“THIS is the 75th year of India’s Independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set three objectives for ‘Amritkaal’ or 25- year march to centenary of Independence. Let us resolve to adopt‘India First’ policy in whatever we do, and work to make India rise to the top in the world,” appealed Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, to the citizens. Shah was speaking as the chief guest at the programme organised by Lokmat Media Group at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Sabhagruha here on Saturday. The programme was organised to mark the birth centenary of Jawaharlal Darda, Founder of Lokmat Group and veteran freedom fighter; and also Golden Jubilee celebrations of Nagpur edition of Marathi daily‘Lokmat’. Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister; Chandrashekhar Bawankule, State BJP President; Vijay Darda, former MP and Chairman of Lokmat Media Group; Rajendra Darda, Editorin-Chief, Lokmat Media Group; Devendra Darda, Managing Director; Rishi Darda and Karan Darda, Editorial Directors; and Vijay Baviskar, Group Editor of ‘Lokmat’, shared the dais on this occasion. Elaborating on the objectives for ‘Amritkaal’ as set by the Prime Minister, Shah said that those included acquainting youngsters about freedon struggle and contribution of freedom fighters, highlighting India’s achievements in 75 years, and drawing up a roadmap for next 25 years so that India reached the top of global order when it celebrated centenary of Independence.

 

On the point of highlighting India’s achievements in 75 years, Shah listed that India had grown as a strong democracy, and had taken rapid strides to the extent of pushing Britain down and emerging as fifth largest economy in the world. Besides, India has developed potential to go to Moon. During COVID-19 pandemic, India helped the world following the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. While achieving self-reliance up to 70 per cent in Defence sector, India has taken giant leaps in science and technology too. “Now, we have laid a strong foundation for the growth in next 25 years, which will be the years of ‘Sankalp Se Siddhi’ (resolve to realisation). Our Prime Minister has appealed to the citizens to work with ‘India First’ policy in respective areas of activity so that we all aid rise of India,” Shah said, evoking loud applause. Listing the achievements of the Modi Government in the past around nine years, the Union Home Minister emphasised that India had seen 80 per cent decline in terrorist violence in Kashmir, insurgency in the North-East, and Maoist activities. Prior to Modi Government coming to power, India faced internal security challenges in Kashmir, the North-East, and 160 districts were affected due to Naxalite/Maoist violence. The situation has changed so much that about 1.8 crore tourists visited Kashmir in one year. In 70 years, Kashmir saw investment of Rs 12,000 crore, but this much investment has been made in Kashmir under Modi Government in just three years, he pointed out. Similarly, in the North-East, insurgency has reduced up to 90 per cent. “Previously, some people used to demand revoking Armed Force Special Powers Act or AFSPA from the NorthEast.

 

However, our Government backed the Armed Forces and said that AFSPA won’t be revoked unless there was reduction in violence. Today, AFSPA has been removed from 60 per cent of areas as there is drop in violence,” he added. The number of districts affected due to Left Wing Extremism or Naxalite/Maoist violence also has come down from 160 previously to 22 only, he stated. All these could be achieved as the Modi Government does not do vote-bank politics, stressed Shah. “We took tough decisions in the interest of people, and not to serve populism. Decisions are taken not just on file but in hearts. So, they have their impact. Hence, we are winning election after election,” Shah said. He also urged people to make the country better through smaller initiatives like not wasting food, following traffic rules, and taking leadership in constructive action. In his speech, Devendra Fadnavis appreciated Amit Shah as a ‘determined leader’ playing a key role in shaping ‘New India’. Earlier, Vijay Darda made welcome remarks and shed light on the life of Jawaharlal Darda and journey of‘Lokmat’. He praised Shah for taking tough decisions and bringing in discipline in administration, with a commitment to making India stronger, developed, and a leading country of the world.

 

At the outset, Shah and other dignitaries lighted traditional lamp and paid tributes to Jawaharlal Darda.Vijay Darda, Rajendra Darda, Devendra Darda, Rishi Darda, Karan Darda felicitated Shah and Fadnavis. Shah released the book ‘Babuji’ on Jawaharlal Darda, ‘Swarnamudra’ on Golden Jubilee of ‘Lokmat’ Nagpur edition, and commemorative postage stamp. Shah presented ‘Nagpur Anthem’ song to Fadnavis, who is also Guardian Minister of Nagpur district. Shweta Shelgaonkar conducted the proceedings and Rajendra Darda proposed a vote of thanks.