Republic Bharat Summit: Arnab Goswami's befitting reply to Lutyens media| Watch

Arnab said, "If God willing, in the direction we are walking today, taking India's journalism to the national and international forum is our duty. This is not something that I am saying today. I belong to a very middle-class family. People used to make fun of me. Today, I want to tell you that in the 2014 Financial Times, London's Asia correspondent called me asking for an interview on the Global channel I want to launch. I said Okay. I went for the interview and whatever was there in my mind I put forth. They published a one-page long article and things that I said very seriously, they put across in sarcastic and a funny manner. 

I felt that these foreigners in their minds have an empire of the world, and they can control our minds, and thoughts through BBC. Today, I want to tell you that the things I said in 2015, and said very seriously because I was called to Moscow- there was a huge conclave of Russia Today. Editors of Aljazeera, and BBC were present, and the patronizing way they were talking to me in, then, I said that the hegemony of the western media needs to end. You see to it. In their land, in their language, talking about their factual basis, had said that the hegemony of the western media."

On launching the global channel to challenge the western media hegemony, Arnab said, "I don't know how it will be done. But I have never said anything, giving it a lot of thought. Had it been so, we would have never launched Republic, did not have anything. But I am hopeful that whenever we start it, I am seeking your support with folded hands. We don't want your money or anything. But we want the trust of the people of India that this can happen. With the young journalists of the country, we will try this and the offices of this network will be throughout the world. The commitment that we have for the country, we will take it forward."

Arnab further said, "When I was launching Republic Bharat, all the 'poonjipatis of media'  called me saying stay with English, don't try getting in Hindi. But if we had not launched Bharat, even today, the naagin dance would have continued. Nobody would have talked about Palghar seers." 

"They had thought, torture them, put false allegations and put them in jail, they will fall apart, their financial condition would be beyond repair because Arnab Goswami is no poonjipati. Let alone one year, in one week we will shut the channel. But were they successful? Today, we have completed 2 years. Where are the people who claimed that they would make my condition such that I will commit suicide? I am not able to contact them since all of them are in jail," Republic's Editor-in-Chief further said. 

At the Republic Bharat Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan, Assam CM said that tremendous change has taken place in the northeast since 2014, comparing Agartala's airport with Lucknow's and Assam's GDP with Punjab's. "Our potential is being made clear," Himanta Biswa Sarma said. 

Justifying his support for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Where will the Hindus go? Had it been like Hinduism was the state religion of many other countries, it would have been a different ball game. If in any X, Y, Z country, there are atrocities on Hindus, they have only one thought, we have people in India, let's call them."

"Congress was whose party? the country's, Gandhi Ji's. Now, what does Congress say? The family will be upset. Which family? They have made this system, and it is their responsibility to bring it out of that. No Congress government should exist in India. I personally would not have any apology for breaking a Congress government," said Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Talking about people resigning, the BJP leader said, "When they resign from Congress, they say they have against them the CBI and ED. They were with you for 20 years, did not you know there was CBI, and ED against them? Why did not you remove them then? Are you a washing machine?"

Yog Guru Baba Ramdev wished Pushkar Singh Dhami on his birthday. "Today is your birthday, and tomorrow is that of Modi Ji. There is a spree of birthday's going on."

At Republic Bharat's Conclave, Baba Ramdev talks about 'imbibing nationalist feelings'. "Till when are we going to crib that history has been taught wrong? It is time we correct it. They say we were slaves for 1000 years. We were not slaves for 1000 years, we were continuously protesting, fighting wars for independence."," the Yoga Guru said, before concluding his speech with 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' & 'Vande Mataram' chants. 

Speaking during the Conclave, Manohar Lal Khattar threw light on his age-old association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Elaborating on how the Prime Minister used to work, the Haryana Chief Minister said, "If any idea used to come to his mind, and that was of benefit to the people, to the country, he never shied away from trying it out."

"We have 70 lakh families in Haryana. Every member's data, what govt schemes can be provided, we go to their homes and find out what we can deliver. Earlier, schemes would never reach," highlighted Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar at Republic Bharat's Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan. 

Haryana CM said that 'the state is the safest and the best option for investors'. Taking infrastructure as an example, Khattar said, "We worked on infrastructure, be it road, water or airways. Every district is connected to the other. Travelling time has been cut to half."

Speaking at the Republic Bharat Conclave, Anupam Kher underlined how the perceptions about Hindi-speaking people have changed. "I am from a Hindi-medium school and when I arrived in Mumbai, I realized that I had more knowledge than them but still they looked down upon me," the veteran actor said.

