New Delhi, Aug 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed India’s para athletes for their ability to overcome adversity and inspire entire families and communities, saying their achievements can change the way people look at life and demonstrate how sport can improve the quality of life.

Addressing the youth virtually during the Khelo India Dialogue, Modi highlighted the journeys of India’s leading para athletes and said their success carries significance beyond medals, particularly for families who witness their struggles in the early stages of their sporting careers.

“Our Para athletes are a big example of how sports change lives. When one sees a Parathlete in the field, the way of thinking about life changes. And when he achieves something, his whole family gets a new life along with that athlete. For those parents, brothers and sisters who see their child struggling in the early days, that athlete’s success gives new heights to their dreams and courage. I have always been inspired by such players,” PM Modi said while addressing the youth during Khelo India Dialogue.

The Prime Minister specifically recalled the achievements of Indian para athletes Sheetal Devi, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar, and Jandu Kumar, citing them as examples of the transformative power of sport.

“You all have heard India’s daughter’s name in Archery- Sheetal. When she won a medal at the Paralympics, the whole of Jammu and Kashmir and the whole of India were proud of her. Similarly, we have another daughter, Avni Lekhra, who won Paralympic medals twice. Whenever I meet her, I feel very proud. Be it Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar, and our recent champion, Jandu Kumar, such are our Para-athletes. Such are our teammates. They inspire us too. Sports is a guarantee to a better life, and it improves our quality of life,” he mentioned.

Modi also underlined the wider role of sporting culture in shaping individuals and society, arguing that the lessons learnt through competition extend well beyond the playing field.

“We often hear that the spirit of sportspersons is very important for a healthy society, a good family system, and a better culture. Sportsperson spirit is very important for a healthy society, for a good family system, for a good culture. It is very difficult to learn the spirit of a sportsperson without going to the sporting field. Sports not only teach us to be champions but also how to be better competitors. To get up, to fall, to fall and to get up again. Sport brings this feeling inside us,” the Prime Minister said.

The address also touched upon the government’s efforts to strengthen India’s sporting infrastructure and create a broader pathway for athletes from grassroots talent identification to international competition.

“Our government is fully committed to creating a modern sports ecosystem in India in the 21st century. Today, from sports universities to modern training centres, a system is being created in the country which will provide support at every level, from identifying talent to bringing it to the world stage,” PM Modi stated.

He added that India was working with countries across the world in areas including sports science, training and coaching, while also stressing the role of youth in shaping the country’s sporting future.

“Khelo India Samvaad is not just about sports. It’s a platform where every suggestion and opinion can provide a new vision to sports. The programme focuses on what youth think about the sports ecosystem, talent development, governance and Viksit Bharat and considers their suggestions. These things will be heard and will be included in the policy process. Therefore, I urge everyone to use this platform as much as possible. Let new ideas come. These new ideas of youth will be the strength of a developed India,” he noted.

New Delhi, Aug 27: Leaders across party lines on Thursday expressed grief and concern over the devastating flash floods in Nepal, describing the tragedy as deeply saddening and painful while stressing the need for relief, rescue efforts and continued vigilance in neighbouring Indian states.

The reactions came as the bodies of 162 people swept away by a massive flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River had been recovered as of Thursday morning. The disaster has caused widespread devastation, with several people still reported missing and extensive damage inflicted on property and infrastructure.

Speaking to media, Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said the tragedy in Nepal was extremely distressing and had resulted in significant loss of lives and property.

“The tragedy in Nepal is very saddening. There was a sudden flood and Nepal has been devastated. Indians are also missing. Both lives and property have been lost. It is deeply saddening and a matter of great concern. Our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured him of all possible support,” he said.

BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi termed the situation a terrible disaster, saying heavy rains and flooding had caused severe destruction.

“There has been a terrible disaster in Nepal. Dams have been destroyed and heavy rains have caused severe damage. More than 1,000 people are still missing in Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured the people of Nepal that India would provide all possible assistance,” he said.

Bihar Assembly Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav described the incident as extremely painful and called for greater vigilance in Bihar in view of possible repercussions on river systems.

