Press Information Bureau

Har Har Mahadev!

Namah Parvati Pataye!

Har Har Mahadev!

The energetic Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath ji; my colleague in the Union Cabinet and the one leading the remarkable technological progress that is laying the strong foundation of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), Ashwini Vaishnaw ji; joining us through technology from Ernakulam, the Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Arlekar ji; my colleagues in the Centre, Suresh Gopi ji and George Kurian ji; all other ministers and public representatives present at this program in Kerala; my colleague from the Centre and Punjab leader, Ravneet Singh Bittu ji, who is connected from Firozpur; all public representatives there; Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak ji, connected from Lucknow; other distinguished guests; and my family members here in Kashi!

In this sacred city of Baba Vishwanath, I offer my salutations to all of you, to every family of Kashi! I witnessed the grand celebration of Dev Deepawali, and today is also an auspicious day. I extend my best wishes to all of you for this festival of development!

Friends,

In developed countries around the world, a major reason behind their economic progress has been their strong infrastructure. In every nation that has achieved significant growth and development, the driving force behind their progress has been infrastructure development. For example, imagine a region that has not had a railway line for years, no tracks, no trains, no station. But as soon as the tracks are laid and a station is built, the development of that town begins automatically. In a village where there are no proper roads for years and people use muddy paths to move around, but once a small road is built, farmers begin to travel easily, and their produce starts reaching the markets. Infrastructure does not mean only big bridges and highways. Whenever such facilities are developed anywhere, the growth of that region begins. The same is true for our villages, our small towns, and for the entire country. The number of airports being built, the number of Vande Bharat trains running, and the increasing number of international flights connecting Bharat to the world—all these are now linked with development. Today, Bharat too is moving rapidly on this path. In this very spirit, new Vande Bharat trains are being inaugurated in different parts of the country. Along with the Kashi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat, the Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat, Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat have also been flagged off. With these four new trains, more than 160 Vande Bharat trains are now operational across the country. I extend my heartiest congratulations to the people of Kashi and to all citizens of the country for this achievement.

Friends,

Today, trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways. This is a complete campaign to transform the Indian Railways. Vande Bharat is a train made in Bharat, by Indians, for Indians, and every Indian feels proud of it. Earlier, it was like, “Can we really do this? Isn’t this something that only happens abroad? Can it happen here?” Now it’s happening! Isn’t it? Is it happening in our country or not?  Is it being made in our own country, by our own people or not? This is the strength of our country. Today, even foreign travellers are amazed when they see the Vande Bharat train. The way Bharat has begun its mission to enhance its capabilities for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), these trains are becoming a milestone in that journey.

Friends,

For centuries, pilgrimages in Bharat have been seen as a medium of the nation’s consciousness. These journeys are not merely paths to divine darshan, but sacred traditions that connect the soul of Bharat. Places like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, Kurukshetra and countless other pilgrimage sites are the centres of our spiritual heritage. Now, as these holy places are getting connected through the Vande Bharat network, it is also connecting Bharat’s culture, faith, and development. It marks a significant step in making Bharat’s heritage cities symbols of the nation’s progress.

Friends,

These pilgrimages also have an economic dimension, which often doesn’t get enough attention. Over the past 11 years, the development works in Uttar Pradesh have taken religious tourism to an entirely new level. Last year alone, 11 crore devotees visited Kashi for Baba Vishwanath’s darshan. Since the construction of the Ram Temple, more than 6 crore devotees have visited Ayodhya to seek blessings of Ram Lalla. These pilgrims have contributed thousands of crores of rupees to Uttar Pradesh’s economy. They have provided continuous income opportunities for hotels, traders, transport companies, local artists, and boatmen. As a result, hundreds of youth in Banaras are now starting new businesses, ranging from transport services to Banarasi sarees and many other ventures. All of this is opening the doors of prosperity in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Kashi.

Friends,

To realize the mantra of “Viksit Kashi to Viksit Bharat” (Developed India through a Developed Kashi,) we are continuously undertaking numerous infrastructure projects here. Today, Kashi is witnessing expansion and improvement in hospitals, roads, gas pipelines, and internet connectivity and the growth is just not in numbers, but there have been qualitative improvements as well. Work on the ropeway project is progressing rapidly. Sports infrastructure like the Ganjari and Sigra Stadiums is now coming up. Our effort is to make visiting Banaras, living in Banaras, and experiencing the facilities of Banaras a unique and special experience for everyone.

Friends,

Our government is constantly working to improve healthcare services in Kashi. About 10-11 years ago, the situation was such that for any serious illness, people had only one option, which was BHU (Banaras Hindu University). The number of patients was so large that even after standing in queues the entire night, many couldn’t get treatment. When someone was diagnosed with a serious disease like cancer, families had to sell their land and farms to go to Mumbai for treatment. Today, our government has worked to reduce these worries of the people of Kashi. For cancer treatment, the Mahamana Cancer Hospital has been established; for eye care, the Shankar Netralaya; within BHU, a state-of-the-art Trauma Centre and the Shatabdi Hospital; and in Pandeypur, the Divisional Hospital — all these hospitals have become a blessing not only for Kashi and Purvanchal but also for neighbouring states. Because of Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, lakhs of poor people are now saving crores of rupees on their medical expenses. On one hand, this has eased people’s concerns; on the other, Kashi is now being recognized as the Health Capital of the entire region.

Friends,

We must continue to maintain this momentum and energy in Kashi’s development, so that this grand and divine city also becomes prosperous at a fast pace. And whoever visits Kashi from anywhere in the world, may they feel a unique energy, a special enthusiasm, and an unmatched joy in this sacred city of Baba Vishwanath.

Friends,

Just a while ago, I was speaking with some students inside the Vande Bharat train. I congratulate Ashwini ji, who has started a wonderful tradition and that is wherever a Vande Bharat train is inaugurated, competitions are held among schoolchildren on various themes related to development, Vande Bharat, and the vision of a Viksit Bharat through paintings and poems. Although the children had only a few days to prepare, I was deeply impressed by their creativity. They had made drawings depicting a Viksit Kashi, a Viksit Bharat, and a Surakshit Bharat (Safe India). I also heard poems written by 12- to 14-year-old boys and girls. Such beautiful and thoughtful verses! As the Member of Parliament for Kashi, I felt immense pride that such talented children belong to my Kashi. I met a few of them here and one child, despite having a hand disability, made an extraordinary painting. It filled me with great joy. I wholeheartedly congratulate the teachers of these schools for inspiring and guiding the children, and I also extend my wishes to the parents, who must have played a role in nurturing their talent and enthusiasm. In fact, I got the idea that we should organize a ‘kavi sammelan’ (poetry gathering) for these children here, and select 8–10 of the best young poets to share their poems across the country. It was such a moving and inspiring experience for me that as the MP of Kashi, I felt truly delighted today. I heartily commend and congratulate these children.

Friends,

Today, I have to attend several programs, which is why only a short event was planned here. I also have to leave soon, but seeing so many of you gathered here early in the morning fills me with great joy. Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for today’s event and for the new Vande Bharat trains. Thank you very much!

Har Har Mahadev!

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MJPS/VJ/VK