We couldn't die for the nation but we can live for the country, Narendra Modi tells Indian diaspora in Sydney

Sydney: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told the Indian Diaspora living in Australia that there are many people who were born after independence and therefore could not get the opportunity to sacrifice their lives for the nation but they all have the opportunity now to live for the country.“We couldn't die for the nation, but we can live for the nation, that is something that everyone has the opportunity to do,” Narendra Modi told a rapturous crowd at Allphones Arena of Olympic park in Sydney.“I am fortunate that I am the first PM of India who was born in independent India,hence I feel greater responsibility.We couldn't die for the nation, but we can live for the nation, that is something that everyone has got the opportunity to do. It takes one day to come to Australia, but it took 28 years for an Indian PM to come here. My friends in Australia I assure you...you won't have to wait for 28 years,” said Modi.“India is young. Full of young energy. We have capacity to work. Swami had talked about it. It was his dream – In front of my eyes, I can see my mother as vishwa guru. She will be a guide to the world. That is why I have faith in the great vision of the Swami. 6 months are nothing for this huge nation. I want to ask you, do you have the faith that I have? Can we serve humanity, can we stand tall again? We you agree, they your faith will become god's blessing. If you have faith then there is nothing that can stop us,” added Modi.Modi assured a visa on arrival facility for Australian tourists and announced a two-month deadline for the long-pending merger of OCI and PIO status to woo the Indian diaspora from whom he sought support for his ambitious Clean India campaign.Addressing a frenzied crowd of around 20,000 in the packed Allphones Arena here, Modi took a dig at the previous governments saying while they were happy to make laws he was “happier to remove” them.“Let's open the windows let fresh air come in,” Modi said referring to his government's efforts to weed out obsolete laws.Touched by the grand reception, Modi said he was honoured and humbled and will never forget this day. “I know that behind this affection lies expectations. Yes. We want to create the India you are dreaming of.” “This welcome, this respect, this enthusiasm I dedicate it to the people of India,” said Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Australia in 28 years.Modi announced that his government was working on to facilitate visa on arrival for Australian tourists and said the PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status will be merged ahead of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to be held from January 7 in Ahmedabad. Modi had announced merger of PIO and OCI during his visit to the US in September but had not given a timeline then. The Prime Minister also referred to economic reforms unveiled by his government and said India has become an attractive destination for investment. He also said FDI in Railways has been hiked to 100 per cent and hoped that Australian companies will invest in creating rail infrastructure in the country.The Prime Minister called upon Indians across the world to convert the atmosphere of hope and optimism into a reality of meeting the expectations and aspirations of people in India.Modi said on the basis of his experience of the last six months, he could see no reason why the aspirations of millions of Indians could not be fulfilled.He referred to Swami Vivekananda's dream of seeing Mother India as a ‘Vishva Guru' once again, and said he believed that dream would be a reality.“Do you share the dream”, he asked the cheering crowd. The Prime Minister said that he feels a greater sense of responsibility as he is the first Prime Minister born in independent India.“We did not have the fortune to fight for the country's independence. We could not die for India. But we can live for India. So we will live and struggle for India. Today 125 crore Indians share that dream,” he said.“It took 28 years for an Indian PM to make the few hours journey to Australia. Now you will not have to wait 28 years,” the Prime Minister said.He also highlighted the values of democracy and the love for cricket that India and Australia share. The Prime Minister exhorted people to recognise the strength of India's democracy. “Let us now do all we can for India's benefit. And then India will work for the benefit of mankind,” he said.“Governments cannot make a country. People make a country,” he said.The Prime Minister also stressed on the Clean India campaign saying that more tourists would come if the country was cleaner.He also asked the Indian diaspora to extend their support to the campaign and said they can contribute significantly in developing the villages they come from.“I request you to contribute. God has given you so much.” Modi said while “some people” dream of doing only big things he was interested in doing “small things” like building toilets and ensuring cleanliness.