When the Pied Piper of Hamelin played his pipe, the crowed swayed to his tune. However, it is a tough feat in this day and age to capture the attention of a listener in the modern age of cellphones, pagers, BlackBerries and notepads.
However, few leaders of neo-India possess the rare attributes of excellent oration; fearless attitude and a direct connect with every member of the audience. Such is the charisma of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, addressing a group of 1,900 overseas Indians having come from 60 countries at this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. More importantly, it is necessary to touch upon issues of concern, provide plausible solutions and depict the state’s development tale in a manner that both enchants the audience and propels them to participate in its growth and progress. Modi did all of this and more.
Seeking to play the next host
Modi proposed to host the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in his home state Gujarat in 2015. And added his touch, by getting the audience to remember that it was on 9th January, 1915, when Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. It would be an opportune time to commemorate the centenary of the Mahatma’s arrival by celebrating the annual diaspora festival at Gandhi’s state. As Modi sought Vayalar Ravi’s consent for selecting Gujarat as a host state, Ravi maintained studied silence. Modi then said, “You had awarded Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to Jaipur last year in New York in a minute, but why not now?” But Ravi chose to be quiet.
Gujarat, a self-reliant state:
Enthused by the applause from the audience, Modi dumped his prepared speech copy and extempore criticized the Manmohan Singh-led government in front of the overseas Indians and said there was no response from the PM on his suggestion to set up solar production units in desert areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat along the border with Pakistan. He affirmed that whatever Gujarat had achieved in terms of infrastructure development, affluence and living standards, was entirely from its own resources. “We are not fortunate enough to get [something] from the Centre or the Prime Minister. We have to do everything on our own.”
The double-digit GDP growth in Gujarat
“The remarkable development in Gujarat and the double-digit GDP growth it has been enjoying for [so many] years was possible because of the ‘think big’ approach,” said the proud chief minister. “Scale, speed and skills”, he recounted, were the three pillars of the “think big” approach that had the potential to make the 21st century the century of India. We quite agree with his approach, if only it can be adapted across the nation.
Wooing investors
Modi insisted on tapping the rich human resources of India, where the youth constitute more than half of its total population. He suggested that India should focus on tapping the discipline, talent and experience of Indians around the world. “All issues of concern, for example alternative sources of energy or water conservation, can be discussed over internet video conferences since our technology has brought the world so much closer. A great idea can come from anyone anywhere. “Contributing one’s idea is more important than investing dollars and pounds” he said, while urging all overseas Indians to participate in Gujarat’s growth.
Creating an innovation hub
Modi announced about creating an innovation hub, to be christened I CREATE, which would have world class infrastructure and research technology. Narayan Murthy has agreed to be the chairman of I CREATE. “We cannot have consistent growth without innovation” reasoned Modi as the cause behind setting up this innovation centre.
Skilled services training
There are 900-odd skilled services for which formal training can be provided. Modi assured that he is working towards including the same as courses in recognized universities of Gujarat so that employment opportunities can increase and newer job options can be created.
Striving for nationwide transparency
When questioned about building a clean India, Modi said “Maintaining cleanliness is the apt shradhanjali to the Gandhiji” He has made an effort closer home at Gujarat to begin the cleanliness campaign. He invited all to visit Kakaria in Ahmedabad which is a neat and clean public planned public park. Kakaria, Modi claimed, could be a cleanliness benchmark for the country to emulate. However, when questioned about legally enforcing cleanliness like in several foreign countries, Modi retorted that it wasn’t really possible in India. “We can’t make a law in democracy about not littering and keeping the surroundings clean due to a negative environment. The efforts have to be self-enforced”.
“Whatever is good in the world should be in my raaj,” signed off the BJP’s leading light.
Disaster management
Modi narrated his own experience of listening to “VOICE OF AMERICA” in the radio and hearing of innovative disaster management methods. Modi believes that India has community service in its genetics. He spoke of Bhuj earthquake. He had initiated an online campaign invoking the youth to engage in community service during the earthquake for at least an hour each. The results were amazing as they received proof of 500,000 hours of service from the youth in return. Ideas, innovation and self-execution could battle any disaster, natural or manmade.
Interaction with PM
“I met the Prime Minister informally several times. He is an experienced man. I like to take his experience and leave some of my suggestions there” chuckled Modi. However, he also expressed that some of his ideas which he proposed to the PM were caught up with the Planning Commission or some other procedural delays. “Nevertheless, I have adapted them for my state already” said an undeterred Modi.
Aspiring for the top job
Modi wished to maintain a jovial silence about discussing about his political career ahead. He requested the audience to keep the discussion apolitical since he did not wish his quotes to grab headlines and cause unnecessary clamour.
Modi is arguably the only politician who has led by example. Sky is the limit for Modi, who focusing on the way forward. “Whatever is good in the world should be in my raaj,” said the BJP’s leading light.
