"Enaivarukkam Vanakkam!
Greetings to all the people of
Tamil Nadu.
It gives me great
pleasure on this auspicious occasion of inauguration of the
redesigned and expanded Terminal at Anna International Airport.
Today Chennai further consolidates its position on the aviation
map of India and this part of Asia.
I am particularly
happy because this airport bears the name of the late Anna Durai,
a towering leader of Tamil Nadu. He was a man of grassroots
who soared to greatness through his selfless work among the
common people. He was a great patriot and an inspiring symbol
of Tamilian pride.
I cherish my association
with him. We were together in the Rajya Sabha. Indeed, I dedicated
the book containing Tamil translation of my poems to the memory
of my friend Anna Durai.
Commissioning of
this new Terminal would go a long way in meeting the demand
for better facilities for international passengers. It will
also enhance the handling capacity at the Airport. I congratulate
the Airports Authority of India for their good work.
Civil Aviation
plays not only an important but a high profile role in the development
of a nation. Modern facilities of air travel – both passenger
and cargo – contribute to the rapid economic growth of the state
or the region in which they are located. Airports are gateways
to the nation. Nearly hundred per cent of foreign tourists and
40 per cent of international cargo passes through our airports.
Therefore, rapid
expansion and modernization of India's aviation infrastructure
in general, and airports in particular, is a priority for our
Government. In the past few years, we have improved facilities
at many airports in the country, including those in the North-East.
Last month, I laid the foundation stone for modernizing the
airport in Srinagar.
It is our resolve
to create world-class air travel infrastructure in India, keeping
pace with developments in International Civil Aviation. Therefore,
we are taking necessary steps to meet the fast-growing needs
of air travel in our big cities. The Centre has always proactively
supported proposals and plans in this regard, and shall continue
to do so in the future. Recently, the Cabinet has given its
approval to the proposal for amendment to the Airports Authority
of India Act. This would pave the way for development of airports
of international standards in India with private participation.
The importance
of safety and security in aviation has increased considerably
in recent years. India has stood the test of time in this regard.
The services of Indian experts in the field of security have
been sought by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Many other countries in the world have also drawn from our expertise
in this area.
It gives me special
pleasure to note that the southern states occupy a place of
pride in the development of civil aviation infrastructure in
the country. Today's event is yet another proof of this. I am
confident that the Chennai airport will further promote movement
of international cargo and give a boost to international travel
and trade from Tamil Nadu and other southern States.
Friends,
Tamil Nadu has
a long and proud history of establishing trade, commercial and
cultural linkages with countries near and far. Tamilians, with
their legendary seafaring tradition, sailed to distant shores
in centuries past. In particular, they made a major contribution
to India's age-old relations with countries of South-East Asia.
We highly value our rapidly expanding and mutually beneficial
cooperation with this region, which we consider our extended
neighbourhood.
In my travels to
countries in this region, I have visited majestic temples built
by the great Tamil kings of the past. I have met many enterprising
Tamilians, who have earned a name for themselves in their respective
countries.
What I have seen
and heard makes me recall here the inspiring lines from Mahakavi
Bharatiyar:
Chinam, Mishiram,Yavanarakam,
ennum desam
Palavum pugal veesi kalai gnanam
Padai tholil vaanibamum
miga nanru valartha Tamil Nadu
It means – "Tamil
Nadu is famous for the rich development of art, wisdom and knowledge.
It is also famous for commerce with China, South-East Asia,
Europe and other countries."
That tradition
not only continues, but has grown a hundred fold since the time
of the great poet. With this expanded terminal of the Chennai
International Airport, it will grow even further.
In recent years,
we have heralded a Connectivity Revolution in the country. The
National Highway Development Project is rapidly changing the
quality, coverage and capacity of our highways infrastructure.
The National Rail Vikas Yojana is doing the same to our railway
infrastructure. Last month I inaugurated work on the North-South
corridor of this mega project in Srinagar. I also laid the foundation
stone for the start of work on an important rail link project.
This way, we will
further strengthen the physical connectivity between Kashmir
and Kanyakumari – and between Saurashtra and Silchar. It will
also further strengthen the bonds of national unity and national
integration.
In addition to
these projects, we have also launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram
Sadak Yojana, which seeks to connect all the unconnected villages
in our country. The number of such villages is a staggering
1,60,000. But we are determined to complete this project by
2007.
I have mentioned
these things just to drive home the point that India is on the
move. Indeed, India is rapidly on the move. We will improve
our infrastructure in a comprehensive manner – and soon. This
will give a big boost to the growth of our agriculture, industry
and services. New employment, self-employment and business opportunities
will be created. Indeed, all these are already happening. But
the process will gain in speed in the years ahead.
So let us march
ahead with self-confidence. Let us work harder. Let us work
with a stronger sense of purpose and with greater mutual cooperation.
Once again, I express my happiness
to be with you on this important occasion.
Thank you.
Nandri!"
SPEECH BY PRIME MINISTER SHRI ATAL
BIHARI VAJPAYEE ON THE OCCASION OF INAUGURATION OF THE NEW DEPARTURE
BLOCK AT ANNA INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL, CHENNAI
