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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Operation Sindoor proved there is no safe haven for our enemies: PM Modi
Operation Sindoor showed the world the way India would respond if its sovereignty was attacked, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, adding the cross-border military offensive against terror infrastructure has created a new self-confidence across the country. After his visit to the UK and Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Tamil Nadu where he took part in the valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival(DPR PMO) Speaking at an event at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu, held to mark the birth anniversary of iconic Chola dynasty emperor Rajendra Chola-I, Modi emphasised that India's spirituality can be instrumental for peace while its military prowess will ensure the country's enemies have no place. 'The world saw how India responds if someone attacks its security and sovereignty,' the PM asserted, referring to the military strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. 'Operation Sindoor proved that for enemies of India, for terrorists, there is no safe haven. Operation Sindoor has created a new awakening, a new self-confidence across the country and has forced the world to acknowledge India's strength,' Modi, who was visiting Tamil Nadu on a two-day trip, added. Modi also released a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola 1 at the event, which also commemorated 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola's legendary maritime expedition to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a magnificent example of Chola architecture. The names of emperors Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola-I are synonymous with India's identity and pride, Modi said and announced that grand statues would be built for them in Tamil Nadu. These statues will be 'modern pillars of our historic awakening,' he added. 'The Chola empire is like an ancient road map for developed India. The economic and military heights India reached during the Chola era continue to inspire us even today. Raja Raja Chola built a powerful navy, which Rajendra Chola further strengthened…It shows us that if we are to achieve a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India), we must strengthen our Navy and defence forces,' Modi said. In the last 10 years, the PM said, his government has worked tirelessly to protect and preserve India's heritage. 'The Chola emperors had woven India into a thread of cultural unity. Today, our government is carrying forward the same vision of the Chola era. Through initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam, we are strengthening these centuries-old bonds of unity,' he said. The PM also invoked the rich legacy of Chola kings and their patronage of Saivite spiritualism. 'Our Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping India's cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects of this legacy. Even today, Tamil Nadu remains one of the most significant centres where this living tradition continues to thrive.' Noting that July 27 marks the death anniversary of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, Modi said in order to lead a developed India, the country needs millions of youths like Kalam and the Chola kings. The event began with rendition of spiritual hymns by celebrated musician and Rajya Sabha member Ilaiyaraja singing in praise of Lord Shiva in the presence of heads of Shaivite mutts. The event also coincided with the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival. 'When the world is struggling with problems like instability and violence, Shaivite principles show us a path of solutions,' Modi said. 'Today's India is taking forward the concept of One World, One Family, One Future.' Modi, who arrived in Tuticorin on July 26 night and inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth about ₹4,900 crore in the state, which will go to assembly polls next year, also held a roadshow on Sunday from Trichy to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple. During the roadshow, the prime minister stood on the running board of his vehicle and waved at the people who lined up on both sides of the road. The route was dotted with flags of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its ally AIADMK and other NDA partners. Governor RN Ravi, DMK leaders and state ministers Thangam Thennarasu and SS Sivasankar, VCK's chief and MP Thol Thirumavalan and several BJP leaders also accompanied Modi on the stage.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India proved terror has no safe haven: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's response to threats against its sovereignty, fostering a new sense of self-assurance nationwide. He highlighted that the operation sent a clear message that enemies and terrorists targeting India would find no refuge. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Operation Sindoor showed the world the way India would respond if its sovereignty was attacked and that the cross-border military offensive has created a new self-confidence across the Sindoor also proved that for enemies and terrorists targeting India, there is no safe haven, Modi said in his address at an event here to honour the Chola emperor Rajendra Chola Modi emphasised that the cultural unity practised by the Chola rulers of the South is being carried forward by his government at the Centre as he referred to the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam , Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam and the installation of the Sengol in the Parliament Prime Minister visited the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and addressed the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival in who is also the Lok Sabha MP from Varanasi, underlined the connection between Kashi and the South with reverence for the Ganga river as a binding factor.
