Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said work of saints, seers and rishis had always been for the welfare of society.
The seers and saints do not tomtom about their efforts as they feel it was part of their duty to work for the welfare of the society, he said during his visit to Avadhoota Datta Peetham, an ashram founded by Sree Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, here.
"I have come here for first time but I know of the traditions here well", said Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Karnataka.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the annual Indian Science Congress here tomorrow as part of his engagements.
"Here (at the Peetham), social work has been given a big impetus. Work of saints, seers, rishis has always been for the welfare of society," Modi, who also inaugurated a hospital of the Peetham, said.
The Swamiji, who works for popularisation of "Raagaragini Vidya", an ancient musical tradition that is claimed to augment spiritual Sadhana and cure ailments, has set up the branches of his ashram in several countries. The seer, who conducts worldwide tours and holds concerts believed to provide healing benefits, is also implementing welfare projects across the country.
During his almost hour-long speech, Modi welcomed public
scrutiny of governments and said it was his responsibility to give an account of the work being done and every penny spent, unlike the governments in the past that never came forward with any such account.
On the issues of poverty and backwardness in the eastern belt, he said, "What is the reason that the eastern belt has not seen development? Why should the people from these areas migrate to western states for jobs? These states have been blessed with natural resources. You have the sea and the coal reserve and God has bestowed the resources on you generously. But then why are you still poor?"
The Prime Minister said, "The government seeks to develop the eastern part of the country. All our schemes are targeted towards the poor and we are giving priority to the development of these states."
Modi said all BJP-ruled states were developing faster than other states.
"Being a BJP worker, my only mantra is development. We see development in all BJP-ruled states. But where BJP is not there you can see what is happening, like in Odisha.
"BJP's objective is development. BJP is the other name for development. If we have to eradicate poverty, unemployment and bring about a change in life, we need development. It is the solution to all the problems," he said.
Attacking Congress governments, Modi said, "Previous governments thought they were good to the country. But we have seen the results. We believe in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."
He said the poor need the government's help in healthcare, education and other needs and schemes initiated by the Centre are aimed at empowering the poor so that they can work with the government as partners to fight and remove poverty.
Modi also took a dig at his opponents, saying the 'shahs'
sitting in air-conditioned rooms in Delhi worry so much about the country 24 hours a day least realising how the people have turned up in such large numbers in this 'missile city' (Balasore) to hear him despite the hot weather.
He said they have come only out because of love and affection for him even when there is no election, agitation or demand and this gave him strength to serve them better.
Presenting an account of the works done by his government, the Prime Minister said, "I am happy that before the people of Odisha, the country's 'pradhan sevak' is presenting an account of the works done. Did governments in the past come here to give an account. In the past 70 years has any government given such an account. When election comes, they would come up sops.
"We want to bring such a culture where governments and leaders are accountable and governments give an account of every minute and every pie. That is why I am in your midst to give an account. I am not giving it sitting in Delhi. This is not a celebration, but a responsibility."
Modi said the blessing of the people will help give him renewed vigour to work even harder and serve the people better to ensure that their dreams are fulfilled.
He listed various schemes initiated by his government in the past two years for welfare of every section in the society.
"When it comes to gender equality, though we are living in 21st century many people have a mindset that prevailed in the 18th century. It must change," he said as he referred to 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme. He also lauded girls for their achievement in various examinations.
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Modi also asked the people of Odisha to bring about a political change.
"You can look at the condition of states where BJP is yet to get a foothold," he said, apparently taking a dig at the Naveen Patnaik government.
