Text of PM’s address at National Hand-loom Day

Published By : Admin | August 7, 2015 | 16:38 IST
We need to make our handloom tradition the centrepiece of fashion for India and the world: PM
We should enlarge the scope of e-commerce for sale of handloom products: PM Modi
Government is committed to extend robust social security cover to weaver families: PM
The handloom sector has inherent strengths that we need to market: PM
Handloom can be our weapon against poverty, says PM Modi
Innovative  design backed by good marketing is essential for promotion of handlooms: PM

वणक्कम्, 

Weaver brothers and sisters Awardees Ladies and Gentlemen 

तमील नाट्टुक्कु वन्ददिल् ।। मीक्क मगील्ची ।

नेशवालअ अन्बरगलै ।। काण्बदिल् ।। मेलूम् मगील्ची


सबसे पहले तमिलनाडु की मुख्यमंत्री आदरणीय डॉक्टर जे. जयललिता जी का, Tamil Nadu Government का और तमिलनाडु के नागरिकों का हृदय से अभिनंदन करता हूं कि आपने एक महत्वपूर्ण कार्यक्रम को एक host के रूप में तमिलनाडु में मनाया। आज राष्ट्रीय Handloom Day का प्रारंभ हो रहा है और तमिलनाडु से हो रहा है सामान्य रूप से सरकार को सब चीज दिल्ली में करने की आदत है, लेकिन मेरी कोशिश है कि सरकार दिल्ली से बाहर निकले और आज पूरी दिल्ली सरकार तमिलनाडु में मौजूद है। 

I congratulate you and extend my best wishes on the occasion of the first National Handloom Day. 

The Swadeshi movement was launched on 7th August, 1905. It is remembered as one of the major events of our freedom struggle. It was on this day that Indians started to boycott imported textiles. Therefore this day has a special significance for handlooms. Hence we have chosen this day to be celebrated as National Handlooms day.

आजादी का जंग जब चल रहा था, उस समय गुलामी से मुक्ति के लिए handloom एक हथियार था। आज आजाद भारत में गरीबी से मुक्ति के लिए handloom एक हथियार बन सकता है।

India is home to several world famous handloom products. To name a few we have Kanchivaram (कांजीवरम) of Tamil Nadu, Baluchari and Jamdani (बालुचारी and जामदानी) of West Bengal, Chanderi and Maheswari (चंदेरी and महेश्वरी) of Madhya Pradesh, Muga (मूगा) of Assam, Patola (पटोला) of Gujarat, Kani and Shehtoosh (कानी and शहतूश) of Jammu and Kashmir and Pochampally (पोचमपल्ली) of Andhra Pradesh. The handloom sector has inherent strengths that we need to market.

Handloom mainly uses natural fiber like cotton, silk, wool, jute etc. Therefore it is Eco-friendly. We can make it even more Eco-friendly by using vegetable dyes and other organic products.

Today people are very conscious of the environment and holistic healthcare. We need to exploit this in marketing handloom products both domestically and for exports. On 2nd October last year, I had asked people to use one item of Khadi to brighten the lives of artisans. I am informed that since then sale of Khadi has gone up by 60% as compared to the same period last year. मैंने पिछली बार, दिवाली से पहले मन की बात में लोगों से प्रार्थना की थी कि आप घर में पच्चीसों प्रकार की fabric रखते हैं। कोई रिश्तेदार आए तो बताते हैं कि मेरे पास ये है, ये है, ये है लेकिन एक खादी नहीं होता है। कम से कम घर में एकाध-एकाध चीज खादी की रखा करिए। इतनी से मेरी request को देशवासियों ने मान लिया और 60 प्रतिशत बिक्री बढ़ गई, गरीब के घर में दीया जला।

We now also need to give a similar call for handlooms. Can we not enhance use of handlooms in our daily lives? We have many options such as clothes curtains bed sheets table covers door mats and rugs just to name a few. This will not only support handlooms but will also support our weavers.

I am told that handlooms form 15% of total cloth consumption. If we raise this to just 20%, from 15% to 20%, it will give a huge boost to handlooms. Handloom turnover will increase by 33%.

People, especially women, wear handloom clothes on social occasions like marriages and major festivals. We need to popularize this among our youth. This will give the much-needed boost to the handloom sector.

