What Modi Said on Start of His Sadbhavana Fast
posted on Sep 17, 2011 @ 11:50AM
On the occasion of his 61st birthday, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi embarked on his three-day fast for communal harmony at the Gujarat University Exhibition hall.
The grand show was preceded by Mr Modi seeking blessings from his mother, Narmada Bai. After he arrived at the venue of his fast, the chief minister was greeted by several top leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amidst chanting of prayers. Here are the highlights of Mr Modi's speech:
* I am grateful to all for coming here to bless the Sadbhavana Mission.
* Gujarat's development is being discussed across the India and world.
* After the 2001 earthquake, everyone thought Gujarat will never be able to bounce back, Gujarat is finished.
* Everyone said no one will invest in Gujarat, but we overcame those difficulties.
* After the riots in 2002 riots, no one was willing to listen to our pain, Gujarat's image was maligned.
* Even after the Akshardham terrorist attacks, Gujarat gave ample evidence of harmony and peace. But people did not notice that resolve of Gujarat.
* Remember the days in the early 1990s; there were riots over a kite and curfews were common. But see the last ten years, there is no sign of a curfew.
* I want to tell the world we want to move forward, contribute to India's growth story.
* Gujarat should progress so that it its able to help other backward states in India
* People from all over India come to Gujarat to earn a livelihood today.
* I've tried to take all the blows, so that the impact did not reach you.
* We've never been provoked into a response, we've never retaliated.
* I was collecting the stones people thew at me, and building a staircase to redemption.
* We chose the constitutional path, the path of truth.
* Gujarat's model of good governance is being discussed all over.
* My three-day fast is not against anyone.
* Sadbhavna mission will end vote-bank politics.
* I have always served my country and state and will continue to do so.
* Our motto is 'Develop Gujarat for India's Development'.
* We want to excel at all levels of public work - from the panchayat to the state.
* Gujarat does not need sermons from anyone.
* We have proved how peace and harmony can result in development.
Source: NDTV.