The President of India, Smt Droupadi attended the civic reception hosted in her honour by the Government of Puducherry. She inaugurated the Linear Accelerator at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) today (August 7, 2023). She also virtually inaugurated a 50-bed Hospital situated at Villianur.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that in Puducherry, we see a blending of diverse cultural streams. She said that the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayali influences are visible along with the impact of the French. She added that the architecture, the festivals and lifestyles reflect the diverse influences blending together in harmony.

The President said that the Union Territory of Puducherry has made a distinct mark at national and global levels. She was happy to note that in a study conducted by a reputed international agency, Puducherry ranks first in the Social Progress Index Score 2022 among all States and Union Territories. She added that it has performed very well on parameters of Personal Freedom and Choice, Shelter, Water and Sanitation. She also noted that Puducherry has one of highest literacy rates in the country and the sex ratio has been favourable to women. She said that these facts demonstrate that the people of Puducherry believe in gender equality. She appreciated the residents of Puducherry for their modern and sensitive approach to development and progress.

The President said that Puducherry is a wonderful destination for spiritual tourism which is fast becoming a global trend and has the potential to provide a strong boost to socio-economic development of this region. She added that with the growth in tourism, activities related to health tourism and eco-tourism would also get a boost.

Through a significant and people centric move, cashless treatment facilities will now be available to CGHS beneficiaries (both serving and pensioners) at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and JIPMER Puducherry. The Memorandum of Agreement to this effect was signed between the three medical institutions- AIIMS, New Delhi, PGIMER, Chandigarh, and JIPMER, Puducherry, and CGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in the presence of Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, here today.

This initiative builds upon the six previously signed MoAs on May 20, 2023, between CGHS and various All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) located in Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Jodhpur, Raipur, and Rishikesh (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1925806).

“The extension of patient care facilities at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and JIPMER Puducherry to CGHS beneficiaries on a cashless basis will be particularly beneficial for pensioner beneficiaries of CGHS. It eliminates the need for them to submit individual reimbursement claims and follow up for approvals. With this new initiative, CGHS beneficiaries will have direct access to state-of-the-art treatment facilities available in these medical institutions, without the hassle of making upfront payments and seeking reimbursements from CGHS. This streamlined process will save time, reduce paperwork, and expedite the settlement of individual claims. Previously, CGHS pensioner beneficiaries availing treatment at these institutions were required to make payments upfront and claim reimbursement later from CGHS.” This was stated by Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the signing of the MoA today.

The Union Health Secretary appreciated this development highlighting that CGHS is a significant service-oriented vertical of the Health Ministry through which existing and retired employees can avail medical services. He further stated, “The government aims to expand the number of hospitals empaneled under CGHS to provide excellent tertiary care facilities aligned with the rising requirements of the patients.”

Shri Bhushan further emphasized that this agreement will benefit a large segment of the population by simplifying lengthy formalities and expediting access to medical care. He also noted that this agreement will help expand the reach of CGHS services across the nation, allowing beneficiaries to avail CGHS facilities at the INIs institutions in their respective states. Additionally, CGHS has revised certain rates of treatment and medical care, further facilitating access to treatment facilities for patients.

The sailent features of this initiative are as under:

Cashless treatment will be available in outpatient departments (OPD), investigations, and indoor treatment for CGHS pensioners and other eligible categories of beneficiaries.

The three institutions will raise credit bills for CGHS pensioners and other eligible beneficiaries, and CGHS will preferably make payment within 30 days of receiving the bills.

CGHS beneficiaries will be admitted only upon the production of a valid CGHS Beneficiary ID Card for treatment at these institutions.

Separate Help Desks and accounting systems will be created for CGHS beneficiaries at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and JIPMER Puducherry.

Medicines prescribed by the doctors at these institutions, whether for OPD treatment or at the time of discharge, will be collected by beneficiaries through CGHS.

CGHS beneficiaries will no longer require referrals to access healthcare facilities at these institutions.

The MoA signing ceremony was attended by Officer on Special Duty, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Sudhansh Pant, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Smt. V. Hekali Zhimoni, among other senior government officials. Directors of AIIMS New Delhi, Dr. M Srinivas, Medical superintendent, PGIMER Chandigarh, Dr. Vipin Kaushal, and Director, JIPMER Puducherry, Dr. Rakesh Agrawal were also present at the MOA signing event.

Puducherry : On the 50th World Environment Day, the Union Territory of Puducherry released the green budget report, making Puducherry the first Union Territory to adopt the policy innovation of green budgeting. Earlier this year, the UT in its budget session announced green budgeting, gender budgeting, and child budgeting as a triad of nudges towards a more inclusive and sustainable Puducherry. The report published by the Finance and Environment Departments, Government of Puducherry with research support from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) was launched at the World Environment Day public event presided by Shri N. Rangasamy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Puducherry.

Green budgeting is a policy innovation that serves as a planning and assessment tool that can contribute to institutionalizing and integrating environmental sustainability in various government initiatives and promote a system-wide approach. Through ex-ante planning and ex-post reflection, departments need to reorient their goals, schemes, and policies to become more environmentally and climate sensitive. By doing so, departments could also assess how much a particular department contributes to climate change.

Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Puducherry, in her message in the report, emphasized, “This budget is a significant step towards raising awareness among government stakeholders and civilians to promote a cleaner and greener environment, ultimately leading to sustainable development”. In his message on the report, Shri N. Rangasamy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Puducherry, underscored, “Our success in achieving our green goals relies heavily on the collaboration and commitment of not only government departments but also our valued citizens”. “By incorporating environmental considerations into every aspect of governance, we can forge a future where the well-being of our people and the health of our planet go hand in hand”, stressed Shri Rajeev Verma, Chief Secretary of the UT.

The green budget of the Union Territory increased by 153% from INR 191 crores in the baseline year of FY 2022-23 to INR 483 crores in FY 2023-24. The percentage of the green budget in the identified schemes increased from 7.78% to 16.42%. As a share of total expenditure (revised estimates for FY 2022-23 and budget estimates for FY 2023-24), the green budget component increased from 1.66% to 4.17%.

In the report, Shri P. Jawahar, Finance Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Government of Puducherry underscored the “need for all government departments to include more green components in their schemes, emphasizing the integration of environmental considerations into policy and praxis.” Dr A. Muthamma, Secretary – Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Puducherry highlighted that green budgeting, “provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made and reiterates our dedication to an inclusive and comprehensive approach to environmental conservation and climate action.” Shri Yasam Lakshmi Narayana Reddy, Director – Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Puducherry expressed optimism that “the report would serve as a valuable resource for all government departments, enabling them to further their efforts in promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding the environment of Puducherry.”

In the baseline year, 9 departments identified schemes and green components, while in FY 2023-24, 15 departments identified both schemes and green components. Regarding budget heads, the baseline year includes 120 heads, while for FY 2023-24, 134 budget heads were identified. On the theme of the World Environment Day, among other initiatives, new initiatives included demonstration of plastic recycling through a crusher machine will enable an enhanced recycling of plastic bottles by crushing plastic bottles into small pieces or granules.

Dr Shailly Kedia, Senior Fellow and Associate Director, TERI, highlighted, “Statement 12 and Statement 13 of the Union Budget are on Child Budgeting and Green Budgeting respectively. Green Budgeting can be the third leg of the triad of nudges through budget making process. Puducherry is championing this policy innovation. Hopefully, this process can be adopted at the national level in the Union Budget process as well.”

Green budgeting can act as a self-assessment tool. The Green Budget Report of the Union Territory of Puducherry for FY 2022-23 (baseline year) and FY 2023-2024 is a comprehensive document that outlines the green budget allocation, highlights sustainability initiatives, maps activities to promote environment-sensitive planning, accountability, aligns with the sustainable development goals, and provides valuable recommendations for departmental budgeting. It serves as a road map for fostering sustainable development and promoting a greener future in Puducherry. Bihar was the first state in India to have adopted green budgeting followed by Odisha and Assam. Puducherry became the first Union Territory to adopt green budgeting in the budget session this year.

Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare visited Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) at Puducherry and inspected state of art equipments recently installed in the hospital.
She inspected Digital Substraction Angiography in the Super Speciality Annexe building and Positron Emission Tomography in the Regional Cancer Center in JIPMER. After having visited the hospital, Minister Dr.Bharati chaired a meeting with all Head of Departments of JIPMER in which its Director Dr.Rakesh Aggarwal presented overview of functions and facilities in the hospital. The Minister advised the administration to use the equipments to their maximum potential and paid more attention to patients care and amenities. State PWD Minister K. Lakshminarayanan and Rajya Sabha MP Selvaganapathy were also presented during the visit.

Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today said that any country that wanted to proceed on the path of growth and development, should concentrate on research and development. He said this after laying the foundation stone of the International Centre of Excellence for training in Medical Entomology at the ICMR- Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC) in Puducherry.

The Minister also lauded the scientists of the nation for developing Covid vaccine. He said that no other nation had the honour of administering two billion doses of Covid vaccine.

Minister is on a three day visit to Puducherry and Chennai.

Earlier the Minister visited the laboratories of VCRC. Minister was briefed on the activities of the centre. He later interacted with the scientists.

Puducherry: The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today stressed the need to create an enabling ecosystem for R&D for India to become a developed nation. For this, he urged educational institutions to have an increased interface with the industry to promote result-oriented research that addresses contemporary challenges such as climate change, pollution, health and poverty.

Inaugurating the Puducherry Technological University, in Puducherry today, the Vice President underlined that it is the cutting-edge research in science, technology and other fields that puts developed countries ahead of the rest. He asked the students to conduct socially relevant research and come up with out-of-box ideas to make the nation strong and bring prosperity and happiness in people’s lives.

It may be noted that Puducherry Technological University (PTU) is the first state university of the Union Territory of Puducherry which has been constituted by upgrading Pondicherry Engineering College established in 1986.

Praising the Atal Incubation Centre, set up at the institute, for successfully incubating 15 start-ups in diverse areas such as Electronic Design, Manufacturing and Drone Technologies, the Vice President said that India is scaling new heights in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation. He expressed happiness over India becoming the world’s third largest start-up ecosystem and said that with the opening of the space sector for private players, several promising start-ups have come up in this sector.

Noting that leadership teams of 45% start-ups have a woman entrepreneur, he hoped that this healthy trend will inspire more women to become entrepreneurs. Emphasizing the need to provide equal opportunities for women, Shri Naidu called for ending artificial barriers created in the name of caste, religion and gender. “You must prepare a generation to see that all kinds of social discriminations are put to an end,” he said to the university authorities.

Terming the huge youth population as the core strength of New India, he urged the educational institutions to infuse a spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and experimentation among the students so that they are able to drive the nation forward.

Mentioning several government measures to support start-ups such as broadening the definition, simplifying regulations and providing tax exemptions, he exhorted the industry to also come forward and support young entrepreneurs by handholding, providing funds and incubating their ventures. “Improved Industry-Academia Partnership has to be stepped up to give a further fillip in this direction”, he added.

The Vice President also praised the Indian start-ups for coming up with life-saving innovations amid the COVID-19 pandemic such as testing kits and cheap ventilators as well as innovations in supply chain management and logistics.

Observing that the education sector was one of the most affected by the pandemic, Shri Naidu opined that the worst seems to be over and we are looking at the post-COVID recovery. Stating that online education cannot be a substitute for classroom learning, he stressed the need for the students to return to schools and colleges at the earliest. Lauding the world’s largest free vaccination program underway across the country, the Vice President urged the people’s representatives to create awareness among the people on vaccine hesitancy and see that all people in their constituencies get vaccinated.

Complimenting Pondicherry Engineering College for raising the technical education standards, he said that the college has played a key role in the upliftment of the socio-economic status of the UT.

Congratulating the people of Puducherry on getting their first state university, Shri Naidu said it would offer many additional opportunities to excel such as collaboration with international universities and autonomy in starting new courses. He also termed the establishment of PTE as an important milestone in the history of technical education of Puducherry Union Territory.

Recalling the words of great revolutionary Yogi, philosopher and poet, Sri Aurobindo, the Vice President emphasised that education is not merely for building career or earning livelihood, rather its main purpose is to produce disciplined and able citizens committed for the service of the motherland. “Let these lines serve as a guiding light for all of you in your future endeavours,” he told the teachers and students of PTU.

Stressing that our youth must know about the life and works of great leaders like Sri Aurobindo, Subramania Bharati and Chidambaram Pillai, the Vice President called for including their life stories in our school curricula.

Referring to the extreme weather events like forest-fires, floods and heatwaves in the recent past across the world, the Vice President said that climate change is real and called upon everyone to respect and live in harmony with nature.

