Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 57th Convocation of IIT Delhi, where he presented top honours to the institute’s most meritorious students and addressed the graduating students. PM Modi urged greater participation and representation of women in academics, while highlighting the important role of India’s youth in building a Viksit Bharat.

PM Modi said India’s future capabilities depend heavily on its young population and highlighted how government policies are opening new sectors and creating opportunities for young Indians. He pointed to the transformation of India’s space sector, noting that areas once largely handled by the government are now creating opportunities for thousands of young people.

The Prime Minister encouraged IIT Delhi graduates to contribute to nation-building and stressed that a stronger youth population will lead to a stronger India. His remarks focused on youth empowerment, innovation, education, women’s participation in academia and India’s development journey.

PM Modi at IIT Delhi Convocation | Urges Youth to Lead India’s Viksit Bharat Journey

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who has been at the helm of India’s security since 2014, expressed confidence that India will become a developed nation and urged the youth to hone decision-making skills to lead the country forward.

NSA Ajit Doval says he doesn’t use phone or internet; shares views on India’s future and youth

Calling for an increase in the speed of development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that if the Centre and all the states come together and work together like Team India, no goal is impossible. The Prime Minister, who chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, said Viksit Bharat (developed India) is the goal of every Indian and “when every state is Viksit, then Bharat will be Viksit”.&nbsp;“This is the aspiration of its 140 crore citizens,” he said.“We should focus on one goal, to make Bharat Viksit by 2047. We should have the aim of making each state Viksit, each city Viksit, each Nagar Palika Viksit and each village Viksit. If we work on these lines, we will not have to wait till 2047 to become Viksit Bharat,” he said, according to a post on X by Niti Aayog.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We should work in a manner so that policies implemented bring change in the lives of common citizens. Only when people feel the change, it strengthens the change and transforms the change into a movement. We have a great opportunity as a team to fulfil the aspirations of 140 crore people,” he added.&nbsp;The Prime Minister said the governments must work towards inclusion of women in the workforce. “We must make laws, policies so that they can be respectfully integrated into the workforce,” he added.&nbsp;According to posts by NITI Aayog on X, PM Modi said India is getting rapidly urbanised and the states should move towards future ready cities. “We should work towards future-ready cities. Growth, innovation, and sustainability should be the engine for the development of our cities,” he added. He suggested that states should develop at least one tourist destination at par with global standards by providing all facilities and infrastructure.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It would also lead to the development of the neighbouring cities as tourist places,” PM Modi said. The theme of the meeting was ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047’.&nbsp; &nbsp;The meeting provided a platform for the Centre and States and UTs to deliberate on measures to advance the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and build consensus on how States can be the building blocks for making India a developed nation. Measures for promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing skilling, and creating sustainable employment opportunities across the country were also deliberated in the meeting.

The meeting provided a platform for the Centre and States and UTs to deliberate on measures to advance the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and build consensus on how States can be the building blocks for making India a developed nation.

Calling for an increase in the speed of development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that if the Centre and all the states come together and work together like Team India, no goal is impossible. The Prime Minister, who chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, said Viksit Bharat (developed India) is the goal of every Indian and “when every state is Viksit, then Bharat will be Viksit”. “This is the aspiration of its 140 crore citizens,” he said. “We should focus on one goal, to make Bharat Viksit by 2047. We should have the aim of making each state Viksit, each city Viksit, each Nagar Palika Viksit and each village Viksit. If we work on these lines, we will not have to wait till 2047 to become Viksit Bharat,” he said, according to a post on X by Niti Aayog. “We should work in a manner so that policies implemented bring change in the lives of common citizens. Only when people feel the change, it strengthens the change and transforms the change into a movement. We have a great opportunity as a team to fulfil the aspirations of 140 crore people,” he added. The Prime Minister said the governments must work towards inclusion of women in the workforce. “We must make laws, policies so that they can be respectfully integrated into the workforce,” he added. According to posts by NITI Aayog on X, PM Modi said India is getting rapidly urbanised and the states should move towards future ready cities. “We should work towards future-ready cities. Growth, innovation, and sustainability should be the engine for the development of our cities,” he added. He suggested that states should develop at least one tourist destination at par with global standards by providing all facilities and infrastructure. “It would also lead to the development of the neighbouring cities as tourist places,” PM Modi said. The theme of the meeting was ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047’. The meeting provided a platform for the Centre and States and UTs to deliberate on measures to advance the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and build consensus on how States can be the building blocks for making India a developed nation. Measures for promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing skilling, and creating sustainable employment opportunities across the country were also deliberated in the meeting.

