PM recalls Dr. Ambedkar’s exemplary contribution, in his remarks in Rajya Sabha, during discussion on Constitution Day
PM recalls Dr.
Ambedkar’s exemplary contribution, in his remarks in Rajya Sabha, during
discussion on Constitution Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today said that the Constitution of India is not about laws alone, but is a social document, that we can turn to, whenever we need guidance and inspiration. He was speaking during a discussion to commemorate Constitution Day, and the 125th birth anniversary of the architect of the Constitution, Dr B. R. Ambedkar.
The Prime Minister said the Constitution gives us the strength to go forward together, and said that this was an occasion to pay homage to all members of the Constituent Assembly. He said the nation cannot ignore or forget the exemplary contribution of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
The Prime Minister outlined his vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat, which he had first referred to, at the “Run For Unity,” on Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary.
In the course of his remarks, the Prime Minister quoted Dr. Ambedkar, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and Max Mueller, and highlighted various aspects of their vision.
*******
Statement by Prime
Minister at COP 21 Plenary Paris, 30 November 2015
President Hollande, Excellencies,
The pain of Paris is yet to heal. So, I speak in admiration for your resilience and resolve. And, I salute the world for standing, in full strength, with France and Paris.
Over the next few days, we will decide the fate of this planet. We do so when the consequences of the industrial age powered by fossil fuel are evident, especially on the lives of the poor.
The prosperous still have a strong carbon footprint. And, the world's billions at the bottom of the development ladder are seeking space to grow.
So, the choices are not easy. But, we have awareness and technology. We need now national will and a genuine global partnership.
Democratic India must grow rapidly to meet the aspirations of 1.25 billion people, 300 million of whom are without access to energy.
We are determined to do so, guided by our ancient belief that people and planet are inseparable; that human well being and Nature are indivisible.
So, we have set ambitious targets. By 2030, we will reduce emissions intensity per unit GDP by 33-35% per cent of 2005 levels, and 40 per cent of our installed capacity will be from non- fossil fuels.
We will achieve it by expanding renewable energy - for, example, by adding 175 Gigawatts of renewable generation by 2022. We will enlarge our forest cover to absorb at least 2.5 billion tonnes worth of carbon dioxide.
We are reducing dependence on fossil fuel through levies and reduction in subsidies; switching sources of fuel where possible; and, transforming cities and public transportation.
We hope advanced nations will assume ambitious targets and pursue them sincerely. It is not just a question of historical responsibility. They also have the most room to make the cuts and make the strongest impact.
And, climate justice demands that, with the little carbon space we still have, developing countries should have enough scope to grow.
This also means aggressive mitigation action by developed countries before 2020, including ratification of 2nd Commitment period of Kyoto Protocol, removing conditions and revisiting targets.
The principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities must remain the bedrock of our collective enterprise across all areas - mitigation, adaptation and means for implementation. Anything else would be morally wrong; and disparities.
Equity means that national commitments must be consistent with the carbon space nations occupy.
We also need a strong Agreement on Adaptation and Loss and Damage.
Developed countries must fulfill their responsibility to make clean energy available, affordable and accessible to all in the developing world. This is in our collective interest.
So, we look to the developed countries to mobilize 100 billion US Dollars annually by 2020 for mitigation and adaptation in the developing countries. They must fulfill their commitment in a credible, transparent and meaningful manner.
Energy is a basic human need. So, we need an ambitious technology initiative, driven by a public purpose, not just market incentives. For this, we need to scale up Green Climate Fund that will improve access to technology and intellectual property.
We still need conventional energy. We should make it clean, not impose an end to its use. And, there should be no place for unilateral steps that become economic barriers for others.
We welcome stocktaking that is transparent, covers both support and commitments, and based on differentiation.
Ultimately, for success, moderating our lifestyle is necessary, and possible, for a low carbon future.
Excellencies,
The presence of 196 countries tells us that we have a chance to unite behind a common purpose.
We will succeed if we have the wisdom and courage to craft a genuinely collective partnership that balances responsibilities and capabilities with aspirations and needs.
