New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the World Hindu Economic Forum in Mumbai on Friday. Chief ministers of several states are participating in the event. The opening speech was delivered by Fadnavis. Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will also give a speech in the afternoon during the programme. On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will render a speech, and the day after, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will address the audience.
What Fadnavis said in his speech
Inaugurating the event, the Maharashtra CM thanked the organisers for choosing Mumbai to host the event. He said, “Western countries believe in the concept of survival of the fittest. However, Hindus believe that whoever is born will live, and society will ensure their survival. India did not rely on colonialism for economic progress; instead, our thinking is rooted in ‘Purushartha’ (purpose of being a human being or human effort). We have always respected what the king gave.”
He pointed out that Hindus are often taunted by saying that their growth rate is as slow as that of the footsteps of an ant. But the Hindu growth rate will show the world the way, Fadnavis asserted.
“We are moving towards becoming the third-largest economy. A country with such a large population and human resources can achieve progress. The foundation for this was laid by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking New India forward.”
“India’s development journey has accelerated under the leadership of the Prime Minister, bringing economic and social upliftment. The Prime Minister has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty. By 2030, we will have a 7 trillion economy. Maharashtra can become a trillion-economy state by 2028-30,” the Maharashtra Chief Minister underlined.
He pointed out: “Today, as we talk about development, India must become a key part of the global supply chain. We are creating an AI Speed Highway and have developed the ‘Samriddhi Highway’ in five years. India’s container traffic is highest at JNPT, handling 60% of port traffic. But now, there is also the much larger Vadhavan Port, three times bigger than JNPT. As much as 49% of infrastructure work is happening only in Maharashtra. The benefit of technology is that it is inclusive. Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing harmony.” Fadnavis concluded his speech with “Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra!”
