Governor’s address on the occasion of release the book “India’s Vision for Global Prosperity”

Address by Shri CH. Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra on the occasion of release of the book “India’s Vision for Global Prosperity” at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai at 6 pm on Thursday, 11 October 2018

Shri Parshottam Rupala Ji, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, Shri Raj Purohit, Chief Whip of the BJP in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shri Ashish Shelar, MLA, Shri Anand Shankar Pandya, former Vice President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the author of the book ‘India’s Vision for Global Prosperity’, distinguished invitees, ladies and gentlemen,

At the outset I extend a warm welcome to all of you to Raj Bhavan.

I feel honoured to have been asked to release the book ‘India’s Vision for Global Prosperity’ authored by 96-year old freedom fighter, patriot, industrialist, philanthropist and author of many books Shri Anand Shankar Pandya Ji.

I was amazed to know about the life and work of Shri Anand Shankar Pandya. A fierce nationalist, Shri Pandya came into contact with a large number of stalwarts of the freedom movement and also with those who dominated the national discourse after Independence.

I understand that Shri Anand Shankar Pandya Ji has served as the pracharak of the RSS and as Vice President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

On numerous occasions, Shri Anand Shankar Pandya took bold stand on issues, nobody dared to touch. He wrote articles, gave interviews and even issued full page advertisements in various newspapers to reach out to the masses.

The present book ‘Indian Vision for Global Prosperity’ is an outcome of his scholarship and deep thinking on issues such as Economy, Good Governance, Secularism, Terrorism, Hindutva, Indian Cultural Values and others. While the book contains many of his published articles in well known national newspapers, the book also offers a glimpse into his own life and his vast good work for the society and the nation.

I went through the book and some of the chapters. I am convinced that Shri Anand Shankar Pandya is truly a Karma Yogi who has dedicated his life to serve the nation and bring glory to the Motherland.

I congratulate Shri Anand Shankar Pandya Ji for writing this informative, interesting and insightful book, which I am sure, will inspire youths and citizens of the nation.

Ladies and gentlemen,

For centuries before 1947, India suffered foreign domination first by the Mughal rulers and later by the East India Company.

Two hundred years of reckless exploitation by the East India Company and perpetuated by the British, served a deadly blow to our rich traditions of learning and scientific pursuits.

From being one of the richest nations in the world until 1750, India was reduced to one of the poorest nations, steeped into poverty, hunger, deprivation, disease, ignorance, blind faith and superstition.

To our utmost misfortune, a great education system of ours was finished and a new education system was thrust upon us. The new education system was designed to make us fit for clerical jobs. It was also designed to show Indian culture and civilization in poor light.

This year, we are commemorating the 125th anniversary of the famous address by Swami Vivekananda at the World Parliament of religions held at Chicago in the year 1893. Swami Vivekananda changed the way, the Western World perceived India. Most importantly Vivekananda created pride for Indian culture in the minds of the people of India.

Vivekananda declared, and I quote, “I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true.” (unquote)

It is not a mere coincidence that India became the land where religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism were born. India is perhaps the only country which gave a warm welcome to Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism and even Non Believers.

Paying rich tributes to Indian civilization and culture, Hu Shih, who was China’s Ambassador to the United States during 1938-1942 and who subsequently became the Vice Chancellor of the Peking University said, and I quote:

“India Conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border.” (Unquote)

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today we are in a unique position to recapture our past glory and make India a Jagat Guru.

India is one of the most youthful nations in the world. While the government is working for empowering the youths with modern education and skills, we will have to work for shaping the character of youths and imbibing in them the spirit of serving the nation, as advocated by Shri Anand Shankar Pandya Ji.

In conclusion, I will say, India will become a Global Leader provided it creates a sense of pride about Indian Culture and civilization among every person; empowers youths with the best of education and skills; promotes enterprise and innovation; and revives and rejuvenates agriculture.

I thank Shri Anand Shankar Pandya for writing this wonderful book and take great pleasure in recommending it to the readers.

Thank you

Jai Hind ! Jai Maharashtra !!