New India dreams big, achieves its goals, asserts PM Modi in Mumbai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said for the first time since Independence, a New India has emerged which has big dreams and also the capacity to realise them

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said for the first time since Independence, a New India has emerged which has big dreams and also the capacity to realise them, and gone are the days when discussions in the country mostly centred around poverty and seeking foreign aid.

He also said Mumbai's civic body plays a key role in development of the metropolis and while there was no dearth of funds for the city, it is important budgeted money is spent to achieve stated objectives and not wasted due to corrupt practices.

Speaking at a public meeting at Bandra-Kurla Complex after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of infrastructure and healthcare projects for Mumbai worth more than Rs 38,000 crore, Modi said there was a long period in the last century that was lost discussing poverty and seeking help from foreigners.

The PM said for the first time since independence India has the courage to dream big and realise its goals.

"Earlier, there was only discussion on poverty, on seeking funds from foreign countries and surviving some how. Now, the world over there is positivity about India. The world knows our country is going forward on the basis of its strength and utilising its potential to the fullest," Modi said.

There is an extraordinary confidence in the country which is progressing well with its futuristic vision and modern approach, he said.

Many cities across India are going to power the growth story of the country, he said.

Therefore, making Mumbai future-ready is one of the commitments of the double-engine government (a term for BJP in power in state and also at the Centre), he added.

We are working on complete transformation of cities across the country, the prime minister said
"Development funds should not be used for corrupt practices and if funds are locked in banks and there is a tendency to stall development works, how will the city's future be bright?" he asked