On a two-day vist to Malaysia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community on Sunday. Over 15, 000 people were present at the event held at Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre
Mr. Modi opened his speech in Tamil, saying 'Vanakkam.'
He also ended his speech with 'Vanakkam' and 'Namaste.'
At the end, Mr. Modi quoted former President APJ Abdul Kalam's saying "Have the courage to think differently, and to discover the impossible!"
He announces a grant of $1 million to the India-students Trust Fund for financial assistance to Malay-Indian students.
Following are excerpts from his speech:
"We've many common interest and challenges. All nations in the region [big or small] must work together to ensure that our nations remain safe."
"We have to promote peaceful relation, mutual understanding and cooperation in our region."
"The internet must not be a terror recruiting ground."
"We have merged the OCI and PIO cards and have made the visas life-long. Besides Indian origin upto fourth generation is enough to register for OCI now. Especially helpful for people like Malay Indians whose ancestors came here generations ago."
"I want to thank the Malaysian government for our strong security cooperation."
"No country should promote terrorism. World must ensure that countries do not use or promote terrorism - no sanctuaries, no funds, no arms. Must delink religion from terror. Only distinction is between those who believe in humanity and those who don't."
"Terrorism is the biggest threat in the world today. The world has to come together to combat it."
"We have excellent relations with South East Asian nations. We have strong partnership with ASEAN, this is the region where our economic relations are growing rapidly. Happy to say that Malaysia is one of our strongest partners and among our closest friends in the region."
"We produce best Information Technology specialists in the world. We produce doctors & engineers who serve the world."
"We are eliminating corruption at all levels and making governance driven by policy and systems not discretion of individuals."
"There is change in the way Government is working, we are making Government transparent and accountable."
"Winds of change gathering in India."
"We are running at 7.5% per year, but we will grow even faster in coming years."
"India is today the fastest growing major economy in the World, I know you feel proud of it."
"We are facilitating business & creating a national digital infra that allows ideas, business and innovation to flow freely on cyber space. We have mastered the boundless power of atom for energy & medicine."
"India is a young country, it is a nation where everyone has equal rights that constitution guarantees."
"India has a long way to go, challenges evident."
PM: Committed to giving people the fruits of a modern economy.
"India is not just united but also draws strength from its diversity. India is a proud democratic nation of 1.25 billion people. We produce doctors & engineers which serve the world and we are making products that are entering global market. We are eradicating poverty."
"India the land of your heritage has remarkable achievements since independence."
"Malaysia is truly Asia. Malaysia lives up to the image of 'Truly Asia': living in harmony across diversity; innovation and hard work."
"Malaysia's achievements are enormous. Just 6 decades after Malaysia gained independence, this nation has much to be proud of:"
"Swami Vivekananda Statue is a reminder of the values we so deeply need to repair the fault-lines that are tearing societies apart."
"It is my proud privilege to announce that we will install bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi memorial hall."
"You have contributed to build Malaysia into a vibrant modern nation and an economic power house."
"Malay Indians reflect India’s diversity of languages, religions and cultures."
"Gandhiji did not manage to visit Malaysia, but he touched your hearts."
"The contribution of Malaya Indians during the post-earthquake period in Gujarat in 2001 is highly commendable."
"I pay homage to the fallen heroes who fought for India's freedom and in World War II."
"Independent India owes a debt of gratitude to Malaya Indians. Malaya Indians very deeply inspired by the life of Mahatma Gandhi."
"I am reminded of the words of Thiruvalluvar: Friendship is not just a smile on face. Its what is felt deep within a smiling heart."
"Will name our cultural centre here after Subhas Chandra Bose."
"Thousands of your forefathers came forward to join Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Indian National Army."
"Your love for India has not reduced. I see this in colour of your festivals, the strings on the music."
"Tamil people have a big role in India's path of development. Love and friendship of the Malay Indians has always had a special place in my heart."
"I am delieghted to visit Malaysia."
