anirudhsankar/PMIndia-SpeechDataset-2004-2024 huggingface dataset:
PM's speech at the presentation of National Bravery Awards
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: January 24, 2006 New Delhi

PM's speech at the presentation of National Bravery Awards Hindi Version My Dear Children, I am truly delighted to welcome all of you to my house. Today is a very special day for all of us. We are here to recognize the bravery of some of our young friends. Bravery shown in the face of adversity. Bravery shown in an unexpected moment. Bravery that was spontaneous. Bravery that was truly inspiring. I compliment them. I feel proud of them. I salute them. But I know that for every one child whose bravery we reward today, there are many, many more across our vast land who have shown bravery, courage and honesty in their own way, in their daily lives. Day after tomorrow we celebrate our Republic Day.  It is a day on which we recall the great sacrifice of our forefathers and our freedom fighters. They gave their lives so that we can be free today. So I want each one of you to remember that your bravery today will not go in vain. It is never wasted. Future generations will thank you, because the good that you do lives beyond you. There are many aspects to bravery. Bravery is not just about fighting bad people. Bravery is not just about saving a person. Bravery is also about telling the truth and facing the consequences of doing so. Bravery is about working hard to be able to stand on your own feet. Every honest child is a brave child. Every hard working child is a brave child. Every child who is good in sports is a brave child. Every child who can show others the right path is a brave child. In the world we live, simple honesty can also be an act of great bravery. Many times we are tempted to do wrong things. Many times we are tempted to tell lies. Many times we are tempted to be lazy and make others work for us. But, when we resist such temptations, we are being brave. It takes courage to be honest, diligent and self-reliant. The leaders of our freedom movement, like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and many, many more, showed that India had the courage to stand on its own feet. That India had the courage to be self-reliant. That India had the courage to be Independent. It is their courage that shaped our nation. It is your courage that will shape our future. Be bold, be courageous, be creative, be enterprising, be adventurous. Be brave. I wish you all a bright and happy future. Jai Hind!
PM's opening remarks at press interaction at Port Blair
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: January 4, 2006 Port Blair

PM's opening remarks at press interaction at Port Blair Hindi Version "I have visited some of the effected places yesterday and today and saw the intermediate shelters built for those displaced by the Tsunami and also interacted with their residents. The immediate need last year was to provide shelter to those affected before the onset of the next monsoon in 2005. I am happy that all intermediate shelters were built in time and no one is homeless. Other relief was also provided - cash grants, free foodgrains, compensation for losses and grants for repair of boats. The immediate restoration of road and sea communication was also achieved. After my visit, I have come to the conclusion that action needs to be taken on many fronts so that peoples' livelihoods are completely restored and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands grow in tandem with the rest of the country. Some issues, which our Government will take up, are: - I feel that some flexibility is needed in the construction of permanent houses. The Government will examine alternate options while retaining the structural design of the houses. - There are about 1,000 affected families who are currently not eligible for permanent housing as they do not have titles. We need to take a humanitarian view of the matter. They will be provided houses, may be in different locations. - There are still many families whose breadwinners are missing. Their survivors, I am told, are facing problems in accessing bank accounts. We will provide an appropriate legislative framework to ensure that the survivors' problems in this regard are solved. - I recognize the need to speed up construction of jetties in these islands. The funds are there in the rehabilitation plan. We will delegate powers substantially so that construction proceeds faster. - In some islands, particularly in Great Nicobar, roads have been completely destroyed and need to be constructed fast. This is priority for the residents. - To restore livelihoods much more needs to be done. We will remove the restrictions on Government recruitment so that 650 posts can be filled soon. We will conduct a survey of employment needs of the youth to identify areas where employment generation requires a boost. Recruitment of teachers, 'anganwadi' workers needs to be speeded up by the local administration. - There are problems related to higher education in the remote islands. I will ask 16 National Open Universities to work on opening distance learning centres in the more remote islands. - Being a far-flung territory, there is a desire to have a new district, particularly in North and Middle Andaman at Mayabunder. The Government is examining this issue seriously. - Tourism has immense potential in the islands. I will examine the possibility of making Port Blair an international airport, which I feel, will help in promoting tourism. - Many people have met me and have expressed a desire to have a more representative form of government. This is a valid, understandable desire. We will look into it with sincerity and sympathy".
'Civil Society to play a larger role in management of Andaman & Nicobar affairs' says PM
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: January 3, 2006 Port Blair

