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Shri Modi inaugurates 2nd Ahmedabad National Book Fair

Published By : Admin | April 30, 2013 | 23:10 IST
"CM releases book, ‘Kutch: A Pictorial Journey’ on the occasion"
"CM calls for popularizing books and speaks on how technology can make a difference in that regard"

 

On the evening of Tuesday 30th April 2013 Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated 2nd Ahmedabad National Book Fair at the Gujarat University Convention Centre in Ahmedabad. In his speech Shri Modi called for the popularizing of reading and spoke at length about how technology can make a major difference in popularizing books. The Chief Minister spoke about how the book fair represents a collective effort and strength to make books more popular. The Chief Minister also released a book ‘Kutch: A Pictorial Journey’ written by Mr. Dinesh Kumble, who is the brother of well-known cricket player Mr. Anil Kumble. 

On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that this book fair was inspired by the 150th birth anniversary of Sayaji Rao Gaekwad and the success of Vanche Gujarat. Shri Modi pointed out that the success of the first National Book Fair, held last year was very big. “This year, two good events are associated with this book fair. The first is the 125th birth anniversary of Shri Kanhaiya Lal Munshi and the second is the birth centenary of Shri Rajendra Shah ji,” the Chief Minister shared.

Speaking about the book fair this time, Shri Modi said that this time there is a counter to donate books at the book fair. Shri Modi expressed confidence that people will donate books and stated, “This way, books can reach sections of society where books have not reached. This is not about a budgetary allocation but about our values and culture.” 

Shri Modi talked at length on the use of technology in popularizing books. He affirmed, “Whole libraries will be available at the click of a mouse and the importance of e-books is increasing. Every publisher gives a digital book too. This has increased the reach.” He added that the Gujarat Government had taken the initiative of e-libraries in the Bar Association. He also gave the example of how the Panchtantra series became very popular through the invigoration of technology. “Through technology, we are trying to spread books to every house,” the Chief Minister shared. He also avowed that every person has had times when what he or she read in books has helped them. Shri Modi also stated that with the use of technology comes a challenge. “Earlier, people studied with books, then guides came, then people read from suggestions,” and added, “I see a new challenge with technology. Go to Google Guru and you will get everything. Then one does not go into details.”

Speaking on making books more popular among the people of Gujarat Shri Modi said, “We want to make Lakshmi Pujaris to Pujaris of Saraswati as well. If there is Saraswati ji, Lakshmi ji does not go away.” He urged people to identify a place in their homes as a Granth Mandir and further said that such is the magnetic power of books that if it is at home, one will feel like seeing it. 

Shri Modi called for more books to be published on the tourism of Gujarat and also called for the spreading of books written in one language into other languages. Talking about making books more popular among children, Shri Modi pointed, “In a time when children are going towards video games, I ask software professionals, can we have video games that take children to books through these games?” He also strongly urged children to come to the book fair and visit the kiosks.

He congratulated the authors and especially the new authors. Referring to the new authors Shri Modi declared, “I tell all the new writers, go nowhere these seven days. Perhaps you can write a book on this too.” He opined that both the reader and the writer inspire each other and hoped this grew with this book fair. He shared that more than the stage it is the words of the reader that are more priceless for the writer.

The programme was attended by eminent Gujarati litterateur Shri Bhagawati Kumar Sharma. Shri Modi congratulated Shri Sharma and lauded him for his contribution to literature. Newly elected Ahmedabad Mayor Smt. Minakshiben Patel spoke on the occasion. Shri MA Sikandar, Director of National Book Trust and Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Shri Guruprasad Mohapatra were present on the occasion.

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Speaking about his deep connection with the people of Tamil Nadu, PM Modi said that whether through rallies in the state, personal meetings across the country or programmes like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, he has always made efforts to engage with the Tamil community. “Just like the river Kaveri flows with unstoppable force during Aadi Maasam, the desire for change in Tamil Nadu is also gaining huge momentum,” he said, asserting that people now want a government that works for every family, not just one.


Underlining major investments in Tamil Nadu’s development, PM Modi noted that his recent visits to Trichy and Madurai were linked with the launch of projects worth thousands of crores. He said the projects announced during the current visit alone are worth around ₹5,600 crore and cover sectors such as clean energy, manufacturing, highways, railways and rural roads. These investments, he added, will create thousands of employment opportunities for the youth.


Highlighting improvements in connectivity, the PM spoke about the modern terminal built at Trichy Airport and the decision to grant international status to Madurai Airport. “By elevating Madurai Airport to international status, we are bringing the world to the doorstep of Madurai,” he said. He added that this will boost tourism, pilgrimage and trade, noting that even products like the famous Madurai Malli flowers could now reach global markets within hours.


Launching a sharp attack on the ruling party, PM Modi accused the DMK of betraying the mandate given by the people in 2021. “In DMK rule, everything starts and ends with one family. Ministers may change, MLAs may change, but power remains with a single dynasty,” he said. He further alleged that corruption had become institutionalised, claiming that Tamil Nadu was being treated as an ‘ATM for one family’.

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Concluding with a call for political change, the Prime Minister said the upcoming election presents a clear choice between corruption and dynasty politics on one side, and development and honest governance on the other. “Let your voice from Trichy echo across the state. Tamil Nadu wants change. Tamil Nadu wants NDA,” he said.