Macron’s welcome in Kashi incredible, will strengthen IndoFrench ties: Modi
VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday thanked the people of Varanasi for extending a grand welcome to French President Emmanuel Macron and said it would take Indo-French ties to a new height.
“Millions of thanks to the people of Kashi and heartiest greetings to them for giving such a grand welcome to French President Emmanuel Macron. It has drenched the friendship of India and France with love,” Modi said while addressing a rally at DLW ground here.The PM said the warm reception to Macron would generate a curiosity about Banaras in the minds of the people of France. “In every house in France, people would like to know about Banaras where the French President was given such a big welcome,” Modi said.
“From ghats to streets to lanes, people were present everywhere. The scene on the streets was incredible. There were so many people on either side of the roads that we would have been accepting greetings till now had the vehicles been not driven faster,” he said. The PM said India was playing a crucial role in running a solar energy mission across the country. “India and France are playing a big role in the field of solar energy all over the world,” he said. “Yesterday, guests from various countries attended the International Solar Alliance Summit in Delhi where they accepted the importance of solar energy and decided to ensure development through it. I want to
› Solar energy will help people save funds they spend on cooking gas. A 75 MV solar power plant has also been inaugurated in Mirzapur NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister
see solar panels at the rooftop of every house. I want solar energy to be used for cooking food,” Modi said. “Solar energy will help people save funds they spend on cooking gas. A 75 MV solar power plant has also been inaugurated in Mirzapur,” he said.
The PM said he had announced defence manufacturing corridor during the UP Investors’ Summit and added it would provide jobs to 2.5 lakh people. “The Centre and the state are working together to make the corridor a reality,” he said. Terming DLW in Varanasi as his second home, Modi said it was the industrial identity of Varanasi and the government would work for its expansion.
“Ayushman Bharat will transform health sector and provide top quality health to the poor,” he said. Modi lauded chief minister Yogi Adityanath for implementation of central welfare schemes. The PM also laid the foundation of development schemes worth Rs 800 crore.
Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi handed over keys of houses to five beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) during women empowerment ceremony at DLW ground. In the event, the PM provided a cheque of Rs 1.05 crore to four beneficiaries of the self-help group (SHGS). He also gave away appreciation letters to ‘best village organisation’, ‘best SHG’ and ‘inspiring women of SHG’. Modi also flagged off an intercity train between Varanasi and Patna and visited an exhibition on waste recycling ‘Kabad se Jugaad’ in which a machine was installed.
The CM presented an ‘angavastram’ carrying the shlokas of the Bhagvad Gita to the PM.