthur Granger on his assumption of office as the Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

In his message to H.E. Brig. (Retd) David Arthur Granger, the President has said, “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on your assumption of office as the Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. I take this opportunity to wish you all success in your endeavours.

Traditionally, India and Guyana enjoy warm and friendly relations. I am confident that the friendly ties between our two countries will further strengthen in the years to come”. 

India, with 244 million, ranks third after China and USA in terms of number of internet users

President of India calls upon authorities to make available infrastructure for internet and ICT-enabled services across country

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated 24 Hot Spots with 30 Wi-Fi access points in the President’s Estate today (May 22, 2015) by which the Estate became 100 % Wi-Fi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said India is at the 89thposition in Network Readiness Index. Countries like Singapore, Finland and Sweden are leaders in this index. He called upon concerned authorities to ensure availability of infrastructure for Internet and ICT-enabled services across the country and use it in a systematic manner. He said Wi-Fi services could be rolled out in public places across the country, both in urban and rural India.

The President said India, with 244 million, ranks third after China and USA in terms of number of internet users. However, the penetration of internet use as a percentage of the population is only twenty, indicating not only a huge gap but significant potential for future growth as well. With 960 million mobile phones today, India stands second in the world behind China and soon it is expected to become one billion mobile phones. We have more than 77 mobile phone connections per 100 citizens, which is commendable in terms of the penetration achieved by us in mobile telephony.

The President said the government has launched many programmes for the benefit of the common man. Substantial investment in terms of money and effort go into making policies, schemes and programmes aimed at eradication of poverty and other socio-economic ills. Yet, in the absence or poor presence of an effective communication strategy, a large segment of the intended beneficiary population remains unaware of the various benefits they are entitled to. Many a times, it becomes difficult to ensure that the government policies and programmes reach the general population in various parts of the country. In this context, the idea of bringing information to the doorsteps of citizens through network is a revolutionary step to transform India to a Digital India.

Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Shri R S Sharma, Secretary, D/o Electronics & IT, Smt. Shefali Sushil Dash, DDG, NIC, officers, staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan and their family members were present on the occasion. 

President said Innovation and modernization will be the key to survival for Engineering organizations

Officer trainees of Central Engineering Service (Civil) and Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service call on the President

A group of 21 officer trainees of Central Engineering Service (Civil) and Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service of 2014 batch called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (May 22, 2015) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Addressing the officer trainees, the President said that the Government has set a deadline for providing a roof to everyone in India by 2022. Thisambitious infrastructure development programme provides enormous growth opportunity for CPWD. The principle challenge they will face is how to deliver top quality built environment in the shortest possible time and at the lowest cost. This calls for both technical and managerial leadership.They, as young officers and Engineers must focus particularly on those areas where innovation and modernization are required. With increased competition, CPWD must gear itself to improve efficiency in the delivery of service. They must build infrastructure which is environmentally sensitive, technically sound, economical, energy efficient and sustainable. He urgedofficers and Engineers to deliver not only with efficiency but also due diligence.

The President said that in the present context of global warming and climate change, Green Construction and Energy Conservation are very crucial. The focus, therefore, should be on reuse, recycling and use of renewable resources. Officers and Engineers must be committed to work for sustainable development by creating energy-efficient and sustainable habitats that aim to meet human needs while preserving the environment. He expressed happiness that CPWD has decided to address the energy security challenge and accordingly, Solar Roof Top Panels are being installed on all Central Government Buildings being constructed and maintained by CPWD.

The President said that in any governance system, the quality of public service is of utmost importance. The officers and Engineers must not only have the required skills and knowledge but also values, which include integrity and commitment to public service. There should be emphasis on character and probity in public life. He was sure that as bright young officers they would rise to the occasion and conform to the high standards of faith and trust reposed in them. He called upon officers and Engineers tostrive for professional excellence, greater transparency and high ethical standards so that they are recognized as an efficient and helpful service organization manned by proficient functionaries.

The President said Innovation and modernization will be the key to survival for Engineering organizations in today’s continually changing environment. He advised officers and Engineers to be proactive and open to new technology and best practices. He said he was confident that their professional training, will impart them with the skill sets necessary for efficient and effective performance of their duties.

These officer trainees are presently undergoing 35 weeks foundation training at CPWD Training Institute, Ghaziabad. 

Union Home Minister administers pledge to mark Anti-Terrorism Day

Union Home Minister administers pledge to mark Anti-Terrorism Day

Anti-Terrorism Day is being observed today. Every year it is observed throughout the country on 21st May. The day is marked by a pledge taking ceremony among other activities. Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh administered the pledge to the Officers and Staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions at Jalebi Chowk, North Block. The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Minister of State for Home, Shri Kiren Rijiju were present on the occasion.

The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the people from terrorism and violence. On the occasion, debates, discussions, symposia, seminars, lectures, etc. are held in schools, colleges and universities on the dangers of terrorism and violence.

The Day is observed to generate awareness in the country among all sections of people about the danger of terrorism and violence and its effect on the people, society and the country as a whole.

Many NGOs, social and cultural organizations also organize their own programmes to highlight the ill effects of violence and terrorism. Anti-terrorism/anti-violence pledge is taken in all Government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions. 

PM pays tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, on his death anniversary

PM pays tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, on his death anniversary

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, on his death anniversary.

"Paying tributes to former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary", the Prime Minister said.

Technology is power, says President

Technology is power, says President

The second batch of 19 NIT scholars from across the country participating in an ‘In-Residence’ programme of Rashtrapati Bhavan  called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (May 21, 2015) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.    

Speaking on the occasion, the President quoted Swami Vivekananda and said that Expansion is life, Contraction is death.  He urged the young NIT scholars to never stop and constantly move forward. He said that the common thread he noticed among the NIT scholars was that they want to be agents of change in whatever capacity they were placed in to serve the country.  He said that Technology is power. He wished them a happy and prosperous career ahead. 

The President said that NITs are front-ranking institutions in our country for imparting quality scientific and technical education. The growth of NITs, as a class of institution, is diverse. There are old NITs with whose origins one can draw a parallel with the genesis of modern industrial India. The fact that the growth of NITs since their inception is primarily the result of indigenous efforts, without help from foreign institutions, is truly commendable.

The President said that talking of diversity, the NIT system is marked by a unique student mix. Each NIT portrays a national character by design, making its campus a ‘mini-India’. Inter-mingling of students from different parts of India in one institute has many positive spin-offs, including the development of a pan-India vision in each one of them.

The President said that they, the students of NIT are an asset to this nation. There will therefore be hopes and expectations from them. They must understand and appreciate their responsibilities. He said that because of their education, they not only had the capacity to dream big but also to implement that vision. He urged them to go ahead and make a difference to the society in which they lived in. In whatever they did, they should always perform with the singular motivation of doing good for the society.

The NIT scholars were unanimous in saying that they would always cherish the memories of the lifetime opportunity they had received to be participants of the ‘In Residence’ Programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan. They also said that this invaluable experience had given them great confidence and reinvigorated a deep sense of patriotism in them as well as a feeling of optimism in the system of governance in the country.   

