NEW DELHI: The word “Abhinandan” used to mean welcome, but its meaning will change now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while referring to the IAF pilot released by Pakistan.
“The world takes note of what India does... India has the strength to change the meaning of words in the dictionary... Abhinandan once used to mean welcome. And now the meaning of Abhinandan will change,” said Modi in an apparent reference to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down.
The PM, on Saturday, was addressing the inauguration of the Construction Technology India-2019 Expo-cum-conference in Delhi where he said his government has given a major thrust on affordable housing, brought changes in laws governing the real estate sector while developing skills and improving technology for it.
He reiterated his dream that every Indian should have a proper house by 2022 and 1.3 crore houses have been made during his tenure.
“We are also ensuring that the houses have water, power and Ujjwala connections (LPG) along with other facilities. The quality of houses and spaces has also improved in the last four-and-half years but more is to be done. For that, I seek the support of the private sector... Let us work together... and do something that helps the poor,” he said.
Modi declared ‘April 2019-March 2020’ as Construction-Technology year and stressed on use of technology to meet the increasing demand for housing in the country caused by rapid urbanisation.