'Service Till Last Breath': PM Modi Pledges Lifelong Dedication to India
PM Narendra Modi addresses a rally in Banaskantha, pledging lifelong service to the people and highlighting agricultural growth in Gujarat.
In an emotional address in Banaskantha, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the citizens of India, stating that he will remain dedicated to serving the people until the very last moment of his life. Emphasizing that service to people leads to service to the nation, the Prime Minister credited the common citizens for his journey from a humble background to the highest office in the country.
From Ordinary Roots to National Leadership
Reflecting on his personal journey, PM Modi spoke about his origins, noting that he comes from an ordinary family where previous generations had never even imagined holding a position as small as a village head. He expressed deep gratitude to the people for trusting him with the responsibility of leading first the state of Gujarat and subsequently the entire nation.
"A person from an ordinary family—a family whose generations had never even dreamt of becoming the head of a village—was deemed worthy by you. You entrusted me with the responsibility of serving, first Gujarat, and then the entire nation," the Prime Minister remarked.
He further asserted that the progress of Gujarat has been a cornerstone for the overall development of India, attributing all national achievements to the collective effort of his fellow countrymen.
Celebrating Banaskantha's 'Golden' Potatoes and Cooperatives
Turning his attention to the local economy, PM Modi lauded the agricultural prowess of the Banaskantha region. He specifically highlighted the global reputation of the area's potato production, jokingly remarking that no one could claim to turn potatoes into gold in Banaskantha because the farmers are already achieving that feat themselves.
The Prime Minister also praised Banas Dairy for its role in expanding the cooperative movement. He noted that the influence of Banas Dairy has reached beyond Gujarat, extending its expertise to other parts of the country, including Kashi, for which he expressed special gratitude.
Boosting Agricultural Infrastructure
To further empower the farming community, the Prime Minister discussed several key initiatives:
- Processing Capacity: The expansion of the potato processing plant will allow for larger procurement volumes, directly benefiting local farmers.
- Cluster Development Programme: The government has approved 12 clusters for various crops, including cocoa, pomegranates, oranges, onions, bananas, grapes, chillies, potatoes, and tomatoes.
- Farmer Support: This programme provides subsidies for establishing new orchards and rejuvenating old ones. Specifically, two clusters in North Gujarat are set to benefit farmers in Sabarkantha and Banaskantha.
Hitting Back at Rumour-Mongers
The Prime Minister did not mince words while addressing those he claimed were trying to destabilize the nation's morale. Amidst ongoing tensions in the Gulf, PM Modi accused certain individuals of spreading false rumours regarding shortages of gas and fertilisers to defame him and create panic.
He stated that while some people feel happy when the country faces difficulties, the government has remained steadfast in its support for the farmers. He reassured the agricultural community that despite the surge in global fertiliser prices caused by international tensions, the Indian government ensured that the financial burden did not fall on the farmers.