New Delhi: Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday said that, “…..Our aim is to be a Viksit Nation, Viksit Bharat by 2047. This requires an eight-fold increase in per capita income. This calls for peace on our frontiers. Economic development cannot take place if we have war-like situations. Peace is fundamental to growth and development. Peace comes from strength — strength in security, strength in economy, strength in development, and deep commitment, unflinching commitment, unqualified commitment to nationalism. I have reiterated on a number of occasions, reiterate here, national security demands unshakable, unflinching commitment to nationalism and relentless preparedness.”
Praising the execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’ Shri Dhankhar stated, “ …When India responded remarkably effectively to Pakistan’s terrorist misadventure at Pahalgam on April 22……what a precise targeting of Jaish e Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba bases in Muridke and Bahawalpur, sent a global message, a message that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave to the entire world from the heartland of Bihar. Message, terrorism will no longer go unpunished. The punishment was exemplary. Strike was deep in the territory, beyond international border, keeping in mind our ethos to target only terrorists…… No one is asking for proof because the terrorist targeted revealed the proof to the entire global fraternity because coffins were escorted by military force of that country, by political force of that country and by terrorists. A great achievement, perhaps unrivaled in the annals of democratic functioning.”
“In rapidly shifting geopolitical realities where global trade, strategic choke points, cyber threats and transnational crimes intersect, enforcing rules-based order at sea is increasingly challenging. It is becoming very important that rules-based order on sea prevails, but securing it is no less a challenge. India’s maritime security must be resilient, proactive and future-ready……Let us catch up with shipbuilding. Let us be leaders in shipbuilding. That is essential. The demands will rise. I think if I’m not mistaken, we carry 70 % of our cargo in value by ship, the demand will increase because our economy is not taking leap, it is taking quantum jump, we have to be prepared for it”, he added.
Addressing the distinguished gathering after inaugurating and dedicating 3 MW solar power plant, commercial operation of two harbour mobile cranes and covered dome for coal handling at the Mormugao port in Goa today, Shri Dhankhar underlined the significance of oceans for the nation and said, “Our Bharat today rises as both global economic force and maritime power committed to peace, sustainability and development. We are already the world’s fourth largest economy and emerging in the Indo-Pacific sector, a leader in our own right. Our oceans matter to us now more than ever before. They really matter to us for economy, for security, for sustaining our trade.”
Lauding the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shri Dhankhar stated, “ It was a delightful occasion for me, when three projects with financial outlay of about 300 crores came to be dedicated today. One facet of Narendra Modi government is, they dedicate — which means they complete fast. The Prime Minister’s passion is for development; development is his mission, and he believes in fast execution — and execution of a scale. Ladies and gentlemen, these three projects dedicated today are defining the changing profile of Bharat.
Reflecting on the recently inaugurated Vizhinjam Port, he said, “What I have seen with Kerala, secretary [Ports, Shipping &; Waterways] knows and a remarkable instance of federalism, the Prime Minister being present there, the Chief Ministers of different political parties being present there, and an important private sector group, fructifying it.”
Praising the dedication and service of the Indian Coast Guard the Vice-President said, “ Today is a special occasion for me. For three years as Governor state of West Bengal……A state that is prone to cyclones, super cyclones. I saw the dedication, performance, and commitment of the coast guards. I have come here to salute your courage and conviction. I was witness to your unwavering resolve as maritime sentinels, you are doing a wonderful job. Dear Coast Guards, I know your life is not easy. You face daunting challenges in difficult situations. The risks are many, but your commitment and dedication to duty ensures in times of crisis, there is no mortality on the high seas. In West Bengal, we had zero mortality on high seas, and cyclones were very severe — thanks to your tribe, your uniform. And then, recognition sometimes comes late. Sometimes it doesn’t come. But the love the communities have along the seashore for you is remarkable. I have seen myself. You have made a big difference in the lives of people who live alongside our seashores. The nation salutes you…….The Indian Coast Guard is both a force of steel and strategy and also conscience. Our oceans are lungs of mother earth– regulating climate, supporting housing, life and supporting biodiversity. You [Coast Guards] silently watch over Lakshadweep’s coral reefs. You watch …Sundarban’s mangroves. Olive Ridley turtles, their site where they nestle, and more important also marine mammal migration paths. You balance marine ecology by enforcing laws against illegal fishing, curbing pollution, and keeping away maritime degradation by patrolling against oil spills and toxic discharges.”
Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Shantanu Thakur, MoS Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri T.K. Ramachandran IAS, Secretary (Ports, Shipping &; Waterways), officers of the Indian coast guard, port authority and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
