Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today addressed the Maheshwari Global Convention and Expo – 2026 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. On this occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with several other distinguished dignitaries, were present.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah said that today he is happy to be present among a community that has only contributed to this country. The gems that have emerged from the Maheshwari community have adorned and illuminated the nation in every field, much like ornaments worn by a person. He said that despite reaching very high positions in the country and abroad and receiving wide recognition in institutions, the community that has remained so deeply connected to its roots is the Maheshwari community. Whenever the nation has needed it in any form, this community has presented itself accordingly.

Shri Amit Shah said that when wars were being fought against the Mughals, it was the Maheshwari community that helped fills the war treasuries of kings and rulers. Similarly, when the struggle for independence was being fought against the British, a very large part of the freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi was financially supported by the leading businessmen of the Maheshwari community. He said that although a complete account of this may not be available, the entire world knows that the Seths of the Maheshwari community made a significant contribution to sustaining and running this movement. He said that from the struggle against the Mughals to the freedom movement, and in the efforts to make the country self-reliant after independence, the contribution of the Maheshwari community has been invaluable.

Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that after Independence, the country had to move forward on the path of development and become self-reliant. It had to surge ahead by surpassing global strategies in the field of industry. In this direction too, the Maheshwari community never looked back. He said that whether it is manufacturing, trading, wealth generation, or the adoption of technology, the Maheshwari community has always demonstrated the character of a progressive and farsighted society in all these fields. He said that this proves that the Maheshwari community has shown that tradition and progress can go hand in hand.

Shri Amit Shah said that in Gujarat there is a famous saying about the Marwaris: “Jaha na Pahuche Railgadi Waha Pahuche Marwari” He said that, just like this saying, the Maheshwari community has spread across every field and to every corner of the world, and in doing so has not only kept Rajasthan and India vibrant but has also made significant contributions to strengthening and enriching them. He said that in our country, the creation and organization of communities, and large congregations such as these Mahakumbh-like events, strengthen India rather than divide it. If every community takes care of even its poorest member, the care of the entire nation will automatically be ensured. He said that if every community in the country resolves to uplift its people and make them self-reliant, the goal of a self-reliant India will automatically be achieved.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that our communities have never fragmented the nation. This is not a sign of narrow-mindedness, but a symbol of organization. He said that the strength generated through organization proves extremely useful not only for society but for the entire country as well. Shri Shah said that the Maheshwari community has also lived up to its commitment to service. He said that providing more than 1,000 elderly persons with a dignified life, housing, and adequate living facilities clearly shows that the concept of “Apna Ghar” (one’s own home) is deeply ingrained in the DNA of the Maheshwari community.

Shri Amit Shah said that from 1891 to the present day, the Maheshwari community has remained organized and has not only worked for the welfare of its own society but has also always shown concern for the nation and other communities. He said that the Maheshwari community is the only one in which both the sword and the weighing scale suit equally well. The Maheshwari community has stood united for the country in every field. He said that the list of freedom fighters that came from the Maheshwari community is so long that one would grow tired just counting their names. And if one were to compile a list of the Bhamashahs (great philanthropists) from this community, pages would be filled.

Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that after 550 years, Ramlala has been enthroned in his grand temple. The construction has been completed, the Pran Pratishtha has been performed, and the saffron flag is now flying atop it. He said that the two brothers who made the very first sacrifice in the Ram Temple movement belonged to the Maheshwari community. He said that the Maheshwari community has made immense sacrifices and contributions to the cultural renaissance of this country as well. He called upon the youth of the Maheshwari community to contribute to making the nation self-reliant. Shri Shah said that Swadeshi should be our life mantra and our own languages should be reflected in our conduct. He said that the Maheshwari community has always been a job creator, not a job seeker.

Union Home Minister said that a few years ago, when our country completed 75 years of Independence, it celebrated the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. There would hardly have been any village in the country where this celebration did not take place. Everywhere, with great enthusiasm, the heroes of the freedom struggle who sacrificed their lives for the nation were remembered and honoured. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi placed a resolve before 140 crore Indians that when we celebrate the centenary of Independence on 15 August 2047, we should build a developed India that stands first in every field across the world. This statement of the Prime Minister has now become a collective resolve of 140 crore Indians. Shri Shah said that when 140 crore people move in the same direction, the nation moves 140 crore steps forward.

Shri Amit Shah said that to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047, the Prime Minister has highlighted several important points. He said that entrepreneurs associated with manufacturing should not only continue their work but also expand it further. They should move ahead of the world and also begin producing items that are not currently manufactured in India. He said that this very vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) alone can make us the world’s largest economy. Shri Shah said that when Shri Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, India was the world’s 11th largest economy. Today, we have reached the fourth position. In the next few years, we are set to become the world’s third-largest economy. He said that if we want to reach the top position, Atmanirbhar Bharat is the only option. The Home Minister said that the second important formula for making Atmanirbhar Bharat successful is Swadeshi. As far as possible, indigenous products should be used. He said that the appeal is that every trader should resolve that if a product made in our country is available, then that is what he will trade in. Swadeshi is the second crucial pillar of self-reliance.

Shri Amit Shah said that over the past 11 years, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has worked to take India forward across many dimensions. We have become the world’s fourth-largest economy, our exports have doubled, and we have reached a four-trillion-dollar economy. Manufacturing has grown by more than 70 per cent. Out of every 100 digital transactions worldwide, 50 take place in India. In the mobile phone sector, we are the world’s second-largest producer. In terms of startups, we rank third globally. We are also third in the world in pharmaceuticals manufacturing and in the automobile sector. He said that a strong platform has now been created through which the country’s young generation can compete head-on with youth across the world and move forward.  He said that by increasing manufacturing, doubling exports, boosting digital transactions, and building a $4 trillion economy, the Modi government has established the country as a leading nation.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that along with Swadeshi, Swabhasha (one’s own language) is also essential. For progress in the world, one should speak whatever language is required and learn whatever language is necessary—there is no opposition to that. However, at home, one should speak to children only in our mother tongue. He said that if we converse with children in our own language and teach them their mother tongue, they will naturally develop a deep connection with their history, with Marwar, and with the glorious history of Rajasthan. This will help them advance by a generation. Shri Shah said that the use of Indian languages is the means to keep society and culture alive. One should certainly speak foreign languages when required, but he urged that parents should always speak to their children in their mother tongue. This is very important for taking the country forward.

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RK/PR/PS