21st century belongs to India, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the big changes that have taken place in the country in the last ten years have raised hopes that the 21st century will be India's century.

Nobody, he said, had anticipated such big changes to take place in India ten years ago and the country's success "has inspired us to dream big and also fulfil these dreams."

Addressing a media event hosted by a leading English daily here, Mr Modi emphasised that it is necessary to make efforts to move in the direction of development and his government is working swiftly to do the best in every sector. "Efforts are needed to make our processes such that India's standard is referred to as 'world class', be it in the manufacturing of products or construction, education or entertainment," he added.

Looking at the pictures of the 26/11 terror attacks at the media event, the PM said there was a time when the people felt unsafe in their own houses and cities due to terrorism sponsored by neighbouring countries. Times have changed and terrorists themselves now feel insecure in their homes, he added.