I am confident that we will.
Thank you
******
President Hollande, President Obama, Excellencies, Mr. Bill Gates, Distinguished Guests,
Let me begin by saluting President Hollande and the people of France for their courage and resolve; and, to the world for coming together for Paris and France.
The outstanding arrangements reflect the character of this great nation. The world has assembled in Paris to change the course of our planet to a sustainable path.
We must speak about goals and targets on carbon emissions and rise in global temperature. But, it is just as important to focus on the instruments that will make it natural and easy for the world to get there.
A vast section of humanity lives at the edge of poverty and in darkness after the sun sets. They need energy to light up their homes and power their future.
And, they are also the most vulnerable to the consequences of an industrial age powered by fossil fuel.
Access to energy and a better life is a universal aspiration. And, so are clean environment and healthy habitats.
As the world's majority works its way to prosperity on a planet left with very limited carbon space , we have to do many things.
We have to ensure, in the spirit of climate justice, that the life of a few does not crowd out the opportunities for the many still on the initial steps of the development ladder.
The advanced countries must leave enough room for developing countries to grow. And, we must strive for a lighter carbon footprint on our growth path.
For that we must come together in a partnership to bring clean energy within the reach of all.
Innovation is vital for combating climate change and ensuring climate justice.
That is what makes this Innovation Summit very special. This unites us behind a common purpose.
We need research and innovation to make renewable energy much cheaper; more reliable; and, easier to connect to transmission grids.
We can make conventional energy cleaner. And, we can develop newer sources of renewable energy.
This is a global responsibility to our collective future.
Our innovation initiative should be driven by public purpose, not just market incentives, including on intellectual property.
That also means strong public commitment by suppliers to developing countries.
That will make clean energy technology available, accessible and affordable for all.
This partnership will combine the responsibility of governments with the innovative capacity of the private sector. We will double our investments in research and innovation; and, deepen collaboration among ourselves.
We should have an international network of 30-40 universities and labs focusing for next ten years on renewable energy.
Innovation must be backed by means to make it affordable and ensure adoption.
We have a very successful models of public-private partnership with many countries present here. India is also building renewable capacity in developing countries, including small island states.
The progress on clean energy technology and costs is impressive. If we raise the level of our efforts, we can transform the world.
We will also lay the foundation of a new economy in new low carbon age.
We will restore the balance between ecology and economy, and between our inheritance and obligation to the future. And, live up to Gandhiji's call to care for the world we shall not see.
Thank you.
President Hollande, Excellencies, industry leaders
Let me begin by once again expressing solidarity with the people of France; And, our deepest admiration being such an outstanding host to the world in a difficult moment.
To my long cherished dream of an international alliance of solar-rich countries, President Hollande responded with keen interest and immediate and full offer of support.
This is the inaugural day of a defining global conference on climate change.
For his support at every step, and his decision to co-chair the launch, I am deeply grateful.
Just as positive was his response to the idea of a book of quotations on Nature from the world to remind us all of our timeless wisdom. I am honoured to co-author the preface with him.
Since ancient times, different civilizations have given a special place to Sun. In the Indian tradition, Sun is the source of all forms of energy. As Rig Veda says, Sun God is the Soul of all beings, moving and non-moving. Many in India begin their day with a prayer to the Sun.
Today, when the energy sources and excesses of our industrial age have put our planet in peril, the world must turn to Sun to power our future.
As the developing world lift billions of people into prosperity, our hope for a sustainable planet rests on a bold global initiative.
It will mean advanced countries leaving enough carbon space for developing countries to grow. That is natural climate justice.
It also means a growth path with lighter carbon footprint.
So, convergence between economy, ecology and energy should define our future.
The vast majority of humanity is blessed with generous sunlight round the year. Yet, many are also without any source of power.
This is why this alliance is so important.
We want to bring solar energy into our lives and homes, by making it cheaper, more reliable and easier to connect to grid.
We will collaborate on research and innovation. We will share knowledge and exchange best practices.
We will cooperate on training and building institutions. We will discuss regulatory issues and promote common standards.