मुझे कभी-कभी लगता है कि हम कभी Five Star Hotel में खाएं, Seven Star Hotel में खाना खाएं, लेकिन जब घर में मां के हाथ का खाना मिलता है तो उसका आनंद कुछ और होता है, एक अलग संतोष होता है, क्यों? क्योंकि मां जब खिलाती है, तब सिर्फ खाना नहीं खिलाती है, उसमें भरपूर प्यार भी मिला हुआ होता है और इसके कारण हमें संतोष भी उतना ही मिलता है। मैं कभी-कभी जब खादी या हैंडलूम पर सोचता हूं तो मुझे लगता है कि दुनिया की चाहे कितनी ही variety क्यों न पहन लें, लेकिन जब हैंडलूम या खादी की चीज लगती है, तो ऐसा ही लगता है, जैसे मां ने परोसा है, प्यार से परोसा है, प्यार से बनाया है। ये जो फर्क है, ये जो फर्क हम महसूस करेंगे तब हमें पता चलेगा कि ये कितनी प्यार से बनाई हुई चीज, मेरे शरीर पर मैंने धारण की है।

किसी बुनकर परिवार में हम जाएं, हम देखेंगे कि पूरे घर में 80% जगह, 80% place वो लूम के लिए देते हैं और 20% place में पूरा परिवार गुजारा करता है और जब एक साड़ी लूम की बनती हुई होती है, पांच महीने-छह महीने, एक-एक ताना-बाना का काम होता है, पूरा परिवार उस साड़ी को ऐसे बनाता है जैसे मां अपनी बेटी को बड़ा बना रही हो, जैसे अपनी बेटी का लालन-पालन करती हो, उस रूप में परिवार के अंदर पूरा परिवार, उस साड़ी को बुनता है और जब वो साड़ी घर से विदाई होकर के किसी दुल्हन के शरीर पर जाने वाली होती है, उस परिवार को भी उतनी ही आनंद होता है और वैसे ही उस साड़ी की विदाई करते हैं, जैसे मां-बाप अपनी लाडली की विदाई करते हैं। इतना प्यार उस बुनकर को उन कपड़ों को बुनते-बुनते हो जाता है।

..और बुनकर परिवार जो साड़ी बनाता है उसका इतना लगाव होता है कि 15-20 साल के बाद कोई मिल जाए और पता चले कि उसने वो साड़ी पहनी है, जो उन्होंने बनाई थी, उसे देखकर के उतना उनका मन भर आता है जैसे अपने परिवार का स्वजन मिला हो, इतना लगाव बुनकर को एक ताने और बाने के साथ होता है।



We need to take several initiatives to make handlooms fashionable. This can be done by bringing new designs and colour schemes, constantly evolving and innovating, ensuring quality. Fashion and design education in India also needs to be re-oriented. We need to make our handloom tradition the centerpiece of fashion for India and the world. 

We are committed to give a rightful place to our famous traditional handloom products. India Handloom Brand has been launched with the sole objective of winning the trust and confidence of customers. 

मुझे अभी किसी ने एक किताब दी थी। उस किताब में, दुनिया में हैंडलूम के भिन्न-भिन्न प्रकार, handicraft के भिन्न-भिन्न प्रकार के, किस शताब्दी में क्या-क्या काम होता है। दुनिया के भिन्न-भिन्न देशों के.. उन्होंने बड़ी ही एक tree बनाया है। कोई 1500 साल पुरानी चीजें थीं उसमें, कोई 1400 साल थी, कोई 1000 साल थी, कोई 200 साल थी। मैं हैरान था छोटे-छोटे देशों का भी उसमें नाम था, लेकिन पूरी उस tree में handicraft औऱ handloom की दुनिया में हिन्दुस्तान का नामो-निशान नहीं था। I was shocked, एक उनकी अज्ञानता के ऊपर और दूसरा हम लोगों ने कभी हमारी बातों को branding नहीं किया। दुनिया को पता तक नहीं कि एक जमाना था कि हमारे देश के बुनकरों और कारीगरों से बनाई हुई चीजें, दुनिया के पांचों खंडों में चाहे अफ्रीका हो, यूरोप हो, चाहे अरब राष्ट्र हो, चाहे China हो सब दूर हमारी चीजें बिकती थीं और उसको लेने के लिए दुनिया लालायित रहती थी। लेकिन आज जो लोग किताबें लिखते हैं उनको पता तक नहीं है कि हमारा कभी इतना भव्य इतिहास रहा है क्योंकि हमने हमारी चीजों का जो global branding करना चाहिए, global marketing करना चाहिए उसमें कहीं न कहीं हम कम पड़े हैं। 

कभी-कभी हम लोग सोचते हैं कि इस काम को कैसे बढाया जाए। छोटे-छोटे प्रयास भी भी हमें बहुत बड़ा परिवर्तन देते हैं। जैसे The film industry has a major role in popularizing fashion in India. And of course I know that Chennai is a big center of the film industry. Can our film makers decide that at least one out of five films will only use handlooms, handicrafts and khadi? 

