Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "We must encourage village traders to pledge that no matter how much profit they make, they will not sell foreign goods. But unfortunately, even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don’t even open properly. During Holi, people say they want to spread colors, but foreign products keep coming in. For Operation Sindoor, as a citizen, I have a task for you: go home and make a list of how many foreign products you use in 24 hours, from morning till the next morning. You might not even realize it, sometimes you unknowingly use foreign items, like combs or hairpins, even toothpaste..."
On the occasion of their Raising Day, my greetings to all @crpfindia personnel. Their unwavering dedication and relentless service to the nation are truly commendable. They have always stood for the highest standards of courage and commitment. Their role in keeping our nation safe is also paramount.
Tomorrow, 26th July, is a very special day for every Indian. We will mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tributes to our brave heroes. Work will also commence for the Shinkun La Tunnel Project. This project is important to improve connectivity to Leh, especially during bad weather.
Took oath as Prime Minister at the ceremony earlier this evening. I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress.
India has voted!
A heartfelt thank you to all those who exercised their franchise. Their active participation is the cornerstone of our democracy. Their commitment and dedication ensures that the democratic spirit thrives in our nation.
I would also like to specially appreciate India’s Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti. Their strong presence at the polls is a very encouraging sign.
An article from New York Times.
While many insiders deplore, here is a view from the outside.
@nytimes@nytopinion@ECISVEEP
THE INDIAN ELECTIONS - NEW YORK TIMES
It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse & democratic ethos, where 700 million + of humanity vote, providing their small part in directing their ancient civilization into the future.
It is no less impressive when done in a neighborhood which includes de-stabilizing & violent Pakistan, China, and Burma.
It's challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else, particularly in development & fending off terrorism -- but considering these challenges & its neighbors, it is even more astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth, with hundreds of languages, all religions & cultures, is not only surviving, but thriving.
The nation:
where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism & Sikhism were born,
which is the second largest Muslim nation on Earth;
where Christianity has existed for 2000 years;
where the oldest Jewish synagogues & Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd temple;
where the Dalai Lama & the Tibetan government in exile reside;
where the Zoroastrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their ancient homeland;
where Armenians, Syrians & many others have come to live; where the Paris-based OECD said was the largest economy on Earth for 1500 of the last 2000 years, including the 2nd largest, only 200 years ago;
where 3 Muslim Presidents have been elected,
where a Sikh was Prime Minister & the head of the ruling party a Catholic Italian woman,
where the past President was also a woman, succeeding a Muslim President who as a rocket scientist is a hero in the nation;
where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of poverty each year & is expected to have the majority of its population in the middle class already, equal to the entire US population, by 2025;
where its optimism & vibrancy is manifested in its movies, arts, economic growth & voting, despite all the incredible challenges & hardships;
where all the great powers are vying for influence, as it itself finds its place in the world.
Where all of this is happening, is India and as greater than 1/7th of humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to the entire World.
— V Mitchell, New York, NY
I would also like to congratulate all those who took part in the entire process in the run-up to the National Creators Awards. These Awards are going to emerge as a prestigious and effective way of encouraging talent. I do urge all content creators to keep working hard and creatively, and keep making us all proud!
Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna.
As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister, and as a Member of Parliament and Legislative Assembly for many years. His visionary leadership was instrumental in making India economically advanced, laying a solid foundation for the country's prosperity and growth.
Narasimha Rao Garu’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. Furthermore, his contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage.
I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a life that started from working at the grassroots to serving the nation as our Deputy Prime Minister. He distinguished himself as our Home Minister and I&B Minister as well. His Parliamentary interventions have always been exemplary, full of rich insights.
I am delighted that the Government of India has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on the beacon of social justice, the great Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji and that too at a time when we are marking his birth centenary. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalized and a stalwart of equality and empowerment.
His unwavering commitment to uplift the downtrodden and his visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on India's socio-political fabric. This award not only honours his remarkable contributions but also inspires us to continue his mission of creating a more just and equitable society.
मुझे इस बात की बहुत प्रसन्नता हो रही है कि भारत सरकार ने समाजिक न्याय के पुरोधा महान जननायक कर्पूरी ठाकुर जी को भारत रत्न से सम्मानित करने का निर्णय लिया है। उनकी जन्म-शताब्दी के अवसर पर यह निर्णय देशवासियों को गौरवान्वित करने वाला है। पिछड़ों और वंचितों के उत्थान के लिए कर्पूरी जी की अटूट प्रतिबद्धता और दूरदर्शी नेतृत्व ने भारत के सामाजिक-राजनीतिक परिदृश्य पर अमिट छाप छोड़ी है। यह भारत रत्न न केवल उनके अतुलनीय योगदान का विनम्र सम्मान है, बल्कि इससे समाज में समरसता को और बढ़ावा मिलेगा।