Last year I spoke about Clean India and open defecation, it was criticised then but that has been the main point with which the government has touched the lives of the people.
Bringing 17 crore people to the doors of the bank is a huge task and I commend all the bank officials for the same. It is not difficult to open a bank branch, it is difficult to get 17 crore people to open bank accounts.
I’m confident that it is with the strength of the poor that India will move forward.
Nobody wants to remain poor. Those who are poor want to move away from poverty. That is why, all our programmes must be for the poor. All our schemes must serve the poor.
India is developing because of 125 crore strong Team India. We have to end the curse of casteism, communalism with the sweetness of development.
I think toilets are more important than temples.
It is our social responsibility as citizens of India to help fulfil Gandhiji’s vision of Clean India, by his 150th birth anniversary in 2019.
I dream of making India a $20 trillion economy. For that, I am pushing for agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors.
Social media changed my thought process and connected me to the rest of the world. And as I started connecting, the world started accepting me as I was. Nothing could be more satisfying.
I have requested the corporates to evolve plans under corporate social responsibility to build clean toilets specially for girl students in schools. India should learn from foreign countries, where people are disciplined and do not litter in public places.
Let us buy atleast one product of Khadi fabric and help light a lamp of Diwali in the homes of the poor.
The government is committed towards helping the poor and neo- middle class with the success mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. It is in line with government’s vision to create a skilled and digital India.
Our space programme has overcome many hurdles. At the same time it is one of the most cost effective programmes. This should make us proud.
It is a golden chapter in the history of India’s maritime security. May INS Vikramaditya, imbibe the radiance of the sun and confidence of victory in each one of us.
Our identity in the world must change from Scam India to Skill India.
Skill development remains our priority. We are blessed with a demographic dividend that can take us to great heights.
Bodh Gaya is a land of enlightenment. Years ago, what Bodh Gaya got was Siddhartha but what Bodh Gaya gave to the world was Lord Buddha, the epitome of knowledge, peace and compassion.
They say that this century is going to be an Asian Century. I am very clear that without embracing the path and ideals shown by Gautam Buddha this century cannot be an Asian century!
All of us have to ensure that our future generations lead a life of peace, dignity and mutual respect. We need to sow the seeds of a conflict-free world, and in this endeavour, Buddhism and Hinduism have a great contribution.
I see Lord Buddha in the 21st Century across national borders, across faith systems, across political ideologies, playing the role of a bridge to promote understanding to counsel patience and to enlighten us with tolerance and empathy.