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Substantial contribution by Shri Sharad Pawar as Agriculture Minister led to India’s success in agricultural production, says President

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
President's Secretariat
10-December-2015 20:23 IST

Substantial contribution by Shri Sharad Pawar as Agriculture Minister led to India’s success in agricultural production, says President
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended a felicitation function organized on the occasion of 75th birthday of Shri Sharad Pawar today (December 10, 2015) in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President described Shri Pawar as one of the outstanding political leaders of our time. During his tenure as Minister for Agriculture, the country witnessed record levels of agricultural production. The policies he initiated played a significant role in India becoming one of the largest producers of wheat and rice and turning from a net importer to exporter.

The President thanked Shri Pawar for bringing together the entire cross section of Indian political leadership on the occasion of his birthday and said this reflects the inherent strength of Indian democracy wherein political leaders do come together on occasion irrespective of party, ideology and approach. The President said the fact that Shri Pawar has an uninterrupted legislative career since 1967 shows how acceptable he is to the people and the confidence that he enjoys amongst the public. He was greatly surprised when Shri Pawar who had been Defence Minister earlier asked in 2004 for the Agriculture portfolio. But, he later realized how wise Shri Pawar’s decision was in this regard.

The President complimented Shri Pawar for converting his constituency, Baramati into a prosperous area by use of technology even though it was devoid of any natural resources, including water. He said Baramati is now a model which could be replicated anywhere. The President also recalled that Mumbai blasts took place within a week of Shri Pawar returning to Maharashtra as Chief Minister in 1993. He brought back normalcy to the economic centre of India within a short time and the media applauded his performance with the heading ‘Salaam Bombay, Salaam Pawarji’.

Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Speaker Lok Sabha Smt. Sumitra Mahajan and leaders of different political parties attended the function.

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AKT/SH/VK

Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha visits Malaysia

 

            The Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee(COSC)  and the Chief of the Air staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha is on a three day visit to Malaysia for the SASEAN Defence Chiefs dialogue from Sunday.

 

            Air Chief Marshal Raha on Monday addressed the gathering of fellow Defence Chiefs from ASEAN, SAARC and the observers from China, Russia and United States of America. The topic of the talk was on “Addressing Dynamic Challenges’ from the perspective of Indian Armed Forces.

 

            While talking on the subject  on ‘Regional Security Environment’, the Air Chief said a broad scan of the evolving geo-political environment clearly indicates a pre-eminent shift  in Global strategic centre of gravity to the Asian - Pacific regions. As India is strategically located in South Asia the Air Chief said, “We hope to see increased cooperation and collective action to exchange information, build infrastructure and strengthen capabilities.  In this manner, we would  gain from each others strengths and understand each other better towards lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the ASEAN region”.

 

            The Air chief further said, “Indian Armed Forces being the 3rd largest military force has the largest volunteers Army.   The professionalism and the apolitical nature of the Indian Armed Forces is a major stabilising factor in the Indian Subcontinent. The terrain and climate in India is quite diverse and offers a unique opportunity to our Armed Forces to train and operate in some of the most hostile environments in the world. India has the highest  air field in the world, DBO in the Mighty Himalayas which is at an elevation of 17,000 feet, 2 lakh square Kms of Deserts, inhospitable tropical forest in the North East, and  vast coast line with added challenges posed by high humidity, salinity  and corrosion.”

            Speaking on the challenges the Air Chief spoke on exploitation of technology by the Armed Forces mentioning that the DRDO is working towards self reliance in defence systems and strategic independence.  While talking on promoting affordable and cogent Military solutions, India has decided to accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing through its ‘Make in India’ initiative.  He continued to say that it has already given a boost to the Indian Defence industries for manufacture of Ships, Artillery Guns, Aircraft, repair and overhaul, Radars, sensors, communication system etc.

 

  He further elaborated, “The next dynamic challenge in HADR which is closely linked with the theme of the day. Indian Armed Forces have  rendered invaluable assistance during floods, cyclones, earthquakes, forest fires and evacuations To give an idea of the magnitude of relief work undertaken in 2014 -15 itself, the Indian Armed Forces have airlifted more than 6500 tonnes of supplies and  38000 passengers. The Indian Armed Forces have adapted to short notice requirement to provide immediate succour to the affected along with NDRF with systematic procedures and techniques in place”.

            While concluding his talk, the Air chief after speaking on indigenization and conduct of HADR operations, he envisioned that the Indian Armed Forces are operating state-of-art platforms and equipment, with cutting edge technology and a large indigenous content.  He further said that our Armed Forces are transforming into a modern, flexible and credible Power with Full Spectrum Capability to safeguard India’s National Interests and Objectives. In the end he said, “We wish to collaborate and engage effectively with SASEAN nations to enhance the security of our region and further our mutual interests of economic development and progress”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RCD/MKS

 

 

President Awards Standards to 18 Squadron and 22 Squadron

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
28-November-2015 16:50 IST

President Awards Standards to 18 Squadron and 22 Squadron
1. The Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, has awarded the prestigious President’s Standard to No 18 Squadron and No 22 Squadron today at a grand and befitting ceremonial parade at Air Force Station Hasimara. The President’s Standard is awarded to operational Units based on their past record and achievements during peace as well as hostilities. The Commanding Officer of No 18 Squadron, Group Captain KJ Singh and the Commanding Officer of No 22 Squadron Group Captain Sandeep Singh received the Standards. The Parade was commanded by Group Captain KJ Singh, CO 18 Sqn.

2. 18 Squadron AF was formed at Ambala on 15 April 1965 with five Gnat aircraft and eleven pilots under the command of Wg Cdr AL Michael. The Squadron is endowed with a rich history and a formidable operational legacy. The Squadron took on the role of the ‘Defenders of Kashmir Valley’ during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and carried out extensive flying towards escort duties and also mounted a near continuous day time Combat Air Patrol. On 14 December 1971, fighting bravely & valiantly, alone in his Gnat, against PAF Sabres, Flying Officer NJS Sekhon laid down his life. He was decorated posthumously with the highest gallantry award of the nation, the ‘PARAM VIR CHAKRA’ for sublime heroism, supreme gallantry, flying skill and determination above and beyond the call of duty displayed in the face of certain death. 18 Squadron remains the only Squadron of the IAF with a PVC awardee. The Squadron operated an improved version of Gnat ‘The Ajeet’ from May 1980 onwards. In 1981, Sqn Ldr Rahul Dhar was awarded ‘SHAURYA CHAKRA’ for carrying out a dead stick landing after an engine seizure. The Squadron bid farewell to ‘Ajeets’ in December 1988 at Bagdogra.The Squadron was resurrected at Hindon with the formidable MiG-27 ML aircraft in June 1989, thus entering the supersonic era. In 1996 the Squadron moved from Hindon to Kalaikunda and soon after it was designated as the first dedicated Night Strike Squadron of IAF. In January 2010, Flt Lt M Arora was awarded ‘SHAURYA CHAKRA’ for recovering an aircraft after a canopy burst at an altitude of 10.5 km during a supersonic run, despite grievous injuries and hostile environmental conditions in the cockpit. The Squadron has also participated in several international exercises at Kalaikunda with the French Air Force, United States’ Air Force, Royal Singapore Air Force and Royal Air Force. In the year 2013, the Unit was additionally entrusted with the task of towing the banner target for air to air firing and on 19 September 2014 the Squadron finally moved to its present location, Hasimara. Since its inception, the ‘Flying Bullets’ has received three Shaurya Chakras, one Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), nine Vayu Sena Medals and four Mention-in-Dispatches in addition to the Param Vir Chakra awarded to Flying Officer NJS Sekhon.

3. 22 Squadron Air Force, then called as the ‘Hell’s Angels’ was raised on 15 Oct 1966 at Air Force Station Bareilly as the eighth Gnat Squadron of the IAF. In December 1969, the Squadron moved to Kalaikunda where it was tasked for Air Defence Role during the 1971 war. Here, the Squadron drew first blood for IAF by shooting down three intruding F-86 Sabre jets in a single four aircraft mission on 22 Nov 71. Thus the ‘Hell’s Angels’ found a special niche in the history of Indian aerial combat when they proved their mettle as the most successful and destructive fighter Squadron of the IAF in the 1971 War. For its daring performance, the Squadron was re-christened as the ‘Sabre Slayers’. All three pilots who shot down the F-86 Sabres; Flt Lt MA Ganapathy, Flt Lt RA Massey and Fg Offr D Lazarus, were awarded Vir Chakras. The Squadron was awarded Battle Honours during the Indo Pak conflict of 1971 for “Air Offensive for Liberation of Bangladesh”. In April 1986, the Squadron received its official crest and was renamed as ‘SWIFTS’, the Squadron motto being “COURAGE TRIUMPHS”. In February 1990, the Squadron converted to the MiG-27 ML aircraft at Hasimara. The Squadron was deployed for Op Vijay in 1999 and for Op Parakram in 2001-02. On 08 August 2001, ‘SWIFTS’ became the first fighter Squadron to land at Lengpui airfield in Mizoram. The Squadron was relocated to Kalaikunda in the year 2012, but moved back to Hasimara in August 2014. In the recent years, the Squadron has won various air to ground gunnery competition trophies and has participated in various international exercises with foreign Air Forces thus remaining at the forefront of professional excellence. The number of honours and awards which have been bestowed on the unit and its personnel bear a testimony to this fact. The Squadron continues to render yeoman service to the nation in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force. The Commodore Commandant of 22 Sqn, Air Mshl PP Reddy Vayusena Medal ADC, CISC and Air Vice Marshal TD Joseph Vayusena Medal Vishist Seva Medal, AOC Adv HQ Pune, Commodore Commandant of 18 Sqn have graced the occasion.

4. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayusena Medal, Aide-de-Camp, Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, Air Marshal C Hari Kumar Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal BBP Sinha Air Officer-in-Charge Administration along with other senior defence and civilian dignitaries witnessed the ceremony. The President also released a First Day cover for No 18 Squadron and No 22 Squadron during the ceremony.

5. Speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of the Award Ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff welcomed the media fraternity on this momentous occasion. The Chief of the Air Staff responded large number of questions from media ranging from replacement of old weapon systems to the modernisation programme and induction of women in fighter stream in the IAF.

RCD/MKS

Indian Air Force winds up Tamil Nadu Relief Operations

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
08-December-2015 18:21 IST

Indian Air Force winds up Tamil Nadu Relief Operations
1. Chennai is slowly regaining normalcy, as the flood waters recede. The Tamil Nadu Govt has asked the Indian Air Force (IAF) to conclude its relief operations. Undertaken amidst heavy rains, these operations were carried out over five days, from 02 December to 06 December 2015.

2. The IAF had responded swiftly to the flood crisis in the Chennai region, commencing operations at dawn on 02 December 2015, even as the rains continued. It mounted rescue and relief operations from Air Force Station Tambaram & Arakkonam. IAF’s transport aircraft were pressed into service, comprising of C-17, C-130, IL-76 and AN-32 and flew 40 sorties. IAF airlifted 30 National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams and five Indian Army columns into the affected areas. These aircraft also evacuated 770 stranded civilian passengers to Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi. Also, 281 tons of relief material was airlifted, including suction pumps and boats.

3. Simultaneously, 13 IAF helicopters were utilised in the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief effort. Chennai’s civil airport at Meenambakkam was rendered inoperative due to floods. The helicopters used the nearby IAF Base at Tambaram. Tambaram was also flooded, but could, however, support helicopter operations.These IAF helicopters operated under difficult conditions, in rain and in marginal weather. Flying 195 sorties, they airlifted 450 stranded people, including women, infants and senior citizens. 37 tons of relief material such as food and water were air dropped.

4. IAF operations ceased by the evening of 06 December 2015. As the flood waters abate, this latest Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief effort of the IAF has brought succour to the lives of residents of the Chennai.

RCD/BRB

LRSAM Successfully Flight-Tested

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
27-November-2015 22:05 IST

LRSAM Successfully Flight-Tested

For the first time, Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM), jointly designed and developed by IAI, Israel and DRDO, has been successfully flight tested from an Israeli Naval Platform. The missile successfully engaged and destroyed the incoming air target.

All the subsystems of the missile performed as predicted and achieved the desired goal of hitting the incoming target. DRDO has designed and developed Dual Pulse Propulsion System and other safe arm mechanisms for Solid Propulsion system for the first time. This test from Israel Naval Platform achieved the major milestone in proving the missile system with complete participation of the Ship Borne Tracking Equipment etc.

The missile configuration is same for both LRSAM/MRSAM. Further Operational Flight Trials (O.F.T) will be conducted shortly from Indian Naval Platform before induction into the service.

LRSAM will be inducted into Indian Naval Ships (P-15A).

The LRSAM programme consists of Missiles, MFSTAR (Radar), Weapon Control System, Vertical Launcher unit and Two- way data link.

Sitanshu Kar/

Army Flood Relief in Chennai - Update on 07 Dec

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
07-December-2015 17:36 IST

Army Flood Relief in Chennai - Update on 07 Dec
The Army has over 61 Teams in Tamil Nadu undertaking Rescue and Relief Operations in co-ordination with the Civil Administration. The teams from Chennai as well as those from Hyderabad, Bangalore & Delhi have rescued more than 19,500 stranded people. Four Army Medical Teams are also providing Medical Aid in various parts of Chennai. So far, the Army has distributed more than 1,00,000 Relief Packets provided by the State Govt and some NGOs besides those from within own resources.

Ten Rescue and Relief teams out of the above effort along with two medical teams of the Army have also been located at Cuddalore and Bhuvanagiri for immediate action as required by the State Administration. The focus has now shifted to relief operations and rendering of medical aid in coordination with the agencies involved including Civil Administration and NGOs.

Col Rohan Anand, SM PRO (Army)

Workshop on Minimal Access Cardiac Surgery at Army Hospital (Research & Referral)

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
27-November-2015 17:59 IST

Workshop on Minimal Access Cardiac Surgery at Army Hospital (Research & Referral)
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi is conducting a two day workshop from 27 to 28th Nov 2015 on the issue of ‘Minimal Access Cardiac Surgery’ with the theme being “Small is Beautiful”.

About 50 cardiac surgeons and anesthesiologists from all over the country are attending the workshop, which was inaugurated on 27 November 2015 by Lt Gen M K Unni, Director General Medical Services (Army), an eminent cardiac surgeon himself.

Cardiac Surgery carried out with a small incision has come of age and more and more surgeons are embarking on this technique. This technique affords early recovery of the patient with less invasion without compromising on patient safety.

Brig R Kaushik, Consultant & HOD stated that the aim of the workshop is to train surgeons in this new technique and bring about a change in their mindset so that they can incorporate this in their armamentarium.

Col Rohan Anand, SM
PRO (Army)

President’s message on the eve of Armed Forces Flag Day

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
President's Secretariat
06-December-2015 16:52 IST

President’s message on the eve of Armed Forces Flag Day
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has issued the following message on the eve of Armed Forces Flag Day.

In his message, the President has said, “I am happy to learn that the Armed Forces Flag Day 2015 is being celebrated on December 7, 2015.

This Day reminds us of our responsibility towards the Armed Forces for their contributions to our motherland. Our Armed Forces have been serving the nation with great distinction both during war and peace. They have consistently displayed the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in every task entrusted to them. Our Armed Forces have ensured the protection of our territorial integrity, fought the scourge of terrorism and provided succour to fellow citizens in times of natural calamities.

On this occasion, I pay my respect to all those gallant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and will remain the pride of the nation. I call upon all citizens to voluntarily contribute towards the noble cause of rehabilitation of war widows, disabled defence personnel, ex-servicemen and their families. I wish the Flag Day celebrations every success”.

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AKT/SH

DRDO Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness – A Curtain Raiser

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
27-November-2015 18:02 IST

DRDO Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness – A Curtain Raiser
DRDO is organising a one day workshop on 28 November 2015 with the objective to showcase technologies and products developed indigenously by the organisation which can be readily adopted or customized for disaster management. The use of these technologies will help in reduction of socio- economic and environmental impact of disasters. DRDO has in the past contributed to the various disaster management operations like Tsunami disaster in 2004, Uttarakhand flash floods in 2013 and J&K floods in 2014. Besides these, post event trauma management during tsunami disaster was also conducted by DRDO. As DRDO is developing many state-of-the art technologies, some of these can be adopted for future disaster management solutions.

It may be noted that due to variations in geography and climates, India is susceptible to various calamities/disasters like earthquakes, floods, droughts, tsunamis, cyclones, landslides and avalanches which may be man-made or of natural origin. Apart from these, vulnerability to emergencies arising out of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) material also exists. Disaster management broadly comprises the pre-disaster phase which includes prevention, mitigation and preparedness, while the post-disaster phase includes response, rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery.

The workshop will be inaugurated by Addl Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. PK Mishra in the presence of Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Director General, DRDO Dr. S Christopher.

The stakeholders participating in the workshop are NDMA, NDRF, MHA, Armed Forces, CRPF, CISF, NSG, NIDH and others. To showcase the products and technologies, an exhibition is also organised where eleven DRDO laboratories are showcasing their products and making technical presentations. This will be followed by panel discussions amongst dignitaries of various stakeholders, with the objective to define trajectory of developmental activities of DRDO for future technological solutions to assist risk mitigation and preparedness against disasters. Apart from various stakeholders, several industry development partners are also participating in the workshop.