We will attract investments in the solar sector, encourage joint ventures and develop innovative financing mechanisms.
We will partner with other international initiatives on renewable energy.
There is already a revolution in solar energy. Technology is evolving, costs are coming down and grid connectivity is improving.
It is making the dream of universal access to clean energy become more real.
India has a capacity of 4GW and we have set a target of adding 100 GW of solar power by 2022. By the end of next year, we would have added another 12 GW.
I am delighted with the industry response. As you put clean energy within the reach of all, it will create unlimited economic opportunities that will be the foundation of the new economy of this century.
This is an alliance that brings together developed and developing countries, governments and industries, laboratories and institutions, in a common enterprise.
India will be pleased to host this initiative at the premises of our National Institute of Solar Energy. We will provide land and contribute approximately 30 million U.S. dollars to build the Secretariat infrastructure.
We will support operations for five years, and together we will raise long terms funds to achieve our prescribed goals.
This day is the sunrise of new hope – not just for clean energy, but for villages and homes still in darkness; and for our mornings and evenings filled with a clear view of the glory of the sun.
Thank you.
My Ministerial colleagues, Shri Prakash Javadekarji, Shri Piyush Goyalji, Distinguished guests.
I am delighted to inaugurate the Indian Pavilion.
This is the first day of a historic summit in Paris.
We stand here in solidarity with Paris and France and in admiration for their resolve and courage.
The entire world, 196 nations, have come together to shape the future of this world and the health of our planet.
This summit is of great significance to India's future, too.
This pavilion is a window to our heritage and our progress; our traditions and our technology; our aspirations and our achievements.
India's new economic momentum is a subject of international attention and a source of global opportunity. Our progress will not just change the lives of one-sixth of humanity. It will also mean a more successful and prosperous world.
Equally, the choices the world makes here will have an impact on our development.
Climate change is a major global challenge.
But, climate change is not of our making. It is the result of global warming that came from the prosperity and progress of an industrial age powered by fossil fuel.
But, we in India face its consequences today. We see it in the risks of our farmers, the changes in weather patterns, and the intensity of natural disasters.
We are concerned about the rising oceans that will threaten our 7500 km of coastline and over 1300 islands. We worry about the retreat of glaciers that feed our rivers and nurture our civilisation.
That is why the outcome in Paris so important.
That is why we are here.
We want the world to act with urgency. We want a comprehensive, equitable and durable agreement, which must lead us to restore the balance between humanity and Nature and between what we have inherited and what we will leave behind.
This will mean a partnership in which those who have the luxury of choices and the capability of technology will make adjustments to sharply reduce their carbon emission.
The extent of their commitment and the strength of their action must be consistent with the carbon space they occupy.
And, they must leave enough of what is left of our carbon space to let developing countries grow.
They should share resources and technology with those who live between want and hope, so that we can meet the universal aspiration for clean energy.
It will also mean that the developing world will also try to have a lighter carbon footprint on their growth path.
We want the conviction of the world to be matched by efforts to create conditions in which we can succeed.
Because our challenge is pressing, our efforts must be urgent.
Friends,
These will be the subject of negotiations over the next few days.
I am here in the Indian Pavilion to say something else. And, I speak not just to the world, but also to our people.
India's progress is our destiny and the right of our people. But, we are a nation that must also lead in combating climate change.
It stems from our obligation to give our people clean air; clean rivers; resilient farms; healthy habitats; and, forests rich with life.
It comes from our conviction that we must aim not just for higher incomes, but better quality of life.
It comes from our commitment to the world.
Above all, it arises, from our timeless traditions and beliefs.
The choices a people make are shaped by their culture and beliefs.
In India, Nature has always been treated as Mother.
Since ancient times, we have seen humanity as part of Nature, not superior to it. The divine has manifested in Nature's diverse forms.
We have always believed that Nature does not exist for human race, but that we can't exist without Nature. So, Nature is meant to provide and nurture, not to exploit.
When Nature is in equilibrium, our lives and our world will be in balance.
