The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the celebrations of 20 years of Gujarat Urban Growth Story in Gandhinagar, Gujarat today. During the occasion, he launched the Urban Development Year 2025, marking 20 years of the Urban Development Year 2005. Addressing the gathering, he said that over the past 2 days during his visit to Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, he has been experiencing the fervor of patriotism with the roar of success of Operation Sindoor and flying tricolors. He added that it was a sight to behold and this feeling was not just in Gujarat, but across every nook and corner of India and in the heart of every Indian. “India had made up its mind to weed out the thorn of terrorism and did it with utmost conviction”, stated the Prime Minister. 

Recalling the first terrorist attack on India in 1947, right after the partition of India into 3 parts, Shri Modi said one part was usurped by Pakistan harboring the terrorists. He recalled Sardar Patel’s vision, emphasizing that the Indian Army should not have halted until Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was reclaimed. However, he stated that Patel’s advice was not followed. Shri Modi stressed that this legacy of terrorism has continued for the last 75 years and the terror attacks in Pahalgam was another horrific form of it. He asserted that despite playing diplomatic games, Pakistan repeatedly faced India’s military strength in war. He noted that on three occasions, India’s armed forces decisively defeated Pakistan, making it clear that Pakistan could not triumph in direct military conflict. Acknowledging Pakistan’s realization of its limitations, Shri Modi stated that the neighboring country resorted to proxy warfare. He explained that trained militants were infiltrated into India through systematic military training, aiming to target innocent and unarmed civilians, including those undertaking peaceful pilgrimages.

Highlighting India’s deep-rooted cultural values, emphasizing the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which regards the entire world as one family, the Prime Minister stated that India has upheld this tradition for centuries and continues to seek peaceful and harmonious relations with its neighbors. The Prime Minister remarked that while India has always advocated for peace and stability, the repeated challenges to its strength have necessitated firm responses. He stated that historically, what was termed proxy war has now evolved, especially after the events of May 6. He asserted that given recent developments, referring to such acts as proxy war would be a mistake. He emphasized that nine identified terrorist bases were eliminated within 22 minutes, with full transparency ensured through camera documentation, so that no evidence could be questioned domestically. The Prime Minister categorically stated that the recent incidents prove that this is no longer mere proxy warfare, but a deliberate and calculated military strategy of Pakistan. He highlighted that following the May 6 actions, terrorist funerals were conducted in Pakistan with full honors, their coffins draped in national flags, and even saluted by the Pakistani military—clear indicators that these were not isolated militant activities but part of a structured war approach. He added that if such strategies are employed, an equally decisive response will be given.

The Prime Minister emphasized that India has always pursued progress and the welfare of all, offering assistance in times of crisis. However, he remarked that despite these efforts, the nation has often faced violent retaliation. Addressing the younger generation, he urged them to recognize how the country has been undermined over the decades. Talking about the Indus Water treaty which was put on abeyance, the Prime Minister highlighted issues related to water resources in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that although dams were constructed on rivers, proper maintenance and desilting were neglected for sixty years. He remarked that gates meant for water regulation were left unopened, leading to a drastic reduction in storage capacity—from full utilization to merely two to three percent. He asserted that Indians must receive their rightful access to water and stated that while significant steps have yet to be taken, initial measures have begun. 

Emphasising that India seeks no hostility and aspires for peace and prosperity, Shri Modi highlighted the nation’s commitment to progress and contributing to global well-being. He stated that with firm determination, India remains dedicated to the welfare of its citizens. Reflecting on May 26, Shri Modi noted that it marked the anniversary of his first oath-taking as the Prime Minister in 2014. At that time, India ranked 11th in the global economy. He acknowledged the challenges faced, including the battle against COVID-19, difficulties with neighboring nations, and natural calamities. Despite these obstacles, he highlighted India’s rapid economic growth, rising from the 11th to the 4th position globally. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the country’s vision for development and its unwavering commitment to progress. He recalled his roots in Gujarat, emphasizing the lessons and values he gained from his upbringing. He expressed gratitude for the aspirations and dreams that the citizens have entrusted in him, vowing to continue working diligently for their betterment.

