Published By : Admin |
December 25, 2011 | 15:43 IST
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Ahmedabad
Date : 25th December, 2011
Today is Atalji’s birthday. For last many consecutive years, we organize this ‘Kankaria Carnival’ from 25th December to 31st December. Through this one programme, we are able to express our love for this city and can see the changes that are taking place in the city life. Whenever there were discussions on the cities of our country, they spinning around Delhi, Kolkata, Madras, Bangalore, Mumbai… Ahmedabad was not in the list of first ten. Today Ahmedabad has secured number one position in the whole country. I congratulate the citizens of this city, I congratulate the officers of the Corporation for enhancing the glory, fame and prestige of the same day after day.
This ‘Kankaria Carnival’… Poor children of this city, children living in slums, studying in Municipal Primary Schools… they have the same capability as we have. The God has given them the same strength as what we have. But, they never got a chance to show their talent. Whether it’s ‘Patangotsav’ or ‘Kankaria Carnival’, we have always given opportunities to these children of poor families. When they show their creativity, express their ability in front of the enlightened citizens of this city, the exposure that they get, the confidence level which is built up from it at that time, adds up in the strength of this city and for that endless efforts are made by this city.
Today this city has received many new rewards, they have been initiated. Whether it’s about swimming pool for children or very old Balwantrai Hall or a Butterfly Park that kids would like very much… Today another new thing is added to Ahmedabad city. The murals on the rock depicting the map of this city, its social-cultural journey of progress, pages of its development, memories of the prominent people of this city… in the same way, Gujarat, its development journey, great people who contributed in the economical, social, educational, cultural and in all other fields, important incidences of the State… all of these are being sculptured on the inner side of the boundary wall of Kankaria lake. Friends, No one would have ever imagined that the wall of Kankaria lake could be used in such a wonderful way. Today only a small portion has been formed, but once the murals get completed around entire Kankaria, at that time its length would be about 30,000 feet. At present, the longest sand stone mural, which is considered to be the largest in the world, is of 9000 feet. This will be of 30,000 feet. This will be the biggest world record credited to Ahmedabad. Those who want to know the history, who want to understand the ups and downs of Gujarat, want to go through the memorable incidences of Gujarat, for them these sculpted open encyclopedia, will become a means of knowledge. It is my request to the citizens of this city, to those who are historians, connected with literature, associated with arts and culture, those who are analysts, critics… they spare some time in next two three months and view our novel idea from the analytical view point and point out flaws in the mural or suggest whether it needs anything to be added… and I request such experts to come and spare their valuable couple of hours for the future of this city, for the future of children. I am giving an open invitation to all. View it minutely, give us suggestions, so that we can include it in the remaining work in the area of 30,000 feet. To make it more presentable, I am interested in public participation. So as to descend your knowledge and experience on the rocks, this city, this state is asking for your help. We are doing one of the best kinds of work. In future, a boat ride along with audio commentary would provide a crash course on heritage of the city and the state by studying the huge murals on the wall. The pedestrians can also study the tablets kept over there and those who wish to watch along with audio commentary, may prevail the benefit of it also. Those who visit Kankaria now, can experience such a nice use of it.
Friends, after the renovation of Kankaria, nearly 90 or more delegations from the world, from foreign countries, visited here and have studied the renovated Kankaria. Intellectual citizens, well-to-do citizens of this city, who seldom gave a passing glance towards Kankaria. Now they are seen visiting Kankaria in Rolls-Royce Cars along with their guests. A reputation of Kankaria has been established. Even the richest and the wealthiest people feel inferior if they have not seen Kankaria, now they feel proud to visit Kankaria.
The citizens of this city have preserved this Kankaria. Otherwise, mismanagement, littering, dirtiness, damaging… this is very common in our country, but hats-off to the citizens of Ahmedabad, to all the citizens of the State and to all the national and international tourists, who have visited Kankaria. I want to congratulate as crores of people visited here but not even a minor problem is ever created, not even a single leaf of any tree is plucked, this is a great deed, Friends..! We have preserved it and it is such a deed that we can introduce our this strength to the world. Cleanliness is maintained, waste has not been thrown anywhere and if any visitor shows even a small waste, he himself gets up and throws it in the dustbin. Kankaria has given a new culture to this city. I am confident that Kankaria will become an inspiration to establish such high standards in the whole city.
Friends, our ‘Kids City’… Many people are coming here to study it. To develop the inner strength among the kids, to awake their dreams, rather to sow the dreams, there may not be any other better source than this. Whenever a tiny tot goes to ‘Kids City’ and in the evening when he comes out, he is overwhelmed and a new dream is planted into his mind, a wish to become someone arises in his mind. Since he himself becomes a part of the experiment, he carries confidence that yes, today I can do this, when I grow up, I can become this also. A place of seeding such dreams… I want all the kids to get an opportunity to plant a dream here at ‘Kids City’. It is my invitation to all kids and their parents of Gujarat. This is for you, for our kids. To make tomorrow of Gujarat prosperous, to playfully imbibe this cultural heritage, as if Kankaria has become a new capital, a new source of inspiration, and we all must take the advantage of the same.
Ladies & Gentlemen, about 1.50 crore people visit here and this does not include those 25-30 lakhs people visit during ‘Kankaria Carnival’, because we don’t have any ticket system during that time. But those people who purchased regular tickets and enterd Kankaria from the gate, that figure comes out to be 1.50 crores. You just think, how great need it was for the poor and middle class people of this State, we have fulfilled this need. Because if a common man wants to go for outing with his family, where shall he go? Where would he find an open space? And today he has found it. In the past, ‘Bal Vatika’ and Zoo were just in the neglected condition. Because of the renovation of this Kankaria, they also have become a new centre of attraction for the people. New suggestions and schemes are coming forward for their development and extension as well.
Ladies & Gentlemen, let us take the full fledged advantage of this. Let us preserve this city, the way this Kankaria is preserved. As Kankaria has come up with a new identity of city‘s fame, glory and prestige, I am inaugurating today’s Carnival. On Atalji’s birthday, the State is ever ready to accept the message of his ‘Good Governance’ and is determined and trying to move forward in that direction and trying for the same.
Daman has become a living example of Mini India: PM Modi
June 05, 2026
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The launch of projects across healthcare, aviation, tourism and infrastructure marks a new development push for Daman that will transform lives across the UT: PM
The data released today reflects the strength of India's economy, with growth of 7.7% in FY 2025–26 and 7.8% in the quarter ending March 31: PM
Even amid severe global challenges, the collective efforts of 1.4 billion Indians have ensured that India is not only sustaining itself but also staying ahead of the curve: PM
The National Family Health Survey clearly reflects the government's focus on healthcare. While most deliveries in India earlier took place outside hospitals, today over 90% of all deliveries occur in hospitals: PM
Thanks to Mission Indradhanush, child immunization coverage in India has risen from 60% before 2014 to nearly 90% today: PM
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!
