Hon'ble CM enjoys Runnotsav with tourists

Hon'ble CM enjoys Runnotsav with tourists

With the tourists from within and outside of India coming to take delight in the desert land of Kutch it was Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi joining them in Rannotsav, a month-long tourism festival. Before getting to the tent city at Dhordo Shri Modi went to Kalo Dungar and offered prayers to Lord Dattatreya. He visited Kutch's Artisan craft bazaar in Dhordo and encouraged the artisans. He then inaugurated 'Gateway of Runn Resort' and a private service offering chartered helicopter. Shri Modi described Rannotsav as a 'divine panorama' of spiritual tourism. He also traveled around the white runn with the officials of boarder security force. In the evening Shri Modi, taking a camel safari, reached to white runn to catch the chilly winds of Magh month and divine beauty of white runn in full moon light. He then inaugurated a musical program showcasing the culture of Kutch. Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister of State Shri Vasanbhai Ahir.

Need for debate shift from 'Climate Change'

Need for debate shift from 'Climate Change' to 'Climate Justice' - Hon'ble CM

Former President Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam today complimented Chief Minister Narendra Modi for providing an exemplary leadership to make Gujarat a carbon-neutral state, through sustainable development and saving wastage of energy at different levels. He was releasing Mr. Modi's book on climate change, titled 'Convenient Action: Gujarat's to Challenges of Climate Change', published by Macmillan Publishers India Ltd, at a largely attended function at Tagore hall here. Modi is the second political leader in the world after former Vice President of USA Al Gore to have written a complete book on climate change. This is his first book in English. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Modi said how his Vedic readings inspired him to believe in the complementary relationship between human beings and nature. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Trusteeship, he said the present generation had the responsibility to act as a trustee of wealth and nature for the future generations. And, the reckless destruction of ecological harmony has heightened the ethical responsibility of our generation. He focused on the need to bring in ethics and equity at the core of the debate on climate change. He said the future generation and the poor and downtrodden are the most vulnerable groups when it comes to the issue of climate change. Climate change definitely affects the future generation which, as of now, has no voice on the actions of present generation. And of course poor and downtrodden are and will be worst affected by climate shocks, extreme weather conditions, etc. Thus he called for attention to shift the whole discourse on ‘climate change’ to one of ‘climate justice’. He urged everyone not to let this ecological debt be transferred to the future generations and keep climate justice in mind in all our actions. Speaking on the occasion, former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam said that climate change is a global cancer and we must promote clean nation. he said the initiatives enumerated in the book are a beacon of inspiration as the book shows the way to 'practicable solution' and 'preventing damage to the environment'. Stressing the need for water conservation, Kalam said that Gujarat is leading by example in agriculture growth which has exceeded 9 per cent. It did because of farm level water conservation and micro water conservation that saw 3,50,000 check dams and village ponds being built and which benefited 13 million people of the state. Dr R K Pachauri, Director-General, The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) and Chairman, Noble Laureate Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), who also graced the occasion, said that 12 countries in the world are on the verge of becoming failed states due to climate change. If we have a failed state amongst us then no state can remain immune. He said that climate change is a real threat today and there is no time to cast doubt. Environmental degradation is a reality. Green house gases are the root cause of the problem. Gujarat is better placed to respond to climate change under the able leadership of Mr. Modi to bring about a change in societal order," Elaborating on the devastation that climate change can cause, Mr. Pachauri recounted the 2009 floods which affected a number of states in India and the drought in other parts that affected 86 million people of 14 states. "If we have to avoid repeat of such catastrophes we need as a bare necessity judicious water management and inter-linking of rivers. Only two leaders in the world have written about climate change. One is former vice-president of the United States Al Gore and another is Narendra Modi, "Narendrabhai has chosen a subject that is pertinent. He is not preaching as he has documented facts what he has done in this regard in Gujarat. In a way, Mr. Modi's 'Convenient Action' is an answer to Mr. Al Gore's 'Inconvenient Truth'." When a new idea crops up in a new area there is resistance from certain quarters. True leadership is making the impossible possible and in the chief minister's book 'Convenient Action' I see a vision of commitment, he said. Referring to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report on the foreboding climate change, Pachauri reitered to those who feel that it is still not time to worry about it: "Environmental degradation has become a reality. There is no need for 100 per cent proof." Pointing to the impact of environmental degradation, Pachauri pointed out the case of Maldives. The ocean around Maldives was once rich in Tuna fish but today it is vanishing from the island due to acid formation in the ocean due to green house gases. Mr. Rajiv Beri, Managing Director of Macmillan Publishers, India, shared that the book is their biggest launch in 2010 and it will be available in more than 200 retail outlets across the country and in over 20 online bookstores. The book is also being made available in the USA and already some big orders from the USA market have been placed to them. He also informed that Macmillan Publishers has already exhausted the entire stock of first print through advance orders and soon shall be going in for reprint. The function was graced by some of the prominent national and international personalities. Mr. Avinash Tyagi, from World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Geneva, Switzerland, who specifically flew in to take part in this book launch ceremony. Mr. Arvind Mishra, Head, Climate Change Division, TERI, New Delhi, Ms. Aditi Dass from the Climate Group, officers from Government of Gujarat, Vice Chancellors of Gujarat University, Saurastra University, Nirma University etc. More than 2000 people attended the launch. The book is a compendium of actions undertaken by him in Gujarat during the last decade which have directly or indirectly contributed to climate change. He has elaborated on how the state has kept a constant emphasis on mitigation initiatives, exploiting the clean and green energy potential, through promotion of wind and solar energy and a state-wide gas grid. Gujarat is one state which has fully converted the challenges into an opportunity and ranks first in the country with maximum carbon credits. The more important human angle of adaptation has been accounted in the state policies on water and agriculture, as the author provides evidence of the visible impacts of the initiatives undertaken.

