In a significant visit to Bhuj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over ₹53,400 crore, marking a transformative chapter in the growth story of Kutch and reaffirming his deep personal and emotional bond with the region. Addressing a heartfelt gathering, the Prime Minister reflected on Kutch’s remarkable journey from devastation to development, hailing its spirit of resilience and the unwavering determination of its people.
Shri Modi paid tributes to freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma and offered prayers to Ashapura Mata, symbolizing the region’s spiritual and historical significance. He reminisced about his years of service in Kutch, calling it a place that shaped his own life path. From the once-dry lands now nourished by the Narmada, to the grit of Kutch’s farmers, he saluted the spirit of a people who never gave up—even when many doubted the region could ever recover from the 2001 earthquake.
Kutch, he noted, has now become a beacon of India’s economic future. Projects launched during the visit include key infrastructure developments in the power sector, roads, water supply, green energy, and port modernization. A major focus was the Khavda Renewable Energy Park and the green hydrogen revolution—technologies the Prime Minister highlighted as symbols of India’s growing leadership in the clean energy space. “Kutch is emerging as the world’s largest green energy hub,” he said, adding that India’s energy independence and environmental goals are now being powered by the very soil of this once-struggling district.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these projects are not just statistics—they represent aspirations, livelihoods, and a stronger future. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing electricity bills and enabling access to clean energy for all, including through schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Kutch’s ancient ports like Lothal and Dhola Vira once connected India to global trade routes. Inspired by this legacy, PM Modi announced steps to modernize current ports and boost the maritime economy. “One-third of India’s maritime trade is now managed by Kutch’s ports,” he proudly noted, pointing to significant investments in port capacity, logistics, and shipbuilding that promise to generate large-scale employment.
The Prime Minister also celebrated the cultural and artisanal wealth of Kutch—from the handlooms of Bhujodi to the globally recognized Ajrakh prints, which now carry the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. “Our artisans and tribal families are not just preserving heritage, they are powering a new economy,” he said, highlighting support in the Union Budget for the textile and leather sectors.
In a moving tribute, he recalled the courage of Kutch’s women during the 1971 war, who rebuilt the Bhuj airbase under enemy fire. “Their bravery still echoes in the heart of every Indian,” he said. He also praised the transformation of agriculture in the region, where once barren lands now export fruits and spices to the world.
Tourism, another lifeline of development, featured prominently in his address. Modi expressed satisfaction at the global recognition of events like the Rann Utsav and the UNESCO-honoured Smriti Van memorial. Villages like Dhordo, named among the world’s best tourism destinations, showcase how rural India can shine globally. Plans for a beach festival in Mandvi and new rapid rail connectivity between Ahmedabad and Bhuj aim to further boost the sector.
Marking the anniversary of his swearing-in as Prime Minister in 2014, Modi spoke about India’s ascent from the world’s 11th largest economy to the 4th, crediting the people for believing in development over division.
With heartfelt resolve, he turned to a somber subject—terrorism. “India has a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism,” he declared, pointing to the recent Operation Sindoor as a necessary mission to protect humanity. Recounting the precision strikes carried out by Indian armed forces in response to cross-border attacks, he underscored India’s right to defend itself and warned that those who threaten Indian lives will face consequences.
Yet, his message was clear—India’s fight is with terror, not with people. Speaking directly to the people of Pakistan, he urged them to see through the deception of their own leaders and reject the path of violence. “Terrorism only leads to ruin—choose peace, choose life,” he implored.
In closing, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the people of Kutch for turning adversity into achievement. As Ashadhi Beej, the Kutchi New Year, approaches, he offered warm wishes and looked ahead to a future where Kutch continues to inspire India’s journey towards becoming a developed, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
The event was also attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Manohar Lal, and several other dignitaries, marking not just a milestone in development, but a celebration of hope, heritage, and humanity.