The In-Residence programme for NITs was announced by the President of India at the annual Conference of Directors of NITs held in October 2014.First batch of seventeen NIT scholars took part in a similar ‘In Residence’ programme from April 11 to April 17, 2015. The second batch of NIT scholars are part of the ‘In-Residence’ programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan from May 16 to 22, 2015.   Similar programmes already exist for writers, artists and grass root innovators. The same will be extended to Inspired teachers from Central Universities in the next month. 

The President’s estate to become 100 % Wi-Fi

The President’s estate to become 100 % Wi-Fi from tomorrow

The President’s Estate will become 100 % Wi-Fi from tomorrow (May 22, 2015).

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate 24 Hot Spots with 30 Wi-Fi access points in the President’s Estate at a function tomorrow morning in the presence of Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Shri R S Sharma, Secretary, D/o Electronics & IT and Smt. Shefali Sushil Dash, DDG, NIC.

The facility has been set up in order to provide internet services free or at nominal charges to all residents of President’s 

Harsimrat Kaur Badal Emphasises on Consistent, Quicker and Efficient Supply Chains for Supply of Farm Produce for Food Processing

Harsimrat Kaur Badal Emphasises on Consistent, Quicker and Efficient Supply Chains for Supply of Farm Produce for Food Processing

India is the third largest food producer in the world yet barely 2.2% of fruits and vegetables are processed. Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Ministry of Food Processing Industries is focusing on boosting the Food Processing Sector so that agriculture sector grows exponentially. To make Food Processing the engine of growth is the motto of Ministry of Food Processing Industries. This was stated by Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of Food Processing Industries here today in an interaction with the media.

Addressing a press conference to highlight the one year’s achievements of Ministry of Food Processing Industries , Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal stated that to address the challenges of insufficient infrastructure leading to huge wastage, undue advantage to middlemen at the cost of farmers remuneration, the government’s focus is on compressing supply chains and to make them consistent, quicker and efficient for supply of farm produce for food processing. The Government also focuses on creating a Cold Chain Infrastructure to link the farmer to the consumer seamlessly and creating a Cold Chain Grid in the entire country. The Ministry has identified creation of modern infrastructure for food processing as a focus area and encouraging private investment. Sanctioning of 17 new Mega Food Parks and 30 Cold Chain projects will attract total investment of about Rs. 3077 crore in the creation of infrastructure in food processing sector.

Smt. Badal further informed that the scheme of Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure provides financial assistance up to Rs. 10 crore for entrepreneurs. A total of 138 integrated Cold Chain projects were approved by the Government, out of which 108 projects are under the implementation by the Ministry. Of these, 52 projects have already achieved completion and commenced commercial operation. The capacity created by these 52 projects is 2.16 lakh MT of cold storage/CA/Deep Freezer, 80.3 lakh litres per day of milk processing, 38.5 MT/Hour of Individual Quick Freeze and 271 of Reefer Transport. It is expected that operationalization of 108 projects would create capacity of (a) 3.64 lakh MT of Cold Storage, Controlled Atmosphere (CA)/Modified Atmosphere (MA) Storage, Deep Freezer (b) 90 MT per hour of individual Quick Freezing (IQF) (c) 106.95 lakh litres per day of milk processing and storage and (d) 601 number of reefer carriers.

The Union Minister of Food Processing Industries informed that sanction has been accorded to 30 new Cold Chain proposals for implementation. Total expected grant-in-aid to be released to these 30 project is Rs. 274.9 crore which would attract an investment of Rs. 470 crore. Total Cold Chain infrastructure capacity to be created by these is (a) 1.12 Lakh MT of Cold Storage/CA/MA Store (b) 11.10 Lakh Litres per Day of Milk Processing (c) 28.5 MT/Hour of IQF (d) 1434 MT/Day of Ripening Chamber and (e) 209 Reefer Vehicles.

Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal also informed that to boost the creation of Infrastructure for Food Processing, the Ministry has, in the last one year, inaugurated two Mega Food Parks - one in Karnataka and another in Fazilka in Punjab. Three more Mega Food Parks are to be inaugurated shortly in West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Assam. Government has announced 17 new Mega Food Parks in last one year. It has also completed 14 Cold Chain projects and 30 new Cold Chain projects are being announced.

The Minister informed that the Government has also set up a Fund of Rs. 2000 crores under NABARD for extending affordable credit to entrepreneurs for designated food parks and for setting up of food processing units in the designated food parks. The Government has classified loans to food and agro based processing units and cold chains under agriculture activities for Priority Sector Lending (PSL). The Ministry is working with the industry for imparting industry relevant skill training including development of course content in identified sectors of food processing. The investor-friendly Investor’s Portal has all the required information available online.

Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal expressed confidence that these steps of the Government will create modern infrastructure for arresting post-harvest losses of horti and non-horti produces and provide impetus to the growth of this sector. The timely completion of these Integrated Cold Chain and Mega Food Park projects will not only provide a big boost to the growth of food processing infrastructure in the concerned states but also help in providing better price to famers, reduce wastage of perishables, add value to the agricultural produce and create huge employment opportunities especially in rural areas. These will lead to the stabilization of food products prices and contain inflation in the country.  

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha visits United States of America

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha visits United States of America

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) has proceeded on a four day visit to the United States of America, today. The IAF Chief is visiting USA on the invitation of General Mark A. Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force (USAF).

During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Raha is scheduled to hold talks with senior military leadership and discuss a wide range of bilateral issues on the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries. While at Washington, the Air Chief will also call on the Indian Ambassador H.E. Shri Arun Singh.

The itinerary also includes a conducted tour of airbases under Special Ops Command and a visit to the Combined Air Operations Centre at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada where he would be briefed on IAF participation in multi-lateral Air Exercises.

In recent years, there have been close and frequent contacts at political and military levels between the two countries. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha’s visit to the US would further boost bilateral relations between the two Air Forces and is likely to provide greater convergence at the operational level. 

India assumes Presidency at the 68th World Health Assembly

India assumes Presidency at the 68th World Health Assembly
Address by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda as President of the 68th World Health Assembly 2015

Following is the text of the address of Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of Health & Family Welfare as President of the 68^th World Health Assembly at the Plenary Meeting of the Health Assembly, at Geneva.

Hon’ble Ministers,

Director General, WHO,

Regional Directors,

ADGs, 

Distinguished Delegates,

It is a great honour and privilege to address this august Assembly.  Please accept my humble and grateful acknowledgement to all the Member States for bestowing upon India the honour of Presidency of the World Health Assembly. On behalf of 1.25 billion people of India, I convey to you our best wishes and greetings.

Excellencies,

The year 2014 witnessed an unprecedented health challenge with the Ebola virus disease outbreak. Many lives including of brave and dedicated healthcare workers were lost. We salute the heroic efforts of our African brothers and sisters in fighting Ebola against all odds and congratulate Liberia for becoming Ebola free.

While the situation now appears to be under control, the threat of outbreaks of new, emerging and remerging pathogens stares at us. We also battle with natural disasters with grave health consequences, the most recent one being the devastating earthquake in our neighbouring nation, Nepal. I wish to express the solidarity of the Member States with the people of Nepal and offer our heart-felt condolences to the bereaved families.

