NE NEWS SERVICE
PUDUCHERRY, AUG 7
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said she was glad to find that spiritual tourism was getting a boost in Union Territory of Puducherry.
Addressing a gathering at the civic reception accorded to her at JIPMER during her first visit to Puducherry, the President said Puducherry was a ‘wonderful destination for spiritual tourism’ and added that spiritual tourism was emerging fast as a global trend. She added that with the growth in tourism, activities related to health tourism and ecotourism would also get a boost.
President Droupadi attended civic reception in Puducherry. She also inaugurated Advanced Linear Accelerator at JIPMER and virtually inaugurated AYUSH Hospital situated at Villianur. The President appreciated the residents of Puducherry for their modern and sensitive approach to… pic.twitter.com/ECqfPSk7Au
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2023
Murmu further said, “spiritual tourism has the potential to boost socio economic development in Puducherry.”
She noted that the central government has taken several measures under Swadesh Dharshan scheme to promote tourism related activities in Puducherry.
Earlier, after inaugurating the Rs 17 crore advanced linear accelerator equipment for treatment of cancer patients in JIPMER, the President said the facility would minimize radio therapy exposure. She virtually inaugurated the Rs 10.51 crore Ayush hospital set up in the neighbouring Villianoor and said it had come up under the National Ayush Mission and would provide affordable and wholistic health care under the three systems of medicine namely Ayurveda, Siddha and Homeopathy.
புதுச்சேரியில் நடைபெறும் அரசு நிகழ்ச்சிகளில் கலந்து கொள்ள வருகை தந்த மாண்புமிகு குடியரசு தலைவர் திருமதி.திரெளபதி முர்மு அவர்களை அவரது தாய் மொழியான ஒடியா மொழியில் வரவேற்றதில் மகிழ்ச்சி…@rashtrapatibhvn#DroupadiMurmu #TamilisaiSoundarajan #Pudhucherry pic.twitter.com/L1qkpedwU4
— Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan (மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@DrTamilisai4BJP) August 7, 2023
Praising the multifarious development Puducherry had made in the field of literacy and education, Murmu said Puducherry demonstrated blending of different cultures and measured up to the spirit of the saying that there was ‘unity in diversity.’
She said that the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayali influences are visible along with the impact of the French. She added that the architecture, the festivals and lifestyles reflect the diverse influences blending together in harmony.
The President said that the Union Territory of Puducherry has made a distinct mark at national and global levels. She was happy to note that in a study conducted by a reputed international agency, Puducherry ranks first in the Social Progress Index Score 2022 among all States and Union Territories. She added that it has performed very well on parameters of Personal Freedom and Choice, Shelter, Water and Sanitation.
Hon'ble President of India Smt.Droupadi Murmu Offered prayers to Lord Ganesha at Manakula Vinayagar Temple at #Puducherry.Feel blessed to join the prayers.
புதுச்சேரி அருள்மிகு மணக்குள விநாயகர் திருக்கோயிலில் மாண்புமிகு குடியரசு தலைவர் திருமதி.திரெளபதி முர்மு அவர்களுடன் தரிசனம்… pic.twitter.com/KeW0FgoIcN
— Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan (மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@DrTamilisai4BJP) August 7, 2023
President Murmu also noted that Puducherry has one of highest literacy rates in the country and the sex ratio has been favourable to women. She said that these facts demonstrate that the people of Puducherry believe in gender equality. She appreciated the residents of Puducherry for their modern and sensitive approach to development and progress.
“For me, it is a matter of immense spiritual significance that my first visit coincides with the celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo. He was also one of the first political leaders in India who openly expressed the aspiration of complete independence for the country in his newspaper Bande Mataram,” the President said.
Prez praises Puducherry’s role in Freedom Struggle
Despite living in a French enclave, the residents of Puducherry were equally active in the freedom struggle. Puducherry has been home to great writers and freedom fighters. Revered Tamil poet Bharathidasan was born here. This holy land was once the abode of the great poet, nationalist and social reformer Mahakavi Subramanya Bharati. He carried out his nationalist activities in Puducherry and played an important role in India’s freedom struggle. Prominent Tamil scholar and freedom fighter VVS Aiyar was a contemporary of Bharatiyar who also took part in the Indian freedom struggle during his stay in Puducherry.
Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan welcomed the President first in Odhiya and switched over to English and Tamil. Chief Minister N Rangasamy who presented his address in English referred to the various welfare schemes the territorial government was implementing to help the marginalized and needy sections.
Earlier, on arrival at the Puducherry airport from Chennai the President was received by Lt Governor, Chief Minister, Ministers, legislators and officials.
Droupadi is on a two-day visit to Puducherry and this was her first visit to the Union Territory after becoming President.