Put Kerala on the path of steady progress: Governor

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 26 (UNI) Pointing out that the state had immense potential for its overall development, Kerala Governor R L Bhatia today stressed the need for its full exploitation with ''single minded pursuit of objectives and clarity of purpose'' to put the state on the path of steady progress.

Unfurling the national tri-colour at the Chandrasekhan Nair stadium to mark the 59th Republic Day Celebrations here, he said ''let us resolve to rise to the occasion and re-dedicate ourselves to the challenging task ahead.'' Expressing happiness over the launching of Brahmos Aerospace in the capital city, he said ''the success of Cyro programme, making us independent in Space Transport Technology, has made us proud.'' The state was enjoying the pride of place as a tourist destination and the inflow of tourists had increased steadily, he said pointing out that it was achieved because of a variety of innovative schemes, projects and upgrading infrastructure initiated by it.

Quoting the words of former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ''welcome a stranger, send back a friend,'' he said we should ensure that the guests were treated most cordially.

Though we had to encounter enormous problems because of its pluralistic society, we had to maintain a fair degree of communal amity, social equity and human dignity, all along, he added.

Earlier, he inspected the parade. Later it was followed by march-past of Air Force, CRPF, CISF, Railway Protection Force, Special Armed Police, City Armed Reserved Police and Kerala Prisons Department, Kerala Fire and Rescue Service, Kerala Excise Department, NCC Senior and Junior Division Armed Wing (Boys), NCC Senior Division (girls), NCC Junior Division Air Wing and Navy (boys), Bharat Scouts and Guides and Mounted police.

Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthandan, PWD Minister Monse Joseph and Thannala Balakrishna Pillai, MP, were, among others, present on the occasion.

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