
PM Modi reaches out to Muslim-dominated Lakshadweep, says it is small in size, big at heart
The Hindu
PM Modi visits Lakshadweep, promises development projects worth ₹1,150 crore.
Reaching out to the people of the Muslim-dominated Lakshadweep, which witnessed massive protests by opposition parties against reforms introduced by his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 3 said the archipelago is small, but its heart is large.
The Prime Minister was here to inaugurate and lay the foundation for various projects worth ₹1,150 crore in the Union Territory.
The development projects cover technology, energy, water resources, healthcare and education sectors.
The projects were launched at a function attended by hundreds of islanders including women and children whom Mr. Modi referred to as his "kudumbangangal" (family members) in Malayalam.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that the beauty of Lakshadweep is beyond words and mentioned visiting Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti to meet the citizens.
"Even though the geographical area of Lakshadweep is small, the hearts of the people are as deep as the ocean. I am overwhelmed by the love and blessings I am receiving here. I express my gratitude to you all," said Mr. Modi, who reached the islands on Tuesday.
He announced the development of a special plan for Lakshadweep under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, focusing on its unique attractions.

Currently, only the services in the 32 series stop at the section of the road adjacent to the Broadway terminus, temporarily closed on account of reconstruction work. Small traders association tells R. Ragu that ensuring the services now accommodated at the temporary terminus at Island Grounds stop at NSC Bose road would benefit visitors to the markets in Parrys

The silent reading movement in the Mylapore-Mandaveli-RA Puram area showed up first at Nageswara Rao Park around two years ago, with modest ambitions, when Balaji launched it along with other reading enthusiasts from the region. This initiative has now moved parks, and seems to set to get entrenched in one. Due to renovation work at Nageswara Park, the reading session became irregular. With the Nageswara Rao park work gaining more surface area, it had to be shifted elsewhere. And it seems set to continue with a newly discovered green patch in RK Nagar in the Sundays to follow.











