There is a natural respect for teachers in our tradition, and they are also a great strength of society. It would be wrong to make teachers stand up for blessings. I do not wish to commit such a sin. But I would certainly like to have a dialogue with you. For me, it has been a wonderful experience to meet you all. Each of you must have a story of your own, because without it, you would not have reached this stage. It is difficult to find enough time to know all those stories, but whatever little I could learn from you was truly inspiring, and for that, I heartily congratulate you all. Receiving this national award is not the end in itself. Now, everyone’s attention is upon you after this award. This means your reach has expanded significantly. Earlier, the area of your influence or command was limited, but now after this recognition, it can grow much wider. I believe this is the beginning, and one must seize this opportunity. Whatever you have within you, you should share it as much as possible. As you do so, your sense of satisfaction will only grow, and you should continue to strive in that direction. Your selection for this award is a testimony to your hard work and constant dedication. Only because of that has this been possible. A teacher is not just about the present but also shapes the future generations of the nation, polishes the future, and I believe this is no less a form of service to the nation than any other. Today, crores of teachers like you are engaged in the service of the nation with the same devotion, sincerity, and dedication. Not everyone gets the opportunity to come here. Perhaps many did not even try, or some did not even take notice. There are countless people with such capabilities. It is the collective efforts of all of them that ensure the nation continues to progress, new generations continue to be nurtured, who live for the nation and in that, everyone has a contribution.

Friends,

Our country has always revered the Guru–Shishya tradition. In Bharat, a teacher is not just seen as someone who imparts knowledge, but as a guide for life. I often say, the mother gives birth, but the teacher gives life. Today, as we move forward with the goal of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), this Guru–Shishya tradition is also one of our greatest strengths. Teachers like you are the symbols of this noble tradition. You are not only imparting literacy to the younger generation, but also teaching them to live for the nation. Somewhere in your heart, you carry the thought that the child for whom you are devoting your time may one day serve this nation. I congratulate you for all such dedicated efforts.

Friends,

Teachers are the foundation of a strong nation and an empowered society. Teachers understand the importance of adapting curricula and syllabi according to the times. They wish to be free from outdated practices, and this same spirit is also reflected in the reforms being carried out for the nation. Just now Dharmendra ji mentioned this point, so I would like to take it forward. Reforms must be continuous. They should be suited to the present time but also have a long-term vision. They must understand, accept, and prepare for the future. As far as this government’s commitment is concerned, we are fully committed, because we believe that without timely reforms, Bharat cannot claim the rightful place it deserves in today’s global scenario.

And friends,

I said this from the Red Fort on 15th August that to make Bharat self-reliant, next-generation reforms are essential. I also promised the people of this country that there would be a double celebration of joy before Diwali and Chhath Puja. Now, since you have all been engaged here for two days, perhaps you did not get a chance to look at the newspapers or watch television, or maybe at home someone said to you, “Oh, your photo has been published!” Anyway, the spirit with which we are moving forward and in the same spirit yesterday the Government of Bharat, in collaboration with the states, took a very major decision. This is a very important decision: GST has now become simpler and easier. There are now only two principal rates of GST. It is 5 percent and 18 percent. On 22nd September, Monday, the first day of Navratri, and Navratri is deeply associated with ‘Matrushakti’ (the power of motherhood), on this auspicious day, this reformed version of GST, this next-generation reform, will come into effect. From Navratri itself, the essential needs of crores of families across the country will begin to be available at lower prices. This year, the festive cheer of Dhanteras will also be greater, because taxes on dozens of items have now been significantly reduced.

Friends,

When GST was implemented eight years ago, a decades-old dream was fulfilled. This was not something that began after Modi became Prime Minister. The discussions had been going on long before that. The problem was that there was only talk, no action. GST was one of the biggest economic reforms in independent Bharat. At that time, the country was freed from the web of multiple taxes, which was a major achievement. Now, as Bharat progresses in the 21st century, there was a need for next-generation reform in GST, and that has been accomplished. Some friends in the media are calling it GST 2.0, but in reality, it is a double dose of support and growth for the nation. Double dose means savings for ordinary families on one hand, and on the other hand, new strength for the country’s economy. With these new GST reforms, every family in the country will benefit immensely. Everyone including the poor, the neo-middle class, the middle class, farmers, women, students and youth will gain from the tax reductions. From paneer (cottage cheese) to shampoo and soap, everything will now be cheaper than before. This will greatly reduce your monthly household expenses and kitchen expenses. Even taxes on scooters and cars have been reduced. This will especially help the young people who are just starting their careers. By lowering GST, it will also become easier to manage the household budget and improve one’s lifestyle.

