anirudhsankar/PMIndia-SpeechDataset-2004-2024 huggingface dataset:
PM's address to the Nation
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: May 17, 2014 New Delhi

PM's address to the Nation My Fellow Citizens, I address you today for the last time as Prime Minister of India. Ten years ago, when I was entrusted with this responsibility, I entered upon it with diligence as my tool, truth as my beacon and a prayer that I might always do the right thing. Today, as I prepare to lay down office, I am aware that well before the final judgment that we all await from the Almighty, there is judgment in the court of public opinion that all elected officials and governments are required to submit themselves to. Fellow citizens, each one of us should respect the judgement that you have delivered. The just concluded elections have deepened the foundations of our democratic polity. As I have said on many occasions, my life and tenure in public office are an open book. I have always tried to do my best in serving this great Nation of ours. In the last ten years, we as a country have seen many successes and achievements that we should be proud of. Today, India is a far stronger country in every respect than it was a decade ago. I give credit for these successes to all of you. However, there is still vast latent development potential in our country and we must collectively work hard to realize it. As I leave office, my abiding memory will be the love and kindness that I have always received from you. I owe everything to this country, this great land of ours where I, an underprivileged child of Partition, was empowered enough to rise and occupy high office. It is both a debt that I will never be able to repay and a decoration that I will always wear with pride. Friends, I am confident about the future of India. I firmly believe that the emergence of India as a major powerhouse of the evolving global economy is an idea whose time has come. Blending tradition with modernity and unity with diversity, this Nation of ours can show the way forward to the world. Serving this Nation has been my privilege. There is nothing more that I could ask for. I wish the incoming government every success as it embarks on its task and pray for even greater successes for our Nation. Thank you. Jai Hind.
PM’s farewell speech to the 15th Lok Sabha
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: February 21, 2014 New Delhi

PM’s farewell speech to the 15th Lok Sabha "Madam Speaker, As we come to the end of the journey of the fifteenth Lok Sabha, I join all the members of this August House in paying tribute to the way you have conducted our proceedings. Madam, In Parliamentary life, there are bound to be differences among parties, but there must also be ways and means of finding pathways to bring minimum amount of consistency and reconciliation, so that the ship of the Indian state can move forward. And we have seen that on certain crucial matters, this House has the capacity, the will to rise above partisan strife, and to find pathways of national reconciliation. The manner in which the way the state of Telangana is being born, is yet another indication that this country is capable of taking some of the most difficult decisions, without any rancour, without worrying too much about the pros and cons of things that do not matter, and we can take pride in the fact that Telangana state, whose quest for being born was pending for the last 60 years, has ultimately seen the light of day. Food Security Bill is yet another landmark legislation. It will create a ray of hope among deprived sections of our community. It will provide a ray of hope to encourage our farmers to produce more. Sharad ji has described the manner in which the agricultural situation in our country has improved. And I compliment him on the manner in which he has guided the destiny of the Agriculture Ministry. Obviously, all members of the House have played a very important role in bringing that outcome about. Madam, We are now entering a phase where the people of India will once again have an opportunity to assess, to pass their judgement on the performance of Government, weaknesses of our Government, achievements of the Government, and it is in that process that once again, a new sense of consensus will emerge which will carry our country to new pathways. I thank all Honourable Members of the House. I thank the Leader of the Opposition. I thank Shinde ji, who as Leader of the House has performed his duties with superb aplomb, and I wish all members of this August House the best. Let us hope that out of this strife, out of this tension-filled atmosphere which prevailed some times, there will be birth of a new atmosphere of hope. With these words, I conclude my remarks by once again complimenting you for the manner, the grace in which you have conducting our proceedings."
PM's statement in Rajya Sabha on the Telangana Bill and a special package for the successor state of Andhra Pradesh
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: February 20, 2014 New Delhi