हमारे फिल्म इंडस्ट्री वाले अपनी फिल्म को popular करने के लिए कुछ दृश्यों के विषयों में बताते हैं कि ये वहां का दृश्य है, ये ढिकना का shooting है तो automatic उनको देखने वाले मिल जाते हैं। अगर वे तय करें कि भई मैं पांच फिल्मों से एक फिल्म ऐसी बनाऊंगा,जिसमें हर कोई हैंडलूम का ही उपयोग होगा, सबके कपड़े भी हैंडलूम के होंगे, handicraft का उपयोग होगा, सारी चीजें ऐसी होगी। मैं उनको विश्वास दिलाता हूं, देश के करोड़ों बुनकर, करोड़ों कारीगर उनकी फिल्म देखने के लिए जरूर जाएंगे, अपने आप उनको मार्केट मिल जाएगा। 

आज के मैनेजमेंट गुरु जब industrial development की बात करते हैं तो cluster concept की बात करते हैं तो cluster को promote करने की बात करते हैं। हमारे पूर्वजों ने सदियों पहले अगर हम सिर्फ handloom और handicraft को देखें तो हमें पता चलेगा कि कैसे cluster से हमारे यहां काम होता था। अब देखिए उत्तर प्रदेश जाइए तो बनारस handloom का एक बहुत बड़ा cluster बना हुआ है। अगर आप यहां कांचीपुरम जाइए, आपको handloom का बहुत बड़ा cluster बना हुआ आपको दिखाई देगा, आप देवगिरी जाइए, महाराष्ट्र में आपको बहुत बड़ा हैंडलूम का cluster बना हुआ दिखाई देगा यानि उस समय भी चाहे supply chain की बात हो, चाहे marketing की बात हो, चाहे cluster development की बात हो, चाहे raw material supply की बात हो। आज के जितने भी मैनेजमेंट गुरु जो बातें बताते हैं वो सदियों से handloom-handicraft की दुनिया में हमारे पूर्वजों ने develop किया हुआ था।

Recently, we have launched the “Digital India Movement”. which will soon connect all Indians through the Internet. Young consumers are now buying extensively through e-commerce platforms. Therefore we should enlarge the scope of e-commerce for sale of handloom products.

As we develop markets for handlooms we also need to extend support to our weavers on the production side. I am happy to learn that the National Handloom Development Corporation supplied 27% more yarn during 2014-15 as compared to the previous year.

Assistance to individual weavers for building work sheds and purchasing loom and accessories will now be directly transferred to their bank accounts. We have taken a major step for developing handloom clusters at the block level. Earlier, assistance of only about 60 lakhs rupees was being given for one handloom cluster. This has now been increased up to 2 crore rupees.

पहले बिचौलिये और दलालों की दुनिया चलती थी। अब सीधा बैंक अकाउंट में weaver के पास पैसा पहुंचेगा। दूसरा, पहले जो shed के लिए आपको सात लाख रुपया दिया जाता था, अब दो करोड़ रुपया दिया जाएगा।

The main objective of all our efforts is to increase wages of our weavers. Weaving is a very laborious job. In some cases, a weaver takes months to weave a single saree. We need to put in place systems that will ensure that they are paid their rightful wages. We also need to improve technology to enhance productivity and reduce labour in the pre-loom activity.

This will help enhance income levels. Apart from increasing incomes our Government is also committed to extend robust social security cover to weaver families.

We have launched a national drive for financial inclusion through Jan Dhan Yojana. Recently we have also launched three new social security schemes intended to benefit unorganized sectors.

The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana will provide life insurance. The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Beema Yojana will give you accident insurance cover. The Atal Pension Yojana will give you a pension from the age of 60. You can protect your future by paying a small amount every month.

I call upon all of you to join these schemes and also ask your friends and relatives to do so.

To address financing problems of Micro, Small & Medium Industries the Government has announced the creation of a MUDRA Bank. This bank has a corpus of Rs. 20,000 crores and a credit guarantee corpus of Rs. 3,000 crores. MUDRA Bank would ensure that at least 60% of the credit flows to loans of less than Rs. 50,000.

