SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL TO WITNESS AND LAUNCH THE PRESIDENT'S TROPHY BOAT RACE

Kollam, Kerala, 30th August 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to be here in Kollam to launch and witness the President's Trophy Boat Race. Kollam stands on the banks of the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake, a pristine water body in the midst of verdant coconut palms and paddy fields. The palm shaped Lake with eight branches, is the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, and offers a perfect setting for boat racing.

Boat racing is an old tradition in Kerala - a part of the social, economic, religious and cultural life of its people. This is possibly an outcome of its location, its long coastal line, where the ocean always seems to be inviting ships, boats and vessels to its expansive waters. The people of Kerala have responded to the challenge of adventure, and tested their skills in water games, including boat racing and excelled in them.

Kollam is one of the oldest sea port towns on the Arabian coast. It was a famous trading centre doing business with the Romans on one side and with China on the other. Today, Kollam is one of the major industrial and commercial centres of Kerala. Moreover, it is known to welcome visitors, and its gracious people extend such warm hospitality, that the visitors are often overwhelmed. Hence, the famous proverb -

Which means, once you see Kollam, you would not miss your home.

In this beautiful and friendly place, I am glad that the Kollam boat race is being launched today, with the active participation and whole hearted support of the Central and State Governments, people's representatives, the private sector and the people of Kollam and every section of society. This spirit of unity and determination will undoubtedly encourage the organizers, to conduct the race every year, on a particular day with more vigour and participation, taking it to a level of an internationally reputed event.

The launch of the President's Trophy Boat Race is a landmark event, and I believe that it opens up many new vistas for development of the State, particularly of this District. It can place Kollam on the map as an important tourist destination. Of course, efforts would have to be undertaken for an information campaign to draw visitors, and to link Kollam with other places of interest in Kerala, which is already attracting a large number of foreign and domestic tourists. It must however, be borne in mind that to make tourism and development sustainable in Kollam, and a part of the endeavour of human beings to live in harmony with nature, there should be every effort to keep the environment unpolluted, the waters unspoilt and the air clean, by adopting eco-friendly practices. The Ashtamudi Lake is one of the largest wetland ecosystems, and is included in the list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This makes the Lake an important global heritage spot and, for the people of Kollam, it means that they have a responsibility to give full attention to its conservation, protection and sustainable utilization. While undertaking development activities this should be kept in mind.

For development of tourism, rapid expansion of infrastructural facilities is required; both in the urban areas, as well as other tourist destinations in and around the lake and adjoining beaches. A well thought out Master Plan may be prepared and got implemented in a time bound manner, for which the Central and State Governments and the private sector should come forward and work together. The development of tourism offers a great opportunity for promoting inclusive growth, where the benefits of tourism should reach all stake holders. The Ashtamudi Lake should be developed as an international tourism destination, incorporating all principles of sustainable and responsible tourism development.

I look forward to the boat racing competition and wish all teams the very best. Rowing the boat will require physical strength, co-ordination and co-operation amongst the team. I am sure teams have practiced well and have a sportsman's spirit.

With these words, while I wish the teams and the organisers the very best, I take this opportunity to wish all present here and the people of Kerala!(Onam Ashamsakal!)

Thank you.

Jai Hind!