anirudhsankar/PMIndia-SpeechDataset-2004-2024 huggingface dataset:
PM's opening remarks at the Plenary Session of IBSA Summit
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: October 17, 2007 South Africa

PM's opening remarks at the Plenary Session of IBSA Summit Hindi Version "I am delighted to be in South Africa for the Second Summit meeting of IBSA. I express our deep appreciation to the government and people of South Africa for hosting this Summit. I am happy that fruitful discussions have taken place at the Academic Seminar, the Business Seminar and the newly instituted Women's and Parliamentarians' Forums. When I had the privilege of meeting the Foreign Ministers of IBSA last July, I said to them that it is important to consolidate our gains. We should focus our time and resources to ensure productive outcomes in agreed priority areas of trilateral cooperation. Out of the several Working Groups that we have set up, only those on ICT and Trade and Investment have met thrice. We can agree today that by the time of the next Summit all the Groups should complete one cycle of meetings in each of our countries. At the next Summit, we would then be in a position to take stock of the areas we should concentrate on and where cooperation is proving useful. I am particularly pleased that discussions have begun on the India-SACU-Mercosur FTA. This is a bold initiative to give an impetus to our trading ties and we will work sincerely to bring it to fruition. With regard to global issues we are increasingly consulting each other on the margins of major international meetings. We should encourage this so that we can have common IBSA positions on important international issues. Last year we had agreed that assisting other developing countries should be one of the thrust areas of IBSA cooperation. I propose that we work on one big flagship IBSA project using the Fund for Poverty and Hunger, which will convey our commitment in this area. All developing countries face the challenge of balancing the need for more rapid growth with the need to address the problem of social inequality. Each of our countries has attempted innovative solutions to bring about inclusive growth. I am happy that we will discuss the issue of social development later on, including how to share experiences. The lack of adequate connectivity continues to hamper our cooperation. We should reflect on how to encourage air and maritime links, which may not be commercially viable to begin with. I look forward to having substantive and productive discussions today on strengthening the IBSA process. If the IBSA movement is to catch the imagination of our people we should move from a declaratory phase to one of time bound action. We all recognise the immense potential of IBSA. With the necessary political will and an outcome-based approach, I have no doubt that we will be able to realise this potential."
PM's Statement prior to his departure for Nigeria and South Africa
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: October 14, 2007 New Delhi

PM's Statement prior to his departure for Nigeria and South Africa Hindi Version "I will be visiting Nigeria at the invitation of His Excellency President Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. It plays a leadership role in West Africa and within the African Union. It is an active member of the Commonwealth, NAM, G-77 and the UN. It is also a member of the Organisation of Islamic Conference. India's relations with Nigeria are historic and broad-ranging in nature. As two developing countries with a similar historical experience, we face common challenges of nation-building. Our relationship is marked by a convergence of interests and reflects our mutual commitment to South-South Cooperation. A vibrant Indian community in Nigeria contributes to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. I look forward to the opportunity of addressing the Joint Session of the National Assembly of Nigeria. I regard this as a great honour to India. My journey to Nigeria signifies India's desire to reinvigorate its ties not only with our friend and brother Nigeria, but also the continent of Africa. There is much that India and Africa have to do together for the betterment of our peoples. I also look forward to participating in the second India-Brazil-South. Africa (lSSA) Summit which is being hosted by President Thabo Mbeki in South Africa. The ISSA process has matured over time. It symbolises the coming together of like-minded countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America for the good of humankind. The Summit has a rich agenda. It will be preceded by an Academic Seminar, a Business Seminar, a Women's Forum and a Parliamentary Forum. Along with the leaders of Brazil and South Africa, I hope to review the substantial progress that has been made in expanding our trilateral cooperation, which now covers a wide range of activities. I expect the Summit to lead to concrete outcomes on both global and trilateral issues. I look forward to the opportunity of separately meeting President Mbeki and President Lula. India enjoys close and warm relations with South Africa and Brazil, which I will seek to further strengthen".
PM's speech at the Banquet hosted in the honour of Japanese PM
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: August 22, 2007 New Delhi