The meeting provided a platform for the Centre and States and UTs to deliberate on measures to advance the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and build consensus on how States can be the building blocks for making India a developed nation.

‘No goal impossible if Centre and States work like Team India’: PM Modi at NITI Aayog meeting

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the opposition on Tuesday for its undue criticism and refuted all&nbsp;the allegations of bias for allies-ruled states and neglect of opposition-ruled ones in the Union Budget 2024 presented by her. 
 
Replying to the budget discussion in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman&nbsp;clarified that no state was denied funds and slammed the opposition for misleading the nation by suggesting so. She recalled that the UPA government also did not mention the names of all states in its Budget speeches, and asked if it had also not provided any funds to the states. 
&nbsp;

<h2>No state is being denied any money: FM</h2>

Sitharaman also slammed the Opposition for claiming that the Budget will only release funds for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. “If a state's name is not mentioned in Budget speech, it doesn't mean that no money is given to them,” Sitharaman said.

Watch |&nbsp;Kerala Landslides: 93 dead, 128 hurt in Wayanad landslide

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"The Budget of 2004-2005 did not take the name of 17 states. I would like to ask the members of the UPA government at that time - did money not go to those 17 states? Did they stop it? If they have stopped it, then they have every business to raise questions,” the Finance Minister added.

"Government is complying with the fiscal deficit trajectory. It will bring down the deficit to below 4.5 per cent by 2025-26 from the targeted 4.9 per cent for the current fiscal. The deficit was 5.6 per cent in 2023-24," Sitharaman said.

<h2>Lok Sabha passes&nbsp;Union Budget 2024-25</h2>

The lower house passed the Union Budget 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week, on Tuesday (July 30) through a voice vote.

Aside from the Union Budget, the budget of the Union Territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir was also passed in Lok Sabha via voice vote on Tuesday.

The budget was passed following the Budget 2024-25 debate in Lok Sabha, during which Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to the Opposition's questions. She also highlighted the government's goal to cap the fiscal deficit in coming years.

The Finance Minister said that the government is working to realise its goal of building 'Viksit Bharat' by the year 2047. She stated that India, being the fastest growing economy, has overcome the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sitharaman stressed that the FY25 Budget has not given less allocation to any sector compared to FY24 and no state is being denied any money.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-government-passes-bill-to-intensify-punishments-for-religious-conversions-to-curb-love-jihad-745633">UP government passes bill to intensify punishments for religious conversions to curb 'love jihad'</a>

"Unemployment rate, for the age group of 15-59 years has actually come down for J&amp;K, from 6.4% in 2020-21 to 5.7% in 2021-22 to 4.4% in 2022-23," Sitharaman said.

Speaking on the Union Territory of J&amp;K Sitharaman said, "We have provided substantial financial support of ₹17,000 crore in the Union Budget of UT Jammu and Kashmir this year. It includes ₹12,000 crore towards financing the cost of Jammu and Kashmir Police."

On agriculture, the Finance Minister said, "Agriculture had 0.30 lakh crore in 2013-14, whereas now it has 1.52 lakh crore. It is 8,000 crores more than last year, which is 2023-24. Education and employment had 0.85 lakh crore allotted in 2013-14, whereas today it is 1.48 lakh crore, 23% more allocation."

