Indian PM Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs  5,200  crore in Siwan, Bihar on Friday.

Extending greetings to all present, the Prime Minister paid respects to Baba Mahendra Nath and Baba Hans Nath, and invoked the sacred presence of Sohgara Dham.

He also offered salutations to Maa Thawe Bhawani and Maa Ambika Bhawani.

The Prime Minister honoured the memory of the nation's first President, Desh Ratna Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan.

Describing Siwan as an inspiring land in India’s freedom struggle, Shri Modi underlined that this land has empowered the nation’s democracy and strengthened the Constitution.

He highlighted that Siwan gave the country a great son in Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who played a pivotal role in both drafting the Constitution and guiding the country’s direction.

The Prime Minister further acknowledged Siwan’s contribution in the form of great social reformer Braj Kishore Prasad, who dedicated his life to the cause of women’s empowerment.

Shri Modi expressed happiness that the mission of such great souls is being advanced with strong resolve by the Union and State government.

He stated that today’s programme is a part of these continued efforts.

The Prime Minister announced that projects worth thousands of crores of rupees were inaugurated and foundation stones laid from the same platform, emphasising that these developmental initiatives will lead Bihar toward a brighter future and contribute to building a prosperous state.

Modi remarked that the projects will play a major role in the growth of regions like Siwan, Sasaram, Buxar, Motihari, Bettiah, and Arrah.

He highlighted that these initiatives will ease the lives of the poor, the deprived, Dalits, Mahadalits, backward and extremely backward communities and extended warm congratulations to the people of Bihar for these projects.

Stating that he had just returned from a foreign visit, Shri Modi shared that during the tour, he engaged in discussions with leaders of some of the world's most developed nations.

He highlighted that global leaders are deeply impressed by India’s rapid growth.

The Prime Minister remarked that these leaders see India emerging as the world’s third-largest economic powerhouse and affirmed that Bihar will play a major role in this transformation.

“A prosperous Bihar will significantly contribute to the country's overall development”, described Modi, attributing the confidence to the strength and capability of the people of Bihar.

The Prime Minister commended the people for eradicating the era of lawlessness in the state.

He observed that today’s youth in Bihar know the state's condition two decades ago only through stories and anecdotes.

Pointing out that they may not fully grasp the extent of deterioration caused during that period of misrule, Modi  emphasized that Bihar, which led India’s progress for centuries, had once become a symbol of forced migration due to the grip of previous regimes.

Emphasising that for every resident of Bihar, self-respect is paramount, the Prime Minister remarked that my Bihari brothers and sisters demonstrate remarkable resilience, succeeding even in the most difficult circumstances.

He asserted that they never compromise on their self-respect.

However, the Prime Minister noted that the previous regimes severely hurt Bihar’s pride.

He criticized these regimes of rampant corruption, which turned poverty into Bihar’s misfortune.

Despite numerous challenges, he said, under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, the present government has brought Bihar back on the path of development.

Modi cited that in the last 10–11 years, approximately 55,000 kilometers of rural roads have been constructed in Bihar. He added that over 1.5 crore homes have been provided with electricity connections while 1.5 crore households have received water connections.

Modi noted that more than 45,000 Common Service Centres have been established across the state, highlighting that new start-ups are now emerging in small towns across Bihar.

Noting that the momentum of Bihar's development continues to accelerate,  Modi cautioned that elements responsible for previous lawlessness are now seeking an opportunity to regain control of the government and Bihar's economic resources.

He stated that these groups are resorting to various tactics to achieve their goals.

The Prime Minister urged the people of Bihar to remain highly vigilant, emphasizing the need to keep those who are poised to derail the journey toward a prosperous Bihar far away.

The Prime Minister remarked that while the country has long heard slogans about eradicating poverty, their government has demonstrated that poverty can indeed be reduced.

“In the past decade, a record 25 crore Indians have overcome poverty”, highlighted Modi, pointing out that globally renowned institutions like the World Bank have praised India’s achievement.

He noted that Bihar and particularly the government under Nitish Kumar has played a significant role in this national success.

Previously, the Prime Minister stated, more than half of Bihar’s population fell into the category of extreme poverty. However, in the last ten years, nearly four crore people in Bihar have overcome poverty.