Opinionated Man(aopinionatedman.com) is asking for posts from people who value the importance of voicing his/her opinion. So here sits this white, American woman talking about Mr. Modi, the current Chief Minister in Gujarat, India! Why you might ask? We stayed in Ahmedabad, the capital city of Gujarat, for four months. India is just on the precipice, poised to either soar to the heavens or continue in timidity while remaining under the control of a royal family! What, the British handed over the country in 1947, you might say? But when they left, the Nehru/Gandhi family was there to step in. More about them later.
First, I want to introduce Mr. Modi to you. From the picture you can see his vision and though words are cheap, he has lived by them. He was born in Gujarat into a lower, middle class family. His first entrance into business was with his brother as teenagers running a tea stall near the train terminal. He worked his way up through the ranks in the pre-BJP. to the BJP of today. In 2001, he was ready to step into the failing shoes of Mr. Patel, and replace the inept administrator ,who was accused of corruption and abuse of power . Mr. Modi believed in privatization, capitalism, small government, and this began his rise to “rock star” status.
In. 2002, there were wide-spread anit-Muslim riots in Gujarat. Radical Muslims had burned a train of Hindu pilgrims and this began the riots. Mr. Modi has been accused of turning a blind eye to the Muslim persecution, but a court has ruled that he was not complicit in these horrendous crimes. The accusations have continued and the US has denied him a visa for a visit several times because of demonstrations here. In America, I thought someone is considered innocent until proven guilty? I wonder what will happen if he is appointed Prime Minister? Since 2002, there have been no more anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat.
In the mean time, Glittering Gujarat has begun to shine in India and the world under his leadership. He has been elected three times by his constituents and there is evidence as to why. Gujarat is the fastest growing state in India, the economy is the fastest growing in India, best IT area ( Mr. Modi is quite proud that all his police are computer literate), and in a country where place after place that we visited had blackouts of electricity, Gujurat is selling excess back to the company. I remember only once in all the time that we were there , a black out of only a few minutes. The agriculture profits have grown to 9.6% , the highest in this mostly agrarian country and he has a triving International Kite Festival and hosted an international conference on economics this year. One statistic that I was amazed at was that when Mr. Modi became CM, there were 11 colleges in and around Ahmedabad and now there are 42! It is being called the Boston of India. All those young people are poised to take on the world! Mr. Modi says that India has the largest population of educated youth in the world. ( China has the one child family planning policy.) The young people are energized and love Mr. Modi. He is their hope for positive change. Tourism is up 30% in two years thanks in part to the “Breathe in a Bit of Gujarat) beautiful professionally made commercials These promote tourist destinations and are narrated the beloved Bollywood star, Amatabh Bachchan who is set to film his third round of promotions.
Now to the Congress Party , the party in power nationally. I was shocked watching them on TV and reminded of the royal family in Britain with their distance from the people and seemingly bored indifference. Dr. Singh, who is the Prime Minister, never speaks, doesn’t hold news conferences or connect with the people. It is said that he is the ” place holder” until Rahul, who is the current VP, is ready to be Prime Minister. He will be the fifth generation of this family to be in power, if his party is reelected. The Guardian paper had a very clear quote about the Gandhi family(2007) :
“The Nehru/Gandhi family brand has no peer in the world-a member of the Gandhi family has been in charge of India for 40 of the 60 years since independence. The allure of India’s first family blend the right to rule of the British monarchy with the tragic glamour of the American Kennedy clan.”
Mr. Rahul Gandhi appears distant and disinterested on TV. He has made no major contributions to the country and is merely waiting his coronation,unless the people of India have had enough of this family and their lack- luster contributions to the country. India continues the Parliamentarian form of elections so there is no direct election of Prime Minister, as is the case in Britain.
Let me finish with two Narendra Modi stories. When asked if he was going to provide each student with a laptop upon graduation he replied, ” I am providing a good education so that they can get a good job and buy their own laptop!”
During the horror and tragedy in Uttarakhand this year, the government and many of the the states sent food and supplies in large buses , not thinking that roads were no longer accessible or even there. Mr. Modi sent helicopters filled with supplies and saved many stranded , hungry souls.
Naremdra Modi is a smart, seasoned politician. He has vision and the will to carry it out with hard work and determination. He has a proven record in Gujarat as charismatic, a vibrant eloquent speaker, and a leader to give hope and tools to the youth of India. He may be a Rambo, sometimes in style, but his state loves him and what he has done to bring prosperity to all Gujarati citizens. He is ready now to take his “Modi Model” to the whole country and be the leader for all of India. India is ready to become a leader in the world but they need a strong leader to guide them. Namo Modi is the man!
( My husband laughs at me and says I should be Mr. Modi’s American campaign manager….hmmm.. . . . .. . . “Namo, I am waiting by the phone!”)
Namaste. . . . This is Incredible India!
TalesAlongTheWay 
Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
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Gujarat the pioneer state in India! Nice article Anne,the American campaigner for Mr.Modi (well your husband is right).
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LOL. . . . thanks for commenting and I agree for sure! You made my husband laugh! Namaste. . .Anne
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🙂
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Your husband is bang on… Mr Modi and his campaign manager will be happy to read this. You have described him very well. I am definitely looking forward to him at the helm.
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You made my husband and me laugh…must be a British expression …..bang on! So glad you liked it. Namaste. . .. Anne
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You surprise me every time Anne. It is unbelievable that how much sensitivity and openness you carry when yu approach different countries and cultures, be it their architecture, their folks, their tea stalls or the leaders.. It is amazing. And yes you can be an amber an campaign manager for Modi…but only nobody can vote from here :).
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So Indians living abroad don’t get to vote? In the US if you are out of the country, you can vote absentee ballet early or have one mailed to you wherever you are. We did that once from Rome. Namaste. . . . .. Thanks for your kind words!