Lt. Governor of Puducherry, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Chief Minister, Shri N. Rangasamy, Speaker, Puducherry Assembly, Shri Embalam R. Selvam, Deputy Speaker, Puducherry Assembly, Shri P. Rajavelu, Ministers, Government of Puducherry, Shri A. Namassivayam, Shri K. Lakshmi Narayanan, Shri A.K. Sai J. Saravanan, Member of Puducherry Legislative Assembly, Shri P.M.L. Kalyana Sundaram, Principal, Puducherry Technological University, Dr. K. Vivekanandan and others were present during the event

Following is the full text of speech –

“Sisters and brothers,

It is a matter of great pleasure for me to be here with you for the inauguration of Puducherry Technological University (PTU). What makes this occasion doubly special is that PTU, constituted by upgrading Pondicherry Engineering College, will be the first state university in the Union Territory of Puducherry. I congratulate the warm-hearted people of Puducherry on this momentous occasion.

Pondicherry Engineering College established in 1986, has steadily grown in all aspects, serving the nation in general and the UT of Puducherry in particular. I am told that at present the institution offers technical education to 2500 students. Now being a university, you will have many more opportunities to excel including collaboration with international universities, attracting industry investment and autonomy in starting new courses.

I am told that the building and infrastructure of the university are enhanced through the funding under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, a scheme of the Ministry of Education, Government of India with matching grants from the UT of Puducherry. In addition, the institute has been selected under Technical Quality Improvement Programme and has been granted funds to the tune of Rupees Eleven Crores.

I am happy to know that the institution has also built very significant research capabilities by offering Ph.D degrees, undertaking consultancy projects and securing sponsored research projects. The fact that the institution boasts of 350 research scholars on its roll is an added feather in its cap. The institution is also credited with research funding from the sponsored research projects from various funding agencies in India and abroad.

Dear friends,

I have always emphasized the importance of R&D in all spheres of national development. If you look around the world, you will find that it is the cutting-edge research in science, technology and other fields that puts developed countries ahead of the rest. If we have to make India a developed nation, we will have to create an enabling ecosystem for researchers. I urge educational institutions to have an increased interface with the industry to promote result-oriented research that addresses contemporary challenges such as climate change, pollution, health and poverty.

I am told that Atal Incubation Centre has been set up in this institute to promote Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Venture Development. It is gratifying to know that this incubation centre has incubated 15 startups in the areas of Electronic Design and Manufacturing, and Drone Technologies, among other things.

India today is scaling new heights in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation. Today, we have the world’s third largest startup ecosystem. Data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade suggests that we have over fifty thousand startups spread across 623 districts in the country. In the year 2020-21 itself, over 16,000 startups were recognized. With the government opening up the space sector for private players, more than 40 tech start-ups are working in the field of satellites, launch vehicles and other space based applications. It is a matter of great joy to know that leadership teams of 45% startups have a woman entrepreneur. This is a healthy trend which will inspire more women to become entrepreneurs.

This is the strength of New India. With 54 percent of Indians below the age of 25, we have the largest youth population in the world. If this young and aspiring population is skilled properly, our youth can drive the nation forward through productive output and innovation. I would urge institutions like Puducherry Technological University to infuse a spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and experimentation among the students.

The government has taken several measures to support start-ups including broadening definition, simplifying regulations and providing tax exemptions. To provide much needed funding to our start-ups, a Rs 10,000 crore Fund of Funds has also been created. I would urge the industry to also come forward and support our young entrepreneurs by handholding, funding support and incubation. Improved Industry-Academia Partnership is also much required to give a further fillip in this direction.

I am really impressed by the way Indian start-ups innovated when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world. Over the past one and half years, we saw our youngsters reinvent themselves and come up with testing kits, cheap ventilators, preventive technologies as well as innovations in supply chain management and logistics.

Dear friends,

The education sector has been one of the most affected by the pandemic with the teaching and learning process significantly disrupted. But the worst seems to be over and with the world’s largest free vaccination program underway across the country, we are looking at the recovery from the unexpected setback. It is my firm opinion that online education can not be a substitute to classroom learning, and hence, our students must return to schools and colleges at the earliest.

I am happy that the Pondicherry Engineering College has been instrumental in raising the technical education standards in the Union Territory of Puducherry. It has played a key role in the upliftment of the socio-economic status of the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Training and Placement Cell conducts a number of campus placement drives every year and I am told that about 90% of the outgoing students are placed in multinational companies. I compliment you for this.

