Chennai: During a grand ceremony held in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for, inaugurated, and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth more than ₹13,000 crore. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was also present at the event. Addressing a large public gathering, Prime Minister Modi called upon the youth of the country, particularly those in Tamil Nadu, to play an active role in nation-building.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi encouraged young people to dream big, think outside the box, and act on their ideas without fear. He said, “I represent Kashi. The thoughts and words of the great Tamil poet Subramania Bharati always inspire us to live fearlessly. I urge all the young people present here to give themselves every opportunity to be fearless. Turn your original ideas into reality, set ambitious goals, and be courageous.”
The Prime Minister specifically mentioned Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, describing the institution as a shining example of how quality education can be combined with the development of patriotic citizens.
Referring to his popular radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, he shared an inspiring incident in which Girija Amma motivated children through a unique initiative. As part of the initiative, each child contributed one rupee as a tribute to the country’s brave soldiers. These small contributions from thousands of children collectively raised nearly ₹40 lakh, demonstrating that even modest individual efforts can bring about significant positive change when people work together.
Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the innovative ideas and solutions needed to build a “Developed India” would help shape the future not only of India but also of the entire world. He emphasized that the world is increasingly looking to India for solutions to global challenges and that Indian youth possess immense potential to meet these expectations.
He stated that there is no shortage of opportunities in India today. Every young person should approach the future with ambitious goals, recognizing the present period as a golden opportunity to realize their aspirations. The Prime Minister expressed his firm belief that all citizens would work together to achieve the vision of a developed India.
The Prime Minister began his address by describing the occasion as a historic day for Tamil Nadu. Marking the beginning of the auspicious festival of Sharadiya Navratri, he described Tamil Nadu as the sacred land of “Shiva and Shakti.”
He noted that before attending the event, he had the privilege of visiting the ancient Jalakandeswarar Temple and seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. From this sacred site, he extended his heartfelt Navratri greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu and the entire country.
The Prime Minister stated that the various projects inaugurated and those for which foundation stones were laid would significantly improve transportation and make daily commuting more convenient for the people of the state.
He added that these projects would provide a substantial boost to industry, trade, and economic activity across Tamil Nadu. Upon completion, they are expected to generate numerous employment and self-employment opportunities, particularly for the state’s youth.
Highlighting India’s economic progress, Prime Minister Modi stated that the country has emerged as the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Since 2014, India’s electronics exports have increased elevenfold, while defence equipment exports have recorded a remarkable fiftyfold increase.
He further noted that exports of engineering products have reached new milestones. According to the Prime Minister, the rapid expansion of the manufacturing sector has created millions of direct and indirect employment opportunities for young people across the country.
He also highlighted the continuous modernization of port infrastructure, which has strengthened India’s maritime and shipping sectors and contributed to their sustained growth.
Reflecting on his political journey, the Prime Minister said that just a few days earlier, with the love and blessings of the people, he had completed 25 significant years as a head of government.
He reiterated his longstanding belief that the true development of the nation depends on the development of its states. This principle, he said, has consistently guided his approach to governance and policymaking.
Describing urban development as one of his government’s top priorities, the Prime Minister emphasized that urbanization should not be viewed as a problem or a challenge but rather as a major opportunity for national progress.
He explained that modern public transportation systems play a crucial role in realizing the benefits of urbanization. Efficient and accessible public transport not only improves connectivity but also makes everyday life easier and more convenient for ordinary citizens.
The Prime Minister stressed that modernizing transportation infrastructure requires more than simply widening roads. It demands the comprehensive development of various forms of infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of modern cities.
Guided by this approach, he said, the government has significantly expanded metro rail connectivity across the country over the past decade. While metro services were available in only five cities in 2014, the network has now expanded to 25 cities.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi recalled that his experience as a Chief Minister had given him a deep understanding of the aspirations and developmental needs of individual states.
He said that after becoming Prime Minister, he remained committed not only to fulfilling those aspirations but also to ensuring that every state had the opportunity to achieve its development goals.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that cooperation between the Centre and the states, infrastructure modernization, economic growth, and the active participation of young people would remain essential pillars of India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