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Do you have any knowledge about Indian population..we don’t need outdoors vote..bang on
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It’s unfortunate that you’re also fooled by by propaganda called Modi-fication! I felt sad that there are many flawed theory in your article! Your experience in Gujrat may be nice but that is a very personal thing and if you’re also calling Gujrat a vibrant state then I would just request you to check your facts Anne (http://pheku.in/)
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Hi Uckbarr, I was out when your comments came in. I have been reading with interest the link you sent, but I haven’t finished it. I will listen to every word. I am very glad you sent me your take on the elections in India and I will reply. Just wanted to touch base until later! Now we are going out again. Until later. . . ..namaste. . . Anne
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I really venerate you Anne for the kind of grace that you’ve shown in accepting my critical remark to your post! I am fully aware that you’re way smarter and experienced than me in this journey we call life! So, here I’m not trying to prove anything to you but I believe that it’s a duty of each one of us to show or at least to inform someone that they are misguided and even Jesus says in Bible (Hebrews 13:16):
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. ”
No, here I’m not alluding at any kind of sacrifice but just trying to bring to your kind notice that the Gentleman whom you’ve praised in your above post has the same stature among Muslims or for that matter, all “Human” beings as Hitler has for Jews! (http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2013/01/5758)
Once again I sincerely thank you for you not only paid heed to my point but minutely observing it too!
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Oh goodness, I don’t need veneration, but thank you. I like you am a pilgrim along the path of life! I was startled in the link above. The comparison to Hitler is distressing. I think that when people make wild accusations, they become marginalized in the conversation. There are no work camps, concentration camps, no invasion of other states or countries. The water accusation rang true, taken for use in the industries …but the output of agriculture is the highest in the country. How could that happen without water?
I tried to make it plain at the beginning of my post that these were only my opinions and of course, I will not be voting. Are you in country and eligible to vote? It is a God-given right and responsibility. I fell in love with your wonderful country and especially the warm , kind, generous people I met. I pray for wisdom and blessing for you all! One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6
Peace! Anne
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Dear Anne,
You have mentioned in your reply above that “There are no work camps, concentration camps…” I agree and we all are thankful to God that there were ‘no work camps and concentration camps’ but it’s needless to say that these are not the only form of torture and violence! There were many gory incidents in Gujrat and even the thought of listing them here shudders me and send chills down my spine! With a heavy heart I would say that these are not merely some “wild accusations” but unfortunate and subdued facts!
You’ve further mentioned that “no invasion of other states or countries.” and actually this fact has made it all the more painful and unfortunate, don’t you feel Anne?? Lemme explain it, take two scenarios here, in the first case – “Suppose I’ve been attacked or harmed by an unknown person and in the second case – by someone whom I have know personally or lets say my neighbor has attacked me!” The physical harm may be same in both the cases but obviously I’ll be more pained in the second case for the fact that the attacker was not any invader or from some other country but my fellow citizen, someone whom I’ve known for years!!
You have written that “…the output of agriculture is the highest in the country.” And no, here I will not provide you with another link to counter your point but for the time being lemme also believe in all the development claims of Mr. Modi in Gujrat but my only question to anyone who raise this point is that “Will you forgive me if I’ll wipe out whole of your clan and then give you a developed state in return, will you forgive me if I’ll brutally murder some of the family members of yours and shows you some promising graphs of growth?? No, obviously not! No one ever will! After all whom we earn for? Whom we share our joy with? The unanimous answer is OUR FAMILY and if there is no family to share then what’s the use of all these so called development and hollow prosperity??
If Mr. Modi take pride and claims all the developments of Gujrat then he should also claim responsibility of those thousands massacred under his leadership but NO, instead of saying a simple “Sorry” to his people he quoted Albert Einstein and said – “to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction!” Huh, this gentleman can’t be our Prime Minister!
Sorry, I had no plans or intentions to drag you ( a non-indian) into this but I’ve mentioned all this coz it’s a question of humanity and not just of a single nation! As I write this a quote of Pablo Casals is knocking on my head, he once said – “The love of one’s country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?”
Having said all this, I would add here that it’s your blog and as you mentioned it’s your opinion and if I’ve crossed any limits anywhere in my reply then I beg for your pardon Anne as I have no ulterior motives behind all this explanation. This was only from a humanitarian angle and I do not believe in hate and revenge but wrong people must be checked; in Gujrat or elsewhere!
Take-care!
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Dear Uckbarr,
After reading your comments, my head is swimming with questions. Where is the media? How could all this be covered up? I don’t think that there could be a cover-up in the US of such atrocities so it is hard to believe it is true in India…but you speak so well and passionately! What you said reminds me of a resent read IN THE GARDEN OF THE BEASTS by Erick Larson. It is set in Berlin, in the years before Hitler pressed out into the world. It is non fiction written in prose style. It chronicles how Hitler chipped away at people’s freedom a little at a time to hide his true plans. You might like it.
Please know that I thank you for telling me all this from your heart. You have in no way offended me! Also, I have approved each and everyone of your comments to appear on my blog for anyone who wants to , may read.
May the Lord have mercy on us all!
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First things first! Thanks for approving all my comments and it shows that you’re brave and sincerely trying to go to its depth!
You asked where is the media? Most of the media is biased and are already sold and no, this is not some cynical approach but a shameful fact!
There is still some silver lining to these black clouds and I would request you to go through the following link to know how it was covered up:
http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107OverviewGodhra.asp
Thanks for recommending me The Garden Of The Beasts! I’ll definitely read it!
You’ve mentioned twice about “passion” in my writing and I would just say that I can’t help it Anne! I believe there are some issues which would be reduced to mere hypocrisy if the requisite passion or compassion is missing from there!
I believe “Humanity is slowly becoming anarchic” and this is just my small step to save it!
Take-care!
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People are usually surprised that I am usually pretty open-minded. I don’t like to be yelled at but who does? I learn lots from lots of people! I will have to read The God of Small Things as you are not the first to recommend it to me. I am reading two books now. One if written by a blogger friend….tale of redemption set after the Civil War in the US. Other is a mystery for my book discussion group later in the month. I am not a fast reader and actually I prefer to be writing my blog more than reading. But am really thankful I have the blog and that there are readers out there. That never ceases to amaze me! Namaste…..Let’s keep in touch! Anne
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No, it’s not tit for tat that we’re playing here so don’t worry about that. It’s a kind of debate. In fact I’m happy that you sent me this link! The “esteemed attorney” of whose article you’ve sent can’t be taken as a proof for anything in this debate coz of the following three points:
First, being a BJP MP, (same party as of Mr. Modi) it’s obvious that Mr. Ram Jethmalani has written from a partisan perspective only to please his boss – Mr. Modi! It’s universally accepted fact that we NEVER take into account the testimony of the complicit/family members of a murderer while framing the charges for the accused.