PM's statement in Rajya Sabha on the Telangana Bill and a special package for the successor state of Andhra Pradesh Mr. Chairman Sir: I have listened very carefully to the views expressed by the Leader of Opposition and all the other members who have spoken, especially those from Andhra Pradesh. The Home Minister has already mentioned the specific steps our Government will take to address the concerns of all regions of the state, particularly of Seemandhra. I would like to make a few further announcements in this regard. First, for purposes of Central assistance, Special Category Status will be extended to the successor state of Andhra Pradesh comprising 13 districts, including the four districts of Rayalaseema and the three districts of north coastal Andhra for a period of five years. This will put the state's finances on a firmer footing. Second, the Bill already stipulates that the Central Government shall take appropriate fiscal measures, including offer of tax incentives to the successor states in order to promote industrialization and economic growth in both the states.  These incentives will be along the lines extended to some other states. Third, the Bill already provides for a special development package for the backward regions of the successor state of Andhra Pradesh, in particular for the districts of Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. This development package will be on the lines of the K-B-K (Koraput-Bolangir-Kalahandi) Special Plan in Odisha and the Bundelkhand special package in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Fourth, I would like to reassure Honourable Members that if any further   amendments are needed to facilitate smooth and full Rehabilitation & Resettlement(R&R) for the Polavaram project, they will be given effect to at the earliest. Our government will execute the Polavaram project--let there be no doubt about it. Fifth, the appointed day for the formation of the new State will be so fixed in relation to the notified date so as to enable preparatory work relating to personnel , finance and distribution of assets and liabilities to be completed satisfactorily. Sixth, the resource gap that may arise in the successor state of Andhra Pradesh in the very first year, especially  during the period between the appointed day and the acceptance of the 14th Finance Commission recommendations by the Government of India, will be compensated in the Regular Union Budget for 2014-15. Sir, I hope these additional announcements will demonstrate our steadfast commitment to not just the creation of Telangana but also to the continued prosperity and welfare of Seemandhra.
PM’s speech on the occasion of the release of a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Shri Jagjit Singh
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: February 8, 2014 New Delhi

PM’s speech on the occasion of the release of a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Shri Jagjit Singh Following is the speech of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, delivered in Hindi on the occasion of the release of a commemorative postage stamp in honour of eminent Ghazal singer and musician, Shri Jagjit Singh, in New Delhi today:- "आज हम सब यहाँ जगजीत सिंह जी के सम्मान में इक्टठा हुए हैं। हमारे देश में संगीत के इतिहास में जगजीत सिंह जी की एक ख़ास जगह है। वे आज हमारे बीच नहीं हैं, लेकिन उनकी आवाज़ और उनके संगीत का जादू हम पर हमेशा गहरा असर करता रहेगा। मुझे खुशी है कि डाक विभाग उनकी याद में एक डाक टिकट जारी कर रहा है। जगजीत सिंह जी एक अनोखे कलाकार थे। संगीत के क्षेत्र में उनकी दिलचस्पी और जानकारी बहुत गहरी थी। वे एक कामयाब गायक, संगीतकार और गीतकार, ये सभी कुछ थे। यही नहीं, चाहे शास्त्रीय संगीत हो या भक्ति संगीत, लोक संगीत हो या गज़ल, संगीत के सभी क्षेत्रों में उनका अच्छा दखल था। लेकिन गज़ल गायिकी के लिए शायद उनको सबसे ज्यादा याद किया जाता है। यह कहना गलत नहीं होगा कि उन्होंने भारत में गज़ल गायिकी का एक ऐसा अंदाज़ अपनाया जिसने गज़ल को एक नयी जिंदगी दी। उनके द्वारा गाई हुई गज़लों में ख़ास बात यह थी कि वे आसानी से जनता की जुबान पर आ जाती थीं। उन्होंने गज़ल गायिकी में नये प्रयोग भी किए। गज़ल संगीत में पहली बार पश्चिमी musical instruments का इस्तेमाल एक ऐसा ही प्रयोग था। उन्होंने शायद पहली बार गज़ल को जुगलबंदी में पेश किया। इसमें उनका साथ उनकी पत्नी श्रीमती चित्रा सिंह जी ने दिया, जो आज हमारे बीच मौजूद हैं, और खुद एक मशहूर गज़ल गायिका हैं। जगजीत सिंह जी ने फिल्मों और TV Serials में भी काम किया और अपनी अलग छाप छोड़ी। "अर्थ" और "साथ-साथ" जैसी फिल्मों और "मिर्जा गालिब" और "कहकशाँ" जैसे TV Serials में उन्होंने जो गज़लें पेश कीं वे बहुत लोकप्रिय हुईं। उनका सारा जीवन संगीत को समर्पित रहा। उनकी निजी ज़िंदगी में बड़ी मुश्किलें आईं लेकिन उनका काम जारी रहा। जगजीत सिंह जी जैसे कलाकार सदियों में एक बार पैदा होते हैं। वे आज हमारे बीच नहीं हैं लेकिन उनका संगीत हमारे मन को छूता रहेगा और हमारा दिल बहलाता रहेगा। मैं एक बार फिर जगजीत सिंह जी को श्रद्धांजलि देता हूँ और डाक विभाग को उनकी याद में डाक टिकट जारी करने के लिए बधाई देता हूँ।"
PM’s interaction with media outside Parliament House
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: February 5, 2014 New Delhi

