‘In new India, hope prevails over hatred’

NEWDELHI: Crediting young people with helping shape India’s turnaround story, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India, that was considered to be among the ‘Fragile Five’, is now the fastest growing economy in the world.

Speaking at the valedictory session of the New India Conclave, the PM also chose to dispel concerns by pointing out that the country is now looking at a new phase, which is dubbed as ‘New India’, “where the power of hope prevails over mindless hate.”

His speech comes at a time when political opponents of the Bharatiya Janata Party (Bjp)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government have accused it of failing to protect the rights of minorities and creating jobs. The PM defended his government by saying “when development is our only aim, we remain sensitive to people’s concerns and aspirations.” He said the government has removed the proverbial redtape to make policies easier for more foreign direct investment, which in turn has created jobs.

He said the country’s polity has changed which allowed people like him to reach their current positions. “New India is that…where you make your name your name does not make you. Where your ideas matter, not your influence. Where opportunities await instead of obstacles. Where a billion aspirations find free flowing expression. Where processes drive progress instead of people influencing processes. Where the Government belongs to everyone instead of everything belonging to the Government,” he said.