Second, it’s no doubt that Mr. Jethmalani is a big name in the Indian Courts but the so called “esteemed” status has been taken away long ago from him. Lately, in his fraternity he has been reduced to just an erratic lawyer. (I know this personally as my father is also an advocate and we discuss politics quite often) Mr. Jethmalani has a long record of backing criminals (Harshad Mehta, Ketan Parekh, Haji Mastan and Manu Sharma to name a few! ) Please go through this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Os-yqbitHk
And finally, it’s quite obvious that Mr. Jethmalani is also one of those who is influenced by the propaganda that Mr. Modi will be India’s next Prime Minister (sic) and had written this article with an intention of encashing this article later!
One more point, the “evidence” on which Mr. Jethmalani has tried to give a clean chit to Mr. Modi has already been exposed by investigative media : Godhra – The Diabolic Lie
http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main35.asp?filename=Ne031107Godhra.asp
I don’t want to drag you further into all this but if you’re really interested into knowing the truth then watch – Final Solution: a documentary (made by a Hindu)
I would like to remove one more doubt from your mind; if you’re thinking of me as an ardent Congress follower then I’m sorry, I’m not! In fact, I hate Congress as much as my other compatriots do but given a chance to select between “someone brazen” (BJP) and “someone hypocrite” (CONGRESS) then I would definitely be compelled to go for the latter!
Take-care
PS – I’m sorry I’ve not approved your comment on my post coz it was out of context there and neither I have replied to your comment on another post (Albergo Sole, Roma) coz there also it was out of context. I’m replying here under Mr. Modi, hope you don’t mind!
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I watched the interview which was hard to understand having no reference of the women they were discussing.
I was surprised at the level of rudeness mostly by the interviewer.
I have the documentary on though I am not washing every seconding it. It is very distressing.
The burning train was shown. Do you agree that was a Muslim attack? (I don’t think that was addressed.)
Are you a communist ?
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The woman in discussion is Jessica Lal. Just Google it and you would know the facts and there is a movie also named “No one killed Jessica”
Truth can’t be ignored even if it is distressing! Watch the complete documentary as it has answers to many of your questions!
I neither agree nor disagree that the unfortunate train attack was carried out by Muslims! In fact, it’s quite hard to conclude, not only for me but for other investigative agencies too!
No, I am not a communist! I believe our life is too short to observe these lunatic politicians! I have rather an artistic approach to life!
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Well, I don’t think that even in incredible India, can a huge train spontaneous combust! I have to get ready for a couple of the students we took to India are coming over in a few. I have decided that I will watch the whole 2 1/2 hour documentary with my full attention, maybe tomorrow.
An artistic approach to life. . . . how does that work exactly? Until tomorrow. . . .
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Anne you’ve got all the right to think whatever you want and I don’t deny that the train incident was spontaneous but why are you shying away from believing that the killing of more than 2000 Muslims can’t be spontaneous too?? It was preplanned and state sponsored pogrom!
If you find hard to watch that documentary (which indeed is) then you can watch an alternative movie: (it’s an English film)
An artistic approach is a very personal thing and it’s not necessary that it will work for everyone! When I said artistic approach then I meant ‘a humanitarian approach rather than a socialist approach’
Take-care!
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Now of course I didn’t think that. I am sure something happened . I don’t know the authenticity of the film. I just wonder,too, with this being on the net , why aren’t ALL of the people who hate Mr Modi using it to bring him down? Where are the journalists? He is not PM yet, his power is limited. . . I hope you are asleep now. I am sure you will have answers for my questions but not my doubts. Domani . . . .
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It’s quite sad that you chose to question the authenticity of the film when you should be questioning the character of modern day Hitler – Mr. Modi! I hope you believe that those killed in Gujrat, be it Muslims or Hindus or Christians, all were “authentic” people!
This is for your reference regarding the authenticity of the film:
Wolfgang Staudte award & Special Jury Award (Netpac), Berlin International film festival (2004)
Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Documentary, HongKong International film festival (2004)
Montgolfiere d’Or (Best Documentary) & Le Prix Fip/Pil’ du Public (Audience award), Festival des 3 Continents at Nantes (France; 2004)
Best Film, Freedom of Expression awards by Index on Censorship (UK; 2005)
Silver Dhow, Zanzibar International film festival (2004)
Best documentary, Big MiniDV (USA; 2004)
Special Jury Award, Karafest (Karachi; 2004)
Special Jury Award, Film South Asia (Kathmandu; 2005)
Human Rights Award, Docupolis (Barcelona; 2005)
Special Jury Mention, Munich Dokfest (2004)
Special Jury Mention, Bangkok International filmfest (2005)
Nominee, Best Foreign Film, Grierson Awards (UK; 2004)
Best Documentary/Short Film, Apsara Awards(India;2006)
Special Award by NRIs for a Secular and Harmonious India (NRI-SAHI), NY-NJ, USA (2004)
Special Award by AFMI, USA-Canada (2004)
Special Jury Award, Worldfest 2005 (Houston)
Special Jury Award, Mar Del Plata Independent film festival (2005; Argentina)
Screened at over 80 international film festivals.
If you still doubt the authenticity of the film then I don’t have much to say but just this much – “There are still few people who deny holocaust! and we can’t help them”
No one here is trying to pull down or to hate anyone, all they are asking is JUSTICE!
And mind you, it’s not journalists who pull down governments, it’s the people and when the time will come I hope Mr. Modi will be answered appropriately by the people of India!
I may sound upset in my reply but actually I’m not. I am feeling sad and tired of this endless volley of positives and negatives!
I have already given you sufficient matter to give all this an afterthought. Now it all depends on you Anne!
This was my final reply on this post. May God bless you!
Take-care!