The workshop will witness lectures on different topics viz. combating disaster from R&D E (E) and VRDE, Management of Biological and Chemical Disaster by DRDE, Communication Technologies for Disaster by DEAL, Medical Management of Disaster by INMAS, Drinking Water Solutions by DLJ, Landslide Disaster by DTRL, Detection Technologies by NPOL, Avalanche Disaster by SASE, Food and Fire Fighting by DFRL and CFEES respectively.

The items to be displayed in the exhibition are CBRN mini UGV, Multipurpose Decontamination System (MPDS), Mobile Decon System (MDS) NBC Individual Protective Equipments (suit, mask, haversack, boot, gloves, casualty bag), First Aid Kits Type A & B, Tri-Colour Detector, Residual Vapour Detection Kit, Water Poison Detection Kit, Chemical agent detectors (IMS based CAM and ACADA, Flame Photometer based, GC-MS based), NBC Canister, ROV-DAKSH, UAV NETRA, Food and Fire Fighting equipment, Water Purification System, Snow equipment like bridge, net, shoes etc.

DRDO’s indigenous technologies can be easily adapted towards disaster management solution by various stakeholders. The Industry partners are locally manufacturing these products and technologies are readily available. Also by this workshop stakeholders will come to know of current developments and new developments can be taken up for providing better solutions in future.

NAo/RAJ

Chief of Army Staff Reviews Exercise ‘DRAD Sankalp’

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
05-December-2015 11:05 IST

Chief of Army Staff Reviews Exercise ‘DRAD Sankalp’
The final phase (validation phase) of the training exercise by Indian Army’s Southern Command Ex ‘DRAD SANKALP’ in simulated contemporary battlefield environment, which commenced on 03 Dec culminated today. The focus of the exercise has been on validation of operational preparedness of the formations and units to the evolving doctrine of the Indian Army to launch swift offensive in the desert terrain in a network centric environment in close coordination with long range Artillery and Air Force. The exercise has presented an excellent opportunity to the formations and units to gauge their operational preparedness while operating in a highly intense, dynamic and fluid operational environment. Participation included entire spectrum of ground forces to include fighting arms, combat support arms duly supported by services and logistics, Force Multipliers like Army Aviation, Special Forces and Electronic Warfare System in conjunction with Indian Air Force.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Dalbir Singh visited the exercise area today. He interacted with the participants and witnessed the conduct of critical manoeuvres in deserts. The Army Chief was briefed by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Lieutenant General Ashok Singh on the operational setting, plans and training objectives of the Exercise.

The COAS reviewed integrated operational manoeuvres of the formations, the aspect of synergy between Army and Air Force in launching coordinated air-land battle and the ability to orchestrate battle in network centric environment. The Army Chief complimented the formations and units for their high standards of training and plan execution at operational & tactical levels. Addressing Commanders, he also reiterated the importance of technology and innovation in the fast changing battlefield scenario, high standards of physical fitness, mental alertness and maintenance of high state of readiness of the equipment to take to field at short notice.

During the Exercise, combined arms of infantry and mechanised forces practiced swift manoeuvres in coordination with airborne troops. Networked radars, UAVs and aerial surveillance platforms ensured continuous flow of information resulting in battlefield transparency which enabled Commanders to assess and modify their operational plans to meet the emerging challenges. Such large scale exercises are conducted once in three to four years as part of operational validation of doctrinal tenets which are dynamic in nature, in keeping with the ever changing security environment.

Col Rohan Anand, SM
PRO (Army)

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2015 – Declaration of Final Results Thereof

 

The following is the list, in order of merit of 331candidates, who have qualified on the basis of the results of the Written Examination held by the Union Public Service Commission on 19th April, 2015 and the subsequent  Interviews held by the Services Selection Board, of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy for the 135th Course and Naval Academy for the 97th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 2nd January 2016. For detailed information regarding the date of commencement of the above courses, please visit the websites of Ministry of Defence i.e., www. joinindianarmy.nic.in.,www.nausena-bharti.nic.inand  www.careerairforce.nic.in.

 

The results of Medical Examination have not been taken into account in preparing these lists.

 

The candidature of all the candidates is provisional, subject to their submitting the requisite certificates in support of date of birth and educational qualifications etc. claimed by them directly to the Additional Directorate General of Recruiting, Adjutant General’s Branch, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army), West Block No.III, Wing–I, R.K Puram, NEW Delhi -110066 wherever this has not already been done and NOT to UPSC.

 

In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate directly to the Army Headquarter at the address given above.

 

The result is also available on the UPSC website at http://www.upsc.gov.in. However, marks of the candidates will be available on the website after 15 days from the date of declaration of final results.

 

For any further information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ of the Commission, either in person or on telephone Nos. 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 between 10:00 hours to 17:00 hours on any working day.

 

Click here for full list

*****

KSD/NK/PK/sk

 

 

 

 

 

Award of Innovation Trophy to Indian Naval Personnel by Hon’ble Prime Minister on Navy Day 2015

 

            In pursuance of the Government of India’s guidance to promote and facilitate innovations by youth of the nation, the Indian Navy has taken a lead by instituting a new series of ‘Innovation Trophy’ for both Uniformed and Defence Civilian personnel, of Afloat and Ashore units.

The newly instituted awards for Winner and Runner-Up in each category (total 04 only) were given away by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi this evening (04 Dec 15) during the Navy Day Reception at Navy House, New Delhi. Prior to the presentation of awards, some of the salient innovations and indigenisation initiatives were demonstrated. The event was witnessed by all dignitaries including foreign diplomats invited for the Navy Day Reception through live video feed on multiple large screen displays.

This initiative has led to enthusiastic competition amongst a wide cross-section of young Officers, Sailors and Defence Civilians of various trades and specialisations. Units of all Commands, including Andaman and Nicobar Command, had participated in the competition. A total of 135 entries highlighting significant innovations in operations and maintenance domains, were received as nominations after short-listing by respective Commands. The process of selection of Winner and Runner-Up in each category was undertaken by a Selection Committee comprising of domain experts, as per a pre-decided assessment matrix.

            To facilitate showcasing of the salient Innovations and Indigenisation initiatives, a unique ‘Innovation and Indigenisation Pavilion’ over an approx area of 3000 Sqft was set up at the venue. Salient highlights of demonstrations showcased in the Pavilion are as follows:-

(a)                Live demonstration of technological innovations and indigenisation initiatives in Combat Technologies in a set-up that mimics the Operations Room of a warship at sea.

(b)                Live demonstration of innovative use of Naval Satellite ‘Rukmani’ to provide Telemedicine solution for patients onboard ships at sea and medical specialists at Naval Hospitals ashore.

(c)                Indigenous ship and submarine design capabilities.

(d)               Demonstration of award winning innovations.

(e)                Demonstration of Green Initiatives by the Indian Navy.

 

This initiative by IN to institute Innovation Trophy and showcasing of initiatives to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and other dignitaries during Navy Day Reception has spurred further enthusiasm amongst young personnel to find innovative solutions to day-to-day challenges posed due to technology denial, obsolescence, resource constraints etc. The end objective is to effectively use the power of innovative problem solving as a force multiplier and redouble the momentum towards ‘Self Reliance through Indigenisation and Innovation’.

Details of the award winners is as tabulated:-

 

OPERATIONAL UNITS

RESULT

UNIT

INNOVATION

TROPHY BEING ACCEPTED BY

Winner

INS Sindhudhwaj

Ingenious repairs of submarine exhaust system under most challenging conditions whilst on patrol, ensuring uninterrupted dived operation during a critical Search and Rescue Mission

Cdr Nandkumar Das , Commanding Officer, INS Sindhudhwaj

Runner up

INS Sarvekshak

Innovative solution for tidal measurements during Hydrological Surveys by use of land based terrain mapping equipment and floating buoys mounted with prisms

Capt Rajesh Bargoti, Commanding Officer, INS Sarvekshak

SHORE ESTABLISHMENTS

 

RESULT

UNIT

INNOVATION

TROPHY BEING ACCEPTED BY

Winner

INS Tunir

In-house modification to legacy surface to surface missiles (originally designed for sub-sonic flight) to fly at super sonic speed

Commodore PK Singh Commanding Officer, INS Tunir

Runner up

Naval Dockyard, Mumbai

First ever erection of a boiler onboard a commissioned warship resulting in savings of approx Rs 267 Cr

Rear Admiral SP Lal Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Mumbai

 

DKS/CKP

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha inaugurates National Seminar & Exhibition on Challenges in Make in India initiatives at Hal Nasik

Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha inaugurates National Seminar & Exhibition on Challenges in Make in India initiatives at Hal Nasik

 

            The Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of the Air staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha addressed senior officers of HAL at the inauguration of the Seminar & Exhibition on ‘Challenges in Make in India Initiatives’ at HAL Nasik Division. While addressing the gathering, the  Air Chief said that indigenisation holds the key to success in attaining self reliance in Defence production and gaining strategic independence.  The Air Chief expressed his appreciation on the successful conduct of the event being organized by HAL. He said that Quality Control and Certification of indigenous products should be the focus area to produce world class high quality equipment.

 

            He further commended the role of HAL and its rich legacy.  He said that its history and growth over the last 50 years was synonymous with the growth of the Aeronautical Industry in India.  The MiG Complex has undertaken licensed production and overhaul of various Russian origin aircraft. 

            The Air Chief further said that the status of the IAF aircraft inventory was mainly dependent upon HAL and he hoped that HAL would ensure timely inductions, quality product support and speedy overhaul of aircraft. 

            The Air Chief complimented HAL for its significant contribution towards ‘Make in India’ initiative and boosting self-reliance through indigenization.  He emphasized that setting up of state-of-the-art test facilities for future programmes should be a key focus area so as to transform HAL into a major Manufacturing and Research & Development centre of excellence in the field of aviation.

            While concluding the speech, the Air Chief exhorted HAL to strive to attain technological leadership and excellence to meet global standards and become a world class enterprise in aircraft production.

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ARUP RAHA

           

RCD/MKS

 

 

Cabinet Secretary chairs NCMC meeting to review flood situation in Tamil Nadu

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
04-December-2015 19:13 IST

Cabinet Secretary chairs NCMC meeting to review flood situation in Tamil Nadu
The Cabinet Secretary Shri P. K. Sinha chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) here today to review the flood situation in Tamil Nadu.

The Rescue and Relief measures were reviewed in detail. Committee was informed that 35 NDRF teams are already deployed in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for rescue operations out of which 33 are in Tamil Nadu and two are in Puducherry and 15 more NDRF teams will be reaching today. 09 columns of army have already been deployed. Additional 05 columns are en-route. As there has been no rain in Chennai since yesterday, flood water is receding. Train and road connectivity have improved. People stranded at the airport have been evacuated for going to their respective destinations.

It was decided at the meeting that Ready to Eat food and water bottles may be supplied based on the requirement of State Government. 7 tons of biscuits, 10 tons of noodles and 5,000 liters of milk are being made available and 1 lakh water bottles have already been made available to the Municipal Corporation in Chennai.

Cabinet Secretary directed that restoration of telecom and power may be given utmost priority. Adequate supply of petroleum products at terminals and retail outlets may be ensured. Advance action may be taken to address the possibility of any diseases. Coordination meetings at State and Central level be held with telecom providers to ensure quick restoration of telecom services. Necessary steps for speedy restoration of Chennai Airport be undertaken. Commercial Airlines are now operating from Naval airbase at Arakkonam till Chennai airport becomes functional. As informed by IMD the low pressure system along the Coast of South India is stationary. However, continued vigilance and constant monitoring of the situation will be ensured by all agencies of the Government.

The meeting was attended by Secretaries from various key Ministries / Nodal agencies concerned with the emergency response (rescue and relief) such as Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, Director General, Indian Meteorological Department, Head Quarters Integrated Defence Staff, Civil Aviation, Health and Family and Welfare, Power, Railways, Department of Telecommunication, Resident Commissioner of Tamil Nadu, Director Indian Meteorological Department etc. Chief Secretary and Relief Commissioner, Tamil Nadu participated in the meeting through Video Link.

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KSD/NK

Committee of Experts Constituted by Defence Minister on review of litigation and redressal of grievances submits its report

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
24-November-2015 19:12 IST

Committee of Experts Constituted by Defence Minister on review of litigation and redressal of grievances submits its report
The Committee of Experts constituted for review of service and pension matters including potential disputes, minimizing litigation and strengthening institutional mechanisms related to redressal of grievances submitted its Report to the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar here today. The five members Committee was constituted on the directions of the Defence Minister.

The Committee thanked the Minister for taking a historic step for the first time to minimize litigation and grievances in the Ministry of Defence so that the focus could remain on the core issues of governance and administration. It also thanked Shri Parrikar for ensuring that there was no interference in the Committee’s functioning and for encouraging the panel to come up with honest, dispassionate and objective observations without fear or favour.

The Committee’s approach remained to identify practical on-ground solutions to reduce litigation, especially appeals, and steps towards reduction of heartburn, maintenance of harmony between employees and the establishment and balancing of rights of both parties which could lead to an increase in productivity and enable the Government to focus upon its basic responsibilities. The Committee has postulated practical, workable, reformatory and gradual solutions in its 509 page report encompassing 75 recommendations in areas concerning service and pension matters, discipline and vigilance issues, matters concerning promotions and confidential reports, military justice, issues related to civilian employees and other potential areas of disputes.

Showing utmost sincerity and seriousness towards such issues, it was the first time after independence that a step was taken in the Ministry of Defence personally by the Defence Minister for constitution of a panel of experts who went into great detail of all such issues.

The Members of the Committee were former Adjutant General Lt Gen Mukesh Sabharwal, former Military Secretary Lt Gen Richard Khare, former Judge Advocate General Maj Gen T Parshad, Advocate and expert in service jurisprudence and Member of International Society of Military Law Maj Navdeep Singh and Maj DP Singh.

NAo/SNA

COAS Visits Chennai to Review Rescue Efforts

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
04-December-2015 18:36 IST

COAS Visits Chennai to Review Rescue Efforts
The COAS, Gen Dalbir Singh, flew to Chennai to review the situation and oversee rescue efforts of the Army. During his visit, the COAS along with GOC, Dakshin Bharat Area, carried out aerial recce of the areas worst affected by floods in order to strategise additional measures & efforts required for ongoing rescue & relief efforts.

The COAS also complimented the formations & troops involved in the rescue efforts which have resulted in more than 5500 affected people reach safety due to Army’s efforts.

Presently more than 50 teams (including BAUT based Rescue & Relief Teams, Engineer Teams & Medical Teams) are operating in Tambaram, Urapakkam, Mannivakkam, Mudichur, Defence Colony, T Nagar, Kothurpuram, Kasi Theatre & Perungudi which are the more affected areas presently. Army has also built up infrastructure to deploy Primary Health Centers along with dispensaries to deal with anticipated flood related medical problems.

The COAS has assured that the troops will continue the rescue efforts till it is required by the Civil Administration. He also said, more troops, Engineer Equipment and Medical Teams will be made available as required.