Expressing happiness over Gujarat Government’s commitment to urban development, the Prime Minister noted that the state launched this initiative in 2005 and was now marking two decades of progress. He highlighted that rather than merely celebrating achievements, the government has utilized its learnings from the past 20 years to create a future-focused roadmap for urban development tailored to the next generation. The Prime Minister remarked that this roadmap, now presented to the people of Gujarat, signifies a structured vision for sustainable progress. He congratulated the state government, the Chief Minister, and their team for their dedicated efforts in shaping a forward-looking urban development strategy.

Underscoring India's significant economic rise, highlighting that surpassing global competitors is a moment of pride, Shri Modi recalled the excitement among citizens when India climbed from sixth to fifth in the world economy rankings, particularly noting the enthusiasm of young people. He emphasized that overtaking the United Kingdom—India’s former colonial ruler—was a historic milestone. Shri Modi stated that while India is now the fourth-largest economy, the pressure to reach the third position is intensifying. He reaffirmed that by 2047, India must become a fully developed nation, marking 100 years of independence with global recognition as a prosperous, strong country. Drawing parallels to the freedom movement, Shri Modi reflected on the sacrifices made by leaders like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Veer Savarkar, Shyamji Krishna Varma, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Patel. He noted that had the 25-30 crore population of the time not been determined to fight for independence, achieving freedom in 1947 might not have been possible. He asserted that if past generations could drive out colonial rulers in 20-35 years, today’s 140 crore citizens can realize the dream of a developed India within the next 25 years. Looking ahead to 2035, Shri Modi emphasized the importance of planning for Gujarat’s 75th anniversary. He stressed that preparations should begin now to shape the state's future across sectors like industry, agriculture, education, and sports. He called for a collective resolve to ensure Gujarat’s progress aligns with the country’s growth trajectory. He also mentioned India’s aspirations for hosting the Olympics in 2036, underscoring the nation's readiness for global leadership.

The Prime Minister reflected on Gujarat’s remarkable journey since its formation. He recalled the skepticism that surrounded its early years when many questioned the state’s potential for development, citing its geographic and economic limitations. However, he highlighted Gujarat’s transformation from a land known for salt production to a global leader in the diamond industry, attributing this success to structured planning and strategic initiatives. The Prime Minister also discussed the challenges of governance, emphasizing that siloed government departments often hinder progress. He stressed the importance of a whole-of-government approach, where different ministries collaborate effectively. He cited Gujarat’s model of dedicating specific years to focused initiatives, such as urban development in 2005, education for girls in another year, and tourism at another stage. He recalled the campaign “Kuch Din Toh Gujaro Gujarat Mein”, which helped boost tourism, leading to the development of destinations like Somnath, Dwarka, and Ambaji. The Prime Minister further shared his experiences in urban development, particularly in Ahmedabad, where transportation expansion was met with initial resistance. He narrated how early efforts to introduce Ahmedabad’s red buses beyond the city were met with bureaucratic and political hurdles, but persistence led to significant infrastructural growth. Similarly, he mentioned the challenges of clearing encroachments for city-wide improvements, explaining how initial opposition turned into widespread public support once people saw the benefits.

The Prime Minister recalled the extensive resistance to urban redevelopment efforts in Gujarat, particularly from political opponents and media scrutiny. However, he emphasized that when leaders make decisions with integrity and for the public good, long-term results validate those choices. He noted that despite initial fears of electoral setbacks, the government’s urban transformation initiatives resulted in electoral victories and widespread appreciation. The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to continued progress. He acknowledged growing expectations for India to advance from the fourth-largest economy to the third and reassured that such ambitions would be pursued with determination.

Emphasising the need for urban centers to evolve into economic growth hubs rather than simply expanding due to population increase, Shri Modi stated, “cities must function as dynamic centers for economic activity, and municipal bodies must actively plan for their transformation”. He urged municipal and metropolitan authorities across the country to set economic growth targets for their respective cities. Shri Modi encouraged them to assess the current state of their local economy and strategize ways to enhance it within a year, focusing on improving the quality of manufactured goods and identifying new avenues for economic activities. He pointed out that rather than simply constructing shopping complexes, urban bodies should conduct thorough studies to support agro-based industries and implement value-added initiatives within local markets. He remarked that while large industries traditionally thrived around metropolitan regions, the emergence of nearly two lakh startups—mostly located in tier-2 and tier-3 cities—demonstrates a significant shift. He acknowledged with pride that many of these ventures are being led by women, signaling a new wave of economic and entrepreneurial revolution. Shri Modi also highlighted similar progress in education and sports. He added that India’s focus on urban economic transformation will accelerate the nation’s journey from the fourth to the third-largest global economy by reaffirming that strengthening local economies will be key to achieving this milestone.