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Good morning Uckbarr, I agree that it is better to end our discussion, but I just want to thank you for taking all the time you have to tell me the story you hold so dearly in your heart. I really do appreciate it. My knowledge has definitely increased and my mind is stretched. That is a good thing!
I just want to encourage you to use your gifts, a terrific mind, your words…..great debater and thinker to make the world…and you little piece of it by getting involved. The poor and downtrodden in India need you to be their voice.I have no doubt you can make a difference for good with your passion and eloquence. Let’s stay in touch! May God bless and use you ! Namaste. . . . .
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Hi Anne, Nice that u have written something about Modi from your experience, i will request you,, not to believe what others say but only believe what u have seen. The above person “uckbarr” has used a website pheku.in, which was created with the sole aim of maligning Modi. I would like u to check this out “http://www.niticentral.com/2013/08/24/phekuin-yet-another-congress-failure-to-malign-modi-123435.html”. I would also have believed pheku.in, if i had not seen that pic used to say Gujarat is dirty and unhygienic, that place used in the pic in the website is in chennai where i stay. And its for u to decide how u want to see modi. Namaste
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I haven’t seen the website you mentioned but I will go and see it. Thanks for your time. God bless India! Namaste. . .
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I just visited your blog after listening to some more of the sad testimonies about Gujarat.I have no doubt that these are true accounts as I have had other Indian people disagree with my persecutions on Mr. Modi. And no, I am not upset with you . You stated your case well , yest with a lot of passion, but you were not disrespectful of me. I am interested in knowing who Pheku is. Can you tell me? Do you live in Gujurat? You are obviously very intelligent, well educated and your English is excellent. I would love to know your background….education and your work.
I am also curious about who you think will provide a better life for India and Indians in the 2014 elections? I just read an interesting post on this new person on my blog.
peddarowdy.wordpress.com I was touched by your use of scripture as I am a Christian and try to live by the wisdom given to us there. Please let’s keep in touch and talking…..blessings….Anne
You are a gifted writer and the poetry is lovely but oh so sad. Another Indian with poetry in his heart! 😎
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Hey thanks for dropping by and going through my blog and thanks for showing interest in me! I define myself as ‘a sophisticated mortal-being’! I live in New Delhi. I am a Mechanical Engineer by education and a Lifestyle Accessory Designer by passion! I write poetry in Urdu! I am not trying to be modest but it’s a fact that my English is not so good but even though I blog in English partially coz it’s a universal language and partially coz I am in love with this language! Now if you’ll ask where did cupid struck me for this love then I would say “at my school” It’s a 200 year old missionary school and do you know what’s the funny thing about that?? Obviously you don’t know so lemme tell you, the funny thing is that ‘my grandfather and I went to the same school’ 🙂 isn’t it amazing??
I have never been to The States but admire it for its diversity! New York is on my Bucket-List and with God’s will, I will go there one day! My father has lived in the US for a year though! We live in a joint family and he is a family man so he returned back! He used to live in Michigan. Actually scores of my relatives (mostly from my maternal side) lives in all over America and particularly in Chicago. I have a pen friend from America also. Her name is Kristian Roddy. She is a single mother and lives in her RV!
Do you know Anne, I don’t believe in borders! I really don’t! People may question my patriotism but I tell them that I love this country, in fact I am a bigger patriot coz I love all the countries! 😉 I firmly believe that God has created the whole world for us but it’s we, the humans who have divided it into countries and given it different fancy names! I’ve declared myself a World Citizen, same on the line of Arundhati Roy! Do you know her? She is a great writer and a Man Booker Prize(1997) winner for ‘The God Of Small Things’ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arundhati_Roy) I’m recommending you this novel and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with her style!
I love children as in my religious scripture too they have been referred as “God’s friends” All other things on the planet can give me happiness but a child gives me – Bliss!! I have plans to become a full time traveler (Read ‘Nomadic Lonely Soul’ on my blog) and when I would retire then I would open a School in Laddakh and spend all my time with children!
You asked who is this Pheku, actually it’s an indigenous jocular term for ‘someone who brags’ and we all know who he is: Yes, you’re right – Mr. Modi!
Hey I am so sorry, all this while I was selfishly talking about myself so now I guess it’s your turn Anne! Tell me anything you would like to share with me! Now I guess I can thank Mr. Modi at least for the fact that coz of him I have found a friend in you!
Take-care! Good night!
PS – One more thing about myself that can’t go unnoticed is my – verbosity! I feel ashamed to drag you all through my lengthy replies and I thank you for your patient reading!
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Dear Verbose friend! Whew… you do have lots to say! 😎
I have to laugh first as you are another Indian engineer who has a poet’s heart. Do you know how many bloggers who fit that description? Well, I don’t actually , but there are lots. I,too, love children and I actually miss my teaching , but I retired so I could go to India. My husband knew I would love it and I am so glad I went. I think there are only two position tourists take in India, either love it or hate it. There don’t seem to be people who just like it! We had been in Egypt and so I have seen so poverty, though it still is very sad to see.
I love the story about you and your grandfather going to the same school! Going to say Namaste….and will answer the other comments!
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I would not have bothered to comment, if you had not used the website “pheku.in”. That website is sponsored by congress in order to malign modi and gujarat. check this out “http://www.niticentral.com/2013/08/24/phekuin-yet-another-congress-failure-to-malign-modi-123435.html”
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Thank you for your comment. I have all your comments on my post for today. Go and see! Namaste
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“sponsored by congress”?? The only thing that I know that it’s backed by some hard core Congress-haters and I’m one of them!! I have nothing much to debate here!
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Uckbarr, I am so glad to hear from you again. Namaste.
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Reblogged this on My blog- K. Hariharan.
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Thanks for the reblog! Namaste. . . ..
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Reblogged this on Words of Venkat G and commented:
Excellent Post by @AnneBell2123rd Mr. Modi
May your words “He is ready, India is ready , Namo Modi is the man!” come true.
God Bless You Anne
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Thanks for the reblog! I am excited for India to have a strong , competent leader! Namaste. . . .. .
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Namaste Anne
I believe one way the point of strong leadership can be told to people in India is to show the contrast and I chose the title. Misses Misleads Singh and wrote few posts . Please take a look and share if you like.