PM’s interaction with media outside Parliament House "As you have said, this is probably the last session of Parliament, and it is my sincere appeal to all sections of the House to contribute to creating a feeling, an atmosphere whereby this session will go down in history as a historic session. We have important pieces of legislation ready for approval by Parliament, and I sincerely hope that Parliament will create an environment in which all sections of the House can work together to pass these Bills." (On opposition to Telangana) "I hope all sections of the House will have the wisdom to set aside these prejudices and create an atmosphere conducive to harmony of working of the House."
PM's statement to the media after the All-Party Meeting called by the Speaker
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: February 4, 2014 New Delhi

PM's statement to the media after the All-Party Meeting called by the Speaker "This is going to be the last session of the Fifteenth Lok Sabha. There is important legislation which is pending for approval by Parliament. There is important legislation relating to anti-corruption measures. There is important legislation with regard to Women’s Reservation Bill. There is important business concerning the control of communal violence. I sincerely hope that Parliament, in its wisdom, will transact the essential business which is the primary concern of any legislature in a Parliamentary democracy. And, of course, there is the vital issue of Telangana. We will be bringing a Bill in Parliament for its approval and I sincerely hope that after a long debate extending over many years, the House will, in its wisdom, be able to transact the business and pass the Bill relating to the creation of the state of Telangana."
PM's remarks at the meeting of the National Committee on the commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: January 31, 2014

PM's remarks at the meeting of the National Committee on the commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru "I am glad that Ministry of Culture has taken the initiative to begin discharging in right earnest our responsibility of commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, our first Prime Minister and a great visionary, statesman and nation-builder. It is important that 125 years of this great son of India should be celebrated in a most befitting manner, especially with a focus on inspiring the younger generation about his life, achievements and contribution, both nationally and internationally. I am glad that we have a galaxy of thinkers and experts in this forum. I am sure they will pool in their wisdom and expertise in the formulation of an appropriate plan of action regarding Nehruji’s 125th birth anniversary. I will urge all of you to think of creative and meaningful projects which will not only focus on and perpetuate the memory of Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, but also act as the source of inspiration to one and all, especially with reference to his contributions in the field of nation building, democracy, promotion of scientific research and industrial advancement. The commemoration should underline his entire approach to public affairs, ranging from foreign policy to agriculture, from cultural diversity to social harmony, from peaceful co-existence of communities to speedy development of all peoples, especially the under-privileged and backward communities. I hope our deliberations today will set the tone for a purposeful implementation of the actual work on ground. Thank you."
PM's address at the National Bravery Awards function
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: January 24, 2014 New Delhi

