India is competing with leading nations in digital technology : PM Modi

Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India is competing with the leading nations in the world in sectors like digital technology and 5G.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating Sai Hira Global Convention Centre in Puttaparthi via video conferencing, Modi said, India is also leading in technology and economy.

He underlined that India has now become one of the top 5 economies in the world which supports the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world.

The PM emphasized that 40 percent of real-time online transactions happening in the world are taking place in India and urged the devotees to transform the entire district of Puttaparthi towards a digital economy.

He suggested that if everyone comes together to accomplish this resolution, the entire district will be turned digital by the next birth anniversary of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Modi congratulated everyone present for the event and said due to pressing engagements he could not be present physically. The blessings and inspirations of Sri Sathya Sai are with us today he remarked and expressed happiness that his mission is getting expanded today and the country is getting a new prime convention center by the name of Sai Hira Global Convention Centre.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the new center will create an experience of spirituality and splendor of modernity and said that the center comprises cultural diversity and a conceptual grandeur, and it will become a focal point for discussions on spirituality and academic programs where scholars and experts will get together.

He said any idea is at its most efficacious when it moves ahead in the form of action. Modi also noted that today, apart from the dedication of Sai Hira Global Convention Centre, the Leader’s Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Global Council.

The Prime Minister lauded the theme of the event – Practice and Inspire and called it effective as well as relevant.

Modi emphasized the importance of good conduct by the leaders of the society as society follows them. He said that the life of Shri Sathya Sai is the live example of this. “Today India is also moving while prioritizing its duties. Moving towards the century of Independence, we have named Amrit Kaal as Kartavya Kaal. These pledges include the guidance of our spiritual values as well as resolutions for the future. It has both Vikas (development) as well as Virasat (heritage).

The transformation witnessed in the country is a result of the contributions of every social class”, the Prime Minister remarked as he underlined that organizations like the Global Council are an effective medium to know more about India and connect with the world.

Referring to ancient scriptures, he said that saints are considered to be like flowing water as they never cease their thoughts and never tire of their behavior. “The lives of saints are defined by their continuous flux and efforts”, he noted.

He mentioned that the birthplace of a saint does not determine his followers. For the devotees, Modi said, any true saint becomes one of their own and he becomes a representative of their beliefs and cultures.

He said that all saints have nourished the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat for thousands of years in India. Even though Sri Sathya Sai Baba was born in Puttaparthi, his followers can be found worldwide and his institutions and ashrams can be accessed in every state of India.

The PM said that all the devotees have connected with Prasanthi Nilayam irrespective of language and culture and it is this desire that weaves India into a single thread making it immortal.

He remembered with gratitude the opportunity to interact with him and live in the shelter of Sathya Sai’s blessings.

Modi recalled timeless teachings like ''Love All Serve All; Help Ever Hurt Never; Less Talk More Work; Every Experience is a Lesson -Every Loss is a Gain. These teachings have sensitivity as well as a deep philosophy of life”, the Prime Minister said.

He remembered his guidance and help during the earthquake in Gujarat and recalled the deeply compassionate blessings of Sri Sathya Sai and said that for him, the service of humanity was the service of God.

The Prime Minister noted that in a country like India religious and spiritual institutions have always been at the center of social welfare and said that today when we are giving momentum to development and heritage with the resolutions of Amrit Kaal, Institutions like Sathya Sai Trust, have a major role to play in that.

He expressed delight that the spiritual wing of Sathya Sai Trust is creating cultural India within the new generation through programs like Bal Vikas. Highlighting the efforts of Sathya Sai Trust in nation-building and in the empowerment of society, the Prime Minister mentioned the hi-tech hospital in Prasanthi Nilayam and schools and colleges being run for free education for years.

He also mentioned the organizations associated with Sathya Sai that are working with dedication.

Modi also highlighted that Sathya Sai Central Trust has become a partner in the humanitarian work of providing free water to remote villages as the country is connecting every village with clean water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

The PM mentioned the global acknowledgement of its climate initiatives like Mission LiFE and the prestigious Presidency of G-20 and highlighted the theme of One Earth, One Family, One Future.

Mentioning the growing global interest in India, the Prime Minister talked about the world record created at the UN Headquarters where the most number of nationalities came together for Yoga. He also mentioned that along with yoga people are adopting Ayurveda and sustainable lifestyle practices from India.

He also touched upon the return of stolen artifacts in recent times. “Behind these efforts and leadership of India, our cultural thinking is our biggest strength. Therefore, cultural and spiritual institutions like the Sathya Sai Trust have a great role to play in all such efforts”, the Prime Minister added.

Modi highlighted the Prem Taru initiative where in the next 2 years a pledge has been taken to plant 1 crore trees. He urged everyone to come forward to support such initiatives, be it tree plantation or plastic-free India resolution.

He also urged people to be motivated by the options of solar energy and clean energy.

The Prime Minister lauded the initiative by Sathya Sai Central Trust of providing food made from Shri Anna Ragi-Java to about 40 lakh students of Andhra. Underlining the health benefits of Shree Anna, he said that the country will hugely benefit if other states connected with such initiatives.

“There is health in Shree Anna, and there are also possibilities. All our efforts will increase India’s potential at the global level, and will strengthen India’s identity, he added.

Sathya Sai’s blessings are with all of us. With this power, we will build a developed India and fulfill our resolve to serve the whole world”, the PM concluded.

Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice S Abdul Nazeer was present on the occasion. (UNI)