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I looked at your posts. Will remember to pass them on. Thanks. . . Namaste
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Ms Anne
Grateful for your kind effort of spending four months and telling from experience
with an excellent timely post on Sri Narendra Modi.
To me, he is INDIAN DREAM
India needs him now..
NaMo Namah..
Regards
Venkat Gandhi
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Wow, I like that Indian Dream…..you know not everybody feels this way, but I think he will be a wonderful strong leader to LEAD India out into the world! Namaste. . . . .. . .
Thanks for the comment!
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I have been using it since
I visited Vibrant Gujarat 2013 in Jan 2013 after seeing him in Tokyo last year.
NaMi is Indian Dream
Rose in Vadnagar 2
Nagpur 2
Gandhinagar 2
Heading to Hastina (Delhi)
Once again thanks for kind wishes and support to NaMo, Anne.
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You are welcome. Any idea when the elections will be held in 2014?
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What does that list mean that is under MaMo is Indian Dream?
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My Guess about next elections.
If I were heading congress I would have opted to go for Nov 2013 simply to cut losses and check the potential possibility of Sri Modi sweeping National elections after thumping victories in MP, Chatisgarh and Rajasthan to happen in Nov/Dec 2013
Knowing Congress has lost touch with the pulse of people, it may most likely to opt for elections in Feb 2014 instead of April/ May 2014 that it has no choice as Election commission will announce automatically.
About the List.
Vadnagar : is Birth Place of Sri Narendra Modi
Nagpur : is the Head Quarters of RSS where Sri Modi dedicated himself to the nation and has done his real graduation of social science and this is where the foundation of the Man we all admire to-day has happenned.
Gandhinagar is where he became first office of Public Servant as CM of Gujarat sent by then our PM Sri Vajpayee to set right the totall mess in the party and administration in 2001
Hastina Refers to Hastinapuri the old and original name of Delhi and thats where we Modi is heading to for the good of India and the world..
There are good biography videos in Hindi on youtube, will share if I find english to you
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Great! I don’t do Hindi! 😎
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It came to me as a pleasant surprise when i started going through your blog right from your “about me” section and reached this post.
Hats off to your acute, in depth understanding of India, which is very uncommon not only among the visitors but also among the natives of this piece of land.
While i was going through the comments section it intrigued me to a great extent that in spite of being an Indian, I find myself unable to decide what actually was the truth about Godhra.
I resorted to some “Googling” and found this article by Mr.RamJethmalani a renowned lawyer of Supreme court of India.
I felt that this article has got umpteen facts tightly capsuled, which will help us understand incident of godhra with a broader perspective to those who find themselves reading this post about Modi.
And it was a delight going through your blog.
Keep up the good work ! 🙂
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Thank you for the lovely comments and all that reading! I can’t expalin it but I just connected to India right away and enjoyed every minute of our time there. I hope you will visit again soon and often. . . .. namste. . . .
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It came to me as a pleasant surprise when i started going through your blog right from your “about me” section and reached this post.
Hats off to your acute, in depth understanding of India, which is very uncommon not only among the visitors but also among the natives of this piece of land.
While i was going through the comments section it intrigued me to a great extent that in spite of being an Indian, I find myself unable to decide what actually was the truth about Godhra.
I resorted to some “Googling” and found this article by Mr.RamJethmalani a renowned lawyer of Supreme court of India.
http://www.sunday-guardian.com/analysis/let-truth-be-known-about-modi
I felt that this article has got umpteen facts tightly capsuled, which will help us understand incident of godhra with a broader perspective to those who find themselves reading this post about Modi.
And it was a delight going through your blog.
Keep up the good work ! 🙂
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Hi, I am overwhelmed by your kind comments. I always think I may be overstepping my boundaries as an American who just spend 4 months in India….certainly not an expert on anything Indian! The Mr. Modi post is the top of the list! All I know is that I found India fascinating and welcoming, and something just clicked with me meeting the Indian people no matter how briefly…they became friends. So everything I have written was from my heart as I am not an intellectual . . . .just a simple person. I read the link you sent and think a man of his stature with impeccable credentials can speak with authority. I am forwarding it to uckbarr, who is my friend, but has a very passionate, well thought out and and sincere opposite opinion. I have not doubt he will read it and give his thoughts, which is great . Freedom of speech is such a marvelous gift, is it not? Thank you for reading all my posts…and I am glad you could tell that I love incredible India! Namaste. . . . . ..
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Namaste !
I disagree with you completely that you might be overstepping your boundaries, because i believe boundaries are meant for cowards to remain in their comfort zone free from any adversities.
I feel having boundaries is to be unjust with the intellect gifted to us by almighty.
But i agree with you about that marvelous gift of freedom of speech.
George washington had said
“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
It was a pleasure visiting your blog and conversing with you. Thanks a lot for everything !
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What a lovely comment….many thanks. It is heartwarming to hear the words of George Washington coming from a kind Indian brother. I just don’t want to insult an Indian for being so presumptuous to voice opinions on your country. This blog started on just that…my opinions on India and not everybody’s! Please stop by my blog again soon and often. I hope you will find something you might like again! I wrote a post on Three Flawed Politicians back in July if you want to hunt for that in the archives. Namaste. . . . ..
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I lived in India for about 4 years in the early 2000s and was there at the time of Gujarat riots. It appears that these riots were publicized for years like no other riots in the country partly because it occurred in a state ruled by a party other than the party of the Nehru-Gandhis. Horrible riots did occur during the rule of the Nehru-Gandhis or other leaders of their party but no one seems to remember them any more. The Nehru-Gandhis have been at the helm for several decades and most institutions of significance including the media houses appear to be controlled by members of the elite families that have traditionally been loyal to the Gandhis or their powerful supporters.
Modi has his weaknesses and negative points (which are highly exaggerated by his political opponents and activists promoted by the dynasty loyalists) but he appears to suggest the right path for the country at this time. Some points mentioned in the blog like the fastest growing state in all fronts or Ahmedabad going to become India’s Boston etc. seem a little exaggeration but the governance in Gujarat is certainly moving in the right direction in these years. Hope the same approach will be followed in the whole country in the coming years.
