Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of projects on Tuesday and laid the foundation stone for new initiatives, collectively worth `20,140 crore. The Prime Minister praised Tamil Nadu for its cultural inspiration and expressed admiration for the late DMDK leader Vijayakanth, emphasising a sense of nationalism.

Given the recent challenges posed by rain, floods, and the resulting damage and loss of lives in Chennai and southern Tamil Nadu, PM Modi assured that the Centre was providing all possible support. In response, Chief Minister MK Stalin urged him to declare the heavy showers and deluge as “severe natural disasters” and release appropriate funds to the State from the National Disaster Relief Fund.

Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated to the nation 20 projects related to air and seaports, railway, highway, petroleum and natural gas, atomic energy, and higher education in the State from this central Tamil Nadu district, located about 300 km from Chennai. Earlier he attended the Convocation of Bharathidasan University here.

The PM highlighted that these projects would strengthen Tamil Nadu’s progress, enhance ease of travel, and create thousands of employment opportunities.

Stalin stated that the State government, being close to the people, has the duty of providing students with access to education, healthcare amenities, and all other necessary assistance. Therefore, reiterating a request for Central funding to address the aftermath of floods and rains and establishing state rights is not merely a political rhetoric but “the demand of the people,” the CM asserted.

Inaugurating the new terminal building at Tiruchirappalli International Airport, the PM said, “Our endeavour is to consistently expand the cultural inspiration derived from Tamil Nadu in the development of the country.” The “revered Sengol” has been installed in the new Parliament building in Delhi, drawing inspiration from the model of good governance provided by Tamil culture to the whole country.

The “Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal” for the next 25 years will play a crucial role in India becoming a developed nation, with both economic and cultural dimensions, the PM added. India takes pride in the vibrant culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu, he said.

While participating in public events in the past, Modi, who had spoken in English on most occasions, spoke in Hindi on Tuesday as well. In his address, the Prime Minister referred to last month’s rain and floods in the State and the consequent losses, stating that he was deeply moved by the condition of affected families.

“The Central Government stands with the people of Tamil Nadu in this time of crisis. We are providing every possible support to the State Government,” Modi said.

Modi praised Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader Vijayakanth, who passed away days ago, as a “captain” in both cinema and politics. As a leader in politics, Vijayakanth always placed national interest above everything, the PM noted.

“I pay my tributes to him, and I also express my condolences to his family and admirers.” He also remembered eminent farm scientist MS Swaminathan of Tamil Nadu, who recently passed away, stating that he ensured food security for the country.

The PM said, the nation is making unprecedented investments in physical and social infrastructure, and it is among the top 5 economies, emerging as a new hope.

“Tamil Nadu is becoming a very significant brand ambassador for ‘Make In India,’” he added.

The Prime Minister reiterated the Central government’s approach, where the development of the state reflects in the development of the nation. He mentioned that more than 40 Union ministers toured Tamil Nadu over 400 times in the past year. “India will progress with the progress of Tamil Nadu,” he said, emphasizing connectivity as the route for development, providing a boost to businesses and making people’s lives easier.

The new terminal building here will increase capacity by three times, strengthen connectivity with East Asia and the Middle East, and create new opportunities for investments, businesses, education, health, and tourism. He expressed satisfaction that the airport, with its strengthened infrastructure, will introduce the world to Tamil culture and heritage.

In his Bharathidasan University convocation address, he noted that one of the factors behind India’s rise today is the ‘rise of our universities.’ India is setting records in economic growth as the fastest-growing major economy, and universities are entering global rankings in record numbers.

Bharat and civilization have always been centered around knowledge. Ancient universities such as Nalanda and Vikramashila are well-known, and there are references to Kanchipuram housing great varsities and Madurai serving as a center of learning, he said.

Regarding the new railway projects, PM Modi mentioned that they will promote industry and electricity generation, and the new road projects will connect important centers of faith and tourism like Srirangam, Chidambaram, Rameshwaram, and Vellore.

The inaugurated projects include the electrification of the Tiruchchirappali-Manamadurai-Virudunagar railway line. PM Modi highlighted that in the decade before 2014, states were given Rs 30 lakh crore, whereas in the last 10 years, states were given Rs 120 lakh crore. Tamil Nadu also received 2.5 times more in this period compared to the 10 years preceding 2014. For national highway construction, more than three times expenditure was done in the state, and 2.5 times more money was spent on the railways sector in the state, he said.