PM's address at the National Bravery Awards function Following is the address of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, delivered in Hindi at the National Bravery Awards function in New Delhi today:- "आज सबसे पहले मैं उन पांच बच्चों को श्रद्धांजलि देना चाहूंगा जिन्होंने दूसरों को बचाने की कोशिश में अपनी जान कुर्बान कर दी। Uttar Pradesh के Mausmi Kashyap और Aryan Raj Shukla, Manipur के M. Khayingthei, Mizoram की Malsawmtluangi और Nagaland के L. Manio Chachei आज हमारे बीच नहीं हैं लेकिन इन बहादुर बच्चों की कुर्बानी सारे देश को प्रेरणा देती रहेगी। मैं वीरता पुरस्कार पाने वाले सभी बच्चों को बहुत बहुत बधाई देता हूं। हमें आप पर फ़क्र है। हमें यह भरोसा है कि इस तरह के बहादुर बच्चों के होते हुए हमारे देश का भविष्य उज्ज्वल है। आपकी बहादुरी न सिर्फ और बच्चों को बल्कि सभी देशवासियों को अच्छे काम करने के लिए उत्साहित करती रहेगी। मैंने कल आपके हैरतअंगेज़ कारनामों के बारे में पढ़ा। आप सब में सबसे छोटा बच्चा सिर्फ साढ़े सात साल की Tanvi Nandkumar Ovhal हैं। महाराष्ट्र की इस बच्ची ने अपनी चार साल की बहन को डूबने से बचाया। इतनी कम उम्र में दूसरों का सहारा बनना कोई मामूली बात नहीं है। बाकी बच्चों के कारनामे भी कम आश्चर्यजनक नहीं हैं। हिमाचल प्रदेश की Shilpa Sharma ने एक बच्चे को एक तेंदुए से बचाया। Maharashtra के Shubham Santosh Chaudhari ने दो बच्चियों को आग से बचाया और राजस्थान की Malieka Singh Tak ने तो चार पुरुष हमलावरों का मुकाबला अकेले ही कर डाला। आप सब दो दिन बाद गणतंत्र दिवस की परेड में हिस्सा लेंगे। परेड के जरिए हमारे देश को आपकी बहादुरी की जानकारी मिलेगी। यह आप सबके लिए भी एक ख़ास दिन होगा जब आप देश की सेना और सशस्त्र बलों के साथ मिलकर गणतंत्र दिवस के राष्ट्रीय त्यौहार को मनाएंगे। मुझे यक़ीन है कि आपको इस मौके से बहुत सी नई चीज़ों की जानकारी भी मिलेगी। देश को आप जैसे बच्चों से बड़ी उम्मीदें हैं और मुझे कोई शक नहीं कि आप इन उम्मीदों को पूरा कर दिखाएंगे। मैं आपको एक बार फिर मुबारकबाद देता हूं। मैं ईश्वर से यह प्रार्थना भी करता हूं कि वह भविष्य में आपको और भी बड़ी कामयाबियां दिलवाए। मैं अपनी बात खत्म करने से पहले Indian Council for Child Welfare की तारीफ भी करना चाहूंगा। वह 1956 से बहादुर बच्चों का सम्मान करने के सिलसिले को जारी रखे हुए है। मैं उनको भविष्य के लिए अपनी सारी शुभकामनाएं देता हूं। धन्यवाद। जय हिन्द।"
PM’s address at the release of postage stamp in honour of Sardar Beant Singh
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: December 17, 2013 New Delhi

PM’s address at the release of postage stamp in honour of Sardar Beant Singh “We have gathered here today to pay homage to a great son of India and of Punjab, Sardar Beant Singh ji. Sardar Beant Singhji is best remembered for providing strong and determined leadership to the State of Punjab in very troubled times. As Chief Minister of Punjab, he brought the State to normalcy after years of terrorist violence. Restoring peace in Punjab during those difficult days was no easy task and it is a tribute to the extraordinary leadership qualities of Sardar Beant Singh ji that he succeeded in doing so. If our society is largely peaceful and secular today, it is only because of the courage and patriotism of people like Sardar Beant Singh ji. Our freedoms are built on the foundation of their hard work and sacrifices. It is therefore our duty as citizens to contribute our bit in the fight against the divisive forces that still pose a threat to our country. Sardar Beant Singh ji had a very long innings in public life, spanning over four decades. He left a job in the army at the age of 23 to serve the people and went on to hold several important positions. A public career which started with helping those whose life had been disrupted because of partition in 1947 culminated in the Chief Ministership of Punjab in 1992. In the intervening years came a range of public positions – Chairman Block Samiti, 5 times Member of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and Minister in the Punjab Government. He was also the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee during the very difficult years from 1986 to 1995. From 1992 to 1995, as Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Beant Singh ji showed an understanding and vision so rarely seen in public life. He worked tirelessly for reconstruction and reconciliation, and for restoration of peace and harmony. He brought new hope to Punjab and laid the foundation for the State`s future progress. In this quest he laid down his own life. I am very happy that the Department of Posts has released a postal stamp in honour of Sardar Beant Singh ji. This is but a small token of our gratitude to a great leader. I once again pay tribute to Sardar Beant Singh ji. May his legacy live on.”
PM's banquet speech during the State Visit of Prime Minister of Kuwait to India
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: November 8, 2013 New Delhi