Excellencies,

The World Health Assembly every year is an opportunity for the Member States to take stock of the health challenges faced by humanity, while at the same time, prioritizing and strategizing our combined efforts. Today, we are at an important threshold. The upcoming UN summit in Sept 2015 would pave the way for the likely adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals and the post 2015 Development Agenda, which includes health related goals.

While taking pride in a fair amount of success in meeting the health related MDGs, we need to redouble our efforts to surmount ever increasing public health challenges, which include, among others, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, anti-microbial resistance, impact of climate change on health, universal health coverage, reducing health inequities among countries and within each country, providing sufficient human resources for health, ensuring access to affordable medicines and diagnostics, and preventing disease by promoting healthy lifestyles.

Excellencies,

The Indian philosophy teaches us to treat the whole world as our family, which is captured in the Sanskrit phrase, “Vasudhaiv kutumbakam”.

Our Upanishads preach

“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah……..

Sarve Santu Niraamayaah”,

which means “May all be happy and May all be healthy and free from illness”. This only shows that even in ancient times, we prayed for good health for all.  But, by our actions, we as humanity tend to create conditions which lead to illness and disease. 

We forget that health requires a holistic view of being one with nature, adopting healthy lifestyles and avoiding excesses. We forget that a tranquil mind and peaceful life reduces tensions.  Hon’ble Prime Minister of India His Excellency Narendra Modi ji, gave a call in the United Nations General Assembly in September last year to recognize Yoga as a provider of holistic approach to health and well-being. We are happy to note that the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, with co-sponsorship from 177 countries, to observe 21st June as the International day of Yoga.

Excellencies,

We need a multi-sectoral approach in a sustainable institutional framework to promote ‘health-in-all’ policies. The recognition of inter-dependence and the need for collaboration of different sectors is necessary nationally and internationally. Inter-sectoral cooperation will not be meaningful unless we are also able to leverage the strengths of the civil society and the non-government sectors. In fact, the inter-dependence internationally is somewhat captured in the International Health Regulations.

The Ebola crisis has highlighted the inextricable link between weak health systems and incidents of outbreaks and the interdependence of health and overall economic growth and development. It is our collective responsibility to act decisively on the lessons learnt.

The theme of general discussion during the Assembly this year, “Building resilient Health Systems” is therefore very timely and appropriate. I look forward to a constructive discussion on this very important prerequisite for public health.

Excellencies,

I need not highlight the critical importance of social determinants of health. Inequity of resources has a direct correlation with inequities of health. We must therefore, continue to work collectively to address these inequities.

Excellencies,

We all recognize the World Health Organisation as one of the best international organizations in the world today. The commitment shown by WHO under the leadership of Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan, in responding to ever increasing challenges to global health is commendable.

We need to reiterate our unequivocal support to WHO as the lead global health agency and strengthen its capacities to make it better and stronger. As a reflection of our own commitment to WHO and its mandate, I am happy to annouce the following voluntary contributions from India to WHO:

(i)  One million US Dollars for the proposed WHO contingency fund.

(ii) Another One million US Dollars for the implementation of the identified demonstration projects under the Consultative Expert Working Group (CEWG) framework, and

(iii) One hundred thousand US Dollars for the Member State Mechanism on SSFFC medical products.

Excellencies,

We have a packed agenda during this World Health Assembly.  I am sure the deliberations will be very effective and fruitful.  Each Member state will add immense value to the discussions and outcomes. I extend my best wishes for the deliberations.

Excellencies, I thank you for your kind attention. 

Shri J P Nadda assumes Presidency at the 68th World Health Assembly

Shri J P Nadda assumes Presidency at the 68th World Health Assembly

Stresses on importance of Yoga

Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare assumed as President of the 68th World Health Assembly, at Geneva today. Addressing the plenary session of the Health Assembly as President of the World Health Assembly, he said that the Assembly is an opportunity for the member states to take stock of the health challenges faced by humanity, while at the same time, prioritize and strategize our combined efforts.

The Health Minister said that health requires a holistic view of being one with nature, adopting healthy lifestyles and avoiding excesses. He further said the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, gave a call in the United Nations General Assembly in September last year to recognize Yoga as a provider of holistic approach to health and well-being. We are happy to note that the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, with co-sponsorship from 177 countries, to observe 21st June as the International day of Yoga, he said.

The Health Minister said, we need to redouble our efforts to surmount ever increasing public health challenges, which include, among others, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, anti-microbial resistance, impact of climate change on health, universal health coverage, reducing health inequities among countries and within each country, providing sufficient human resources for health, ensuring access to affordable medicines and diagnostics, and preventing disease by promoting healthy lifestyles, he said.

He said, we need a multi-sectoral approach in a sustainable institutional framework to promote ‘health-in-all’ policies. The recognition of inter-dependence and the need for collaboration of different sectors is necessary nationally and internationally. The Minister further said, inter-sectoral cooperation will not be meaningful unless we are also able to leverage the strengths of the civil society and the non-government sectors. In fact, the inter-dependence internationally is somewhat captured in the International Health Regulations, he added. 

Developed Nations Should Present Pre-2020 Targets before Paris: Javadekar

Developed Nations Should Present Pre-2020 Targets before Paris: Javadekar

Minister Attends Sixth Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Germany

            The Minister for State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that developed countries should present their ambitious targets for pre-2020 action and roadmaps for the same well before Paris.  Addressing the Sixth Petersberg Climate Dialogue at Berlin today, the Minister also said that the Warsaw international mechanism for loss and damage should be operationalised by 2016.  Shri Javadekar added that India would like to see a Paris agreement that is based on trust and is balanced and realistic.

            Following is the text of the Minister’s speech on the occasion:

“India has emphasised that developed countries should present their ambitious targets for pre-2020 action and roadmaps for the same, well before Paris. We have suggested that the negotiators at Bonn ADP session should be directed to come up with the Draft decision text on pre-2020 actions. It will be ironical that we formulate post-2020 architecture without finalizing pre-2020 action plan.

The historical context of the constitution of the ADP (Ad-Hoc Durban Platform for Enhanced Action) in 2012 was the urgent need to enhance action on all aspects of the climate change agenda.  We must appreciate this while we move towards the culmination of the ADP process in Paris. 

Paris Conference will have delivered, if all countries demonstrate their will to tackle the problem of climate change frontally.  It is not about sharing of blame or finger-pointing, but acting with wisdom, understanding and cooperation. 

Ambitious pre-2020 actions of developed countries will create the carbon space required for the developing world, as every poor person has the right to equitable access to the atmospheric resources.

In this regard, the pre-2020 actions would be an important signal to the world about our commitment on climate change issues.  I say this with confidence, as India has launched an ambitious action, targeting 175 GW of renewable energy, and it has received a tremendous response from investors in the form of LOIs worth more than 200GW of energy.

Ø  India has increased cess on coal to Rs 200 per tonne, and the fund generated is being used for Clean Technologies.

Ø  We have recently launched a scheme of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in India with an aim of reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Ø  We have incentivized afforestation (provided $ 9 billion or $125 per hectare) through the 14th Finance Commission, and we have already presented a bill for devolution of more than $6 billion for specific projects of afforestation to create more carbon sinks.