Manoj Tuli
APRO (Army)

Text of PM’s address at Indian Community Reception Event in Singapore

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Prime Minister's Office
24-November-2015 23:23 IST

Text of PM’s address at Indian Community Reception Event in Singapore

नमस्‍ते, वणक्‍कम, दीपावली का पर्व अभी-अभी गया, लेकिन मुझे बताया गया कि Little India ने इस बार दीपावली की रोशनी एक हफ्ते तक उसको extend कर दिया। मैं इसके लिए सभी Singaporeans का हृदय से आभार व्‍यक्‍त करता हूं। मैं सिंगापुर पहले भी आया हूं। पहले भी Indian Community के साथ मिलने का बातें करने का मुझे अवसर मिला है। लेकिन आज का ये नजारा हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में बैठ करके कोई सोच भी नहीं सकता है कि सिंगापुर का ये मूड है। मैं हृदय से आप सबका धन्‍यवाद करता हूं आज पूरे विश्‍व में भारत की जो छवि बनी है, पूरा विश्‍व भारत की तरफ एक विश्‍वास के भाव से देख रहा है उसका कारण, उसका कारण, उसका कारण मोदी नहीं है। उसका कारण विदेशों में बसे हुए आप मेरे भारतीय भाई-बहन हैं। आप लोगों ने दुनिया के जिस देश में गए, जिस धरती पर पहुंचे, जान-पहचान थी या नहीं थी, हालात अनुकूल थे या प्रतिकूल थे, आपने उस धरती को अपना बना लिया। आपने उस देश के लोगों के साथ आप ऐसे मिल गए ऐसे मिल गए, जैसे दूध में शक्‍कर मिल जाती है।

हम कभी सुना करते थे, पढ़ा करते थे इतिहास में कि पारसी कौम जब सबसे पहले हिन्‍दुस्‍तान की धरती पर आए, गुजरात के किनारे पर आए और उस समय के हिन्‍दु राजा थे जदीराणा, ये विदेश से आए थे, कौन है क्‍या है जानते नहीं थे। क्‍यों आए थे पता नहीं था लेकिन उन्‍होंने समुंदर में से मैसेज भेजा तो राजा ने एक दूध का गिलास भरा हुआ उनको भेज दिया। और उसमें मैसेज ये था कि जैसे ये गिलास में दूध पूरी तरह भरा हुआ है और बिल्‍कुल जगह नहीं है, मैं आपको यहां कैसे समाऊंगा? ये Symbolic मैसेज था। तो पारसियों ने क्‍या किया, उस दूध में चीनी मिला दी, शक्‍कर मिला दी और वो दूध का कटोरा वापिस भेजा और उन्‍होंने राजा को संदेश दिया कि हम विदेश की धरती से आए हैं, संकटों के मारे आए हैं लेकिन जैसे इस भरे हुए दूध से भरे गिलास में जगह न होने के बावजूद भी चीनी जैसे उसमें मिल गई हम भी मिल जाएंगे और हम और मिठास भर देंगे। हिन्‍दुस्‍तानी भी जहां गया उसने वहां के जीवन के साथ अपने आचरण के द्वारा, अपने व्‍यवहार के द्वारा, उस समाज में वो ऐसे घु‍लमिल गया कि हर किसी को अपना लगने लगा, अपने लगने लगा। दुनिया के कई देशों से पता चलता है कि अगर अड़ौस-पड़ौस में कोई Indian आता है तो खुशी महसूस करते हैं। उनको लगता है अच्‍छा भई कोई Indian हमारे पड़ौस में आया है। और वो अपने बच्‍चों को प्रेरित करते हैं कि जरा तुम Indian बच्‍चों से दोस्‍ती करो।

ये, ये, इस, आपके इस व्‍यवहार के कारण और सदियों से हमारे देशवासी जहां गए, वहां वे एक अपनापन की महक ले करके गए, अपने बन करके रहे, हर किसी को गले लगा करके रहे और ये सदियों से परंपरा चली आ रही है। इसी के कारण भारत जब सोने की चिडि़या था तब भी किसी को भी आंख में खटकता नहीं था। और हमारे बुरे दिन आए तब भी किसी ने हमें हड़दूत नहीं किया था, अपमानित नहीं किया था क्‍योंकि सदियों से हमारे लोगों ने ये प्‍यार, ये अपनापन, इसी का मूलमंत्र ले करके और हमने सिर्फ शास्‍त्रों में पढ़ा था, ऐसा नहीं है। वसुधैव कुटुम्‍बकम् से वेदकाल से हमारे यहां उद्घोष चला आ रहा है। लेकिन भारतीयों ने सच्‍चे अर्थ में वसुधैव कुटुम्‍बकम् Whole world is one family, इस मंत्र को जी करके दिखाया है। और उसी के कारण आज विश्‍व में भारतीयों के प्रति, भारत के प्रति कहीं कोई आशंका का माहौल नहीं होता है, अपनेपन की श्‍वास होती है और इसलिए मैं विश्‍व भर में फैले हुए मेरे सभी भारतीय भाइयों-बहनों का आदरपूर्वक अभिनंदन करता हूं।

मैं गत मार्च महीने में एक दिन के लिए सिंगापुर आया था। जिस महापुरुष ने इस सिंगापुर को बनाया, अपने खून-पसीने से बनाया। अपने-आप को खपा दिया। एक छोटा सा मछुआरों का गांव आज विश्‍व के समृद्ध देशों की बराबरी कर रहा हो, ऐसा सिंगापौर बन गया। ऐसे महापुरुष स्‍वर्गीय Lee Kuan Yew, उनकी अंत्‍येष्टि के लिए, अंतिम दर्शन के लिए मैं आया था। जब सिंगापुर को याद करते हैं एक विश्‍वास पैदा होता है।

अगर कुछ करने का माजा है तो होके रहता है। अगर सपने है और सपनों के लिए समर्पण है तो सिद्धि आपके चरण चूमने के लिए तैयार रहती है। प्रसिद्धि और सिद्धि में बहुत बड़ा फर्क होता है। कुछ भी करने पर प्रसिद्धि तो मिल जाती है लेकिन सिद्धि के लिए तो सिर्फ तपस्‍या, यही एक मार्ग होता है और जिन्‍होंने प्रसिद्धि का रास्‍ता अपनाया है वो कभी कुछ सिद्धि नहीं कर पाए हैं। कुछ समय तक सुर्खियों में जगह बना सकते हैं लेकिन धरती पर बदलाव नहीं ला सकते हैं सिंगापुर वो एक उदाहरण है कि 50 साल के कार्यकाल में एक ही generation की आंखों के सामने एक देश को कहां से कहां पहुंचाया जा सकता है, इसका ये उत्‍तम उदाहरण है। भारत महान देश है, भारत विशाल देश है, सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासियों का देश है। सब कुछ है फिर भी सिंगापुर से बहुत कुछ सीखना भी है।

आज से 50 साल पहले, 60 साल पहले जिस महापुरुष को एक विचार आया – सिंगापुर की सफाई, स्‍वच्‍छता, cleanliness। अब क्‍या हमारा देश ये काम नहीं कर सकता क्‍या, करना चाहिए कि नहीं करना चाहिए? यहां के नागरिकों की भूमिका है कि नहीं है? और मुझे महात्‍मा गांधी जीवन भर एक बात के लिए बड़े आग्रही थे – स्‍वच्‍छता के लिए। और वो तो यहां तक कह दिया था कि मुझे आजादी और स्‍वच्‍छता दोनों में से पहले प्राथमिकता देनी है तो मैं स्‍वच्‍छता को दूंगा।

आज भारत में सबका एक मन बना है। हर किसी को लग रहा है कि हमारा देश ऐसा नहीं होना चाहिए। गंदगी में बहुत गुजारा कर लिया। दुनिया बदल रही है, हिन्‍दुस्‍तान को बदलना चाहिए कि नहीं बदलना चाहिए। और अच्‍छी बात यह है कि सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासियों ने बदलने का मन बना लिया है। कोई देश न सरकारों से बनते है न सरकारों से बढ़ते है, देश बनते है जन-जन की इच्‍छा से, जन-जन के संकल्‍प से, जन-जन के पुरुषार्थ से] जन-जन के त्‍याग और तपस्‍या से, पीढ़िया खप जाती है तब एक राष्‍ट्र का निर्माण होता है। आज भारत में वो मिजाज पैदा हुआ है। हर भारतीय को लगने लगा है हम देश को आगे बढ़ाएंगे, देश को आगे ले जाएंगे। हम उस युग में जी रहे हैं कि जिस युग में अगर कुछ मिला है तो छोड़ने का मन कभी नहीं करता है। हम travel करते हो और travel करते समय हमारी सीट reserve हो, हम सीट पर बैठे हो, बगल की सीट खाली हो, हमने अपने बैग वहां रख दिए हो, अखबार रख दिए हो, कुछ सामान रख दिया हो। वो सीट अपनी नहीं है, लेकिन किसी और को आने में देर हुई है, हमने सब रखा है और जब वो आ जाए तो ऐसा मन खट्टा हो जाता है। किसी और का.. ये मूलभूत प्रवृत्‍ति है, लेकिन मैंने मेरे देशवासियों का जो मिजाज देखा है, भारत के लोगों ने क्‍या मन बनाया है।

मैंने एक बार एक छोटी-सी बात कही, देशवासियों के सामने। मैंने कहा कि आप जो घर में गैस का चूल्‍हा जलाते हैं, वो जो गैस का सिलेंडर आता है, उस पर करीब 500 रुपए सरकार सब्‍सिडी के रुप में देती है। आप ऐसे परिवार के हो जिनमें 500 रुपए तो चाय-पानी पर खर्च कर देते हैं। आप से सब्‍सिडी क्‍यों लेते हो, क्‍या आप ये सब्‍सिडी छोड़ नहीं सकते। इतना सा मैंने कहा था और आज मैं गर्व के साथ कहता हूं मेरे देश के 40 लाख परिवारों ने गैस सब्‍सिडी छोड़ दी। बगल की कुर्सी न छोड़ने का जो मन रहता था वो आज सब्‍सिडी छोड़ने के लिए तैयार हो जाता है और वो भी महात्‍मा गांधी कुछ कहे, लाल बहादुर शास्‍त्री कुछ कहे और देश कर ले, ये तो हमारे गले उतरता है, लेकिन मुझ जैसा एक सामान्‍य मानवीय, एक चाय बेचने वाला, ये देश के सामने एक बात रखे और मेरा देश इस बात को सर-आँखों पर उठा ले तब मेरा मन कहता है, ये देश नई ऊंचाइयों पर जाकर के रहेगा, ये देश स्‍वामी विवेकानंद जी ने जो सपना देखा था कि मैं मेरी भारत माता को विश्‍व गुरु के रूप में देख रहा हूं। मैं विश्‍वास से कहता हूं कि अब हिन्‍दुस्‍तान विवेकानंद जी के सपनों को साकार करने के लिए सज हो चुका है। जितनी विविधताएं, जितनी विशेषताएं, जितने किंतु परंतु हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में है, उतने ही सिंगापुर में है, उसके बावजूद भी हर कोई सिंगापोरियन है। हर कोई सिंगापुर बनाने में लगा हुआ है, हर कोई कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर के काम कर रहा है। हम भी इस बात में सिंगापुर से बहुत कुछ सीखना चाहते हैं। वसुधैव कुटुम्‍बकम, जिस धरती से मंत्र निकला, वहां भी जन-जन मेरे परिवार का है, हर कोई मेरा अपना है। वही भाव देश को आगे बढ़ाने की ताकत बनता है और उसी को आगे बढ़ाने की दिशा में हम लगातार कोशिश कर रहे हैं। सारी दुनिया को किस प्रकार से हिन्‍दुस्‍तान की तरफ, मैं पिछले दिनों विश्‍व के बहुत सारे नेताओं से मिला हूं। मैं जब चुनाव के मैदान में था तो मुझे पत्रकारों ने पूछा था कि आपकी विदेश नीति कैसी होगी? और मैं देख रहा था चुनाव के समय, पत्रकार बहुत बुद्धिमान होते हैं और बड़े चतुर भी होते हैं। तो जब मैं चुनाव अभियान करता था तो उनको मालूम था कि मोदी की weaknesses क्‍या है। वो बराबर लेकर के आते थे। तो उनको लगता था कि ये गुजरात जैसे छोटे राज्‍य में काम करता है, इसे हिन्‍दुस्‍तान का कोई अनुभव नहीं है, विदेश का तो सवाल ही नहीं होता। तो मुझे वो हर दूसरा-तीसरा सवाल घुमाकर के विदेश नीति पर ले आते थे। अब उस समय मैं चुनाव के कैम्‍पेन में था मैं उनको विदेश नीति क्‍या समझाऊ? लेकिन वो बराबर पकड़ लेते थे और उनको ये समझ आता था कि इसमें ये बंदा weak है और वो घुमा फिराकर मुझे वहीं ले जाते थे। तो फिर मैं इतना ही कहता था कि देखिए भाई जब हमें इस जिम्‍मेवारी को निर्वाह करने की नौबत आएगी तब क्‍या करना है वो देखेंगे, लेकिन मैं इतना विश्‍वास देता हूं, न हम आंख झुकाकर के बात करेंगे और न ही हम आंख दिखाकर के बात करेंगे, हम दुनिया से आंख मिलाकर बात करेंगे। आज 18 महीने के बाद मेरे प्‍यारे देशवासियों मैंने जो वादा किया था, वो निभाया है, न हिन्‍दुस्‍तान आंख झुकाकर के बात करता है, न कभी हिन्‍दुस्‍तान किसी को आंख दिखाने की कोशिश करता है, लेकिन हिन्‍दुस्‍तान आत्‍मविश्‍वास से भरा हुआ है, वो आंख मिलाकर के बात करता है। बराबरी से बात करता है और उसका एक परिणाम भी है। आज पूरा विश्‍व भारत के साथ बराबरी का व्‍यवहार कर रहा है। सारे विश्‍व को सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासियों वाला देश क्‍या होता है, उसकी ताकत क्‍या होती है, अब विश्‍व पहचानने भी लगा है, अनुभव भी करने लगा है। अब विश्‍व ये नहीं सोचता है कि भारत एक बहुत बड़ा बाजार है, हम अपना माल बेचने के लिए पहुंच जाएंगे, वो सोच बदल चुकी है। अब उसको लगता है, मौका मिल जाए तो हिन्‍दुस्‍तान के साथ पार्टनरशिप कर ले, भागीदारी कर ले। और ये अुनभव अब आ रहा है। इन दिनों हर क्षेत्र में ये अनुभव आ रहा है।

भारत में विदेश का पूंजी निवेश एक बात निश्‍चित है। यहां बैठा हुआ कोई व्‍यक्‍ति ऐसा चाहता है कि हिन्‍दुस्‍तान जैसा है वैसा ही रहे, कोई चाहता है। हर कोई चाहता है न देश में बदलाव आए, हर कोई चाहता है देश आगे बढ़े, हर कोई चाहता है देश आधुनिक बने, हर कोई चाहता है देश से गरीबी मिटे, हर कोई चाहता है देश में नौजवान को रोजगार मिले। इस काम को पूरा करना है तो जहा से जो शक्‍ति मिले वो लेनी चाहिए कि नहीं लेनी चाहिए। अगर परिवार में कोई बीमार है और विेदेश की दवाई से काम चलने वाला है तो लानी चाहिए कि नहीं लानी चाहिए, बीमारी ठीक करनी चाहिए कि नहीं करनी चाहिए।

भारत में भी बहुत बड़ी मात्रा में विदेश पूंजी की जरूरत है। Foreign direct investment की आवश्‍यकता है और जब मैं FDI कहता हूं तो मेरे दिमाग में FDI एक साथ दो विषय लेकर चलती है। दुनिया की नजरों में FDI है foreign direct investment। लेकिन उस समय मेरे दिमाग में है – first develop India. और इसलिए FDI to FDI, foreign direct investment to first develop India. अब मुझे बताइए आप कितने ही सालों से पड़ोसी के बराबर-बराबर रहते हो और कभी अचानक 5-10 हजार की जरूरत पड़ गई और गए तो दे देगा क्‍या? वो कहेगा हां-हां बिलकुल, मैं तो मदद जरूर करूंगा। आप लोग ऐसा करो, आपके भाईसाहब बाहर गए है Monday को आएंगे, फिर मैं कुछ करूंगा। ऐसा ही करते हैं न, 10 हजार रुपया भी कोई बगल में देने के लिए तैयार नहीं होता। आज foreign direct investment में मैं जब सत्‍ता पर आया उसके पहले जो स्‍थिति थी, उसकी तुलना में 40% growth हुआ है 40%। हमें ये रुपयों की क्‍यों जरूरत है, कागज पर दिखाने के लिए नहीं। हमें बदलाव लाना है।

आज हमारे देश की रेलवे, मुझे बताइए रेलवे का इतना बड़ा नेटवर्क है, इतना बढ़िया नेटवर्क। दुनिया के कई देश जिसकी जनसंख्‍या है उससे ज्‍यादा लोग हमारे यहां एक समय रेल के डिब्‍बे में होते हैं। लेकिन समय रहते रेल आधुनिक होनी चाहिए कि नहीं होनी चाहिए, स्‍पीड बढ़नी चाहिए कि नहीं बढ़नी चाहिए। रेल की लंबाई बढ़नी चाहिए कि नहीं बढ़नी चाहिए, सेवाएं सुधरनी चाहिए कि नहीं सुधरनी चाहिए। अगर दुनिया के पास technology है, दुनिया के पास पैसे हैं, दुनिया के पास भारत एक अवसर है तो हमें मौका देना चाहिए कि नहीं देना चाहिए। मैं आज दुनिया में जो-जो देश रेलवे के लिए काम कर रहे हैं, उन सबसे मिला हूं, मैं कहा रहा हूं आइए। आधुनिक से आधुनिक technology लाइए और मेरे लिए रेलवे ये सिर्फ transportation नहीं है, मेरे लिए रेलवे transformation का engine है, हिन्‍दुस्‍तान के transformation का engine है। मैंने उसकी ताकत को जाना है, पहचाना है और आज विश्‍व भर के लोग। इसलिए हमने पहली बार देश में रेलवे को 100% foreign direct investment के लिए open up कर दिया है। नई technology आएगी, नई स्‍पीड आएगी, परिवर्तन आएगा और सबसे बड़ी बात।

जो लोगों विदेशों में जाते हैं उनको तो बराबर मालूम है आपकी जेब में लाखों रुपए पड़े हो, लेकिन कहीं एक चाय भी पीनी है तो मिलती है क्‍या? जब तक डॉलर नहीं होगा, चाय नहीं मिलती है। रुपया का डॉलर करना पड़ता है, रुपया का पाउंड करना पड़ता है, करना पड़ता है कि नहीं करना पड़ता है? अरे वो टैक्‍सी वाला भी कहेगा यार रुपया मेरे काम का क्‍या है भाई ये तो कागज है, मेरे काम का क्‍या है। तुम डॉलर में लाओ। भारत की करेंसी उसकी इज्‍जत बढ़नी चाहिए कि नहीं बढ़नी चाहिए, विश्‍व भारत की करेंसी को भी उतना ही सम्‍मान दे, ये हम चाहते हैं कि नहीं चाहते हैं? पहली बार लंदन के stock exchange में rupee bond के लिए हम लोग आगे बढ़े। रेलवे के लिए अब rupee bond दुनिया का कोई भी व्‍यक्‍ति रुपयों में invest कर सकता है और उसको रुपयों में वापिस मिल सकता है। ये रुपयों की इज्‍जत का कमाल है, वर्ना या तो गोल्‍ड चलता था, या डॉलर या पाउंड चलते थे। आज दुनिया के बाजार में हम रुपयों के रूप में enter कर रहे हैं। इसका कारण ये है कि पूरे विश्‍व में एक विश्‍वास पैदा हुआ है। ये जो rupee bond हमने लागू किया, अभी मैं जब UK गया था, अभी तक बहुत लोगों को पल्‍ले ही नहीं पड़ा है कि करके क्‍या आया है मोदी। अब आज मैं समझा रहा हूं तो शायद चर्चा शुरू होगी। rupee bond अपने आप में भारत की आर्थिक संपन्‍नता का एक महत्‍वपूर्ण मिसाल है और हिन्‍दुस्तान के हर नागरिक को इसे गौरव के रूप में देखना चाहिए और इसको उजागर करना चाहिए। तभी तो भारत की ताकत बढ़ती है। हम ही अपने आप को कोसते रहेंगे तो दुनिया हमारी तरफ क्‍यों देखेगी। इसलिए आत्‍मविश्‍वास के साथ एक समाज के रूप में विश्‍व के सामने हमारी एक पहचान बने, ताकत खड़ी हो, उस दिशा में हमारा प्रयास है।