'Civil Society to play a larger role in management of Andaman & Nicobar affairs' says PM Hindi Version "I have come back to Port Blair and to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands a year after the Tsunami tragedy struck these beautiful islands. This was a tragedy of immense proportions in which the lives of thousands of people were lost; a tragedy in which houses, properties, boats and other assets worth crores of rupees was destroyed; a tragedy in which communication links were snapped. In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the tragedy was compounded by the distances involved and a complete breakdown of economic activities in some places. Almost, 10,000 shelters were destroyed. Our first priority then was the immediate rescue and relief of the affected people and providing succour to those in distress. This we did and everyone rose to the task - the armed forces, the administration, the civil society and even individuals. The next priority was to find out long term solutions - for shelter, for livelihoods, for long term development. I have come to see for myself how things are progressing. Government of India has approved a long term Tsunami rehabilitation programme costing about 2,600 crore. Over the next one and a half day, I will familiarize myself with the progress made so far. The HADDO wharf is an important link for communication and transport. The passenger hall was damaged in the Tsunami. I am told that the passenger terminal proposed to be built is going to have three times the capacity of the earlier damaged one. I hope it becomes the stepping stone for lakhs of passengers and tourists in future, a terminal which will be modern, comfortable and efficient. The other building for which the foundation stone has been laid today is the working women's hostel. It is being built for the benefit of women coming from other islands, seeking work in Port Blair and its surroundings. This is being funded entirely from the PM's National Relief Fund. I will be failing if I do not mention the charity and large-heartedness of millions of fellow countrymen who opened their purse-strings and donated liberally for the PM National Relief Fund. We have put a large number of focusssed activities in place funded from the PM National Relief Fund for the benefit of the Tsunami affected. I hope this hostel which is one of the activities being financed, goes a long way in solving the problems of the islands. Representatives of civil society in these Islands must have a larger role in the management of the Islands affairs. I wish you all success."
PM's statement prior to his departure for Malaysia
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: December 11, 2005 New Delhi

PM's statement prior to his departure for Malaysia Hindi Version "I am leaving for Malaysia today to participate in the 4th India-ASEAN Summit and the 1st East Asia Summit that will be held on 13-14th December. The India-ASEAN Summit is an occasion to review the progress that has been made in our relationship with the ASEAN countries and consider new initiatives for cooperation that we could undertake jointly. Our relations with ASEAN as a whole, and with its individual members, have progressed steadily and satisfactorily over the years. They have acquired a qualitatively new dimension since 2002, when we initiated our annual Summit Dialogue. We attach great importance to our relations with ASEAN, which constitute a central element in India's 'Look East' Policy. The First East Asia Summit would be a historic event. It would be the first ever gathering of leaders of countries that have made the region an engine of growth for the entire world economy. It is the beginning of a process that brings together countries with increasing inter-linkages and growing inter-dependence. It is our expectation that the Summit would articulate a collective long-term vision for shaping the regional architecture and promoting community-building. While in Malaysia, I will also address the Special Leaders Dialogue organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and interact with local business leaders. Malaysia has a very large population of people of Indian origin and I will be meeting them and the expatriate Indian community. During my stay, I will get an opportunity to interact with the leaders of countries who will be in Kuala Lumpur at that time. I would be holding bilateral discussions and reviewing bilateral relations with our host and the other leaders present.
PM's Volcker Committee Report statement in the Lok Sabha
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: December 2, 2005 New Delhi