PM's speech at the Banquet hosted in the honour of Japanese PM Hindi Version On behalf of the Government and people of India it gives me immense pleasure to welcome you, along with all the distinguished members of your delegation, to India. Excellency, Your visit marks a historic milestone in our bilateral relations. Fifty years ago your grandfather, the late Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, made his path-breaking visit to India. That visit laid the foundation of our partnership in the modern era. Today, it is our privilege to welcome you not only as the inheritor of a great legacy, but also as an architect of strong Indo-Japan relations.  We deeply appreciate your personal commitment to realizing our common vision of building a strong bilateral relationship of lasting value.  We applaud your efforts to make Japan a 'beautiful' country. Excellency, Our two ancient cultures have had exchanges as far back as recorded history takes us. We admire the Japanese way, which emphasizes harmony, balance and moderation. We strive to emulate the individual and social attributes that have made Japan the shining light of modern Asia. You have been a valuable partner in our economic progress and a friend in times of need. Our contemporary bilateral relationship is on the verge of full bloom.  Our talks today give us the confidence that the strategic dimension of our relations will be further consolidated in the years ahead. On the pillars of this strong bilateral relationship, we stand as two major powers ready to play a commensurate global role in dealing with challenges such as terrorism, climate change and energy security. We believe that a strong and dynamic Japan is a factor of peace and stability in Asia. As two leading democracies of Asia, who share common values, our combined voice can contribute decisively towards the building of a new Asia and a new economic community that is open and inclusive. We have turned a new page in our ties with the dawn of this century. We have added vitality and depth to our ties through enhanced political understanding, economic partnership, cultural exchange and cooperation in emerging areas such as environment and energy security. We have today laid out a Roadmap for our future partnership. Let us pledge to walk resolutely on this path and usher in a glorious era in our age-old ties.  This is what we owe to our people, and to future generations.  We must make up for lost time. Excellency, Your inspiring address to our Parliament this morning left a deep impact. A strong India and a strong Japan will work together in harmony and peace to build a perfect partnership. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, May I now request you to join me in raising a toast to : -	The good health of His Excellency Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Madame Akie Abe; -	The well-being and prosperity of the friendly peoples of Japan and India; and -	To everlasting friendship between India and Japan. Thank you.
PM's opening remarks at the Joint Press Conference with the Japanese PM
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: August 22, 2007 New Delhi

PM's opening remarks at the Joint Press Conference with the Japanese PM Hindi Version "I am delighted to be here today with His Excellency Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his high- powered delegation. Prime Minister Abe's visit to India soon after my own visit to Japan in December, 2006 reflects the vitality and intensity of Indo-Japan relations in recent years. We have had very fruitful and intensive discussions. As major countries in Asia, we share common values and have a common responsibility to ensure the peace and prosperity of our region. We deeply appreciate the words of friendship that Prime Minister Abe expressed during his address to our Parliament earlier today. We have today agreed to lay down a Roadmap to impart a new dimension to our strategic and global partnership.  This is a comprehensive and forward-looking vision of how our two countries can and ought to move ahead in the coming years. Economic partnership is at the core of our engagement.  We have set a target for bilateral trade of US$ 20 billion by 2010. A Working Group is to be set up to explore collaboration in setting up a new IIT. We have also agreed to cooperate in the implementation of two important flagship projects - the Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor Project and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project. When implemented, these projects will be shining symbols of our bilateral cooperation. We had very productive discussions on global and regional issues and this reflects our growing mutual understanding and convergence of interests. The signing of a Joint Statement on Enhancement of Cooperation in Environment Protection and Energy Security reflects an important new area of cooperation. We appreciate Prime Minister Abe's initiative on climate change as a contribution to the global debate on the subject. Equally, for us, it is important to ensure energy security so that we can sustain strong growth rates and eradicate poverty.  We welcome Japanese participation in our energy sector. Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to thank you for the assistance, which Japan has been providing to India's developmental efforts. Your strong personal commitment to the strengthening of our partnership is a source of inspiration to us.  Let me extend to you once again a very warm welcome, and request you to say a few words. Thank you."
PM's Felicitation to Vice President and Chairman Rajya Sabha
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: August 13, 2007 New Delhi

