PM’s speech at the launch of various development initiatives in Mehsana, Gujarat
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 30 Oct, 2023

Bharat Mata ki – Jai, Bharat Mata ki – Jai, What happened? Speak a bit louder so that your voice reaches even Ambaji. Bharat Mata ki – Jai, Bharat Mata ki – Jai, Present on the stage are the popular Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai, along with all other ministers, my colleagues in the Parliament, the President of the Gujarat BJP, C.R. Patil, other Members of Parliament, legislators, members of the tehsil and district panchayats, and a large number of my dear family members from Gujarat. How’s my Khakharia Tappa doing? First of all, I express my gratitude to the Chief Minister and the government of Gujarat for giving me the opportunity to be among you and have this moment of seeing familiar faces from my school days. Meeting all of you and revisiting old memories when I step into your homes brings immense joy and satisfaction. Accepting the debt of the land and the people who have made me warms my heart whenever I get the chance. So, today is an occasion for me to acknowledge this debt. Today, i.e. October 30, and tomorrow, October 31, both days are inspirational for all of us. Today is the death anniversary of Govind Guruji, who led the Adivasis (tribal communities) in the struggle for independence and defeated the British. And tomorrow is the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Our generation has expressed profound respect for Sardar Saheb, and the heads of the coming generations will not be bowed but their heads will be held high when they see the Statue of Unity. Each person standing at the feet of Sardar Saheb will not bow their heads; their heads will be held high. That work has been done there. Guru Govindji devoted his entire life to the service of Mother India in the struggle for independence and in the service of the Adivasi community. His dedication to service and patriotism was so intense that he established the tradition of sacrifices. He himself became a symbol of sacrifice. I am pleased that my government has established the Mangarh Dham in memory of Guru Govindji, which is in the tribal belt of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. We celebrate his memory at the national level. My dear family members, I had the opportunity to seek blessings at the feet of Maa Amba before I came here. I was delighted to see the radiance of Maa Amba and the splendor of her place. I’ve heard that you have been actively involved in cleanliness for the past week. I extend my congratulations to you and the colleagues of the government for the cleanliness campaign at Ambaji. May the blessings of Maa Amba always be upon us. I also mentioned it in my Mann Ki Baat program yesterday the way development work is happening at the Gabbar Hill, the grandeur it is displaying. Truly extraordinary work is being done. The blessings of Maa Amba, along with the inauguration of development projects worth almost 6,000 crores today, are a momentous occasion. This project is aimed at strengthening the fate of farmers. It is an excellent use of connectivity for the development of North Gujarat by connecting it with the country. All the districts around Mehsana, be it Patan, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Mahisagar, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, are a treasure trove of development projects. The rapid pace of work will directly benefit the development of this region, bringing happiness to so many people. I want to congratulate the people of Gujarat for the development work. My dear family members, The global discourse today revolves around the development story of Bharat. Is it happening or not? Say it loudly. Is the entire world discussing whether Bharat is progressing or not? And you must have seen Bharat recently successfully landed Chandrayaan on the moon. Even a person from a village, someone who hasn’t even been to school, aged 80-90, feels that Bharat has done something significant by reaching the moon. No other country in the world has reached where our Bharat has. Among the G20 nations, perhaps there hasn’t been as much discussion as there has been about the achievements of Bharat. No person can claim not to know about the G20. Even if they don’t know about T20 cricket, but such an environment has been created where everyone knows about the G20. Leaders from around the world went to different corners of Bharat during the G20 summit, and the world was amazed witnessing the glory of Bharat and the capabilities of its people. The leaders from around the world developed curiosity about Bharat in their minds. The entire world is watching the strength and capability of Bharat. Today, modern infrastructure is being built at an unprecedented rate in Bharat. Whether it’s roads, railways, or airports, investments are happening in every corner of Bharat and Gujarat. It was hardly there just a few years ago, my friends. Today, monumental work is happening. But you know one thing very well, my brothers and sisters. You are well aware of the significant development projects and the courageous decisions being made in the last few years. The work has been carried out efficiently and swiftly, contributing to