“Illness is a big burden on the poor. There is no greater service to the poor than focussing on cleanliness,” he said adding “I see no reason why India should stay behind. It is decided we will move ahead.”Modi congratulated and complimented the Indian Australian community for working hard and making their “karmbhoomi” proud. He named prominent Indian-Australians who had excelled for Australia in sports and academics. Talking about the strength of democracy, he said “Look at the strength of democracy. Would I have been here if it weren't for democracy? The power of this democracy brought me here.”The Prime Minister mentioned the work his Government was doing and the new policies and schemes his Government had launched including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and the Make in India initiative.Speaking about Jan Dhan scheme, he said 70 million bank accounts have been opened in the last 10 weeks under the scheme and a total of Rs 5,000 crore has been deposited by the account holders.He also spoke of the need to improve access to clean water, electricity and invited the Indian-Australian community to give back to the Motherland in whatever way they could. He spoke of his vision for skill development, and India meeting the skilled manpower requirement of the whole world. Modi also complimented Australia for its concept of dignity of labour. “I have always admired the concept of dignity of labour in Australia. Here, a research scientist can also drive a cab.”“Cleaning up or removing litter. This is not a job that lacks dignity...this is a job that must be respected,” he said.He also announced a Sydney Cultural Center would be established by India and it will be made functional by February 2015. Here we are giving you live updates of Modi's speech: 02:32 pm: Modi concludes his speech with chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'02:31 PM: Modi- God is pleased when we work for others.02:27 pm: Modi- We have an embassy in Sydney, where I wish to set up cultural centre. If you have any complain, suggestion or solution then you can post on my website. You will now get visa on arrival. Are you happy? (Crowd cheers). We are working towards this. You have taken a special train to come here. It's a working day, and look at the crowd. I was extremely grateful for your love. I assure you, I will not falter in working hard. Whatever energy I have I will use for my nation. India has given us a lot and its time we return.02:26 pm: Modi-There is also this debate about OCI and PIO, about special treatments. I have decided to merge both. When I made promises to PIOs/NRIs they didnt belve me because promises had been made bfr,but we got working on it.Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held on the same day that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India.You remember there was a time of police verification for you when you came to India. It was very odd.I have started a website called mygov.in. Please post your suggestions and your complaints on it.02:24 pm: Modi- you might feel that when we go to the embassies nobody answers us. No one receives calls, or responds. You might think – ok Modi was here and now we are back to square one. I had spoken in Madison square garden, but people didn't believe that I would fulfill what I had promised. But I did. My people in US will get a lifetime visa. Ahmedabad will be celebrating Pravasi Bharati divas. Mahatma Gandhi's return from Africa will be celebrated as the occasion completes 100 years02:22 pm: Modi- To get your applications approved you needed a minister or gazetted officer's signature. But I did not like it it. We must have faith in people – NOT DOUBT THEM. Had I not no faith in the poor, they would not have deposited Rs 500 crore in the banks. We must respect our mothers and sisters. I introduced shrameva jayate.02:20 pm: Modi- Ab dunia bahubal say nahii, buddhibal say chalnii vaali hai. Now the world is not going to fight with armforce . The world will now engage in battle f mind of intellect. I know that behind these cheers, love and respect, you have hope. I too share your dreams. You want to see India at a higher realm, I too want to see India there. But now we know that governments don't run the country. It's the people who run the country. 02:15 pm: Modi: We have decided that railway must have four institute of its own and those who educate themselves in the institute will be illegible for the job. There are many nations who have technology, but insufficient workforce. No matter how we advance in technology, if there is no workforce, no one will reap and our nation has done enough to create workforce. But that is not enough. We need skilled workforce. If we can export the best quality of teachers, then we will be able to buy the world. We can create such individuals who can skillfully lead the world. With a lot of courage we opted for 100% FDI in railways in India. Have such a huge market & window for improvement.02:13 pm: Modi-We have started Make in India programme, everything for job creation for our youth who can contribute to the world. Whenever someone wants to invest in a country, the investors need to be given high quality of life.That is what "Make In India" aims to do. In Gujarat wanted Japanese investment but were told if u dont hv golf, Japanese wont come. So created golf