PM's Felicitation to Vice President and Chairman Rajya Sabha Hindi Version Mr. Chairman, Sir, I welcome you to this August House with great joy and pride. I have been a Member of this House for over 16 years. So I say with all sincerity that you come in a long line of distinguished Chairpersons, and you come with great distinction. You have had a distinguished service as a diplomat, representing our country in important capitals of the world and the United Nations. More recently, you have also served the cause of education as Vice Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University, and the cause of empowerment of all our minorities, as Chairperson, Minorities Commission. Your professional record, your sincere commitment to the ideals and values that define our Republic, your patriotism and your concern for the well being and welfare of our people have earned you the respect and admiration of our people. am sure all of this will stand you in good stead in the years to come as you discharge your onerous responsibilities. Sir, this House has a unique position in our Republic. It is both a House of States and a House of Elders. As House of States it offers a unique platform for every region of our country to have its voice heard in the highest councils of Government. As House of I Elders we are called upon to reflect, with patience and sobriety, on the issues of the day and legislation at hand. I am sure with your wide-ranging experience you will provide guidance and balance to the proceedings of the House. Sir, I have witnessed the proceedings of this House for many years, as its Members for the past 16 years, and as an official of the Government of India for almost two decades before that. This House has been witness to some very enriching and enlightening  debates. However, in recent years we have also witnessed, with profound concern and sadness, repeated disruptions of proceedings and a regrettable unwillingness, on occasions, to engage in informed discussion. I hope all of this can be put behind us and we can restore to this House a sense of dignity and decorum that is expected of a House of Elders. Sir, I stand here to assure you the sincere cooperation of  our government and the constituents of the United Progressive Alliance. All of us must work together to ensure that this House  echoes the heartbeat of the Indian people and lives up to their  expectations. Sir, I wish you well and wish you the best in  discharging your constitutional responsibilities. Thank you.
PM's statement on departure to Germany for G-8 and Outreach Countries Summit
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: June 6, 2007 New Delhi

PM's statement on departure to Germany for G-8 and Outreach Countries Summit Hindi Version I am visiting Germany to attend the Summit Meeting of G8 and Outreach Countries (Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa) being organised at Heiligendamm by the German G8 Presidency on June 8. At the summit, I will have the opportunity to present India's viewpoint on the global issues that have been identified by the G8 for special focus including climate protection, energy efficiency, and the conclusion of the Doha round of talks. Our viewpoint, and the viewpoint of much of the developing world on these issues, is that while addressing them due care must be taken not to allow growth and development prospects in the developing world to be undermined or constrained. At the summit, I will speak on issues related to climate change. I will emphasize the need not to lose sight of the fundamental and universally accepted principle of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities between the developed and developing worlds. It is also a fact that more and not less development is the best way for developing countries to address themselves to the issue of preserving the environment and protecting the climate. Prior to the meeting with leaders of the G8, the President of Mexico will host a meeting of leaders of the Outreach countries in Berlin on June 7, where we will discuss our positions on global issues that are of special relevance to the developing world. On the sidelines of both these Summit Meetings, I will also have the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with some of the leaders present, including Chancellor Merkel of Germany who is our host, other leaders of the G-8, and the leaders of China, Mexico, Nigeria as also the Secretary General of the United Nations. I look forward to my visit to Germany, and I would like to thank Chancellor Merkel for her gracious invitation for India to join in an exchange of views with the G8 countries.
PM launches EDUSAT Educational Programmes in Haryana
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: May 19, 2007 Hisar

PM launches EDUSAT Educational Programmes in Haryana Hindi Version I am happy to be here today to launch the EDUSAT Satellite based educational programmes in Haryana. I must begin by paying homage to the memory of two great Indians who are responsible for satellite based educational programmes in our country. First and foremost, I pay homage to our beloved leader and former Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi. Second, I pay homage to that great scientist, industrialist and visionary, Vikram Sarabhai. Indiraji grasped the vital role of satellite television in our vast sub-continental nation. Dr. Sarabhai emphasized its role in spreading literacy and awareness. The EDUSAT Programme is a realization of their dreams. I am seriously concerned at the slow progress of literacy in our country. We need a crash programme to increase literacy to over 80 per cent in all regions of the country. I am also concerned about the poor functioning of our government schools, especially in rural areas. The quality of education in the government school system is not satisfactory. There is a belief that the quality gap between public schools and private schools is increasing. I believe that greater effort is required to bridge this quality gap if good education is not to become a preserver of the privileged classes only. To have a high quality public schooling system, we need better teacher training and more importantly, better teaching of science and mathematics. Numeracy skills and scientific knowledge are the key to success in the knowledge economy and the EDUSAT programme can an important tool for improving science education in schools. I hope these objectives are addressed and served by the EDUSAT progrmme, I request those who are associated with the programme to ensure that the quality of programming is good. That it is both educational and entertaining. We have invested crores of rupees in good quality hardware. We must ensure that the software is equally good. Educational programmes should not be bored and dull. The television should not just become a podium from which lectures are giving. It is necessary to develop good visuals, graphics and other material that can be shown to the viewer. I hope students enjoy learning through EDUSAT. EDUSAT can also be used for a variety of purposes by district authorities, like teleconferencing, data transmission and so on. I hope the best use will be made of this technology in promoting rural development. I am happy to launch this prograqmme here. I wish you all the best. Haryana is making great strides in all walks of life and is a dynamic state of our union.
PM's speech on 150 years of first struggle for Independence
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: May 11, 2007 New Delhi