आज हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में रक्षा के क्षेत्र में हमें सब चीजें import करनी पड़ती है, बाहर से लानी पड़ती है। अब आज के युग में क्‍या सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासियों को हम असुरक्षित रख सकते हैं, उनके नसीब पर छोड़ सकते हैं? देश के सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासियों को सुरक्षा की गारंटी होनी चाहिए कि नहीं होनी चाहिए? अब उसके लिए हमारे सेना के जवान डंडा लेकर के खड़ा हो जाएगा तो काम चलेगा क्‍या? उसको भी शक्‍ति संपन्‍न औजारों से ताकतवर बनाना पड़ेगा कि नहीं बनाना पड़ेगा? लेकिन क्‍या हम आजादी के 70 साल के बावजूद भी हर चीज बाहर से लाएंगे क्‍या, हर चीज import करेंगे क्‍या ? क्‍या सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासी बना नहीं सकते क्‍या? आपको हैरानी होगी, सुरक्षा के क्षेत्र में पुलिस वालों के पास एक साधन होता है – अश्रु गैस, tear gas. भीड़ को तितर-बितर करने के लिए वो tear gas छिड़कते हैं। आंसू निकलते हैं तो फिर आंदोलनकारी भागते है। हम रोने के लिए भी बाहर से लाते हैं। अब रोना कि हंसना मुझे समझ नहीं आता है। ये स्‍थिति बदलनी चाहिए। भारत का बहुत एक धन defence के लिए जो चीजें हम import करते हैं उसमें खर्च हो जाता है। भारत के पास नौजवान है, भारत के पास talent है, भारत के पास raw material है, भारत की आवश्‍यकता है। क्‍यों न हमारे defence equipment हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में क्‍यों नहीं बनने चाहिए और इसलिए मैंने बीड़ा उठाया है कि भारत में रक्षा क्षेत्र में भारत अपने कदमों पर खड़ा हो और इसके लिए हमने foreign direct investment को पहली बार 49% open up कर दिया है और हमने ये भी कहा है कि अगर उत्‍तम कक्षा की technology अगर उसमें involve है तो हम उसको 100% foreign direct investment के लिए open up कर देंगे। लोग आएंगे भारत में पूंजी लगाएंगे और भारत के नौजवान शस्‍त्रार्थ बनाएंगे, वो हमारी भी रक्षा करेंगे और कही भेजना है तो भेज भी पाएंगे और इसलिए दुनिया के देश आज हमारे साथ समझौता कर रहे हैं। एक समय ऐसा था कि defence में कुछ भी खरीददारी करनी है तो हर बार corruption के आरोप लग जाते थे। इसलिए या तो निर्णय नहीं होता था, या निर्णय होता था तो कहीं न कहीं से कोई बू आती थी। 18 महीने हो गए, हमने एक के बाद एक निर्णय किए, transparency के साथ निर्णय किए और अब तक कोई हमारे ऊपर उंगली नहीं उठा पा रहा है, देश की रक्षा के लिए आवश्‍यक है।

हमारा देश दुनिया में जिन देशों के पास समृद्धि है उनके सामने एक कठिनाई भी है। दुनिया के बहुत देश ऐसे भी है जो आर्थिक संपन्‍नता की ऊंचाइयों पर पहुंच चुके हैं। लेकिन उन देशों में बुढ़ापा घर कर गया है। जवानी नहीं बची है। भारत अकेला देश ऐसा है, जो दुनिया के जवान देशों में है। भारत की 65 प्रतिशत जनसंख्‍या; 800 मिलियन लोग, 35 साल से कम उम्र के है। जो देश जवानी से लबालब भरा हुआ हो उसके सपने भी जवान होते हैं, संकल्‍प भी जवान होते हैं, इरादे भी जवान होते हैं और पुरुषार्थ भी जवान होता है। हमें demographic dividend मिला हुआ है, लेकिन ये ताकत में तब बदलेगा जब हमारे नौजवान के हाथों में हुनर होगा, skill हो, रोजगार के अवसर हो, अगर वो नहीं है तो ये 35 साल की उम्र का नौजवान लंबे समय तक इंतजार नहीं कर सकता है और इसलिए देश को ये 65 प्रतिशत नौजवान है, उनकी शक्‍ति को भारत के निर्माण में लगाना है और इसलिए हमने अभियान चलाया है skill development और skill development में सिंगापुर का ITES, उसके साथ मिलकर के हम काम कर रहे हैं। हम जर्मनी जिसने skill development में काम किया है उसके साथ काम कर रहे हैं, हम USA के साथ काम कर रहे हैं। दुनिया के देशों से जिन्‍होंने skill development में महारत हासिल की है, उसके पास जो उत्‍तम है उसे हम लाना चाहते हैं। फिर उसमें जो, हमारे लोग उसमें तो ताकतवर है, जोड़ देंगे नया। हम बहुत तेजी से आगे निकल सकते हैं और इसलिए विश्‍व के साथ जब संबंध जोड़ते हैं तो ये ताकत हमारे काम आती है।

हमारे यहां बहुत बड़ी मात्रा में Universities, Colleges खुलते चले जा रहे हैं। private भी बहुत आ रहे हैं। लेकिन faculty नहीं मिलती है। खुल तो जाता है, student भी आ जाते हैं। हमने एक योजना बनाई ज्ञान। हमने विश्‍व भर में रहने वाले लोगों से कहा विशेषकर के भारतीय समुदाय को कहा कि आप जब आपके यहां मौसम खराब रहता हो, बड़ी कड़ाके की ठंड रहती हो, बर्फ रहता हो, तकलीफ से गुजारा करना पड़ता हो तो उस समय आप भारत चले आइए। 6 महीने हमारे यहां रहिए बच्‍चों को पढ़ाइए, 6 महीने उधर चले जाइए। जब हमारे यहां गर्मी शुरू हो तो वहां चले जाना। हमने USA के साथ समझौता किया और मुझे खुशी है कि बहुत बड़ी मात्रा में, सैंकड़ों की तादाद में बड़े-बड़े विद्वान भारतीय मूल के भी और विदेशी भी जो रिटायर्ड हुए हैं, वे आज भारत में आकर के पढ़ाने के लिए तैयार हुए हैं, हमारी नई पीढ़ी को शिक्षित करने के लिए।

कहने का मेरा तात्‍पर्य यह है कि मेरी कोशिश यह है कि दुनिया में जो श्रेष्‍ठ है हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में होना चाहिए और हमारा जो श्रेष्‍ठ है उसमें दुनिया का श्रेष्‍ठ जुड़ना चाहिए। इसलिए हमारी कोशिश यह है कि हमारा देश, हमारे नौजवान उसकी शक्‍ति को जोड़कर के हम आगे बढ़ना चाहते हैं।

अब आप में से यहां बहुत लोग होंगे जिनको शायद अपने गांव में बिजली का संकट रहता होगा, जिस गांव से 24 घंटे बिजली तो नसीब ही नहीं होती होगी। वो दिन याद है न कि सब भूल गए। आजादी के 70 साल के बाद क्‍या मेरा देशवासी उसे बिजली मिलनी चाहिए कि नहीं मिलनी चाहिए, 24 घंटे बिजली मिलनी चाहिए कि नहीं मिलनी चाहिए? उसको मोबाइल फोन तो मिल जाता है कि लेकिन चार्जिंग के लिए दूसरे गांव जाना पड़ता है। ये स्‍थिति बदलनी है, बस बदलनी है और हम सच्‍चाई से मुंह नहीं मोड़ सकते। ये हकीकत है कि आज भी मेरे देश के लाखों परिवार, करोड़ों परिवार, हजारों गांव बिजली के संकट से जूझ रहे हैं। अगर मुझे आधुनिक हिन्‍दुस्‍तान बनाना है, हमारे बच्‍चे स्‍कूलों में कंप्‍यूटर चलना, अगर उनको सीखाना है तो बिजली की जरूरत तो पड़ेगी। हमने बीड़ा उठाया है 2022, जब भारत की आजादी के 75 साल होंगे। देश आजादी के 75 साल मनाता होगा तब हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में हर परिवार को 24 घंटे बिजली, 365 दिन मिलेगी और एक तरफ दुनिया ग्‍लोबल वार्मिंग के कारण परेशान है। दुनिया दबाव डाल रही है कि कोयले से बिजली पैदा मत करो। हम भी चाहते हैं कि दुनिया के सुख में हम भी जुड़े क्‍योंकि हम तो वो लोग है जिन्‍होंने सदियों से पर्यावरण की रक्षा की है। हम ही तो लोग है जिन्‍होंने पौधे में परमात्‍मा देखा था। हम ही तो लोग है जो जीव में शिव के दर्शन करते हैं। इस महान परंपरा से निकले हुए हम लोग हैं और इसलिए हमारे लिए तो पर्यावरण ये हमारी सांसों की तरह हमारे साथ जुड़ा हुआ है और इसलिए हम मानव जाति को नुकसान हो ऐसा कभी सोच नहीं सकते और महात्‍मा गांधी से बढ़कर के पर्यावरण का कोई ambassador नहीं हो सकता है। environment का कोई ambassador नहीं हो सकता है। शायद दुनिया में अपने जीवन काल में कम से कम कार्बन foot print वाला कोई इंसान होगा, मैं कहता हूं शायद महात्‍मा गांधी अकेले होंगे और इसलिए हम ऊर्जा तो चाहते हैं लेकिन दुनिया के लिए कोई संकट भी पैदा नहीं करना चाहते। भारत ने सपना देखा है 2030 तक 40% बिजली non fossil के माध्‍यम से होगी, कोयले के माध्‍यम से नहीं होगी। मतलब ये जो छोटे-छोटे टापू देश हैं न जिनको डर लग रहा है कि समंदर का अगर स्‍तर बढ़ गया तो डूब जाएंगे, हम आपको डूबने नहीं देंगे। हमसे जो हो सकता है वो हिन्‍दुस्‍तान करेगा क्‍योंकि हम वसुधैव कुटुम्‍बकम वाले हैं। और इसलिए nuclear energy चाहिए, renewal energy चाहिए, hydro चाहिए, solar चाहिए, wind चाहिए, biomass में से निकलना चाहिए। अब ये चीजें जो हैं खर्चीली है। हम अगर nuclear energy में जाना चाहते हैं, हमे यूरेनियम चाहिए। यूरेनियम इसलिए नहीं मिलता है कि आपको जरूरत है या आपके पास पैसे है। यूरेनियम आजकल जब मिलता है जब आप पर विश्‍व का भरोसा हो कि आप इसका शांति के लिए ही उपयोग करेंगे और किसी पाप को आप भाग नहीं करोगे तब जाकर के दुनिया यूरेनियम देती है। भारत ने ये विश्‍वास पैदा किया है। हमारी आवश्‍यकता के अुनसार दुनिया के नए-नए देश अब हमें यूरेनियम देने के लिए तैयार हो गए। पिछले 18 महीने में कजाखिस्‍तान कहो, कनाडा कहो, ऑस्‍ट्रेलिया कहो इन्‍होंने भारत को Civil nuclear energy के लिए, हमारे साथ करार किए और कुछ लोगों को डिलीवरी देना शुरू कर दिया।

हम भारत के लोग जब बिजली की बात करते हैं तो ज्‍यादा से ज्‍यादा पहले तो यूनिट पे चर्चा करते थे, कितने यूनिट बिजली, कितना दाम वगैरह। थोड़ा आगे बढ़े, तो हम मेगावाट पर सोचने लगे भई इतना मेगावाट, इतना मेगावाट। भारत ने कभी बिजली के क्षेत्र में मेगावाट से आगे सोचा ही नहीं। हमने पहली बार फैसला किया है hundred seventy five gigawatt, Hundred seventy five gigawatt renewable energy. बड़ी सामान्‍य बुद्धि का विषय होता है। हम लोग स्‍कूल में जब exam देते थे तो टीचर क्‍या सिखाते थे? टीचर सिखाते थे कि exam में जाते हो तो देखा भाई जो सरल सवाल है उसको पहले उठाओ। ये ही सिखाते थे ना? मेरे टीचर ने तो ये ही सिखाया था। आपको भी वैसे ही सिखाया होगा कि जो easy question है उसको पहले address करो और जो कठिन है तो बाद में समय बच जाये तब देख लेना। ये होता है ना? मुझे बताइए हमारे पास कितना सूरज तपता है, करीब-करीब 365 दिन सूरज तपता हो और हम बच्‍चों को भी environment बढि़या ढंग से सिखाते हैं। हर मां बच्‍चे को कहती है कि ये चांदा तेरा मामा है और सूरज तेरा दादा है। लेकिन हमने कभी उस दादा की उंगली पकड़कर के चलना सीखा नहीं। क्‍यों न सूर्य शक्‍ति हमारे जैसे देश की विकास का बड़ा स्‍तंभ बन सकता है और इसलिए solar energy पर हम बल दे रहे हैं। 100 gigawatt solar energy, wind energy, biomass. मेरा जो clean India movement है न, 500 शहरों का जो कूड़ा-कचरा है, गंदगी हैं उसमें से बिजली पैदा करना, भले ही महंगी पड़े, लेकिन मेरा साफ शहर बनना चाहिए।

अब इन चीजों के लिए विदेशों से धन चाहिए, विदेशों से technology चाहिए, विदेशों से manufacturing करने वाले लोग चाहिए, जिन लोगों की इन चीजों में मास्‍टरी है वो लोग चाहिए, और मैं बड़े आनंद से कह सकता हूं कि आज दुनिया को भारत के hundred seventy five gigawatt renewable energy में इतना आकर्षण पैदा हुआ है, विश्‍व के राजनेताओं को ताज्‍जुब हो रहा है और विश्‍व के पूंजी निवेशकों को एक नया अवसर नजर आ रहा है कि वो भारत में आकर के बिजली के उत्‍पादन के अंदर हमारे साथ जुड़ने के लिए तैयार हो रहे हैं।

दुनिया के साथ संबंध होते हैं, वो संबंध goody-goody बातों से नहीं होते हैं। विश्‍व या तो आपका लोहा मानता है, या विश्‍व अपनेपन की भाषा समझता है। आज मैं संतोष के साथ कहता हूं कि विश्‍व के साथ भारत ने ऐसे संबंधों को बनाने का रूप लिया है। आप मुझे बताइए, पश्चिम एशिया के देशों में जो तूफान चल रहा है, निर्दोषों को मौत के घाट उतारा जा रहा है, आतंकवाद अपनी चरम सीमा पर है। उन देशों में 70 लाख हिन्‍दस्‍तानी रहते हैं, 70 लाख, seven million. आप मुझे बताइए आप सिंगापुर में रहते हैं इसलिए बहुत जल्‍द बात को समझोगे। क्‍या उनको उनके नसीब पे छोड़ देना चाहिए क्‍या? उन पर संकट आएगा तो किसी तरफ देखेंगे? किसकी तरफ देखेंगे? वे मुसीबत में होंगे तो किसकी तरफ देखेंगे? और तब भारत ये कहे के बेटे तुम तो चले गए थे अब क्‍या याद कर रहे हो, चलेगा क्‍या? अगर कहीं से आवाज उठती है, कहीं से एक भी सिसकी सुनाई देती है तो दूसरे ही पल उसको ये ही आवाज सुनाई देनी चाहिए कि चिंता मत करो, भारत है ना। कहीं पर भी सिसकी सुनाई दे, उसको ये ही आवाज सुनाई देनी चाहिए, हां भारत है ना। और एक बार उसके कान में स्‍वर गूंजता है तो वो निश्चिंत हो जाता है, ठीक है संकट के बादल आए हैं लेकिन मेरा देश मुझे बचा लेगा। और तब, ये विश्‍व के रिश्‍ते काम आते हैं, संबंध काम आते हैं। यमन हो, ईराक हो, हजारों की तादाद में हमारे भारतीय भाई-बहन फंसे थे, even हमारी केरल की Nurses बहनें, जीवन और मौत के बीच वो पल उन्‍होंने कैसे बिताए होंगे हम कल्‍पना कर सकते हैं।