PM's Volcker Committee Report statement in the Lok Sabha Hindi Version This morning some Honourable Members of the house wanted me to make a statement on a certain interview to a TV channel  by the Indian Ambassador to Croatia. I have been informed that he has made certain statements regarding the alleged involvement of certain individuals in the matter  which is currently under inquiry by the Justice Pathak Inquiry Authority as part of its mandate to inquire into certain transactions mentioned in the Volcker Committee report. The same matter is also being investigated by the enforcement Directorate. Ever since the first mention was made of the involvement of certain Indian entities and individuals in the Volcker Committee Report as non- contractual beneficiaries in the Iraq Oil-for-Food programme, the Government has been firm, consistent and clear in its stand on the matter. We had said that the references, as they are found in the Volcker Committee's Report, are "unverified references". We had said that we are determined to go to the root of the matter and establish the truth or otherwise of these references. We stand by that position even now. In order to unearth the facts, we promptly appointed Mr. Justice R.S.Pathak to inquire into the two specific contracts which are of relevance and gave him full powers, in the manner he desired, to complete his inquiry speedily and effectively. We appointed Shri Virendra Dayal as Special Envoy to gather relevant materials, and as the Finance Minister informed the House, he has been doing his work most expeditiously and, in a space of ten days, obtained important documents and material. As for statements made today - and I am told are likely to be published in a magazine later - they certainly relate to the transactions under investigation. Statements have been made about Mr. Natwar Singh and other individuals. These are all a matter of concern. The Enforcement Directorate will take cognizance of the recent utterances attributed to the Indian Ambassador to Croatia and pursue its investigations. The Enforcement Directorate has assured the Government that their investigations are proceeding on the right track and they would be able to establish the facts expeditiously.  We should not pre-judge the final outcome of the investigation or preempt the findings that may be given by the Justice Pathak Inquiry Authority. For us in the Government truth is of utmost importance. We are determined that truth must prevail in this matter. Our government believes in maintaining high standards of probity and transparency in public life and I can assure the House that no one who is guilty will go unpunished.
PM's statement condemning the blasts in Delhi
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: October 30, 2005 New Delhi

PM's statement condemning the blasts in Delhi Hindi Version The news of the serial bomb blasts in the capital New Delhi reached me on my arrival in Kolkata after a day's visit to Tripura. I decided immediately that these acts required my presence in Delhi and I cut short my engagements for tomorrow at Kolkata and returned to Delhi. I share the shock and distress of all those affected by these blasts. My heart grieves for those who have lost their loved ones. I condemn the cynical and the pre-mediated attacks on innocent people. These are dastardly acts of terrorism aimed at the people of our country. These terrorists wish to spread a sense of fear and suspicion among peace loving people. These blasts have been timed to create disaffection during the festival season when people of all communities are celebrating our national festivals. We shall defeat their nefarious designs and will not allow them to succeed. We are resolute in our commitment to fighting terror in all forms. I am confident that the people of India have the will, the capacity and the resolution to win the war against terrorism. I urge the people to remain calm, not to panic or believe rumours and ensure that we go about our normal activities. The government will take all possible measures to maintain law and order and defeat the forces of terrorism.
PM's remarks on his meeting with President Jacques Chirac
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: September 12, 2005 Paris

PM's remarks on his meeting with President Jacques Chirac Hindi Version "We have a privileged and strategic relationship with France. We hold His Excellency, President Jacques Chirac in the highest esteem as a world statesman. It is for me a great honour, great privilege to be in this great country to reaffirm, to renew our joint commitment to strengthen our multi-faceted relationship in every possible way. France is a very important and proud member of the European Union and we have established a strategic partnership with EU and in fulfilment of the commitment under our strategic partnership, France can play a very important role. For me, therefore, it is a great opportunity to have an exchange of views with His Excellency, the President and there are many ideas which are on my mind to strengthen our economic co-operation with France. Our trade, our investment flows, are moving in the right directions. But they are far below their potential. So I am here to convince the French businessmen community that India is going to be a competitive destination for foreign investment and I seek the support of His Excellency, the President and the French Government to ensure that our business communities interact with each other more often, more productively, more fruitfully, than was the case in the past. We both have a joint concern to ensure that the growing inter-dependence of nations is managed in a manner which gives satisfaction to all countries of the world. We recognise globalisation is a reality which has tremendous opportunities and we all have to work a lot to ensure that the global system, political order, the economic order is managed in a just and equitable manner for the benefit of all countries of the world. India and France have been strategic partners in many ways. We have had rewarding defence co-operation, we are going to build on that and therefore there are a lot of important issues to discuss with His Excellency, the President. I thank the government and people of France, for giving me this opportunity to meet the leaders of the French Government. President Chirac, thank you. Mr. President, I know the pressures on your time with numerous other pre-occupations. That you have chosen to receive me at such short notice is a privilege and your generosity, which I will never be able to forget."
PM lays the foundation stone of Indian Embassy Chancery Complex at Kabul
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: August 28, 2005 Kabul