Anupam Kher credited PM Modi for India's and Indians' stature being changed in the international forums. "The attitude has changed, and now everyone can see it. We have reached that spot from where we were being noticed to now, when we are being respected," he said
 

Anupam Kher at the Conclave said, "Recently when Har Ghar Tiranga was celebrated, how great it felt. In Jammu And Kashmir's Lal Chowk for so many years, the tricolour was not hoisted. This year, from every nook and corner of the region, videos emerged of people with Tirangas. Because they were told the importance of nationalism, of the tricolour."

Anupam Kher had a special message for the younger generation. "A failure is an event, not a person. Failure is the biggest motivation to succeed if you take it the right way. And you are all lucky to be born in India. No country has more freedom of expression than this country. Those who keep raising this topic, watch them stand straight when the American anthem plays," he said. 

Smriti Irani reacted to the beautification of Yakub Memon's grave at Republic's Conclave. "The question arises that till when can you keep quiet, how many will start taking you for granted, and till what extent they will push it? Anger over a memorial for a terrorist makes you a nationalist. I want to ask when a terrorist has no religion, then how can they have a grave?" she asked.

"If they do not need symbolism, then get removed the name of the family at airports and other places. Don't elect one of the family members as the Party President. They have lost multiple elections, and if they have still not realised, then let me tell them that the nation has already realised. They are running to save the family, we are running to save the country," Smriti Irani said, attacking Gandhi-Vadra Congress. 

"Keeping the opposition alive is not my responsibility, it is the responsibility of the person who at the moment is walking around the country," Smriti Irani said, directly attacking Rahul Gandhi on 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. 

Piyush Goyal at Republic's Summit said, "If you look at different facets of India, the Prime Minister has brought a change in many of them. I met US officials, and they declared they want to deal more with us."

Piyush Goyal talked about the much-debated inflation topic. "PM Modi came in the year 2014. Since then, he took on the job of curbing the rising inflation. Earlier, the inflation rate was 7-8 per cent. In the past 8 years, it is at an average of 4-4.5 per cent. Everybody looks up to us, and asks us, how we have kept it in the margin," the Union Minister said. 

Piyush Goyal spoke on unemployment at Republic's Summit. He said, "Today, youth wants to be job creators. The ideas they bring, make our chests swell with pride." 

Piyush Goyal on 'whether India will be able to take over China' said, "I have put this on record if India goes with business, as usual, then in 30 years, the country will have a 30 Trillion Dollar economy, ten times the present figures."

Union Minister Piyush Goyal spoke to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami and Executive Editor Abhishek Kapoor during the Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan. Tune in to watch:- 

Shivraj Singh Chouhan talked about cultural nationalism. "In Azadi ka Amritkaal, by celebrating Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav today's generation was told how the freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to gain independence. PM Modi announced that  Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated, and events are taking place in every village and city. Our tricolour which was hoisted only on government establishments was seen in every house, and that is how nationalism was invoked in every person. This is cultural nationalism," he said. 

Shivraj Singh Chouhan lists India's vaccine drive among others and said, "We, under PM Modi, are also working for the world but a successful developed India is his first goal. He has prepared a roadmap and is working day and night to make it come true."

Asaduddin Owaisi talked about the Hijab issue. "If a 4-year-old is wearing Hijab, ask her parents but when a girl has reached the age where she can decide, why aren't you letting her decide...Why are you taking decisions for her? Why do you want her to become like your daughter?" he said. 

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan takes part in Republic Bharat's Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan. Tune in to watch:- 

Asaduddin Owaisi retorted to Himanta Biswa Sarma's 'spokesperson of Muslims' remark, saying 'He is the Chief Minister, not the Chief Justice'. "He is so connected to Muslims that he is getting Madrasas demolished. If someone in Madrasas is caught doing wrong, take them to the court, why are you demolishing the Madrasas?" the AIMIM chief said. 

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi hits out at BJP and Congress over criticism.

Answering the question--'How do you see the country in 2023?'--- Irani said, "India for the first time has a Prime Minister who from the ramparts of the Red Fort laid down a few important points, both for India and in the context of the world. He laid down the plan for the next 25 years. You ask me what will the future be next 10, or 15 years, I tell you the foundation was laid with the National Education Policy. It is not through infrastructure that a country develops, it is through education."

Smriti Irani counters Anupam Kher on the topic of cinema. 'Will the people not respect the tricolour if cinema is not there, Will we not sing Saare Jahan Se Acha if cinema is not there," said the Union Minister, expressing her inability to understand Cinema as the only cultural embassy of India. 

