Rajiv Gandhi implemented several programmes-all aimed at taking India to modern times. Indira took India to Space. Through Green Revolution, she made India self sufficient for it's food needs. When British left India, India was not producing enough food to feed its population. India used to import rice and wheat. Congress leadership through its far-sighted vision changed the scenario for better. Today, we export rice and wheat. People of this great country, farmers, professionals and media made this change possible. Congress provided them the much needed leadership. While Mahatma Gandhi thought of building modern India, the first Prime Minister of our country Jawaharlal Nehru made the beginning towards realising this goal. He put India on the right path.

The need of the hour is to protect India and its pride. India has produced great intellectuals and thinkers of the world. We are known for giving, not begging. A foreign company came and ruled us for decades. Today our Prime Minister is touring the world and seeking help from other countries. There is a limit for everything. We are not beggars.

What is Modi doing now? He has not addressed a single Press Conference in the last four years. He is not in a position to answer to the questions being raised by media. It is not criticism but a fact. This is the truth. In his speeches abroad, he is saying that India has not progressed. "Has India not progressed in the last 50 years? Did people of India do nothing for the country? He is seeking foreign investments in India. We agree that investment is crucial for country's development, but that is not all. He is insulting people of India on international platforms. He should not forget that if he is able to speak in international forums, he derives the strength from India. Farmers provided us food through their hard work. Media protected our democracy by keeping political leadership on its radar. How can he say nothing has been done? He should not speak like this. I am not saying he has no love for the country. But one should understand that India played a major role in getting freedom for many countries. Many foreign dignitaries have told me the same thing. Modi should highlight this and uphold the dignity of our country.

Some Ministers in Modi Cabinet are trying to whip up communal sentiments and disturb peace. Why can't Modi shut their mouth? Ministers should be role model to others through their behaviour. Has power become so important for Modi that he is refusing to listen to what his Ministers are doing and rein them? Highlighting shortcomings of the Government is the duty of the Media. Rulers should always respect the views of the Media. If what Media is saying is true, then we should take note of it and mend our ways. If there is no truth, we should neglect such reports. That's it. Modi only indulges in a ONE-WAY talk and runs away. Is this the way how a Prime Minister functions? Are you trying to tell people that they should only appreciate you and not criticise? One needs to have lot of patience, commitment and honesty to rule the country. If not, nothing can be achieved. This world is the creation of God. Some call him as Allah, some call him Jesus, some call him as Krishna, Brahma, Shiva. We should love and respect each and everyone. It's our duty. Parents tell their children not to be afraid of telling truth. That is our Culture. We should be able to take criticism. I have also faced many challenges in my life. I was criticised when I started Loan Mela programme and brought revolutionary changes in Kudroli Temple. I did not bother to reply to the criticism, but I kept working. I knew what I was doing was right.

People should respect each other. We lose nothing by giving respect. Instead, we will be benefitted. By creation, we are social beings. Each one has to do good work for the society and help those in need. If we won't do that, then we are unfit to be called as human beings. Even animals have this nature. India is well-known for its humanitarian considerations. Indians respond to the problems of others no matter which part of the country they are in. This is the strength of India and we should realize it. If not, we will perish. Rajiv Gandhi knew this and he implemented a lot of Welfare programmes. Unfortunately, the man who fought for Indian's unity was killed.

Motilal Nehru has had a bigger role in the Freedom fight. Indira went to jail at the age of 13. She was alone at home. Her father, mother and grandfather, all were in jail. This is Nehru family. Few people do not understand the sacrifices of this family for the Nation. Many of us are supporting communal forces. They helped people remain united irrespective of caste and religious considerations. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was in Opposition, was a gentle, broadminded and mature leader. He would not have allowed Modi to speak the language what he is speaking now. Vajpayee had come to Mangaluru to campaign for his party candidate in the Lok Sabha elections. "I know there are very few honest and hard working people in Politics like Poojary. But I have come here to appeal to you to defeat him. Because the Party which he represents is not good," he had said. Though, it was a political statement, it reflected Vajpayee's mindset. He always stood for truth. He took to task those who were inciting people and creating tension, even if they belonged to his Party. He never defended such elements. He is a leader who kept Nation's interest on top of everything.

Unfortunately, we don't see such qualities in today's leaders. Everybody is behind power. They think they cannot survive without power. "Am I not leading a peaceful and respectful life? Are people not respecting me? People should understand."