PM Modi calls upon international community to unite against terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon the international community to unite against terrorism for the sake of humanity. In a historic address, delivered in Hindi, at the 74th Session of United Nations General Assembly in New York yesterday, his focus was on development in the country, climate change and terrorism. He said, India is an example to the world and the world could seek motivation from the developing country.

Lamenting the lack of unanimity amongst the member states on the issue of terrorism, Prime Minister said, it hurts those very principles, that are the basis for the creation of the United Nations. He said that terrorism is one of the greatest challenges for humanity. He added that peace and harmony is the need of hour as he invoked the words of Swami Vivekananda in Chicago where he urged the global community to avoid dissensions.

The Prime Minister said India has given Buddha to the world and not Yuddha and that is the reason why, India's voice against terrorism, to the world about this evil, rings with seriousness and the outrage. Mr. Modi noted that largest number of supreme sacrifices made by soldiers of any country for UN peacekeeping missions is from India. Mr Modi said the world is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, whose message of truth and non-violence is relevant even today, for peace, development and progress in the world.

Urging the United Nations to provide a new direction to the world affairs, Prime Minister said Multi-lateralism and collective responsibility should be the road ahead. Noting that modern technology is bringing about sweeping changes in every sphere of life and a fragmented world is in the interest of none, he pressed the international community to give a new direction to multilateralism. He said as the world is going through a new era, the countries do not have the option to confine themselves within their



boundaries.

Highlighting India's leadership role on global issues, he said India was one of the leading nations in the fight against climate change, though its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions was very low. Mr Modi also talked about India's initiative to create the International Solar Alliance.

Mr. Modi said one of the effects of Global Warming is the increasing number and severity of natural disasters, and at the same time "they are appearing in new areas and in new forms. Prime Minister said, in view of this, India has initiated the formation of the 'Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure' (CDRI). This coalition will help build infrastructure which can withstand natural disasters, he said. Mr Modi said that India is initiating a very large campaign to make the country a plastic-free nation.

As a true statesman dedicated to the cause of human welfare, Prime Minister also elaborated on the various welfare schemes like 'Clean India Mission', 'Ayushman Bharat', 'Aadhaar initiative', 'PM Jan Dhan Yojana' etc, initiated by his government. He said the experience from these projects could be beneficial to those nations, who like India, are striving for development.

Prime Minister said, the very core of our approach is public welfare through public participation and this public welfare is not just for India but for the entire world. Mr.Modi said India's motto of Jan Bhagidari to Jan Kalyan has now encompassed 'Jankalyan to Jagkalyan'. Prime Minister quoted the Tamil poet Kaniyan Pungundranar's famous quotes "Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir" which means 'We belong to all places, and to everyone, he said this sense of belonging beyond borders, is unique to India.

Prime Minister concluded his 18-minute address, marked by applause, with a message to the world - Peace and harmony.