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Hi Gemmi, Thank you for taking the time to read my post and comment on it. It is interesting to see all the different takes on the political situation in India. I have been posting everything that comes in for all the Indians , especially, to read. I love the “fire in the belly” for politics in your country.
One thought on Ahmedabad being called the Boston of India. It is only about the number of universities there now under Mr. Modi, the growth from 11 to now 42 under Mr. Modi. From someone who has visited Boston many times, there are not many other similarities. Boston has , I believe, 50 schools of higher learning . Ahmedabad has also been called “Manchester of India” because of the cloth and milling industry.
I agree wholeheartedly to your comment that Mr. Modi has negative as well as positive qualities. Gracious, Mr. Jefferson and Gen. Washington both had slaves, but they still continued to be powerful leaders for Democracy!
Namste. . . . . .. .
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Hi annetbell, I have not read this post of yours but I will. When I visited this page, what caught my attention is someone requesting you to visit the website ‘www.pheku.in’. I recommend you read this blogpost ‘http://www.mediacrooks.com/2013/08/namo-inspires-new-comedy-channel.html#.UiYm8za1FN8’ which exposes some of the mistruths spread through ‘www.pheku.in’. The website is a much hyped one launched by some Modi- Haters about whom you can find information on the mediacrooks blog.
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Dear Tejas, Thanks so much for stopping by and reading My post on Mr. Modi. I had a little trouble finding the above link, but I am proud to say, I did! I an not at all tech savvy! Interesting to hear the other side from pheku.in and mediacrooks. It does appear to me, that the Gandhi/Nehru family are very sacred and desperate to hang on to the power they have held in incredible India for 40 of the 60 years of independence. Namaste. . . . .. .
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Annet,
Thanks for sharing your experience! Not sure if you know, But Narendra Modi is the most villified Political leader in India (probably world?). The main stream media in India have made it a mission to crucify him by hook or crook. His words have been twisted by editors and some interviewers have even had audacity to call him a terrorist while interviewing him. I see someone posted a link to tehelka. I would like to counter that by posting a link by Madhu Kishwar. She was one of the first people to criticize Narendra Modi for the Godhra riots. She changed her views on Narendra Modi and below is her experience (a little different than yours) of Gujarat. She wanted to see whether Muslims were mistreated in Gujarat and what the community thought of Narendra Modi.
http://www.manushi.in/articles.php?articleId=1685
Madhu Kishwar (unlike others who have posted here) have extensively traveled and documents various riot affected people in India (not just Godhra) and hence has a unique perspective.
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Dear Milind, Many thanks for stopping by, reading my blog, and commenting. I found your link quite a good contrast to the Final Solution documentary and other negative comments about Mr. Modi. It does make sense to me that he was new in the job as CM in 2002 and maybe paralyzed with indecision at the horrible situation. I was also interested and horrified to hear about the other Muslim riots during India’s history. I did know about the bloodbath at the Golden Temple under the Congress Party. Is funny that that one is all but forgotten ! Namaste. . . . .. . . Visit me again!
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Namaste Anne,
Its a pleasure writing to u. Many Modi haters say that the online fans of Modi are paid trolls, who are a part of his PR Machinary trying everything possible to build his image. I am Modi’s fan, I am an online freak, so u can call me an Online Fan, but definitely not a troll. Now there is a real fight going on between the MSM (main stream media) and SM (social media). The job of MSM is to portray Modi in the wrong way and malign him and the job of his fans online (SM) is to expose those lies of MSM (NDTV.com, IBNlive.in) and when we try to expose the lies, we are called “paid trolls”.
I will tell u briefly about me for u to judge how much crazy I am about NaMo. I am the eldest son of a Tea Vendor, I am working for BPO that handles Advertising Sales of UK agencies. My father when being in our hometown(kerala) during Emergency (1977) was an active member Communist Party of India(Marxist) – CPI(M) and been in Prison, when then PM of India – Indira Gandhi had jailed almost all members of the opposition party. My mother’s father was a member of the Indian National Congress and so was my mother until she married my father(not sure whom she supports now). I was also a supporter of CPI(M) till Jan 2012, when one of my friend made me realise that whatever the mess this country is in, the CPI(M) has a prt in it, because it gave outside support to congress in 2004 to form the government. Thats when i started researching about different opposition leaders and found Modi the most abused opposition leader. So i did a research on him separately.
There is a starting point for everything, and my starting point of MODIfication was electricity. In Chennai (the place where i live now) the power cuts on daily basis was 4-8 hours a day and Gujarat had an electricity of 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, this was the first thing that moved me towars NaMo. No riots in Gujrat from 2002 and still people criticize him for 2002, when many others states had a minimum of 5 riots every year. He speech at SRCC in Delhi in 2013 completely MODIfied me. This is the link for the transcript of that speech – http://www.leftbrainwave.com/2013/02/great-modern-speeches-modi-at-srcc-feb.html
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I was so touched by your sincerity, your background and your eloquence. I did read my Modi’s speech. I have seen him on TV speak without notes….very impressive! Thank you ! Namaste. . . ..
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An amazing article. You can surely be the American campaign manager for Mr.Modi
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Oh thank you so much. I am glad I have your vote! Namaste. . . .
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Hello! This is my first visit to your blog!
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have
done a marvellous job!
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Thank you . I am curious about your project and how my blog was of help to you ! Please share. Namaste. . . .
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I definitely agree with your husband, you should totally become Mr. Modi’s American campaign manager!
I am still trying to catch up on the provincial and federal politics in India since I was out of the country for the past 10 years. However, I have seen a lot of development in Gujarat after Mr. Modi has become the CM. Mr. Modi definitely has a lot of potential to be the next PM of India. The next election might be a close call since congress is pretty influential in other states than Gujarat, but it will definitely be an interesting race.
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LOL…thank you! I was curious since you are living in Gujarat what you thought of Mr. Modi. It will be an interesting election for sure. Please pass along any insights you learn in your learning process. Namaste. . . .
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Annetbell thanks for following my blog. This article is really good.
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Thanks!
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Reblogged this on Political Baba and commented:
Annetbell is a fellow blogger and keen follower of Indian Political Landscape and Political Baba. She is a retired elementary teacher and a enthusiastic discoverer of the wonderfully complex country of India.
She lived in Ahmedabad for four months and is pro-Modi after traveling around incredible India for a month. Her husband says she should be Mr. Modi’s American campaign manager! A crazy old white American woman in love with India and Modi, here’s what she has written on the “PHENOMENON MODI”. Interesting Read!
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Whatever you have written, I am sure you must have verified! I beg to differ!
There are 100s of point against Modi and many from your blog itself. First one is regarding your comment about Modi’s helicopter flying in Uttara Khand. I quote,
“During the horror and tragedy in Uttarakhand this year, the government and many of the the states sent food and supplies in large buses , not thinking that roads were no longer accessible or even there. Mr. Modi sent helicopters filled with supplies and saved many stranded , hungry souls”
I am myself a helicopter pilot and knew what was happening there. There was news about Modi going to the devastated area in his helicopter and evacuating 5000 Gujarati!!!
When, every one understood his fake propaganda, his party(Mind it, he never said anything on the lies!) clarified that none were evacuated. The helicopter, belonging to Gujarat Government, went back with him!
Not to lengthen the article, rest I will clarify later, as and when required, except that Modi is a perpetual liar and as he is a good orator, thrives on communal hatred and is famous for treachery against his own people who helped them rise up the ladder!
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When Mr. Modi flew to the disaster area, he didn’t take and drop supplies for those poor souls? And would you expect that he would not have taken Gujaratis out , but leave them and take others? I , of course , am not a eye witness and only read those stories. Though I am an eye witness to Ahmedabad and Baroda. Have you been there? There is electricity, adequate roads and police out and about , directing traffic and there are stop lights that people obey.
Actually, I have heard that since there is good employment in Ahmedabad, that Muslim people have gone there for work.
And I saw and talked to many young educated Indians at CEPT Univiersity and in the film industry who were most taken with Mr. Modi…inspired to work hard and join the middle class. Inspired by his life story. India needs a strong leader to take her out into her rightful place as a leader among nations and Mr. Modi is capable of doing that!
Are you supporting the Congress party?
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I am not a Congress supporter!
As far as carrying medicines and food in light weight helicopter is concerned, with passengers on board, not much can be carried, specially in VIP version. Even he carried few packets, whom did he deliver?
I have been to the most part of Gujarat, did not find anything to claim Development model
read
http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/report-plight-of-gujarat-riot-victims-shocks-un-rapporteurs-1667255
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Good morning!
There is no doubt that India has had a long sad history of religious attacks and attempts at ethnic cleansing. , Kashmir, Sikhs, and the reaction to Godhra train burning in Gujarat just to name a few. The police were Hindu and they chose not to stop the riots. Wrong but understandable. All I know about the helicopter incident was in the papers. Mr. Modi certainly has the media in his pocket, if what you say is true. I think the man has a true gift for politics and that includes helping the people. He promotes himself, but in so doing, he shows leadership and bravery. Returning to Patna to visit the families of the bombing. My, after living in Ahmedabad for 4 months, I could see the difference in continuous electricity, better roads, police presence , stop lights just to name a few things compared to the rest of India. Honestly, I think we will just have to agree to disagree on Mr. Modi. BTW, I am posting on him today! And remember I don’t vote in these elections! Namaste. . .
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Narendra Modi is on the lookout for yet another APCO
–Read More At: http://www.truthofgujarat.com/narendra-modi-lookout-yet-another-apco/#more-2424 Read more about Modi, who is against press freedom
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Good morning! I would like your readers to visit my post on Mr. Modi. . . . https://talesalongtheway.com/2013/08/30/mr-modi/
Just a couple of responses to your comment. Mr. Modi is a politician who obviously stirs hearts for and against him. He is running for PM in a country with a long history of assassinations. Of course he is going to have protection, but he showed fearlessness and love for the people when he returned to Patna to visit the families of the people killed in the bomb blast. Did Mrs. Gandhi do that? I think she was the one speaking that day, too. Oh course Mr. Modi wants positive press. Do you know any politician who doesn’t it? Maybe Dr. Singh who seems not to care about anything or Mr. Gandhi who makes mistakes in quoting history. He who is the prince seems only concerted with carrying on the dynasty without working or caring for the people. Royalty can be detached. What legislation has Mr. Gandhi sponsored to improve India and her people? Mr. Modi’s work turning Gujarat into a business and working person’s state is well known.
And the terrible 2002 riots.. . . .yes terrible…..and let’s not forget the train fire set by Muslim rioters was horrible as well. This event that happened 11 years ago is the one and only blemish on the Modi tenure as CM. Is there anything else you all can criticize him for ? Your courts have cleared him of that charge. I had asked you if you are voting for Congress and you said no. Whom are you supporting? Does your candidate have a chance or are you just against Mr. Modi? The US is living through an administration lead by a man who had no experience leading and his approval rating is now only 39 % and there is much suffering at the roll out of Obama care and the fiasco that is. India, don’t make the same mistake! You have a chance to have a leader who is a visionary, has experience leading, is pro-business and full of ideas to inspire and encourage his fellow Indians. Is he egotistical, and arrogant…without an doubt, but you have to have pretty good self esteem to want this job as well as a strong record. He is an authentic lower middle class man, a tea wallah! Wow…he understands what the working class Indians’ life is like. He is a leader!
Oh yes, one more thing. . . .please. . .Why aren’t the other riots in India discussed? I don’t know all the history but I do know about the Sikhs and the Golden Temple massacre. That was Congress…why is that not continually mentioned?
Thank you for sharing. . . .namaste
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The insights that you have having lived only 4 months in India are truly astounding! I read not only the article but also the comments attached. As with every famous personality, Mr. Modi too has his share of followers and disbelievers. What I believe is that despite his shortcomings, Mr. Modi has a very dynamic personality and will be a much more effective prime minister than Mr. Manmohan Singh. I respect Mr. Singh as well and he is a very well educated man but he is not an efficient leader. Every person has had his history of wrongdoings and all the anti-Modi people highlight them whenever they encounter a Modi-supporter. Maybe he did all the wrong things that he is said to have done but that doesn’t take away anything from the fact that he’s changed the face of Gujarat. All I believe is that in a country plagued with corruption and indifference, change is required. Maybe Mr. Modi is the change, maybe he isn’t, who’s to say? But we have to give him a chance. If he has had wrongdoings, maybe he’ll be able to make up for them when he comes to term as PM. It’s up to the people to choose what the fate of the country for the next 5 years will be. Let’s see what the people decide! Namaste!