Hon'ble CM launches novel Swarnim smart card

Hon'ble CM launches novel Swarnim smart card in lieu of driving licence

In yet another initiative, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today launched Swarnim Single Window for Applications, Re-engineering Process with New Delivery Initiative in Modernized-RTO, in short SWARNIM-RTO, to replace driving licence and the RC Book. As per the scheme, nearly 20-lakh vehicle owners and drivers would get the new cards at their doorstep, with personal greetings from the CM. It is being implemented in collaboration with India Post, beginning with Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Surat. Besides bringing transparency, it will motivate people observe traffic rules. At present, about 26,000 people have to visit the RTO offices daily. It was launched at a function, attended by Transport and Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala, Additional Chief Secretary B.K Sinha, Transport Commissioner J. P. Gupta, Chief Post Master General Humera Ahmed, among others.

Gujarat shines on chess board with a world record

Gujarat shines on chess board with a world record

It was a moment of pride for Gujarat when Guinness Book adjudicator Ms. Tarika announced a new world record in the name of Gujarat. Much-awaited historic event took place at GMDC ground here where 20000-odd players played chess all at same time at same venue. Record certificate was handed over to Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a brain who engineered this mega event. Whats more for sprouting chess stars when chess guru and India’s own world chess champion Vishwanathan Anand himself was there showing various chess moves to them in the presence of the State Chief Minister. As many as 20,486 players were selected to play for this sporting bonanza arranged jointly by Youth and Cultural Activity Department, NIIT and Gujarat State Chess Association. The troop of players also included about 140 visually challenged players. The world-record earlier was with Mexico, who won it in 2006 with 13,346 players playing chess simultaneously. Chief Minister while congratulating the players said that India had 299 world records in its account and with today’s record the count has reached to 300. Chief Minister also mentioned about Gujarat’s recent pattern where it has captured record after records with the events like mammoth tree plantation program, Khel Mahakumbh having 14-lakh players, 50-lakh people reading inspirational books in one hour, Tana-Riri at Vadnagar and others. He also appealed the players present to prepare five more players in the game of chess and thus create a pool of one lakh chess players in the state. Shri Anand said that Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi had originally envisaged this event a year back. He said that he is happy to see this historic event actually taking place, a sure one to earn pride for Gujarat. Youth and Cultural Activities Minister Shri Fakirbhai Vaghela said that chess is a brain game and that this event was organized with a view to inculcate sporting spirit among the youth of Gujarat. Revenue Minister Smt.Anandiben Patel, Education Minister Shri Ramanlal Vora, NIIT’s Shri Rajendra Pawar, Chief Secretary Shri A.K.Joti, Ahmedabad Mayor Shri Asit Vora, Famous film-star Shri Paresh Rawal, noted stage actor Shri Manoj Joshi and chess players in large numbers were present on the occasion.

