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I am Varanasis Sevak, says PM Modi

by IBNS 07 Nov 2014, 10:54 am

Varanasi, Nov 7 (IBNS): Making the first ever visit to his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi since assuming office in May this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the ancient temple city Varanasi had made him feel of their own.

“I am in here as your servant. Varanasi has made me their own. Perhaps there is no other city in the world which is endowed with so many resources and cultural heritages like it has. It always feels good to be back among people of my own,” PM Modi said while addressing a gathering.

He was on a two-day visit to set up a trade facilitation centre promoting the famous Varanasi textile industry in the region.

“There has to be a comprehensive plan. I believe after agriculture textile is the most important sector. It is the second job generating sector after agriculture,” he said, pointing out that there is no need for any added marketing as people already know about it (Varanasi saree).

Promoting the textile industry and thousands of weavers involved in the trade, PM Modi said that there is an assured market for Varanasi saree.

“All you need to do is to maintain its quality. The trade facilitation centre will be set up to encourage the rich heritage of our textile industry here in Varanasi…It is your responsibility how to be associated with this initiative. I am sure we can take it much further by meeting global requirements and marketing strategies,” he added.

He said the entire world is now depending on e-marketing. “I want the young generation to take up weaving profession with pride. They must tap the global markets,” the PM said.

Sources said that Modi is also expected to adopt a village under the MP Model Village Scheme. Jayapur village, 24-Km away from the ancient temple town of Varanasi, hopes to be picked up by him. He is also expected to kick off several projects including one to uplift the lot of weavers in Varanasi on Saturday, reports said.

“It is true that financial assistance for the weavers is the quite needed… I am sure we can transform the Varanasi into an international city giving respect to its cultural heritage…Huge Indian markets waiting for Varanasi weavers,” Modi said.

He said that his government also focused on the growth both in west and eastern parts of the country. “India can only become strong if its two ends, east and west, gain adequate strength in terms of everything,” the PM added.

All security arrangements were stepped up as the PM will stay there in his constituency for a little over 24 hours.