“QUOTABLE QUOTES” – THAT IS A GUARANTEE OF MODI SPEECH!

By Ruma Dubey

Prime Minsiter Modi is a dazzling orator; that is one thing which every single person, be it a supporter or opposer, will unanimously agree upon. His talk is inspirational and he holds the ability to build upon a vision. It’s a different question (and a topic) whether or not those visions translate into reality or whether the talks remain merely that, talks. But we all hand it to him when it comes to presenting India on an international platform. Unflinchingly, we can say that India’s growth story, globally has never ever been so positively perceived and no Indian leader in recent times, who is so well known world over.

Yesterday, Modi’s speech at Davos was dazzling but somehow, it did not really present a picture as to how India will specifically play a role in tackling the three problems the world faces – terrorism, climate change and protectionism. The PM gave a much generalized solution to the three problems he himself highlighted. He said something as generic as setting aside differences and work together to face the challenges. He urged the need to reform global institutions and ensure adherence to international rules.

But throughout the over 50-minutes speech, he had some great quotes which need to be in our repository for posterity. Today, as the market takes a breather, we take a look at some of his best quotes of yesterday. It might sound too idealistic and far from the ground reality but what he said does sound so good on a world stage!

“In India democracy, demography and dynamism are giving shape to development and destiny."

“We should work towards future where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls.”

“Democracy is not a form of government, but a matter of faith for India. Collaboration is the central theme of all aspects of India’s government.”

“The path my government in India has chosen is revolutionary and development centric. Our mantra is reform, perform and transform.”

“We are removing red tape and laying out the red carpet.”

“Artificial distinction between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ terrorists is more dangerous than terrorism.”

“We have moved from need based consumption to greed based consumption, which has taken the planet to a fragile point. We must ask ourselves, is this development or downfall?” 

On being the first PM after 1997 to attend at Davos, “Very few people had heard of Osama Bin Laden, and Harry Potter was also an unknown name.Back then, Google didn’t exist, a web search for Amazon would bring up a river or jungle, and tweeting was done by birds." 

“Many societies and countries are becoming self-centred. It seems that gloabalisation, as opposed to its definition, is shrinking. Such misplaced preferences can't be considered any lesser threat than terrorism or climate change. We must admit shine of globalisation is fading.”

"There is now a race to control data, because it is believes that whoever is able to control the data can dominate the world." 

“We in India are proud of our democracy and diversity. For a society with diverse religions, cultures, languages, attires and cuisines; democracy is not just a political system but a way of living.”

The best…. “Come to India, if you want wealth with wellness, health with wholeness and prosperity with peace."

PS: While America can worry what Trump might utter, we for once, can breathe easy!