gujarat Solar Park to be developed as Swarnim

gujarat Solar Park to be developed as Swarnim Surya Teerth

Gandhinagar, Thursday: Chief Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone of the 500MW Gujarat Solar Park being developed by Gujarat Power Corporation at a cost of Rs.1,247-crore on 1,000-acre government wasteland at Charanka near Santalpur in Patan district in north Gujarat. He also laid the stone for Smart Grid Transmission Network, being set up by Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO), even as the Government of Gujarat has entered into agreement with solar power generation companies to buy up to 590 mw electricity from them. Several foreign and Indian companies have decided set up solar power generation units on land given on 30 years lease, in addition to plants to manufacture solar power producing machinery, involving a total investment of Rs.7,500-crore. Talking about the huge quantity of solar radiation available in the state along the vast stretches of the Rann, he said that in the coming days the sunrise in India might be from the west in the westernmost state of Gujarat. The US-based M/s Clinton Foundation, which has carried out research on the subject, has entered into an agreement to partner with the government. He described the event as the sunrise of India's future energy programme. He said the project is scheduled to check emission of 80-lakh tones of carbon-dioxide and save 9-lakh tones of non-renewable fuel like coal every year. Touted as Asia's biggest, Mr. Modi declared the project as Swarnim Surya Teerth, being set up as it is in the golden jubilee year of the state's foundation to mark modern way of paying obeisance to the Sun. Since solar power is likely to be cheaper than other sources of energy in the future, Mr. Modi said the Gujarat's futuristic Solar Energy Policy has earmarked development of job-oriented solar component manufacturing units, too. He listed drip irrigation and precision farming, especially in the semi-arid regions, as some of the other steps the state has initiated in the direction of saving scare fuel resources. Speaking on the occasion, Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel, who is also Patan District Guardian Minister, said the Solar Park would also ensure facelift of the north Gujarat region. She said the government schemes to provide drinking water to Santalpur, Harij, Chansama and Sami talukas could be hastened up with the cooperation of farmers in land settlement. Minister of State for Energy Saurabh Patel said that Gujarat has progressed by leaps and bounds during the last decade. He said GETCO would set up 140 sub-stations in the state during the year, including four in Patan district, at a cost of Rs.2,000-crore. Gujarat is the only state in the country providing 24x7 hour electricity to villages. The state resolves to ensure electricity in every house. IFC Representative Anita George, hailing the Gujarat Government initiative, extended all possible cooperation to the project. Radhanpur MLA Shankarbhai Chodhry welcomed the guest. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Member of Parliament Natuji Thakor, GEDA Chairman Ishwarbhai Bhavsar, MLA Bhavsinhji, Rajnibhai Patel, Principal Energy Secretary Pandia, GSPC Managing Director Tapan Ray, Gujarat Energy Development Corporation General Manager and GETCO Managing Director Negi, District Collector Hingrajia, among others. - - - - - - Chief Minister Narendra Modi distributed letters of agreement to 14 private sectors firms for generating 171MW solar energy at the park. - - - - - - An exhibition of the proposed Gujarat Solar Park phase-1, including solar panel, besides the state's Energy Policy, Solar Energy Policy, Energy Transmission, Environmental Protection, Implementation of Urja Shakti and Education, arranged at Charanka drew large crowd. - - - - - - GPCL Director handed over a cheque of Rs.21-lakh to the Kanya Kelavni Nidhi. - - - - - - Mr. Saurabh Patel said Rs.2,000-crore has been earmarked as energy subsidy to the farmers. - - - - - - The farmers of the area affected by the Narmada Canal Project donated Rs.1.25-lakh to Kanya Kelavni Nidhi.