Gujarat’s advancement. Today you would not be feeling that the Prime Minister of the country has come among you. You would be feeling that your own Narendra Bhai is amongst you. What could be better than this? Once Narendra Bhai makes a commitment, he ensures its fulfillment. As you all know, the rapid development happening in the country today is leading to the applause and discussions worldwide. The root cause of that is the power of millions and millions of people in this country who have established a stable government in the country. And we have the experience in Gujarat. We were able to make one decision after another in Gujarat due to the stability of the government and due to the majority in Gujarat. As a result, Gujarat has benefited from it. In areas where there was a shortage of natural resources, if someone had to give his daughter, he would think a hundred times. The region, which was grappling with water scarcity, today it’s progressing on the path of development.  In its roots lies the strength. There was a time when we had nothing but a dairy. And today there is development all around. At that time, the issue was the scarcity of drinking water. There was no irrigation water, and a significant portion of North Gujarat was stuck in a dark zone. The water level was deep, almost a thousand to twelve hundred feet below the ground. The tube wells would often get clogged, and the motors would frequently break down. We faced numerous challenges, but we emerged victorious from those difficulties. Earlier, farmers struggled to get even one good harvest. Today, they have the assurance of two or three harvests, my friends. Faced with this situation, we resolved to transform life in North Gujarat. We aimed to revitalize North Gujarat, expand the river, and bring about a transformation in the tribal areas. We took significant steps in this direction and emphasized connectivity. Whether it was about water supply or irrigation, we prioritized it. We invested our full effort in the development of agriculture. As a result, Gujarat is gradually progressing towards industrial development. Our goal was to provide employment to the people of North Gujarat itself. When I was studying, if you asked anyone in a village what they did, they would say, “I am a teacher.” If you inquired further, they would say, “I work in Kutch.” In many villages, two or five teachers would often go to work on the outskirts of Gujarat. This was because there was no employment here. Today, the flag of industry is flying high. Narmada water, the water that used to flow into the sea, has now reached our fields. Mentioning Mother Narmada brings a sense of holiness, and today Mother Narmada has reached every household. The youth of 20-25 years today probably doesn’t know the hardships their parents faced. Gujarat has been transformed to a state where they might not witness any difficulties. We initiated the Sujalam-Sufalam scheme, and I repeatedly express my gratitude to the farmers of North Gujarat for providing the land for it. A canal of approximately 500 kilometers was constructed without any legal disputes. People donated land for the canal, and water started flowing, raising the water level. Such an arrangement has been made so that maximum water is provided to the Sabarmati region. We constructed six barrages. We worked for it. And the inauguration of one of these barrages has taken place today. This is going to significantly benefit farmers and hundreds of villages. My family members, The irrigation projects have indeed been effective. However, the irrigation coverage in North Gujarat has increased several times in the last 20-22 years. I’m delighted that when I initially told the people of North Gujarat that we would need to adopt drip irrigation, they were skeptical and resistant. They would pull my hair, get angry, and ask, “What good will come out of this?” Now, every district in North Gujarat has started using drip irrigation, micro-irrigation, and new techniques, resulting in improved possibilities for various crops for North Gujarat farmers. Today, almost 70 per cent of Banaskantha has adopted micro-irrigation. The benefits of such irrigation and new technology are also reaching the drought-prone areas of Gujarat. Where farmers once struggled and crops barely thrived, today, wheat, castor, and chickpeas have given way to a variety of new crops. They are now cultivating Rabi crops and cash crops like ‘Saunf’(fennel), ‘Jeera’ (cumin), and ‘Isabgol’ (psyllium husk) are being hailed all around. You’ll remember Isabgol. After the outbreak of COVID, the world discussed two things—‘Haldi’ (turmeric) and our Isabgol. Today, 90 per cent of the world’s Isabgol is processed in North Gujarat, and it is gaining recognition internationally. Its usage is increasing among people. Today, North Gujarat is advancing in the production of fruits, vegetables, and potatoes. Everything from potatoes and carrots to mangoes, amla, pomegranates, guavas, and lemons is being grown here. We have undertaken tasks that are deeply rooted, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. And it’s because of these efforts that we are living a prosperous life. And the potatoes from North Gujarat are gaining fame worldwide. When I was here (as Chief Minister), central