New Delhi: At Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke about the future of India, particularly focusing on the Northeast. He began by paying tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution, on the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
PM Modi highlighted the lasting influence of the Constitution, saying, “The Constitution made by Baba Saheb, the 75 years of experience of the Constitution, is a great inspiration for every citizen of the country.” On behalf of all citizens, the Prime Minister offered his respects to Baba Saheb, saying, “I pay tribute to Baba Saheb and salute him.”
What PM Modi said about global dynamics
The event also marked a significant moment for the Northeast, as PM Modi pointed out the region’s growing importance. He emphasized the opportunity for farmers, artisans, and craftsmen in the region, as well as for global investors. “This is the first and unique event when the doors of investment are opening in the Northeast on such a large scale,” he said.
PM Modi further spoke about the changing global dynamics, particularly the shift towards Asia. He said, “The Western world has played a huge role in India’s growth story. After this west-centric period, it’s said that the 21st century belongs to the East. It belongs to Asia. It belongs to India.” He added with confidence, “I’m convinced that that time will belong especially to Eastern India.”
PM Modi said this about major cities
The Prime Minister also highlighted the emergence of major cities in India in recent decades, such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi, and predicted that cities in the Northeast would see similar growth in the coming years. “In the coming decades, we are going to see new potential in cities like Agartala, Guwahati, Gangtok, Aizawl, Shillong, Itanagar, and Kohima,” he said. PM Modi emphasized the role of events like Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in helping the region unlock its potential.
The Prime Minister touched upon the immense natural resources available in Northeast India, including minerals, oil, and biodiversity, which hold promise for future development. He said, “Natural resources are plentiful in northeast India. There is an amazing confluence of minerals, oil, and biodiversity in the northeast. It has huge potential for renewable energy.” He described the region as being blessed with “Dhanlaxmi” and praised Sikkim for being the first state to be declared entirely organic.
PM Modi also acknowledged the long-standing neglect of the Northeast by previous governments, particularly in terms of development. He pointed out that the region, with fewer votes and seats, was often left behind. “For a long time we have seen how development was measured by the number of votes. The Northeast had fewer votes, fewer seats, so development there was not given attention by previous governments,” he said.
Under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a separate ministry for the Northeast was established, and in recent years, efforts have been made to bridge the gap between Delhi and the region. “During Atal Ji’s government, a separate ministry was created for the development of the Northeast. In the last decade, we have tried to reduce the feeling of distance between Delhi and the heart,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi highlights development in education, healthcare sectors
The Prime Minister also highlighted the development in the education and healthcare sectors. The Northeast is home to institutions like IIT Guwahati, NIT Silchar, and NIT Meghalaya, which have played a key role in shaping modern India. “Many of the educational centres are located in northeast India, which helped build modern India,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi also spoke about the region’s improvements in healthcare, mentioning that the Northeast got its first AIIMS and that the first National Sports University of the country is being built in Manipur. The region has also seen significant progress in peace agreements, with historic accords signed in recent years. “In the past decade, several historic peace agreements have been signed in the North East,” PM Modi said.
He added that border disputes between the states have been resolved amicably, contributing to a decrease in violence. “There has been a decrease in cases of violence in the Northeast. AFSPA has been removed from many districts,” the Prime Minister said, further emphasizing the positive changes in the region.
PM Modi urged everyone to work together for a bright future. “We have to write a new future for Ashtalakshmi together. The government is taking every step for this,” he said.