Ø  We have enhanced public and private investment in Railways and have plans for investing billions of dollars in Railways.

Ø  India has created architecture for 100 smart cities which will be essentially clean and green cities.

Ø  India has asked 3, 200 severely polluting industries to install 24X7 pollution monitoring devices for eflluents as well as emissions.

Ø  India is preparing ambitious plan of roooftop solar energy program and solar powered agriculture pumps. We are also planning to use irrigation canal tops and banks for generating solar energy.

Ø  Through a series of reform measures, LPG will be provided to millions of poor families thereby reducing carbon emissions.

These actions of India, that are voluntary, arise out of our commitment. This must be seen against the backdrop that these actions are from a country which is not mandated under the UNFCCC, and therefore developed world must take ambitious pre-2020 action.

India also demands that the Warsaw international mechanism for loss and damage should be operationalised by 2016. This mechanism should provide for specific commitments from developed country parties and Annex II parties to provide support for the financing and operationalization of this mechanism.

We would like to see a Paris Agreement that is based on Trust, that is balanced and realistic. Let us not create a document full of pious statements. Let us also not complicate it further and bring in newer elements and ideas at this stage. If Paris is to succeed, let us welcome a new beginning where all countries take actions on their own!

The Paris agreement should be rooted in the principles of CBDR-RC, Equity, and means of implementation, which enables the realisation of fair and ambitious goals of development, poverty eradication, as well as climate change.”

Suresh Prabhu Chairs the First Meeting of Newly Constituted Advisory Board of Railway Finances

Suresh Prabhu Chairs the First Meeting of Newly Constituted Advisory Board of Railway Finances

Shri Suresh Prabhu, Minister for Railways, chaired the first meeting of the newly constituted Advisory Board on financial matters at the Railway Ministry here today. The Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha was specially presented on the occasion. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A.K.Mital and Members of the Railway Board, other senior officers of the Ministry and Managing Director, IRFC attended the meeting. The member of the Advisory Committee presented on the occasion were; Shri K.V Kamath, Chairman, ICICI Bank Ltd., Ms. Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson, SBI, Dr. Rajiv Lall, Executive Chairman, IDFC, and Shri Raghav Bahl, Founder, The Quintillion Media Pvt. Ltd.

It may be recalled that Minister of Railways, in his reply to the discussion on the Railway Budget in Parliament had announced the setting up of the Advisory Board. The Board consisting of top names of the financial world is expected to guide and advise on matters of sourcing investments into Railway infrastructure development.

In his first ever Budget, Shri Prabhu had announced an investment of Rs. 8.5 lakh crore in Railways in the next 5 years. Immediately thereafter, the Ministry signed a MOU with LIC of India for a funding assistance of Rs.1,50,000 crore to be drawn over the next 5 years. The Annual Plan size for 2015-16 was also doubled to cross Rs. 1 lakh figure in 2015-16.

Leading the discussion, Minister for Railways drew attention to the huge investment requirement in Railways and the various sources and structures under consideration to mobilize the required resources. A Financial Services Cell has been created in the Ministry to focus on this aspect. He drew attention to the complex task of matching projects with varying levels returns to various sources of finances, all available at various costs. In the ensuing discussion, several suggestions were made by members of the Advisory Board for attracting domestic and international funds, steps required to give comfort to investors/ lenders and to ensure sustainability of the funding models. 

Dr. P.K. Mishra calls for Innovative and Citizen Centric attitude among new recruits

Dr. P.K. Mishra calls for Innovative and Citizen Centric attitude among new recruits

The Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. P.K. Mishra has called for innovative and citizen centric attitude among the new recruits. He was addressing the inaugural session of the Foundation Training Programme for direct recruit Assistants in the Central Government held today at the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM), New Delhi.

Dr. P.K. Mishra has expressed his satisfaction to the fact that ISTM is organising a series of training programmes of approximately 1200 new recruits to the Government, within a short span of five months. Dr. Mishra called for new ideas from the young candidates, majority of whom are coming from technology background to foster Good Governance in the country. Dr. Mishra has also mentioned that ISTM has done a commendable job of conducting training of about 20% of the total strength of Assistants in the Central Secretariat. He expressed happiness that about 33% of total candidates are women, which would help in bringing a fresh perspective and sensitivity to a host of new emerging areas.

While addressing, the Secretary (Personnel), Shri Sanjay Kothari mentioned that ISTM is the oldest Training Institute in the country and have the legacy of capacity building of Central Government servants. Shri Kothari has also mentioned that the training programme has been designed in such a way that the trainee will be exposed to the life in the villages. The trainee will stay in the villages and will have hands on experience on Government schemes. They will also be given training of making office work simple through use of Information and Communication Technologies tools. He also hoped that on completion of training programme, the new recruits will have more insight about the government procedure and will be able to contribute in a meaningful way towards decision making process.

In ISTM, 295 candidates have reported for training out of 300 nominated candidates in Phase-I. ISTM has made elaborate plans to conduct this training in collaboration with Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs) of State Governments. 

Dr. Jitendra Singh reviews working of State GAD departments

Dr. Jitendra Singh reviews working of State GAD departments

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed the functioning of State General Administration Departments (GAD) in a meeting with Principal Secretaries of GAD of all States and Union Territories as well as senior officers of Department of Personnel Training (DoPT), UPSC, CBI and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, here today. Dr. Jitendra Singh said the truth is that the Department of GAD/Personnel/DOPT is in fact virtually an R&D (Research & Development) wing of the government and serves as jugular vein of the administrative machinery. The responsibility of GAD/DOPT is to ensure optimum utilisation of the potential and talent of each officer at right time and right place, and at the same time, provide a work-friendly environment in which an officer can give his best without any intimidation or subjugation, he added.

Taking a review of a wide range of issues related to the Ministry, Dr Jitendra Singh said, cadre review of IAS is complete in respect of most of the States barring Jammu & Kashmir, but the state government has assured that they will submit all the requisite documents within next two weeks so that the cadre review for J&K could also be completed at the earliest.

Referring to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to give “maximum governance with minimum government”, Dr Jitendra Singh referred to some of the revolutionary decisions taken by the DOPT during the one year of the present government which included introduction of self-attested single affidavit/certificate provision, introduction of pension portal based on biometric Aadhaar card to eliminate the need of producing life certificate by elder citizens, raising of cut-off age for state-level officers’ induction into IAS from 54 to 56 years, revision in the pattern and syllabus of IAS exam and successful allocation of IAS and other services officers between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

A significant proposal taken up at today’s meeting was to reduce the duration of induction training from 8 weeks to 6 weeks for state level Civil Service officers who get inducted into IAS. The meeting also discussed the progress made by State Government and Union Territory administrations to constitute Civil Services Boards in respective states and progress made in setting up of special CBI courts in different States including Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

The issue of faculty for the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie also came up and Dr. Jitendra Singh called upon such officers who had an aptitude for teaching and academics to voluntarily offer themselves for a stint as faculty teacher at the LBSNAA, which will not only be of use to the IAS trainees in the Academy but will also give them a satisfaction of having served the alma matter which trained them for a coveted career.