This is what we learn from Kshetrapati Sukta in our
Rig Veda.
क्षेत्रस्य पते मधुमन्तमूर्मिं धेनुरिव पयो अस्मासु धुक्ष्व ।
मधुश्चुतं घृतमिव सुपूतमृतस्य नः पतयो मृळयन्तु ॥
This means:
O Lord of Field, with the Sweet Waves of Mother Nature's blessings, may you milk our Fields like the Milk of a Cow
With the Sweetness of Mother Nature's bounty, which falls like Clarified Butter, may You shed your Grace on us.
This is why Atharva-Veda calls it a bounden duty that we must protect the Earth so that Life can be sustained.
This is what we see in Gandhiji's life and his advice that the world has enough for everyone's need but not for anyone's greed.
This is what we have tried to capture in the publication PARAMPARA that we have released today.
This is why recycling and conservation comes naturally to us. And, why we have sacred groves across our nation.
Friends,
And, it is this spirit that leads us to set an ambitious and comprehensive strategy to combat climate change.
We have a target for renewable generation of 175 Gigawatt by 2022. We have got off to a good start, with nearly 12 GW likely to be installed by 2016, more than three times the current capacity.
Like cellular phones before, we can use renewable energy to bring power to our 18000 unconnected villages quickly and cleanly.
By 2030, 40% of our installed capacity will be based on non-fossil fuel.
We will convert waste to energy. We will make our cities smart and sustainable, and transform public transportation, including through 50 new metro rail projects.
We are investing in supercritical technology in thermal plants. We have imposed tax on coal and reduced subsidies on petroleum products. We are raising fuel standards for automobiles. And, we have introduced tax free bonds for renewable energy.
We have a massive programme to expand our forest cover and protect our biodiversity.
In the past few months, millions of households have switched to LED bulbs and we have plans to replace diesel by fuel cells to power the thousands of our telecom towers.
Our vision of India as a global manufacturing hub rests on the simple principle of "zero defect, zero effect" – production that is perfect and leaves no footprint on environment.
Our mission of "more crop per drop" will not only improve the lives of farmers, but will also reduce the pressure on a scarce resource.
And, research and innovation in clean energy is a high priority.
We want to make conventional energy, like coal, cleaner.
We will make renewable energy cheaper and convenient to install even in our homes. We want to make it more reliable and easier to feed into our transmission lines.
From governments to communities, there are countless examples of innovation and enterprise that are restoring the health of our environment.
I have tried to capture some of these initiatives in my book, Convenient Action, which we shall present today.
Friends,
This is the voice of our people, the call of our nation and the consensus of our polity.
India's leadership on environment has been the vision of Indian leaders and successive governments – from Stockholm in 1975 to Copenhagen in 2009.
We are raising our national effort to an entirely new level. And, we are intensifying our international partnerships.
So, we come to Paris with our commitment, but we also come with hope.
So, we approach the negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in a spirit of partnership, which must be based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
Later today, I will join leaders from major developed and developing world for an innovation summit; because I believe that innovation and technology hold the key to our collective success.
President Hollande and I will also co-chair the launch of my long cherished dream of an international solar alliance to promote greater use of solar energy in the 121 solar-rich nations.
To call the world to look deep into the ancient wisdom of all our civilisations, cultures and religions, I had requested President Hollande to bring out a book of quotations from around the world. I am happy that we will release it today.
And, I will also call for a change in lifestyles, so that we reduce the burden on our planet. For, the enduring success of our efforts will depend on the way we live and think.
In conclusion, therefore, let me return to the theme that defines us in India – the spirit of partnership, the belief in oneness with the whole that is Nature.
To the people of India and our friends in the world, I call you to live with the commitment of ‘Lokah Samastah Sukhinau Bhavantu’.
The desire for well being should include our planet, our Nature, all countries and the entire humanity.
If our thinking is right, we will form a true global partnership of capabilities and needs that leads us to a low carbon age.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Speech by Prime
Minister at the Innovation Summit in COP 21, Paris(November 30, 2015)
President Hollande, President Obama, Excellencies, Mr. Bill Gates, Distinguished Guests,
Let me begin by saluting President Hollande and the people of France for their courage and resolve; and, to the world for coming together for Paris and France.
