Gujarat CM Narendra Modi Wins Over NRIs

Jam-packed auditorium of Jain Temple at Bartlet heard the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi addressing the non-resident Indians from the state of Gujarat via Satellite as he assured the crowd that the Gujarati's settled overseas had indeed done him proud with their unflinching loyalty to the state of their birth or of their forefathers.

He thanked them profusely for extending their help during distress Gujarat suffered due to man-made or natural disasters. Observing the magnificent arrangement made by the fellow Gujaratis he appreciated their efforts and hoped that he would have the blessings to work for Gujarat, serve the country and beyond everything else serve, the humanity at large.

Referring to the developments that took place during the last 10 years in India, especially in Gujarat he said that the NRIs would be glad to see far-reaching changes that have occurred there and exhorted them to keep continuing their support in every which way possible, especially investing in the state. “Gujarat is moving ahead. It will be too late if you just stand and stare," he challenged.

He recalled the visit he made to Chicago several years ago and acknowledged with gratitude the honor and love with which the people of Indian origin, especially the affection lavished on him by the Gujarati community.

He touched upon many issues of interest and concern to Gujarat and gave brief comments on each, which showed his mastery over every important issue of economy, agriculture, health, communication and transportation. In less than 45 minutes he succinctly presented the position of Gujarat, which was offbeat and persuasive.

He projected that NRIs visiting their motherland in 2010 would have an altogether different picture of the development. He reassured the NRIs that it would be commonplace for the people of Gujarat, rich or poor, to enjoy this modern scientific convenience by 2010, when family members living in the remotest villages of Gujarat could directly speak to their relatives abroad through the live telecast just as he himself was doing. "You can see and talk to your prospective son-in-law or daughter-in-law in a Gujarat city or village from your home overseas and choose the right one for your offspring," he remarked amid laughter.

He spoke of Narmada water, irrigation and electricity and assured that almost 100 percent of the villages of Gujarat have now been covered with electricity and lot more locations are receiving water. He elucidated his plans to develop Gujarat's 1600 km coastline with world-class ports and making it the 'Gateway of India'. He held out hope and confidence that Gujarat, per se the whole country, would realize the dream of Ram Rajya i.e. Sujalam Sufalam to Jyotigram.

After his speech, the audience got to ask him questions in a 45- minute Q&A session. On being, however, asked if he was keen on a seat at the Centre he was modest and said, "I am serving my country by serving Gujarat. I want my state to create a positive role model for the rest of the country to follow". His reply to a question that struck achord with the audience was the one on safety of Gujaratis in their home state in the wake of terrorist attacks that have rocked other states in the past. "We have zero tolerance policy. If there is a threat to the lives of my innocent people, the perpetuators won't be spared. We will speak to them in the language they understand best. Unlike the UPA government we won't compromise," he said assuring the crowd that his government had security plans, which he can't divulge in public.

Responding to another question on what he's doing for senior citizens he said that the concept of senior citizens itself is Western. "In India we have joint families. We don't treat them separately and children take care of the elders. We have schemes to provide financial assistance to those who don't have anyone to look after them and provide assistance at various levels," he said.

Retorting to a question on stray animals on roads he said, "Please don't compare India to US. We are doing our best to improve things, but it will take time to change. It won't happen all of a sudden."