Governor, Shri Ratneshwar Lal Kayastha,
India's neighbor and friend, Nepal's Defense Minister,
Mr. Ishwar Pokharel,
Other Union Ministers Shri Mahaseth and Matrika Yadav,
Chief Minister, Shri Lalbabu Raut
Other Ministers of Province No.2,
Mayor of Janakpur, Shri Lal Kishor Shah Ji,
Senior leaders of various political parties,
Mahato Ji, Upendra Ji, Bimlendra Ji,
Other dignitaries present and
My dear brothers and sisters of Janakpur present here in large numbers,
Jai Siya Ram!
राजर्षि जनक
आ जगत् जननी मॉं जानकी
के पवित्र भूमि, गौरवशाली इतिहास भेल
मिथिलाक सांस्कृतिक राजधानी
यी जनकपुरधाम में
हमरा न्योत
द क बजेलौं।
आ यी सम्मान देलौं।
एकरा लेल हम सम्पूर्ण मिथिलावासी,
जनकपुरवासी,
आ प्रदेश नम्बर दु के सम्पूर्ण जनता के नमन करैत
हार्दिक आभार व्यक्त करै छी।
पग पग पोखैर माछ मखान,
सरस बोल मुस्की मुख
पान ।
विद्या वैभव शान्ति प्रतीक,
सरस क्षेत्र मिथिलांचल थिक ।।
Brothers & Sisters,
When I came to Nepal as Prime Minister for the first time in August 2014, I had said in the Constituent Assembly that I will soon visit Janakpur. I apologize to you all as I have been a bit late. Probably, Sita Maiyyaa had decided today, the day of Bhadrakali
Ekadashi, is the day for me to visit her. It had been my desire since long that I should pay by obeisance to Mother Sita by visiting the capital of King Janak. My long and cherished dream was fulfilled today by visiting the Janaki temple.
मेरो यसपटक को नेपाल भ्रमण प्रधानमंत्री को रूप मा यन्दा पनि प्रधान तीर्थयात्री को रूप मा हुनेछ।
Brothers & Sisters,
India and Nepal are two countries, but our friendship is not from current times, we are friends since ages. King Janak and King Dasharath tied not only Janakpur and Ayodhya but India and Nepal also in the bonds of friendship and partnership. This is the bond
of Ram-Sita and Buddha- Mahavir. This is the bond which pulls the residents of Rameshwaram and brings them to Pashupatinath. This is the bond which leads people of Lumbini to Bodh Gaya and this is that bond, belief, and affection which has brought me to Janakpur
today. Since ages there has been this connection of Janakpur in the Ramayana period, of Biratnagar followed by Simranaghat in the Mahabharata period, of Lumbini in the Buddha period. India-Nepal relations are not tied to any definition, but they are tied to
the language. It is the language of faith, it is the language of belonging, it is the language of bread and it is the language of daughter. This is the place of mother Janaki, without whom Ayodhya is incomplete. Our mother and our faith, both are same. Our
nature and our culture, both are also same. Our path and our prayer are also same. There is this smell of our hard work and also the echo of our achievements. Our vision and creation are same and so are our welfare and challenges. Our hopes and aspirations
are similar, our inclinations and paths are similar, and so are our dreams and our resolutions. This is the land of those workers, whose contribution provides further impetus to the development journey of India.
Friends,
Without Nepal India's faith is incomplete. Without Nepal India’s trust and history is incomplete. Without Nepal our adobe is incomplete, and even our Ram is also incomplete without Nepal.
Brothers & Sisters,
Your devotion is deeper than the ocean and your self-respect is higher than the Sagarmatha. Just like Mithila's Tulsi spreads the fragrance of purity, chastity and dignity in India’s courtyard, similarly India's affinity with Nepal waters this whole region
with the troika of peace, security and culture. Mithila's culture, literature, folk art, it’s hospitality, everything is very amazing. Mithila’s culture holds a very high place in the world. The compositions of the poet Vidyapati still hold equal importance
both in India and Nepal. The sweetness of his words is still present in the literature of both India and Nepal. By coming to Janakpur, and witnessing your kinship, it never felt that I am among others, all are just like us, in fact they are our own only.