"The Budget allocation for the department of agriculture and farmers' welfare was only ₹21,934 crore in 2013-2014. However, in 2024-2025, it has increased to ₹1.23 lakh crore. There's a five-fold increase. More than ₹3.2 lakh crore have been disbursed to over 11 crore farmers under PM Kisan since its launch," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the opposition on Tuesday for its undue criticism and refuted all the allegations of bias for allies-ruled states and neglect of opposition-ruled ones in the Union Budget 2024 presented by her.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the opposition on Tuesday for its undue criticism and refuted all the allegations of bias for allies-ruled states and neglect of opposition-ruled ones in the Union Budget 2024 presented by her. Replying to the budget discussion in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman clarified that no state was denied funds and slammed the opposition for misleading the nation by suggesting so. She recalled that the UPA government also did not mention the names of all states in its Budget speeches, and asked if it had also not provided any funds to the states. No state is being denied any money: FM Sitharaman also slammed the Opposition for claiming that the Budget will only release funds for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. “If a state's name is not mentioned in Budget speech, it doesn't mean that no money is given to them,” Sitharaman said. Watch | Kerala Landslides: 93 dead, 128 hurt in Wayanad landslide × "The Budget of 2004-2005 did not take the name of 17 states. I would like to ask the members of the UPA government at that time - did money not go to those 17 states? Did they stop it? If they have stopped it, then they have every business to raise questions,” the Finance Minister added. "Government is complying with the fiscal deficit trajectory. It will bring down the deficit to below 4.5 per cent by 2025-26 from the targeted 4.9 per cent for the current fiscal. The deficit was 5.6 per cent in 2023-24," Sitharaman said. Lok Sabha passes Union Budget 2024-25 The lower house passed the Union Budget 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week, on Tuesday (July 30) through a voice vote. Aside from the Union Budget, the budget of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir was also passed in Lok Sabha via voice vote on Tuesday. The budget was passed following the Budget 2024-25 debate in Lok Sabha, during which Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to the Opposition's questions. She also highlighted the government's goal to cap the fiscal deficit in coming years. The Finance Minister said that the government is working to realise its goal of building 'Viksit Bharat' by the year 2047. She stated that India, being the fastest growing economy, has overcome the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sitharaman stressed that the FY25 Budget has not given less allocation to any sector compared to FY24 and no state is being denied any money. Also read: UP government passes bill to intensify punishments for religious conversions to curb 'love jihad' "Unemployment rate, for the age group of 15-59 years has actually come down for J&K, from 6.4% in 2020-21 to 5.7% in 2021-22 to 4.4% in 2022-23," Sitharaman said. Speaking on the Union Territory of J&K Sitharaman said, "We have provided substantial financial support of ₹17,000 crore in the Union Budget of UT Jammu and Kashmir this year. It includes ₹12,000 crore towards financing the cost of Jammu and Kashmir Police." On agriculture, the Finance Minister said, "Agriculture had 0.30 lakh crore in 2013-14, whereas now it has 1.52 lakh crore. It is 8,000 crores more than last year, which is 2023-24. Education and employment had 0.85 lakh crore allotted in 2013-14, whereas today it is 1.48 lakh crore, 23% more allocation." "The Budget allocation for the department of agriculture and farmers' welfare was only ₹21,934 crore in 2013-2014. However, in 2024-2025, it has increased to ₹1.23 lakh crore. There's a five-fold increase. More than ₹3.2 lakh crore have been disbursed to over 11 crore farmers under PM Kisan since its launch," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

FM slams Opposition for alleging bias, reminds ‘26 states not named in 2009 UPA era Budget’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his spiritual sojourn at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

The prime minister started meditating on May 30 and continued it for nearly 45 hours till June 1. After concluding the meditation, the prime minister wrote an open letter in which he reflected upon his spiritual journey, the future of India and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-completes-his-two-day-meditation-at-kanniyakumari-as-poll-comes-to-an-end-727803">PM Modi completes 2-day meditation at Kanniyakumari, to return to Delhi as Lok Sabha polls end</a>

He further wrote about the development trajectory of Bharat and emphasised the need to align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047.

