It is utmost important for a country like India to keep pace with global development to promote tourism in order to generate livelihood for millions of people, said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at an opening ceremony of the three-day long International Kite Festival at the picturesque Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
While extending his greetings to the people of India on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan, BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate said that the festival of Kites demonstrate love for nature, environment and tourism. “Special energy is derived from festivities such as this. Tourism and festival such as Uttarayan enhance the livelihood opportunities of the poorest of the poor,” said Modi.
Giving an example, Modi talked about the kite makers, who would earn a lot of money during Uttarayan. He stressed on the need to integrate the local people with the tourism industry so that the results can be better. “About a decade back, Kite-making industry in Gujarat was hardly Rs 30-Rs 35 crore. Because of the state government’s efforts to promote tourism by hosting kite-festival, it has now evolved to over Rs 500 crore. More than 70 per cent women from economically weaker section are getting employment in it,” he added.
Modi also appreciated nearly 2,000 children for their mass Surya Namaskar effort at the Riverfront. He pointed that their participation makes everyone proud and it shows the wonders these little children can do if they are given the opportunity. On the occasion, he paid tributes to Swami Vivekananda and described him as a source of immense inspiration and a revered figure who taught patriotism through the medium of spirituality. He urged people to get inspired by his message of serving the poor people. More than 300 Kite enthusiasts from 27 countries and 11 Indian states are participating in the international Kite Festival.