 Transform visions into missions - Kalam
 "The nation needs visionaries and creative leaders," said the President of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, while speaking at a
session on 'Transforming India through Tier III Towns' organised by the Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) at Tirunelveli on September 22, 2006.
Outlining his vision for a transformed India, the President mentioned that there was a huge potential in the coastal
districts for fishing and creating a value-added aquaculture industry. He mentioned that with the upscaling of power
generation at the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant from 2,000 MW to 8,000 MW there will be a huge potential for allied
industry to set up industrial hubs around the power plants. Similarly, with the emphasis on renewable energy, the wind energy
industries growth would see a huge spurt in demand for indigenous equipment manufacturers.
The President mentioned that with infrastructure being stretched in Tier I cities, major companies were now looking at Tier
II cities and Tier III towns as their next investment destinations. He urged companies to move into Tier II cities and Tier
III towns without waiting for the "ideal" infrastructure to be in place. Infrastructure development would follow.
Mentioning that all great initiatives in India have been a fallout of visionary ideas, the President said there was a need
for India to create bigger and brighter visions and more creative leaders to transform India.
The President complimented CII on its initiative to develop Tier II cities and Tier III towns.
Earlier addressing the gathering, Tamil Nadu Governor S S Barnala said that the Government of Tamil Nadu was committed to the
industrial development of the state. He also said Tamil Nadu would maximise infrastructure development to enhance the
competitiveness of the manufacturing and services sectors.
The Governor also mentioned that to create sustainable development, the development of rural Tamil Nadu was of critical
importance.
T Kannan, past chairman, CII Southern Region, said SPEED (Southern Prosperity through Enhanced Economic Development)
initiative of CII was born of the President's vision for a developed India. He said the imperative for the transformation of
Tier II and Tier III cities was strengthening of primary education and enhancing the quality of higher education.
Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu, chairman - CII Tamil Nadu, delivered the vote of thanks.
Lakshmanan, general manager - Indian Bank, said the institution was proud to be associated with the CII initiative to develop
Tier III towns.
Cletus Babu, chairman - SCAD group of institutions, delivered the welcome address and complimented CII for its visionary
commitment to develop Tier III towns.
R Rangaraj
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