Trust surplus visible today in govt policies, hard work of citizens: PM

He said today the country is confident about itself, and its citizens. “During the difficult times of Covid-19 pandemic the country believed in its scientists, and they gave us the ‘Made in India’ vaccine,” he said, adding that Pune too played an important role in it. “We talk of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ because we believe India can do this,” he said.

Elaborating the “trust surplus”, the Prime Minister said, “We provide the common man Mudra loans without requiring guarantee because we trust his honesty. Earlier, for small works, the common man faced difficulties. Nowadays, many things get done on mobile phone with just a click. The government believes even self-attested documents. This has created a conducive atmosphere in the country. And people are taking confident steps towards development.”

He cited initiatives like Swachh Bharat, surrendering LPG subsidy and ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign to highlight the growing confidence among people.

All eyes were set on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar sharing dais at the function but both leaders avoided making any direct political statement on the current situation in the country and the state.

On receiving the Lokmanya Tilak award, Modi said, “I am honored to get an award in name of Tilak and from the organisation and place related to the freedom fighter.”

Talking about Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the PM said, “Tilak knew whether it is the freedom movement or the mission of nation building, the responsibility of the future always rests on the shoulders of the youth.”

The Prime Minister declared that he is donating the Rs 1 lakh cash award to the Namami Ganga project.

Addressing the event, Sharad Pawar said Pune has a lot of significance because it was the birthplace of Maratha warrior Shivaji and freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak also came from the city. “Tilak had launched an attack on the British through his newspaper. He believed that journalism should not be under any pressure. He himself followed it,” Pawar said.