India has become a nation moving towards victory from adversity, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday during the foundation stone laying ceremony of Shri Kalki Dham in Sambhal.
He congratulated Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his resolve to develop the State into a $1-trillion economy, saying that the country will progress only when every State moves forward with big dreams and resolutions like that of UP.
Speaking at the inauguration of the fourth edition of the Ground Breaking Ceremony (GBC@IV) organised at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan here, Prime Minister Modi said, “I have full faith in the power of UP and the hard work of the double engine government. I congratulate Yogi ji. Every Indian is proud that UP has decided to become a trillion-dollar economy. My advice to all the political parties of the country would be to leave politics and learn from UP and then enter the field with a similar resolve.”
The PM launched more than 14,000 projects worth more than Rs 10 lakh crore on the occasion. He also watched glimpses of the changing Uttar Pradesh through films screened at the event.
The Prime Minister said the Shri Kalki Dham temple complex, spanning five acre, will take five years to complete. It will be constructed using the pink stones of Bansi Pahadpur, similar to the ones used in the Somnath Temple and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The temple’s spire will be 108 feet high, without the use of steel or iron. It will house ten sanctums, each dedicated to one of Lord Vishnu’s avatars. Modi proclaimed the dawn of a new era, signifying the shift in the wheel of time.
Emphasising that it is a time of infinite opportunities for industries in UP, the Prime Minister said, “Exports from UP have doubled in the last few years. UP is the State with the highest number of expressways and international airports in the country. The country’s first rapid rail is running here. A large network of Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridors passes through UP. The river network is also being used for cargo ships. Transportation has become cheaper.”
The Prime Minister pointed out that seven years ago such a favourable environment for investments and creation of jobs was unimaginable because of a high crime rate, riots and snatchings, etc, across the State. “Today investment worth billions of rupees is coming into Uttar Pradesh. Work is starting on thousands of projects in Uttar Pradesh. These industries are going to change the face of UP. In the last seven years, a red carpet culture has replaced the red tape culture,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister said crime rate had dropped significantly in Uttar Pradesh and business culture had flourished with building of trust in the State’s capabilities. “There is optimism among all investors who have come here, which is a very positive sign. The double engine Government has shown that if one has the intention to bring about change, no one can stop it from happening,” he said.
The Prime Minister said there is unprecedented positivity about India all over the world. Referring to the visit to Qatar and the UAE, Modi said every country was confident about India’s development. “The whole world is considering India as a guarantee of better returns. It is often seen that when elections are near, people avoid new investments. But, even that belief has fallen apart in Uttar Pradesh today with investors around the world reposing their trust in the government’s policies and stability,” he added.
The Prime Minister said for many decades since Independence, the approach of political dispensation towards development was selective, which left a sizable population of the country yearning for basic facilities. “But the double engine Government has changed the old political thinking. We are engaged in making the life of every citizen easier. If life becomes easier, investing and doing business will also be easier,” he said.
The Prime Minister also discussed in detail the merits of Lakhpati Didi Yojana, PM SVANidhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and said that this had increased the purchasing power of the rural and urban middle class. He described the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) as the strength of UP. He also discussed the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and PM Shram Samman Yojana, mentioning his fondness for the toys of Kashi, his parliamentary constituency.
Modi said Uttar Pradesh had the potential to become a tourism hub. “Lakhs of people are coming to Kashi and Ayodhya. This is a golden opportunity for industries related to tourism sector. The upcoming Kumbh in 2025 will be a very important occasion for the economy of UP,” he said.
Discussing solar energy, the Prime Minister said the PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme would not only provide free electricity to the countrymen, but would also become a means of earning additional electricity. Lakhs of employment opportunities will be created in this sector in installation, maintenance and supply chain, he added.
The Prime Minister also called upon the entrepreneurs associated with food processing sector to take the pledge to make “Make in India” products available on every dining table in the world, with special focus on the superfood millets. “There is a good opportunity for investment in this superfood. The Government wants to make small farmers a big market force. As much as the farmer and the soil will benefit, the enterprises related to food processing will also benefit through its cultivation,” he said.
Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated and visited the exhibition organised by various industry groups here. During this, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, UP Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present with him. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed and congratulated the prime minister by presenting him an idol of Lord Ganesha.
He emphasised that despite facing invasions for centuries, India stands firm, and the sacrifices of generations are bearing fruit.
Drawing a metaphor, he likened the construction of the temple to the germination of seeds after a long monsoon, symbolising the fruition of efforts over time. Modi remarked that just as Pramod Krishna is constructing a temple here, he has been entrusted by the divine to build a temple in the form of the nation.
He expressed pride in India’s position as a global example rather than just a follower.
Highlighting advancements in innovation and IT sectors, he emphasised India’s emergence as the fifth-largest economy globally and the first country to reach the southern pole of the moon.
Operations of “Vande Bharat” and “Namo Bharat” trains have commenced, with plans for bullet trains underway, symbolising a sense of pride and progress among every citizen.
Modi subtly criticised the Opposition, drawing parallels between present-day occurrences and historical narratives. He used the example of Sudama offering rice in a pot, suggesting that if such an event happened today, it would spark controversies and legal proceedings. He also reflected on the emotional experience of witnessing the manifestation of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.
