On an important two-day visit to Kerala and Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi amplified his vision of a fully developed India that is rooted in its rich cultural traditions.

The Prime Minister unveiled his outlook of India as a modern and fully developed civilizational state on Thursday by his carefully choreographed engagements—the inauguration  and launch of a new phase of Kochi metro expansion and the visit to the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya.

In his forward-looking address in Kochi PM Modi said that his government was committed to make the Metro the most prominent mode of urban transport across the country.

The focus on the metro was part of a complete transformation of the railways.  “We are completely transforming Indian Railways. Today, railway stations in the country are also being developed like airports”.

The Kochi metro was being expanded with an eye on sustainability with nearly 55% of its energy needs being met by solar power. While PM  Modi inaugurated the first phase of expansion of the metro, the second phase was planned to connect District Headquarters, Special Economic Zone and IT Hub of the city with the existing metro rail network. He also stressed that future mass transportation in the city would seamlessly integrate travel on water, road and metro.

Yet, new connectivity initiatives were being taken which would also nourish the country’s civilizational roots. The Prime Minister pointed out that doubling of the Ettumanoor-Chingavanam-Kottayam track will allow lakhs of devotees to conveniently visit Sabrimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa.

Similarly, the Prime Minister visited the Sri Adi Shankara Janma Bhoomi Kshetram, the holy birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, at Kalady village in Kochi today. In doing so, PM Modi paid homage to a great soul who laid the foundation of a unified  Indian civilizational identity , which evolved over centuries after the passing of the eighth century seer.

“I feel very blessed to be at the Sri Adishankara Janmabhumi Kshetram. It is indeed a special place. Generations to come will remain indebted to the great Adi Shankaracharya for his rich contribution towards protecting our culture,” PM Modi tweeted.

Later today, PM Modi will commission INS Vikrant, an Indian aircraft carrier, symbolising the military power, technological prowess and aspiration of a rising India.

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