Youth fed lies, being misled on Citizenship Amendment Act, says PM Modi at Kolkata's Belur Math

Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Kolkata, on Sunday (January 12) addressed the youth on the occasion of National Youth Day. The Prime Minister in his speech said that coming to the Belur Math in the city was not less than a pilgrimage for him. He also expressed gratitude to the Math president and the West Bengal government for allowing his stay here.

Here are the excerpts from his speech at Belur Math: 

• Wishing the youth on National Youth Day. Visiting the Belur Math is like a homecoming for me. It is no less than a pilgrimage for me. I am thankful to the president of the Math for allowing me to stay here. And I would also like to thank the govt for accepting my request and letting me stay here.
• The last time I came here, I had taken the blessings of Swami Atmasthanandaji. Today he is not physically present with us. But his work, his path, will always guide us in the form of Ramakrishna Mission.
• We must always remember Swami Vivekanandaji's iconic saying 'give me 100 energetic youth and I shall transform India'. Our energy, and passion to do something, is necessary for change.
• The youth have taken India forward in five years. Today's youth is inspired by Swami Vivekananda's teachings. They have the capability to empower the world. Today, they have stood against corruption. The entire world has expectations from the youth of the country. Their energy will form the basis of change in the 21st century.
• Five years ago, there was a disappointment among the youth of the country; but the situation has changed now.
• Youth are still misinformed about CAA. It is our responsibility to make the youth understand. I want to clarify that we did not bring this law overnight. I repeat again, Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 is not to revoke anyone's citizenship, but it is to give citizenship. After independence, Mahatma Gandhi and other big leaders of the time all believed that India should give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan. Our government has fulfilled Mahatma Gandhi's wish by bringing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act
• You understood this very clearly. But those playing political games purposely refuse to understand. People are being misled over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
• The opposition has been spreading misinformation among youth on CAA. Political players aren't ready to understand facts. CAA only for persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. It won't cancel anyone's citizenship. Youth are rising against religious persecution in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister is also likely to mediate at the temple of Swami Vivekananda today, on the birth anniversary of the monk. 

According to reports, the youth conference will kickstart at 9:30 am at Belur Math, after which PM Modi will travel on a ferry on waterways on the river Hooghly and will reach Netaji Indoor Stadium at 11:00 am. He will inaugurate the sesquicentenary celebrations of 150th year of Kolkata Port Trust. 

In a short while from now, PM @narendramodi will address youngsters at the Belur Math. pic.twitter.com/ooM6X643M2

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 12, 2020

PM Modi is also expected to participate in the 'brahmaarti' and spent time with the seers before going to Netaji Indoor stadium. 

Visuals: PM Modi pays tribute to Swami Ramakrishna Paramhamsa in Belur Math. He later met saints and seers at the math.

West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to Swami Ramakrishna Paramhamsa in Belur Math,Howrah pic.twitter.com/gIekuXB8yG — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020

West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Belur Math(headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission) in Howrah. PM Modi arrived in Kolkata yesterday on a two-day visit pic.twitter.com/zE7BBVq2jo — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020

#WATCH West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets saints and seers at Belur Math,Howrah pic.twitter.com/V8rGenECS5 — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020

PM Modi will also inaugurate an upgraded ship repair facility of Cochin-Kolkata unit at Netaji Subhas dry dock. He will return to Delhi after the programme.

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The Prime Minister spent Saturday night in the international guest house ar Belur Math, which was turned into a fortress with SPG and state police personnel swarming over the area. He was served 'prasad' comprising five fried dishes, luchi, rice pudding, sweets and fruits after he arrived there riding a launch on the river Ganges. This is Modi's second visit to Belur Math after becoming Prime Minister and first, after taking office in his second term.

PM @narendramodi is at the Belur Math, where he is interacting with respected Saints and seers. pic.twitter.com/mj7hFKHYmE — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 11, 2020

At Belur Math, PM Modi was received by Swami Suviranandaji, general secretary of Ramakrishna Mission and other senior monks. He toured the math in a battery-operated vehicle and paid respect to RKM president Maharaj Swami Smaranandaji. The PM also visited the main temple and paid respect to Ramakrishna Paramhansa and offered his prayers.