companies used to come to inquire about potatoes, and today, export-quality potatoes are being produced in North Gujarat. French fries made from these potatoes are now being exported abroad. Today, Deesa is emerging as a hub of potatoes and organic farming with a growing demand. Large processing plants for potatoes have been established in Banaskantha, benefiting the farmers who have turned the sandy soil into gold. An Agro Food Park was established in Mehsana, and we are now progressing to establish a Mega Food Park in Banaskantha. My family members, In North Gujarat, my sisters and mothers used to travel 5-10 kilometers with pots on their heads to fetch water. Today, water is flowing into our homes through taps. I’ve always received the blessings of my sisters and mothers, and not only in Gujarat but I cannot even imagine the extent of the blessings received from sisters and mothers across every corner of Bharat. The basic facilities like water and toilets, the campaign for water conservation, all of this has progressed under the leadership of the sisters. We have also laid special emphasis on the campaigns to provide water to every household and water conservation. As a result, water is reaching homes in Gujarat, and the work of providing water to homes across Bharat is ongoing. The ‘Har Ghar Jal’ campaign has transformed the lives of millions, whether in tribal areas, hilly regions, or small villages. My dear family members, The significant involvement of my sisters in the dairy sector is noteworthy. It can be said that the operation of our Gujarat dairies is a result of the hard work put in by my mothers and sisters. Due to the development in the dairy sector, there is now stability in the household income, with a substantial contribution from my mothers and sisters. Despite not having a massive setup, their strength lies in managing a straightforward business of 50 lakh crores of milk. Last year, hundreds of new animal hospitals were established in North Gujarat, a testament to our understanding of its importance. We are focusing on maintaining the well-being of animals, ensuring they receive quality care, and aiming to increase our livestock’s milk production. By doing so, we are progressing without the need to keep four animals for the same amount of milk that can be obtained from two. In the past two decades, we have formed more than 800 new cooperative dairy societies in Gujarat. Whether it’s Banas Dairy, Dudhsagar Dairy, Sabar Dairy, their unprecedented expansion is remarkable. People from both within the country and abroad come to witness our dairy model. In addition to milk, we have established large processing centers to provide farmers with other products as well. My family members, Farmers in the dairy sector are well aware of the significant wealth that livestock represents for them. Just as in the case of COVID, where Modi Saheb sent free vaccines and saved countless lives, your son has worked not only for people but also for the vaccination of animals. A campaign for free vaccination of animals worth approximately 15 thousand crore rupees is underway. I request a vast number of farmers and livestock keepers who are here to ensure that their animals are vaccinated, as it is highly beneficial for their lives. Vaccination should be done. Not only does milk sell, but now there is also a business in cow dung, providing additional income to farmers. We are actively involved in the Gobar Dhan initiative, contributing to the nationwide effort. In Banas Dairy, we have even started a CNG plant using cow dung. Gobar Dhan plants are now being set up everywhere. The beginning of bio-gas and bio-CNG is happening, and a significant biofuel campaign is also running in the country. This is generating income from the waste produced by my farmers’ fields, and work is also progressing in generating electricity from cow dung. We are advancing in the direction of making electricity from cow dung. My dear family members, The progress that North Gujarat is experiencing today is a result of continuous development efforts day and night. A few decades ago, we thought that no industries could thrive in North Gujarat. However, now the entire region, from Viramgam to Mandal, and from Bahucharaji to Mehsana, is witnessing industrial growth. This industrial growth is happening in North Gujarat and also in Randhanpur. The automobile industry has expanded throughout this area, from Mandal to Bahucharaji, providing employment opportunities. Previously, people from North Gujarat had to go outside for jobs, and now people from other places are coming to North Gujarat for employment. Such is the situation now. This transformation has occurred within ten years of industrialization. Today the income has doubled. There is also development in the pharmaceutical and engineering industries in Mehsana. Banaskantha and Sabarkantha are advancing in the direction of ceramics. When I was young, I used to hear that the soil around Sardarpur was taken out for ceramics. Today, efforts are being made to utilize that land for ceramic production. My dear family members, The country is set to progress significantly through green hydrogen in the near future, with a substantial contribution from North Gujarat. New employment opportunities are emerging in this