Friends,

The decision taken yesterday is truly gratifying. Its real impact can only be understood if you recall the tax rates before GST. Sometimes we don’t even realize how much things have changed. For example, in your own family, if a child scores 70 marks, and then improves to 71, 72, or 75, nobody pays much attention. But if that same child scores 99, suddenly everyone notices and that’s exactly my point.

Friends,

Before 2014, under the previous government … and I am not here to criticize any government, but since you are teachers, you can easily make this comparison and even explain it to your students. Almost every item was burdened with heavy taxes. Be it household items, agricultural goods, medicines, or even life insurance. The Congress government levied separate taxes on them. If that system had continued, if today we were still under the 2014 tax regime, then for every purchase of 100 rupees, you would be paying 20–25 rupees in taxes. But now, since you have given me the opportunity to serve, our focus under the BJP-NDA government has been on increasing savings and reducing family expenses. That is why so many reductions have now been made in GST.

Friends,

No one can forget how the Congress government had increased your monthly household budget. Toothpaste, soap, hair oil, all carried a tax of 27 percent. You may not remember it today, but you used to pay for it. Everyday items like plates, cups, spoons etc. all had taxes ranging from 18 to 28 percent. Tooth powder carried a 17 percent tax. In other words, almost every essential item of daily use was heavily taxed during the Congress era. The situation was such that Congress even imposed a 21 percent tax on children’s toffees. Maybe you noticed it in the newspapers back then, maybe not. But if Modi had done it, people would have pulled out their hair in outrage. Even bicycles, which are a daily necessity for crores of people in this country, carried a 17 percent tax. Sewing machines, which are a source of dignity and self-employment for millions of mothers and sisters, carried a 16 percent tax. For the middle class too, even leisure and travel had been made difficult. During Congress rule, hotel room bookings were taxed at 14 percent, and on top of that, many states also imposed luxury tax. Now, on such items and services, there will be only a 5 percent tax. And of course, some critics will still write “Modi still charges 5 percent.” But look at the change: even on hotel rooms costing up to 7,500 rupees, only 5 percent GST will apply. This has been made possible because you chose a government that delivers and it is the BJP-NDA government.

Friends,

Earlier, there was often a complaint that medical treatment in Bharat was too expensive. Even basic tests were out of reach for the poor and middle class. The reason was that the Congress government imposed a 16 percent tax on diagnostic kits. Our government has reduced the tax on such items to just 5 percent. 

Friends,

Building a house during Congress rule was an extremely costly affair. Why? Because the Congress government levied 29 percent tax on cement. Somehow, even if a house was built, bringing in basic household appliances like an AC, a TV, or a fan was very expensive, because the Congress government imposed a 31 percent tax on such goods. Thirty-one percent! Now our government has reduced the tax on such items to 18 percent, which is nearly half.

Friends,

Farmers too were deeply troubled during Congress rule. Before 2014, the cost of cultivation was very high while profits were very low. The reason was that even on agricultural equipment, the Congress government imposed heavy taxes. Whether it was tractors, irrigation equipment, hand tools, or pumping sets, such items were taxed at rates ranging from 12 to 14 percent. Now, on many such items, GST has been reduced to either zero or just five percent.

Friends,

Another pillar of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ is our ‘Yuva Shakti’’ (youth power). It has been ensured that our young people get more employment opportunities, and that those engaged in small businesses face fewer difficulties. Sectors that employ the maximum labour force are getting huge relief through lower GST rates. Be it textiles, handicrafts, or leather, the workers and business owners in these sectors have greatly benefited. Along with this, the prices of clothes and footwear are also set to decrease significantly. For our start-ups, MSMEs, and small traders, not only have taxes been reduced, but some procedures have also been simplified. This will further increase their ease of doing business.

Friends,

Young people will benefit in another area as well which is the fitness sector. Taxes on services like gyms, salons, and yoga have been reduced. This means our youth will be both fit and hit. And let me remind you that when the government is doing so much for your fitness, I keep repeating one point: you are the kind of people who interact with 200 others every day, so please do share my message with them that obesity is a major concern for our country. That’s why I say, start by reducing your oil consumption by 10 percent. Muhammad ji, you become my ambassador for this. The fight against obesity should not weaken.