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
PM Modi's BIG statement on Op Sindoor; says it proved India's enemies, terrorists have no...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally in Tamil Nadu on Sunday. (ANI Photo) Gangaikonda Cholapuram, (Tamil Nadu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Operation Sindoor showed the world the way India would respond if its sovereignty was attacked and that the cross-border military offensive has created a new self-confidence across the country. Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, also proved that for enemies and terrorists targeting India, there is no safe haven, PM Modi said in his address at an event here to honour the Tamil emperor Rajendra Chola-I. The event marks the birth anniversary of the Rajendra Chola-I which is celebrated as the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' (the birth star of the king is Thiruvathirai in the Tamil month of Aadi) festival. Also, it commemorates 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola's legendary maritime expedition to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a magnificent example of Chola architecture. 'The world saw how India responds if someone attacks its security and sovereignty,' he said about the military strikes at chosen targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Further, he said: 'Operation Sindoor proved that for enemies of India, for terrorists, there is no safe haven. When I came here from the helipad, the 3-4 km distance suddenly became a roadshow, and everyone was praising Op Sindoor. It has created a new awakening, a new self-confidence across the country. The world has to realise India's strength.' Modi further said the names of emperors Raja Raja Chola, and his son Rajendra Chola-I are synonymous with India's identity and pride and announced that grand statues would be built for them in Tamil Nadu. These statues will be 'modern pillars of our historic awakening.' The honour for the iconic Tamil kings follows Modi's several Tamil-centric initiatives including the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and multi-language and braille translations of Thirukkural, Manimekalai and other classic Tamil literature. 'The Chola emperors had woven India into a thread of cultural unity. Today, our government is carrying forward the same vision of the Chola era. Through initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam, we are strengthening these centuries-old bonds of unity,' the PM said. Further, Modi said several people spoke about UK's Magna Carta while commenting on democracy. However, the Chola-era 'Kudavolai system' predated it by centuries, he said. Clearly, the prime minister continued with his Tamil pitch by invoking the rich legacy of Chola kings and their patronage of Saivite spiritualism. The PM said: 'Our Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping India's cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects of this legacy. Even today, Tamil Nadu remains one of the most significant centres where this living tradition continues to thrive.' The PM said operation Sindoor has raised a new confidence in the people of India and the whole world is witnessing it. On the legacy of Rajendra Chola, he said, out of deep respect, the temple gopuram was built lower than that of his father's Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. Despite his achievements, Rajendra Chola exemplified humility. 'Today's New India embodies this same spirit—becoming stronger, yet rooted in values of global welfare and unity', the Prime Minister said. Noting that July 27 marks the death anniversary of former President A P J Abdul Kalam, Modi remarked that in order to lead a developed India, the country needs millions of youth like Kalam and the Chola kings. Listening to the rendition of spiritual hymns by Odhuvamurthys (Saivite gurus) and a Shiva-chant concert by music maestro Ilaiyaraja, the PM said the the spiritual atmosphere deeply moved the soul. Amid chants of Vedic and Saivite Thirumurai, Modi prayed at the Lord Shiva temple here, built by Rajendra Chola-I to mark his victories and the founding of a new city Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roadshow here on Sunday soon after his arrival to preside over the function to mark the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola. During the roadshow, the prime minister stood on the running board of his vehicle and waved at the people who lined up on both sides of the road. Workers of the BJP and AIADMK enthusiastically gathered on roadsides and they showered flowers and petals on Prime Minister Modi all through the 3-kilometer road show route; the flags of the BJP and AIADMK fluttered. The prime minister released a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I, and attended the launch of the Tamil Gita album, facilitated by the Chinmaya Mission, remarking that the initiative energises the nation's resolve to preserve its heritage. The PM also released a booklet on 'Thirumurai recital,' (recital of Saivite hymns). The prime minister arrived in Tuticorin on July 26 night and inaugurated, laid foundation stones for projects worth about Rs 4,900 crore. On Sunday, he presided over the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival's grand finale here, which commenced on July 23. The event is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Culture/the ASI which maintains the Chola-era Lord Shiva temple here. Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district is near Kumbakonam in the Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu. After completing his 2-day engagements in Tamil Nadu, the prime minister left for Delhi on July 27 from Tiruchirappali, where he stayed on Saturday night. (Only the headline has been reworked by staff. Copy comes from an agency feed)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Ancient roadmap for Viksit Bharat': PM Modi hails Chola Empire's military, economic legacy in Tamil Nadu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday participated in the valedictory celebrations of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, marking the birth anniversary of the illustrious Chola emperor, Rajendra Chola I, at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu's Ariyalur district. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the Chola Empire as an "ancient roadmap" for a developed India, highlighting its economic and military achievements as inspiration for building a strong and self-reliant nation. Speaking at the valedictory function of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu , Modi honoured the legacy of Rajendra Chola I and released a commemorative coin to mark the emperor's birth anniversary. 'The Chola Empire tells us that if we want to make Viksit Bharat, we must strengthen our navy and defence forces and explore new opportunities,' he said. Dressed in traditional veshti, white shirt, and angavasthram, the Prime Minister lauded the Chola navy as a model of strategic might and said modern India is now embracing the philosophy of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi, development with heritage. 'The economic and military heights India reached during the Chola era continue to inspire us even today,' he said. He noted that in the last decade, India has recovered over 600 ancient artefacts, with 36 from Tamil Nadu, underscoring efforts to reclaim the nation's heritage. 'Efforts have been made to recover ancient statues and artefacts stolen and sold abroad. After 2014, more than 600 have been brought back,' PM Modi said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence Might Be More Fun Than You Think Artificial Intelligence Course | Search Ad Undo He also referenced the symbolic role of Tamil Nadu in the inauguration of the new Parliament building: 'During the Parliament inauguration, saints from Shaivite Adheenams led the ceremony. The Sengol, deeply rooted in Tamil culture, was ceremoniously installed. That moment fills me with immense pride.' The Prime Minister said that cultural unity was central to the Chola vision, a legacy the current government is carrying forward through events like Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam. He also paid tribute to Rajendra Chola's architectural legacy, noting the global admiration for the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and the significance of the Maa Ganga festival celebrated on the banks of the sacred Kaveri River. Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a roadshow in Tiruchirappalli, where crowds lined the streets to welcome him. The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as the backdrop for the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, which celebrates Tamil Shaiva Bhakti traditions and the legacy of the 63 Nayanmars—the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Prime Minister Launches Multi-Billion Infrastructure Development Initiative In Tamil Nadu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a comprehensive infrastructure development package worth over Rs 4,800 crore in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday, reinforcing the central government's commitment to transforming the state into a fully developed region. The ambitious initiative encompasses critical sectors including aviation, transportation networks, maritime facilities, rail connectivity, and energy infrastructure, designed to enhance regional connectivity, streamline logistics operations, and strengthen clean energy capabilities while elevating living standards across the area. Speaking to the public following his return from a four-day international tour, the Prime Minister emphasized that the central government's sustained focus on infrastructure and energy development over the past eleven years demonstrates the high priority given to Tamil Nadu's economic advancement. Modi highlighted the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Kingdom as a historic milestone that symbolizes growing international confidence in India's capabilities and will contribute to creating a developed nation and prosperous Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister reflected on previous developmental milestones, recalling his February 2024 visit when he laid the foundation stone for the Outer Harbour Container Terminal at V.O. Chidambaranar Port and inaugurated multiple projects. He noted that the new Thoothukudi International Container Terminal was successfully inaugurated in September 2024, and the current Rs 4,800 crore project launch represents continued momentum in transforming the region's infrastructure landscape. Modi emphasized that robust infrastructure and reliable energy systems form the fundamental backbone of any state's development trajectory. He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated projects will transform Thoothukudi and the broader Tamil Nadu region into dynamic centers of enhanced connectivity and expanded economic opportunities. The Prime Minister paid homage to Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage and historical significance, acknowledging the contributions of prominent freedom fighters from the region, including V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and Alagu Muthu Kon. He highlighted the emotional connection between Thoothukudi and his own parliamentary constituency of Kashi, referencing initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam program that strengthen shared cultural bonds between different regions of India. In a personal anecdote, Modi recalled presenting pearls from Thoothukudi to philanthropist Bill Gates, who greatly appreciated the gesture. He noted that the region's renowned Pandya Pearls were historically recognized as symbols of India's economic prosperity and continue to represent the area's valuable contributions to national commerce. The Prime Minister detailed how the India-UK Free Trade Agreement will enable 99 percent of Indian goods to enter the UK market without tax barriers, significantly increasing demand and stimulating domestic production. He emphasized that this development will particularly benefit Tamil Nadu's youth population, micro, small, and medium enterprises, startup companies, and established local industries, with special advantages for the fishing community and innovation sectors. Highlighting the success of the Make in India and Mission Manufacturing programs, Modi referenced the effective use of domestically produced weapons during Operation Sindoor in neutralizing enemy targets. He stressed that the government's commitment to modernizing infrastructure will help unlock Tamil Nadu's complete potential, including port upgrades with advanced technology and seamless integration with airports, highways, and railway networks. Among the major infrastructure developments, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new terminal at Thoothukudi Airport, constructed at a cost of Rs 450 crore. This state-of-the-art facility will dramatically increase passenger handling capacity from the current 3 lakh to over 20 lakh passengers annually. The terminal spans 17,340 square meters and incorporates 100 percent LED lighting, energy-efficient systems, and an on-site sewage treatment plant to achieve GRIHA-4 sustainability standards. Modi emphasized that enhanced air connectivity will significantly benefit corporate travel, educational access, healthcare services, and tourism development in the region. Two significant road infrastructure projects were dedicated to the nation during the ceremony. The first involves the Rs 2,350 crore four-laning of the 50-kilometer Sethiyathope-Cholapuram stretch of NH-36, which includes construction of bypasses, bridges, flyovers, and underpasses designed to reduce travel time by 45 minutes. The second project encompasses the Rs 200 crore six-laning of the 5.16-kilometer NH-138 Thoothukudi Port Road, expected to improve cargo flow efficiency and support port-led industrial development. The Prime Minister noted that these road improvements will enhance access to Chennai and facilitate smoother movement between Delta districts and the state capital. In the maritime sector, Modi inaugurated the North Cargo Berth-III at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, developed at a cost of Rs 285 crore with a cargo handling capacity of 6.96 million metric tons per annum. This facility will significantly boost the port's operational capacity and contribute to regional economic growth. The railway sector received substantial attention with three key projects aimed at improving connectivity across southern Tamil Nadu. These include the electrification of the 90-kilometer Madurai-Bodinayakkanur line, the Rs 650 crore doubling of the Nagercoil Town-Kanniyakumari section, and the doubling of the Aralvaymozhi-Nagercoil Junction and Tirunelveli-Melappalayam sections. These improvements will reduce travel time and enhance freight transportation capacity across the region. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a Rs 550 crore power transmission project connected to Units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, each with a capacity of 1000 MW. The Inter-State Transmission System includes a 400 kV double-circuit line from Kudankulam to the Thoothukudi-II GIS substation and is expected to strengthen the national power grid while improving clean energy distribution capabilities. Modi highlighted Tamil Nadu's enthusiastic participation in the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with approximately one lakh applications received from the state and over 40,000 solar rooftop installations already completed. He emphasized that this scheme provides free electricity to households while creating employment opportunities in the green energy sector. The Prime Minister noted that Tamil Nadu remains a priority focus for the Union Government, which has allocated over Rs 3 lakh crore to the state over the past decade, representing three times more funding than the previous government provided. He also mentioned that Tamil Nadu has received eleven new medical colleges during the past eleven years, significantly expanding healthcare education infrastructure. For the first time in the nation's history, Modi emphasized, a government has demonstrated dedicated concern for fishing communities along the coastline, with the Blue Revolution initiative substantially boosting the coastal economy and improving livelihoods for maritime workers. On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the brave soldiers and martyrs of the Kargil War, honoring their sacrifice and dedication to national security. He concluded his address by stating that Thoothukudi is witnessing the beginning of a new development era and congratulated the people of Tamil Nadu for these transformative infrastructure projects. The event was attended by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Union Ministers Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu and L. Murugan, State Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu, and other distinguished dignitaries who witnessed this significant milestone in the state's development journey.