Smriti Irani claimed that in the political sphere, it is 'on the basis of merit that the Prime Minister is being elected'. "It was all the work he did in Gujarat, people wanted to see it in India, and that is why he registered a massive victory in the General Elections of 2014. Subsequently, in 2019, he showed the work in the first term, and was elected again," the Union Minister said. 

Reacting to the often used 'death of democracy' allegation levelled at the NDA government, Minister Smriti Irani said, "Democracy dies when you choose your politician not on the basis of merit, but on the basis of genetics. Democracy dies when one hosts terrorists who forced Kashmiri Pandits to flee & didn't spare IAF officers. Democracy dies when a Presidential candidate is insulted. Many times that democracy died under UPA "

Union Minister Smriti Irani spoke to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami during the Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan. Tune in to watch:- 

Anupam Kher said, "Change is very silent, you won't get to know it immediately. But it's for betterment, today, you won't want to watch a film that does not leave you thinking." 
 

Anupam Kher spoke on the raw truth of Cinema at Republic's Conclave. "When India got independence, cinema played a huge role in uniting the nation. Cinema was the only outlet to feel better. Our films had songs, and comedy. And the trend continued for decades, but in the last 2 years, the trend has changed. The audience has undergone a change. The fakeness has been rejected," the actor said. 

Anupam Kher says too much importance is being given to a small minority, claiming that 99.9% of Indians are nationalists. Highlighting the instance where he once tore his speech because of someone's act, he said, "But now, I have changed. I have understood that the best response to them is to not respond at all. They should be ignored."

Veteran actor and icon Anupam Kher spoke to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami during the Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan.

Talking about Haryana's contribution to sports, Khattar said, "Our population is two per cent but whatever medal India wins, the contribution of the state is 30 per cent, 35 per cent, and 40 per cent. People come to our state to understand our sports. They ask us what we do? We tell them that it is the soil of our state. Our land is a land of excellence."

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar spoke at Republic Bharat's Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan. Tune in to watch:-

Swami Dipankar, Sadhguru Riteshwarji Maharaj, Panchanand Giri Ji Maharaj and Pushpendra Kulshreshtha weigh in on India's 'Golden Age' at Republic Bharat's RashtraSarvopari Sammelan summit.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami speaks at Republic Bharat's Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan. Tune in to watch:- 

During the Rashtra Sarvopalli Sammelan, Himanta said, "I don't have an objection to Rahul Gandhi launching a 'Samaj Jodo' rally. Yes, in society there still exist differences between the upper castes, and lower castes, you unite them. But why will you launch 'Bharat Jodo'? It was your grandfather behind 'Bharat todo', and now you are trying 'Bharat Jodo'. When did the people of Tamil Nadu, Kerala tell you that they don't want to stay with India? You are telling them that there is a problem. They are all proud Indians."

Assam CM claimed that 'Northeast has potential but did not have recognition'. Speaking at Republic Bharat's Conclave, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Today, our PM Modi goes to other states and talks about us, asks about us. We feel like we are being seen. This is a new era for Northeast". 

'I have just met Owaisi once or twice. He thinks that he speaks for Muslims, but even I speak for Muslims. Hold a vote and you will know that the Muslims don't follow you, your party is not in all states. How did the media think that he is the spokesperson for Muslims? How you came to that conclusion? Because he is only seen in Hyderabad," Himanta Biswa Sarma said at Republic Bharat's Conclave. 

Himanta Biswa Sarma refutes having an anti-Muslim approach. Explaining his statements on minimum marriage age, and monogamy, "I am saying whatever I am saying for the benefit of Muslims. I am the Chief Minister of Assam, not the CM of Hindus or Muslims."

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma opened up on his bulldozer crackdown on illegal madrasas at Republic Bharat's Conclave. He said, "What is the Madrasa for? It is to grant knowledge, it is not for Jihad. The day it starts Jihad, it loses its character of a Madrasa. The public supported us to take them down. "

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami during the Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan.

Assuring that BJP will implement the Uniform Civil Code, party MP Sudhanshu Trivedi asserted, "We have done everything. We removed Triple Talaq, Article 370 and facilitated the construction of Ram Mandir. Everything that we have said has happened." 

Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam stated, " Sudhanshu Ji was trying to prove that Samajwadi Party is a party of rapists and which supports rapists. Bhadouria Ji was saying that more rapes took place during the BJP rule. Irrespective of whoever is in government, the opposition should not oppose for the sake of politics. Rapes happen because of the failure of law and order." 

AIMIM leader Waris Pathan remarked, "The topic 'India First' is very good. India is the best. But do these people follow the motto India First? In the name of India First, they just give jumlas." 

Samajwadi Party's Anurag Bhadouria questioned the Uttar Pradesh government on the Lakhimpur case in which two sisters were raped and murdered.