Friends,

If I summarize the reforms made in GST, I would say that they have added five jewels to Bharat’s vibrant economy. First, the tax system has become much simpler. Second, the quality of life of Indian citizens will further improve. Third, both consumption and growth will get a new boost. Fourth, ease of doing business will strengthen investment and job creation. And fifth, cooperative federalism, i.e. the partnership between the states and the Centre, will become stronger for a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Friends,

“Our citizens are like divinity” is our guiding mantra. This year, not only has GST been reduced, but income tax has also been significantly lowered. Income up to 12 lakh rupees has been made completely tax-free. Nowadays when you file your ITR, you feel the pleasant effect of this decision even more, don’t you? That means savings in income as well as in expenditure. If this isn’t a “double bonanza,” then what is!

Friends,

These days the inflation rate is also at a very low level, under control and this is what we call pro-people governance. When decisions are taken in public interest and national interest, the country moves forward. That is why today Bharat’s growth is around 8 percent. We are growing at the fastest pace in the world. This is the strength of 140 crore Indians, the determination of 140 crore Indians. And I want to say again to my fellow citizens: to make Bharat self-reliant, the journey of reforms will continue and it is not going to stop.

Friends,

Self-reliance is not just a slogan for Bharat. Concrete efforts are being made in this direction. I also expect all of you, and all the teachers of the country, to keep sowing the seeds of this idea, the importance of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (a self-reliant India), into every student. You are the ones who can explain to children, in their own simple language and dialect, why self-reliance is so important for Bharat. And they believe you. You can tell them that a country dependent on others can never progress as fast as its true potential allows.

Friends,

Among today’s students and the coming generations of Bharat, one question must be consistently promoted and spread and it is our duty. I want it to be discussed even in school assemblies. Sometimes, just try this experiment. You won’t even realize how many foreign-made things have entered your home. Not that you deliberately want foreign goods, but without noticing, they’re already there. Children, sitting with their families, should make a list of all the things used from morning till the next morning. They will be surprised that even a hairpin is foreign, even a comb is foreign! They don’t realize it. Once awareness comes, the child will say: “Oh, what does my country gain from this?” And that’s why I believe you can inspire the entire new generation. Today, we have the fortune of fulfilling the work Mahatma Gandhi once left for us to complete. I want us all to take it forward. And I always tell children, encouraging them: What can I do so that I fulfil at least one need of my country? If something is not available in my country, then I will make it. I will try. I will bring it here.

Now just imagine, even today, our country has to import edible oil worth one lakh crore rupees. Edible oil! We are an agriculture-driven nation. Whether it’s our lifestyle, our needs, or our compulsions, there are many such things. But the country must become self-reliant. Right now, one lakh crore rupees flows out. If that money had stayed here, so many schools could have been built, so many children’s lives could have been shaped. That is why we must make Atmanirbhar Bharat our life mantra. We must inspire the new generation for it, and we must connect ourselves with the needs of the nation. This is very important. It is the nation that takes us from where we are to where we can go. It is the nation that gives us so much. So we must always think: what can we give to the nation, what needs of the country can we fulfil? This must live in the heart of every student, every member of the new generation.

Friends,

Today, a new passion for innovation, for science and technology, has awakened among Bharat’s students. The success of Chandrayaan has played a very big role in this. Chandrayaan inspired every child in the country to dream of becoming a scientist, of becoming an innovator. Recently we saw, when Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned from a space mission, visited his school, the whole atmosphere had transformed. Behind Shubhanshu’s achievement, his teachers surely had a role, otherwise, it would not have been possible. This shows that teachers don’t just teach young people, they shape them, they give them direction.

Friends,

Your efforts are now being supported by the Atal Innovation Mission and Atal Tinkering Labs as well. So far, 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been set up across the country. The nation has also decided to create 50,000 more Atal Tinkering Labs, and work on this is progressing rapidly. It is through the efforts of teachers like you that the young generation of Bharat will truly get every opportunity for innovation in these labs.

