Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed hope that Kerala will rise again. This remark has come at a time when Kerala is recovering from devastating floods which took over 350 lives, witnessed massive loss of properties and left many families homeless.
“I firmly believe that the sheer grit and courage of the people of the state will see Kerala rise again,” Modi said in the 47th edition of radio programme ‘
Talking about relief and rehabilitation work in the state, he said that disasters, unfortunately leave behind a trail of destruction. But one gets to witness facets of humanity, humanness during disasters. From Kutch to Kamrup, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, everyone is endeavouring to contribute in some way or the other so that wherever a disaster strikes, be it Kerala or any other part of India, human life returns to normalcy. Irrespective of age group or area of work, people are contributing. “Everyone is trying to ensure speedy mitigation of the sufferings people in Kerala are going through, in fact sharing their pain,” he said.
Praising the work of armed forces during relief work, he said that they have left no stone unturned as saviours of those trapped in the floods. The Air Force, Navy, Army, BSF, CISF, RAF, every agency has played an exemplary role in the rescue & relief operations. I would like to specially mention the arduous endeavours of the NDRF daredevils. At this moment of hardship & agony, their service stands out as a shining example. He also mentioned that the capability, commitment & controlling situation through rapid decisions of the NDRF have made them a cynosure of every Indian’s eye, worthy of respect & admiration.
Engineers Day
Responding to a listener’s appeal to celebrate Engineers Day on September 15, the Prime Minister said that the world is facing natural calamities. Now such situations, what should be the new form of structural engineering? What courses should be designed to that end? What should be taught to the students? “How do we keep construction eco-friendly? How can we enhance the quality of construction by making value addition through local materials? How do we make zero waste our priority?” he asked while adding that all such points need to be pondered upon while observing Engineers Day.
He also highlighted the engineering landmarks, built hundreds of years ago. Kailash Nath Mandir in Ellora, Maharashtra was built about twelve hundred years ago when a giant mountain which was a single stone mountain was give the shape of an elegant, huge and a unique temple. Similarly, about a thousand years ago, an over sixty metres tall pillar of granite was built and another granite rock weighing about 80 tonnes was placed over its top which is known as Brihdeshwar temple of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. Similar example can be seen in Rani Ki Vaav of the 11th Century in Patan in Gujarat (the monument which will be given space on the back side of new Rs 100 note).