PM Modi takes part in 38th convocation of Bharathidasan University; attends several programmes alongside TN CM, Governor

Modi said, “The convocation is special as it is my first public appearance in 2024. I am delighted to be present in the beautiful state of Tamil Nadu amongst the youth.”

Modi also expressed satisfaction in becoming the first Prime Minister to grace the convocation ceremony at the Bharathidasan University.

Speaking at the event, Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu tops the chart among states excelling in higher education. Regardless of the lists people refer to, the educational institutions here consistently rank at the top. The seed sowed 100 years ago during the governance of the Justice Party has now grown, enabling the state to be the best in education.”

“Our Dravidian model of governance had been offering (school) education, college education and research education to everyone, with an aim to achieve social justice in the education sector,” he said and listed out the schemes introduced by the state government to benefit students.

Stalin further said that implementing social justice and innovations in education has to be the aim of the universities and only those who do that have a bright future.

“Both as the Chief Minister and with a sense of fatherhood, I request you to bring more laurels to the country and Tamil Nadu,” Stalin added.

Later, Modi inaugurated the new terminal building at the Tiruchirapalli International airport. It is expected to serve more than 44 lakh passengers annually and about 3,500 passengers during the peak hours.

He also laid the foundation stone of several developmental projects, including the ones in the rail, road, oil and natural gas and shipping sectors from the programme held at the airport. Addressing the gathering, Modi said the projects will strengthen the state’s progress, boost travel and create thousands of employment opportunities.

On the “record expenditure” in Tamil Nadu by the Centre, Modi said in the decade before 2014, states were given Rs 30 lakh crore whereas in the last 10 years, states have been given Rs 120 lakh crore. The states include Tamil Nadu, which had gotten 2.5 times more money in this period, he said.

While speaking at the event, Stalin placed a demand to the Union government to make an International airport in Madurai to facilitate the large number of tourists from other countries and various other states of India who visit Rameshwaram and Kanniykumari as a part of a spiritual trip.

He further urged the Union government to announce the recent floods in Chennai and the southern districts as a severe natural disaster and allocate funds to Tamil Nadu from the national disaster relief fund.

The Prime Minister also expressed his deepest condolences to the people who lost their lives during the recent floods in the state and said the Union government is providing all possible help to the state government.

Paying tributes to deceased actor and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) chief Captain Vijayakanth, who recently died after battling health complications over the past several years, Modi said, “He was a ‘Captain’ not only in the field of cinema but also in politics. He kept national interest above everything else.”

He also paid tribute to Dr M S Swaminthan who played an important role in ensuring food security in the country.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office, Modi reiterated that the Azadi ka Amrit Kaal in the next 25 years will play a crucial role in helping India become a developed nation. He referred to both economic and cultural aspects when it comes to Viksit Bharat and said Tamil Nadu is a reflection of India’s prosperity and culture.

“Tamil Nadu is home to the ancient language of Tamil and it is a treasure trove of cultural heritage,” the statement quoted the Prime Minister as saying while referring to Saint Thiruvallur and Subramania Bharati among those who created magnificent literature.

He also mentioned that Tamil Nadu is home to scientific and technological brains like C V Raman and other scientists and said he is filled with a new energy whenever he visits the state.

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