PM lays the foundation stone of Indian Embassy Chancery Complex at Kabul Hindi Version I am delighted to have the opportunity, during my visit to Kabul, to lay the foundation stone of the Indian Chancery complex. Since we re-opened our Mission three and a half years ago, India's relations with Afghanistan have developed enormously.There is consensus across the Afghan political spectrum that Indo-Afghan ties should be restored to the old footing and that India is a role model for Afghanistan.This event today is a symbol of our belief that Afghanistan will emerge as a stable, democratic and prosperous country and that India is an important partner in helping to bring about this historic transformation of Afghanistan. There was an unfortunate episode when we had to close our Embassy, when the Taliban entered Kabul in 1996. Fortunately, that phase is behind us now. My visit here today is a sign of our hope for the future of Afghanistan and for the strengthening of our relations with this old friend of India with which we have centuries-old ties of culture and history. I am told that in the past, the Indian Embassy, particularly the Library and the Film Club, enjoyed great popularity among the Afghan people.In fact, they had made a mark on the cultural life of this great city.The new Chancery complex will also house a Library, a multi-purpose hall for exhibitions and cultural performances. I sincerely hope these facilities will enable the Embassy to once again provide a meeting place to promote friendship between the peoples of our two countries. I take this opportunity to commend all the personnel of the Indian Embassy in Kabul and the Consulates in Jalalabad, Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif for the excellent job they are doing under exceedingly difficult circumstances.I commend you for your dedication and commitment with which you are promoting the cause of friendship between our two peoples.As the face of the Indian Government and people in this country, you have an important role in strengthening the genuine goodwill that exists between us and in fostering closer friendship between our two countries. I thank you for your efforts and dedication and commitment in performing these onerous duties under very difficult cirnumstancdes. I Thank You all of you. My best wishes for your future.
PM's remarks on 90th Birth Anniversary of Shri Bhiku Ram Jain
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: August 5, 2005 New Delhi

PM's remarks on 90th Birth Anniversary of Shri Bhiku Ram Jain Hindi Version I deem it an honour to associate myself with the celebrations of the 90th birth anniversary of Shri Bhiku Ram Jain.  I join all of you in paying tribute to a great son of India.  Shri Bhiku Ramji  represents the unique ethos and heritage of our freedom struggle. His life embodies the extraordinary simplicity and values that characterized the generation of freedom fighters. He joined the struggle for independence under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. As a devout, deeply religious and genuinely secular person, he has worked hard to promote communal amity and harmony in Delhi. I have had the privilege of knowing Bhiku Ramji while teaching in Delhi School of Economics. He actively associated himself with Delhi University and some of its prominent colleges and was deeply committed to the cause of education and research. His association with the Delhi Legislative Assembly and the variety of portfolios he handled proved his ability as an administrator and a public-spirited person. Shri Bhiku Ramji's role as a representative of the people in the Lok Sabha is inspiring and educative. He worked for the cause of good governance, clean environment and a corruption free administration. I recall that while participating in the discussion on the Finance Bill in  1983 he underlined the role of our cumbersome tax laws in the rising incidence of corruption and believed these were making Indian enterprise uncompetitive. He was in favour of the simplification of the taxation regime and saw this as an important instrument of battling corruption. This influenced my thinking at the time and as finance minister I was able to take steps to reform our taxation system.  His observation in the early 1980s that more control bred black money and corruption has now come to be accepted as common place. The social and environmental concerns of Jain Sahab was amply demonstrated on the floor of the Lok Sabha when he, as early as 1981, raised the issue of the colossal economic waste and damage to our environment and health caused by fireworks on the occasion of festivals. Possibly his was one of the earliest initiatives in Parliament to sensitise the Government and the people to the health hazard of pollution caused by fire-works. It is an honour to participate in the 90th  birth anniversary celebration of such a remarkable personality.  I wish him good health, happiness, fulfillment and many more years of service to the nation. Thank you.
PM's speech at the Public meeting at Leh
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: June 11, 2005 Leh

PM's speech at the Public meeting at Leh The Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh unveiled the foundation stone of the Nimoo Bazgo hydel project at Leh and addressed a public meeting. Speaking in Hindi Dr.Manmohan Singh assured the people of all asssitance for the development of the Ladakh region. Hindi Text
PM's speech at  the Chutak Hydel Project - Kargil
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: June 11, 2005 Kargil

PM's speech at  the Chutak Hydel Project - Kargil The Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone of the Chutak hydel project near Kargil. Speaking in Hindi Dr.Manmohan Singh said the project is a step towards ensuring electricity to the people in remote areas in the state. Hindi Text