anirudhsankar/PMIndia-SpeechDataset-2004-2024 huggingface dataset:
PM's opening remarks at the Joint Press Conference with PM of Italy
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: February 15, 2007 New Delhi

PM's opening remarks at the Joint Press Conference with PM of Italy Hindi Version "It is a pleasure to welcome in our midst today, His Excellency Prime Minister Romano Prodi and his Cabinet colleagues. Dr. Prodi is a friend of India and has visited India on several occasions both as the Prime Minister of Italy and as the President of the European Commission. He has not only contributed to the promotion of the Indo-Italian partnership but also to the strategic partnership between India and the European Union. Both India and Italy attach importance to strengthening our bilateral relationship for mutual benefit. Our discussions today have indeed been useful in focusing on the various aspects of our Partnership in diverse areas of our interaction. These include economic linkages, cooperation in science & technology, culture and defence. We have signed three MOUs today : * Cultural Exchange Programme 2007-09 * MOU on Renewable Energy Cooperation * MOU on Cooperation in Counter Terrorism We have also issued a Joint Statement today that indicates the direction in which our partnership will be moving forward in the various areas of our interaction. There is good ongoing economic cooperation between India and Italy, which has been steadily increasing. There are significant complementarities between our two economies. We hope to synergise Italian strengths in design and technology with India's manufacturing competencies and human resource skills. We also look forward to strengthening small and medium enterprise (SME) linkages. The large number of CEOs of leading Italian companies, accompanying Prime Minister Prodi on this visit, is another indicator of the importance that both India and Italy attach to the economic aspects of our relationship. Indian companies are setting up operations in Italy in sectors such as IT, electronics, engineering, pharmaceuticals and textiles. Indian investment in Italy is increasing. Italian companies have invested in India in key sectors such as textiles, machinery, infrastructure and chemicals. We welcome the initiative by the private sector of both countries in launching an Indo-Italian CEO Forum. Italy is an active member of the European Union, which is India's largest trading partner. India and the EU had agreed to launch negotiations for a broad-based India-EU Trade & Investment Agreement at the last Summit in Helsinki. We count on Italy's support in its successful conclusion. We look forward to strengthening our close and mutually beneficial partnership with Italy bilaterally as well as in the framework of the EU. We are confident that this visit of Prime Minister Prodi will provide substantial impetus to our partnership. Thank you."
PM's address on the occasion of Conferment of Gandhi Peace Prize 2005
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: January 31, 2007 New Delhi

PM's address on the occasion of Conferment of Gandhi Peace Prize 2005 Hindi Version "We gather here to honour a very special person. A living Gandhian. I am, therefore, truly delighted to be here this evening. I once again welcome Archbishop Desmond Tutu and extend to him the warmth, the affection and the respect of the people of India. I say that Bishop Tutu is a living Gandhian because there has been no greater example of the practice of Gandhiji's principles than the reconciliation effort in post-apartheid South Africa. Many of us admire Gandhiji, we respect Gandhiji, we want to emulate Gandhiji, we espouse the ideas and ideals of Gandhiji, but few of us have had the courage to practice what Gandhiji preached. You will recall what Mahatma Gandhi used to say to the people of Britain during our freedom movement. He wanted the end of British rule in India. He wanted the end of the British empire. He wanted the end of colonialism. Yet he sought friendship with the people of Britain. It is the same sentiment that Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his comrade-in-arms Nelson Mandela espoused through the institution of the Truth and Reconciliation Council. They fought for the end of apartheid. But they also fought to live in peace with all races, all religions and all communities. There is no better example of Gandhism than this. It is in recognition of their contribution to peace and humanity, to justice and civility that Bishop Desmond Tutu was conferred the Nobel Peace Prize. Today, in conferring the Gandhi Peace Prize, we are only adding our own voice to the global recognition of Bishop Tutu's Gandhism. India and South Africa are nations that are separated by an ocean but have been united by history. We have had the good fortune of being home to the inspirational work of men like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu. It is not just history and geography that bring India and South Africa together but also our shared vision of the world today, and the world of tomorrow. India and South Africa are partners in progress. We are both multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-lingual, multi-religious democracies. Our experience and our example will show the way to the world in dealing with the challenges of the 21st century. I have often said that we in India reject the idea of "clash of civilizations" because we have been home to the "confluence of civilizations". Post-apartheid South Africa has also been home to the confluence of civilizations. Together we can show the world that it is possible for all men and women to live in peace. This requires an adherence to truth and a commitment to reconciliation. This requires the practice of the values Gandhiji espoused. We sincerely hope Bishop Tutu will continue to spread the light of reason and tolerance and bring peace to the world. I take this opportunity to salute the people of South Africa and their great leaders Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu. I do feel proud to share this platform with a great son of Africa and a man of peace, Bishop Tutu."
PM's Statement on departure to Philippines for the 5th India-ASEAN Summit and the 2nd East Asia Summit
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: January 13, 2007 New Delhi

