Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the 50th Anniversary function of Tamil Magazine Thuglak at Chennai through Video Conference.
Addressing the gathering Prime Minister praised the illustrious progress made by the magazine in the last 50 years. He however regretted the passing away of its founder Cho Ramaswamy.
Prime Minister said that the magazine was based on Facts, Intelligent Arguments and Satire.
Dynamism of Tamil Nadu
Referring to the dynamism of Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minster said the state had been guiding light for the nation for centuries.
“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
Defence Corridor for Tamil Nadu
Referring to the development of the state, the Prime Minister said that the Union Government is taking several steps like establishment of one of the two defence 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 defence 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
Prime Minister 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 modernising the sector to help citizens. Financial assistance has been provided under the National Handloom Development programme. Two Mega handloom Clusters are to be set up. Resources have been allocated for machinery modernisation as well.”
Shri Narendra Modi said that the Government is also taking special steps for boosting the fisheries sector.
Fisheries is one of the most upcoming sectors today. We 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 harbours have been built for fishermen. Help is being given for boat modernisation too.”
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 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 are going to be made more tourist friendly. “
New India – New Decade
Prime Minister said, “Now, as India enters a new decade, it is the very people of India, who will guide India’s growth trajectory and take it to new heights. I have always believed: There are two essential reasons that our great civilisation 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.”
He urged the media to respect this spirit and keep pace with it.
“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.
Here is my message at the programme marking 50 years of Thuglak. Paid tributes to the versatile and indomitable Cho, highlighted how the spirit of 130 crore Indians is powering transformations and some of the Centre’s efforts for Tamil Nadu’s progress. https://t.co/6mnUz0wZsO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2020