The establishment of Puducherry Technological University is an important milestone in the history of technical education of Puducherry Union Territory. It is worth mentioning that the institution has secured a reasonable position in the National Ranking by National Institute of Ranking Framework (NIRF).

Dear friends,

Puducherry is the land of Sri Aurobindo, the great revolutionary Yogi, philosopher, poet and freedom fighter who remains an eternal source of inspiration for every Indian. It is indeed a proud moment for the entire nation that this year, the auspicious day of August 15 marked two historic events – 75th Independence Day of our country and also the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo. On this momentous occasion, it is time to revisit the vision and mission of this great Maharishi to seek guidance for our future.

I would finish with these words of Sri Aurobindo from his 1907 address to the teachers and students of the Bengal National College, and in 1907; He said –

“What we want here is not merely to give you a little information, not merely to open to you careers for earning a livelihood, but to build up sons for the Motherland to work and to suffer for her. That is why we started this college and that is the work to which I want you to devote yourselves in future.”

As PTU begins a new chapter in its illustrious history, let these lines serve as a guiding light for all of you in your future endeavours.

Thank you.

Jai Hind!”

New Delhi: The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today called upon states to promote the setting up of manufacturing plants for solar PV cells and modules to accelerate their production in India.

Observing that India still relies heavily on imported components such as solar cells and modules, he stressed the importance of ‘Atma Nirbharta’ in solar energy through active participation of the states. He also called for encouraging small players in the industry in this regard.

Noting that India’s potential for growth in the renewable energy sector over the next few years, Shri Naidu said that the lack of a trained force is a bottleneck in our exponential growth in the sector. He suggested investing in training and upskilling the workforce in adopting the latest technologies and cited the instance of the scheme of ‘Surya Mitras’.

Inaugurating a 2.4 Megawatt capacity solar power plant at Pondicherry University in the Union Territory of Puducherry, he expressed his concern over climate change and its impact. Shri Naidu emphasised that green energies such as solar, wind and small hydro offer a viable alternative to meet our growing energy needs.

Observing that India was fast becoming a global leader in ‘energy transition’, he noted that with over 40 Gigawatts of installed solar capacity, India is ranked fifth globally in solar power capacity.

Stressing the importance of innovation in the solar sector, Shri Naidu suggested exploring alternative avenues to install ground-mounted PV systems. In this context, he cited the instance of floating solar plants on water, particularly the NTPC’s floating solar power plant of 100 MW capacity at Ramagundam in Telangana. He pointed out that rooftop-mounted solar plants are a sustainable option and need to be encouraged.

The Vice President also called upon universities to proactively take up research and projects which have a component of renewable energy. He advised educational institutions to encourage students to take up final year projects and internships in the field of renewable energy and in material sciences. “This will not only improve their employment prospects but will also help in promoting innovations and improvements in our domestic solar industry”, he added.

Lt. Governor of Puducherry, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Chief Minister, Shri N. Rangasamy, Speaker, Puducherry Assembly, Shri Embalam R. Selvam, Member of Puducherry Legislative Assembly, Shri P.M.L. Kalyana Sundaram, Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University, Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Director of Studies, Dr S. Balakrishnan and others were present during the event.

Following is the full text of the speech:

“Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I am indeed very happy to be here with you at the inauguration of the Solar Power Plant at Pondicherry University. Let me begin by congratulating the administration of Pondicherry University and the team behind this project for successfully implementing this plant and bringing it into operation.

Since its establishment in 1985, Pondicherry University has developed a great legacy in nurturing brilliant young minds and has been an excellent centre for research and innovation. This solar plant, with a 2.4 Megawatt capacity is another feather in the University’s cap.

Friends,

The recent IPCC report on climate change gives us a dire warning of global temperature rise exceeding 1.5 degrees celsius. Climate change is not a futuristic phenomenon and we are already experiencing it. The next few years are going to be very crucial for our collective action to mitigate climate change.

In this context, green energies such as solar, wind and small hydro offer a viable alternative to meet our growing energy needs, while also being sustainable in the long run.

In particular, solar energy has shown the most promise in recent years. As you all are aware, I inaugurated another solar plant at JIPMER, Puducherry yesterday. This preference for solar plants and solar energy among institutions and people is a very good and welcome sign.