PM's Statement on departure to Philippines for the 5th India-ASEAN Summit and the 2nd East Asia Summit Hindi Version "I will be visiting Cebu, Philippines, for the 5th India-ASEAN Summit and the 2nd East Asia Summit.  Our participation in both these summits is a reflection of the increasing significance of the eastern orientation of India's foreign policy and our quest for closer engagement with countries of South-East Asia and East Asia. In Cebu, I will participate in the 5th India-ASEAN Summit on January 14th, which will be followed by the 2nd East Asia Summit the next day.  At the India-ASEAN Summit I will have an opportunity to review, with leaders of ASEAN countries, the progress that has been achieved over the last year in India's economic dialogue with the ASEAN region.  We will also consider new initiatives that can be undertaken to accelerate this process of engagement.  I believe that the India-ASEAN FTA is an important initiative to promote this greater economic synergy and I shall use this opportunity to explore steps that both sides can take to hasten the conclusion of this important agreement. The 2nd East Asia Summit on 15th January will provide an opportunity to take forward, a process that was initiated last year to put in place a regional architecture for greater cooperation and economic integration amongst countries of East Asia.  The East Asia Summit agenda includes energy security, stability of the regional financial system, mitigating natural disasters, environment, and other subjects of common interest that can only be tackled effectively within a broad inclusive framework. On the sidelines of the Summit meeting I will have the opportunity of meeting my counterparts from other countries including President Arroyo of Philippines who is our host, Premier Wen Jiabao of China, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam among others. I am looking forward to this visit and to utilizing it to elevate India's engagements in South-East Asia and East Asia to qualitatively new levels."
PM Inaugurates National Football League
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: January 5, 2007 New Delhi

PM Inaugurates National Football League Hindi Version "It is a pleasure for me to participate in the 70th Anniversary celebrations of the All India Football Federation and on this occasion to inaugurate the 11th National Football League. We have a long tradition of playing football in India and in the past, we have done well in the Olympic and Asian Games. However, in recent years, a need has been felt to professionalise this important sport in India. In this connection, I am very happy that private sponsors have come forward to support the game and that the winner of the National Football League will be presented with the ONGC Cup. It is a positive trend that public interest and sponsorship are growing in sports other than cricket. I understand that the FIFA President, Mr. Blatter, has proposed the idea of a special plan for India to raise its standard in the game. We should pool all our resources in this direction. I was in Brazil last year and I did raise the subject of cooperation between India and Brazil in the field of Soccer. I do hope that the Federations of both countries are following on this important matter. I wish to commend both Zee Sports and the ONGC for their support for the development of football in India. On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the All India Football Federation, I declare the 11th National Football League and ONGC Cup open."
PM releases Commemorative Calendar for 2007
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: December 19, 2006 New Delhi

PM releases Commemorative Calendar for 2007 Hindi Version "It gives me great pleasure to join you all on this very auspicious occasion which marks the beginning of sesqui-centennial celebrations of India's First War of Independence and also, it seeks to celebrate 60 years of our existence as an Independent sovereign Nation. India is in many ways unique. There is no country of India's size, of India's diversity, of India's complexity, trying to seek its economic and social salvation in the framework of rigourously functioning democracy committed to the rule of law and respect for fundamental human freedoms. This fact is now being recognized as never before in the world. And it is only appropriate that our children, generations to come should not forget the message of our freedom struggle. As I look back on history of India's freedom struggle - that history is also unique. Never before in history of the world, a Nation got Independence through non-violent struggle. Our freedom struggle, of course, goes back to 1857 when our people rose in revolt against the tyranny of foreign rule. It is necessary that all our future generations should never forget the sacrifices that our freedom fighters had to make so that we can breathe the air of a free Independent India. And in many ways, as I said, we are a unique country and that is best captured in a couplet by Dr. Mohammad Iqbal when he said: "Kuch baat hai ki hasthi mitthi nahin hamari Sadiyou raha hai dushman doure zaman hamara" Despite tremendous adversities, we have emerged as a successful functioning democracy. It is therefore important that this message of our freedom struggle, the commitment to patriotism, nationalism, secularism, social justice and removal of poverty - this is the essence of our freedom struggle which we have been trying to give practical shape as an independent Nation. I congratulate Priyaranjan Das ji that he has brought out this Calendar, which I hope, will find its place on the walls of each house in our country and so that it can be a reminder of the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and also it will enable our young people to remember that eternal vigilance is the price that we have to pay for preserving our freedom. With these words, I once again express my happiness to be associated with this function this morning."
PM's remarks at Joint Press Interaction with the Prime Minister of Japan
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: December 15, 2006 Tokyo

