PM Narendra Modi in Solapur.
Credit: PTI Photo
Mumbai: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the crowd, discussing efforts to lift people out of poverty and distributing keys to beneficiaries of government schemes, his voice visibly choked with emotion. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he recalled his childhood days, expressing a heartfelt wish that he could have had the opportunity to live in such houses.
Modi, who was in Solapur in Maharashtra, dedicated over 90,000 houses completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-Urban) and an additional 15,000 houses in Raynagar. The beneficiaries of these houses include handloom workers, vendors, power loom workers, rag pickers, beedi workers, drivers, among others.
During the event, Modi also invoked Lord Ram in anticipation of the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir scheduled for January 22, 2024, in the temple town of Ayodhya.
Modi's visit to Solapur, the spiritual capital of Maharashtra, follows his visit to the pilgrimage capital of Nashik on January 12. During the Nashik visit, he offered prayers at the Shree KalaRam temple and the Godavari river in Panchwati.
Reflecting on the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir, Modi stated, “The decade-old pain of Lord Ram’s darshan in a tent will be far out now.” He emphasised his commitment to following the rules and regulations of the 11-day anushthan with utmost dedication under the guidance of saints and seers. Modi expressed confidence in conducting the pran pratishtha with the blessings of all citizens.
Modi expressed happiness that more than one lakh families of Maharashtra are having their ‘grih pravesh’ in this moment of devotion. “It is a matter of great joy that these one lakh families will light Ram Jyoti in their pucca homes in the evening of 22nd January”, he said.
In response to PM Modi's request, people demonstrated their commitment to Ram Jyoti by activating the flashlights on their mobile phones.
Expressing his joy, the Prime Minister remarked, “Lord Ram always taught us to be true to our words and promises.” He expressed his delight that the resolution made for the thousands of poor in Solapur is now becoming a reality.
Modi shared a personal sentiment, saying, "In childhood days, I also wished about living in such homes," and became emotional, his voice choking with tears. He added, "It gives immense satisfaction when the dreams of thousands of families are realised, and their blessings become my greatest wealth."
The Prime Minister stated that in the last 10 years, over 25 crore people have emerged out of poverty. “It is a result of the tapasya of 10 years and true dedication towards the poor. It also empowers and inspires others to defeat poverty,” Modi said.
“Ram Jyoti to be lit on 22 January will become an inspiration to ward off the darkness of poverty”, the Prime Minister said.
“Our government is trying from the first day to ensure that there is good governance in the country by following the ideals of Shri Ram. It is 'Ram Rajya' that inspired the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas'”, he said.
Modi said 10 crores ‘Izzat Ghar’ and 4 crore pucca houses were provided in a mission mode.
The Prime Minister emphasised that rather than leading people astray, the government is committed to the principles of 'dignity of labour,' 'self-reliant worker,' and 'welfare of the poor.' He assured, "You dream big. Your dreams are my resolution."