I am sure this initiative will benefit handloom weavers in a big way.

I congratulate all those who are being awarded today. Their expertise should be utilized for skill development programmes, as well as for production of master pieces for display.

Innovative design backed by good marketing is essential for promotion of handlooms. In this context I would like the request to the Textile Ministry to consider holding competitions and giving awards for design creation and marketing of handloom products.

National Handloom Day celebrations should not end with just a ceremony today. We have to make this a continuous movement. A movement to popularize Handlooms and to improve the lives of our weavers.

एक प्रकार से बुनकर परिवार से जुड़े लोग उनका पूरा हिसाब-किताब ताने-बाने के साथ जुड़ा हुआ है। सारा खेल ताना और बाना से बना हुआ है।

अब समय की मांग है कि हम एक नये सिरे से इस चीज का आगे बढ़ाए। हमारे पास जो परंपरागत कला है उस ताने को आधुनिक बाने के साथ कैसे जोड़े?

Handloom में ज्‍यादातर महिलाएं हैं। Handloom गांवो में है। समय की मांग है कि गांव का ताना global बाने के साथ कैसे जुड़े और गांव का ताना और global बाने का मिलन कैसे हम?

समय की मांग है कि गरीबी का ताना और अमीरी का बाना दोनों को जोड़ करके हम आर्थिक समृद्धि की दिशा में handloom को आगे बढ़ाए। उत्‍तर-दक्षिण का ताना और पूरब-पश्चिम का बाना भारत के कोने-कोने में पड़ी इस कला को एक दूसरे से परिचित करा करके एक महाशक्ति के रूप में handloom को कैसे उभारे?

गांव का un-skill से ले करके दुनिया के हर high-skill के साथ एक तरफ un-skill का ताना, तो दूसरी तरफ high skill का बाना। इस ताने और बाने के मिलन से हम handloom के उद्योग को नई ऊंचाईयों पर कैसे ले जाए।

Zero defect का ताना, Zero effect का बाना और हम हमारा ऐसा product करे जो दुनिया को भा जाए और जो environment के लिए सहायक हो, उपकारक हो, environment friendly हो।

मैं फिर एक बार आज सम्‍मान प्राप्‍त करने वाले सभी हमारे कारीगर भाईयों-बहनों का सम्‍मान करता हूं, अभिनंदन करता हूं और तमिलनाडु की सरकार का, नागरिकों का हृदय से अभिनंदन करता हूं। बहुत बहुत धन्‍यवाद।

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Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Praful Bhai Patel, my colleague in Parliament Kalaben Delkar, President of Daman Municipal Council Deepika Tandel Ji, Chairman of Daman District Panchayat Dharm Babu Patel, Chairman of Silvassa Municipal Council Somnath Devre Ji, Chairperson of Dadra Nagar Haveli District Panchayat Nisha Bhavsar Ji, Chairman of Diu Municipal Council Harish Kapadia Ji, Chairperson of Diu District Panchayat Kotia Ranjitaben, and my dear brothers and sisters who have gathered here in such a large number,

Just as you have gathered here, in Lakshadweep too a large number of people are connected with us through video, because today a new beginning of development in Lakshadweep, a new project that will bring revolutionary change in the lives of the people of Lakshadweep, has also been inaugurated and foundation stones have been laid for some schemes.

Friends,
A few years ago, when I came among you, I had said that our Daman is rapidly becoming Mini India, and today I see, on the left side is entire Bengal and on the right side is entire Assam. Daman has become a living example of Mini India. The diversity here, people from different regions residing here, gives a beautiful glimpse of the whole of India among you. You all have come in such large numbers to bless us, for this I thank you all very much.

Brothers and sisters,
I have had the opportunity to come to Daman and Diu many times. I also keep visiting Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and when I was not Chief Minister or Prime Minister, I used to come here many times. But now when I come here and see the good governance, the governance model, it feels very good. Every time I feel that compared to the last time, this region has moved miles ahead on the path of development.

Friends,

Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu had dreamt of development for decades. The generations who dreamt earlier have passed away. But today the present generation is seeing with their own eyes that the dreams their parents and grandparents used to see are now being fulfilled before their eyes. Even today, many projects related to connectivity, health, education, tourism, and urban infrastructure have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid here. These development works will make life easier for the people of Daman and the entire Union Territory. They will create new opportunities for the youth. Behind these works, the vision of Praful Bhai Patel, his and his team’s hard work is clearly visible. For this, I also appreciate Praful Bhai and his entire team. I extend many congratulations and best wishes to the people of Lakshadweep and Dadra-Nagar Haveli.