Friends,

On one hand, our government is emphasizing innovation and digitally empowering the youth. On the other hand, we must also protect our new generation, our schoolchildren, our students, and our children at home from the negative impacts of the digital world. Alongside this, it is our collective duty to focus on improving their health and productivity. You must have seen when the recent Parliament session was held, we passed a law related to online gaming. Teachers should know about this. It is about gaming and gambling. Unfortunately, what begins as gaming often turns into gambling. This is why the government took a major decision. There were powerful forces that never wanted such a law to come into effect, never wanted a ban on gambling in our country. But today we have a government with the political will and a heart that cares for the bright future of the nation and its children. That is why, without bowing to any pressure or worrying about criticism, we brought a law regarding online gaming. There were many such online games that were influencing our students. Money was involved. People would invest with the intention of earning more. I even received reports from some places that in families, where every household member has a mobile phone, including women, they would spend time playing these games after the family left for work during the day. Cases of suicide were reported and people fell into debt. Families were being destroyed, financial losses were mounting. And this problem was like an addiction, like drugs. These games trap you, lure you with attractive content, and anyone can get caught. It became a matter of grave concern for families. That is why I say, while the law has been made, it is equally important to create awareness among children. Parents may complain, but they cannot change the situation because it creates an environment of tension at home. Teachers, however, can play a very big role. We have passed the law, and for the first time, we have ensured that such harmful content will not reach children. I urge all of you teachers to raise awareness about this among your students. But here there are two aspects: gaming itself is not bad; gambling is bad. When there is no money involved, it is a different matter. As you know, in fact, the Olympics too have recognized certain forms of gaming as a sport. That is about talent development, skill development, and training those who excel and that is something entirely different. But when it turns into addiction, when it ruins children’s lives, that is a situation of great concern for the nation.

Friends,

Our government is making efforts so that our youth can expand their global presence in the gaming sector. In Bharat too, those engaged in creative work can develop many new games through our stories, narratives, and traditions. We can capture the global gaming market. Bharat also has many ancient games and rich cultural content that can make waves in the world of online gaming. In fact, some of it is already doing so, and we can achieve much more. Several start-ups are doing remarkable work in this field. If schools and colleges also provide students with information about these opportunities, I believe it can open up a very good career option for them.

Friends,

From the Red Fort, I had raised a point that many of you have asked me about. I had strongly appealed for adopting “Vocal for Local”, for embracing Swadeshi. Swadeshi means whatever is produced in our country, whatever is made here, those things that carry the sweat of our countrymen, those things that carry the fragrance of our soil. That is Swadeshi for me. And we must feel proud of it. Every household should tell their children to put up a board at home … Just as we say “Har Ghar Tiranga,” we must also say “Har Ghar Swadeshi.” Every shopkeeper should put up a board proudly saying, “This is Swadeshi.” We must create pride in saying: “This belongs to my country and this is made in my country.” We must build such an atmosphere, and teachers can play a very big role in this campaign of being Vocal for Local.

In schools, children can be taught to identify “Make in India” products through projects and activities. You can teach this playfully. For example, as an assignment, children can prepare a list of how many things in their home are Swadeshi. As I said earlier, they can present it the next day in class. Families can then decide that this month we’ll reduce non-Swadeshi items by this much, next month by that much. Gradually, the entire family will shift to Swadeshi. I would even suggest that if a school has, say, ten classes then each class can take turns to hold a morning rally in the village with placards promoting Swadeshi. One day it can be Class 1, the next day Class 2, the third day Class 3, and so on. This way, the atmosphere of Swadeshi, Swadeshi, Swadeshi will constantly remain alive in the village. I believe this can greatly strengthen the economic power of the country. If every individual contributes even a little, the dream we have envisioned, which is to make the country a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, can be achieved. And tell me, who would not want the country to be developed? Nobody! But for that, we must begin somewhere. We must make the effort.

Friends,

In our schools, we celebrate different kinds of festivals and events. We can also bring the message of Swadeshi into these celebrations. We should see how we can use Indian products for decoration, or how in art and craft classes we can use indigenous materials. Such practices will create an atmosphere that nurtures the spirit of Swadeshi in children from an early age.

Friends,

In schools, we celebrate many special days. Then why not also celebrate a “Swadeshi Day”, a “Swadeshi Week”, or a “Local Products Day”? If we run this as a campaign, with you teachers leading it, you can make a huge contribution in giving society a new identity and direction. An environment can be created where children bring a local product from their homes and share its story, where it was made, who made it, and what importance it holds for the country. Children can also connect with local manufacturers and artisans, families who have been practicing handicrafts for generations. Schools can invite such people to interact with the students, to share their experiences. Even during birthday celebrations, when gifts are exchanged, children can be encouraged to give Made in India items, proudly saying, “Look, this is Made in India, I brought this especially for you.” In short, we must make Made in India the basis of our lives. We must carry this forward as our responsibility. By doing so, values like patriotism, self-confidence, and dignity of labour will naturally become a part of our social life. This will inspire our youth to link their personal success with the progress of the nation. And this, I believe, is the greatest formula for building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. I am confident that all of you, as teachers, will join this great mission of nation-building with a sense of duty. And when you shoulder this responsibility of making our country stronger, we will surely achieve the results we desire. Once again, I warmly congratulate all of you for receiving this prestigious national award. And today, I have done what you usually do—I have given you homework! I am fully confident that you will complete it. Thank you very much!

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MJPS/VJ/VK