Indian Budget 2004-05 Full Text of P. Chidambaram, Minister of Finance, Budget Speech(July 8, 2004)
XII. CONCLUSION
154. Mr. Speaker, Sir. The countries of the world, India included, have set for themselves the Millennium Development Goals. Our date with destiny is not at the end of the millennium, but in the year 2015. Will we achieve those goals? In the eleven years that remain, it is in our hands to shape our destiny. Progress is not always on a linear path, nor is it inevitable. Two thousand years ago, Saint Tirvalluvar said:
"Aran Izhukkathu Allavai Neeki Maran Izhukka
Maanam Udayathu Arasu"
(They are good rulers who observe ethics, commit no crime and walk the path of honour and courage)
If we bring thought and passion to our governance, and walk the path of honour and courage, we can make the future happen. And this century will be India’s century.
155. Sir, with these words, I commend the Budget to the House.
|