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Launches Urban Development Year 2025
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 27 May delivered a keynote address in Gandhinagar marking the celebration of 20 years of the Gujarat Urban Growth Story and formally launched the Urban Development Year 2025, building upon the initiative first introduced in 2005.
Addressing a large gathering, PM Modi reflected on the transformative journey of Gujarat’s urban infrastructure over the past two decades. He praised the Gujarat Government for using the 20-year milestone not merely for celebration, but as an opportunity to shape a forward-looking roadmap for sustainable urban development aimed at future generations.
National Security and Operation Sindoor
Opening his remarks with reference to his two-day visit across Vadodara, Dahod, Bhuj, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar, PM Modi shared his experiences of witnessing a wave of patriotism sweeping the nation, amplified by the success of Operation Sindoor, launched on May 6, 2025. He described the mission as a definitive turning point in India’s fight against terrorism, citing the operation’s effectiveness—nine terrorist bases were neutralized in just 22 minutes, with every detail captured through camera documentation to ensure transparency.
The Prime Minister declared that recent events mark a shift from what was once considered “proxy war” to direct, structured military strategy employed by Pakistan. He referenced funerals of terrorists in Pakistan being conducted with full state honors as evidence of this shift. “This is not just infiltration; this is structured warfare,” PM Modi stated, affirming India’s commitment to providing equally decisive responses.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Stance
The Prime Minister revisited history, recounting the first terrorist attack on India in 1947, and criticized the decision to not heed Sardar Patel’s vision of reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He emphasized that while India has always stood for peace and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family), the country must respond strongly when its sovereignty is challenged.
India’s Economic Growth and Global Standing
Shifting focus to economic progress, PM Modi celebrated India among the fastest growing economy in the world since 2014, even as the country battled challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance, particularly urging citizens to reduce dependency on foreign goods and to embrace ‘Made in India’ products.
Gujarat’s Development Model
Reflecting on Gujarat’s transformation since its formation, PM Modi recalled the doubts that surrounded the state’s developmental potential due to its geographic and economic challenges. However, Gujarat has since emerged as a global hub for diamonds, finance (GIFT City), and tourism, thanks to visionary planning and focused initiatives.
He outlined Gujarat’s governance model of assigning specific focus areas to individual years—such as education, tourism, and urban renewal—as a blueprint for holistic development.
Role of Cities and Urban Bodies
PM Modi emphasized that urban centers must not merely expand with population, but evolve as economic engines. He urged municipal corporations across India to assess the current status of their local economies and set growth targets. “Urban bodies should support agro-based industries, encourage entrepreneurship, and create value-added markets instead of focusing solely on malls and shopping complexes,” he said.
Vision for the Future
In conclusion, PM Modi reiterated his belief in India’s potential to lead globally, not just economically but in innovation, culture, and diplomacy. He called on citizens to join “Operation Sindoor” not only as a military initiative but as a national movement for economic self-reliance. He encouraged people to identify and replace foreign products in their daily lives and embrace local manufacturing through the ‘One District, One Product’ approach.