Namaskar, my beloved countrymen. The entire nation is unified against terrorists today, full of rage and determination. All Indians now share the same determination to put an end to terrorism. Friends, every Indian is proud of the bravery our forces showed during Operation Sindoor. It is astounding how precisely and accurately our soldiers demolished the terrorist hideouts on the other side of the border. The global war on terrorism has gained fresh vigor and confidence as a result of Operation Sindoor.
Friends, Operation Sindoor is more than simply a military operation; it is a representation of our bravery, resolve, and changing India, and it has given the entire nation a sense of patriotism by painting it in the tricolor. You must have seen that Tiranga Yatras were held in numerous cities, villages, and small towns across the nation. To honor and show respect for the nation’s armed forces, thousands of people came out with the tricolor. Many young people joined forces to become Civil Defense Volunteers in various cities.and we observed that the Chandigarh videos became widely shared. Songs of resolve were being sung, and poems were being posted on social media. Young youngsters were drawing with profound truths concealed within.
Three days ago, I had visited Bikaner. One such painting had been given to me by children there. Many families have incorporated “Operation Sindoor” into their daily routines as a result of its profound impact on the populace. Children born during that time have been referred to as “Sindoor” in Katihar, Bihar; Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh; and numerous other cities.
Our warriors’ unwavering bravery, combined with the strength of Indian-made weaponry, gear, and technology, allowed them to destroy terror bases, friends. It also contained “Atmanirbhar Bharat’s” resolve. This achievement is the result of the labor of our engineers, technicians, and really everyone. Following this campaign, there is a renewed enthusiasm for “Vocal for Local” throughout the entire nation. Many things have an emotional impact. One parent said, “We will now only purchase toys for our kids that are manufactured in India.” Patriotism will be instilled from an early age. “We will spend our next vacation in some beautiful place in the country,” some families have vowed. Many young people have made the commitment to “Wed in India”—that is, to get married within the nation. “Now whatever gift we will give, it will be made by an Indian artisan,” someone else added.
Friends, the “connection between people and minds… public participation” is India’s true power. I also implore you all to… On this special day, let us make a commitment to prioritize domestically produced goods wherever possible.
This goes beyond simply becoming financially independent. It is a sense of involvement in the development of the country. We can make a significant contribution to India’s progress with just one action.
Friends, using the bus is a very frequent way to get anywhere. However, I would like to share with you the story of a village that was visited by a bus for the first time. For years, people there have been anticipating this day. And the Dhol-Nagara was played to welcome the bus when it first arrived in the village. They were ecstatic when they saw the bus! People in the community needed a paved road, but buses were never able to travel here in the past. Why? Because Maoist violence affected this village. The settlement is called Katejhari, and it is located in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district. The entire surrounding area is feeling the effects of this change in Katejhari. The current state of affairs is quickly returning to normal. These areas have also begun to receive basic facilities as a result of the united struggle against Maoism. The villagers claim that their lives would be considerably simpler now that the bus has arrived.
‘Mann Ki Baat’ has already covered the Bastar Olympics in Chhattisgarh and the Science Lab in Maoist-affected districts, friends. The kids here have a strong interest in science. They are excelling in athletics as well. These initiatives demonstrate the bravery of the local population. In the face of numerous obstacles, these folks have decided to improve their lives.
The great results of the Dantewada district in the 10th and 12th grade examinations also make me extremely delighted. This district topped the 10th standard results with a result of about 95%. In contrast, this district placed sixth in Chhattisgarh in the 12th grade exams. Just think! Today, education is flying high in Dantewada, the site of the height of Maoism. We are all proud of such changes.
I now wish to share some extremely wonderful news about lions with my fellow citizens. The number of lions in Gir, Gujarat, has grown from 674 to 891 in just the previous five years. Eight hundred ninety-one, from six hundred seventy-four! It’s really heartening how many lions emerged following the Lion Census. Friends, I know a lot of you are curious about how this animal census is carried out.This is a really difficult exercise. It may surprise you to learn that the Lion Census covered an area of 35,000 square kilometers and was carried out in 11 districts. The teams kept a 24-hour watch on these regions for the census. Throughout the campaign, both cross-checking and verification were carried out. This made it possible to count the lions as precisely as possible.
Friends, the rise in Asiatic lion populations demonstrates how amazing outcomes can be attained when a society has a strong feeling of ownership. The circumstances in Gir were quite difficult a few decades ago. However, the locals took the initiative to improve things. Global best practices were also implemented there, in addition to the newest technology. Gujarat became the first state to hire a substantial number of women for the position of forest officer at this time. Each of these has had a part in the outcomes we are witnessing today. For the protection of wild life, we must constantly be watchful and aware.Just two or three days ago, my dear compatriots, I attended the inaugural Rising North East Summit. We also commemorated the ‘Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav’, which honors the North East’s might, before to that. The North East is a unique region with incredible skill and strength. I’ve learned a fascinating tale about Crafted Fibers. Crafted Fibers is more than just a brand; it is a stunning fusion of Sikkim customs, weaving techniques, and modern fashion. Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia initiated it. At his core, he is a genuine brand ambassador for Sikkim’s culture and works as a veterinarian.Why not give weaving a new dimension, he reasoned? And Crafted Fibers was formed out of this idea. He turned traditional weaving into a social venture by fusing it with contemporary fashion. They now weave lives in addition to clothing. They instruct locals in skills and help them become self-sufficient. Through her efforts to link the village’s weavers, cattle rearers, and self-help groups, Dr. Bhutia has opened up new job opportunities. Local women and craftspeople are now making good money from their abilities. Local handlooms produce the handmade fibers used to make shawls, stoles, gloves, and socks. Sheep and bunnies from Sikkim provide the wool used in this. Additionally, the colors are entirely natural—no chemicals, just the shades of nature. Dr. Bhutia has given Sikkim’s traditional weaving and culture a new identity. Dr. Bhutia’s work shows us that tradition can draw people from all over the world when it is combined with passion.
Today, my fellow citizens, I would like to share with you a remarkable individual who is both an artist and a living inspiration. He is 65 years old and goes as Jeevan Joshi. Just think of how vibrant people that have Jeevan in their name must be. Jeevan ji resides in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani. Polio destroyed his leg strength when he was a boy, but it was unable to destroy his bravery. Even though he was walking more slowly, his mind continued to race through all of his possible scenarios. ‘Bugette’ is a unique art form that Jeevan ji created on this voyage. In this, he uses the dried bark that falls from pine trees to create stunning artwork. Once in the hands of Jeevan ji, that bark—which most people think is useless—becomes a legacy. His creations are infused with the aroma of Uttarakhand soil. There are moments when it appears like the mountains’ soul has entered that wood, and other times it is the folk instruments of the highlands. The artwork of Jeevan Ji is a sadhana, not only art. He has made this art his life’s work. We are reminded by artists such as Jeevan Joshi that anything is possible provided the goal is strong, regardless of the situation. He goes by Jeevan, and he has genuinely demonstrated what it means to live.