Modi who was the Gujarat chief minister when the summit was launched in September 2003, said far from cooperating, the previous government put hurdles in their wayPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the transformation of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit as an institution while recalling the indifference of the previous Congress-led Union government to the biennial event. He said the central ministers in the earlier government refused to attend the event and even threatened foreign investors to discourage them from participating Modi, who was the Gujarat chief minister when the summit was launched in September 2003 said far from cooperating, the previous government put hurdles in their way
Twenty years have passed we cherish all the memories—both sweet and bitter Today the entire world is watching Vibrant Gujaratthose who ran the central government saw Gujarats development through the prism of politicsIn person they would tell me that they would like to attend but would later refuse Modi said in his address to an event marking 20 years of the summit in Ahmedabad He said foreign investors chose to invest in Gujarat despite challenges due to their positive experiences good transparent policy-driven governance fairness and equitable growth opportunities I have always maintained that Gujarat s progress shows the progress of the entire nation
Modi said the summit whose next edition is scheduled to take place in January maybe a brand for the world Modi referred to Swami Vivekananda’s wisdom to emphasise three stages of an idea—initial laughter, criticism, and eventual acceptance He added it was particularly true of an idea that is ahead of its timebut it is his bond with Gujarat s 70 million people It is a bond of limitless love Modi recalled the challenging circumstances under which he took over as the Gujarat chief minister in 2002 He referred to the 2001 earthquake, which left thousands dead. “Gujarat grappled with famine. The Madhavpura Mercantile Cooperative Bank collapsed…133 more banks were severely affected. The state’s financial sector was in dire straits. At that time, I assumed the role of a leader
Modi said it was a new role for him with no prior experience in running a government. “Then, violence erupted in Gujarat in the wake of the heart-rending Godhra incident He said the challenges were beyond anyone’s imagination. “As chief minister, I had limited experience, but my faith in Gujarat and its people remained unwavering.” He referred to agenda-driven doomsayers and a conspiracy to defame Gujarat. “Those who had an agenda were trying to interpret things in their own way They said that Gujarat industrialists and traders will go away the state will be shattered in a way that it will become a burden for the country He said an attempt was made to create an atmosphere of despair. “It was said that Gujarat will never be able to again stand on its feet. I took a pledge that whatever the situation, I would get Gujarat out of this. We were not only thinking of rejuvenation but also
He said the summit became an important medium against this backdrop. “It allowed us to talk to the world, to show it the industrial might of the country through Gujarat, and India’s talent and rich heritageModi said there were no big hotels in Gujarat when the summit started. “In 2009, when Vibrant Gujarat was organised, there was a slowdown in the world. Everyone told me not to hold it as it would be a flop. I told them then it would not stop. If it flops, we will be criticised but it should not stop He said the number of participants has grown from 100 in 2003 to over 40,000 from 135 countries Thirty exhibitors then and now over 2000.” He credited idea, imagination, and implementation for the summit’s success Modi recalled the humble beginnings of the summit in makeshift tents. “Instead of hotels, business houses, and university guest houses generously provided accommodation for guests
He said the inception of the summit was truly an unprecedented and unheard-of idea Its resounding success inspired other states to follow suit, reflecting the groundbreaking nature of the initiative Modi said the vision was to accomplish something that had not been attempted at a national level. “Establishing a partnership with a developed country was a groundbreaking move. It surprised many about how a state could achieve such a feat However grand the idea and imaginative, the vision and path to success demanded meticulous planning and relentless effort He said the summit’s evolution from a one-time event into an enduring institution is a testament to its impact. “Its influence extends far beyond the event itself with a continuous process that operates within and outside the government, both before and after the event With each edition Vibrant Gujarat reached new heights, relentlessly focusing on infrastructure development and economic
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