course.02:10 pm: Modi- We are moving with the same technology, same system. We have the same trains- population is increasing but coaches are the same, speed is the same. So we have decided to introduce 100% FDI in railway. No one will ever get more passengers than in India in the railway.02:04 pm: Modi- I am grateful to all those who have contributed. In 2019, on Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birthday anniversary- we want a clean India. This is a tribute that we can pay to our leader. We need strength to undertake this task. We want the world to invest in India. That is why I launched ‘Make in India' campaign. I want my country's youth to get employed. That is why I have invited the world to invest. Even if someone comes to invest, they will ask what about qualitative life? When I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I was told, if there is not golf in Gujarat then Japan wouldn't come to Gujarat. I know that Gujarat has gully- danda, but golf…I told my ministers, I don't care about golf, I just want investors and you get them anyhow.02:00 pm: Modi- If 1.25 billion people unite for a cause, then there is no way we can falter. These days I'm busy building toilets. Imgagine, a Prime Minister now has to be involved in this too. But it's important for a nation where women are facing hygiene issues because of this. Therefore, I request you all, try to help your country in whatever small way you can. When I had come to Australia before this, the most outstanding attribute of Australia that I noticed was dignity of labor.I have launched Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan as a Prime Minister, I am not ashamed – and I have learned this from Australia.I have always admired the concept of dignity of labour in Australia. A research scientist can also drive a cab. Dignity of labor should be learned from Australia. Want to propagate the idea that cleaning isn't below dignity.01:55 pm: Modi- From October 2, I launched Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan. Do you dirty your place here? But what happens when you go to India? I know its not an easy task to clear out all the mess. But if it's difficult should we not at least try? If we take up the challenge then the bad image of India can also be cleaned up. I invite you all to contribute to the movement in any way you can. We call the man who picks up our garbage as kachrewala, he is safaiwala. We have to change mindset. Illness is a big burden on the poor. There is no greater service to the poor than focussing on cleanliness. 01:51 pm: Modi- While you were in India, did you see poor people with bank accounts? I want every Indian to have an account. That is why I introduced Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan yojana. I asked the Reserve Bank of India if this scheme was possible. So they said, “it can happen”. Now no one can refuse the Prime Minister. But they added it will take 3 years. I asked does it take 3 years for the sun to rise. I asked another department, they said 2 years to impress me. I called my department and told them, they said the scheme would take at least a year to be implemented. But I needed to get it implemented asap. So I made a declaration during my Independence Day speech. I said I wanted the scheme implemented in 150 days. With the same people, same files, same system, didn't we manage to get the work doneᣣ million bank accounts hv already opened in last 10 weeks. Same ppl, same departments...did the work happen or not? People responded to Jan Dhan Yogna, deposited money to be part of the movementt. Someone from audience shouted: This is Modi magic!1:45pm- Modi: Mathia Verghees – an Indian who settled in Australia, set a benchmark in Mathematics. Indira Naidu, even today India is proud of her. There are many more Indians who have settled in India and have dedicated themselves to it. That is our attribute. We contribute wholeheartedly, no matter where we are. That is why I thank you. Elections were going on in India but I know that there was not a moment in those elections that you weren't connected to. These elections were not about who wins and who doesn't. Every Indian in the world, had just one voice in his/her head – When will my country be like this? They had just one sound echoing – Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Despite 60 years of Independence, many people in India don't have basic amenities like food, water and shelter and unfortunately, many don't even have toilets. People have big dreams, but I have small dreams for small people of India.01:41 pm: Modi- You have made Australia yours. Citizens of Australia sense a relationship of brotherhood. That is a part of our culture. We must dedicate ourselves to our karma bhumi. In 1964, in Tokyo Olympic games an Indian represented Australia. There are many Anglo- Indians here – Eric Pears who was born in Jabalpur, he represented Australia in hockey.1: 35pm: Modi- India is young. Full of young energy. We have capacity to work. Swami had talked about it. It was his dream – In front of my eyes, I can see my mother as vishwa guru. She will be a guide to the world. That is why I have faith in the great vision of the Swami. 