Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students aboard the Vande Bharat Express in Varanasi on Saturday, engaging them in discussions about cleanliness, national development, and the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The students shared their excitement over the train launch and the unique opportunity to meet the Prime Minister.
One student said, “This is my first time travelling on the Vande Bharat. I feel proud to be sitting on this train. PM Modi spoke to me about keeping Varanasi clean and contributing to building a self-reliant India.”
Another student shared, “PM Modi noticed my painting and asked about its theme. I explained that ISRO and DRDO inspired me, and he advised us to focus on cleanliness.”
A third student revealed, “I was selected through an essay competition on ‘Viksit Banaras,’ and PM Modi asked about it.”
Others described presenting poems or simply enjoying the experience, likening the train journey to being on an aeroplane and calling the interaction ‘wonderful’.
Infrastructure as a Driver of Development
Earlier in the day, PM Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi. While addressing the gathering, he emphasised the pivotal role of infrastructure in national growth.
He said, “Consider a region without a railway station. Once it is built, development begins naturally. When a road is constructed, farmers can reach markets, and progress starts. Infrastructure is not just bridges or buildings; it drives growth wherever it is established.”
The new trains, including Kashi–Khajuraho, Firozpur–Delhi, Lucknow–Saharanpur, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru, bring the total number of Vande Bharat trains in India to over 160.
PM Modi highlighted the trains as a testament to India’s growing capabilities. “Vande Bharat is for the people, by the people, and of the people. Earlier, such trains were considered impossible, but today we build them in our own country. Foreigners are amazed at this achievement.”
He further encouraged the public to recognise the link between infrastructure and the nation’s progress, citing Varanasi’s celebrations of Dev Deepawali as an example of the city’s vibrancy and cultural significance.
The interaction underscored PM Modi’s commitment to combining technological advancement with civic engagement, inspiring students to participate actively in nation-building.
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