Surat, 26 February 2012

Unai mandir consecration ceremony

This is the photograph taken at reconstructed Unai mandir. Speaking at a function to mark the consecration ceremony of the ancient Unai Mata Mandir in south Gujarat renovated at a cost of Rs.3.50-crore, he also announced Rs.50-crore project to harness thermal power from the famous hot springs near Unai. He also performed puja at the temple.

Shri Modi announced an additional package of Rs.40,000-crore for the Rs.15,000-crore Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojna, extending the term of the welfare scheme for tribal people by another five years.

He said that Gujarat Government would develop Bhagwan Ram’s Pagdandi or the footprints, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Government to undertake up-gradation of five sites associated with Bhagwan Ram in the state.

Upendra Trivedi gets Honorary Doctorate

Delivering the convocation address at Veer Gujarat South Gujarat University, Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi called upon the students to come out of indecisiveness and sense of insecurity, chart out one’s own path and the build the capacity to face the challenges of life. As per Indian traditions, he said, no education is considered to be complete until a student overcomes the regime and rigours of gurukul, which prepare them to possess willpower and face the tribulations of the world. It is also an occasion to repay the debt to the guru by rising up to the expectation of the society

Mr. Modi said that another purpose of education is be inquisitive and the yearning to learn throughout life. The students have to keep pace with the development of the state. He congratulated the pass-outs and particularly meritorious students and said that India is a nation of youth comprising 65 per cent of the population. It happens to be the 150th birth anniversary year of Swami Vivekanand. He said that Gujarat has now 42 universities, imparting specialized knowledge in different courses.

On the occasion, D Litt was awarded to abhinay samrat Padmashree Upendra Trivedi for his contributions to theatre and posthumously to noted poet-litterateur Ushnush.

The Governor presented degrees to 34,668 students in nine faculties. There were 88 students for Ph.D. She also distributed 76 gold medals and 74 silver medals to meritorious students. Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Dakshesh Thakre gave details of the courses and students’ activities. Registrar J. R. Mehta conducted the programme. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Minister Narottam Patel, Member of Parliament C. R. Patil and Darshanaben Jardosh, MLAs, Mayor Rajendra Desai, guardians of graduating students and educationists.

Gujarat’s biggest Lajpor central Jail opened

Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the State’s largest and the country’s most high-tech central jail at Lajpor in Surat constructed as a model jail at a cost of 72.50-crore on 2.18-lakh sq m area with built-up area of 95,250 sq m to accommodate 2,967 inmates, including separate barrack for 210 female inmates.

Speaking on the occasion, he said it would be developed as a model jail. He hoped the kitchen will be managed by the inmates. It is the first modern jail built in the state after its foundation fifty years back. While the jails built during the British rule were torture cells and that in Andaman & Nicobar Islands dubbed as Kalapani, Mr. Modi said the latest jail is more to train the inmates in various trades. He laid the foundation stone of Gaurav Senani Bhavan for ex-Servicemen on the occasion.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Ministers Narottam Patelm Mangubhai Patel, Ministers of State Praful Patel and Ranjit Gilitwala, MPs C.R. Patil and Darshanaben Jardosh, MLA Bharatiben Rathod, Panchayat President Ashwin Patel, Mayor Rajendra Desai, Director-General of Police Chiitaranjan Singh, Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana, District Collector A.J. Shah, Sainik Kalyan Board Major (Retd) Vikramsinh Jadeja, among others.