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Tamil Nadu is chess powerhouse of India: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | July 29, 2022 | 09:10 IST
Chess Olympiad is being hosted in India for the first time; India is fielding its biggest ever contingent in the Competition
“The most prestigious tournament in chess has come to India, the home of chess”
“44th Chess Olympiad is a tournament of many firsts and records”
“Tamil Nadu is chess powerhouse for India”
“Tamil Nadu is home to the finest minds, vibrant culture and the oldest language in the world, Tamil”
“There has never been a better time for sports in India than the present”
“India’s sporting culture is becoming stronger due to the perfect mix of the energy of youth and the enabling environment”
“ In sports, there are no losers. There are winners and there are future winners”

Good evening Chennai! Vanakkam! Namaste!

Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri R. N. Ravi ji, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M.K.Stalin ji, Ministers and dignitaries, FIDE President Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich ji, All the chess players and teams participating in this tournament, Chess lovers from all over the world, Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to the 44th Chess Olympiad being held in India. The most prestigious tournament in chess has come to India, the home of chess. This tournament is here at a special time in India’s history. This is the year we are marking 75 years of freedom from colonial rule. it is our Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav It is an honour to have you here at such an important time for our country.

Friends,

I would like to applaud the organisers of this tournament. In a very short period of time, they have made outstanding arrangements. We in India believe in ‘अतिथि देवो भव’, which means, ‘A guest is like God’. Thousands of years ago, Saint Thiruvalluvar said: इरुन-दोम्बी इलवाड़-वदेल्लाम् विरून-दोम्बी वेड़ाणमई सेय्दर् पोरुट्टु | It means, the whole purpose of earning a living and having a home is to be hospitable. We will make every effort to make you feel comfortable. We will help you bring your best game to the board.

Friends,

The 44th Chess Olympiad has been a tournament of many firsts and records. This is the first time the Chess Olympiad is being held in the place of origin of chess, India. It is coming to Asia for the first time in 3 decades. It has the highest ever number of countries participating. It has the highest ever number of teams participating. It has the highest number of entries in the women’s section. The first ever Torch Relay of the Chess Olympiad started this time. This Chess Olympiad will be in our memories forever.

Friends,

Since it is 75 years of our freedom, the Torch Relay for the Chess Olympiad travelled to 75 iconic locations. Its over twenty-seven thousand kilometre journey has ignited the minds of youngsters and motivated them to take up Chess. It is also a matter of pride that the torch relay for the Chess Olympiad will always start from India in the future. On behalf of every Indian, I extend my thanks to FIDE for this gesture.

Friends,

The place at which this Chess Olympiad is happening is most fitting. There are many temples in Tamil Nadu with beautiful sculptures that represent different sports. Sport has always been considered divine in our culture. In fact, in Tamil Nadu, you will find the temple of Chaturanga Vallabhanathar. This temple at Thirupoovanur has an interesting story related to chess. Even God played a game of chess with a princess! Naturally, Tamil Nadu has a strong historical connection with chess. This is why it is a chess powerhouse for India. It has produced many of India’s chess grandmasters. It is home to the finest minds, vibrant culture and the oldest language in the world, Tamil. I hope you get the opportunity to discover Chennai, Mahabalipuram and nearby areas.

Friends,

Sports is beautiful because it has the inherent power to unite. Sports brings people and societies closer. Sports nurtures a spirit of teamwork. Two years ago the world began to fight the biggest pandemic seen in a century. For a long time, life came to a standstill. In such times, it was various sports tournaments which brought the world together. Each tournament gave the important message - we are stronger when together. We are better when together. I am seeing the same spirit here. The post-COVID period has made us realise the importance of fitness and wellness, both physical and mental. That is why it is important to encourage sporting talent and invest in sporting infrastructure.

Friends,

I am glad to share that there has never been a better time for sports in India than the present. India had its best-ever performances in the Olympics, Paralympics and Deaflympics. We achieved glory even in sports where we had not won earlier. Today, sports is seen as a great profession of choice. India’s sporting culture is becoming stronger due to the perfect mix of two important factors. Energy of youth and enabling environment. Our talented youngsters, especially from small towns and villages, are bringing glory. It is heartening to see women at the lead of India’s sports revolution. The administrative framework, incentive structures and infrastructure have been revolutionized.

Friends,

Today is a good day for international sports. We have the 44th Chess Olympiad starting here in India. In the U.K, the 22nd Commonwealth Games will begin today. Thousands of athletes from many parts of the world are keen to make their nations proud. I wish them all the best!

Friends,

In sports, there are no losers. There are winners and there are future winners. I wish all the teams and players gathered here the very best for the 44th Chess Olympiad. I hope you form great memories of India and treasure them in the times to come. India will always welcome you with open arms. All the best! Now, I declare the 44th Chess Olympiad open! May the games begin!

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Text of PM’s address at the laying of foundation stone/ dedication of various projects at Tatanagar, Jharkhand
September 15, 2024
Flags off Six Vande Bharat trains enhancing connectivity
Distributes sanction letters to 32,000 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) beneficiaries and releases first installment of assistance of Rs 32 crore
Participates in Griha Pravesh celebrations of 46,000 beneficiaries
“Jharkhand has the potential to become the most prosperous state of India, Our government is committed to developed Jharkhand and developed India”
“Mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' has changed the thinking and priorities of the country”
“Expansion of rail connectivity in eastern India will boost the economy of the entire region”
“PM Janman Yojana is being run for tribal brothers and sisters across the country”

Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Santosh Gangwar ji, my cabinet colleagues Shivraj Singh Chouhan ji, Annapurna Devi ji and Sanjay Seth ji, MP Vidyut Mahto ji, State Government Minister Irfan Ansari ji, Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi ji, All Jharkhand Students Union President Sudesh Mahto ji, MLAs, other distinguished guests, brothers and sisters,

I bow down at the feet of Baba Baidyanath and Baba Basukinath. I also pay my respects to the land of brave Birsa Munda. Today is a very auspicious day. Presently, Jharkhand is celebrating the festival of Karma, which involves nature worship. When I arrived at Ranchi Airport this morning, a sister welcomed me with java, the symbol of Karma festival. Sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers during this festival. I extend my greetings to the people of Jharkhand on the occasion of Karma festival. On this auspicious day, Jharkhand has received a new blessing of development. Six new Vande Bharat trains, railway projects worth over 650 crore rupees, expansion of connectivity and travel facilities, and along with all this, thousands of people in Jharkhand will get their own pucca houses under the PM Awas Yojana. I congratulate the people of Jharkhand for all these development works. I also congratulate all the states that are connecting with these Vande Bharat trains.

Friends,

There was a time when modern amenities and development were limited to only a few cities in the country. States like Jharkhand lagged behind in modern infrastructure and development. However, the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' has changed the country’s mindset and priorities. Now, the priority of the country is the poor. Now, the priority of the country is the tribal communities. Now, the priority of the country is the Dalits, the underprivileged, and the backward sections of society. Now, the priority of the country is women, youth, and farmers. That’s why, Jharkhand, just like other states, is receiving high-tech trains like Vande Bharat and modern infrastructure.

Friends,

Today, every state and city wants high-speed trains like Vande Bharat for rapid development. Just a few days ago, I flagged off 3 new Vande Bharat Express trains for the northern and southern states. And today, services of Vande Bharat Express trains have started from Tatanagar to Patna, Tatanagar to Brahmapur in Odisha, Rourkela to Tatanagar to Howrah, Bhagalpur to Dumka to Howrah, Deoghar to Gaya to Varanasi, and Gaya to Koderma-Parasnath- Dhanbad to Howrah. As the housing distribution program was underway on stage, I also flagged off these Vande Bharat trains, and they have started towards their destinations. The expansion of rail connectivity in Eastern India will strengthen the economy of this entire region. These trains will greatly benefit traders and students. This will also accelerate economic and cultural activities here. As you know, millions of devotees come to Kashi from across the country and the world. With the Vande Bharat trains facilitating travel from Kashi to Deoghar, many of them will also visit Baba Baidyanath. This will promote tourism here. Tatanagar is such a major industrial hub in the country. Good transport facilities will further accelerate its industrial development. With the promotion of tourism and industries, employment opportunities for the youth of Jharkhand will also increase.

Friends,

Modern rail infrastructure is crucial for rapid development. That’s why several new projects have also been launched here today. The foundation stone for the Madhupur bypass line has been laid. Once completed, there will be no need to halt trains on the Howrah-Delhi main line. The bypass line will also reduce travel time between Giridih and Jasidih. Today, the foundation stone for the Hazaribagh Town coaching depot has also been laid. This will facilitate the introduction of several new train services. The doubling of the rail line from Kurkuria to Kanaroan will strengthen rail connectivity in Jharkhand. The completion of this section’s doubling will make the transportation of goods related to the steel industry easier.

Friends,

The central government has increased investment in Jharkhand for its development and also accelerated the pace of work. A budget of over 7,000 crore rupees has been allocated for the development of rail infrastructure in Jharkhand this year. Compared to the budget earmarked 10 years ago, this is 16 times more. You can see the impact of the increased rail budget; today, work is rapidly progressing in laying new rail lines, doubling existing lines, and enhancing modern facilities at stations in the state. Today, Jharkhand has also joined the states where 100 percent of the railway network has been electrified. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, over 50 railway stations in Jharkhand are also being revamped.

Friends,

Today, the first instalment has been released for building pucca houses for thousands of beneficiaries in Jharkhand. Thousands of people have also been provided with pucca houses under the PM Awas Yojana. Along with homes, they have also been given facilities such as toilets, water, electricity, and gas connections. We must remember... when a family gets its own home, their self-esteem rises... they start thinking not only about improving their present but also about a better future. They feel that they will have a home of their own even in the face of any crisis. And, with the PM Awas Yojana, not only are the people of Jharkhand getting permanent homes, but it is also creating numerous employment opportunities in villages and cities.

Friends,

Since 2014, several major steps have been taken to empower the poor, Dalits, underprivileged, and tribal families of the country. The PM JANMAN scheme is being implemented for the tribal brothers and sisters across the country, including Jharkhand. This scheme aims to reach the most backward tribes. Officials themselves reach these families to provide them with homes, roads, electricity, water, and education. These efforts are part of our commitment to a ‘Viksit Jharkhand’ (Developed Jharkhand). I am confident that with everyone’s blessings, this commitment will definitely be fulfilled, and we will realize the dreams of Jharkhand. After this program, I am going to another large public gathering. I will reach there in 5-10 minutes. A large number of people are waiting for me there. I will discuss other topics related to Jharkhand in detail there. But I also seek forgiveness from the people of Jharkhand because, although I have reached Ranchi, nature did not cooperate, and therefore, I am unable to take off from here by helicopter. I am unable to reach there, and for this reason, I am inaugurating and dedicating all these programs today via video conference. I will also address the public gathering via video conference. Once again, I thank you all for coming here. Namaskar.