PM's speech on 150 years of first struggle for Independence Speech in Hindi Today, we have gathered to commemorate a very historical event in real sense. This day 150 years ago, a gate of Old Delhi city was thrown open for revolutionary sepoys of Meerut. From this gate only, those revolutionaries entered the city and presented  a strong challenge to the British rulers. Their slogans resonated through the city of Mughal Emperor  Bahadur Shah Zafar and Mirza Ghalib. That incident triggered a prolonged battle against foreign rule, which continued for 100 years. From that time to 1947, we struggled a great deal. The spark of 1857 which was extinguished momentarily lighted a lamp of desire for freedom in the hearts of all Indians, which continued to guide the countrymen. The most special aspect of 1857 war of independence was that in this war people from all religions, languages and regions became united. This was a war for freedom and for shaping one's own destiny. That historical moment integrated kings, Jamindars, farmers, peasants, artisans under one banner.  Perhaps, this show of unity was unprecedented in Indian history. There is no doubt about the fact that 1857 was the dazzling example of India's national unity. It was a unique instance of unity in diversity. It was a living testimony of our colourful civilisation and culture. This is what is known as 'Ganga-Jamuni culture'. Even today, sometimes, attempt is made to divide us in the name of religion. Most important facet of 1857 was that religious boundaries were obliterated, distances were removed and all Indians came to the battle-field as one. In fact, religious tolerance brought people on a single platform against Britishers. Today, we are passing through an age of economic and social transformation. India is changing along with entire world and marching ahead with great speed. I wish that our youth should understand the hardships which were faced to attain independence. I wish that every citizen should know the sacrifice that our elders made and they should understand the feelings and ideals on  which freedom struggle was based. It is the good luck of the people of this great country that such big leaders emerged here to give us a new and independent India. Come, brothers and sisters, let us work together and show our unity. We pay homage to those great  souls who gave us independence through their sacrifice, hardwork and discipline. Come, let us prove ourselves to be worthy of that independence which was attained through the continuous hardwork of our elders. Our freedom struggle is based on unity and diversity and this is also the basis of our national integration of today. Come, let us work together to create a new prosperous India. Jai Hind.
PM's speech at the Banquet hosted in honour of PM of Italy
Speaker: Dr.Manmohan Singh
Date: February 15, 2007 New Delhi

PM's speech at the Banquet hosted in honour of PM of Italy Hindi Version "It gives me great pleasure to extend a very warm welcome to you, Mr. Prime Minister, Madam Franzoni and the distinguished members of the Italian delegation. Mr. Prime Minister, we see you as an old and trusted friend of India. You are widely known and respected in India for your qualities of head and heart and for the warmth and affection you have for our country. As two ancient and great civilizations, India and Italy have immensely benefited from mutual interactions which have enriched our cultural heritage. Excellency, we recall your first visit to India as Prime Minister almost a decade ago. We see this current visit as a landmark event in our bilateral relations. We fully share the objective of increasing and diversifying our bilateral interactions in diverse fields. There are strong complementarities on both sides and we wish to leave no stone unturned to realise the full potential of our relations. I wish to extend a special word of welcome to the large Italian business delegation that is visiting India. I do hope you will get a chance to see for yourself the many opportunities the vibrant Indian economy offers. The common values we share - democracy, rule of law and respect for fundamental human freedoms - provide a basis for both countries to work together in meeting global challenges such as terrorism, proliferation, equitable and inclusive globalisation, the environment and climate change issues. We seek a strong bilateral partnership with Italy and we wish to work together as partners in various multilateral for a such as the EU, G-8, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the United Nations. The strengthening of our relations with Italy and indeed the consolidation of our strategic partnership with the EU has been in large measure due to your inspiring leadership. In fact, no other European leader has been involved so closely and has contributed so handsomely to the strengthening of relations between India and the European Union. Excellency, once again let me welcome you and Madam Franzoni to India. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, may I request you to join me in raising a toast to:- - the good health of his Excellency Prime Minister Prodi - Madam Franzoni - The well-being of the Italian people, and; - Everlasting friendship between India and Italy."