PM's remarks at Joint Press Interaction with the Prime Minister of Japan Hindi Version "This visit to Japan was for me a most memorable visit to your beautiful country. First of all, Mr. Prime Minister, allow me to convey very sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to me and my delegation. The Prime Minister and I have just concluded a very cordial, fruitful and extensive exchange of views on our bilateral relationship as well as on issues of mutual interest in regional and international affairs. Prime Minister Abe has already given you an overview of our discussions. I will, therefore, touch upon only a few salient aspects. As two vibrant democracies sharing common values and aspirations, we have much to contribute to each other. We have converging political, economic and strategic interests and concerns. We are both committed to the promotion of peace, stability and economic integration for shared prosperity in Asia. Indeed, India and Japan are natural partners, with a mutual stake in each other's progress. There is much that we can and should do together. To underline this point, we have already agreed to establish a Strategic and Global Partnership. It will be our endeavour to strengthen our political and diplomatic coordination on bilateral, regional and global issues, enhance our defence relations, undertake comprehensive economic engagement, to widen cooperation in science and technology and to seek a major expansion of people-to-people contacts. India-Japan relations are today poised for a transformation and we have resolved to seize this historic moment. We are determined to counter terrorism in all its forms, in whatever garb it is cloaked and wherever it raises its head. We have decided to act in concert to oppose the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The launch of negotiations on an India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marks the beginning of a new phase in our economic relations, which will enable us to develop their full potential and promise. We have decided to work together for a quantum leap in educational and cultural ties and people-to-people contacts. Mere incremental increases are not what we seek. As a mark of this commitment, Prime Minister Abe and I launched the India-Japan Friendship Year 2007 as well as the Festival of India in Japan yesterday. In conclusion, I am deeply satisfied with the outcome of my visit, and I am delighted that Prime Minister Abe has accepted my invitation to visit India next year. Mr. Prime Minister, we appreciate your personal commitment to the cause of India-Japan partnership. Let me assure you that I reciprocate your sentiments in the fullest possible measure."
PM's Banquet Speech in Tokyo
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: December 15, 2006 Tokyo

PM's Banquet Speech in Tokyo Hindi Version "I wish to thank the Government and people of Japan for the courtesy and warm hospitality with which we have been received in your country. I have visited Japan many times but this is my first visit as Prime Minister. I have come at an important moment in your history as a new generation takes over the leadership of your country. I sense a spirit of optimism and hope for the future of Japan among the people. India and Japan share a proud civilisational heritage and a common Asian identity. Our two nations have converging long-term political, economic and strategic interests. We have a common commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law and a free market economy. India and Japan are thus natural partners with a mutual stake in each other's progress and prosperity. Most importantly, I believe that I am right in saying that there is a broad political consensus in both our countries in favour of a strong and enduring partnership between India and Japan. We are very grateful to Japan for the development assistance provided to India. However, there is a vast unexplored potential to expand flows of trade, technology and investment. I believe my visit to Japan will open up new pathways of cooperation between our two countries. I thank you once again and end with a quote from the revered poet Rabindranath Tagore who wrote : Once we dreamt that we were strangers. We wake up to find that we were dear to each other Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to invite you to join me in raising a toast to : - The health and well being of the Prime Minister of Japan and Madame Abe - The prosperity and progress of our two peoples - And to our partnership Thank you."
PM's speech at the launch of the India Japan Friendship Year
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: December 14, 2006 Tokyo

