Gujarat Science City: Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi while speaking at the function to mark the 20 years of the Vibrant Gujarat summits here today recalled the difficult time Gujarat was facing in early years of this century when the idea of holding Vibrant Gujarat summit was born. The Prime Minister expressed pleasure regarding the success of the summit in achieving its goals.

’20 years ago we sow a small seed which today has become a vibrant banyan tree. On the occasion of completion of 20 years of Vibrant Gujarat summit, I am very happy today. Years ago I had said that Vibrant Gujarat is not just a plan for branding only, but more than that it is a plan for bonding. For the world, this successful summit can be a brand, but for me, it’s symbolizes a strong bond. This bond is linked to 7 crore Gujaratis and their capabilities.’

In reference to criticism that he had faced when he organized initial editions of the summit, the Prime Minister said, ‘I remember today Swami Vivekananda’s say. Every work has to pass through three stages. First, people would ridicule it, and then they would oppose it and later they would accept it. And this happens, especially when the idea is ahead of time’

Recalling the difficult and challenging period Gujarat was facing in early years of this century, the Prime Minister said, ’20 years is a long period. Today’s generation, the youngons might not be knowing that what was the situation of Gujarat after the year 2001 massive earthquake. Ahead of earthquake, Gujarat had faced prolong scarcity period. Thousands of people died in earthquake and lakhs were affected. Apart from scarcity and earthquake, another tragedy was collapsing of Madhavpura bank which had triggered its effect to over 100 other banks. There was chaos in financial sector in the State and it was under a big problem.’

The PM further said, ‘I was a newcomer without any experience(of being in government). And then there was Godhra incident and related fire of violence. As a Chief Minister I had not long experience, but I had strong trust on my people of Gujarat. Those who keep going with agendas, were at that time also analyzing the things in Gujarat in their own fashion. It was said that traders and businesses will leave Gujarat and the State will be in such a condition that it will become a burden for country. A conspiracy was made to defame Gujarat and creating a depressing atmosphere. It was told that Gujarat will never be able to stand on its own feet. At that time I pledged that we will pull Gujarat out from this situation. We were not just thinking about reconstruction of Gujarat but more than that. And then we introduced Vibrant Gujarat Summit. This became a medium to link to the world. It became a medium to showcase Gujarat and India’s industrial capacity to the world. It became medium to use talent of India.’

PM also spoke about how then central government or political opponents was unfavorable. He said, ‘We did Vibrant Gujarat when Gujarat witnesses Navratri and Garba. We made it a festival of India’s industrial development. Today the world is seeing the success of Vibrant Gujarat. But it was first organized when then central government was indifferent to Gujarat’s development. I have always said it’s national development through Gujarat’s development. But those in the Centre then were refusing to come to Vibrant Gujarat summits. In one to one communication they would promise to come, but they would not eventually. Obstructions were created, foreign investors were asked not to visit. But they came. Gujarat was not offering any special incentive, but they would come for good governance, policy drive governance, transparent government and equal treatment.’

Further recalling the challenges associated with the summit in early years, the PM said, ‘When Vibrant Gujarat was initiated, Gujarat had not big hotels where such a large number of foreign guest could be accommodate. When all govt guest house were also full, I would ask business men to offer their guest house. We asked Universities to accommodate the guests. Some guests were accommodate in Vadodara. In 2009 when Vibrant Gujarat summit was held, there was slow down across the world. Our officers would ask me to drop the summit as it was likely to flop, but I told them, it shall happen. If it fails, then it would be criticized, what more than that? But the practice must continue. And during that global slow down, Vibrant Summit added another chapter of success.’

‘Vibrant Gujarat’s success can be understood though its journey. In 2003 it was very small event. Today more than 40,000 participants and delegates have started coming. In 2003 only handful countries participated it. Today 135 nations participate in it. In 2003 there were only 30 exhibitors. Today more than 2000 exhibitors come to this summit.’

PM said, ‘behind the success of Vibrant Gujarat summit, there are some specific reasons. Idea, imagination and implementation are core elements. If we talk about idea, this was the concept about which very few had heard. However as time passed, people started grasping it. Then other states also started organizing such events. Then comes imagination. We were thinking about something that had not happened at national level. We were a small state but made a developed country of the world as partner of the summit. It’s unthinkable, but we did it. It was a big thing for a region, a state. To mobilise the entire system and deliver results is a big thing. It’s a task for which planning, constant hard work, vigil was needed but we did it. Same officers, same resources and same regulation were there, but we did something which was not thought by anyone else.’

‘We must note that Vibrant Gujarat has become an institution and not just a one time event. The process goes on for entire year. Chief Minister were changed, former officers retired. Those who came to service around 2000 are now on the task. But every edition of summit achieved more success. Because we institutionalized the process. And we made infrastructure also. First it was a small Tagore hall, then Science City’s tent and now Mahatma Mandir.’

‘We would do this summit in Gujarat, but we were passing benefits to other States also. One Chief Minister of Gujarat was asking Chief Ministers of other States to participate in the summit. We had invited the States to participate. We had organized State seminars. Many states would participate. In addition to this, Ayurved’s summit, progressive farmers’ summit, Lawyers’ summit, we were organizing it. We were developing Gujarat for the nation.’

‘We were known as trader state in 20th century. We would trade and earn the margin. This was our image. But leaving that 20th century image, we became financial hub and industrial and manufacturing eco system in 21st century. Our trade based reputation also further strengthened. And behind this success is Vibrant Gujarat summit.’

‘We have thousands of case studies and success stories with us. We are making records in export. In Automobile sector, the investment has been 9 times in 20 years, manufacturing output is 12 times up, in chemical sector Gujarat is a place of selection. Agro and food processing investment Gujarat is on the top. Gujarat has over 30,000 food processing units. In pharma sector Gujarat is rising as knowledge driven. Cardiac stent, gem and jewelry sector, processed diamonds (over 70 percent share globally). Ceramic sector (Morbi). Last year Gujarat exported 2 billion USD items. In upcoming years, Defense manufacturing will be a big sector. ‘

‘When we started Vibrant Gujarat, our intension was to make Gujarat, as growth engine for nation’s progress. The nation saw this concept to become actual. In 2014 when we were given chance to serve the nation, our goal became to make India to become a growth engine of the world. Today, international experts speak in this same tone. We are now standing at a juncture where India is going to become global economic powerhouse.’

‘You will see with your eyes that in next few years, India will be among top three economies of the world. It’s a guarantee of Modi. Therefore I would make an appeal before those present here to think about some sector where India can make new possibilities or can strengthen its position. We will also need to think, how Vibrant Gujarat can give momentum to this. Today Agritech is rising sector. Food processing sector is rising fast. Shri Anna millets is present on dining tables of the world. We are creating new opportunities.’

‘It’s not a time to stop. Next 20 years are more important than last 20 years. When 40 years of Vibrant Gujarat will complete, India will be near its 100 years of independence. By 2047 India will be presented to the world as Atmanirbhar Bharat.’