The outstanding arrangements reflect the character of this great nation. The world has assembled in Paris to change the course of our planet to a sustainable path.
We must speak about goals and targets on carbon emissions and rise in global temperature. But, it is just as important to focus on the instruments that will make it natural and easy for the world to get there.
A vast section of humanity lives at the edge of poverty and in darkness after the sun sets. They need energy to light up their homes and power their future.
And, they are also the most vulnerable to the consequences of an industrial age powered by fossil fuel.
Access to energy and a better life is a universal aspiration. And, so are clean environment and healthy habitats.
As the world's majority works its way to prosperity on a planet left with very limited carbon space , we have to do many things.
We have to ensure, in the spirit of climate justice, that the life of a few does not crowd out the opportunities for the many still on the initial steps of the development ladder.
The advanced countries must leave enough room for developing countries to grow. And, we must strive for a lighter carbon footprint on our growth path.
For that we must come together in a partnership to bring clean energy within the reach of all.
Innovation is vital for combating climate change and ensuring climate justice.
That is what makes this Innovation Summit very special. This unites us behind a common purpose.
We need research and innovation to make renewable energy much cheaper; more reliable; and, easier to connect to transmission grids.
We can make conventional energy cleaner. And, we can develop newer sources of renewable energy.
This is a global responsibility to our collective future.
Our innovation initiative should be driven by public purpose, not just market incentives, including on intellectual property.
That also means strong public commitment by suppliers to developing countries.
That will make clean energy technology available, accessible and affordable for all.
This partnership will combine the responsibility of governments with the innovative capacity of the private sector. We will double our investments in research and innovation; and, deepen collaboration among ourselves.
We should have an international network of 30-40 universities and labs focusing for next ten years on renewable energy.
Innovation must be backed by means to make it affordable and ensure adoption.
We have a very successful models of public-private partnership with many countries present here. India is also building renewable capacity in developing countries, including small island states.
The progress on clean energy technology and costs is impressive. If we raise the level of our efforts, we can transform the world.
We will also lay the foundation of a new economy in new low carbon age.
We will restore the balance between ecology and economy, and between our inheritance and obligation to the future. And, live up to Gandhiji's call to care for the world we shall not see.
Thank you.
**********
Remarks by Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi At the Launch of the International Solar Alliance COP 21, Paris,
30 November 2015
President Hollande, Excellencies, industry leaders
Let me begin by once again expressing solidarity with the people of France; And, our deepest admiration being such an outstanding host to the world in a difficult moment.
To my long cherished dream of an international alliance of solar-rich countries, President Hollande responded with keen interest and immediate and full offer of support.
This is the inaugural day of a defining global conference on climate change.
For his support at every step, and his decision to co-chair the launch, I am deeply grateful.
Just as positive was his response to the idea of a book of quotations on Nature from the world to remind us all of our timeless wisdom. I am honoured to co-author the preface with him.
Since ancient times, different civilizations have given a special place to Sun. In the Indian tradition, Sun is the source of all forms of energy. As Rig Veda says, Sun God is the Soul of all beings, moving and non-moving. Many in India begin their day with a prayer to the Sun.
Today, when the energy sources and excesses of our industrial age have put our planet in peril, the world must turn to Sun to power our future.
As the developing world lift billions of people into prosperity, our hope for a sustainable planet rests on a bold global initiative.
It will mean advanced countries leaving enough carbon space for developing countries to grow. That is natural climate justice.
It also means a growth path with lighter carbon footprint.
So, convergence between economy, ecology and energy should define our future.
The vast majority of humanity is blessed with generous sunlight round the year. Yet, many are also without any source of power.
This is why this alliance is so important.
We want to bring solar energy into our lives and homes, by making it cheaper, more reliable and easier to connect to grid.
We will collaborate on research and innovation. We will share knowledge and exchange best practices.
