Modi calls upon Gujarati's to work collectively

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called upon the people of the state to work collectively for inclusive growth and 'Sadbhavna' (harmony) on the occasion of Diwali and Gujarati New Year.

Modi wished the six-crore Gujaratis prosperity and urged them to give momentum to the state's development march and take it to new heights.

"There are just six-crore Gujaratis out of 120-crore Indians, but they have given (to the country) the mantra of inclusive growth, to work collectively to achieve 'Sadbhavna'," he said in his address to people of the state on

the auspicious day.

"Gujarat never accepted adversities as fate during the first decade of the 21st century. They cannot be cowed down by calamities and are always capable of converting challenges into opportunities," he added.

Describing people of Gujarat as dynamic and progressive, Modi urged them to give momentum to the state's development.

In a veiled attack on the Central government, Modi said the country was going through a phase of trust-deficit, depression and emergency-like situation.

"Gujarat has the capacity to instill confidence into the mindset of Indians that they can take bring change in the country and get out of the prevailing situation," he said.

The Chief Minister claimed that Gujarat has set new benchmarks of development in modern context with transparent administrative policy to remove corruption, using revenue earned from taxes for development and government going to the doorsteps of the poor with funds meant for them.

Modi also listed various initiatives of his government like the Garib Kalyan Melas, Krishi Melas, i-Create as Innovative Incubation Centres of excellence and steps taken to improve education, and primary health.

"Gujarat has shown the path to people's participation for development and reiterated its responsibility towards the Constitution. Gujarat has set new work culture through pro-people proactive-government. Gujarat's model of development is now increasingly being adopted by other states and the Centre. We feel proud of contributing to development, which is the greatest festival of all," he added.