Chennai, January 15 (narendramodi.in): Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 50th Anniversary function of Tamil Magazine Thuglak at Chennai through Video Conference and said that the dynamism of Tami Nadu and the Tamil people amazes him.
“The dynamism of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil people amazes me. Tamil Nadu has been a guiding light for our nation for centuries. Here, economic success mixes beautifully with social reform. This land is home to the world’s oldest language. In September last year, I had the honour of saying a few lines in Tamil during my United Nations address.” he said
He praised the progress made by ‘”Thuglak” the magazine in the last 50 years. He however regretted the passing away of its founder Cho Ramaswamy. The Prime Minister said that the magazine was based on facts, intelligent arguments and satire.
Defense Corridor for Tamil Nadu
Referring to the development of Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister said that the Union Government is taking several steps like establishing one of the two defense corridors in Tamil Nadu.
“Over the last few years, unprecedented efforts have been put in for Tamil Nadu’s progress. When we took the ambitious decision of setting up two defense corridors, Tamil Nadu was a certain choice for one of them. This corridor will bring more industry to the state and boost employment opportunities for Tamil youth. “
Textiles and Fisheries Sector boost
The Prime Minister further said that special efforts are being made for modernizing the textile sector in the State.
“The textile sector plays a vital role in Tamil Nadu’s progress. The Central Government is modernizing the sector. Financial assistance has been provided under the National Handloom Development program. Two Mega handloom Clusters are to be set up. Resources have been allocated for machinery modernization as well.”
Modi said that his government is also taking special steps to boost the fisheries sector. Fisheries is one of the most upcoming sectors today.
“We have to make the fisheries sector more vibrant. Our focus is on technology, financial assistance and human resource development. Just a few days back, deep sea fishing boats and transponders were handed over to fishermen from Tamil Nadu. Our fishermen have been linked with Kisan Credit Cards. New fishing harbors have been built for fishermen. Help is being given for boat modernization too,” he said.
Boost to Tourism
Prime Minister urged everyone to visit 15 places in India in the next two years. He said the government is focusing on Tourism sector and that India is now given the 34th ranking in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index of World Economic Forum. He said it was 65th Rank 5 years ago when the NDA Government took over in 2014.
“I am happy to share that over the last five years, foreign tourist arrivals to India have gone up significantly. So has the foreign exchange earned from tourism” he said.
“You would be glad to know that Tamil Nadu is greatly benefitting due to the Union Government’s Swadesh Darshan and Prashad schemes. The coastal circuit from Chennai to Kankyakumari, Kanchipuram and Vellankali is going to be made more tourist friendly. “
New India – New Decade
“I have always believed: There are two essential reasons that our great civilization has prospered. The first is India’s celebration of harmony, diversity and brotherhood. The second reason is the will and zeal of India’s people. Whenever the people of India decided to do something, no force has been able to stop them,” Modi said.
He urged the media to respect this spirit. “As Governments or media houses, we will have to respect this spirit and keep pace with it. Here, I would also like to appreciate the role of the media. They have taken forward every possible noble mission of nation building be it cleanliness, reducing single use plastic and protecting the environment. I hope this same spirit gets reinforced in the times to come” he said.
