Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 74th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday. In his statesmanlike speech, he elaborated on the schemes implemented by the government and shared his vision for the global community. The Prime Minister emphasized on India's unique characteristics of acceptance of humanity beyond borders and races and added that India has followed the principles of universal brotherhood and welfare of the world.

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Remembering Mahatma Gandhi 

PM Modi started his address by remembering Mahatma Gandhi and paid a tribute to him. PM Modi stated in his address that this year's Assembly is special because the entire world is commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. "Mahatma Gandhi's message of truth and non-violence is still relevant for the peace, progress and development of the world," he said.  

Importance of world’s biggest mandate 

PM Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of the biggest mandate he was awarded on May 23. He said that the world's biggest election was conducted in India during April-May 2019. He stated with pride that his government was awarded the world's biggest mandate by the highest voter turnout in the world. Explaining the meaning behind the mandate, he said that the message was bigger, more comprehensive and more inspirational than the mandate itself.  

"World’s largest elections happened this year, the largest democracy in the world, the largest voter turnout in the world awarded me and my government a bigger mandate than before.” 

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Cleanliness drive to largest health assurance scheme 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the massive success of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan and also brought the world’s attention on the construction of 11 crore toilets in India claiming it an inspiration to the world on propagating hygiene and cleanliness. PM Modi also highlighted the efforts and success of India in running the world’s largest health assurance scheme by giving fifty crore Indians, free medical facilities worth five lakhs each. In his speech, PM Modi also mentioned the financial inclusion of 37 crore Indians by opening their bank accounts and running the world’s largest digital identification program by giving the people of India their biometric identity in a bid to ensure their rights.  

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No more single-use plastic 

PM Modi recalled his entry to the UNGA where he saw “no more single-use plastic” written on the entrance of the United Nations. He proudly declared in the UNGA speech that his government has been running a campaign in India to get rid of the single-use plastic and the government is working towards water conservation.

Fight against terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that India has played a pivotal role in the UN Peacekeeping Missions across the world and the fight against terrorism. PM Modi added that India had given the Buddha and not war (Yuddh), maintaining that India will continue its fight against terrorism across the world. PM Modi further appealed the world to join hands in India's fight against terrorism, adding that the world divided in the name of terrorism is breaking the spirit of the United Nations. 

"The world, which is divided in the name of terrorism, breaks the spirit of the UN, with which it was formed, and for humanity, I appeal the world to come together in the fight against terrorism."

'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'

PM Modi hailed India as a great and old culture with its own vibrant traditions, which embodies global dreams. He further acknowledged the initiatives of the Indian government for public welfare and stated that:

"The  core of our approach is public welfare through public participation and this public welfare is not just for India but for the entire world and that is the reason for our motto: 'together with all, development for all.' (Sabka saath, Sabka vikas)

He further asserted that the efforts of the governments will benefit each and everyone not only in India but globally.

"All our endeavors, are centered around 1.3 billion Indians. But the dreams that these efforts are trying to fulfill, are the same dreams that the entire world has, that every country has, and that every society has. The efforts are ours, but their benefits are for all, for the entire world."

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