The Secretary, DOPT, Shri Sanjay Kothari, Additional Secretary, DoPT, Shri T. Jackob and Establishment Officer, Shri Rajiv Kumar also addressed the participants. 

Text of PM’s address at the Indian Community Reception in South Korea

Text of PM’s address at the Indian Community Reception in South Korea

नमस्‍ते,

चीन में और मंगोलिया में मैंने भारतीय समुदाय के दर्शन करने के बाद में मैंने विदाई ली थी, लेकिन कोरिया में मैंने आते ही पहले आप के दर्शन करना तय किया। सबसे पहले आपके दर्शन के बाद ही और काम करना इसलिए तय किया क्‍योंकि रवीन्‍द्रनाथ टैगोर ने कोरिया को Lamp of East कहा था। शायद जो दीर्घदृष्‍टा लोग होते हैं, जो मनीषी होते हैं, उनके मुंह से जो शब्‍द निकलते हैं, उनकी कलम से जो वाक्‍य निकलते हैं, उस समय कोई कल्‍पना नहीं कर सकता था। 1925-30 का कालखंड। और तब कोरिया, कोरिया की प्रगति, कोरिया की स्थिति आज जो है वैसे नहीं थी। तीस साल पहले का कोरिया कैसा था, कोरिया के लोग भी उसका बखूबी वर्णन करते हैं। लेकिन करीब-करीब 80-90 साल पहले रवीन्‍द्रनाथ टैगोर ने ये देखा था कि कोरिया, ये Lamp of East है। यह पूरब का प्रकाशमान एक तेजस्वी तारले के रूप में देखा था। और यहां की जनता ने, जो रवीन्‍द्रनाथ जी टैगोर को दिखाई देता था, इसको पुरूषार्थ करके पूरा करके दिखाया।

मेरी सरकार की नीति का एक महत्‍वपूर्ण हिस्‍सा है, खासकर करके विदेश नीति का। . और वो है Act East Policy. पहले था Look East Policy. अब बहुत देख लिया। और हम देख रहे हैं कि यह भू- भाग, अड़ोस-पड़़ोस के सारे देश इस तेज गति से आगे बढ़ रहे हैं। भारत के संबंध में भी 21वीं सदी के प्रारंभ में वही बातें कही जाती थीं कि अब हिन्‍दुस्‍तान का सूर्य उदय हो चुका है, अब हिन्‍दुस्‍तान विश्‍व के अन्‍दर अपनी एक बहुत बड़ी अहम् भूमिका निभाएगा।

विश्‍व के अर्थवेत्‍ताओं ने, economists ने, एक नया शब्‍द दिया था दुनिया के सामने – BRICS. ब्राजील, रूस, इंडिया, चाइना, साउथ अफ्रीका – और उन्होंने कहा था कि ये जो BRICS देशों का समूह है, उसकी जो आर्थिक गतिविधि है, वो विश्व के आर्थिक जीवन को Drive करेगी, इसकी छाया बनी रहेगी। ये 20वीं सदी के आखिरी दिनों में और 21वीं सदी के प्रारंभ में कहा जाता था।

लेकिन पिछले 10 साल, 15 साल के भीतर-भीतर दुनिया के स्‍वर बदल गये हैं। आर्थिक विशेषज्ञों के स्‍वर बदल गये हैं और वो कहने लगे कि भई ये ब्रिक्‍स–ब्रिक्‍स हम जो कह रहे थे, जो सोच रहे थे। लेकिन लगता है कि BRICS में “I” तो लुढ़क रहा है, “I” तो नीचे जा रहा है, सब तरफ चिंता हो रही थी कि अगर जो सपना BRICS के रूप में पूरे विश्व की आर्थिक व्‍यवस्‍था के लिए देखा था वो अब लुढ़क रहा है। क्‍यों? क्‍योंकि “I” लुढ़क गया।

लेकिन पिछले एक वर्ष में दुनिया के स्‍वर बदले हैं, ऐसा नहीं, दुनिया का नज़रिया भी बदल गया है। दुनिया को अब लगने लगा है कि BRICS में “I” के बिना BRICS संभव नहीं होगा। जितनी Global Rating Institutions - है चाहे World bank हो, IMF हो, Rating Agency हों, Moody’s जैसी संस्थाएं हों – पिछले 2-3 महीने में, अलग-अलग जगह पर, अलग-अलग forum में, एक स्‍वर से कहा है कि भारत दुनिया की सबसे तेज गति से आगे बढ़ने वाली Economy है। Fastest Growing Economy of the World. एशिया की सदी है। तो लगता था कि एशिया की सदी में हम भी कहीं होंगे या नहीं होंगे? लेकिन आज एशिया को लगता है कि अब हिन्‍दुस्‍तान जिस प्रकार से उठ खड़ा हुआ है 21वीं सदी एशिया की सदी बनकर रहेगी।

एक बात निश्चित है कि आप हिन्‍दुस्‍तान से आए हैं, Professionals के रूप में आये हैं - कोई पांच साल पहले आया होगा, कोई दस साल पहले आया होगा - कोरिया में कोई भारतीय समुदाय की बहुत ज्‍यादा संख्‍या भी नहीं है। बहुत कम संख्‍या में हैं। ज्‍यादातर लोग तो एक-दूसरे को नाम से जानते होंगे, गांव से जानते होंगे, इतना निकट का छोटा सा परिवार है। लेकिन इस छोटे से परिवार का जो उत्‍साह में मैं देख रहा हूं, उससे मुझे लगता है कि आप आपने जो कोरिया में देखा है, आपने जो कोरिया में Technology का Revolution देखा है, आप भी चाहते हैं ना कि हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में वैसा ही हो? चाहते हैं कि नहीं चाहते? होना चाहिए कि नहीं होना चाहिए? आप के बिना कैसे होगा? आपका अनुभव, आपका ज्ञान, आपको जो यहां अवसर मिला है वो जितना भारत के साथ जुड़ेगा, भारत को आगे बढ़ने में सुविधा बढ़ जाएगी।

एक समय था जब लोग कहते थे - पता नहीं पिछले जन्‍म में क्‍या पाप किया है हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में पैदा हो गये, ये कोई देश है! ये कोई सरकार है! ये कोई लोग हैं! चलो छोड़ो, चले जाओ कहीं और। और लोग निकल पड़ते थे, कुछ वर्षों में हम ये भी देखते थे उ़द्योगजगत के लोग कहते थे कि अब तो यहां व्‍यापार नहीं करना चाहिए, अब यहां नहीं रहना है। और ज्‍यादातर लोगों ने तो एक पैर बाहर रख भी दिया था। मैं इसके कारणों में नहीं जाता हूँ। और न ही मैं कोई राजनीतिक टीका-टिप्‍पणी करना चाहता हूं। लेकिन यह धरती की सच्‍चाई है कि लोगों में एक निराशा थी, आक्रोश भी था। और मैं आज विश्‍वास से कह सकता हूं कि अलग-अलग जीवन क्षेत्रों के गणमान्‍य लोग, बड़े-बड़े Scientist क्यों न हों, विदेशों में कितनी ही कमाई क्‍यों न होती हो, उससे कम कमाई होती हो तो भी आज भारत वापस आने के लिए उत्‍सुक हो रहे हैं, आनंदित हो रहे हैं।

अभी तो मैं बोल रहा था तो वहां से आवाज आई थी कि हम आने को तैयार हैं। ये जो मूड बदला है, जो मिजाज़ बदला है। और आखिरकार देश होता क्‍या है जी! सरकार यानि देश नहीं होता, मोदी यानि देश नहीं होता है, सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासियों को ज़ज्‍बा ही तो होता है जो हिन्‍दुस्‍तान होता है। और आप कल्‍पना करिए, हम तो वो लोग हैं जो इसी पीढ़ी में हिन्‍दुस्‍तान से यहां आएं हैं। अभी भी हमारा परिवार वहां है। वो गांव, वो खेत, वो ‍खलियान, वो गलियां, वो Flat, वो University, वो यार, वो दोस्‍त- सब कुछ सामने हैं। आज भी Twitter, Facebook पर दोस्‍ती चलती है। लेकिन नाता कैसा होता है?