Underscoring the importance of a strong governance model, noting that certain entrenched mindsets have historically sought to undermine India's potential, the Prime Minister highlighted how ideological opposition has often led to resistance against developmental policies, with criticism of initiatives becoming a recurring pattern. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to urban development and described how the Aspirational Districts Program was launched to overcome bureaucratic hurdles. He noted that nearly 100 districts were identified based on about 40 developmental parameters, and dedicated officers were deployed with a long-term strategy. He stated that this initiative has now become a model for developing nations, offering valuable insights on effective governance. 

The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of tourism in driving economic growth, citing Gujarat’s transformation as an example. He remarked on how Kutch, once overlooked due to its desert landscape, is now a sought-after tourist destination. He pointed out that large-scale initiatives, such as the world’s tallest statue, have reshaped perceptions and boosted regional economies. He further highlighted the historical importance of sites like Vadnagar, describing its museum as an internationally recognized heritage center. Referring to India’s maritime legacy, Shri Modi spoke about Lothal, which now hosts one of the largest maritime museums in the world. He recalled the initial skepticism surrounding the GIFT City concept, which has now become a benchmark for financial hubs. He stressed that pioneering ideas must be implemented with conviction to yield impactful results. He cited several successful large-scale projects, including the Sabarmati Riverfront, the construction of the world’s largest stadium, and the Statue of Unity, showcasing India’s ability to execute transformative initiatives. He reiterated his unwavering optimism about India’s potential, expressing confidence in the country’s capacity to drive significant progress.

The Prime Minister thanked the Gujarat Government for the opportunity to revisit past initiatives and emphasized Gujarat’s crucial role in leading India’s development. He urged the state to continue setting high standards for the nation and reaffirmed his belief in India's bright future.

Highlighting the significance of Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 6, emphasizing that it will extend beyond its original scope, symbolizing a lifelong commitment to national progress, Shri Modi reaffirmed India's resolve to become a developed nation as it prepares to celebrate 100 years of independence in 2047. He underscored India's ambition to shift from the fourth-largest economy to the third, stressing the importance of reducing reliance on foreign goods. Shri Modi urged citizens to assess their daily consumption, identifying foreign products and replacing them with locally made alternatives. He cited instances where even traditionally revered items, such as idols for religious festivals, were being imported, emphasizing the need to prioritize domestic production. “Operation Sindoor is not merely a military initiative but a responsibility shared by every Indian citizen”, reaffirmed Shri Modi, stressing on the necessity of economic self-reliance, advocating for the One District, One Product strategy to enhance local manufacturing and support indigenous industries. He recalled how, in the past, foreign goods were sought after, but today, India has the capability to produce world-class products domestically.

Encouraging national pride, the Prime Minister urged citizens to take pride in Made in India products and celebrate their country’s advancements. Concluding his address, he reiterated that every Indian must contribute to strengthening the nation's economy and ensuring its global standing. He also extended his gratitude to the Gujarat government, acknowledging its leadership in urban development and its role as a guiding force for the nation’s infrastructural growth.

The Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Ministers Shri Manohar Lal & Shri C.R. Patil were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Urban Development Year 2005 in Gujarat was a flagship initiative launched by the then Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi with the aim of transforming Gujarat’s urban landscape through planned infrastructure, better governance, and improved quality of life for urban residents. Marking 20 years of the Urban Development Year 2005, Prime Minister launched the Urban Development Year 2025, Gujarat’s urban development plan and State Clean Air Programme in Gandhinagar. He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple projects related to urban development, health and water supply. He also dedicated more than 22,000 dwelling units under PMAY. He also released funds of Rs 3,300 crore to urban local bodies in Gujarat under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana.

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MJPS/SR