Dr Smt Kamlajee, Governor of Gujarat, presided over the International Kite Festival inauguration ceremony; Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the festival in Ahmedabad today.
Dr Smt Kamlajee has said that India has scaled new heights of development, with an aim to become a developed country. She called upon the people to make their contribution for sustaining the journey of growth. She expressed confidence that the youth would like to contribute in realising the vision of development. The Governor welcomed the National and International kite-flyers at the Kite Festival. She observed that the Kite Festival would be a thrilling experience for them. Kite Flyers from around 37 nations- France, England, Israel, Italy, Mozambique, and Netherlands- are rubbing shoulders with the Kitists who are representing the 10 States of India. This year, the Kite Festival which is being organised at Dhordo desert and Mandavi Sea-Coasts would boost tourism activities in the State, she added. The Governor extended her greetings to fellow citizens on the occasion of Makarsankranti festival.
The Surya Vandana performed by children enticed the audience. It is to be noted that around 5000 Seva Township’s Primary School Children offered obeisance to Sun God.
Audience watched in glee as the sky was full of colorful kites; Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared the pleasure of kite flying.
Shri Narendra Modi said that the true pleasure comes from scaling fresh heights of development, and the kite inspires us for the same. Having conflicting roles with nature the humankind is facing many crises. Gujarat has shown the path, by showing its immense devotion to nature. Gujarat has positively connected the nature with development, added CM.
CM congratulated the children for their superb performance; around 5000 children from backward and underprivileged classes had performed Surya-Vandana today.
CM highlighted the achievements in tourism sector, “Glittering events such as Ranotsav, Lion Show, and Navratri Festival has propelled the tourism sector to new heights, which has truly earned a global identity. Gir, Dwarika and Somnath have got immense potential to attract the tourists.”
CM claimed that the Kite Industry is to grow up to Rs 700 Cr, creating employment options for the poor, in the next 5 years. Presently the kite industry is doing business of around Rs 400 Cr. He invited the institutes like National Institute of Design (NID) to develop new designs for kites, Manja and Firki. With view to fighting against the global warming, Shri Modiji also announced to organise ‘Poetry competitions’ on the themes of kites and nature from next year.
Shri Narendra Modi expressed gratitude, particularly to the national and international kite-flyers for their overwhelming response to the event. With their participation the Kite Festival has acquired the global identity.
Tourism Minister, Shri Jaynarayan Vyas praised Chief Minister’s initiatives of organising kite festival since seven years.
Winners of kite-competitions received prizes at the hands of Governor and Chief Minister.
Speaker of the Assembly Prof Mangaldas Patel, Ministers, eminent leaders, Chief Secretary Shri A.K.Joti, MD Tourism Corporation Shri Vipul Mitra were among the others who attended the function.
.
January 11, 2011