We will cooperate on training and building institutions. We will discuss regulatory issues and promote common standards.
We will attract investments in the solar sector, encourage joint ventures and develop innovative financing mechanisms.
We will partner with other international initiatives on renewable energy.
There is already a revolution in solar energy. Technology is evolving, costs are coming down and grid connectivity is improving.
It is making the dream of universal access to clean energy become more real.
India has a capacity of 4GW and we have set a target of adding 100 GW of solar power by 2022. By the end of next year, we would have added another 12 GW.
I am delighted with the industry response. As you put clean energy within the reach of all, it will create unlimited economic opportunities that will be the foundation of the new economy of this century.
This is an alliance that brings together developed and developing countries, governments and industries, laboratories and institutions, in a common enterprise.
India will be pleased to host this initiative at the premises of our National Institute of Solar Energy. We will provide land and contribute approximately 30 million U.S. dollars to build the Secretariat infrastructure.
We will support operations for five years, and together we will raise long terms funds to achieve our prescribed goals.
This day is the sunrise of new hope – not just for clean energy, but for villages and homes still in darkness; and for our mornings and evenings filled with a clear view of the glory of the sun.
Thank you.
**********
PM’s address at
the inauguration of the India Pavilion at COP21, Paris
My Ministerial colleagues, Shri Prakash Javadekarji, Shri Piyush Goyalji, Distinguished guests.
I am delighted to inaugurate the Indian Pavilion.
This is the first day of a historic summit in Paris.
We stand here in solidarity with Paris and France and in admiration for their resolve and courage.
The entire world, 196 nations, have come together to shape the future of this world and the health of our planet.
This summit is of great significance to India's future, too.
This pavilion is a window to our heritage and our progress; our traditions and our technology; our aspirations and our achievements.
India's new economic momentum is a subject of international attention and a source of global opportunity. Our progress will not just change the lives of one-sixth of humanity. It will also mean a more successful and prosperous world.
Equally, the choices the world makes here will have an impact on our development.
Climate change is a major global challenge.
But, climate change is not of our making. It is the result of global warming that came from the prosperity and progress of an industrial age powered by fossil fuel.
But, we in India face its consequences today. We see it in the risks of our farmers, the changes in weather patterns, and the intensity of natural disasters.
We are concerned about the rising oceans that will threaten our 7500 km of coastline and over 1300 islands. We worry about the retreat of glaciers that feed our rivers and nurture our civilisation.
That is why the outcome in Paris so important.
That is why we are here.
We want the world to act with urgency. We want a comprehensive, equitable and durable agreement, which must lead us to restore the balance between humanity and Nature and between what we have inherited and what we will leave behind.
This will mean a partnership in which those who have the luxury of choices and the capability of technology will make adjustments to sharply reduce their carbon emission.
The extent of their commitment and the strength of their action must be consistent with the carbon space they occupy.
And, they must leave enough of what is left of our carbon space to let developing countries grow.
They should share resources and technology with those who live between want and hope, so that we can meet the universal aspiration for clean energy.
It will also mean that the developing world will also try to have a lighter carbon footprint on their growth path.
We want the conviction of the world to be matched by efforts to create conditions in which we can succeed.
Because our challenge is pressing, our efforts must be urgent.
Friends,
These will be the subject of negotiations over the next few days.
I am here in the Indian Pavilion to say something else. And, I speak not just to the world, but also to our people.
India's progress is our destiny and the right of our people. But, we are a nation that must also lead in combating climate change.
It stems from our obligation to give our people clean air; clean rivers; resilient farms; healthy habitats; and, forests rich with life.
It comes from our conviction that we must aim not just for higher incomes, but better quality of life.
It comes from our commitment to the world.
Above all, it arises, from our timeless traditions and beliefs.
The choices a people make are shaped by their culture and beliefs.
In India, Nature has always been treated as Mother.
Since ancient times, we have seen humanity as part of Nature, not superior to it. The divine has manifested in Nature's diverse forms.
We have always believed that Nature does not exist for human race, but that we can't exist without Nature. So, Nature is meant to provide and nurture, not to exploit.
