Prime Minister Modi paints a vivid canvas of India's past, present, and promising future
In a landmark address to Members of Parliament in the historic Central Hall on Tuesday (September 18, 2023), Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed a message teeming with both reverence for India's past and optimism for its future. This address during the Special Session is indicative was to mark the significant transformation the nation is bound to undergo.

Beginning his speech on a celebratory note, Prime Minister Modi extended wishes for Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival that embodies new beginnings and the removal of obstacles. This sentiment set the tone for the subsequent discourse, which was as much about introspection as it was about charting India's onward journey.

Drawing attention to the Parliament's relocation, he remarked, "We are heading to the new Parliament building with the resolve and determination to transform India into a developed nation.” 

This isn't just a transition in terms of infrastructure but is symbolic of India's evolving democratic ethos and its promise to its citizens. The Central Hall's storied past serves as a reflection of the nation's trajectory. Over the years, it has witnessed pivotal moments—from the framing of the Constitution to the addresses by global leaders. Prime Minister Modi described it as a place that "inspires us to fulfil our duties."

One of the focal points of the Prime Minister's address was India's current dynamism. India, under his leadership, is not only recognizing its potential but is also striving to realize it. "India is full of new energy. We are growing rapidly," he emphasized, his words resonating with the nation's sentiment.

As the address progressed, the Prime Minister presented a detailed account of India's economic achievements. Proudly pinpointing its recent positioning within the top five global economies, he expressed confidence in India's potential to soon breach the top three, a commendable feat given global economic challenges. The Prime Minister accredited this growth to various sectors, notably the robust banking sector and the burgeoning digital infrastructure, which have gained international attention. UPI and Digital Stacks, for instance, have not only streamlined financial transactions domestically but have also set a benchmark for digital financial systems globally.

While growth is paramount, the responsibility of governing such a vast nation is equally crucial. Prime Minister Modi was candid in highlighting the evolving role of Parliament in the nation's journey. He underscored the pressing need to reassess and revamp laws, stating, “Amidst new aspirations, framing new laws and getting rid of outdated ones is the highest responsibility of the Parliamentarians.” Legislation, in his view, should reflect the aspirations of modern India, resonating with the dreams and ambitions of its billion-strong populace.

Expanding on this, the Prime Minister drew an analogy, questioning if a grand painting could ever be confined to a small canvas. He mused that without broadening our horizons, the dream of a magnificent India remains elusive. "India will have to work on a big canvas. Time has gone to get entangled in small stuff,” he proclaimed, urging the nation to think bigger and aim higher.

In the global narrative, the term ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ has increasingly gained currency. This concept of a self-reliant India was elaborated upon by the Prime Minister. Brushing aside initial global skepticism, he underscored its increasing global traction. "India’s Aatmnirbhar Model is now globally acknowledged,” he stated, citing defense, manufacturing, energy, and edible oil as sectors where India's self-reliance is both crucial and achievable.

Global diplomacy was another highlight and Prime Minister Modi shared his perspective on India's pivotal role during the G20 Summit, where India emerged as a “voice of the Global South”. Reflecting upon the G20 Summit, he envisioned, “The seeds planted by the G20 Summit will turn into a huge Banyan Tree of trust for the world.”

HERE ARE SOME MORE HIGHLIGHTS FROM PM MODI'S ADDRESS 

1. India’s monumental efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations were also touched upon comprehensively. India has made substantial progress in goals related to clean water, sanitation, and affordable clean energy, recording a marked improvement in over 50% of SDG targets. The address emphasized India's commitment to these global goals, showcasing projects like the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' and the 'Saubhagya Scheme' as sterling examples of nation-wide transformative actions.

2. Another pertinent point in his discourse revolved around India's achievements in the realm of space technology. The Prime Minister highlighted the upcoming 'Gaganyaan' mission, India's ambitious manned spaceflight program, set to launch in the next year. This mission will propel India into a select group of countries with the capability to send humans into space.

3. Furthermore, he elaborated on India's strides in the field of renewable energy. As of 2023, India boasts of having the world's fourth-largest renewable energy capacity, with a significant portion derived from solar energy. Under the National Solar Mission, the capacity has surged from a mere 2.63 GW in 2014 to an impressive 50 GW this year. The Prime Minister's address underscored the nation's commitment to not just energy independence but environmentally responsible growth.

4. He also shared statistics on India's robust startup ecosystem, which is now the third-largest globally. The Prime Minister emphasized the role of initiatives like 'Startup India' in fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship, with over 50,000 startups registered, drawing investments upwards of $60 billion in the last three years alone.

5. The Prime Minister's reverence for the Central Hall was palpable throughout his address. As the curtains come down on this chapter of the Central Hall serving as the Parliament, he explicitly revealed its new moniker—‘Samvidhan Sadan’ (Constitution Building). He additionally affirmed, “As Samvidhan Sadan, the old building will continue to guide us and will keep reminding us about the great personalities who were part of the Constituent Assembly.”