The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee laid the foundation stones for 1320 mega watt Thermal Power Plant, Mega Textile Cluster, Model College, and Polytechnic today (April 30, 2013) at Godda in Jharkhand.
Speaking on the occasion the President said Industrial projects like power plants would act as a catalyst for greater regional development. At the same time, the people of the region should also benefit from these development projects. He said the local people should have access to power. He further pointed out that the idea of a textile cluster was developed when he was Finance Minister to provide village handloom weavers and artisans with modern technology and marketing techniques.
The President also stressed the importance of education, especially vocational education and said it was important to equip our youth with the best education possible and build a knowledge society.
The President said Jharkhand holds a special place in the hearts of Indians. This land is witness to one of the first uprisings against the British rule. ‘Baba’ Tilka Manjhi had revolted in 1779 against oppression and sacrificed his life fighting the British. Sidho and Kanho were inspiring revolutionaries who struggled for the rights and upliftment of the people. Birsa Munda was considered ‘bhagwan’ by the people and was one of India’s important freedom fighters. He resolutely stood for liberty and equality. He paid tribute to these worthy sons of India and the land which has given birth to them