आप कल्‍पना कीजिए, सदियों पहले कोई कन्‍या अयोध्‍या से शादी करके कोरिया आई। सदियों बीत गयीं। सूर्यरतना की शादी यहाँ पर किम सुरो के साथ हुई। अयोध्‍या की राज घराने की बेटी विवाह करके आई, सदियों पहले आई। और आज भी कोरिया में बहुत से परिवार हैं, जो अपने नाम के साथ किम लिखवाते हैं। और वे सारे के सारे जिनकी तादाद भी लाखों में है, वो सारे के सारे, अपने आपको भारत के साथ नाता होने का गर्व करके जीते हैं। अगर सदियों पहले एक कन्‍या यहां आई, राजकुमारी आई शादी हुई, और वो सदियों में जो परिवार बढ़ता गया, बढ़ता, बढ़ता गया। और सदियों के बाद किम सरनेम से जुड़े हुए सारे लोग भारत के साथ अपनापन महसूस करते हैं। हम तो अभी-अभी आये हैं। और इसलिए हमारा भारत भक्ति का भाव, भारत की विकास की चिंता। भारत में कुछ भी बुरा हो, तो आप भी उतने ही चिंतित होते होंगे जितना कि वहां प्रत्‍यक्ष घटना को देखने वाला होता होगा। यही तो है जो ताकत होती है।

कभी-कभार बहुत सी चीजें ऐसी होती हैं, जो हम वहां रहते हमें नहीं दिखाई देती हैं। लेकिन आपको यहां से बराबर दिखाई देती है। हम क्रिकेट के स्‍टेडियम में बैठकर अगर मैच देखते हैं, तो बहुत ध्‍यान नहीं रहता है कि Ball किस तरफ गया, खिलाड़ी किस तरफ खड़ा है। लेकिन जो घर में बैठ करके टीवी पर देखते हैं उसको सब पता चलता है कि कौन कहां खड़ा है, Ball कहां गया, कैसे गया। तो आपको भी, हिंदुस्‍तान में क्‍या हो रहा है, कैसे हो रहा है, उसका दूर बैठे-बैठे भली-भांति हर चीज का पता होता है। और आज तो Communication world इतना बदल गया है कि आपको पल-पल की खबर रहती है, हर कोने की खबर रहती है। टेक्‍नोलॉजी ने युग बदल दिया है। भारत ने अपने विकास का रास्ता चुन लिया है। और हम ये मान के चलते हैं, आप लोग ने यहाँ आकर के देखा होगा कि आप जब हिन्दुस्तान में थे तब आपकी सोच, और कोरिया में आने के बाद आपकी सोच – बहुत बड़ा बदलाव आया होगा। वहां जब रहे होंगे, तो उन इश्यूज़ में उलझते होंगे, और यहाँ आकर के ध्यान में आया होगा – समस्याएं हर किसी को होती हैं। क्या ३० साल पहले कोरिया को समस्याएं नहीं थी क्या? क्या ३०-40 साल पहले जो देश आज़ाद हुए उनको समस्याएं नहीं थी क्या? समस्‍या हर किसी को थी लेकिन जब उस देश ने तय कर लिया, उन समस्‍याओं का समाधान खोज लिया और उस रास्‍ते पर हिम्‍मत से चल पड़े तो समस्‍याओं का समाधान भी हुआ और विकास की नयी ऊंचाइयों को भी प्राप्त कर पाए।

आज चीन इतनी तेज गति से आगे बढ़ा, कारण क्या है? 30 साल तक लगातार। उसका Growth करीब-करीब 10 प्रतिशत रहा, 9 प्रतिशत-10 प्रतिशत। इस विकास ने चीन के पूरे जीवन को, पूरी सोच को बदल दिया। कोरिया! 30-35 साल में एक बदला हुआ देश है। और इसलिए मेरा यह विश्‍वास है। मैं जानता हूं। सवां सौ करोड़ देशवासियों तक इस बात को पहुंचाना, इस काम के लिए हरेक को जोड़ना, वो काम कठिन तो है। लेकिन वैसे भी मैं उन लोगों में से नहीं हूं जो मक्‍खन पर लकीर खींचता हूं। मैं पत्‍थर पर लकीर करना जानता हूं।

इसकी जड़ी-बूटी मुझे नजर आ रही है, और जो जड़ी-बूटी लेकर मैं चल पड़ा हूं उस जड़ी-बूटी का नाम है- विकास। हमारी सारी समस्‍याओं का समाधान विकास है। गरीब से गरीब परिवार में शिक्षा पहुंचानी है, गरीब से गरीब परिवार में आरोग्य की सुविधायें पहुंचानी है, गरीब से गरीब को रहने के लिए पक्का घर देना है – तो ये विकास के बिना संभव नहीं होगा। और इसलिए विकास को ही हमने सर्वाधिक ध्‍यान केंद्र रखा है। और इसी का नतीजा है कि एक साल के भीतर-भीतर हम दुनिया की सबसे तेज़ विकास करने वाले देश के रूप में उभर कर खड़े हो गए। और विकास करना है मतलब सिर्फ बड़े-बड़े रोड बना दो, बिल्डिंग बना दो, ये मेरी सोच नहीं है। मुझे सामान्‍य मानव की जिंदगी बदलनी है - Quality of Life.