Friends,
Nepal has been the center of spirituality and philosophy. It is that holy land where Lumbini is situated. That Lumbini where Lord Buddha took birth. Friends, daughter of land, mother Sita symbolizes those human values, principles and traditions which connects
our two nations together. This land of Janak became the source of women awareness because of mother Sita. Mother Sita means personification of sacrifice, penance, dedication and struggle. From Kathmandu to Kanyakumari, we are all the carriers of the tradition
of mother Sita. As far as her glory is concerned, whole world has her adorers. This is the land which showed all how a daughter should be respected. This lesson of respecting our daughters is the greatest need in today’s society.
Friends,
Women power has played a major role in cherishing our history and traditions. Take the example of Mithila Paintings here. Women contributed greatly to the promotion of this tradition and this art of Mithila is famous all over the world today. We also get to
see the awareness about nature and environment in this art form. Today, in this era of women empowerment and climate change, this is a great message to the world from the land of Mithila. Presence of erudite like Gargi and sage like Ashtavakra in the court
of Raja Janak, also proves that along with administration how much importance was given to the scholarship and spirituality. In the court of King Janak debates on public welfare policies among scholars were held. The king himself used to participate in those
debates, and the decisions that would come out of that brainstorming was implemented in the interest of the people and the country. His subjects were everything for King Janak. He had nothing to do with the ties and relationships of his family. Thinking about
the welfare of his people and subjects was his only duty and that's why Raja Janak is also called Videha. Videha means the one who does not have any concerns with his body, and has dedicated himself to the public, dedicated himself to the welfare of its people.
Brothers & Sisters,
We are moving forward with this message of public welfare from King Janak. Far from politics, diplomacy, ethics and religion, the relations of your Nepal with India is tied by the policy of gods. Individuals and governments will continue to come and go, but
this relationship is immortal. It is the time when we should together save our rites, education, peace, security and prosperity. We believe that Nepal's development itself is the source of regional development. How has been the friendship of India and Nepal,
it can be understood through these couplets of Ramcharitmanas.
जे न मित्र दुख होहिं दुखारी। तिन्हहि बिलोकत पातक भारी॥ निज दुख गिरि सम रज करि जाना। मित्रक दुख रज मेरु समाना॥
Which means that those who are not unhappy with their friend's misery, it is a sin to even look at them. Therefore, if your own misery is as vast as the mountain, do not give it more importance, but if your friend's misery is as miniscule as a dust particle,
you must consider it as mountain, what do whatever possible to help him.
Friends,
History is witness that whenever there had been any crisis on each other, both India and Nepal have stood together. We have supported each other in every difficult situation. India has been a permanent development partner of Nepal for decades. Nepal comes first
in our 'Neighborhood First' policy. Today India is moving forward towards becoming the third largest economy in the world, similarly your Nepal is also developing rapidly. Today, I have come to Nepal to give this partnership a new energy.
Brothers & Sisters,
First and foremost condition of development is democracy. I am happy that you are strengthening your democratic system. Elections were held here recently and you have selected a new government. You have given the mandate to fulfill your dreams and aspirations.
I congratulate all of you for successfully conducting elections at all three levels within a year. For the first time in Nepal's history, all seven provinces of Nepal have elected provincial governments. This is a matter of pride for not only Nepal but it
is also a matter of pride for India and the entire region. Nepal is entering a new phase for socio-economic change, which is based on good governance and inclusive development. Ten years ago, the young men of Nepal chose ballet over bullet. I congratulate
the people of Nepal for this meaningful change from the path of conflict to the path of Buddha. Democratic values is yet another link which strengthens the ancient relations of India and Nepal. Democracy is that power which gives even the most ordinary man
the right to fulfill their dreams without any hesitation. India has realized this power and today every citizen of India is busy in fulfilling their dreams. I can see that glimmer in your eyes that you all too want to move your Nepal forward on that path.
I can see the same dreams for Nepal in your eyes.
