Last updated on November 13th, 2024 at 01:29 pm
PM Modi said on Twitter that “The Governor of Goa, Shri P.S. is present on stage. Sreedharan Pillai Ji, popular Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant Ji, Union Ministers Shripad Naik Ji, Jyotiraditya Scindia Ji, and all other dignitaries and ladies, and gentlemen”.
Congratulations to the people of Goa and the people of the country on this marvelous new airport. In the last 8 years, I’ve repeated the same thing whenever I’ve had the chance to be around you all: I’ll repay your love and blessings with interest, in the form of development. This modern airport terminal is an attempt to reciprocate the same affection.
I am delighted because this International Airport has been named after my colleague and the son of Goa, the Late Manohar Parrikar Ji. The name of Parrikar Ji will be forever etched in the memory of every person who visits here through the name of Manohar International Airport.
It is indeed true that tourism expands the soft power of any country. However, it is also accurate that when a country’s power increases, the world becomes more interested in it.
The world is more attracted to countries with things to see, know, and understand. You will find that when India was prosperous, there was a fascination for India around the world if you look into the history. People from all over the world used to come here as travelers, traders, businessmen, and students. After that, there was a long period of slavery.
The image of India had changed, but India’s nature, culture, and civilization remained the same. Subsequent generations of those who were once eager to come to India didn’t even know where India was located.
Brothers & Sisters,
It is true that tourism often expands the soft power of any country. The world wants to know more about a country when its power expands. The world is definitely more attracted to countries that offer something to see, know, and understand. When India was prosperous in its history, there was a worldwide fascination with the country.
People from all over the world used to come here as travelers, traders, businessmen, and students. However, there was a long period of slavery after that. The image of India had changed, but India’s nature, culture, and civilization remained the same. Generations after those who were once eager to come to India no longer knew where India was located.
Friends,
The government’s emphasis is also on promoting heritage tourism, besides these efforts related to connectivity. The importance of maintaining our heritage, its connectivity, and developing facilities has been stressed.
The development of the historic Aguada Jail Complex Museum in Goa is an example of this. Modern technology is making our heritage sites more attractive across the country. Special trains are being run to help people visit the pilgrimage sites and heritage sites of the country.
Friends,
The Government of Goa deserves congratulations for another accomplishment today. The Government of Goa is laying equal emphasis on social infrastructure besides physical infrastructure. A very successful campaign, “Swayampurna Goa,” is ensuring that the government’s “Ease of living” initiative is benefiting all residents of Goa.
This is commendable work. Goa is setting a very good example of 100 percent saturation today. I hope you all continue to work on such development projects and make life easier for people. I would like to end my speech by congratulating all of you on this grand airport!