लेकिन विश्‍व के साथ जो संबंध जुड़े हैं दुनिया के कुछ देशों से प्रार्थना की कि देखिए इसमें क्‍या मदद कर सकते हैं और मैं आज संतोष के साथ कह सकता हूं उन देशों ने हमारी इन बच्चियों को ला करके केरल तक पहुंचाने में हमारी भरपूर मदद की है। यमन में हमारे हजारों लोग फंसे थे, हम तीन महीने से उनको कह रहे थे कि भई निकलो, निकलो, निकलो। लेकिन कोई निकलने को तैयार नहीं था। ये बाहर जो रहते हैं इतनी बात ध्‍यान रखें भई। कितना हम समझाऐं वो, नहीं नहीं साहब वो तो देखा जाएगा। क्‍योंकि इतने प्‍यार से रहते थे, इतनी निकटता थी, उनको शक ही नहीं था कि कभी कोई मुसीबत आ सकती है? लेकिन चारों तरफ Bombarding शुरू हुआ। हमने दुनिया के कुछ देशों के लोगों के साथ मैंने फोन पर बात की। और आज मैं संतोष के साथ कहना हूं दुनिया के उन देशों ने हमारी मदद की और हम हजारों की तादाद में हमारे सभी यमन में फंसे हुए नागरिकों को ले करके वापिस आए। ईराक हो, लीबिया हो, यमन हो, विश्‍व के साथ संबंध आज के युग में हर पल, हर समय आवश्‍यकता होती है। अरे कभी-कभार नेपाल में हमारे यात्री चले जाएं और एक बस गड्ढे में पड़ जाए, अगर नेपाल सरकार के साथ नाता नहीं होगा तो उन बेचारों का कौन देखेगा? विश्‍व के साथ संबंध बनाने का प्रयास और formality से नहीं चलता, आज युग बदल चुका है, जीवंत नाता होना अनिवार्य होता है और तब जा करके हमारे देशवासियों की जिंदगी दांव पर लगी हो तब वो संबंध काम आ जाते हैं और उनकी जिंदगी बच जाती है।

दुनिया के किसी एक देश में कोई एक भारतीय की जान चली जाए तो पूरा हिंदुस्‍तान बेचैन हो जाता है, हजारों की जान बच जाएं तो खुशी कितनी हो सकती है इसका आप अंदाज लगा सकते हो भाई। और इसलिए हमारी ये कोशिश रही है कि भारत विकास की नई ऊंचाइयों को पार करे और आज वो जमाना नहीं है कि आपने चार देशों के साथ दोस्‍ती बना ली तो गाड़ी चल जाएगी। पहले तो दुनिया दो गुटों में बंटी हुई थी, आप किसी गुट के साथ दोस्‍ती कर लो तो वो गुट आपकी रखवाली कर लेता था। आज वो युग नहीं है। आज पूरा विश्‍व Inter-dependent हो गया है। कोई भी दुनिया का देश Isolated नहीं रह सकता है और कोई भी दुनिया का देश अकेला ही सब कर लूंगा, दुनिया का समृद्ध से समृद्ध देश होगा, ताकतवर से ताकतवर देश होगा, लेकिन छोटे से छोटे देश पर भी वो dependent होता है। पूरी दुनिया Inter-dependent है। भारत ने अगर दुनिया में आगे बढ़ना है, भारत ने अपनी जगह बनानी है तो Inter-dependent इस दुनिया के अंदर हमने भी अपने संबंधों को ताजगी देनी पड़ती है। देश छोटा, कितना ही छोटा क्‍यों न हो, लेकिन union में उसकी ताकत होती है। आप कल्‍पना कर सकते हैं, मैं हिंदुस्‍तान के वासियों को कहूं कि गैस की Subsidy छोड़ दो, 40 लाख लोग Gas Subsidy छोड़ दें, भारत का वक्‍त कैसा बदला है।

अगर हिंदुस्‍तान ये कहे कि दुनिया नाक पकड़ ले, योगा करे, हमने किसी को कान पकड़ने के लिए नहीं कहा है। 21 जून को पूरा विश्‍व अंतर्राष्‍ट्रीय योगा दिवस मनाए। कौन भारतीय होगा जिसको इस बात का गर्व नहीं हुआ होगा भाइयो, बहनों। जिस दिन Neil Armstrong ने चन्‍द्रमा पर पग रखा होगा, सिर्फ American नहीं, विश्‍व की मानव जात ने गौरव अनुभव किया होगा। आज जब 21 जून को पूरा विश्‍व Holistic Health Care को ले करके योगा दिवस बनाने के लिए आगे आ जाए, कोई बंधन नहीं, कोई रंग नहीं, कोई रूप नहीं, कोई परंपरा नहीं, कोई सम्‍प्रदाय नहीं, कोई बाधाएं नहीं, एक मन से योगा के लिए विश्‍व तैयार हो गया। और दुनिया की पहली घटना है कि इतने कम समय में, United Nation में ये प्रस्‍ताव पारित हुआ, इतने देशों ने इसको Co-sponsor किया, और दुनिया के इतने देशों ने इसको बनाया। सिगापुर ने भी बड़े धूमधाम से योगा दिवस बनाया। अब ये कोई, मोदी कोई योगा लाया है क्‍या? ये तो था ही था। लेकिन हमें हमारे पर भरोसा नहीं था क्‍योंकि हम संकोच करते थे, यार किसी को कहेंगे तो पता नहीं वो नाक चढ़ा देगा, और पता नहीं इंकार कर देगा तो, अगर हमारा अपने-आप में विश्‍वास हो तो दुनिया हमारे साथ चलने के लिए तैयार होती है। दुनिया भी, दुनिया भी शांति की तलाश में है, दुनिया भी संतोष की तलाश में है, कोई तो आएं जो अंगुली पकड़ करके चलाएं, दुनिया चलने के लिए तैयार है और भारत, भारत आज तैयार हुआ है विश्‍व के साथ कंधे से कंधा मिला करके तैयार हुआ है, चल सकता है भारत।

भाइयों, बहनों मेरा एक ही काम लेकर के मैं निकला हूं और उस काम को पूरा करने के लिए मुझे आपका आशीर्वाद चाहिए। सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासियों के आशीर्वाद के साथ-साथ विश्‍व में फैले हुए मेरे भारत के प्‍यारे भाइयों-बहनों, आपके आशीर्वाद चाहिए। और वो काम है, एक ही काम करना है मुझे, विकास, विकास, विकास। और वो विकास जो गरीब के आंसू पोंछने की ताकत रखता हो, वो विकास जो नौजवान को रोजगार देता हो, वो विकास जो किसान की जिंदगी में खुशहाली लाता हो, वो विकास जो हमारी माताओं-बहनों को empower करता हो, वो विकास जो एकता और अखंडता के मंत्र को ले करके विश्‍व के अंदर सिर ऊंचा करके खड़ा रह सकता हो, वैसा विकास करने का सपना ले करके मैं चला हूं। भारत आगे बढ़े इतना काफी नहीं है, भारत आधुनिक बने ये भी उतना ही आवश्‍यक है। हम सिर्फ, कभी-कभी क्‍या होता है, आप देखा होगा, किसी senior citizen को आप मिलोगे, 70 साल की उम्र हो गई होगी, 80 साल की उम्र हो गई होगी, पोते-पोतियां नमस्‍ते करने जाएंगे तो वो क्‍या करता है, आओ बैठो, देखो मैं जब 30 साल का था ना ऐसा करता था और बच्‍चों ने ये बात दस बार सुनी होगी, तो जब दादा बुलाते हैं तो बच्‍चे भाग जाते हैं। उनको लगता है कि ये दादा अब फिर कुछ कथा सुनाएंगे। ऐसा हम देखते हैं, परिवार के जीवन में हम देखते हैं। बालक भी लंबे समय तक पुराने पराक्रमों को सुनने के लिए तैयार नहीं हैं।

मैं देशवासियों को ये कहने की हिम्‍मत करता हूं आज, हमारे पूर्वजों ने जो परा‍क्रम किए हैं, वो हमारी प्रेरणा के कारण बन सकते हैं लेकिन हमारे पूर्वजों के पराक्रम पर गीत गाते-गाते हम गुजारा नहीं कर सकते हैं। हमने अपने युग में, हमने पूर्वजों के पराक्रम से प्ररेणा ले करके अपने वर्तमान को भी उज्‍जवल करना है, और भविष्‍य की मजबूत नींव डालना ये हमारा दायित्‍व बनता है। सिर्फ महान संस्‍कृति, महान परंपरा, पांच हजार साल का उज्‍ज्‍वल इतिहास, इसी के गीत गाते रहें और पड़ोसी को कभी पानी भी पिलाने को तैयार न हों, ऐसा कभी मेरा देश नहीं हो सकता है। और इसलिए पूवर्जों के पराक्रम, महान संस्‍कृति, महान परंपरा, उसकी जो उत्‍तम चीजें हैं, उसको हमें प्रेरणा लेनी है लेकिन अपने पसीने से वर्तमान को भरना है। अपनी इच्‍छाशक्ति से इसकी मजबूत नींव डालनी है ताकि आने वाली पीढ़ी ये न कहे कि आपने पूर्वजों ने तो बहुत कर के गये, तुम बताओ बेटे तुमने क्‍या किया? ये सवाल का जवाब देने का हमारे में हौसला होना चाहिए ऐसा हिंदुस्‍तान बनाना है। अपने सामर्थ्‍य से, अपने पराक्रम से, अपने पुरुषार्थ से, अपने त्‍याग से, अपनी तपस्‍या से, हमने हमारे देश को बनाना चाहिए, हमने हमारे देश को आगे बढ़ाना चाहिए और हमारे जो मूल्‍य हैं, सांस्‍कृतिक विरासतें हैं उसको विश्‍व को परिचित कराना चाहिए, ये जब तक हम संतुलन नहीं करते, दुनिया हमें स्‍वीकार नहीं करेगी।

मुझे विश्‍वास है कि विकास के इन सपनों को ले करके जो हम चल रहे हैं, उसमें आपका पूरा-पूरा योगदान रहेगा। भारत का गौरव बढ़ाने के लिए हम जहां हों, जहां भी हों हम जरूर अपनी तरफ से प्रयास करते रहें। दुनिया को देने के लिए इस देश के पास बहुत कुछ है। अनेक संकटों के बाद भी आज भी सीना तान करके खड़े रहने की हम में हिम्‍मत है। लेकिन सीना सीना तानना पड़े, दिन आने नहीं चाहिए। और वो तब होता है, जब हम अपने वर्तमान को विकास की नई ऊंचाइयों पर ले जाने के लिए पुरुषार्थ करते हैं, सामूहिक पुरुषार्थ करते हैं, सामर्थ्‍य के साथ चलते हैं, तब जा करके परिणाम मिलता है।

सिंगापुर को हर किसी ने बनाया है, हर कोई बना रहा है, और सिंगापुर भी अगल-बगल के मुल्‍कों को बनाने की ताकत रखता है। मैं सिंगापुर को बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूं, इस सिंगापुर की विकास यात्रा को मैं नमन करता हूं। इस सिंगापुर ने, सिंगापुर सचमुच में सौ-सौ सलाम करने वाला देश बन गया है, मैं उसको मेरी तरफ से बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूं और सवा सौ करोड़ का देश हिंदुस्‍तान वो भी उमंग और उत्‍साह के साथ आगे बढ़ेगा इसी एक संकल्‍प के साथ मैं फिर एक बार सभी को बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूं, बहुत-बहुत अभिनंदन करता हूं, बहुत-बहुत धन्‍यवाद करता हूं। धन्‍यवाद। Thank You.

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अतुल कुमार तिवारी/ अमित कुमार/ निर्मल/ मनीषा

Cabinet Secretary reviews flood situation in Tamil Nadu

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
03-December-2015 19:05 IST

Cabinet Secretary reviews flood situation in Tamil Nadu

National Crisis Management Committee meets

Cabinet Secretary Shri PK Sinha chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) here today to review the flood situation in Tamil Nadu.

The Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu informed the NCMC, through video-conferencing, about the latest situation and ongoing Relief and Rescue works in the state.

The status of deployment of NDRF teams, Army columns, Air Force helicopters and boats provided by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and NDRF was discussed in the meeting. The requirement of ready-to-eat food items, potable water, milk and power was also reviewed.

The meeting was attended by Secretaries from various key Ministries/Nodal agencies, concerned with the emergency response (rescue and relief), such as Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority, Defence, Health and Family Welfare, Power, Urban Development, Railways, Civil Aviation, Telecommunication, Information & Broadcasting, India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Cabinet Secretary asked the concerned Ministries to provide necessary assistance in a coordinated manner to the State Government, ensuring that the Rescue and Evacuation of the people is their top priority.

***

KSD/NK/PK

PM’s engagements in Kuala Lumpur – November 23, 2015

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Prime Minister's Office
24-November-2015 06:23 IST

PM’s engagements in Kuala Lumpur – November 23, 2015

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia. At the joint press statement after the talks, the Prime Minister called for stronger defence cooperation between the two countries, “including for advancing maritime security and strengthening disaster response in our region.”

The two leaders jointly inaugurated the “Torana Gate” at Little India in Kuala Lumpur. This gate takes inspiration from the Torana Gate at the Sanchi Stupa. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that his visit to Malaysia has been marked by a number of historic events, and the joint inauguration of the Torana Gate is one of them. He said the Gate is not just a sculpture, but a link between two countries, which highlights their cultural ties. The Prime Minister recalled Lord Buddha, who had, centuries ago, delivered his message of peace across Asia.

The Prime Minister had an interaction with leaders of Corporate Malaysia, for strengthening economic ties. The Prime Minister said that India is the fastest growing economy in the world today, and with a stable polity, offers ample scope for investment. The Prime Minister said that Malaysian CEOs have experience and expertise in areas where India has a requirement, and therefore, it is a perfect match. Malaysian CEOs expressed interest in several sectors of the Indian economy, including food processing, oil and gas, and aviation.

***

AKT/NT

Indian Air Force Conduct Relief and Rescue Operations in Rain Ravaged Areas

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
02-December-2015 17:50 IST

Indian Air Force Conduct Relief and Rescue Operations in Rain Ravaged Areas
Following incessant rains in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh and in large parts of Tamil Nadu, requests from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Governments for positioning of helicopters at Tirupati and Tambram for relief and rescue were received by Indian Air Force. The IAF promptly responded to this call for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and has positioned two Mi 17 helicopters of Southern Air Command at Tirupati. Two Mi 17 helicopters are at Bangalore and Thanjavur for onward move to Chennai for aerial dropping of food packets, water and medicines and for evacuating stranded people to safe areas. As soon as the weather is fit for helicopter operations, these helicopters will move to Chennai, from where they will be assisting the State Disaster Management authorities in their efforts to provide succour to the stranded population.

One C-17 had taken off from Chandigarh via Bhubaneswar and landed at Tirupati with three teams of National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF). One C-17 took off from Palam with three teams of NDRF and one C-130 J has got airborne to Tambaram for reconnaissance and assessment of the flood affected areas.

RCD/MKS

Joint Statement on enhanced Malaysia-India Strategic Partnership (November 23, 2015)

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Prime Minister's Office
23-November-2015 17:26 IST

Joint Statement on enhanced Malaysia-India Strategic Partnership (November 23, 2015)
At the invitation of The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi undertook an Official Visit to Malaysia on 23 November 2015. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the ASEAN–India Summit and East Asia Summit on 21–22 November 2015. The two Prime Ministers held official talks in Putrajaya and jointly inaugurated the Torana Gate in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, a gift from India to Malaysia, as a symbol of India-Malaysia Friendship.

During the official talks, which was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, the two Prime Ministers acknowledged that India-Malaysia relations have made impressive strides in recent years. The dialogue mechanisms at Ministerial and Official level, supported by a wide range of agreements have also provided a framework to harness the full potential of the Strategic Partnership, established between the two countries in October 2010.

Both leaders also conveyed their condolences to the families of all those on board Malaysian Airlines flight MH 370. In this context, the Prime Minister of Malaysia recalled with appreciation the ready assistance provided by India in the search operations through the deployment of six ships and seven aircraft, including at Subang airbase in Malaysia.

The two leaders welcomed the increasing two-way tourist movement and recalled the close cultural and religious affinity of the people of the two countries, including the presence of a large Indian community in Malaysia, which is a positive factor in fostering and developing current and future linkages to imbue greater dynamism to the friendly relations between Malaysia and India.

Recalling their stake in promoting multiculturalism, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, pluralism and development.

The two leaders acknowledged the contribution made by Malaysia and India in promoting growth, economic development and stability in the Asia–Pacific region, and recognized each other’s responsibility in the promotion of peace, development and security of the region, and beyond, based on a convergence of political and socio-economic interests and aspirations.

The two Prime Ministers, while expressing satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations over the years, reaffirmed their determination to take the Strategic Partnership between the two countries to the next level by deepening existing areas and exploring new areas of cooperation.

Both Prime Ministers then witnessed the signing of one Agreement on Cultural Exchange Programme for 2015-2020 and two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Project Delivery and Monitoring, and Cooperation on Cyber Security.

In an effort to further broaden and deepen the relationship between the two countries, both leaders agreed to proceed with efforts to develop the Strategic Partnership between the two countries as follows:

Political Consultation

1. To hold regular Summits, including on the margins of multilateral events;

2. To arrange the next meeting of the Joint Commission headed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, with the next meeting in New Delhi in the first half of 2016;

3. To arrange regular exchanges at the Cabinet level between the Ministers in charge of Trade & Industry, Transport, Public Works and Infrastructure, in line with the new developmental initiatives introduced by India, and the investment and trade opportunities opening up in each other’s country;

4. To hold regular Foreign Office Consultations between the Senior Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and the Ministry of External Affairs of India, to enable both countries to monitor the progress of bilateral cooperation, including on regional and strategic issues of mutual interest;

5. Reaffirmed their continued commitment to Parliamentary democracy and to promote further cooperation between the Parliaments of both countries, and underlined the importance of regular and enhanced exchange of visits between Parliamentarians from India and Malaysia;

Economic, Trade and Financial Areas

6. Reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation, and to deepen and widen their economic engagement, which has emerged as an important fulcrum of the strategic partnership;

7. Underlined the importance of holding regular meeting of the Ministers of Trade and Industry of both countries;

8. To promote joint collaboration, especially in infrastructure and construction sectors, and to facilitate joint projects and collaboration between the private sectors of the two countries, in line with the new developmental and business initiatives undertaken by India, such as the Make in India, Digital India, Smart Cities and Skill Development that offered significant investment opportunities for Malaysian businesses. The Prime Minister of India conveyed the steps being taken by the Government of India to provide a conducive environment for investors, and invited Malaysian investors to participate in economic activities for the mutual benefits of both countries;

9. Recognising the need to energise the activities of the high-level India-Malaysia CEOs’ Forum, called upon the CEOs’ Forum to develop specific recommendations to enhance business links in priority areas. They further urged the CEOs’ Forum to meet bi-annually and in a timely manner to ensure meaningful follow-up and implementation of recommendations;

10. Welcomed further contributions of Malaysian and Indian-owned financial institutions in both jurisdictions, which reflects the growing economic and financial linkages between the two countries;

11. Commended the contribution of IRCON over the past two decades on railway cooperation in Malaysia, and welcomed IRCON’s significant interest to participate in railway project in the future;

12. Encouraged public and private sector companies from both countries to pro-actively look at large investment opportunities at each other’s country. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the significant interest shown by Malaysian companies to partake in the business opportunities provided by India and their aspiration to invest in infrastructure projects;

13. Welcomed the contribution of Indian investment in Malaysia, in particular India IT firms, especially those located in Cyberjaya, and agreed to continue to promote greater engagement of Indian IT companies in Malaysia;

Defence and Security

14. Agreed to enhance defence exchanges through regular dialogue at various levels, including between the Defence Ministers, senior defence officials, Chiefs of the Armed Services and through Service-to-Service Staff Talks;

15. Agreed to convene the next India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation Meeting at Defence Secretary/Secretary General level;

16. Welcomed the outcome of the joint exercises HARIMAU SHAKTI and to upgrade the exercises to company level, and subsequently to tri-services exercises;

17. Agreed to set up the SU-30 Forum for cooperation in training, maintenance, technical support and safety-related issues, building on the assistance by India for successful completion of the SU 30 MKM training programme by Indian pilots in Malaysia;

18. Further agreed to promote joint collaboration on projects of mutual interest in the defence sector including in the areas of defence equipment and industry, research, training and capacity building;

19. Agreed to institute annual talks between the Heads of the Indian Coast Guards and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency including during Head of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM).

20. Agreed to establish mechanism for sharing of information, including for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster relief (HADR) and white shipping;

21. Agreed to establish linkages between the Centre for UN Peacekeeping of India (CUNPK) and Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre (MPC);

22. Expressed strong condemnation for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and called upon all States to reject terrorism and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice. In this context, they welcomed the ongoing cooperation between the two countries on counter terrorism and agreed to further enhance cooperation in this direction;

23. Agreed to continue sharing of information and best practices to address the challenges posed by terrorism, and other traditional and non-traditional threats;

24. Reaffirmed that the two countries share a mutual interest in cooperating for peace, prosperity and security of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond;

25. Agreed to discuss further with a view to conclude the signing of the MoU on Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners, which act as an important humanitarian gesture towards sentenced prisoners;

Tourism and Education

26. Acknowledged the success of the Festival of India in Malaysia 2015, supported by the Malaysian Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Indian Ministry of Culture and the Indian High Commission, and held for the first time in all major cities and States of Malaysia;

27. Reaffirming their desire to promote greater opportunities for students to pursue their higher studies in each other’s’ country, agreed to conclude a MoU on mutual recognition of Universities and degrees between India and Malaysia at the earliest;

28. Welcomed the additional contribution by India of Indian Rupees 50 million to the Indian Scholarship Trust Fund, managed by the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur, which has been operating since 1954 for deserving Malaysian Indian students;

29. Welcomed the renaming of the Indian Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur as "Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre”;

Human Resources

30. Welcomed the contribution of Indian workers to the Malaysian economy;

31. To further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in the field of labour through Joint Working Group Meeting, as well as exchanges of visits and information on latest policies, laws and regulations;

Health

32. Recognising the need to promote greater cooperation between the two countries in Ayurveda and other Indian systems of traditional medicine, Malaysia welcomed the deputation of an Ayurveda practitioner and two therapists from India under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme. The two sides also welcomed the gift of a Shirodara Yantra machine from the Government of India to Malaysia;

33. Agreed to receive a Siddha practitioner from India to Malaysia under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme;

Science and Technology

34. Sustainable Energy development has been a key component towards achieving energy security in the future with both Malaysia and India having actively pursued to increase renewable energy sources so as to strengthen their energy security while increasing energy access. Noting that, both sides agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on New and Renewable Energy at the earliest that would serve as a good platform for both countries to exchange ideas and forge mutually beneficial collaboration;

Public Administration

35. Noted the excellent ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, India and Public Service Department, Malaysia under the MoU on Cooperation in the field of Public Administration and Governance. Following the 3rd Joint Working Group Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on 28–30 September 2015, both sides will work on implementing the decisions made in the Meeting for fostering cooperation in English language training, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), e-governance, training institute collaboration, retirement benefits management, taxation data and business intelligence, and project implementation and oversight;

36. Welcomed the proposal for both sides to establish cooperation in areas of performance management, project delivery and monitoring;

37. Welcomed the conclusion of the Bilateral Work Agreement between Malaysia and India that authorise spouses of diplomatic agents and members of the administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions and spouses of consular officers at consular posts for employment in the respective receiving State on a reciprocal basis;

Regional and International Cooperation

38. Reaffirming the importance of strategic engagement of India in regional initiatives to shape an open, transparent and inclusive regional order and ASEAN’s centrality in the evolving regional architecture, welcomed the enhanced relations between ASEAN and India, especially since the elevation of the partnership to a strategic status at the ASEAN–India Commemorative Summit in 2012 in New Delhi;

39. Welcomed the adoption by ASEAN and India of the new Plan of Action (2016-2020) to implement the ASEAN–India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity at the ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 5 August 2015;

40. Welcomed the successful holding of the 27th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits and commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the East Asia Summit in November 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, and further welcomed the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the ASEAN Community and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together;

41. Welcomed the signing of the ASEAN–India Trade in Services and Investment Agreements, and took note of the progress towards finalising the Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership (RCEP) Agreement;

42. Stressed that the 70th anniversary of the United Nations is an occasion to urge for early reforms of the United Nations, including the reform of the UN Security Council. Malaysia took note of India’s aspiration for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council; and

43. Welcomed the post-2015 Development Agenda adopted by the United Nations with eradication of poverty by 2030 as its core objective.

The Prime Minister of India expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister of Malaysia for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation for the visit, and invited the Malaysian Prime Minister to undertake another visit to India at a mutually convenient date, which was accepted by the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

*****

AKT/AK

Israeli Commander of Air and Space Forces Meets Chief of the Air Staf

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
30-November-2015 18:54 IST

Israeli Commander of Air and Space Forces Meets Chief of the Air Staf
Major General Amir Eshel, Commander of Israeli Air & Space forces called on Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha at Air Headquarters, today.

India-Israel relations have grown steadily. In the recent years, India-Israel defence co-operation has grown into multifaceted defence level exchanges in diverse areas of defence co-operation. On its part, Israel views India as a strategic ally and has displayed willingness to co-operate on all fronts. The Indo-Israel defence relations comprise mainly of purchase of military equipment, MoD level dialogue, technology collaboration and service to service defence co-operation through service level staff talks.

India-Israel defence co-operation has improved rapidly in the last few years with Israel providing state-of-the-art military hardware to India at reasonable cost. Israelis have been at the cutting-edge of R&D in advanced technologies in a wide range of fields such as telecom, software, biotechnology, medical, electronics, agriculture and defence. Israel undertakes joint industrial R&D projects with several advanced countries including India.

RCD/MKS

Text of 37th Singapore Lecture 'India's Singapore Story' by Prime Minister during his visit to Singapore

Excellency, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Excellency, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Honourable Ministers,
Professor Tan Tai Yong,
Distinguished guests,

Thank you for the honour and privilege of delivering the Singapore Lecture.

I am conscious that I walk in the footsteps of leaders who have shaped modern India and our relationship with this region –President Shri APJ Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Shri P.V. Narsimha Rao, and former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Mr. Prime Minister, I am deeply honoured that you have joined us here.

We have been on the road together in the past few weeks – for the G20 and the ASEAN and East Asia Summits.

This tells you how deeply linked the destinies of our two nations are .

To the people of Singapore, on 50 years of Independence, I extend the greetings and the good wishes of 1.25 billion friends and admirers.

In the life of humans and nations, milestones of time are natural.

But, few countries can celebrate the first fifty years of existence with a sense of pride and satisfaction that Singapore deserves to.

And, I can do no better than to begin with homage to one of the tallest leaders of our time and the architect of modern Singapore – Lee Kuan Yew.

To capture his mission in own words, he gave his life to see a successful Singapore.

And, it was with his well known steely determination that he saw Singapore through to its golden jubilee year.

His impact was global. And, in him, India had a well wisher, who spoke with the honesty of true friendship. He believed in India’s potential at home and her role abroad more than many in India.

For me, he was a personal inspiration. From his Singapore Stories, I drew many lessons.

The most profound, yet simple, idea was that transformation of a nation begins with a change in the way we are. And, that it was as important to keep your city and surroundings clean as it was to build modern infrastructure.

For me, too, in India, the Swachh Bharat campaign, is not just a programme to clean our environment, but to transform the way we think, live and work.

For quality, efficiency, and productivity are not just technical measures, but also a state of mind and a way of life.

So, in my visit to Singapore this March and in the observance of a day’s mourning in India, we wanted to honour a true friend and a very special relationship.

Singapore is a nation that has become a metaphor for the reality of dreams.

Singapore teaches us many things.

The size of a nation is no barrier to the scale of its achievements.

And, the lack of resources is no constraint for inspiration, imagination, and innovation.

When a nation embraces diversity, it can unite behind a common purpose.

And, international leadership flows from the power of thought, not just from the orthodox measures of strength.

Singapore has done more than just lift a nation into the highest levels of prosperity within a generation.

It has inspired this region’s progress and led in its integration.

And, it has made others believe that the possibility of progress is within our horizons, not an unseen and distant hope.

Singapore’s success flows not from the aggregate of numbers and the size of investments.

It is based on what I believe is the key to success: the quality of human resources, the belief of a people and the resolve of a nation.

Distinguished members of the audience,

It is with the same vision that we are pursuing the transformation of India.

People are the purpose of our efforts; and, they will be the power behind change.

I do not judge the success of our efforts from the cold statistics of number, but from the warm glow of smile on human faces.

So, one set of our policies are to empower our people.

The other set to create the conditions in which enterprise flourishes, opportunities expand and the potential of our citizens are unlocked.

So, we are investing in our people through skills and education; special focus on the girl child; financial inclusion; sustainable habitats; clean rivers and smart cities; and, access to basic needs of all our citizens – from water and sanitation to power and housing.

We will nurture and defend an environment in which every citizen belongs and participates, secure of her rights and confident about her opportunities.

And, we are creating opportunities by reforming our laws, regulations, policies, processes and institutions; by the way we govern ourselves; and the way we work with state governments.

Together with this software of change, we are also building the hardware of progress – next generation infrastructure, revived manufacturing, improved agriculture, easier trade and smarter services.

That is why we are moving on many fronts at the same time, aware of the linkages that make up a comprehensive strategy.

I learnt long ago that Singaporeans are too well informed about India to be burdened with numbers by a visitor, even from India.

In any case, for me, the emergence of India as the fastest growing major economy in the world is less important than what is more enduring: the wheels of change are moving; confidence is growing; resolve is stronger; and, the direction is clearer.

And, it is spreading across the nation, as the most distant village and the farthest citizen begin to join the mainstream of national economy.

Distinguished guests,

India and Singapore have been together at many crossroads of time.

Our relationship is written in the pages of history, the footprints of culture, the ties of kinship and the old connection of commerce.

We stood together in friendship at the dawn of freedom; and, we reached out to each other in a partnership of shared hopes.

Singapore’s success became an aspiration of Indians. And, in turn, India became the hope for a more peaceful, balanced and stable world.

As India opened itself, Singapore became India's springboard to the world and gateway to the East.

No one worked harder for it and no one deserves more credit for it than Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. He re-connected India to Singapore and the region.

He also opened my eyes to its vast prospects.

Today, Singapore is one of our most important partners in the world. It is a relationship that is as strategic as it is wide-ranging.

We have comprehensive defence and security relations. It flows out of shared interests and a common vision. Singapore holds regular exercises with and in India.

Singapore is the biggest investment source and destination for India in the world; the world's most connected nation to India; the largest trading partner in Southeast Asia; and, a popular destination for tourists and students.

Now, as we build the India of our dreams, Singapore is already a major partner in that enterprise: world class human resources, smart cities, clean rivers, clean energy, or next generation sustainable infrastructure.

Starting from the first IT Park in Bengaluru, it now includes the newest state capital in India, Amravati in Andhra Pradesh.

Our partnership will expand as our economies grow and the framework of trade and investment improves further.

But, I have always seen Singapore in loftier terms.

Singapore's success in overcoming odds leads me to seek a partnership that addresses the challenges of 21st century – from food and water to clean energy and sustainable habitats.

And, in many ways, Singapore will also influence the course of our region in this century.

Mr. Prime Minister, Distinguished members,

This area covers the arc of Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions. However we choose to define it, the underlining theme of connected histories and interconnected destinies stand out clearly.

This is a region of expanding freedom and prosperity. It is home to two of the most populous nations; some of the world’s largest economies; and, the world’s most talented and hard working people.

Asia's re-emergence is the greatest phenomenon of our era.

From the darkness of the middle of the last century, Japan led Asia’s rise. It then extended to Southeast Asia, Korea and China.

And, India is now the bright hope for sustaining Asian dynamism and prosperity.

But, this is also a region with many unsettled questions and unresolved disputes; of competing claims and contested norms; of expanding military power and extending shadow of terrorism; and, uncertainties on seas and vulnerability in cyber space.

The region is not an island in a vast ocean, but deeply connected and influenced by the world beyond.

We are also a region of disparities within and between states; where the challenges of habitats, food and water remain; where our gifts of Nature and wealth of traditions feel the pressure of rapid progress; and, our agriculture and islands are threatened by climate change.

Asia has seen some of this at different points of its history. But, it has probably never been here before. And, Asia is still finding a path through its multiple transitions to a peaceful, stable and prosperous future.

It is a journey that must succeed.

And, Singapore and India must work together to realize it.

India’s history has been inseparable from Asia.

There were times when we turned inwards.

And now, as we reintegrate more closely with Asia, we are returning to history. We are retracing our ancient maritime and land routes with the natural instincts of an ancient relationship.

And, in the course of last eighteen months, my government has engaged more with this region than any other in the world.

From a new opening with Pacific Island Nations, Australia and Mongolia to more intense engagement with China, Japan, Korea and ASEAN members, we have pursued our vision with purpose and vigour.

India and China share a boundary and five millennia of continuous engagement. Monks and merchants have nurtured our ties and enriched our societies.

It’s a history reflected in the seventh century journey of XuanZang that I have had the privilege of connecting, from my birthplace in Gujarat to Xian in China, where President Xi hosted me this May.

We see it in religious texts written in Sanskrit, Pali, and Chinese; in the letters of the past, exchanged with warmth and grace; in India’s famous tanchoi sarees; and, in Cinapatta, the Sanskrit name for silk.

Today, we constitute two-fifth of humanity and two of the world’s fastest growing major economies. China’s economic transformation is an inspiration for us.

And, as it rebalances its economy, and as India steps up the pace of its growth, we can both reinforce each other’s progress. And, we can advance stability and prosperity in our region.

And, together, we can be more effective in addressing our common global challenges, from trade to climate change.

We have our unresolved issues, including our boundary question, but we have been able to keep our border region peaceful and stable. And, we have agreed to strengthen strategic communication and expand convergences. We explore shared economic opportunities while addressing common threats like terrorism.

India and China will engage constructively across the complexity of their relationship as two self-assured and confident nations, aware of their interests and responsibilities.

Just as China's rise has driven the global economy, the world looks to China to help advance global and regional peace and stability.

India and Japan may have discovered each other somewhat later. But, my friend, Prime Minister Abe, showed me in the magnificent shrines of Kyoto the symbols of our much longer spiritual engagement.

And, more than a hundred years ago , as Swami Vivekananda reached the shores of Japan, he exhorted the Indian youth to go east to Japan.

Independent India took that advice seriously. There are few partnerships that enjoy so much goodwill in India as our relations with Japan.