PM's speech at the launch of the India Japan Friendship Year Hindi Version I am delighted to welcome you on this happy occasion of the joint launch of the India-Japan Friendship Year 2007, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Cultural Agreement between India and Japan. 2.	More than a thousand years ago, the peoples of India and Japan initiated a vibrant civilizational relationship, when Budhism traveled to Japan. The gentle message that was brought from India to Japan was a message of love, compassion and universal brotherhood. 3.	The Festival of India which we launch today will bring out the vibrancy of India's culture in all its diversity; the youthful dynamism of contemporary India's free and open society, and the great transformations that are taking place in India's economy. 4.	We are also looking forward to the Festival of Japan in India, which will showcase both modern and traditional Japanese culture, which is catching the popular imagination in India. 5.	I am also delighted to welcome members of the Indian Community here. I applaud their efforts to keep the culture, spirit and idea of India alive in their adopted home. They are our true ambassadors to the world since they represent the dynamism of a new India on the move. I am confident that they are building new bridges between our two nations through their diligence, creativity and enterprise that have become the hallmark of the Indian Diaspora all over the world. 6.	We are delighted that Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Abe have found it possible to join us at this special occasion.  Excellency, we regard you as a valued friend of India, who has taken keen personal interest in developing enhanced partnership between our two countries.  We are heartened to note the warm sentiments towards India that you have expressed.  I fully reciprocate your sentiments. 7.	I now declare open the Festival of India in Japan.
PM's Statement prior to his Departure for Japan
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: December 13, 2006 New Delhi

PM's Statement prior to his Departure for Japan Hindi Version The following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh's statement, prior to his departure for Japan. "I am travelling to Tokyo for an official visit to Japan from December 14-16 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. I see this journey as part of the increasing Eastern orientation of India's foreign policy and our quest for greater engagement with countries in the larger East Asian region. In the evolving regional and international environment India and Japan increasingly find that their long-term political, economic and strategic interests are converging. Today our bilateral relations are poised to enter a new and dynamic phase, driven by a shared desire to enhance the bilateral relationship. I will have the opportunity to discuss with Prime Minister Abe ways to reinforce the strategic focus in our global partnership, to move to a more comprehensive economic engagement, and to develop mutually beneficial cooperation over the entire range of the relationship, including security and terrorism, energy, transport, science & technology and culture. During my visit to Japan, I will also have the honour to call on their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress of Japan. I am scheduled to address a Joint Session of the Diet, which I shall use to reaffirm to the leaders of Japan, India's strong desire for closer relations. I will also inaugurate the "Festival of India in Japan" and participate in an interaction with senior business leaders of Japan. I look forward to using this visit to elevate India-Japan relations to a qualitatively new level."
PM unveils Lal Bahadur Shastri's statue
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: November 25, 2006 New Delhi

PM unveils Lal Bahadur Shastri's statue Hindi Version "It is for me a rare honour and privilege to be taking part in this unveiling ceremony of the statute of one of the greatest Indians of our times that Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri was - a great freedom fighter and a great administrator and truly a great leader of men and a great Prime Minister he was. Jaipalji has already mentioned how Lal Bahadurji combined in him an unique quality - a blend of the ideas and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawahar Lal Nehru. His towering personality, his life and his work will remain a shining example of what leadership is about. Leadership is not about promoting self-aggrandizement. Leadership is education for public service and Lal Bahadurji provided the highest standards of public leadership to our people. His life and work would continue to inspire generations of people in our country. The slogan that he gave to the Nation during the war in 1965 - `Jai Jawan and Jai Kisan' remains as relevant now as it was in 1965. Our Nation faces many challenges. We have crossed many milestones in our Nation's quest to conquer poverty, ignorance and disease but a lot remains to be done. We have to have the determination to face these challenges. I am sure this statute installed at this strategic place in this Complex, where I am told a large number of Public Sector organisations are located, will inspire all those people who work in these buildings to be mindful of the rich legacy that Shastriji has left behind - that the purpose of public service is to wipe out, what Gandhiji used to say, tears from eyes of suffering humanity. That message which is the legacy of our freedom struggle which was carried forward by our great leaders - Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri retains its relevance today as it was before. I therefore thank Jaipalji for having taken this initiative for the installation of Lal Bahadur statue at this strategic place. I sincerely hope that this Statute will be a grateful Nation's remembrance of one of the greatest Indians our times and that it will continue to inspire us all to follow in the foot prints of Lal Bahadurji."