Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he would contribute the monetary reward of the Seoul Peace prize that he was awarded yesterday, amounting to ₹1.3 crores, for the Namami Gange initiative. He made the announcement while addressing the media and dignitaries after receiving the Seoul Peace prize in South Korea.
#LIVE – I would like to contribute the monetary award for the Namami Gange initiative: Prime Minister @narendramodi honoured in Seoul, South Korea. PM receives the Seoul Peace Prize. pic.twitter.com/i8fC50XJs5
— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 22, 2019
Modi said that this award is a recognition of the philosophy that has given the message of ‘vasudhyo kutumbh kambh’ meaning ‘the entire world is one family’. This award is for people who have always put societal good over individual ambitions and I’m honoured that this award is conferred on me”, Modi said after accepting the 14th Seoul Peace Prize.
Addressing the media Modi dedicated the award to all his countrymen saying, “I believe that this award belongs not to me personally, but to the people of India. The success that India has achieved in the last 5 years is due to aspirations, inspiration & efforts of the people of India. On their behalf, I accept the Award and express my gratitude.”
“I dedicate this award to the 1.3 billion people of India for giving me the opportunity to serve them. I am honoured that this award is being conferred on me in the year that we celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,” furthered PM Narendra Modi.
Modi continued saying, “The Seoul Peace Prize was established to commemorate the success of the 24th Summer Olympics held in Seoul in 1988. India remembers the games since it ended on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. The games showcased the best of Korean culture, the warmth of Korean hospitality & success of the Korean economy.”
Modi stressed on the importance of the Olympic games as he said that the 1988 Olympics were a landmark as it was held when the world was going through many socio-economic changes.
He said that though the World has gone through several changes since 1988, as global poverty has been steadily falling, health care and education outcome has been improving yet several daunting global challenges remain. He spoke about the threat of climatic changes to humankind. Radicalisation and terrorism are the biggest threat globally and millions of people in the world still remain deprived of basic food, health care, power, sanitation and above all dignity of life.
He said that there is a lot more to be done still and India is doing her part. India is today the fastest growing economy in the world. This has only been possible due to the flagship initiatives taken, which includes Made in India, Digital India, Skill India and Clean India which have contributed considerably in India’s socio-economic growth, asserted Modi.
Due to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the sanitation coverage up from 38 per cent in 2014 to 98 per cent today. Modi went on to speak about all the initiatives which have contributed to the holistic development of India.
“India’s growth story is not only good for the people of India but also for the entire world. We live in an increasingly interconnected world. Our growth and prosperity will inevitably contribute to global growth and development”, said Modi asserting that “India, as a responsible member of the international community, has been in the forefront of our collective fight against climate change. Despite having a historically low carbon footprint, India has been playing an active role in the global fight against climate change”.
On International plain India has partnered with like-minded countries to launch the international solar alliance which aims to harness clean and unlimited solar energy as an alternative to fossil fuels, said the PM.
Modi said that we have extended our helping hand to countries in need and carried out operations in conflict zones rescuing not only Indians but many people of various nationalities and have been an active and considerate developing partners to other developing countries.
Modi proudly asserted that India has been the land of peace for ages. The people of India have practised the concept of harmonious coexistence for thousands of years. India is proud to be one of the most diverse nations in the world.
Modi said the like Korea India has also suffered from the pain of cross-border strike. Our endeavour for peaceful development has too often been derailed by cross-border terrorism.
Modi in strong words demanded that the time has come for all those who believe in humanity to join hands to completely eradicate terrorist network and their financial supply channels and their counter-terrorist ideologies and propaganda. Only by doing so Modi said hate can be replaced with harmony, destruction with development and transform the landscape of violence and vendetta into a postcard for peace.
The full speech can be watched below:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq8KojkGVLo]
Prime Minister Modi has embarked on a two-day visit to South Korea, from 21st to 22nd February. In addition to several bilateral meetings, PM Modi was conferred with the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize.
PM Modi is the fourteenth recipient of the award. Past recipients include Kofi Annan, the seventh secretary-general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, the eighth-secretary-general of the United Nations, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and organizations like Doctors without Borders.
In January this year, PM Modi was conferred with first ever Philip Kotler Presidential award for outstanding leadership. Last year, The United Nations had also awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emanuel Macron with 2018 ‘Champions of the Earth Awards’. PM Narendra Modi was lauded for his “unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022.”
