Patna, April 10:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a gathering in Bihar's Champaran district and announced a slew of initiatives for the state. Thousands of people thronged to hear the Prime Minister speak. While addressing the mega event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked people of Bihar for their zeal and energy.

The Prime Minister said, ‘People who say that history doesn’t repeat itself should come here and witness that history is repeating itself after 100 years.” PM Modi, who will be laying the foundation stones for several development projects in Bihar later in the day, appreciated the efforts of the people in the state while participating in the closing ceremony of the centenary of Champaran Satyagraha.

Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s contributions in spreading awareness for cleanliness, PM Modi stressed on how his work and efforts had united the people back then. Drawing resemblance from the past, Prime Minister said, “A lot of people came to Champaran and under Gandhiji’s leadership, and worked in every nook and corner together. Similarly, people from different walks of life have come to work together, today, even after 100 years!”

Talking about the ‘Chalo Champaran’ campaign, the Prime Minister said, “I salute and I bow down to the people of Bihar for their enthusiasm and energy displayed in the context of cleanliness (Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan).”

PM Modi recalled as to how the people of Bihar, on three occasions, were an integral part in shaping India’s fortunes today. He said, “Firstly, during the British time, the people of Bihar made hi, ‘Mahatama’, the ‘Father of the Nation’. The second instance was when Vinoba Bhave had started a land reform movement called ‘Bhoodan (Land Gift) Movement’. The third time was when Jayprakash Narayan had stood his ground and had saved the country at the time when democracy was in danger.”

Heaping praise on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, the PM said, “The work that both Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi have done in recent times have motivated the people a lot. Bihar was the only state where the percentage of cleanliness was less than 50%, but now that barrier has been broken.”

PM Modi was addressing a crowd, which had over 20,000 Swacchagrahis. The Prime Minister will also flag-off Humsafar Express and India’s first 12,000 HP electric locomotive on Tuesday. On his visit to Champaran, PM Modi will launch several rail schemes, and also award Swacchagrahis for their enormous contribution in the field of cleanliness in their villages.

Present at the concluding ceremony of ‘Champaran Satyagraha’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi also talked about Bettiah Nagar Parishad Water Supply scheme and Motijheel Project amongst several other projects.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 10, 2018 02:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).