Published 15:44 IST, June 9th 2019
WATCH: "Indian voter's dedication towards development was witnessed in this election's clear-cut mandate," says PM Modi addressing the Indian community in Sri Lanka
Addressing the Indians gathered at India House, Colombo in Sri Lanka, PM Modi, on Sunday, has said that wherever in the world he has travelled, he has only heard good reports of the resident Indian community and how that community is in synchronization with the Indian Prime Minister's thoughts that they all nurture the same dream.
Addressing the Indians gathered at India House, Colombo in Sri Lanka, PM Modi, on Sunday, has said that wherever in the world he has travelled, he has only heard good reports of the resident Indian community and how that community is in synchronization with the Indian Prime Minister's thoughts that they all nurture the same dream.
"In any part of the world, there have been no complaints against Indians, according to my knowledge. In the last 5 years, I have visited many countries and met many leaders and they have always talked about the contribution the Indian community residing there has made to their society. They have spoken proudly of Indian culture, which is a matter of great pride. You must have experienced how the perception of the world towards India has changed. The wavelength between Indian community abroad and the Indian government is so in synchronization in thought, that the Indian sitting in Africa or Sri Lanka with a small shop also thinks in the same way as the Indian Prime Minister. I thank you for giving me this great strength," he said.
Talking about the greatness of the Indian democracy, he added that the world is stunned at the sheer number of voters and the maturity with which they have awarded himself a clear cut mandate.
"In India, you would have seen the debate and comments revolving the elections. But that has ended now with people awarding a clear cut mandate. This itself shows the maturity and intelligence of the Indian voter. People may comment on Indian education as they want, but the knowledge of democracy of the Indian voters was seen in this elections. The world is surprised at the grand democracy that we are - 900 million voters," he added.
Detailing the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, he said since Independence, this election witnessed the highest number of voters, women voters and women MPs elected, which is a matter of great pride.
"Excluding China, the highest number of people have voted in this election. After independence, the highest voter turnout has been recorded in this Lok Sabha election., that too in the searing heat of May. This election has had the highest women voter turnout and the highest number of women MPs elected. This has proved how mature the Indian electorate is and how dedicated they are to social and democratic principles. Democracy is a tradition in India, since ages. The world still attaches democracy to a facility, not a tradition. Hence our democracy is progressing into a superpower while maturing at the same time," he said.
Talking about how rivalry ceases after the counting of votes, he said that all parts of India were the same and urged the Indian overseas community to participate in progressing India.
"Only till counting of votes are we opponents. After that Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Atak to Cuttack, we are one India. The social welfare of 130 crore people is the only aim of the government. We have to progress the nation forward in the next five years. Fulfilling every Indian's dream, we are working. For this, your participation and blessings are needed. Thank you, for turning up in such big numbers to bless me." he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday arrived in Sri Lanka after his maiden visit to the Maldives after assuming office for a second term. His visit is considered as a sign of India's affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the wake of the deadly Easter terror attacks in April. Over 250 people were killed in the attack claimed by the Islamic State.
Updated 16:01 IST, June 9th 2019