Friends,
Recently I had the opportunity to welcome Nepal's Prime Minister Oli Ji in Delhi. I got to know about his vision for Nepal. Oli ji has dreamed of "Prosperous Nepal, happy Nepalese." India has always wished for a prosperous and wealthy Nepal, I wish all the
best to Prime Minister Oli that he fulfills his vision of Nepal. This is the same approach which I have for India. Government in India is moving ahead with the principle of "Together with all, development for all.” It has been my effort that not a single section
or any part of the country remains untouched from development. Whether it is east or west, whether it is north or south, the chariot of development in moving every direction, and especially the attention of our government has been much in those areas where
the light of development has not reached untill now. In this, Purvanchal, which is the eastern part of India that runs up to the border of Nepal, is being given special attention. From UP to Bihar, from North East, from West Bengal to Odisha, we have taken
the pledge to bring this whole area at par with the rest of the country. Whatever work is being done in this area, it is definitely going to benefit Nepal also.
Brothers & Sisters,
When I talk of "Together with all, development for all," then I wish the same not only for India but also for all its neighboring countries, and when there are discussions about "Prosperous Nepal, happy Nepali" in Nepal, then I am also delighted to hear about
it along with 1.25 billion Indians. My brothers and sisters of Janakpur, we have taken a very big resolution in India and this resolution is of New India. India is completing 75 years of independence in 2022. 1.25 billion Indians have a goal of making a new
India by then. We are building a new India, where even the poorest of poor also has the same opportunities of progress. Where there is no discrimination and everyone is respected. Where there is education for children, income for youth and medical facilities
for the elderly. Where life is easy and the common people do not have to struggle with systems and procedures. Where the society is free from corruption and misdeeds. We are moving ahead towards such a new India. We have made many improvements in governance
and administration. The procedures have been simplified. Today the world is praising the steps taken by us. We are strengthening the relationship between nation building and public participation. 1.25 billion Indians will be happy to contribute towards making
lives of ordinary citizens of Nepal prosperous.
Friends,
Visiting each other’s places further intensifies the feeling of fraternity. I am happy that I have come here shortly after Nepal's Prime Minister's visit to India. Just as I come here often, same way people of both countries should move freely across the border.
We are connected by the Himalaya Mountains, by the paddy fields and ponds of Terai region, through countless paths and roads of mud, through dozens of small rivers, and we are connected with our open border. But in today's era only this much is not enough.
We have to connect through highways. We have to connect through Information Ways i.e. i-ways. We have to connect with Trans-ways i.e. the lines of electricity. We have to connect with railway. We have to connect Customs Check Posts. We have to connect through
the expansion of air services. We have to connect through Inland Waterways. Whether it is land, air, water or space, we have to connect with each other. Connectivity is important for people to people ties to flourish and strengthen further and that is the
reason that we are giving priority to connectivity between India and Nepal. Along with the Prime Minister Oli Ji, today only I inaugurated the bus service from Janakpur to Ayodhya. Last month, Prime Minister Oli and I inaugurated the first Integrated Check
Post in Birganj. When this post will become fully operational trade and movement on the border will be easier. Work on the Jaynagar-Janakpur railway line is also moving at great pace. Efforts are being made to complete this line by the end of this year. When
this railway line will be completed, then Nepal will be connected to India’s vast railway network. We are now moving forward to connect Kathmandu with India through Raxaul in Bihar. Not only this, we are also trying to connect India and Nepal with waterways.
Nepal will soon be connected to the sea through waterways of India. Through these waterways the goods made in Nepal will be easily accessible to other countries which will help creation of new industries and employment opportunities in Nepal. These projects
are not only important for the socio-economic transformation of Nepal but they are also important for trade and commerce. Today there is a large amount of trade between India and Nepal. People move here and there for business. Last month we announced a new
partnership in the agriculture sector. Under this partnership, cooperation in the field of agriculture will be encouraged. It will emphasize how to increase the income of the farmers of both the countries. Cooperation in the use of science and technology in
agriculture sector will be enhanced.
