Modi's gifts to Kashi: PM unveils 63-ft-tall Deendayal Upadhyaya statue in Varanasi, launches Rs 1,200 cr-worth projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated 'Kashi Ek Roop Anek', a cultural arts and handicrafts exhibition, at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hastkala Sankul here.

At the launch event of ‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’- a cultural, arts and handicrafts exhibition - at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Hastakala Sankul, PM Modi said, " The memorial and the grand statue which have been built here will continue to inspire generations to come through the ethics and thoughts of Deen Dayal Ji."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath and Governor Anandiben Patel were also present at the event.

Highlighting the spiritual significance of the temple town, PM Modi said, "Today this is my third event in Kashi. The first one was at a spiritual centre, the second was at a modern centre and now I am at the centre of self-employment. This proves that Kashi is one but it has diverse avatars."

He evinced keen interest in the products on display as he went around several stalls and personally interacted with buyers and artisans coming from different countries, including the US, England and Australia. 'Kashi Ek Roop Anek' showcased products from over 10,000 artisans from all over Uttar Pradesh.

PM said that the cultural, arts and handicrafts exhibition will benefit the country, especially because the products, although being made in Uttar Pradesh, will be available online and thereby will be accessible to national and international markets.

"For the first time in the country, a national logistics policy is being prepared. It will lead to the creation of a single-window e-logistics market. I've been told that in the last 2 years, Uttar Pradesh Institute of Design (UPID) has provided assistance in design-related artwork to 3500 craftsmen and weavers across 30 districts of the state. Also, for enhancement in craft products, tool-kits have been provided to 1000 artisans," PM Modi said at the launch event of ‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek' exhibition at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Hastakala Sankul.

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the launch event of ‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’- a cultural, arts and handicrafts exhibition, at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Hastakala Sankul. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath and Governor Anandiben Patel also present. pic.twitter.com/wboudn42u2

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 16, 2020

Artistes and weavers at the two-day event will be imparted skills for improving the quality and branding of their wares suitable for the larger national and international markets.

There are 23 lakh artisans and weavers residing in Uttar Pradesh. Of these, about 35,800 artisans and 1.5 lakh weavers stay in Varanasi alone. The Uttar Pradesh government had launched the ambitious scheme 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) in which one craft per district was identified.

The state government has established raw material banks, testing labs, common facility centres, and facilitated direct market access to artisans and weavers and helping them improve their income.

The Prime Minister attended the closing ceremony of the Centenary Celebration of Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul at Jangamwadi Mutt in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath and Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa were also present.

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at the Jangamwadi Math. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath and Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa also present. pic.twitter.com/U0tKjhnZ6E

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 16, 2020

At the event, PM Modi also released the translated version of ‘Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth’ in 19 languages. Addressing the gathering, he said that it's a coincidence that the centenary celebrations are taking place at the beginning of a new decade and that this decade will once again establish India’s role in the 21st century.

He appreciated people’s contribution in creating awareness about cleanliness and taking the Swachhta Mission to each and every corner of the country. He urged them to use Made in India products. He also asked everyone to participate in Jal Jeevan mission to make it a success.

Prime Minister said a significant and visible improvement was made in cleaning the Ganga River; this, he said could be achieved only because of the public participation.  He said under Namami Gange Programme, projects worth Rs 7000 crores have been completed while work on projects worth Rs 21000 crores is under progress.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated over 30 projects worth around Rs 1,200-crore, including a 430-bed super speciality government hospital and a 74-bed psychiatry hospital at the Benaras Hindu University (BHU). A 100-bed maternity wing was unveiled at the SPG divisional hospital, along with a Ved Vigyan Centre and a Psychology-Trauma Centre at BHU.

In addition to all these, civic work will be done to beautify the old temple town under the Smart City project. A 200-bed barrack at police lines and an ITI at Rajatalab, along with Anna-kshetra of Kashi Vishwanath temple, were unveiled.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off the Kashi Mahakaal Express (Varanasi-Indore) via video conferencing.

The train will connect the three Jyotirling pilgrim centres of Varanasi, Ujjain, and Omkareshwar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off Kashi Mahakal Express(Varanasi-Indore) via video conferencing pic.twitter.com/Z4QrXhoRJu

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 16, 2020

Amidst continuing protests against the amended citizenship law, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said his government stood by the decision despite all pressure.

"Be it the decision on Article 370 or the Citizenship Amendment Act, it was necessary in the interest of the country. Despite pressure, we stand by our decision and will remain so," he said.

Modi was addressing a public meeting in his Lok Sabha constituency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that the trust set up for construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will work "rapidly".

"A trust has been formed for the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. This trust will work rapidly," he said at a public meeting during his day-long visit to his Lok Sabha constituency.

PM Modi in Varanasi: A few days ago Govt announced formation of 'Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra' for the construction of Ram temple. This trust will see the construction of a grand Shri Ram temple at Ayodhya, at the birthplace of Lord Ram, and it will take all decisions https://t.co/Z5hWTni0QW

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 16, 2020

Prime Minister said the government has recently announced the formation of trust- 'Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra' for the construction of Ram temple. This trust will look after the construction of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya. PM Modi said that the government has also decided to transfer 67 acres of land to the trust.

The Supreme Court had earlier directed the Union government to form a trust that can look into the construction and management of the temple.