sector, and now the region is gaining recognition as a crucial hub for solar energy. You’ve witnessed it in Modhera, the Solar Village, but now the entire North Gujarat is rapidly advancing with the power of solar energy. First in Padana, then the construction of a solar plant in Banaskantha, and now Modhera operates 24 hours with solar energy. North Gujarat is reaping the benefits of solar power. The government’s rooftop solar policy, encouraging solar installation on individual homes, not only provides free electricity but also allows individuals to sell excess electricity back to the government. We have worked in this direction, ensuring that people not only get free electricity in their homes but also have the opportunity to sell surplus electricity to the government. In the past, people had to pay for electricity, but now the people of Gujarat can sell electricity. We are progressing in this direction. Friends, A significant amount of work has been done for the railways today, with Gujarat receiving projects worth more than 5,000 crores. The Mehsana-Ahmedabad dedicated corridor, a massive project, is underway, and its inauguration has taken place. It is going to benefit this region immensely. This will enhance connectivity to ports such as Pipavav, Porbandar, and Jamnagar. The development pace of Gujarat will increase, benefiting farmers, livestock keepers, and industries. This, in turn, opens up the possibility of expanding industries in the region. Logistics hubs and large storage sectors are expected to emerge in North Gujarat, providing significant strength to the logistics sector. My family members, In the past 9 years, approximately 2500 kilometers of the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors have been completed. This benefits everyone here, be it passenger trains or freight trains, and arrangements have been made for its benefits to reach the last station. The advantage of the freight corridor is that trucks and tankers carrying goods take a considerable amount of time and are expensive when transported on roads. Now, with the dedicated freight corridor, the speed will increase, and large trucks loaded with goods can be transported on trains. In Banas, you might have seen trucks loaded with milk being transported on top of trains. This saves time, prevents spoilage of milk, and helps increase the income of farmers. Tankers carrying milk from the farmers in this region are reaching up to Palanpur, Haryana, and Rewari. Friends, With the doubling of the Viramgam-Samakhiali railway line on the Kadosan Road, Bahucharaji rail line will also benefit from improved connectivity, ensuring faster movement of vehicles. Friends, the possibilities are vast in North Gujarat as far as tourism is concerned. Vadnagar, with its historical significance similar to Kashi, has become an immortal city. Just like Kashi, Vadnagar has retained its population through every era. After Kashi, Vadnagar is a city that has never faced destruction. The excavation work has revealed significant historical findings, attracting tourists from around the world. We should take full benefit from this tourism. The rail line connecting Rajasthan and Gujarat through the Taranga Hill and Ambaji-Abu Road railway line is going to be a game-changer, and its expansion from here is going to be extensive. The broad-gauge line will connect directly to Delhi from here, linking with the nation. This connectivity will lead to the development of the tourism sector in places like Taranga, Ambaji, and Dharoi. The industrial development in this region, coupled with the growth of the tourism sector, will be greatly influenced by this railway line. It will provide excellent rail connectivity up to Ambaji, making travel easier for pilgrims from Delhi, Mumbai, and all across the country. My family members, You may recall that I used to discuss Kutch. There was a time when no one wanted to take Kutch’s name, and today Kutch is echoing in the world with the celebration of the Rann Utsav. The tourists preferring best village tourism prefer our Dhordo. Similarly, our Nadabet (Indo-Pak border village) is also going to emerge as a major tourism center and we need to promote it as well. My point is that today, as I am among you, I am here among the new youth generation, I would like to tell you that we are working for the bright future of Gujarat, the bright future of the country, and there are dedicated efforts for the overall well-being of Gujarat. I will take the blessings of the soil of Gujarat, from where I have grown, and move forward with a new strength. I will work much harder than before, at a pace much faster than before because your love and blessings are my energy and strength. The dream for Gujarat and the country is to be a developed nation by 2047 when we celebrate 100 years of independence, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s major nations. We have undertaken significant efforts for this vision. I am here among all the respected senior people and family members of this land, seeking your blessings so that I can work with full dedication, accomplish more, and contribute wholeheartedly to this aspiration. With this expectation, speak with me. Bharat Mata ki – Jai, Bharat Mata ki – Jai, Bharat Mata ki – Jai, Thank you very much !