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What an articulate, passionate comment. You should use that for a post, my friend! Beautifully said!
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Thankyou! I will! 🙂
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http://www.truthofgujarat.com/madhu-kishwar-maligning-mansi-soni-investigate-stalker/
Modi ordered state machinery to stalk an innocent girl? Will you support Modi even after this expose?
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Good day , my friend K K, From your description this seemed like a travesty , but when read the Times of India account, it said her father asked Mr Modi for surveillance and protection for his daughter, this girl, while she was in Ahmedabad from Bangalore due to her mother having surgery in a local hospital. With the terrible acts of violence against women in India, this doesn’t seem unreasonable to me if the father was a friend of Mr. Modi.
Best, Anne
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Modi may have gift of gab but actually a very low level revenger, creep and saboteur! He has been CM for thrice as lack of any other worthy political party like CPM surviving in Bengal! He needs to be punished for all the crime he has undertaken including oppression to his own wife and using state power to shadow a woman like street urchin!
Read this link:- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Narendra-Modi-government-funded-NGOs-proxy-war-against-Lokayukta/articleshow/21737944.cms?intenttarget=no
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Hi, I have heard that a woman in a village has been found who says she is his wife and I read about the woman under observation. I don’t really see what this has to do with the election. Reading about mismanagement of funds is another matter, if that can be proved. I still feel with none to little experience there, that Modi is the best administrator to lead India out of the country out of the dark ages! I think his personal story of rages to riches will give hope to ordinary Indians that they too can do extraordinary things with their lives. In all fairness, I don’t know what happened in the riots , only God does. But none of us are perfect. I think Modi should be judged by his whole life. Indians will decide. The man in Delhi sounded impressive and now he is crumbling and not sure he can lead. India needs a leader! Peace and blessings!
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India needs tough rule, like JLPB(People’s ombudsman) supported by AAP which has formed government in Delih, and which Modi opposed desperately for 10 tears and once got kick from SC, enacted it but in diluted it so that he can not be prosecuted!
Once caught in snooping case, he is hiding behind Gujarat commission formed by him!!
Pradeep Sharma, when went to lodge FIR in police station, the Inspector, SP and DG police refused to do so as they are scared of Modi!!
If you call this good administration, them Hitler was more preferable!
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My brother was killed on D Day when he was wounded fighting to liberate France. You are entitled to your opinion of course, but I am not engaging in conversation with someone who feels and says such a thing as comparing Mr. Modi to Hitler. Please go back and study the history of that dreadful time!
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Yes Modi has done a lot in Gujarat, and there’s nothing denying it, but he has given more importance to the upper middle class and higher class people. Although villages have road connectivity and electricity the education is really poor.
Teachers are paid a mere sum of Rs 5,300 for 4 or 5 long years and only then given a permanent job. That’s 63,300 a year. How can a teacher work at such low cost. In one school there was only a principal managing 600+ students. Then when students protested 2 teachers were added. 2 teachers and principal teach school using CDs. There are no toilets in schools in villages.
I personally respect Modi, because few of my very good friends live their and they told me about Gujarat, But he had 11 years to develop the villages and he didn’t.
Frankly if he had developed villages, given proper school infrastructure in Villages and eradicated corruption I would have surely thought about giving him my vote! He needs to work in that area.
Again whatever he has done with the city like Ahmadabad is great but Gujarat also has villages and he needs to look after that too.
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Ah, I have never heard details about the rural school districts. I only know that there is a law for all children to be educated, and we would see little children walking to school in the villages in their uniforms. There were two terrible stories on the TV about the free school lunch in one village containing poison and killing many of the precious little ones. The other one, a male teacher being arrested for raping, killing, and dumping the bodies of three sisters into a well!
Your description of how the schools run is startling. I agree that class size does matter for optimum learning and sanitation is very important. Mr. Modi or someone needs to advocate for the village children.
I do know that Mr. Modi has increased the universities in and around Ahmedabad from 11 to 42 and no is called the Boston of India. I think he is stressing the educated youth, the highest in the world to become part of the world business community. But of course, the future is in the hands of the children. Is education better in other parts of India other than Gujurat?
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Well watch this and try to understand.
And check these links. :
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/kejriwal-finds-bakwas-in-gujarat-faces-protests-himself/
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/i-m-not-a-terrorist-modi-should-have-met-me-kejriwal/article1-1192261.aspx
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/narendra-modi-is-robert-vadra-of-gujarat-arvind-kejriwal-india-today-conclave/1/347372.html
Again personally I have nothing against him. I just think he should had worked on Villages during all these years!
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I was unable to understand the concave because it was not in English, but I read the reports. The unannounced drama in Gujarat was a made for TV variety. I remember hearing complaints of how Mr. Modi set-up his canal/solar panel project in relations to the farmers. As I said before, I have no personal knowledge of anything but the electricity in Ahmedabad and the roads, and stop lights and police at the huge intersections. My husband said that had improved in the two years since he had been there.
Is Mr. Modi a saint? Of course not. I have always felt that he should be the PM and Mr. Kejruiwala the CM from Delhi. That way the corruption charges and other things you have raised as has Mr. Kejriwala has raised would be address. But sadly, he was not able to form a government and only promises chaos in government. Is that what India wants for its first non Ghandi/Neru government? I think not. Mr. Modi is a visionary, and he is a leader, his personal story will inspire all Indians, but he needs to be held in check. He is very ambitious and wants to be on the international stage, this too will keep him in check or he loses his reputation. It is so easy to criticize and point the finger at someone in power, but not so easy to change things as Mr. Kejriwala discovered. I don’t think Indians will vote for a quitter or someone who only criticizes and nothing else!
Hare you read “What Young India Wants” by Chetan Bhagat?
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