Gujarat committed to adopt best standard

Gujarat committed to adopt best standard & practices for development of the educational sector: Hon'ble CM

Gandhinagar, Monday: “ Gujarat is committed to follow the best standard & practices for its educational system,” said Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi while addressing the International Round Table Conference for Academic Institutions, held today at Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar. Representatives from 25 universities of nine countries attended the meet and the CM invited them to avail benefits of the best infrastructural facilities available in the state for research & development activities. The Education Department of Gujarat Government organized the conference for international universities & premier educational institutions as a precursor to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit (VGGIS) 2011 in order to attract global participation in development of human resources. 74 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Gujarat-based universities and their foreign counterparts, big industrial houses & some research organizations. Various research & training activities will be undertaken under these MoUs. While welcoming the academia from the country & abroad, Shri Narendra Modi said, “In this golden jubilee year of its inception, Gujarat has launched some initiatives highlight the importance of education & make available the best education system to the next generation. This meet is a historic move in this direction.” He also stressed upon the need of strengthening the power of knowledge in order to gain an edge in this competitive world. “In the ancient era, Vallabhi University of Gujarat was a known varsity of that time. And with varsities for various spheres such as Children University, Teachers University (IITE), Rakshashakti University, Forensic Science University & Petroleum University, Gujarat is replicating that kind of success in 21st century too,” he said. “Education is the only option available for the betterment of the deprived and the impressive growth of the education sector in Gujarat is providing the global educational institutions an opportunity to undertake research activities in the best way possible,” he added. He also presented the officials of the foreign universities, who entered into MoUs with Gujarat-based varsities, with a certificate of appreciation and gave brief detail of all the initiatives undertaken by the state for reforms in the education sector. Earlier in his welcome speech, Shri Hasmukh Adhiya, Principal Secretary, Education Department, Gujarat, said, “Under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Gujarat has launched some innovative initiatives for the reforms in the educational sector. This international meet, being held on the sidelines of VGGIS 2011, is aimed at exchanging views & experience for facilitating cooperation for the development of the sector.” State Education Minister Shri Ramanlal Vora, Minister of State for Higher Education Smt. Vasuben Trivedi and Dr. Choong Jae Cho from Institute of Economic Policy, Korea, were present at the meet.

Gujarat emerges as a meaningful

Gujarat emerges as a meaningful global platform for consensus, harmony and cooperation for all-inclusive growth: Narendra Modi

Gandhinagar, Wednesday: While inaugurating the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, “In 21st century, Gujarat has become a meaningful global platform for consensus, harmony and cooperation to ensure all-inclusive growth.” Shri Narendra Modi made a fervent appeal to the dignitaries and delegates from around 90 countries present at the function that we all are concerned about the welfare of the mankind. He further stressed upon the need to realize the global vision for the development of human potential and power. The Chief Minister kicked off the 5th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit 2011 in a grand way at the newly-built convention center in Mahatma Mandir complex. A galaxy of delegations including some national and international dignitaries from around 90 countries and 16 states was present at the occasion. The Chief Minister also paid glowing tributes at the busts of Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda. It is heartening to note that the commencement of summit coincided with the 149th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. He also welcomed the Prime Minister of Rwanda, ambassador and high commissioner of the summit partner countries Japan and Canada respectively along with other dignitaries from India and abroad. While highlighting the theme of the Global Investors Summit in the context of 21st century, Chief Minister elaborated upon the ever expanding horizons of global consensus for harmonious relationships. “We should ensure better prospects not only for the current generation but also for the next generation. We should increase our efforts in a way so that the benefits of prosperity can be availed by all the developing countries to the best extent possible,” he added. CM also asserted that we should set our goal in a manner so that it converge the key factors such as Development with Justice- Growth with Equality and Technology with Human Face. Reflecting upon the historic references from the 20th and 21st centuries, Shri Narendra Modi said that 20th century remained the century of exploitation, where mankind and nature became victims of exploitation, it led to global imbalance creating a gulf between the affluent and poor classes, and it also increased the gap between the developed and developing countries. In this century, we must endeavor to bridge the gap, also striking an ideal balance. Emphasizing the need to accommodate positive patterns of development, he claimed that India is set to increase its eminence in global arena. Excellent youth-power, excellent knowledge pool, excellent democracy and excellent system of justice are the four pillars for India. We should capitalize on this to make India the world superpower. We have the highest young population in the world, of which 72% of the total population is below 40 years of age. The objective of the 5th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is not limited to growth in investment or industrial development. Gujarat can act as a global platform for cooperation in development for a meaningful consensus for synergy. Gujarat aims to facilitate the convergence of power of knowledge and technology. The summit coincides with the golden jubilee year of Gujarat. CM asked to achieve the goal of all-inclusive growth by exploring the global network of economic growth. After emerging as a leading state within a short span of 50 years, Gujarat has now also shown the path to inclusive growth and climate justice. After a modest beginning in 2003, the 5th edition of the investors' summit has truly become a milestone event in the history. He termed the completion of construction work of Mahatma Mandir, within just182 days, as a record-breaking achievement. Chief Minister termed it as a confluence of Mahatma Gandhi's message for peace, non-violence and development - birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand and the 5th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit. He warmly welcomed the dignitaries and delegations from 90 countries. Shri Bernad Makuza, Prime Minister Rwanda; His Excellency Stewart Beck, High Commissioner, Canada; Shri Hideaki Domichi, Ambassador, Japan; Captains of industries Shri Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Anil Naik, Anand Mahindra, Prashant Ruia, Ms. Chandra Kochar (Chairperson, ICICI Bank), Shri Subhash Chandra and many other dignitaries lauded the dynamic leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, under his leadership all the sectors are on high growth trajectories. The growth is chiefly attributed to Shri Modiji's clearly defined policies, transparent procedures and sound implementation of economic policies.

