Bhuj (Gujarat): Stating that India is the most talked about country across the globe now, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Jan 14, 2004) emphasised the need for overall development and called for strengthening of the economy along with military strength.

"Even those countries that were earlier reluctant to talk with India are today bowing before us. India is a major player in the global competition and will continue to throw challenges to rest of the world," Vajpayee said after dedicating the multi-speciality G K General hospital in Bhuj to the people.

Referring to natural calamities, Vajpayee said the tussle between the nature and man is perennial but there is a need for disaster management to overcome all the devastations and there should be readiness to defeat the devastation.

"We don't prepare for disasters but only leave it to fate," the Prime Minister added.

Recalling how Gujarat attracted humanitarian aid from various countries during the 2001 quake, Vajpayee said, "We should have the preparedness to see that we are not left hapless in calamities like flood, drought and epidemics of killer diseases."

The Prime Minister also dwelled on the need for more bigger hospitals and countering diseases like malaria, kala azar, Tuberculosis apart from treatment of killer diseases.

Vajpayee also praised the perseverance, potential and sweetness of the people of Gujarat.