No nation has contributed so much to India’s modernization and progress Japan – cars, metros and industrial parks, for example. And, no partner is likely to play as big a role in India's transformation as Japan.

We do more together now. We see this as a strategic partnership that is vital for securing a peaceful and stable Asia, Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions.

With Korea and Australia, our relationships started with strong economic foundations, and have become strategic in content.

And, ASEAN is the anchor of our Act East Policy. We are linked by geography and history, united against many common challenges and bound by many shared aspirations.

With each ASEAN member, we have deepening political, security, defence and economic ties. And, as ASEAN Community leads the way to regional integration, we look forward to a more dynamic partnership between India and ASEAN that holds rich potential for our 1.9 billion people.

With almost the entire region, India has frameworks of economic cooperation. We want to be more deeply integrated with the regional economy. And, we will upgrade our partnership agreements and work for an early conclusion of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

In the flux and transition of our times, the most critical need in this region is to uphold and strengthen the rules and norms that must define our collective behavior.

This is why we must all come together, in East Asia Summit and other forums, to build a cooperative and collaborative future, not on the strength of a few, but on the consent of all.

India will work with countries in the region and beyond, including the United States and Russia, our East Asia Summit partners, to ensure that our commons - ocean, space and cyber – remain avenues of shared prosperity, not become new theatres of contests.

India will lend its strength to keep the seas safe, secure and free for the benefit of all.

This is an age of inter-dependence when nations must come together, to realize the promise of this century. We must also do so because our pressing challenges are not from one another, but common to each of us.

Terrorism is one such major global challenge, and a force larger than individual groups. its shadow stretches across our societies and our nations, both in recruitment and choice of targets. It does not just take a toll of lives, but can derail economies.

The world must speak in one voice and act in unison. There will be political, legal, military and intelligence efforts. But, we must do more.

Countries also must be held accountable for sanctuaries, support, arms and funds.

Nations must cooperate more with each other. Societies must reach out within and to each other. We must delink terrorism from religion, and assert the human values that define every faith.

We are a few days away from Paris, where we must achieve concrete outcome, in accordance with the principles of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This is especially important for our region, particularly the small island states.

Friends,

Ours is a region of enormous promise. But, we know that enduring peace and prosperity are not inevitable.

So, we must work hard to realize our vision of an Asian Century.

Asia has the wisdom of its ancient cultures and all the great religions of the world. It also has the energy and drive of youth.

As Asia’s first Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore predicted on a visit to this region nearly a century ago, Asia is regaining its self-consciousness for realization of its own self.

Here in Singapore, where the region's currents merge; its diversity converges; ideas meet; and, aspirations gather wings, I feel that we are closer to that vision than ever before.

And as India pursues its transformation and strives for a peaceful and stable world, Singapore will be a major partner on that journey.

 

Thank you.

***

AKT/AK

 

Visit of COAS to Sri Lanka (30 Nov - 03 Dec 15)

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
29-November-2015 13:03 IST

Visit of COAS to Sri Lanka (30 Nov - 03 Dec 15)
General Dalbir Singh, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), will embark on a four day goodwill visit to Sri Lanka from 30 Nov to 03 Dec 15. The visit assumes special significance in light of increasing defence cooperation between the two countries. In recent years, the Indo- Sri Lanka relationship has been marked by high level bilateral exchanges in various fields between the two countries.

Amongst the countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Sri Lanka is the most important partner and one of our most important neighbour. Defence and Security Cooperation between the two countries have been an important component of the Bilateral Strategic partnership. Bilateral exchanges at various levels over the past year with significant progress in implementation of developmental assistance projects, enhancement of trade and defence cooperation has helped further cement the bonds of friendship between the two countries. Defence cooperation between the two countries has been characterized by mutual training exercises, exchanges at functional level, cooperation in maritime security and humanitarian assistance.

During his visit, the COAS is scheduled to interact with senior officials of Defence Forces and Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka to discuss a wide range of issues and to enhance military cooperation. He will also visit training establishments and Formation Headquarters. The visit will further enhance the longstanding ties and cooperation in other areas of mutual interest between India and Sri Lanka, including regional security.

Col Rohan Anand, SM

PRO (Army)

Speech by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi To the Indian Community in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, 22 November 2015)

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Prime Minister's Office
22-November-2015 17:35 IST

Speech by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi To the Indian Community in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, 22 November 2015)

Vanakkam

My dear friends, brothers and sisters

Ungalil palar tamilnattai sernthavargal.

Many of you are from Tamil Nadu..

Ungal anaivarukkum vanakkam. Vanakkam to all of you

Indiavin valarchiyil Tamilnattin pangu mukkiam.

Tamil Nadu's role in India's growth is important.

Namaskar,

I am delighted to visit Malaysia. And, to be with you, here in this huge arena is a true pleasure.

For me, India is not confined to its territory. India also exists in every Indian in every part of the world. India is in you.

As I stand before you, I am reminded of the words of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar:

“Friendship is not just a smile on the face. It is what is felt deep within a smiling heart.”

Mahatma Gandhi had once said that he wanted to learn Tamil to study Thiruvalluvar's Thirukurral in its original form, as there was no one who had given such treasures of wisdom as he had.

The saint’s words on friendship capture the feeling that I get each time I come to Malaysia.

It does not matter, whether I came here without office or I come now as a Prime Minister of India.

I have felt the same embrace of friendship and welcome. The love and friendship of the Malaya-Indians has always had a special place in my heart.

Generations ago, many of your ancestors came to an unknown land.

Many of you came here more recently in the mobility of our globalised world.

Whenever you came here, whatever be the circumstance in which you came, time or distance has not reduced your love for India.

I see this in the light and colour of the festivals. They are as bright as they have always been.

I see this in the pure strains of music, the grace of the dancer, the bells of devotion and the call to prayer.

And, Malaya-Indians are the largest contingent to the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in India.

And, Malay Indians make Vibrant Gujarat Summit more vibrant.

India and Malaysia were once under the same colonial power. We both became free within a decade of each other.

And, Independent India owes a debt of gratitude to Malaya-Indians. The glory of India's freedom struggle was written, in part, by the struggles and sacrifices of Malaya-Indians.

Thousands of your forefathers came forward to join Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army. Women poured out in large numbers from the comfort of their homes to march shoulder to shoulder with Netaji Subhash Bose.

Today I pay special tribute to Puan Sri Capt. Janaky Athi Nahappan, who served as deputy to Capt. Lakshmi Sehgal. That was in the regiment named after yet another icon of India's war of Independence, Rani of Jhansi.

On behalf of every Indian, I also honour all the unnamed and unknown Malaya-Indians, who laid down their lives so that a free India could rise.

To their children and grand-children, I say a big thank you.

And, here in Kuala Lumpur, we will name our Indian Cultural Centre after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

70 years ago a tragic and deadly World War came to an end.

I also pay homage to the countless Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the battle fields of Malaysia. A majority of those who laid down their lives were Sikhs.

Their blood is permanently mixed with the soil of Malaysia. It was a war that mattered for both our countries. And, their blood in the Malaysian soil now forms a bond between our two countries that can never be erased.

And, the valour and duty they stood for is alive in the spirit of the Punjab Regiment, the Sikh Regiment, the Jat Regiment and the Dogra Regiment in India.

We are prepared to work with the Government of Malaysia to build a War Memorial to our fallen soldiers at the site of Battle of Kampar in Perak.

Brothers and sisters,

While Malaya-Indians were responding with courage and passion to the call of Netaji, they were also inspired by the life and mission of Mahatma Gandhi.

To the Indian community in Sungai Petani, I salute you for the Gandhi Memorial Hall that you built within a few years of his martyrdom.

You had not met him. Gandhiji did not manage to visit Malaysia. But, he touched your hearts.

And, as a community you came together to build that memorial on your own: To honour his memory: in respect for his principles; in a tribute to what he had done for Mother India and mankind.

There are few things that can be as moving as this: a homage in silence, expressed in action, and built into a living memorial.

And it is my proud privilege to announce that we will install a Bust of Gandhiji at the Gandhi Memorial Hall.

Your spirit of service remains strong. And, in 2001, when the earthquake hit my state of Gujarat, Malay Indians came together on their own to raise funds to help victims reclaim life.

From your moving contribution to the freedom struggle to the thriving richness of your culture, India lives in your heart.

You always have a special place in our thoughts.

My dear brothers and sisters,

The spirit of India speaks in your deeds.

You reflect India’s diversity of languages, religions and cultures. And, you stand together in a spirit of harmony. Not just with other Malay Indians, but also with all Malay people.

Your achievements have done us proud. You have toiled with your hands. With pride and dignity, you made your life here.

And, with every generation, you have achieved more success in politics, public life, government and professional services.

You prosper in trade and you make the plantation produce more.

You have contributed to build Malaysia into a vibrant modern nation and an economic power house.

And, you are helping relations between India and Malaysia become stronger and stronger.

I see this in the work of Dr. Subramaniam, Malaysia’s Cabinet Minister for Health. It is right that a Malay Indian holds this post, since Malay Indians love to become doctors!

And I am pleased that a distinguished Malay Indian, Datu Samy Vellu, is Malaysia’s special Envoy for Cooperation in Infrastructure between India and South Asia.

My dear brothers and sisters,

You are the living bonds of friendship between our two nations.

You reflect a link between India and Malaysia that is ancient as our lands.

From the coast of Coromandal and Kalinga, the ocean carried trade, commerce and culture to the Malaya Peninsula.

If there is trade, Gujarat cannot be far behind. So, Gujaratis also joined the trade.

In the ruins of the Bujang valley in the State of Kedah, we see the glory of the great Pallava and Chola dynasties in Tamil Nadu.

And the spice route that connected us brought the same flavours to our food.

Our ties are seen in the footprints of the monks, who spread the message of peace from the land of Buddha to the Southeast Asia.

This is the richness of our heritage. This is the ancient foundation of our modern links.

Today, I had the honour of visiting the Ramakrishna Mission and unveiling the statue of Swami Vivekananda.

This is not only a deeply spiritual moment for me personally. It also recalls the great journey he undertook more than a century ago, through this region to America.

There he drew upon India's ancient wisdom to make a passionate call for unity in the world. He spoke for Asian spirit that is needed today when we dream of an Asian century.

And at a time of great challenges in the world, this statue on the soil of Malaysia is a reminder to the world of the values we so deeply need to repair the fault-lines that are tearing our societies apart.

And, tomorrow Prime Minister Najib and I will jointly inaugurate the Torana Gate at Little India in Brickfields.

This is a gift from India and it looks like the gate at the famous Sanchi Stupa in India. That was built more than two thousand years ago. It is one of the most venerated Buddhist sites in the world.

So, any visitor coming to Little India will be reminded of the message of peace between people; harmony between man and nature; and the relationship between the people of our two great countries.

Above all, the statue and the gate will be a tribute to Malaysia's diversity and harmony.

My dear brothers and sisters,

Malaysia's achievements are enormous. Just six decades after Malaysia gained independence, this nation of 30 million people has much to be proud of.

It has nearly eliminated poverty. It has placed basic needs within the reach of its entire population. It has achieved nearly 100 percent literacy. And, it is providing jobs to everyone who needs it or wants it.

Its tourism sector is flourishing. And, it has preserved its beautiful gifts of Nature.

Its infrastructure is world class. It ranks very high on the "ease of doing business". And, for five decades, it has averaged a growth rate of over 6 per cent per year.

And this is a truly extraordinary achievement for any country.

One of the famous tourism slogans of Malaysia is – "Malaysia, Truly Asia".

Malaysia truly lives up to that image: living in harmony across diversity; blending tradition with modernity; innovation and hard work; and, pursuit of peace in the region.

Friends,

India, the land of your heritage, has remarkable achievements since Independence.

This was a nation made weaker by colonialism; torn by Partition at its birth as Independent country.

It is a land of unparalleled diversity and vast social and political challenges.

There were questions whether the infant nation will even reach its teen years. There were somewho did not want it to.

Today, India is not just united, but draws strength from its diversity.

There are many countries, where the high hopes of democracy at birth have faded along the way.

India is a proud democratic nation, of 1.25 billion people, who have a chance to exercise their franchise.

It is a young country, with 800 million youth under the age of 35 years.

It is nation, where every citizen belongs; where everyone has equal rights that the constitution guarantees, the courts protect and the government defends.

We have many achievements to our credit. We are a leading producer of food grain, fruits, vegetables and milk.

Our scientists are harnessing the power of Space to improve the quality of life of our people.

We have mastered the boundless power of the atom for energy and medicine.

We are developing vaccines and drugs that puts healthcare within the reach of the poorest.

We produce the best information technology specialists in the world.

We produce doctors and engineers who serve the world.

And, we are making products that are finding their way into the global market.

Our external relations advances peace in the world.

The Indian Armed Forces contribute to region’s security and stability. They assist all in humanitarian disasters, without asking their nationality.

And, our forces participate in peacekeeping missions around the world.

We have generations of our leaders to thank for bringing us this far.

But, we know that we have a long way to go. The challenges we face and the goals we must pursue, are evident in villages and cities.

And, my government has come into office to change that:

We are eradicating poverty, by giving our people the fruits of modern economy, such as universal access to banks and insurance; not just tie them down in endless programmes.

Where in the world will 190 million bank accounts be opened in a few months?

We are empowering them with skills and education.

We are creating an environment in which enterprise flourishes and people have opportunities to raise their income levels.

We are creating infrastructure that gives people their basic needs of roof, water, sanitation, electricity, schools, and medical help within the reach and means.

We are facilitating business. And, we are creating a national digital infrastructure that allows ideas, information, communication, business and innovation to flow freely on the cyber space.

We are making our railways the engine of a new economic revolution in the country. And, we are turning our ports and airports into gateways to prosperity.

And, we have pledged to make our cities clean and healthy; restore our rivers; and transform our villages.

And, we will preserve the treasures of Nature for the tourists to enjoy and our future generations to see.

And, all this is not easy. After all, we are talking of 1.25 billion people, more than 500 major cities and six hundred thousand villages.

But, we have faith in the talent and enterprise of Indians. We have confidence in the strength of the joined hands of our people.

So, it is happening. The wheels of change have begun to move. And, they are gathering speed now.

And, it is showing in numbers.

India is today the fastest growing major economy in the world. I know you feel proud about it.

We are running at 7.5% per year, but will grow even faster in the coming years.

Every major global institution has placed its bets on India growing strongly. This is at a time when the rest of the world, including parts of this region, is experiencing a slowdown.

There is change in the cities. There is momentum in the villages. And, there is confidence in our citizens, especially our youth.

And, there is change in the way government is working.

We are making government transparent and accountable. We are eliminating corruption at all levels. We are making governance driven by policies and systems, not by discretion of individuals.

We are changing the way government and citizens interact with each other. And, Central and State Governments work with each other.

States compete with each other now. That is healthy.

My dear friends,

We live in an inter-dependent world. What happens in a far off country can affect the livelihood of workers in another place.

The decision that may be taken in a conference roomin the UN or WTO can affect the life of a farmer in a village in India.

The lifestyle in one part of the world affects climate and agriculture in another part of the world.

We need each other's markets and resources.

So, our national progress will depend on the strength and success of our international partnerships.

We don’t have to look far to find friends and partners.

Southeast Asia is our neighbour on land and sea. This is one of the most dynamic and peaceful regions of the world. This is a region of culture, talent, enterprise and hard work.

India has excellent relations with all Southeast Asian countries.

We have a strong partnership with ASEAN. I have just completed the India-ASEAN Summit.

This is the region, where our economic relations are growing rapidly. And, it attracts the maximum number of Indian tourists.

Friends,

I am happy to say that Malaysia is one of our strongest partners and among our closest friends in the region.

Malaysian companies are excellent in infrastructure. Their largest presence outside Malaysia is in India.

Malaysian investors are present in the world’s second largest telecom market – that is India.

Indian company, IRCON, is helping improve the rail infrastructure in Malaysia.

There are over 150 Indian companies in Malaysia. There are over 50 Indian IT companies here.

Malaysia is one of our biggest trading partners in ASEAN, but we need to raise it further.

India is one of the biggest sources of tourists in Malaysia. And, 170 flights connect India and Malaysia every week.

One of our best partnerships in traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda and Unani, is with Malaysia.

We also work closely to keep our citizens safe.

We have strong defence relations. Indian Air Force helped train their partners in Malaysian Air Force for two years. We exercise together in air and on land and sea Jal thal aur nabh.

Our security agencies work together against terrorism. I want to thank Malaysian Government for our strong security cooperation.

Terrorism is the biggest threat to the world today. It knows no boundary. It uses the name of religion to draw people to its cause. But, it is false.

And, it kills people of all faith. We have to delink religion from terror.

The only distinction is between those who believe in humanity and those who do not.

I have said it before and I will say it here. The world must come together to combat the biggest challenge of our times.

We can strengthen intelligence cooperation. We can use military force. We can make the international legal system for cooperation stronger.

But, when I say that the world must come together, it is not just about more security cooperation.

It also means ensuring that no country uses or promotes terrorism. There are no sanctuaries. There are no funds. There are no arms.

But, we also have to work within our societies and with our youth. We need the support of parents, communities and religions scholars. And, we have to make sure that internet does not become a recruiting ground..

We have to promote peaceful relations, mutual understanding and cooperation in our region. Peace is the only foundation for a prosperous future.

