PM Modi is garlanded by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on his arrival in Ahmedabad. (Press Trust of India)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday stressed on self-sufficiency with self-respect as he launched 11 development schemes of the Gujarat government in Gandhinagar.
Addressing a well-attended gathering at an event organised by the Gujarat government at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Mr Modi said that self-sufficiency with self-respect will boost the morale of youngsters to help with the development of the nation.
Mr Modi also stressed the need to give equal opportunity to women and youngsters in rural areas.
The prime minister launched 11 new development schemes of the Gujarat government, which were announced in the Budget this year.
Describing the self-confidence of a boy, the Prime Minister said, "Just now I handed over a tablet to a youth from tribal area. That youth held me and said 'Happy birthday' and shook hands with me. This is the power of the Indian youth."
The Swavlamban Abhiyan launched by the Gujarat government aims at empowering tribal women and youth. It provides help for animal husbandry, women's milk cooperative society special scheme, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Yuva Sahsik Yojna and Nanaji Desmukh housing scheme for labourers.
Clad in a navy blue jacket with a saffron kurta, the Prime Minister arrived at the venue and said "Kem Chho" in Gujarati - to which the entire gathering in the convention hall stood up, cheered and wished him 'Happy birthday'.
Governor OP Kohli, Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, BJP President Amit Shah, ministers, office-bearers of the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a large number of beneficiaries from all over the state were present at the function amid tight security.