Hard work more powerful than Harvard: PM Modi

March 1, 2017

Maharajganj (UP), Mar 1: Mocking economists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said "hard work is more powerful than Harvard" as the latest GDP data shows demonetisation did not affect growth rate, rather the figures improved.

"On the one hand are those (critics of note ban) who talk of what people at Harvard say and on the other hand is a poor man's son who through his hard work is trying to improve the economy," he said at an election meeting here.

"In fact, hard work is much more powerful than Harvard" he said without elaborating.

His remark came against the backdrop of Professor of Economics and Philosophy at Harvard University and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen terming demonetisation as a "despotic action that has struck at the root of economy based on trust".

The government had yesterday pegged GDP growth at a higher-than-expected 7.1 per cent for 2016-17 despite the cash blues, which was higher than China's 6.8 per cent for Oct-Dec period of 2016, making India retain the tag of the world's fastest growing economy.

Coming back to electoral politics in Uttar Pradesh, Modi said the electorate has already ensured BJP's victory in the first five phases and now they would give surplus votes as "gift and bonus" in the remaining two rounds.

"I request the voters of the state to give the rest of the two phases as bonus to the party. This is similar to the chillies and coriander leaves, which the vegetable seller gives to the buyer as bonus," he said drawing applause from the crowd.

A few days back the Prime Minister had spoken of the possibility of a hung assembly in the state, saying SP and BSP were waiting for such an opportunity for bargaining, prompting Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to comment that after dreaming of 300 plus seats, Modi was now talking about fractured verdict.

Comments

this mad man is going to destroy the country

Wondering if this statement insults prestigious Harvard University!

Dear Bol Bacchan Modi
Instead of wasting your time on bakwaas speeches and lies do some hard work towards the development of country.

Modiji, dont say that you got fake degree certificates....it does not look nice from you being a PM.....

Used your Hard work to kill 3000 Muslims in Gujrath.....shame on you....

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Tech-enabled Haj 2026: India to equip all pilgrims with smart wristbands

News Network

December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•   Location tracking
•   Pedometer
•   SOS emergency button
•   Qibla compass
•   Prayer timings
•   Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•   Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•   Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•   Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•   Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1. Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2. Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•   Training modules
•   Accommodation and flight details
•   Baggage information
•   SOS and translation tools
•   Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•   India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•   70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•   30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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