6 months are nothing for this huge nation. I want to ask you, do you have the faith that I have? Can we serve humanity, can we stand tall again? We you agree, they your faith will become god's blessing. If you have faith then there is nothing that can stop us.01:31 pm: Modi- I have to assure you, my dear countrymen living in Australia, that whatever right people residing in India have, you too have the same right. Sydney is a beautiful city, Australia is a beautiful country. Neither Australia nor India can live without cricket. It has brought us together. We share common value through democracies. The world looks at the democratic countries with pride. Our ancestors have sowed the seeds of democracy. Had it not been for a democracy would I be here? Let's understand this strength of our democracy.I see no reason why India should stay behind. It is decided we will move ahead.01:29pm: Modi- I am fortunate that I am the first PM of India who was born in independent India,hence I feel greater responsibility.We couldn't die for the nation, but we can live for the nation, that is something that everyone has got the opportunity to do. It takes one day to come to Australia, but it took 28 years for an Indian PM to come here. My friends in Australia I assure you...you won't have to wait for 28 years.01:27 Modi: We remember the words of Swami Vevekanand. He had said, that for fifty years, the people of India will have to wait. Can anyone imagine, a sage who devoted his life to his guru, that person says, forget gods and demi-godesses. Just remember Mother India. Look at the strength of the great man- Just after 50 years India became independent. Like me, many other people have been born in free India. I am privileged.01:25 pm: Modi: Modi is not the person to receive this honour. 1.25 billion people are the one who must be given this love, respect. I humbly submit this to the children of mother India. I see people are still outside. They could not come. This grand programme that we see in Syndey – is a calling for India.01:23 pm: Modi: I would like to thank the people who originally prepared this hall.01:18 pm: Modi- This welcome. This respect. This enthusiasm l dedicate it to the people of India01:17 pm: Modi- These incredible scenes and this massive reception in Sydney will galvanize India01:17 pm: PM Modi meets Former umpire Simon Taufel and former fast bowler Brett Lee at the Allphones Arena01:16 pm: PM Modi shakes hand with Ramesh Chandra, a cartoonist who suffers from cancer.01:15 pm: PM Modi reaches Allphones Arena, Sydney01:15 pm: Thousands gathered at Arena for Modi's event.12:50 pm: 'Garba' performance at the Alphonse Arena in Sydney11:45 am: Classical Indian singers performing in the Allphones Arena ahead of PM Modi's arrival.11:20 am: BJP leader Satpal Maharaj inside the Allphones Area ahead of PM Modi's arrival.Narendra Modi, who is the first prime minister to visit Australia in 28 years after Rajiv Gandhi, will be on a whirlwind six-hour visit to Sydney before proceeding to Canberra Monday night and later to Melbourne.Thousands of Narendra Modi supporters have gathered at the Sydney Olympic Park, the venue where the Prime Minister will be addressing the Indian diaspora in a short while from now.More than 16,000 people and a large media group have crammed the venue. About 5,000 more are expected to be watching the evening event on big screens outside.Bollywood dancing, hypnotic drumming and the chant ‘Modi, Modi, Modi' erupted inside the Park.On Sunday, ‘Modi Express', a special train carrying passengers left from Melbourne to Sydney for Modi's first public lecture here. For the first time in the history of Melbourne, a train service was organised under the name of a Prime Minister.Web consultant Jignesh Sangvi, who travelled from Melbourne, on the specially chartered train said, "I see it as a once-in-a-lifetime thing.""I have come to see the event of events," said software engineer Guru Bhat, who had travelled from Brisbane to be part of the event.Umesh Shetty, a Brisbane neurologist who was at Allphones Arena, said Modi had raised the hopes of Indian people."I am not a very political person but I can see the magic of Modi has galvanised India," he said."Looks like it's gonna be India day in Sydney tomorrow," Syed Akbaruddin, the spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry, tweeted Sunday."Enthusiasm builds in Sydney. Even before PM ends Brisbane leg, excitement builds up at Sydney event," another tweet said."Modi fever grips Sydney," the Canberra Times said in a headline while carrying a report on its online edition."The city will get a dose of Modi-mania on Monday when the Indian Prime Minister makes a quick-fire, high-energy visit," it said.We'll provide you with minute-by-minute updates of Modi's speech the moment it begins. Keep watching this space.

We couldn't die for the nation but we can live for the country, Narendra Modi tells Indian diaspora in Sydney

Sydney: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told the Indian Diaspora living in Australia that there are many people who were born after independence and therefore could not get the opportunity to sacrifice their lives for

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