<h2>Here's the complete text of PM Modi's open letter:</h2>

<h3>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; New Sankalps from the Sadhana in Kanniyakumari</h3>

My fellow Indians,

The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, are concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Through the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting.

My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti.

It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti...the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a 'sadhana' (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election...they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me...my mind became completely detached from the external world.

Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here.

I am also grateful God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts.

Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realize the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived.

Friends,

Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this Memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well.

From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the 'Shakti Peeth' (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this Southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat.

Kanniyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence-the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanniyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharat's nationhood and the sense of unity.

The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharati from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure.

Watch:&nbsp;Exit Poll 2024: Narendra Modi predicted to return for third term

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Friends,

Swami Vivekananda once said, 'Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.' 
For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, 'Idam-na-mama' (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat.

Bharat's welfare benefits our planet's journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on August 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharat's independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once in a century COVID-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharat's successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations.

Today, Bharat's governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritizing individuals standing at the last rung of society.

Bharat's Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratization of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model.

Today, Bharat's progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G-20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G-20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries.

Friends,

The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams.

We must see Bharat's development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharat's internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharat's strengths, nurture them, and utilize them for the benefit of the world. In today's global scenario, Bharat's strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back.

The world of the 21st century is looking towards Bharat with many hopes. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047.

We must also understand that reform can never be a unidimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place.

We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a 'Viksit Bharat'. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of 'zero defect-zero effect'.

Friends,

We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfil our role in our country's journey towards excellence. We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context.

As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step towards achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity.

My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand. Just as we utilised the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a 'Viksit Bharat' in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone.

Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let's dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps...let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat.

This letter was written by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 on his return flight from Kanniyakumari to Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his spiritual sojourn at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The prime minister started meditating on May 30 and continued it for nearly 45 hours till June 1.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his spiritual sojourn at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The prime minister started meditating on May 30 and continued it for nearly 45 hours till June 1. After concluding the meditation, the prime minister wrote an open letter in which he reflected upon his spiritual journey, the future of India and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Also Read: PM Modi completes 2-day meditation at Kanniyakumari, to return to Delhi as Lok Sabha polls end He further wrote about the development trajectory of Bharat and emphasised the need to align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047. Here's the complete text of PM Modi's open letter: New Sankalps from the Sadhana in Kanniyakumari My fellow Indians, The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, are concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Through the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting. My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti. It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti...the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a 'sadhana' (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election...they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me...my mind became completely detached from the external world. Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here. I am also grateful God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts. Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realize the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived. Friends, Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this Memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well. From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the 'Shakti Peeth' (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this Southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat. Kanniyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence-the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanniyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharat's nationhood and the sense of unity. The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharati from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure. Watch: Exit Poll 2024: Narendra Modi predicted to return for third term Friends, Swami Vivekananda once said, 'Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.' For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, 'Idam-na-mama' (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat. Bharat's welfare benefits our planet's journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on August 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharat's independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once in a century COVID-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharat's successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations. Today, Bharat's governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritizing individuals standing at the last rung of society. Bharat's Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratization of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model. Today, Bharat's progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G-20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G-20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries. Friends, The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams. We must see Bharat's development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharat's internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharat's strengths, nurture them, and utilize them for the benefit of the world. In today's global scenario, Bharat's strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back. The world of the 21st century is looking towards Bharat with many hopes. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047. We must also understand that reform can never be a unidimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place. We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a 'Viksit Bharat'. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of 'zero defect-zero effect'. Friends, We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfil our role in our country's journey towards excellence. We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context. As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step towards achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity. My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand. Just as we utilised the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a 'Viksit Bharat' in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone. Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let's dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps...let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat. This letter was written by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 on his return flight from Kanniyakumari to Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi hails India's progress in spiritual letter following 45-hour meditation in Kanniyakumari