Kidnapped astrologer rescued, 2 held

New Delhi, Feb 9 (PTI) A 65-year-old kidnapped astrologer was rescued and his two abductors, who had demanded Rs seven lakh for his release, have been arrested, police said today. The arrested have been identified as Kailash (35) and Prahlad (35), both residents of Rajasthan. They had allegedly abducted Leeladhar on February 7 while he was on his way to Gurgaon. "Leeladhar gives palmist and astrological advice at a place opposite Civil Hospital in Gurgaon and near Sheetla Mata Mandir...His son received a ransom call on February 7 was asked to come to Sohna Chowk in Gurgaon with Rs seven lakh," a senior police official said. "The son informed the police after which a team was sent to Sohna Chowk but the caller, who identified himself as Surender, called the complainant and asked him to come with the money at toll tax border. He reached there but the caller kept changing his position and finally called him at Laxmi Hotel near Rampura Chowk," he said. When the son reached there, two persons were found waiting for him. On seeing the complainant, they asked for the money. The police party acted swiftly and apprehended both the persons who tried to flee from the spot. "Meanwhile 10-15 people, including a person named Surender, gathered there and started pelting stones at the police party. The astrologer got released in the mayhem but the stone pelters managed to flee," the official said. During interrogation of the arrested duo, it came to light that three years ago, Leeladhar along with three others -- Jagdish Prasad, Kirori and Kamal -- had told Surender, a resident of Gurgaon, if he donated a golden cow weighing 31 tolas, it would bring good fortune for him and his family. "Believing them, Surender went to Haridwar where he performed rituals as told by the four and also donated them the golden cow and money. Despite this, he suffered huge losses in his business, following which he demanded back the money spent on making the golden cow and other expenses. "While Kirori and Kamal disappeared from the scene, Leeladhar and Jagdish Prasad expressed their inability to pay back the money. Surender then hatched a conspiracy and asked his wife persuade Leeladhar to come to their house to perform some puja. She went to Civil Hospital in Gurgaon and requested Leeladhar to come with her. "On her request, Leeladhar accompanied her in a car. She took him to Manesar. On reaching there, Surender demanded Rs 7.80 lakh from him and also made a ransom call to his son demanding Rs 7 lakh," the official said.

Singapore Consul General meets Modi

Ahmedabad, Feb 9 (PTI) Singapore's Mumbai consul general Lin Chung Ying today called on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and discussed cooperation in various sectors. Lin showed interest in working out a relationship in areas like technical skill development and urban infrastructure development, an official release said. He also showed deep interest in knowing about Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor, it said. Modi said the alliance between Gujarat and Singapore will prove beneficial for both the parties, it added.