International Kite Festival begins at Sabarmati River-Front

Published By : Admin | January 11, 2011 | 08:19 IST

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.

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My dear companions from Kota and the entire Hadoti region, Namaskar once again.

Just last week, I had the opportunity to visit Rajasthan. From the sacred land of Ajmer, we inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth thousands of crores of rupees. In that same program, appointment letters were handed over to more than 21,000 young people of Rajasthan. And now, only a few days after the Ajmer visit, today I have the privilege of launching this important airport project connected to Kota. Within a single week, these two major development programs in Rajasthan send a powerful message. They show how rapidly Rajasthan is progressing today. Whether it is infrastructure, employment opportunities for youth, schemes for farmers and women, or initiatives in every sector-work is happening at great speed across Rajasthan.

Friends,

Today is a day of new hope and achievement for Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, and the entire Hadoti region. This modern airport, being built at a cost of around 1,500 crore rupees, will accelerate the development of the entire region in the coming years. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Kota and Hadoti on the occasion of the foundation stone laying of this important airport project.

Friends,

I remember, when I came to Kota in November 2023, I made a promise to the people of Kota. I had said that the airport would not remain just a dream, but it would be turned into reality. Today, I am happy that the moment has arrived when the construction of Kota Airport is beginning. Until now, people of Kota had to travel to Jaipur or Jodhpur to catch flights. This consumed a lot of time and caused inconvenience. That situation is now going to change. Once this airport becomes operational, travel will become easier and trade will grow rapidly in Kota and the surrounding areas.

Friends,

Kota is not only a hub of education but also a major center of energy. It is a unique region where electricity is produced from almost all sources-nuclear, coal-based, gas, and water. The land of Hadoti is equally famous for its heritage. The taste of Kota Kachori, the elegance of Kota Doria sarees, and the shine of Kota stone and sandstone have earned recognition worldwide. The coriander from here, Bundi’s basmati rice-their aroma reaches international markets. This region is known for its hard work, production, and immense potential. Now, this new airport in Kota will multiply these possibilities many times over.

Friends,

The land of Kota and Hadoti is also a great center of enterprise and faith. For centuries, devotees from across the country and the world have been coming here to visit the sacred Mathuradheesh Ji Peeth, the Keshav Rai Patan pilgrimage, Khade Ganesh Ji Maharaj, and Godavari Balaji Dham. The view of Chambal from Garadia Mahadev mesmerizes everyone. Wildlife sanctuaries like Mukundra Hills and Ramgarh Vishdhari make this region a major hub of wildlife tourism. With increased air connectivity, tourists from across the country and the world will come here, directly benefiting the youth, traders, and the local economy.

Friends,

Kota is already rapidly advancing in connectivity. Under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, both major railway stations of Kota are being equipped with modern facilities. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which passes through Kota and Bundi, is opening new doors of development for the entire region. Now, big cities like Delhi, Vadodara, and Mumbai are only a few hours away. With better road and rail connectivity, new industries are being established here. Especially for agro-based industries, this region will become a major hub. After rail and road, this new chapter of air connectivity will further accelerate Kota’s development. The Kota Airport will bring new opportunities of progress for the entire Hadoti region and nearby districts.

Friends,

I also want to appreciate the continuous efforts of Kota’s Member of Parliament, Shri Om Birla Ji, for this important project. His constant endeavor has been to improve the lives of the people of Kota and provide them with new opportunities. Whether it is the airport, the new campus of IIIT, or the expansion of roads, he has been working tirelessly for Kota’s development. It is because of his efforts that Kota and the entire region are witnessing new momentum in growth.

Friends,

Om Birla Ji is not only an excellent Member of Parliament but also a remarkable Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He is fully dedicated to the Constitution and deeply committed to parliamentary traditions. Today, he stands above party and opposition, embodying neutrality. When I see him in the House, I often feel that perhaps coming from the city of education has influenced his role as Speaker-he leads like a good head of the family, taking everyone along. He respects the feelings and requests of all Members of Parliament. He is a Speaker who naturally honors MPs the most. Even when some arrogant and disruptive individuals occasionally create disturbances, he manages everything with dignity, never insulting anyone, patiently enduring harsh words, and always smiling with warmth. Perhaps that is one reason why he is universally admired in the House.

Friends,

When connectivity increases, the speed of development also rises. In the past 11 years, new airports built across different parts of the country have given fresh momentum to growth. Before 2014, there were around 70 airports in the country. Today, that number has risen to more than 160. These new airports have made air travel easier, boosted tourism, created employment opportunities for youth, and accelerated regional development. Even around Delhi, several new airports have come up-Hisar, Hindon, Jewar. When new airports and terminals are built, new enterprises and companies reach smaller cities too. I am confident that Kota’s new airport will similarly give new momentum to the development of this region in the coming times.

Friends,

When the state government and the central government work together, when intentions are clear and determination is strong, the pace of development multiplies. That is exactly what is happening in Rajasthan today. This strong foundation of a developed Rajasthan is giving greater strength to the resolve of a developed India. I am fully confident that together we will succeed in building a Rajasthan that is prosperous, strong, and full of opportunities. With this belief, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on this foundation stone laying ceremony. Thank you very much. Vande Mataram.