अब जैसे मैं बराबर पीछे पड़ा हूं कि भाई हर घर में Toilet होना चाहिए। क्या कारण है कि २१वीं सदी में हमारी माताओं-बहनों को खुले में जाना पढ़े शौच के लिए? क्या यह शोभा देता है? तो मैं लगा हूं इसके पीछे, कोशिश कर रहा हूं, सबको समझा रहा हूं, हरेक को आग्रह करता हूं कि आपके घर में Toilet होना चाहिए और देशवासी समझ रहें हैं। देशवासी लगेंगे। लेकिन काम कठिन है कि नहीं भई! जो काम सदियों से नहीं हुआ, वो काम करना मुश्किल तो है, कि नहीं है? लेकिन करना चाहिए कि नहीं चाहिए? करना चाहिए कि नहीं चाहिए? 100 प्रतिशत हो या नहीं हो, करना चाहिए कि नहीं चाहिए? बस इस मंत्र को ले करके चला हूं दोस्‍तों।

हमें काम बहुत बड़ा है, मुश्किल है, राजनीतिक लाभ नहीं मिल सकता, इसलिए नहीं करना, वो दिन अब देश सहन नहीं कर सकता। देश का नौजवान ये चीजें सहन करने को तैयार नहीं है। वो कहता है कि राजनीति को बाजू में रखो और कुछ परिवर्तन करके लाओ, ये देश चाहता है और हम उस दिशा में लगे हुए हैं। हर क्षेत्र में हमें विकास की नई ऊंचाईयों को पार करना है, नीतिगत निर्णय भी करने हैं, व्‍यवस्‍थाओं को भी सुधारना है। कुछ चीजों में तो हम लोगों की आदत इतनी खराब हो गई है। उसमें किसी सरकार का दोष मैं नहीं देखता। हम सब, हम सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासी Including नरेंद्र मोदी, हम सब जिम्‍मेवार हैं। कभी हम कार्यक्रम देर से शुरू करें तो कहा जाता है – ये तो Indian Time है। क्‍या भई, अपने देश के लिए ऐसा बोलते हैं क्‍या? ये हमें पता भी नहीं है, आदत हो गई है। सरकारी दफ्तर में Late आना। नहीं इसमें क्‍या है, Late आना है। मैं हैरान था, जब मैं प्रधानमंत्री बना तो खबरें ये नहीं आती थीं कि मोदी क्‍या कर रहा है, खबरें ये आ रहीं थीं कि सब लोग दफ्तर में समय पर जाने लगें हैं। दफ्तर समय से खुल रहे हैं। अफसर दफ्तर में समय से जा रहे हैं। ये खबरें पढ़ करके पल भर के लिए लगता है कि चलो, सरकार बदली तो नजरिया भी बदला, माहौल भी बदला, लेकिन मुझे ये खबर पढ़ करके पीड़ा होती थी। क्‍या सरकारी मुलाजिम को समय पर दफ्तर जाना चाहिए कि नहीं जाना चाहिए? अब ये कोई खबर की बात है? आज दोपहर को घर जाएं और मां समय पर खाना खिला दे, बढि़या खाना खिलाये तो ट्वीट करते हैं क्‍या कि मां ने बढि़या खाना खिलाया! ये सहज है। ये सहजता हम खो चुके हैं।

हमने कोशिश की है कि हमारे हर कदम से देश हित है कि नहीं है, मैं देश के काम आ रहा हूं, या नहीं आ रहा हूं। मैं एक कूड़ा-कचरा भी कहीं फेंक देता हूं, मतलब मैं देश की इच्‍छा के विरुद्ध काम करता हूं। यहां तक मेरी भक्ति जगती है कि नहीं जगती है। सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासियों में ये भक्ति जगाने की मेरी कोशिश है। अगर ये हम कर लेते हैं तो फिर सरकार कोई भी हो, कैसी भी हो, हिंदुस्‍तान को आगे जाने से कोई रोक नहीं सकता, दोस्तों। भारत का अपना एक वैश्विक दायित्‍व है। मानव जाति जो आज संकटों से घिरी हुई है, उसको रास्‍ता दिखाने का सामर्थ्‍य भारत के चिंतन में है, भारत की सोच में है, भारत के संस्‍कार में है, भारत की संस्‍कृति में है, आवश्‍यकता है भारतीयों का उसके प्रति भरोसा हो।

कोई भी देश, उसके पड़ोसियों के साथ किस प्रकार से अपना व्‍यवहार करता है, पड़ोसियों के साथ संबंध कैसे हैं, ये सर्वाधिक महत्‍वपूर्ण होता है। हमारे यहां विदेश नीति की जब चर्चाएं होती हैं तो पहले क्‍या होती है? किसी समय वो डिप्‍लोमेटिक रिलेशन और वो बड़े-बड़े शब्‍द हुआ करते थे। फिर trade and commerce यही चीजें आती रही। भाईयों और बहनों हम एक नया रास्‍ता चुन रहे हैं। और जो रास्‍ता भारत की सच्‍ची पहचान है, हमने नया कुछ नहीं किया, और वो रास्‍ता है – मानवता का। मानवता को केंद्र बिंदु में रख करके, मानवीय मूल्‍यों को केंद्र बिंदु में रख करके क्‍या विश्‍व के साथ हम अपने को जोड़ सकते हैं क्‍या? इन दिनों सार्क देशों के Revival की चर्चा हो रही है, सार्क Concept में प्राण आ रहा है, उसकी चर्चा हो रही है। और भारत अपना दायित्‍व निभा रहा है। इन सार्क देशों में कौन-कौन हैं – बांग्‍लादेश, श्रीलंका, नेपाल, भूटान, पाकिस्‍तान, मालदीव, भारत - ये देश हैं। हमने मानवता के आधार पर इन देशों को जोड़ा है। संवेदनाओं को प्राथमिकता दी है।

श्रीलंका के अंदर हिंदुस्‍तान के पांच मछुआरों को फांसी की सजा हुई। भारत सरकार ने अपने जो भी राज-द्वारी संबंध थे, उनका भरपूर उपयोग किया और मानवता के मुद्दे के आधार पर किया और पांचों मछुआरों को जीवित वापस लाया गया। श्रीलंका एक स्‍वतंत्र देश है, वो फांसी पर लटका सकते थे, उनके कानून ने निर्णय किया था। लेकिन कभी-कभार मानवता की भी एक ताकत होती है।

मालदीव। सार्क में हमारा पड़ोसी देश है। वहां पर पीने के पानी का संकट रहता है तो टेक्‍नोलॉजी से water purification करके पानी पिया जाता है। पूरे देश में एक दिन पूरा उनके पीने के पानी के plant संकट में पड़ गये, बहुत बड़ा नुकसान हो गया। एक देश के नागरिकों के पास पीने का पानी नहीं था। मालदीव के राष्‍ट्रपति जी ने हमें संदेश दिया साहब, कि खासी तकलीफ है। हमने कहा कि आप चिंता मत कीजिए। विमान के द्वारा उस देश को पानी भिजवाया, दूसरे दिन स्‍टीमर चालू कर दिए और जब तक उनका plant शुरू नहीं हुआ, मालदीव के एक भी नागरिक को प्‍यासा नहीं रहने दिया।

हमारी प्रेरणा राज द्वारी संबंधों के केंद्र में मानवता थी। हम मानवता को केंद्र में रखकर चले हैं। अफगानिस्‍तान में हिंदुस्‍तान का एक नौजवान ईसाई संप्रदाय के पादरी के रूप में काम कर रहा था। करीब-करीब एक साल से आतंकवादी उसको उठाकर ले गये, तालिबान के कब्‍जे में था। जिंदा है या मर गया, कुछ पता नहीं चला। लेकिन हम लगे रहे थे, मानवता का काम था। Father Prem, जिसको तालिबान के लोगों ने उठा लिया था, उसको वापस लाना है। अफगानिस्‍तान और भारत के राज द्वारी संबंधों में मानवता का वो तत्‍व था। एक साल के बाद तालिबान के हाथ में से उस फादर प्रेम को वापस लाये और उसके मां-बाप को सुपुर्द कर दिया।

