“We are firm believers in democracy. And, we also believe that criticism is an essential part of democracy. But, blind opposition to everything is never the way ahead”, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He asserted that “Nation, for us is a living soul, not just an arrangement of power or government”.
Giving reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s address to Parliament, in the Lok Sabha, last evening, he .lamented the fact of using the pandemic for political purpose. He criticized pushing people who were following lockdowns, when guidelines were suggesting that people stay where they were, being asked and scared to leave Mumbai and Delhi for their hometown in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Modi also regretted the blind opposition to efforts that should be universally supported. “If we are talking about being vocal for local, are we not fulfilling the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi? Then, why was it being mocked by the Opposition? We talked about Yoga and Fit India but that was mocked by the Opposition too”, he said. “The world has taken note of India’s economic strides and that too in the middle of a once in a lifetime global pandemic”, he added.
He underlined the importance of the current epoch in making new resolutions and rededicating to the task of nation -building. “’Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is the perfect time to think about how India can play a global leadership role in the coming years. It is equally true that India has made several developmental strides in the last few years”, he said.
Furthermore, he contined, that a new world order in the post-Corona period is taking shape rapidly. “This is a turning point where we as India should not lose this opportunity”, he added.
The Prime Minister narrated the changing status of the deprived and poor who are getting new dignity through facilities. “Earlier, gas connection was a status symbol. Now, the poorest of the poor have access to it and that is why it is very gladdening. The poor have access to bank accounts, DBT is helping in service delivery…these are major changes”, he said.
He added that when poor person feels happy due to electricity in her house, her happiness gives strength to the joy of the nation. He also talked of the joys of smoke-free kitchen in poor household due to free gas connection.
Prime Minister recalled the flu pandemic hundred year ago and noted the that most of the deaths were due to hunger. He stressed that in the current pandemic, no Indian was allowed to die of hunger and one of the biggest social security measures was taken.
“The Government of India ensured that over 80 crore fellow Indians get access to free ration in the midst of the pandemic. It is our commitment that no Indian has to remain hungry”, he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that only effective way of dealing with poverty is taking care of the concerns of the small farmers. He lamented that small farmers have been ignored for very long.
“Those who have ruled the nation for so many years and are used to living in palatial houses have forgotten to speak about the welfare of the small farmer. For India’s progress, it is important to empower the small farmer. The small farmer will strengthen India’s progress’, he said.
