World peace – highlight of Modi’s UNGA address
Addressing the august gathering of world leaders who had gathered to attend the 74th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York – the Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi talked about peace, growth and progress during his 15 minutes speech on Friday, September 27, 2019.
He told the world that India gave the world ‘Buddh’ (Gautam Buddha) and not ‘Yuddh’ (war). He reiterated the fact that India is a peace-loving nation and all its efforts are directed towards global peace and harmony.
Talking about India’s peace message, he said, “India is a nation that has given Buddh and not Yuddh. That is why we have anger and a commitment against terrorism. Terrorism goes against the founding principle of the United Nations, and for the sake of humanity, it is crucial that the world unites against it. A divided world is in nobody’s interests.”
Urging the international leaders to stand united against terrorism, Modi said, “We believe, that this is one of the biggest challenges, not for any single country, but for the entire world and humanity.”
What is noteworthy, he talked about fighting terrorism without taking the name of Pakistan even once.
He also referred to the draft document on ‘Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism’ (CCIT) which India had proposed in 1996 at the General Assembly. However, it remained a blueprint as the member states were unable to reach a consensus. The CCIT intends to criminalise all forms of terrorism and deny terrorists, their financiers and supporters’ access to funds, arms and safe havens.
“The lack of unanimity amongst us on the issue of terrorism, dents those very principles, that are the basis for the creation of the UN. And that is why, for the sake of humanity, I firmly believe, that it is absolutely imperative, that the world unites against terrorism, and that the world stands as one against terrorism,” said Modi.
He informed the world leaders how ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ became the world’s biggest cleanliness drive, where more than 11 crore toilets were constructed across India. Modi has also been conferred with ‘Global Goalkeeper’ Award by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the cleanliness drive.
India also implemented the world’s biggest health insurance scheme, giving free treatment to people of upto Rs. 5 lakhs per year. He shared his vision of constructing 2 crore homes for the poor by 2022. Announcing India’s efforts towards eradication of Tuberculosis, he said that the world has set a deadline of 2030 for getting rid of the said devil, but India is determined to remove it completely from the country by 2025.
He emphasised, “All our endeavours, are centered on 1.3 billion Indians. But the dreams that these efforts are trying to fulfill, are the same dreams that the entire world has, that every country has, and that every society has.”
Modi gave a reference of great Indian Poet, Kariyan Pungun-dra-naar, who wrote 3,000 years ago in in Tamil, “Ya-dum, Oo-ray, Yaav-rum Ke-rir” which means “We belong to all places, and to everyone.” This sense of belonging beyond borders, is unique to India.
PM Modi who has embraced U.N.’s focus on clean climate, talked about India’s efforts of working towards green environment by promoting renewable energy. While he confirmed that India’s contribution to global warming has been the minimum in terms of per capita emission, he also told the gathering that India’s efforts of working towards green environment has been appreciated globally. He also highlighted the country’s efforts of getting rid of single-use plastic. Besides, India is all geared up to produce 450 GWs of renewable energy in the years to come.
Taking to twitter after his speech, he tweeted, “At the @UN, I shared my thoughts on how India’s development strides have transformed the landscape of our nation and how India will keep working towards making our planet more peaceful, prosperous and harmonious. I also had excellent bilateral meetings with fellow world leaders.”
At the @UN, I shared my thoughts on how India’s development strides have transformed the landscape of our nation and how India will keep working towards making our planet more peaceful, prosperous and harmonious. I also had excellent bilateral meetings with fellow world leaders.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2019
Another tweet read, “From the @UN forum, I shared views on India’s progress in healthcare, mitigating climate change and the need for all those who believe in humanity to come together to fight terror. India was honoured to host a special event marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.”
From the @UN forum, I shared views on India’s progress in healthcare, mitigating climate change and the need for all those who believe in humanity to come together to fight terror. India was honoured to host a special event marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2019
Pakistan’s hate speech
On the other hand, the Prime Minister of Pakistan – Imran Khan talked negative about India. He falsely accused India of planning genocide in Kashmir once the curfew is lifted in relation to the Abrogation of Article 370 and 35 (A) in the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
Khan’s speech was full of hatred criticising India. he said that the current situation in Kashmir could lead to nuclear war between the 2 arch-rivals. Hence, it is imperative for the U.N. to intervene and resolve the issue. As a matter of fact, Pakistan has failed to garner any support from international community regarding the said abrogation. The fact remains that the abrogation is an internal matter of India and Pakistan has no say in it.
India’s response to Pakistan
Exercising its right to reply, India responded to Pakistan’s false allegations by presenting facts. Some of the questions posted to Pakistan were:
• Can Pakistan confirm the fact that it is home to 130 UN designated terrorists and 25 terrorist entities listed by the UN, as of today?
• Will Pakistan acknowledge that it is the only Government in the world that provides pension to an individual listed by the U.N. in the Al Qaeda and Da’esh Sanctions list!
• Can Pakistan explain why here in New York, its premier bank, the Habib Bank had to shut shop after it was fined millions of dollars over terror financing?
• Will Pakistan deny that the Financial Action Task Force has put the country on notice for its violations of more than 20 of the 27 key parameters?
• And would Prime Minister Khan deny to the city of New York that he was an open defender of Osama bin Laden?
Modi thanks U.S. for hospitality
After his speech at the UNGA, Modi concluded his U.S. visit and thanked the people of U.S. for their exceptional warmth and hospitality.
He tweeted, “This USA visit was an extremely productive one. Over the last few days, I have been able to take part in a diverse range of programmes, the outcomes of which will greatly benefit India and our development trajectory.”
This USA visit was an extremely productive one. Over the last few days, I have been able to take part in a diverse range of programmes, the outcomes of which will greatly benefit India and our development trajectory.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2019
Thanking the President of U.S. – Donald Trump, he wrote, “I would like to express gratitude to the people of USA for the exceptional welcome, warmth and hospitality. I would also like to thank @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and other respected Members of the American Congress and Government.”
I would like to express gratitude to the people of USA for the exceptional welcome, warmth and hospitality. I would also like to thank @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and other respected Members of the American Congress and Government.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2019
Referring to ‘Howdy Modi!’ he tweeted, “Community connect is at the heart of India-USA relations. I will never forget the #HowdyModi programme, made more special by the coming of @POTUS. That gesture showed how much he personally, and USA values ties with India as well as the role of our talented diaspora.”
Community connect is at the heart of India-USA relations. I will never forget the #HowdyModi programme, made more special by the coming of @POTUS. That gesture showed how much he personally, and USA values ties with India as well as the role of our talented diaspora.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2019