The panel discussion of the Uniform Civil Code has commenced. Watch the riveting debate between BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam, SP spokesperson Anurag Bhadouria and AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan

"Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so. And Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is a part of India. Either today or tomorrow, it will become a part of India," Union Minister Anurag Thakur said.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur claimed that the CAA issue was misused for political benefit. He opined, "To accrue political benefit, it was misused from political parties to TV channels. It was not in the national interest. It increased the fissures in society. It became a den of politics". 

Lashing out at AAP, Union Minister Anurag Thakur remarked, "The kingpin of the Delhi Liquorgate is Arvind Kejriwal and the prime accused is Manish Sisodia. The Liquor policy was opposite to what was advised. That means they had this policy in their minds." 

In a veiled reference to Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, "The Tukde Tukde gang that used to raise anti-national slogans in JNU is today conducting Bharat Jodo Yatra." 

Taking a veiled dig at Congress, Anurag Thakur said, "Every Indian should be a nationalist. But for a certain party, it's family first, party second and nation last."

Speaking during the Republic Bharat Summit, Union I&B Minister Anurag Thakur remarked, "We are in favour of freedom of expression. But sometimes if Lakshman Rekha is crossed, the government doesn't do anything. Most of the issues are resolved via bodies. But after the advent of digital media, a new challenge arose. There are opportunities and challenges."

Union Minister for I&B, Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur spoke to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami during the Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan.

At the Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "India's national language is Tamil, Punjabi, Odiya, Marathi, Hindi and every other language of the country. That was the basis of the NEP."

Explaining the importance of NEP, "If China has become a big power, it is because people deal in Mandarin. We don't have an issue with any language". Amid the Hindi Diwas row, he stressed that all Indian languages are national languages.

Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship commenced his address at the Republic Summit.

Speaking during the panel discussion on the lessons we can draw from the Ukraine-Russia war, former Army chief General (retd.) JJ Singh observed, "This is a localized war. A great power like Russia couldn't occupy Ukraine or fulfill its objectives. The lesson is that we have to change our strategy. For example, armour is protected from the side. The weakest part is the top. In one second, their tanks are being destroyed."

Former Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said, "In my opinion, the Indian Navy needs a third aircraft carrier. It is not alone, there is a carrier task force too. The capability which the carrier task force brings to the nation is huge. It can be used in diplomatic roles, in force projection across the entire Indian Ocean." 

"The fleet is very old. Towards the end of life, the accident rate increases for obvious reasons. For many years, we have been trying to find their replacements. We have procured two squadrons of LCA. We have placed orders for 4 more. The plan for phasing out 4 squadrons of MiG-21 has been expedited," ex-Indian Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria observed on the possibility of phasing out MiG-21 jets. 

The panel discussion on border security moderated by Major (retd.) Gaurav Arya commenced. The panelists are former COAS Gen VP Malik (Retd), former IAF chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd), former COAS Gen JJ Singh (Retd) and former Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba (Retd).

Former Indian Army chief General VP Malik stated, "Atmanirbhata (in defence) is a good step that has been taken. Our human resources have always been good. When the leadership goes to the border and interacts with the troops, their morale is boosted."

AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi is set to address the Rashtra Sarvopari Summit at 5 pm today.

Union MoS PMO Jitendra Singh stated, "In less than 3 years, we have more than 60 startups in the Space sector. Earlier, nobody had the courage to break the taboo". He also revealed that India's first manned space mission is possible by 2024. 

Speaking at the Republic Bharat Summit, Jitendra Singh opined, "After the revocation of Article 370 in J&K, in next 6 months there were two Hindu festivals and two Muslim festivals. They went off without any problems, which wasn't the case before. Common Kashmiri person wants peace." 

"North East today is being considered a model of development. It earlier used to be in news for the wrong reasons, but the present generation won't even recall that now," Union Minister Jitendra Singh said.

Here are some visuals from the Republic Bharat Summit.

Union MoS PMO Jitendra Singh commenced his address at the Republic Bharat Summit.

Maintaining that BJP's motto is the same as the theme of the Republic Bharat Summit, UP CM Yogi Adityanath said, "First nation, then party, and then something else. The family comes after that. Arnab Goswami has kept the theme of this conclave- India First. If we can't work with the India First motto, we have a selfish interest."

BJP president JP Nadda lauded the motto of the Republic Bharat Summit in a short address.

While concluding his keynote address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted, "We are not Baahubali. And if we wanted to be Baahubali, we wouldn’t become Baahubali for our benefit, we would become Baahubali for the entire world’s benefit."

Rajnath Singh weighed in on the Centre's focus on infrastructure.