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Mar 21) asked the central government to stop sending the "Viksit Bharat" messages over WhatsApp.&nbsp;

The message to the Indian Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology comes after the poll body received several complaints regarding the delivery of messages.&nbsp;

Concerns were raised over the message by the government&nbsp;being delivered on citizens' phones despite the announcement of the General Elections 2024 and the Model Code of Conduct entering into force.&nbsp;

"In response, MeitY had informed the commission that although the letters were sent out before MCC came into force, some of them could have possibly been delivered to recipients with a delay because of systemic and network limitations," the ECI said.&nbsp;

"A Compliance report on the matter has been demanded immediately from MeitY," it added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmirs-political-future-hinges-on-49pc-women-voters-in-upcoming-elections-702673">Jammu and Kashmir's political future hinges on 49pc women voters in upcoming elections</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What did the 'Viksit Bharat Sampark' message read?&nbsp;</h2>

The message delivered to users on their WhatsApp account read, "This letter has been sent by the Government of India under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji."&nbsp;

"In the last ten years, more than 140 crore citizens of India have directly benefited from the various schemes of the Government of India and will continue to benefit in the future," it said.&nbsp;

"Your feedback and suggestions are very important to fulfil the aspirations of a Viksit Bharat. Therefore, you are requested to kindly type and share your feedback and suggestions," it further added.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sbi-submits-all-electoral-bond-details-with-unique-numbers-to-election-commission-702653">Electoral bonds: SBI submits complete details with unique numbers to India's Election Commission</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;'Why only tax Temples?': Karnataka governor refuses to sign Temple Tax Bill&nbsp;

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In its bio, the sender, with the name 'Viksit Bharat Sampark', noted that it is an ongoing initiative of the Government of India for evaluation of the flagship schemes and improvement in their implementation and delivery.&nbsp;

The move is a series of decisions by the election commission which are aimed at ensuring a level playing field in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Mar 21) asked the central government to stop sending the "Viksit Bharat" messages over WhatsApp. The message to the Indian Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology comes after the poll body received several complaints regarding the delivery of messages.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Mar 21) asked the central government to stop sending the "Viksit Bharat" messages over WhatsApp. The message to the Indian Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology comes after the poll body received several complaints regarding the delivery of messages. Concerns were raised over the message by the government being delivered on citizens' phones despite the announcement of the General Elections 2024 and the Model Code of Conduct entering into force. "In response, MeitY had informed the commission that although the letters were sent out before MCC came into force, some of them could have possibly been delivered to recipients with a delay because of systemic and network limitations," the ECI said. "A Compliance report on the matter has been demanded immediately from MeitY," it added. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir's political future hinges on 49pc women voters in upcoming elections What did the 'Viksit Bharat Sampark' message read? The message delivered to users on their WhatsApp account read, "This letter has been sent by the Government of India under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji." "In the last ten years, more than 140 crore citizens of India have directly benefited from the various schemes of the Government of India and will continue to benefit in the future," it said. "Your feedback and suggestions are very important to fulfil the aspirations of a Viksit Bharat. Therefore, you are requested to kindly type and share your feedback and suggestions," it further added. Also read: Electoral bonds: SBI submits complete details with unique numbers to India's Election Commission Watch: 'Why only tax Temples?': Karnataka governor refuses to sign Temple Tax Bill × In its bio, the sender, with the name 'Viksit Bharat Sampark', noted that it is an ongoing initiative of the Government of India for evaluation of the flagship schemes and improvement in their implementation and delivery. The move is a series of decisions by the election commission which are aimed at ensuring a level playing field in the Lok Sabha polls. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian poll body directs central government to halt 'Viksit Bharat' messages on WhatsApp

PM Modi will visit Jammu and inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple projects. He will also address the Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu programme. The various projects are set to transform the infra of Jammu and further its socio-economic development.