We have many common interests and challenges. So, all nations in the region, big and small, should work together to ensure that our nations remain safe, our seas secure and free for commerce, and our economies prosperous.

Friends,

I will meet His Excellency, Prime Minister Najib tomorrow to take our relationship forward.

India and Malaysia have much to benefit from a closer relationship.

Whatever we choose to do, you will be a part of it.

You will breathe more life and strength into relations between India and Malaysia.

We will always seek your partnership in India's march to progress and in taking this special relationship forward.

But, what we value even more, is the love and affection that binds us together. For, this is priceless and beyond any measure of value.

You have remained connected with us despite the difficulties of distances and regulations. You are the window to our heritage and the mirror to our progress.

You are the bridge between India and your country.

You support families and communities in India. Many of you help a child find her way to a school and a mother access to healthcare.

You do this without seeking an award or getting a headline. So we must do what we can for you.

We have merged the OCI and PIO cards and we have made the visas life-long. Besides, Indian origin up to 4th generation is enough to register for OCI now. This is especially helpful for people like Malay Indians, whose ancestors came here generations ago.

Minor children, who are foreign nationals, and foreign spouses can also get OCI status now.

We have introduced e-visa that has made travel simpler.

Here, in Malaysia, we have opened nine visa collection centres. There is an eMigrate portal to make it easier and safer for workers to go to certain countries. It also alerts officials about foreign employers with cases pending against them.

We have an Indian Community Welfare Fund and a fund to help distressed Indian women abroad.

There are times when workers from India get into difficulties here. Their welfare and security are at the top of our concerns.

Last year, we assisted more than 8000 Indian workers to return home safely.

In Malaysia an India-students Trust Fund was set up in 1954 to give financial assistance to Malaysian-Indian children who lacked the means for education.

This Fund is still needed by a section of the Indian community in Malaysia. We are happy to announce grant of about 1 million US dollars in additional funds to the corpus of the Trust Fund.

Thousands of your children go to India to become doctors. While doctors are a critical need for our societies, I hope that you will take the opportunity to get education in other areas as well.

Malaysia and India should immediately recognize the degrees conferred by both our countries. This is something I intend to take up with Prime Minister Najib.

In conclusion, let me say how proud we are of what you stand for, how you live in this society and what you have achieved. There are always challenges, but there are also dreams.

And each succeeding generation has been defined more by their successes than by their challenges.

So I ask you to continue to pursue your dreams for yourself, for Malaysia and for our two great nations.

I want to leave with you the words of a great son of India, a great symbol of humanity, who also came from the shores of Tamil Nadu.

The late former President APJ Abdul Kalam, one of the makers of modern India, came here in 2008.

He wanted to be here again with you, but God had other plans. But, his life, his message and his dreams remain forever a source of inspiration.

He said : "My message specially to the young people is

to have courage to think differently,

courage to invent, to travel the unexplored path,

courage to discover the impossible,

and to conquer the problems and succeed.

So in your success, remember that you will have the joy and pride, not just of fellow Malaysians, but also of the 1.25 billion Indians.

God bless you. Thank you.

Vanakkam, Namaste

***

AKT/HS

The Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) Holds Its IRAS Day

 

 

The Agenda For Conference IncludedEfficiency MeasuresTo Optimise Expenses And Enhance Revenues And The Impact Of The Recommendations Of The 7th Central Pay Commission

 

Financial Commissioner, Railways, Shri Sanjoy Mookerjee Exhorts All Iras Officers Across The Country To Put In Their Utmost Efforts Towards Ensuring The Success Of The Innovative Initiatives Being Taken To Make Indian Railways A Vibrant Organisation

 

The Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) of Indian Railways held its IRAS day on November 28, 2015 at Maneckshaw Center, New Delhi. Way back in November 1920, the British Parliament constituted the Acworth committee to study the finances of railways in India. As a recommendation of this committee a separate accounts service, the Indian Railways Accounts Service was constituted. Hence, IRAS day is celebrated every year in November.

To mark this day, a conference of financial advisors of all Zonal Railways was held.  The agenda for discussion included efficiency measures that could be taken to optimise expenses and steps taken to enhance revenues.  The impact of the recommendations of the7th Central Pay Commission was also deliberated upon. 

            The Financial Commissioner, Railways, Shri Sanjoy Mookerjee, addressed the gathering of present and retired IRAS officers.  He shared his thoughts on cost consciousness across all domains, innovative measures for financing and expediting infrastructure works to enhance throughput.  He exhorted all IRAS officers across the country to put in their utmost efforts towards ensuring the success of the innovative initiatives being taken to make Indian Railways a vibrant organisation. He also emphasised on the development of the manpower of Indian Railways.

            With a viewto encouragingknowledge sharing, three IRAS officers presently working outside Indian Railways, were invited to make presentations in their areas of specialisation.  These included ShriNarendrafromMinistry of Defence,ShriSanjeevaShiveshCEO, Entrepreneurship School and Shri Bharat Salhotra, MD, Alstom Transportation Services, India. 

            The chief guest on the occasionwas retired Financial Commissioner (Railways), Shri V. Sivakumaran

 

**********

 

AKS/DK

 

 

 

Text of PM’s statement to media in the joint press briefing with Prime Minister of Malaysia

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Prime Minister's Office
23-November-2015 09:18 IST

Text of PM’s statement to media in the joint press briefing with Prime Minister of Malaysia

His Excellency Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak ji,
Members of the Media,

Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your warm sentiments and generous hospitality.

I deeply appreciate your gesture of hosting me in the midst of ASEAN and East Asia Summits.

I congratulate you on the outstanding summits, and for the establishment of the ASEAN Community. Your review of the EAS on its tenth anniversary set an excellent course for this region's most important forum.

The two back-to-back airline tragedies could sap the morale of any nation. I commend your leadership and the resolve and resilience of the Malaysian people.

Mr. Prime Minister, let me say how deeply we value our relations with Malaysia. And, we are grateful for your stewardship that has kept our relationship on a steady course of progress.

There are many dimensions to our connected histories. We have very old links of culture and religion. The Malaysian-Indian community forms a very special and strong bond between us. I had the opportunity to speak to them last evening.

We are defined by diversity and democracy. We have built a vibrant economic partnership. We are located on the same maritime route.

We are closely aligned in our vision and approach to the region, and work closely in regional forums.

So, with a relationship as rich as this, I am pleased that we have agreed to make our Summits, ministerial dialogues and official meetings more regular.

I assure you that we will work with renewed vigour to raise the level to momentum of our partnership.

I am particularly grateful to you for our security cooperation. It underlines our shared commitment to deal with our security challenges. We will continue to deepen our cooperation in this area.

The recent spate of attacks in different countries, not to mention the ceaseless terrorist attempts against India and Afghanistan, are a reminder of the global nature of this threat.

Mr. Prime Minister, you have provided leadership in combating extremism and radicalization, rejecting any link between terrorism and religion, and in highlighting the real values of Islam.

This is a great contribution to an important aspect of our global efforts against this challenge.

We will also make our defence cooperation stronger, including for advancing maritime security and strengthening disaster response in our region.

I am pleased that we have agreed to upgrade our joint exercises and set up the SU-30 Forum.

We will do more in terms of level and complexity of exercises and collaboration in training and defence equipment.

Our agreement to cooperate in cyber security is very important. As our lives get more networked, this is emerging as one of the most serious concerns of our age.

I share Prime Minister's belief that our trade and investment relations can be scaled up significantly. We intend to exploit the full potential of our bilateral agreements and the India-ASEAN Agreements.

We look forward to an early conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Malaysian competence in infrastructure is well known. Malaysia has completed several important projects, including in the road sector, in India.

I expressed our desire to see enhanced Malaysian participation in areas such as expansion and upgrading of infrastructure, Make in India, and Smart Cities projects.

Indian companies have a strong presence in Malaysia. IRCON is contributing to development of rail infrastructure here. We want to raise the level of Indian presence in the Malaysian economy.

Prime Minister and I are determined to explore steps to show concrete and early results. I am also meeting Malaysian CEOs later today.

I am happy that we are strengthening our excellent cooperation in Public Administration and Governance. I have personally interacted with PEMANDU, and am pleased that our Niti Ayog will work with them.

We will place special emphasis on cultural and people-to-people ties.

As you know, Prime Minister Najib and I will inaugurate the Torana Gate at the entrance of Little India in Bricksfield. This is a gift of India, but a labour of love for Prime Minister Najib. And, it will be a symbol of our timeless ties and the friendship between our people.

We invite Malaysian students to study in India and urge early conclusion of an agreement on Mutual Recognition of Degrees.

I am very pleased with our excellent and growing cooperation in Traditional Medicine, including Ayurveda and Siddha.

Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for a very productive discussion. I am confident that our strategic partnership will go to new level. I look forward to your visit to India soon.

Thank you very much.

***

AKT/AK

Admiral R K Dhowan PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
28-November-2015 14:55 IST

Admiral R K Dhowan PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC

Chief of Naval Staff

Reviewed Passing Out Parade of

129th NDA Course at the National Defence Academy

Admiral R K Dhowan PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of Naval Staff, Reviewing Officer reviewed the passing out parade of 129th Course of NDA on 28th Nov 15.

A total of 338 cadets graduated from the Academy as they passed through the portals of the prestigious Khetrapal Parade Ground. It included 229 cadets from the Army 40 cadets from the Navy and 69 cadets from the Airforce.

There were 16 foreign cadets from friendly countries who also passed out from the academy. The list included four cadets each from Bhutan and Tajikistan two cadets each from Maldives, Afghanistan and Fiji and one cadet each from Ethiopia and Lesotho.

The Reviewing Officer was received by Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, AVSM, VSM Commandant, National Defence Academy at the Parade Ground.

Admiral R K Dhowan PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF, Reviewing Officer thereafter addressed the Passing-out-Course cadets wherein he complemented the cadet for their good turnout and exceptional drill movements. He said that more than 33000 cadets have passed out of this academy and they have served the armed forces of the nation with great pride.

He said that NDA is not only a cradle of leadership but also a cradle of jointmanship. He emphasized that that no service can win a war on its own. He advised the cadets to follow the five principles of leadership i.e. commitment, courage, compassion, credibility and integrity and continue to strive for excellence.

He congratulated the cadets and parents of the Passing out course and specially the award winner. He thanked the parent for sending their children to the academy and said that the entire nation is proud of them.

He also appreciated the effort put in by the Commandant and the entire training staff at NDA for having trained such fine cadets and honed their skills.

Academy Cadet Captain PK Mohanty won the President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit. Battalion Cadet Captain

Abhishek Kundlia won the Silver Medal for standing second in the overall order of merit and Academy Cadet Adjutant Anmol Rawat won the Bronze medal for standing third in the overall order of merit. The ‘Panther’ Squadron bagged the prestigious ‘Chief of Staff Banner’ presented to the Champion Squadron.

A Fly-past by three Su-30 aircrafts each in VIC formation marked the culmination of this grand event.

DKS/CKP

Shipwright School Commissioned as INS Vishwakarma

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
14-November-2015 19:08 IST

Shipwright School Commissioned as INS Vishwakarma
Shipwright School, a premier technical establishment and alma-mater for Naval Architect Officers, Shipwright Officers and Shipwright Sailors of the Indian Navy, was commissioned as Indian Naval Ship Vishwakarma by Admiral RK Dhowan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff, at a formal ceremony held today, 14 November 15 at Visakhapatnam. Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, senior naval officers and dignitaries from the local administration were present on the occasion.

The event commenced with an impressive parade which was reviewed by the Chief of Naval Staff. Thereafter, Commodore Ajay Ghule, Commanding Officer (Designate) read out the Commissioning Warrant. The ceremony was solemnised by recitation of an invocation in Sanskrit.

Smt Payal Soni, wife of Vice Admiral Satish Soni, unveiled the Commissioning Plaque and named the training establishment as ‘INS Vishwakarma’. This was followed by hoisting of the Naval Ensign and playing of the National Anthem, in accordance with the time honoured customs and traditions of the Indian Navy.

While addressing the gathering Admiral Dhowan emphasised that the commissioning of INS Vishwakarma would enhance the Navy’s in-house design and maintenance capabilities. This would go a long way in transforming the Indian Navy to a designer’s and builder’s Navy in keeping with the “Make in India” vision. The Admiral also highlighted Navy’s commitment and resolve for Make in India’. He stated that today, the Indian Navy has technologically advanced warships, which have been designed in house by the Navy’s own Warship Design Organisation and constructed by several Indian shipyards. He further added that commissioning of INS Vishwakarma would enhance professionalism of young officers and sailors who would train here to become warship designers and hull maintenance technicians of the future. He also lauded the functioning of training establishments under the Southern Naval Command and the impetus Navy lays on training of its personnel. The administrative support provided by the Eastern Naval Command to the training establishment also came in for appreciation. The Admiral also emphasised that quality professional training is the bedrock on which our warships, submarines and aircraft are able to effectively carry out their onerous tasks. The Admiral also exhorted the officers and sailors, who would be passing-out from the portals of INS Vishwakarma to strive for excellence in their professional fields and take the Navy to even greater heights.

CGR/DKS

DRDO Organises Workshop on Disaster Management

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
28-November-2015 13:54 IST

DRDO Organises Workshop on Disaster Management
DRDO organised a one day workshop here today with the objective to showcase technologies and products developed indigenously by the organisation which can be readily adopted or customized for disaster management. The workshop was inaugurated by Addl Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. PK Mishra in the presence of Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Director General, DRDO Dr. S Christopher.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. PK Mishra said India has been hit by disasters frequently which were both man-made and of natural origin and the steps taken and lessons learnt from the past should be utilised and make it sustainable by using better innovations. He stated that ‘in the past the approach to disaster management was mostly relief centric but now we have to think differently and must delve more on the process of mitigation and preparedness for any kind of eventuality’. Dr Mishra further said that apart from natural calamities, cyber disaster pose a new threat in the present day situation and there is a need to address this challenge where the DRDO and other stakeholders can contribute immensely. He complimented the vital role of DRDO for its innovations and training efforts towards disaster management.

Dr. S Christopher in his keynote address said natural hazards affects nearly six percent of India’s population and 24 percent of deaths in Asia caused by disasters. He stated that DRDO has developed several technologies as an offshoot of defence research which find useful applications for disaster management. He also mentioned that the organisation will continue to be in the technological development and support mode to save precious human lives.

DRDO has in the past contributed to the various disaster management operations like Tsunami disaster in 2004, Uttarakhand flash floods in 2013 and J&K floods in 2014. Besides these, post event trauma management during tsunami disaster was also conducted by DRDO. As DRDO is developing many state-of-the art technologies, some of these can be adopted for future disaster management solutions.

The stakeholders participating in the workshop are NDMA, NDRF, MHA, Armed Forces, CRPF, CISF, NSG, NIDH and others. To showcase the products and technologies, an exhibition was also organised where eleven DRDO laboratories showcased their products and made technical presentations. Panel discussions amongst dignitaries of various stakeholders were also conducted with the objective to define trajectory of developmental activities of DRDO for future technological solutions to assist risk mitigation and preparedness against disasters. Apart from various stakeholders, several industry development partners also participated in the workshop.

DRDO’s indigenous technologies can be easily adapted towards disaster management solution by various stakeholders. The Industry partners are locally manufacturing these products and technologies are readily available.

NAo/NM/Ranjan

Raksha Mantri Dedicates “Hydrodynamic Test Facility” to the Nation and Hands Over “Maareech – Advanced Torpedo Defence System” Indian Navy

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
14-November-2015 19:05 IST

Raksha Mantri Dedicates “Hydrodynamic Test Facility” to the Nation and Hands Over “Maareech – Advanced Torpedo Defence System” Indian Navy
Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Manohar Parrikar dedicated to the nation the “Sea-keeping and Maneuvering Basin (SMB)” during a function held at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, on Saturday 14 Nov 2015. Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff and Secretary, Dept. of Defence R&D and Director General of DRDO, Dr. S. Christopher. The Minister also handed over the “Maareech - Advanced Torpedo Defence System” developed by DRDO to the Indian Navy.

Set up as a joint effort of DRDO and Indian Navy, SMB facility is one of its kind in the country. The facility puts India among the few nations in the world having the capability to undertake comprehensive hydrodynamic model testing of naval platforms and weapon systems. SMB would help to design and build state of the art naval combatants such as submarines, ships, torpedoes, etc.

Maareech, a joint project of Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi and NSTL, Visakhapatnam is a state of the art indigenous system for torpedo detection and countermeasures. This system offers a complete solution to detect and locate the incoming torpedo and to apply countermeasures to protect naval platform against torpedo attack. Two production grade MAAREECH systems have been developed and user evaluation trials completed onboard two Indian Navy ships.

Complementing the vital role of DRDO towards self reliance and promoting the ‘Make in India’ efforts, the Raksha Mantri said the development of complex system - Maareech is an excellent model of synergy between DRDO, Indian Navy, public and private industries, demonstrating yet another milestone in ‘Make in India’ program.

Later the Raksha Mantri gave away the prestigious DRDO National awards to DRDO Scientists across the country for their significant contributions and achievements made towards development of various weapons systems and technologies .

The landmark function was attended by Hon’ble MP Dr K. Hari Babu and MLA Shri P Vishnu Kumar Raju along with the large number of officers of the DRDO and Armed Forces, members of the academia, civil administration and other invitees.

CGR/DKS