When Nature is in equilibrium, our lives and our world will be in balance.
This is what we learn from Kshetrapati Sukta in our
Rig Veda.
क्षेत्रस्य पते मधुमन्तमूर्मिं धेनुरिव पयो अस्मासु धुक्ष्व ।
मधुश्चुतं घृतमिव सुपूतमृतस्य नः पतयो मृळयन्तु ॥
This means:
O Lord of Field, with the Sweet Waves of Mother Nature's blessings, may you milk our Fields like the Milk of a Cow
With the Sweetness of Mother Nature's bounty, which falls like Clarified Butter, may You shed your Grace on us.
This is why Atharva-Veda calls it a bounden duty that we must protect the Earth so that Life can be sustained.
This is what we see in Gandhiji's life and his advice that the world has enough for everyone's need but not for anyone's greed.
This is what we have tried to capture in the publication PARAMPARA that we have released today.
This is why recycling and conservation comes naturally to us. And, why we have sacred groves across our nation.
Friends,
And, it is this spirit that leads us to set an ambitious and comprehensive strategy to combat climate change.
We have a target for renewable generation of 175 Gigawatt by 2022. We have got off to a good start, with nearly 12 GW likely to be installed by 2016, more than three times the current capacity.
Like cellular phones before, we can use renewable energy to bring power to our 18000 unconnected villages quickly and cleanly.
By 2030, 40% of our installed capacity will be based on non-fossil fuel.
We will convert waste to energy. We will make our cities smart and sustainable, and transform public transportation, including through 50 new metro rail projects.
We are investing in supercritical technology in thermal plants. We have imposed tax on coal and reduced subsidies on petroleum products. We are raising fuel standards for automobiles. And, we have introduced tax free bonds for renewable energy.
We have a massive programme to expand our forest cover and protect our biodiversity.
In the past few months, millions of households have switched to LED bulbs and we have plans to replace diesel by fuel cells to power the thousands of our telecom towers.
Our vision of India as a global manufacturing hub rests on the simple principle of "zero defect, zero effect" – production that is perfect and leaves no footprint on environment.
Our mission of "more crop per drop" will not only improve the lives of farmers, but will also reduce the pressure on a scarce resource.
And, research and innovation in clean energy is a high priority.
We want to make conventional energy, like coal, cleaner.
We will make renewable energy cheaper and convenient to install even in our homes. We want to make it more reliable and easier to feed into our transmission lines.
From governments to communities, there are countless examples of innovation and enterprise that are restoring the health of our environment.
I have tried to capture some of these initiatives in my book, Convenient Action, which we shall present today.
Friends,
This is the voice of our people, the call of our nation and the consensus of our polity.
India's leadership on environment has been the vision of Indian leaders and successive governments – from Stockholm in 1975 to Copenhagen in 2009.
We are raising our national effort to an entirely new level. And, we are intensifying our international partnerships.
So, we come to Paris with our commitment, but we also come with hope.
So, we approach the negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in a spirit of partnership, which must be based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
Later today, I will join leaders from major developed and developing world for an innovation summit; because I believe that innovation and technology hold the key to our collective success.
President Hollande and I will also co-chair the launch of my long cherished dream of an international solar alliance to promote greater use of solar energy in the 121 solar-rich nations.
To call the world to look deep into the ancient wisdom of all our civilisations, cultures and religions, I had requested President Hollande to bring out a book of quotations from around the world. I am happy that we will release it today.
And, I will also call for a change in lifestyles, so that we reduce the burden on our planet. For, the enduring success of our efforts will depend on the way we live and think.
In conclusion, therefore, let me return to the theme that defines us in India – the spirit of partnership, the belief in oneness with the whole that is Nature.
To the people of India and our friends in the world, I call you to live with the commitment of ‘Lokah Samastah Sukhinau Bhavantu’.
The desire for well being should include our planet, our Nature, all countries and the entire humanity.
If our thinking is right, we will form a true global partnership of capabilities and needs that leads us to a low carbon age.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Post a Comment