Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event, which runs from January 4th to 9th, is themed “Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047,” and aims to celebrate Rural India’s entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to empower rural India by transforming villages into dynamic centers of growth. “Our vision is to ensure that rural India is not only self-sufficient but also a thriving hub of opportunities,” said the Prime Minister. He highlighted that the government has implemented several programs to provide basic amenities in every village, ensuring access to essential services like clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and housing.
Referring to his personal connection with rural India, PM Modi shared his experiences of growing up in a small town and later working in rural areas. “I have witnessed the challenges faced by the people in the villages, and I understand the potential that lies within them,” he remarked. He noted that despite the hard work and resourcefulness of rural communities, challenges such as inadequate capital, lack of infrastructure, and limited market access hindered their progress.
The Prime Minister outlined the government’s achievements over the past decade in improving the quality of life in rural India. Under initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, PM Awaas Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission, millions of rural households have received essential services like toilets, homes, and access to clean drinking water. He also highlighted the expansion of healthcare services through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the use of telemedicine to connect villagers with top doctors.
Furthermore, PM Modi emphasized the importance of creating economic policies that cater to the rural population. He pointed out the significant impact of programs like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, which has provided financial assistance to farmers, and the government’s efforts to expand agricultural loans, support livestock and fish farmers, and promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). He also mentioned the success of schemes such as the Swamitva Yojana, which provides property papers to villagers, and efforts to boost rural MSMEs and women’s entrepreneurship through initiatives like Mudra Yojana, Start-Up India, and Stand-Up India.
One of the key themes of PM Modi’s address was the growing role of cooperatives in India’s rural development. He hailed the government’s establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 and noted the ongoing efforts to computerize around 70,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to provide better value for farmers’ products.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the critical role of traditional arts and crafts in rural economies, citing the Vishwakarma Yojana, which helps artisans such as blacksmiths, carpenters, and potters enhance their skills and improve their livelihoods.
PM Modi cited a recent survey showing that rural consumption has nearly tripled since 2011, and for the first time in independent India, the expenditure on food in rural areas has dropped below 50%, signaling an improvement in the quality of life. He also noted that the gap between urban and rural consumption has been narrowing, thanks to government efforts to boost rural prosperity.
In addressing poverty reduction, Modi pointed out that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the past 10 years, with the majority from rural areas. He also emphasized the role of women in rural development, with many women now leading self-help groups and becoming financially independent through schemes such as Lakhpati Didis.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of rural infrastructure development, including roads, highways, and railways, as well as digital connectivity. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, approximately 4 lakh kilometers of roads have been built in rural India, and over 94% of rural households now have access to mobile phones and banking services.
The Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 is set to include a range of workshops, masterclasses, and discussions aimed at improving rural infrastructure, fostering innovation, and promoting self-reliant economies. The event will also focus on financial inclusion, sustainable agriculture, and empowering rural women through entrepreneurship.