PM's banquet speech during the State Visit of Prime Minister of Kuwait to India "It gives me great pleasure tonight to welcome amongst us His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber and the distinguished members of the Kuwaiti delegation. Your Highness, let me again extend to you our felicitations on your reappointment as Prime Minister of Kuwait. This is a reflection of the trust and confidence that you inspire in the leadership and the people of Kuwait at a challenging time for West Asia and the Gulf region. Your Highness, from time immemorial, Kuwait has been an integral part of West Asia’s linkages of commerce, culture and religion with India. Today, our engagement is marked by a deep sense of comfort and enduring goodwill between our people, which is the source of great vitality and resilience in our relationship. Equally, the warmth and affection for India that I have seen in the leadership of Kuwait adds to our confidence in the relationship. The seven hundred thousand Indians in your country are a living bridge between Kuwait and India. They are building their lives, supporting families at home and contributing to Kuwait’s pluralism and progress. Friends, India and Kuwait are joined together not just by the vitality of human contact. We have also built a multifaceted partnership that serves our vital interests. Indeed, by deepening our partnership, India and Kuwait can address more effectively many of the challenges that they face in the shared neighbourhood. Today, we have discussed the possibilities of turning our energy trade into a strategic partnership. This can be done through long-term supply arrangements on mutually beneficial terms and collaboration in establishing upstream and downstream petroleum and petrochemical projects in India. We have also set for ourselves a high level of ambition for enhancing Kuwaiti investments in India’s infrastructure sector. In addition, as Kuwait undertakes its own ambitious new development plan, we see great prospects for project exports from India to Kuwait. Security cooperation has added a new dimension to our relationship. This reflects our shared vision that our cooperation is necessary for countering extremism and terrorism that affect both of us. Your Highness, during the landmark visit of His Highness, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, to India in June 2006, we embarked on a new course for our relationship in the 21st century. Your present visit has added fresh winds to our sails. We value your contribution to the cause of peace in the region, and we look forward to Kuwait’s leadership in seeking solutions to the region’s many challenges. Ladies and Gentlemen, With those words, may I invite you to join me in raising a toast to: • the good health and well being of His Highness Sheikh Jaber, • the prosperity and happiness of the friendly people of Kuwait, and • the everlasting bonds of friendship between India and Kuwait."
Excerpts of PM's address at the Annual Conclave of Indian Ambassadors/High Commissioners abroad in New Delhi
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: November 4, 2013 New Delhi

Excerpts of PM's address at the Annual Conclave of Indian Ambassadors/High Commissioners abroad in New Delhi "India in the Changing World: Priorities and Principles." This is a time of immense flux in the world and you work in an environment of expanding responsibilities, rising expectations and relentless public scrutiny. That you do this with modest resources and often in difficult and dangerous circumstances is to your great credit. Over these past nine years, our Government has sought to engineer a fundamental reset in our foreign policy based on our national priorities and what we believe is India’s role and destiny in world affairs. The great leaders of our freedom struggle instinctively saw the intrinsic link between our foreign policy and the economic aspirations of our people. A free India had to be also a prosperous India. This has been the central vision of our foreign policy and must continue to remain so. Therefore, the foreign policy we pursue must reflect our national priorities and concerns and be in concert with our capabilities. I believe five principles have come to define our foreign policy. First, recognition that India’s relations with the world – both major powers and our Asian neighbours – are increasingly shaped by our developmental priorities. The single most important objective of Indian foreign policy has to be to create a global environment conducive to the well-being of our great country. Second, that greater integration with the world economy will benefit India and enable our people to realize their creative potential. Third, we seek stable, long term and mutually beneficial relations with all major powers. We are prepared to work with the international community to create a global economic and security environment beneficial to all nations. Fourth, we recognize that the Indian sub-continent’s shared destiny requires greater regional cooperation and connectivity. Towards this end, we must strengthen regional institutional capability and capacity and invest in connectivity. Fifth, our foreign policy is not defined merely by our interests, but also by the values which are very dear to our people. India’s experiment of pursuing economic development within the framework of a plural, secular and liberal democracy has inspired people around the world and should continue to do so. As you go about discharging your day-to-day responsibilities, please ask yourselves how these five principles are guiding your work. I do appreciate that, in recent years, MEA has adapted well to its changing environment and emerging responsibilities. I also recognize that your efforts must be supported by adequate and timely availability of resources. I would urge you, however, to prioritize the use of our limited financial and human resources in the most efficient and effective manner The work you do is central to the progress of our country. I hope your deliberations will help the government deal more competently with the world. I wish them all success. Thank you.