On the afternoon of 14th February, Shri Narendra Modi dedicated various development projects of Surat city at the newly built Sanjeev Kumar Auditorium in Surat. The state-of-the-art auditorium has been built at a total cost of over Rs. 102 crores.
These included the Surat BRTS (with facilities of automatic fare collection, level boarding and alighting), the revolutionary green project of Tertiary Treatment Plant (which will treat the industrial grade water, so as to provide water to industrial plants and thereby conserve drinking water), the Dr. Jagdishchandra Bose marine aquarium (which will have marine and fresh water fish tanks) and the Surat Municipal Corporation’s smart governance initiatives, which include the establishment of 16 Civic centres, mobile vans, e-tender and e-payment facilities, info kiosks, mgovernance, elibrary and the SMC mobile app.
Shri Modi, apart from performing the computerized draw for the beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Gruh Yojana, also unveiled different projects, including the Software Technology Park of India and the e-souvenir.
Highlighting the immense scope of the development projects inaugurated today, Shri Modi said that while the Software Park will offer a golden opportunity for the youth by providing them with required infrastructure, the environment-friendly water treatment plant will ensure that every drop of water is utilized for people’s good. He also said that the marine aquarium would fascinate everyone and emerge as an attraction for tourists, along with being instrumental in educational purposes on marine life.
While performing the computerized draw for selecting winners of the Mukhyamantri Gruh Yojana, Shri Modi highlighted the inclusive growth model that was being replicated through this initiative. “We are committed to give housing to the poorest of the poor, and such programmes are happening across 16 places. Building homes is not about real estate but it is about a change in the worldview for those who get their homes. When such houses are built can you imagine how many jobs are created! The poorest of poor get work,” said Shri Modi.
Congratulating the winners of the computerized draw, Shri Modi assured them that work on the projects would progress fast, and so they better get thinking about their new lives. To those who didn’t win, Shri Modi asked them not to get disheartened as there will be more such draws focused at ensuring that everyone gets houses.
Speaking on the remarkable success of BRTS in Gujarat, Shri Modi put forth his thought of developing the project such that it becomes the most preferred way of Mass Rapid Transit System.
Addressing the occasion, Shri Modi said that the inauguration of so many projects at the same time and under one roof was reflective of the vibrancy of Surat. He also appreciated the city’s efforts at acknowledging the contribution of its artists. Shri Modi said, “Surat has honoured its proud son Sanjeev Kumar very well and I congratulate them for it. Today an artist has been honoured and when an artist an honoured we honour our arts and culture. I also want to thank Sanjeev Kumar's families for allowing all the trophies won by him to be placed here.” He further shared his vision of developing the auditorium not only as the cultural centre of Surat, but also as an abode that nurtures more artists.
Shri Modi also spoke of his vision of a Digital India while elaborating on the need to make appropriate use of technology and innovation in every sphere of life. He urged the audience to make the State and nation a better place to live in the next 5 years, when the Nation celebrates Gandhiji’s 150th birth anniversary. He also encouraged the adoption of the Smart City concept and called for the need to move towards mobile governance.
Shri Modi also gave away certificates to the winners of the draw.