“We saw the videos yesterday showing the way the floodwaters rose and people were running for safety. We feel the Bihar government needs to keep a closer watch on the situation. Everyone needs to remain alert. There is also concern that the Gandak River could be affected in Bihar,” he said.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and raised concerns about tourists from Maharashtra stranded in Nepal.

“First of all, my condolences to every person who lost their life in these flash floods. Seven tourists from Maharashtra are also stranded there. Our respected leader Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena are in touch with the authorities to ensure that they return safely. As far as the Government of India is concerned, we have always maintained a friendly relationship with and extended support to Nepal,” she said.

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister, Prem Chand Bairwa, said every possible effort should be made to provide relief and assistance to the affected families.

Bihar Minister Ratnesh Sada also expressed grief over the devastation, saying that governments must respond with compassion whenever such disasters strike.

“The Chief Minister is also concerned. Wherever there is a disaster, we must respond with compassion in the interest of humanity. I am saddened by the devastation caused by the floods in Nepal and the loss of life,” he said.

JD(U) National Working President and MP, Sanjay Kumar Jha, said the reduced water flow had eased immediate pressure but stressed the importance of remaining alert. He also called for coordinated flood management between India and Nepal.

“The water flow has reduced significantly, so there is not much pressure. However, it is a matter of staying alert. The biggest message from this is that India and Nepal should plan for joint flood management,” he said.

JD(U) President Umesh Singh Kushwaha said, “We are monitoring the situation continuously. Every 24 hours, we are monitoring the dams, including the old dams, and the waterways. Therefore, common people do not need to worry too much. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. When the water level rises, we will know.”

JD(U) National General Secretary, Shyam Rajak, called the incident very worrying and said Prime Minister Modi had assured Nepal of India’s support.

Shyam Rajak said, “The incident is very worrying. It is a natural disaster. Our Prime Minister has spoken at length with the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured him that the Government of India will stand by the people of Nepal.”

DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan also expressed sympathy with those affected, saying that while natural calamities could not be stopped, those caught in such tragedies deserved support and compassion.

Ahmedabad, Aug 27: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel returned to Ahmedabad on Thursday after completing a nine-day visit to the United States and Canada aimed at attracting global investment and promoting the 2027 Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, saying companies across key sectors had shown interest in investing in the state.

Patel was welcomed at Ahmedabad airport by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and senior state government officials following his visit from August 17 to 26.

The overseas outreach focussed on investors, technology leaders, entrepreneurs and the Gujarati diaspora in San Francisco, Washington, DC, New York and Toronto.

Speaking to reporters after his return, Patel said the state government’s objective was to ensure that a larger share of investment coming into India was directed towards Gujarat.

“We have witnessed the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global relationships and the trust he enjoys during this visit. Because of the complete trust people have in the Prime Minister, investors are keen to make greater investments across various sectors,” he said.

Patel said the delegation had held meetings with major companies and investors in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centres and manufacturing, as well as financial companies in connection with GIFT City.

He said the response to the meetings had been encouraging. “Many companies are enthusiastic about investing in Gujarat. Very good investment will come to Gujarat,” he said.

The visit was undertaken as part of Gujarat’s preparations for the 11th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which is scheduled to be held from January 10 to 12, 2027.

During the overseas programme, global investors, technology leaders and innovators were invited to participate in investment, collaboration and partnership opportunities at the summit.

The delegation also engaged with members of the Gujarati diaspora. In Canada, Patel met entrepreneurs and business representatives and invited the community to invest in Gujarat and participate in the forthcoming summit.

The delegation was led by Patel and Chief Secretary M.K. Das. It included Additional Chief Secretary of Finance Department, T. Natarajan; Additional Chief Secretary of Industries and Mines Department, Mamta Verma; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar; and Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Vikrant Pandey.

Representatives of Gujarat’s industrial and business community also accompanied the delegation.

The meetings were held with investors, technology leaders, young entrepreneurs, innovators and members of the Gujarati diaspora across the three US cities and Toronto.

Discussions covered investment opportunities and partnerships in emerging technologies and industrial sectors, with the state also seeking participation from international companies in the 2027 summit.

After the delegation returned to Gujarat, senior officials gathered at Ahmedabad airport to welcome Patel, Das and other members of the delegation.