PM Modi flags off first electric train in Jammu & Kashmir, inaugurates projects worth $387 mn

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be working towards making the country a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047, as she tabled the 2024 interim Budget in the Parliament.

Sitharaman, who presented her sixth budget in a row, also emphasised the government's aim to work towards an economic and social development model which is "all round, all inclusive, and all pervasive".

In her speech, the finance minister said, "Our young country has high aspirations, pride in the present, and hope and confidence in its bright future."&nbsp;

The finance minister added, "For our government, social justice is an effective and necessary governance model... covering all eligible people is true social justice... secularism. It reduces corruption and prevents nepotism."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2024-a-look-at-indias-interim-financial-outlook-685663">Budget 2024: A look at India's interim financial outlook</a>

Sitharaman emphasised the need to focus on four categories of citizens - the poor, women, young people, and farmers - and added that their needs and aspirations were the "highest priority" of the government.&nbsp;

"All four require and receive government support, their empowerment and well-being will drive the country forward. The earlier approach of tackling poverty resulted in very modest outcomes," she said.&nbsp;

"But when the poor became empowered partners in the development process, the government's power to assist increases manifold," Sitharaman added, emphasising how 25 crore people had been freed from multidimensional poverty in the last 10 years under the Modi government.

<h2>Focus On Poor, Women, Youth, Farmers, says Sitharaman&nbsp;</h2>

Finance Minister Sitharaman asserted that the government has been working with an approach to development that is "all-round, all-inclusive and all-pervasive" ('sarvangin', 'sarvasparshi'&nbsp;and&nbsp;'sarvasamaveshi').

"As our Prime Minister firmly believes, we need to focus on four major castes, they are&nbsp;gareeb&nbsp;(poor),&nbsp;mahilayein&nbsp;(women),&nbsp;yuva&nbsp;(youth) and&nbsp;annadata&nbsp;(farmers). Their needs, their aspirations and their welfare are our highest priority," the minister said.&nbsp;

"The country progresses when they progress. All four require, and receive, government support in their quest to better their lives. Their empowerment and well-being will drive the country forward," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be working towards making the country a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047, as she tabled the 2024 interim Budget in the Parliament.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be working towards making the country a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047, as she tabled the 2024 interim Budget in the Parliament. Sitharaman, who presented her sixth budget in a row, also emphasised the government's aim to work towards an economic and social development model which is "all round, all inclusive, and all pervasive". In her speech, the finance minister said, "Our young country has high aspirations, pride in the present, and hope and confidence in its bright future." The finance minister added, "For our government, social justice is an effective and necessary governance model... covering all eligible people is true social justice... secularism. It reduces corruption and prevents nepotism." Also read: Budget 2024: A look at India's interim financial outlook Sitharaman emphasised the need to focus on four categories of citizens - the poor, women, young people, and farmers - and added that their needs and aspirations were the "highest priority" of the government. "All four require and receive government support, their empowerment and well-being will drive the country forward. The earlier approach of tackling poverty resulted in very modest outcomes," she said. "But when the poor became empowered partners in the development process, the government's power to assist increases manifold," Sitharaman added, emphasising how 25 crore people had been freed from multidimensional poverty in the last 10 years under the Modi government. Focus On Poor, Women, Youth, Farmers, says Sitharaman Finance Minister Sitharaman asserted that the government has been working with an approach to development that is "all-round, all-inclusive and all-pervasive" ('sarvangin', 'sarvasparshi' and 'sarvasamaveshi'). "As our Prime Minister firmly believes, we need to focus on four major castes, they are gareeb (poor), mahilayein (women), yuva (youth) and annadata (farmers). Their needs, their aspirations and their welfare are our highest priority," the minister said. "The country progresses when they progress. All four require, and receive, government support in their quest to better their lives. Their empowerment and well-being will drive the country forward," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

India Budget 2024: Sitharaman says PM Modi's govt working towards making country ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047

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