Friends,

Today as I have come among you, a pleasant news has arrived. I had already left Delhi this morning, but the figures that have just come, the news that has arrived, is truly delightful, and I also want to share this happiness with you. The figures that have come today clearly show how strong the foundation of India’s economy is. In the year 2025-26, that is, the financial year that has just ended, India has achieved a growth rate of 7.7 percent, 7.7, and the last quarter that ended on 31st March also recorded India’s growth at 7.8 percent, 7.8. And this is the fastest-growing large economy in the world. Every Indian should feel proud, this is its pace. Today the country is running on the Reform Express, today the country is witnessing such massive infrastructure development, such large-scale work is being done for the welfare of the poor, and the result of all these efforts is that today the country is moving ahead as the fastest-growing large economy. And we all know, the world is engulfed in crises, the economies of the whole world are buried under question marks, but even in this worst period of global crisis, with the collective efforts of 1.4 billion countrymen, India is not only able to sustain itself but also succeeding in staying ahead. I extend many congratulations to the countrymen for achieving this new height in the economic field, and I once again assure the nation that while facing these crises prevailing across the world, the country will continue to move forward with firm resolve, on the path of Reform, Perform, and Transform, at a rapid pace. This is my guarantee to the countrymen.

Friends,

Today development is as important for us as ensuring that our development model is sustainable. Today, on World Environment Day, our Union Territory State is realizing this resolution. Today, on one hand, development projects worth thousands of crores have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid here. At the same time, about one lakh one trees in the name of mother, one lakh saplings are also being planted here. I am proud that this is such a Union Territory which has achieved the feat of 100 percent use of solar energy in government buildings. Today, in Diu, the entire daytime electricity demand is being met only by solar power, and we have to take this further. Electricity should also be available in homes through solar energy, and not only that, families should also earn income from surplus electricity. For this, the initiative of installing rooftop solar plants has begun. I also appreciate you all for these achievements.

Friends,

Along with this, I have also been informed that the people of Daman are running a cleanliness campaign these days. This shows how cleanliness has become a part of the culture of Daman’s public life, and this culture is visible in the cleanliness efforts. I congratulate the people of Daman for these participatory efforts.

Friends,

Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, being a Union Territory, are also the identity and heritage of India. Therefore, our goals for its development are not ordinary. I remember, when I came to Silvassa last year, I gave you the example of Singapore. I had said that once Singapore was a small fishing village. But the people of Singapore dreamt, they set big goals, and today that same Singapore has become the world’s biggest business hub. Today Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are also dreaming the same dream. These projects like Namo Airport, the iconic bridge to be built on the Damanganga river, the convention center to be built on the ‘Beach Front’, through such infrastructure we are laying the foundation of big resolutions for the future. Through these projects, your movement will become easier. New possibilities for business will be created here. The pace of development on both sides of Daman will become faster.

Friends,

Here opportunities related to the hospitality economy will increase, and along with that, facilities like Transport Nagar will also give new momentum to trade and logistics.

Friends,
The vision we have prepared for the Blue Economy in this region will also be realized only through the strength of hi-tech infrastructure. That is why, today itself, the foundation stone of modern ports is being laid in Kalpeni and Kadmat islands of Lakshadweep. All these efforts will increase the country’s strength in the Blue Economy, and as I said, these are initiatives that will change the destiny of Lakshadweep.

Friends,
In the BJP government, in our NDA government, the first criterion of development for us is-change in the lives of the poor, the deprived, the tribal, and the middle class! For this, the health sector is our very big priority. In the past years, the country has moved forward with a holistic vision for healthcare. We have solved every concern related to treatment. Today even the poorest have the facility of Ayushman Card. They have the assurance of free treatment up to 5 lakh rupees. To ensure timely diagnosis of diseases, there is the arrangement of Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Affordable medicines are also available through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. To make these facilities even better and more modern, today health services are being connected with technology through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

Friends,
Due to Ayushman Cards and Jan Aushadhi Kendras alone, the poor and middle class have saved nearly 2.25 lakh crore rupees from being spent.

