Gives youth 21st-century dream
Gives youth 21st-century dream
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sought to reach out to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the scenic Himalayan state represented a “mini India” and urged them to “dream to do something and not to become someone”. He also invoked former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to say the issues faced in Jammu and Kashmir would be addressed within the ambit of “Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat and Jamhooriyat” and that the growth story of the state ought to be taken forward.
Mr Modi was on a brief visit to Katra, the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine tucked away in the Trikuta hills near Jammu, to dedicate a 230-bed super-speciality hospital and a sports facility to the people of the state and also address the annual convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University.
“There is a mini-India in Jammu and Kashmir. Dream to do something and not to become someone,” he said. He asserted that India is reaching new levels in development and that with 800 million youth the country can achieve greater heights. “Let’s pledge that we will do something for the poor,” he said, adding that the 21st century belonged to those who have the power of knowledge.
Later, while speaking at a rally, the Prime Minister said, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir had enormous faith in Atal Behari Vajpayeeji, Very few leaders commanded such respect. He used to say, ‘Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat and Jamhooriyat are key to the progress of Jammu and Kashmir,’” Mr Modi said, pledging to take the state to new heights through these three pillars.
He said that former chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed was always keen to bridge the gap between Srinagar and Jammu. “We do recall Mufti Sahib spent years in public life. One thing was always on his mind — that was to bridge the gap between Jammu and Srinagar,” he said. He added, “I just heard (his daughter and present incumbent) Mehboobaji. The enthusiasm with which she spoke of the future of Jammu and Kashmir and her energetic leadership... I congratulate her. She always talks about the development of J&K when we meet. When such a thought is there, development is bound to happen,” the PM said at a rally later.
Earlier, addressing students of the university in Katra, he wished them “all the best, especially to the girls who won laurels here”. The PM told the students that the question of “what next” will play on their minds but the person who knows what lies ahead won’t need to depend on others. “Recall what your parents did for you. They sacrificed their own happiness for yours. You may have thought of so much in your childhood but it may not have worked out. Forget that and, instead, think of what you have achieved,” he said.
He said the Mata Vaishno Devi University has been built with the contribution of millions of pilgrims, many of whom came from far-off places. “A unique feature of this university is that while other varsities in the country are run by tax-payers’ money or that given by parents, this one is being funded by millions of poor people who come to pay obeisance at the Vaishno Devi shrine,” he said, adding, “Let’s pledge that we will do something for the poor, because it was the poor pilgrim who contributed to build this university.”
Invoking former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister said, “You don’t only need facilities but dedication too. “Kalam, who laid the foundation stone of this university and was known as the Missile Man, at one time used to sell newspapers. Darshan Manjhi of Bihar had no education or facilities but he had a dream and he constructed a road all by himself,” he said. The PM added that if facilities were everything, then the people who have all such facilities should have achieved everything in life, but that was not the case.
“You must realise your dreams. Our scientists worked to ensure that a probe vehicle reached Mars in less than '7 per kilometre,” he said. He, however, also asked them not to get demoralised if their dreams were not always fulfilled. “Problems come in life but you must strive to move ahead,” he said.
“Those who are focused and want to achieve something in life do not require any support,” the PM said, adding, “The power of knowledge is the biggest power in the 21st century and satisfaction is a major strength in life, which builds strong humans.”
In an imprecise reference to the recent incidents at Srinagar’s National Institute of Technology, he said the state is attracting students from all over the nation and this gives strength to India.
After inaugurating the hospital, he also referred to the Swachh Bharat campaign underway in the country and said sanitation is the key. “Cleanliness ensures we remain free of illness,” he said.
He said the country’s focus should be a holistic approach on preventive health care and wellness. “We are hosting the Fifa U-17 World Cup and this has to be an opportunity for us to celebrate sports. The world should see our yuva shakti (youth power),” he said.
The visit took place against the backdrop of widespread disturbances in the Kashmir Valley triggered by the alleged molestation of a 16-year-old girl. Five persons were killed and over 230, mostly security personnel, injured in shooting incidents and clashes. But the Prime Minister did not mention the mayhem in his speeches.
