Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reiterated India’s commitment to peace, progress, and the welfare of all citizens, while addressing a large public gathering at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The Prime Minister inaugurated development projects worth ₹5,536 crore as part of the 20-year celebration of Gujarat’s Urban Growth Story.
The Prime Minister said that India has always extended a hand of friendship and support in times of crisis, yet often faced violent responses in return. Addressing the youth, he urged them to understand how the country has been systematically undermined over the decades.
Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, which has recently been put in abeyance, the Prime Minister highlighted concerns regarding water management in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that although dams were constructed, proper maintenance, including desilting and gate operations, was neglected for six decades. As a result, storage capacity dropped drastically, with reservoirs functioning at only 2 to 3 percent of their full potential. He asserted that every Indian has a rightful claim to access water and that while no drastic step has been taken, initial corrective measures have now begun.
Reaffirming India’s peaceful approach, the Prime Minister said, “We seek no hostility with anyone. India desires peace and prosperity, not only for itself but for the entire world.” He underlined the government’s firm determination to ensure national progress and improve the quality of life for every citizen.
The Prime Minister noted that May 26 marks the anniversary of his first swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister in 2014. At that time, India ranked 11th in the global economy. He spoke of the numerous challenges the country has faced since then, including the COVID-19 pandemic, border tensions, and natural disasters. Despite these hurdles, he said India had moved up to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, showcasing the country’s resilience and developmental strides.
The Prime Minister also recalled his roots in Gujarat, acknowledging the values and lessons he imbibed from his upbringing. He expressed gratitude to citizens for their continued faith in him and reaffirmed his commitment to working tirelessly for their welfare.
Congratulating the Gujarat government for its sustained focus on urban development, Prime Minister Modi praised the state’s initiative -Gujarat Urban Growth Story- launched in 2005, which now completes two decades. He said that the Gujarat Government had not only celebrated its achievements but also used the learnings of the past to prepare a roadmap for the future. The newly unveiled strategy, he said, reflects a clear and structured vision to ensure sustainable urban progress for the next generation.