बांग्‍लादेश। जिस दिन से बांग्‍लादेश का जन्‍म हुआ, एक सीमा विवाद का भी जन्‍म हो गया। 41 साल से उस समस्‍या का समाधान नहीं हो रहा था। आशंकाओं के बीज बोये जाते थे, सरकारें बदलती रहती थीं, समस्‍या खड़ी रहती थी, हमने एक साल के भीतर-भीतर बांग्‍लादेश और भारत के सीमा-विवाद को समाप्‍त कर दिया। और मैं देश के सभी राजनीतिक दलों का अभिनंदन करता हूं, सभी राजनीतिक दलों का! पहली बार हिंदुस्‍तान की lower house और upper house दोनों ने... अगले कार्यक्रम के लिए सूचना आ गई है। Lower house और upper house दोनों ने संपूर्ण सहमति से... एक भी वोट against में नहीं गया... पूर्ण बहुमत से निर्णय किया, संपूर्ण बहुमत से, सर्वसम्मति से। केंद्र बिंदु? मानवता।

अभी नेपाल में भूकंप आया और नेपाल के प्रधानमंत्री ने publicly कहा। और मैं उनका बड़पन्‍न मानता हूं, उन्‍होंने publicly कहा... नेपाल के प्रधान मंत्री publicly कहे कि नेपाल में भूकंप आया, ये मुझे मोदी के टि्वटर से पता चला। ये उन्‍होंने publicly कहा और जिस तेज गति से भारत नेपाल के आंसू पोंछने के लिए दौड़ पड़ा। और नेपाल पे संकट बहुत बड़ा आया है। मैं गुजरात में जन्‍मा हूं, मैंने गुजरात के भूकंप को देखा है, मुझे मालूम है कि भूकंप की त्रासदी कितनी भयंकर होती है। लेकिन भारत नेपाल के साथ कंधे से कंधा मिला करके खड़ा हो गया है। हमारे राज द्वारी संबंधों के केंद्र बिंदु में है मानवता।

यमन में हमारे चार हजार भारतीय फंसे हुए थे, बमबारी हो रही थी, चारों तरफ मौत का साया था, हिंदुस्‍तान के नागरिक बच पाएंगे या नहीं ये सबकी शंका थी। हमने साहस किया, राज द्वारी संबंधों का उपयोग किया, बमबारी के बीच में दो घंटे बमबारी रोकने के लिए हम समझा पाये और इतने में हम विमान ले ले करके चार हजार लोगों को बाहर लाये। चार हजार लोगों को लाये, उसमें 48 देशों के लोगों को लाये थे। अमेरिका ने अपने नागरिकों को सूचना दी थी कि आप फंस गये हो तो आप भारत सरकार से संपर्क करो, वो बचा पाएगी आपको।

नेपाल में 50 से अधिक देशों के लोग फंसे हुए थे, दुनिया के सभी देशों ने दिल्‍ली में भारत सरकार से संपर्क किया और भाईयों और बहनों नेपाल से भी 50 से अधिक देशों के नागरिकों को बचा करके बाहर निकालने का काम हमने किया। हमने यमन में से पाकिस्‍तान के नागरिकों को भी बचाया और पाकिस्‍तान ने भी 12 भारतीय नागरिकों को बचाया। बचाया, इतना ही नहीं, special plane से पाकिस्‍तान ने उन नागरिकों को हिंदुस्‍तान छोड़ने की व्‍यवस्‍था भी की। इन सबके केंद्र में, हमारे पड़ोसी देशों के साथ मानवता के अधिष्‍ठान पर हम दुनिया को अपनेआप जोड़ने की कोशिश कर रहे हैं।

दूसरी तरफ है टेक्‍नोलॉजी। कोरिया जानता है कि टेक्‍नोलॉजी के द्वारा विकास को कितनी नई ऊंचाईयों पर ले जाया जा सकता है। हमारी कोशिश है भारत manufacturing hub बने। हमारी कोशिश है दुनिया के पास जो टेक्‍नोलॉजी है वो टेक्‍नोलॉजी भारत में भी हो और भारत के पास जो Talent है, उसमें नया innovation और research हो ताकि दुनिया को हम कुछ दे सकें। और इसलिए मेक इन इंडिया का मंत्र ले करके मैं पूरे विश्‍व को निमंत्रित कर रहा हूं।

आप वो नौजवान हैं जो टेक्‍नोलॉजी से जुड़े हुए हैं, जो आधुनिक विज्ञान से जुड़े हुए हैं। आपके पास एक अवसर है, अनुभव पाने का। आप यहां आएं हैं। जितना ज्‍यादा सीख सकते हैं सीखे, जितना ज्‍यादा जान सकते हैं जानिए,आखिर वो किस काम आएगा, मुझे मालूम है! और इसलिए मैं आप सबको, आप सबको विकास के लिए नई ऊचाईयों को पाने के लिए दूर भारत के बाहर रहते हुए भी अपने जीवन को नई ऊचाईयों पर ले जाइये, ये शुभकामना देने आया हूं और मैं आपको विश्‍वास दिलाता हूं। हिन्‍दुस्‍तान - उस पर जितना अधिकार नरेन्‍द्र मोदी का है - उतना ही अधिकार आप सबका है। संकट की घड़ी में हिन्‍दुस्‍तान पासपोर्ट के कलर नहीं देखता है। हमारा खून का रिश्‍ता काफी होता है और इसलिए हिन्‍दुस्‍तान से भले ही आप दूर हों लेकिन वह भारत मां के आर्शीवाद सदा सर्वदा पर बने रहें। ये मैं आपको शुभकामनाएं देता हूं और मैं चाहता हूं आपकी प्रगति, आपका जीवन, आपका आचार-विचार कोरिया में भी भारत के प्रति गौरव बढ़ाने वाला रहेगा और आज मैं।

मैं अनुभव करता हूं दुनिया में भारत सरकार की कचहरी में बैठे हुए अफसरों से ज्‍यादा, भारत के नागरिक हिन्‍दुस्‍तान का झंडा ऊंचा कर देते हैं। एम्बेसी में बैठे हुए लोगों की संख्‍या तो पांच, दस, पंद्रह, बीस, पचास होती है, लेकिन आप हजारों की तादाद में होते हैं। और आज मैं पहली बार देख रहा हूं कि एम्बेसी और भारतीय समाज कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर काम करने लग गये हैं। ये बहुत बड़ा परिवर्तन आया है। बहुत बड़ा परिवर्तन आया है।

और इसलिए मैं आपको फिर से एक बार कोरिया की धरती पर आपके उत्‍साह और उमंग के लिए बहुत-बहुत आभार व्‍यक्‍त करता हूं, आपने जो मेरा सम्‍मान किया, स्‍वागत किया, ये सम्‍मान स्‍वागत मोदी नाम के एक व्‍यक्ति का नहीं है सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासियों का सम्‍मान है। मैं फिर एक बार आप सबको बहुत-बहुत धन्‍यवाद देता हूं।

भारत माता की जय, भारत माता की जय, भारत माता की जय।

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