Hailing the 'self-reliant India' motto, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed, "Atmanirbhar Bharat can provide hope for the entire world. The world's manufacturing hub can not be just one country. Now MNCs are looking to move to countries like India."

During his keynote address at the Republic Bharat Summit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed that the US Defence Secretary has agreed to the transfer of a key technology, which he cannot reveal yet.

"Over the last 8 years, we have worked hard to make every person a stakeholder in the nation's growth," the Defence Minister opined. 

Speaking at the Republic Summit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Jan, Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile - these 4 factors have pushed growth in the country."

"Today, I can say with full confidence that if our government gives 100 paise, the entire 100 paise reaches the pockets of the poor. I can't claim that we have completely eradicated corruption. But we have taken steps to minimize it. It is my belief that corruption can't be minimized by giving speeches but by bringing about a change in the system," Rajnath Singh affirmed.

Speaking about India's economy, Rajnath Singh said, "Working on the Nation First policy, India can become a developed nation. When we got Independence, India was poor. We can't deny this reality. It was poor. That's why it took time for it to move on the path of development. In 1950, the Indian economy was the 6th economy in the world. In 1960, we slipped to the 8th spot. In 1970, we slipped to the 9th spot. In 1980, it exited the list of top 10 economies". He hailed the fact that India has surpassed the UK and is one of the top 5 economies in the world today. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami flagged off the Republic Bharat Summit by lighting lamps. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commenced his keynote address at the Republic Bharat summit.

Republic Media Network's Editor In Chief Arnab Goswami expressed his views on the  Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan. He observed, "This is one of our first events in the post-COVID period hopefully. I am looking forward to it. We have fantastic attendance. The Defence Minister will be here shortly. There are Cabinet Ministers and important panelists today. More than that, it is sitting together and celebrating the success of Republic Bharat which has emerged as one of the most popular channels in the country".

He added, "We thought that the most obvious theme is nation first. And we have achieved so much as a nation. And we are acknowledged as moving towards superpowerdom. Strategically, we have truly made our mark. And in the post-COVID world, say a quarter of a decade from now, things will really move up in this country to a point where we will look back at this event and say that it was the setting stage of a conversation about how far India will really go."

The Rashtra Sarvopari Summit will commence in a few minutes. 

Major (retd.) Gaurav Arya, the consulting editor of Republic TV said, "We have three former Chiefs. We have Air Marshal Bhadouria with us, we have General Malik who was the Army chief during Kargil and he was my chief too when I was serving. And we have Admiral Sunil Lamba. The questions are built around safeguarding India's borders and about Atmanirbhar Bharat. When former chiefs say, it is a message to the nation. And these are people with a lot of gravity and credibility."

"It is very important today to understand why nation first. We always look at ourselves. If you look at the motto of the Indian Military Academy, it is service before self. Taking a cue from this, nation first is service before self. And if each citizen of this country understands this, let me tell you India can become a great superpower," Major General (retd.) Rajan Kochhar opined on the theme of the Republic Bharat Summit. 

Speaking to Republic TV on the Republic Bharat summit, Colonel (retd.) VN Thapar said, "I am at home. So I have no problems. I expect a very high standard which is always presented by Republic. I hope that the sessions are very fruitful."

Watch the Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan LIVE here: 

It’s the final countdown to the Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan on Republic Bharat. Tune in LIVE

Celebrated actor Anupam Kher is all geared up for the Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan. Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami stated, "Anupam Kher, always such a pleasure meeting you! We are all geared up for the first-ever Republic Bharat conclave. Nationalism at its core. Rashtra Sarvopari as the theme and our pledge"!

It's a Summit for a new India, as Republic Bharat welcomes the biggest names and most influential voices to the Rashtra Sarvopari Summit. Republic TV is rolling LIVE from the venue.

Here are the latest visuals from the venue of the Republic Bharat Summit.

Here is the full schedule of the Republic Bharat Summit. The country's most awaited conclave will have a series of panel discussions and one-on-one interactions. 

The countdown for the Republic Bharat Summit has begun. 

With India surging past the momentous milestone of 75 years of independence, the Nation has now entered the fabled 'Amrit Kaal'. Republic Media Network is determined to mark this achievement with a keen belief and uncompromising resolve that as India goes forth, national unity and social harmony are paramount. With its journalism dedicated to the Nation and in the true spirit of nationalism, Republic Bharat is hosting a Nationwide summit today. This grand conclave will witness the biggest names and most influential voices in the country, where ideas, aspirations and dreams will meld with opportunities, endeavour and challenges. Get set for the #RashtraSarvopariSammelan, where it'll be Nation First!