New Delhi [India], January 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a gathering at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam on Saturday, emphasized his government’s ongoing commitment to rural India since assuming office in 2014. He inaugurated the Bharat Grameen Mahotsav 2025 and expressed his gratitude towards NABARD and other stakeholders for organizing the event.
PM Modi highlighted the significance of the Mahotsav, stating, “At the beginning of 2025, this grand event is a reflection of India’s development journey and is contributing to shaping India’s identity.” He also praised the contributions of NABARD in facilitating the event.
Drawing from his personal experience, the Prime Minister shared how growing up in a small town allowed him to witness firsthand the challenges faced by rural areas. He acknowledged the hardworking nature of villagers, who, despite their efforts, often struggle to access opportunities due to limited resources.
PM Modi reiterated his government’s vision to empower rural India. “Since 2014, I have been continuously working towards serving rural India, giving people in villages a dignified life. This is our priority. Our vision is to provide opportunities for rural people to advance, prevent migration, and make their lives easier,” he said. He further added that the government has launched initiatives guaranteeing basic facilities in every village to make this vision a reality.
The Prime Minister also highlighted several key achievements in rural development under his government over the past eleven years. “Clean drinking water is reaching households in lakhs of villages. Additionally, over 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now offering better healthcare services. Through digital technology, we have connected villages to the best doctors and hospitals, making telemedicine widely accessible,” he stated.
PM Modi underscored the importance of tailored economic policies for rural India. “Our government has introduced policies specifically designed for every section of the village economy. Just days ago, the Cabinet approved the continuation of the PM Fasal Bima Yojana for another year,” he added.
Addressing the contribution of traditional artisans and skilled workers, PM Modi spoke of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which aims to uplift artisans in rural areas. “This scheme is empowering lakhs of Vishwakarma friends of the country, providing them with opportunities to progress,” he said.
The Prime Minister also touched upon the government’s decision to extend a One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer subsidies. “Despite rising global prices, we have kept the price of DAP stable by increasing subsidies, ensuring that the burden does not fall on farmers,” he noted.
Earlier, during the event, PM Modi interacted with various artisans and was felicitated by NABARD Chairperson Shaji KV. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was also present at the inauguration.
The Bharat Grameen Mahotsav, a six-day event running from January 4 to 9, carries the theme “Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047” and showcases the government’s efforts to transform rural India as part of its long-term vision for a developed nation.