Narendra Modi pitches Gujarat's governance model for India's growth

NEW DELHI: Pitching for the role of 'good governance', Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the people of the country have sunk into an overwhelming state of pessimism. "Even after six decades of freedom, the nation awaits good governance," Modi said.

Modi stressed the role of youth in the development of the nation. "The youth of the nation has its finger on the mouse of computers and is changing the world. India's journey has gone from snake charmers to mouse charmers," he said.

"Youth is the 'new-age power', not 'new-age voter' alone. Youth have changed the way India is perceived today," Modi said.

Stating that the state's agricultural sector has exhibited growth, Modi said, "If you go to Afghanistan, the people there have tomatoes that come from Gujarat." Further talking about the development of the state, Modi said that the milk in Singapore and the 'bhindi' in Europe come from Gujarat.

Modi said there is a need to build the 'Made in India' brand. He drew a parallel between the credibility of a 'Made in Japan' tag and expressed the wish to have India reach such a level some day.

He cited the example of Pro-People and Good governance (P2G2) model that is currently applied in Gujarat's development. "Today Gujarat's development model is praised in India and around the world. Its only due to good governance," he said. "There is despondency all over country but I am confident we can change the situation," he added.

Modi emphasised the need for making India a story worth praise throughout the world. According to Modi all three major sectors of the economy, agriculture, industry and services should be given equal importance for development. This he said helps in overall development.

Both Europe and China have grown old and India as a huge growth opportunity in the form of youth, Modi said. "We must make the best use of it," he added.

Modi delivered the first 'Shri Ram Memorial Oration', initiated by Shriram College of Commerce in Delhi University's North Campus in memory of its founder. The event marked the conclusion of the Business Conclave - 2013.

The college invited Modi after a campus survey in which students overwhelmingly indicated their preference to hear him, said a statement issued by Gujarat government.