Friends,

India is endowed with vast solar energy potential. The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has assessed the country’s solar potential to be about 748 GW, assuming 3% of the wasteland area to be covered by Solar PV modules. This is a great opportunity waiting to be explored to provide reliable electricity to our remote areas, to reduce carbon emissions and to achieve energy security.

As a result of sustained efforts by the government and private players, India now has more than 40 Gigawatt of installed solar capacity. Today, we are ranked fifth globally in solar power capacity and fast becoming the global leaders in ‘energy transition’. We are also well placed to meet our committed renewable energy targets at the Paris Climate Conference by 2030.

Brothers and sisters,

While these figures show the positive aspects of solar power in India, there are some structural issues that are hindering our growth in the sector.

The biggest is the shortage of domestically manufactured solar cells and solar modules. We still heavily rely on imported solar components which are being used by Indian companies to make panels. We need to reduce this dependency and achieve Atma Nirbharta in solar modules and solar cells. We have to quickly ramp up production by easing the setting up of manufacturing plants, publicizing the subsidy programmes by the government and encouraging small players. States particularly must take an active lead in this regard.

Another bottleneck in our exponential growth of solar and other renewable energy sources is the lack of a trained workforce. Given their potential in India’s growth over the next few years, we must invest in training the workforce with the latest technologies in the renewable sector. The scheme of ‘Surya Mitras’ is one good instance.

Universities such as yours must also take up research work and projects which have a component of renewable energy. My advice to educational institutions is to encourage students to take up final year projects and internships in the field of renewable energy and in material sciences. This will not only improve their employment prospects but will also help in promoting innovations and improvements in our domestic solar industry.

Finally, I would like to highlight the importance of innovation in the solar sector. As the tariff rates come down and the efficiency of the modules increase, we need to also think of alternative avenues to install ground-mounted PV systems.

One good option is to float a solar plant on water. For instance, NTPC is on course to commission India’s biggest floating solar power plant of 100 MW capacity at Ramagundam in Telangana. This model has other advantages such as conservation of water through reduction of evaporation. Such projects can be replicated elsewhere too. Similarly, rooftop-mounted solar is a feasible and sustainable option that needs to be encouraged.

Friends,

The spirit of innovation must permeate all your research and its outcomes. An educational institution is not meant to replicate information. Its real purpose is to become the nucleus of all new knowledge and innovation. You must strive to become trailblazers. I am confident that this university will live up to its reputation and become an able partner in driving the change towards a sustainable future.

Once again, I am very happy to have come here, interacted with the faculty and researchers and inaugurated the solar power plant. My best wishes to one and all.

Thank you,

Jai Hind!”

New Delhi: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for 4 laning of NH45-A covering Karaikal District and Medical College Building at Karaikal New Campus- Phase I, Karaikal District (JIPMER). He also laid the foundation stone for development of Minor Port at Puducherry under Sagarmala Scheme and Synthetic Athletic Track, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Puducherry.

Shri Modi inaugurated the Blood Centre at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Puducherry and a 100 bed girls’ hostel at Lawspet, Puducherry for female athletes. He also inaugurated the reconstructed Heritage Marie Building.

The Prime Minister said this land of Puducherry has been home to sages, scholars and poets and also to revolutionaries like Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi and Sri Aurobindo. Admiring Puducherry as a symbol of diversity, he said here people speak different languages, practice different faiths but live as one.

Inaugurating the re-built Mairie Building, the Prime Minister said that the building will add to the beauty of Beach Promenade and attract more tourists.

The Prime Minister said India that four laning of NH 45-A would cover Karaikal District and improve the connectivity to the holy Saneeswaran Temple and also provide easy interstate connectivity to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health and Nagor Dargah. He said the Government has made several efforts to improve rural and coastal connectivity and the agriculture sector will gain from this. He said that it is the obligation of the Government to ensure their produce reaches good markets in a timely manner and good roads would aid in achieving that goal. He added the four laning of the road will also add momentum to the economic activity in this area and generate job opportunities for local youth.

The Prime Minister remarked that in the last seven years, India has made many efforts to improve fitness and wellness as economic prosperity is closely linked to good health. In this context, he laid the foundation stone for the 400 meters synthetic athletic track at the sports complex, as a part of the Khelo India scheme. It will nurture sporting talent among the youth of India. He remarked that with the coming of good sports facilities to Puducherry, youth from this state can excel in national and global sports meets. He said the 100 bed girls hostel constructed at Lawspet inaugurated today would accommodate hockey, volleyball, weightlifting kabaddi and handball players who would be trained under SAI coaches.