Brothers and sisters,
The policies of the central government have greatly benefited the people of this region too. At one time, there was a lack of good treatment facilities here. There was not even a medical college here. But now there is a medical college, and post-graduation studies have also started in it. Silvassa’s Namo Hospital has been serving thousands of people since last year. Today, Namo Hospital has also been inaugurated in Daman. The people of this region will now get the benefit of even better healthcare.

Friends,
How our government is prioritizing health is also evident in the results of the National Family Health Survey. At one time, most deliveries in India did not take place in hospitals. Today, more than 90 percent of deliveries in the country are happening in hospitals, which has greatly reduced maternal mortality and infant mortality. Due to Mission Indradhanush, India has also made good progress in the field of child vaccination. Before 2014, only 60 percent of children were fully vaccinated. Today this figure has increased to about 90 percent. There has also been a big change in the field of health security. Before 2014, less than 30 percent of families were connected with health insurance schemes. Today Ayushman Bharat has changed those figures too. Now more than 60 percent of families are getting this protection.

Friends,
If anyone has benefited the most from these efforts of the government in the field of health, it is the women power of my country.

Friends,
Earlier the youth of this region also had to go outside for higher education. But today, not one but many national-level institutes have been established here. In recent years, new school buildings have been built here, smart classrooms have also been built in schools. More than 40 thousand students are benefiting from them. I am happy that the Union Territory is gradually moving forward in the field of education. Many constructions like Swami Vivekananda Education Hub are happening here.

Brothers and sisters,
It is also our resolve that our daughters should not lag behind in this education revolution. For this, many big efforts are being made. Schemes like Saraswati Cycle Scheme and Saraswati Vidya Yojana are helping the daughters here a lot.

Friends,
Today India is trying that the youth of the country should get the right direction along with the degree. They should get such exposure that connects local talent with global opportunities. In fields like design, law, engineering, medical education, IT, drone, and renewable energy, our present preparation will strengthen India’s workforce. Therefore, the expansion of professional institutions is very important.

Friends,
Today the foundation stone of the eighteenth campus of NIFT has been laid. This institution will connect the youth here with global exposure. New courses like Drone Technician have also started in ITI Daman. Training programs related to PM Vishwakarma and PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme are also benefiting the youth.

Friends,
Sports in the country have also been advanced with new thinking. Our sports are no longer limited to big cities or big stadiums. Efforts like Khelo India have given youth a new platform to showcase their talent. Because of this, children from small regions are coming forward at the national level in the field of sports, and this region has also benefited from it. Diu has emerged as a big center of beach sports today. The Beach Games held at Ghoghla Beach have also drawn the country’s attention to this region. Today modern sports infrastructure is continuously being developed here. The Football Center in Khanvel and the Volleyball Training Center in Daman are strengthening the sports culture here.

Friends,
Today the country’s big focus is also on tourism. Our effort is that tourism should promote local art and culture. Small places should also be connected with big opportunities. Efforts like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ have inspired people to know about the diversity of the country. Today heritage tourism, beach tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism in India are getting new energy.

Friends,
In Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, tourism is also a sector with immense possibilities. This region has been blessed with natural beauty. That is why the policies the country has worked on regarding tourism have greatly benefited Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu. In 2021, about 6 lakh tourists came here. In 2025, this number increased to about 50 lakh. That means in just a few years, tourism footfall has increased nearly tenfold. This has been possible due to better infrastructure, better facilities, and clean beaches. Daman Night Market, Ramsetu Sea-Front, Namopath Sea-Front, Nani Daman Fort, Gangeshwar Temple Complex, such numerous places are today becoming the new identity of this entire region.

Friends,
To fulfill the dreams of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, we also have to increase the industrial strength here. It is also a matter of pride that this Union Territory has made its distinct identity in the field of man-made fiber. Dadra and Nagar Haveli are recognized as the National Man-Made Fibre Capital. This region is also continuously progressing in plastic export. The government has also made continuous efforts to support industries and MSMEs here. MSMEs and other industries here have been provided financial assistance of more than crores of rupees. New opportunities are opening up for small and cottage industries of the Union Territory. I am confident that in the coming time this region will become a big hub of manufacturing.

Friends,
When sensitive governance is combined with the vision of development, transformation rapidly takes shape on the ground. Seeing the impact of our efforts in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu gives satisfaction. I have full faith in the people of this land. The youth here, the mothers and sisters here, the farmers, artisans, laborers, and entrepreneurs here will take this development journey further in the coming years. I assure you, the central government will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to fulfill your dreams. With this belief, I once again extend many congratulations to you for the development projects. Say with me, Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Thank you very much.