Chief Minister Flags off Vadodara Marathon-2009

Published By : Admin | November 24, 2009 | 04:18 IST

Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi flagged off Vadodara Marathon- 2009 at Navalakhi Ground Vadodara today. He also made an important announcement, ‘Vadodara-city would soon have the national level Indoor & Outdoor Stadiums'.

With an intention to promote civic sense in citizens, Vadodara Traffic Education Trust had organised Marathon-2009. Nearly 30 thousand participants took part in the Marathon. The Navalakhi-Ground was jam-packed to savor glimpse and glory of the event.

Chief Minister sought to illuminate Gujarat's rapid development strides in all sectors. Gujarat is always two-steps ahead in the development-Marathon. He expressed his confident that ‘Vadodara Marathon ‘would usher in to the Speed-Capital of India's growth and prosperity.

He also sought to light the fire of passion in the hearts of
Vadodaraites by inspiring them to actively participate in the State's journey of development. He reiterated his confidence that youth and citizens of Vadodara would assume leadership role in realizing the vision of Swarnim Gujarat.

Chief Minister noted it with satisfaction that Organisers of Marathon-2009 deserves compliments for encouraging the noble cause. Tracing emotional connect with the city , Director of Vadodara marathon- Tejal Amin claimed that the contributions from citizens would prove worthy to the task in upgrading public amenities.

Chairman Bank of Baroda, Shri M.D.Malya had shown his keenness to contribute to the development of Vadodara. It is to be noted that Vadodara being the founder city of the internationally acclaimed banking institution “Bank of Baroda”.

Chief Minister along with Flying Sikh Milkhasingh, legendary cricketer Kapildev, Member of Parliament and Mayor of city Shri Balkrushna Shukala, contemporary cricketers Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan also joined in the flagging off ceremony.

Parliamentary Secretary Shri Yogesh Patel, MLAs Shri Bhupendra Lakhavala, Shri. Jitubhai Sukhadiya, Rajya Sabha M.P. Bharatsinh Parmar, Deputy Mayor Punamben Panchal, Leader of Opposition in the Corporation Shri Chirag Zaveri, famous actors Shri Paresh Raval- Swarup Sampat- Vaishali Thakkar- Manav Gohil, Corporators, and eminent leaders were among the others who attended the ceremony. Commissioner of police Shri Rakesh Asthana, Collector Vijay Nehra was also present on the occasion. Vadodara Marathon sought to contribute Rs. 1 Lakh in to the ‘Kanya Kelavani Nidhi'.

Vadodara police had set an example of ideal traffic management by ensuring smooth running of marathon.

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Amid a massive gathering in Ernakulam today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the enthusiasm and confidence of the people reflected a strong aspiration for Keralam’s development and a new political direction in the state. He emphasised that the aspirations of the people clearly indicate a desire for faster growth and new opportunities.

Expressing confidence in the people’s mandate, PM Modi said, “The 21st century is a crucial time for Keralam. The state needs a new future and a new beginning. I am happy that the people of Keralam have decided to come out of the cycle of LDF and UDF. The confidence visible in this massive public meeting shows that people are ready for change.”

Highlighting the vision of a double-engine government, He stated Keralam possesses immense natural and human potential. He noted that the state has nature, culture, talent, technology and the blessings of the vast sea. However, he remarked that despite these strengths, development had not progressed at the desired pace due to alternating governments and political patterns that slowed long-term progress.

Calling for a new political direction, PM Modi iterated, “For rapid development, this pattern must change. You have given Congress and the Left more than seventy years. Now give BJP-NDA the next five years and you will see the vision of a Viksit Keralam take shape. You have Modi’s guarantee, what has not changed until now will change and Keralam will move forward.”

The Prime Minister said the vision of BJP-NDA is to position Keralam as a global hub for wellness, tourism and cultural experiences. He said, “For a Viksit Keralam, we must create new opportunities in tourism, talent and technology. The youth of Keralam have tremendous capability, and they should lead new sectors like startups, innovation and emerging technologies.”

Highlighting economic priorities, the PM stated, “Our government has ensured financial support and security for fishermen. Fishermen have been provided access to credit through the Kisan Credit Card and insurance coverage of up to five lakh rupees. Major projects like the Vizhinjam International Seaport show our commitment to strengthening the Blue Economy.”

Addressing concerns related to developments in the Gulf region, PM Modi said the government remains fully committed to the safety and welfare of Indian citizens working abroad. “Whenever any Indian citizen has faced danger anywhere in the world, India has made every effort to bring them back safely. Our embassies and missions are working round the clock to ensure help, food, medical care and support for our people,” he said.

“Whether it was rescuing nurses trapped in Iraq or securing the release of Father Tom from terrorists in Yemen, today’s India does not leave its citizens alone in times of crisis. We also brought Father Alexis Prem Kumar safely back from Afghanistan. Even today, our effort is to ensure safety and every possible assistance for Indians caught in difficult situations,” he added.

Coming down heavily on the Congress, PM Modi said, “It is unfortunate that even in such a serious global situation, the Congress party is indulging in politics. Congress leaders are making provocative statements so that the situation worsens, our people face difficulties and then they can start a campaign of abusing Modi.”

Highlighting the importance of self-reliance, PM Modi said, “India is continuously working to become self-reliant in the energy sector. Solar power capacity is expanding, electric mobility is being promoted and railway electrification is progressing rapidly. These steps are strengthening India’s long-term energy security.”

“On one hand, the BJP-NDA government is working tirelessly to make India self-reliant. On the other hand, Congress and the Left are busy mocking the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign. When they were in power, they only increased the country’s dependence on foreign nations. Even today, at a time when the world is facing conflict, Congress, the Left and their ecosystem are spreading rumours and creating panic. I urge the people of the country to stay alert and cautious against such misinformation.”

Criticising political opponents in the state, the Prime Minister said LDF and UDF represent two sides of the same system. He alleged that both groups have been associated with corruption, stalled development and divisive politics, which have hindered the progress of the state.

He continued, “When UDF was in power, the state witnessed the solar scam. Today, under LDF rule, the CMRL scam is dominating the headlines. Look at their partnership even in controversies around the Sabarimala temple. There are allegations of gold loot against leaders of one side and accusations of selling the looted gold against leaders of the other.”

Taking a swipe at the UDF and LDF, PM Modi asserted, "On one side is the UDF led by the Congress, which has now become MMC - Muslim League Maoist Congress. To win elections in Keralam, Congress depends on organisations like Jamaat and others whose radical agendas threaten the peace of the state. On the other side, the LDF has long-standing ties with extremist elements like the PDP, whose leaders are known for spreading extremism among the youth. Therefore, the people of Keralam must remain cautious of both UDF and LDF.”

Calling for a new mandate, the Prime Minister concluded by saying, “The goal of BJP is the development of the nation and the development of Keralam. With a BJP-NDA government here and a double-engine government, Keralam will move ahead with double the speed toward prosperity and growth.”