The Prime Minister said that healthcare would play a key role in the coming years. In line with the objective of providing quality health care to all, Blood Centre in JIPMER is being inaugurated, which will accommodate advanced facilities for long term storage of blood, blood products and stem cells banking. He added that the facility will function as a research laboratory and a training centre for personnel training in all aspects of transfusion.

The Prime Minister said, to promote quality healthcare, we need quality health professionals. Phase-I project of Medical College Building at Karaikal New Campus is an environment friendly complex and will have all modern teaching facilities required for teaching MBBS students.

Laying the foundation of Puducherry Port Development under Sagarmala Scheme, the Prime Minister hoped that once completed, it will help the fishermen who have been using this port for venturing into sea for fishing operations. It will provide much needed sea connectivity to Chennai. This will facilitate the cargo movement for industries of Puducherry and ease load on Chennai port. It will open up possibilities of passenger traffic among the coastal cities, he said.

The Prime Minister said Direct Benefit Transfer has helped beneficiaries under various welfare schemes. He said this makes people empowered for making their choices. He stated that Puducherry has got rich human resources because of various educational institutions present, both in government and private sector. It has potential for a lot of industrial and tourism development that will provide a lot of employment and opportunity. “The people of Puducherry are talented. This land is beautiful. I am here to personally assure all possible support from my Government for the development of Puducherry,” the Prime Minister concluded.

Mumbai: The past few months of national lockdown and the ensuing physical distancing measures due to the COVID-19 crisis have adversely affected community engagement and social activities. Senior citizens, who are the most vulnerable section of society battling the pandemic, have been worst-hit as self-quarantining has become the norm.

Keeping this in mind, Columbia Pacific Communities, India’s largest independent senior living operator, has initiated ‘PLATFORM 2020’, a month-long virtual talent hunt initiative for its residents across nine communities located in five cities. The inter-community talent hunt was digitally inaugurated by Puducherry Lieutenant Governor, H.E. Dr. Kiran Bedi, at 11 AM on July 18.

Bringing together residents from across communities in Bengaluru, Puducherry, Chennai, Coimbatore and Kanchipuram, PLATFORM 2020 invites participation under various categories such as music – vocal and instrumental, dance, photography, painting and crafts with the central theme of ‘Hope amidst COVID-19’. The competition goes on for a month with the winners from each category being announced on August 21, World Senior Citizens Day.

PLATFORM 2020 aims to instil hope and build resilience among seniors during these uncertain and difficult times by keeping them active, stimulated and engaged.

Dr. Kiran Bedi, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest said, “I’m very happy and honoured to be a part of Platform 2020, by Columbia Pacific Communities, where senior citizens, my peers are encouraged to reenergize themselves through activities like painting, dancing, and singing. It is scientifically proven that art, culture and creativity heals oneself. In these difficult times when all of us are constantly trying to fight back and keep us safe and protected, this comes as a wonderful initiative where the community is fighting all odds and helping each other survive the pandemic positively. I am proud to be part of such community and humanity.”
Commenting on the initiative, Mohit Nirula, CEO, Columbia Pacific Communities, said, “Our residents have been an inspiration to us over the last many months. With their support and enthusiastic participation, we have shunned “social distancing”, embraced “physical distancing”, and while remaining mentally, intellectually and socially engaged. And for those, who believe this generation is technologically challenged, I invite you to come online and support this unique celebration of positive ageing by the residents of Columbia Pacific Communities”

The competition will be streamed live and is open for viewing for anybody who wishes to celebrate the concept of positive ageing. Viewers can join through this link https://call.lifesizecloud.com/4665942.

In the recent past, Columbia Pacific Communities launched #TheLivingRoom, a virtual talk show initiative that urges seniors to make the most of the lockdown period, and helps them stay inspired and motivated through meaningful conversations. The series has given seniors access to interact with stalwarts, experts, professionals and popular personalities such as Anuvab Pal, medical, Charu Sharma, Nandita Das, Prakash Belawadi, Prahlad Kakkar, Kabir Bedi and Vasundhara Das.