Brothers and sisters,
In today's era, development without technology is impossible. India is among the top five countries of the world in Space Technology. You might remember when I visited Nepal for the first time, then I had said that India will send a satellite for its neighbors
like Nepal. I have fulfilled my promise last year. South Asia Satellite, which was launched last year, has been working with its full potential and Nepal is also benefitting from it.
Brothers and sisters,
We are using Five-T’s for the development of India and Nepal. Tradition, Trade, Tourism, Technology and Transport, that is, through tradition, trade, tourism technology and transportation, we want to take Nepal and India forward on the path of development.
Friends,
Apart from culture, trade between India and Nepal is also a key link in our relationship. Nepal is developing rapidly in the field of power generation. Today, about 450 MW of electricity is supplied to Nepal from India. We have laid down new transmission lines
for this.
Friends,
In 2014, I had said in the Constituent Assembly of Nepal, why should the oil be supplied by trucks, why not directly from the pipeline? You will be happy to know that we have also started the work of Motihari-Amalekhganj Oil Pipeline. Our government in India
is running a program called Swadesh Darshan. Under which we are connecting places of our historical heritage and faith together. In the Ramayana Circuit, we are connecting all such places where Lord Rama and Mata Janaki had set their feet. Now Nepal can also
be linked to this circuit. Whatever places here are linked to Ramayana, they can be connected to the rest of India, and devotees can be offered an affordable and attractive pilgrimage.
Brothers & Sisters,
Every year thousands of devotees from India visit Janakpur from Awadh on the occasion of Vivaah Panchami. Devotees keep thronging for Parikrama throughout the year. The devotees should not face any difficulties, therefore, I am happy to announce that we will
cooperate with the Nepal Government in its plan of the development of Janakpur and nearby areas. India will provide an assistance of INR100 crores for this work. Projects will be identified in collaboration with the Government of Nepal and the Provincial government.
Since the time of King Janak, it has been the tradition that Janakpurdham has given something to not only Ayodhya but to the whole society. I came here just to visit Mother Janaki. These announcements for Janakpur are dedicated in the feet of mother Janaki
on the behalf of 1.25 billion Indians. Two more such programs are there i.e. Buddhist Circuit and Jain Circuit. Under this all the places related with Buddha and Mahavir Jain in India are being connected with each other. There are many places of Buddhism and
Jain faith in Nepal. These could also be a good thing for the pilgrims and tourists of both the countries. This will also create employment opportunities for the youth of Nepal.
Brothers & Sisters,
There are many similarities in our foods and languages. The number of Maithili speaking people in India is the same in Nepal as well. Maithili art-culture and civilization is discussed globally. Development of Maithili language is only possible when both the
countries together will make a concerted effort for its development. I have come to know that certain Maithili filmmakers are now going to release new Maithili films in Qatar and Dubai along with Nepal, India. This is a welcome move. It needs to be promoted.
As a large number of people here speak Maithili similarly the number of people speaking Nepali in India is also quite high. Efforts are also being made to promote translation of Nepali language literature. Let me also tell you that Nepali is included in the
Indian languages which have been recognized in the Indian Constitution.
Brothers & Sisters,
There is another area where we can take partnership further ahead. Indians have started a very huge cleanliness campaign. When you visit your relatives in Bihar and other neighboring states, you might have seen and heard about it. In just three or four years,
more than 80 percent of India's villages have become open defecation free. Separate toilets have been ensured for girls in every school of India. I was very pleased to know that like the 'Clean India' and the 'Clean Ganga' campaigns you have also started a
successful campaign to clean the historical and religious places of Janakpur. It is also a matter of great pleasure that youth of Nepal is connecting themselves with the attempts to save places of mythological importance. I would especially like to congratulate
the Mayor here who has initiated the Clean Janakpur campaign.
Brothers & Sisters,
Today I have visited Mata Janaki, tomorrow I will go to seek the blessings of Muktinath Dham and then later of Pashupatinath Ji. I believe that with the blessings of God and public of Nepal whatever agreements will be signed, they will be helpful in realizing
the dream of a prosperous Nepal and prosperous India.
Once again!
Jai Siya Ram
(Disclaimer: PM’s Speech was delivered in Hindi. This is an approximate translation of Speech)