'Neighbour's envy, owner's pride': Goyal recalls iconic TV ad punchline to hail PM Modi's India vision

Mumbai: Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday opted for the iconic television brand punchline “neighbour’s envy, owner’s pride” to describe Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India that encompasses bold economic and developmental initiatives.

PM Modi is determined to make India stand tall with pride and admired globally, which will be everyone’s envy, the Union Commerce and Industry minister told reporters here.

“We want to build a nation that others will look at with envy and will fill us with pride. Do you recall that TV advertisement with the tagline ‘neighbour’s envy, owner’s pride’? That is the kind of India PM Modi is committed to building. His governance has opened up a wealth of opportunities for the country’s youth across sectors ranging from self-employment and entrepreneurship to startups and business ventures,” Goyal said.

Schemes like Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, Stand Up India or Digital India are all helping India integrate with the world, he said.

“Our youths are getting increasingly connected to the nation’s economy. India is now among the world’s top five economies. In the next two-and-half years, we will become the world’s third largest economy. The youth will be the driving force behind this achievement. That is the core message given by PM Modi today,” the Mumbai North Lok Sabha MP said.

Attacking the opposition, he said the public was rejecting parties indulging in negativity and failing to focus on national development.

“It is a failed opposition. They seem more interested in having a negative mindset than thinking about the country’s progress. People do not accept that,” Goyal said while responding to a question on the opposition’s role.

Speaking on ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ being inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Goyal said it will lead to people from across the world visiting these sites, resulting in a boost to tourism.

The 12 components of ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ feted by UNECSO on Friday are Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, all associated with the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

“I used to hike at Raigad and Lohagad. Now, today’s youth will also connect with these historic sites. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life continues to inspire and this inspiration will reflect in the career journeys of the youth,” Goyal asserted.

Addressing a rally here later in the day, Goyal said PM Modi is committed to taking the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the global stage.

“PM Modi has shown a determined resolve to share Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions with the world. The recent UNESCO recognition brings global awareness to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s work, deeds and efforts to unify the country. Every citizen of Maharashtra and the nation feels honoured,” Goyal said.

“Shivaji Maharaj symbolised self-governance, good governance, cultural pride, and a rich heritage. He was a unifying figure across India, from Tamil Nadu to the north. It is a proud moment for all of us,” he added.