SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT THE FLAG-OFF OF "GOLDEN CHARIOT" TRAIN AT BENGALURU

Bengaluru, 2nd February 2008

I am happy to be here in Bengaluru known as the "City of Gardens" because of its fountains, lotus pools and the array of old trees, to flag off the "Golden Chariot" train.

It is fortunate and a joy that the "Golden Chariot" train is commencing. This was a long cherished desire of the State, which has been fulfilled. Starting from Bengaluru, the train will take tourists to Mysore, Kabini, Hassan, Hospet, Goa and then return to Bengaluru on the seventh day. This 7-day journey will be like a travel through the history and culture of Karnataka, which is rich and varied. I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Tourism of the Government of India as well as the State Government authorities for having taken this initiative that should have a beneficial impact on promoting tourism in Karnataka.

Karnataka has a glorious tradition. Great dynasties have ruled the State from historical times and made significant contribution to its art and architecture. The Hoysala Dynasty, the Rashtrakutas, the Vijaynagar Empire, the Wodeyars - created wonderful monuments and world famous temples. Karnataka has rightly been named as the "Cradle of stone architecture" for its profusion of monuments, including the cave temples of Badami and Aihole, domes and minarets of Bijapur and the temple at Pattadakal. The State has also been a centre of Jain pilgrimage and the world's biggest monolith; the statue of Gomateshwara is located here. The Vijayanagar Empire, one the greatest of all medieval empires, fostered the development of intellectual pursuits and fine arts. Its fame was widespread during its own time. Today, by promoting tourism to these great historical and cultural sites, we will be giving the world the chance to see the greatness and glory achieved during their reign. Tomorrow, I would be visiting Hampi, the capital of the ancient Vijaynagar Empire, which has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. In addition, Karnataka is naturally endowed with mountains and a seacoast, which are home to rare flora and fauna. This gives Karnataka the opportunity to promote eco-tourism along with historical and religious tourism.

The Golden Chariot will open up many parts of the State - the famous places as also the smaller places to tourists. I wish the project all success.

Tourism is an instrument for economic development and employment generation, particularly in the remote and backward areas. It also encourages preservation of monuments and heritage properties and helps in the survival of art forms, crafts and culture. As many women are involved in arts and craft, I am sure that tourism will provide larger employment opportunities for women.

UN World Tourism Organization has observed that in the year 2007, the number of international tourists has reached close to 900 million. This is a large number, accounting for almost one-sixth of humanity traveling in one year. It is, therefore, not surprising that tourism is considered the largest service industry globally in terms of gross revenue as well as foreign exchange earnings. There has been a remarkable growth in the recent years, in foreign tourist arrivals to India due to the various efforts made, including promoting India through the "Incredible India" campaign in overseas markets. Our endeavours in increasing the number of tourists to India must continue.

We must also encourage domestic tourism. Currently, over 380 million domestic tourists visit different parts of the country every year and return with a better understanding of the people living in different regions of the country. They have a better appreciation of the cultural diversity of India.

The Indian Railways plays a very important role in linking different parts of India, carrying passengers and goods across the country. It has a vast network of infrastructure and transports on an average about 16 million passengers every day. It has played a major part in promoting tourism in India. It carries a large number of domestic tourists as well as foreign tourists, apart from running specially designed tourist trains like the Palace on Wheels, which is immensely popular with foreign tourists and special circuit trains like the "Buddhist Train". Today's flagging off of the "Golden Chariot" is a part of the continuing efforts on part of the Railways to connect tourist places as also to bring greater connectivity in the country.

I conclude by conveying to the people of Karnataka my good wishes for their progress and prosperity.

Thank You.