New Delhi, October 11 (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that his faith in the two pillars of democracy—the people of the country and cooperative federalism—had grown stronger throughout his 25 years of service as the head of a government. “I have always followed the principle that the development of the nation begins with the development of its states,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Chennai during his visit to Tamil Nadu on Sunday. He first travelled on the Chennai Metro from Porur Bypass station to Poonamallee Bypass station and back. He subsequently offered prayers at the Jalakandeswarar Temple before visiting the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). The Prime Minister laid the foundation stones for, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth more than Rs 13,000 crore. He then addressed a public gathering.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said India was moving forward by drawing inspiration from its rich cultural heritage while advancing in science and developing modern infrastructure. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth approximately Rs 13,000 crore in Tamil Nadu. These initiatives, he said, would strengthen transport, industry and trade while creating new employment opportunities for the state's youth.

The Prime Minister emphasised that improving transportation required more than simply widening roads, as modern cities needed comprehensive infrastructure. With this objective, the country's metro network had been expanded significantly over the past decade. In 2014, metro services were available in only five cities, whereas the network now operated in 25 cities, he said.

PM Modi described the day as historic for Tamil Nadu, noting that several completed projects had been inaugurated and new initiatives launched under the development programme worth approximately Rs 13,000 crore. These projects would make daily commuting easier, boost industrial and commercial activity, and generate employment opportunities for young people across the state.

He said Tamil Nadu's experiences, ranging from its temples to its metro network, reflected the spirit of India. The country drew strength from its cultural heritage while advancing through scientific progress, he said, adding that modern infrastructure was opening up new opportunities. India's heritage and its aspirations for the future were progressing hand in hand, the Prime Minister observed.

The Prime Minister also highlighted efforts to strengthen the country's port infrastructure to help the maritime transport sector reach new heights. The Central Government is investing approximately Rs 17,000 crore to develop the V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi into a world-class mega-container hub and green energy hub. Once completed, the port would be capable of handling some of the world's largest container vessels. This would help establish Tamil Nadu as a global hub for industry and transportation, he said.

PM Modi said that just a few days earlier, he had completed 25 years as the head of a government, thanks to the blessings and affection of the people. Since taking the oath of office as Chief Minister in October 2001, he had been given the opportunity to serve the country as both Chief Minister and Prime Minister.

Over these 25 years, his faith in the two strengths of democracy—the people of India and cooperative federalism—had continued to deepen, he said. He reiterated that he had consistently pursued the principle that national development must be built on the development of individual states.

The Prime Minister further noted that India had become the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Since 2014, the country's electronics exports had increased elevenfold, while defence exports had risen fiftyfold. Exports of engineering goods had also reached a new record, he said.

This expansion of the manufacturing sector had generated millions of direct and indirect employment opportunities for young people across the country. Modi acknowledged the significant contribution made by the people of Tamil Nadu to India's manufacturing growth.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar