Address by Governor on Maharashtra Day
Maharashtra Day Message to be delivered by Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra on the occasion of the 59th anniversary of the formation of the State of Maharashtra at Shivaji Park, Mumbai on Wednesday, 1st May 2019
Sisters and Brothers,
1. I extend my heartiest greetings to the people of Maharashtra on the joyous occasion of the 59th anniversary of the formation of the State of Maharashtra. I take this opportunity to pay my solemn tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the formation of our State.
2. This day is also celebrated as the International Labour Day. I congratulate workers for their multifaceted contribution to the making of Maharashtra and the Nation.
3. I compliment today’s impressive parade and the marching columns for their smart turnout.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. As we all know, Maharashtra has always been in the forefront of social reforms. The State has been fortunate in having a legacy of visionary leaders who dedicated their entire lives for the cause of promoting social equality, education, empowerment of women and eradication of blind faith. Maharashtra Day offers us an opportunity to remember with gratefulness visionaries, leaders and social reformers of our State, particularly Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jotiba Phule, Smt Savitribai Phule, Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and others. They are truly the founders of modern Maharashtra.
5. Maharashtra’s diversity reflects that of India as a whole. Maharashtra is among the States, having highest literacy rate, in the country. The State has several top class Universities and Institutions of higher and professional education, which attract students and scholars from across the world.
6. Maharashtra is endowed with rich natural beauty. Sandy beaches, mountain ranges, forests, forts, river valleys and plateaus, make it one of the most favoured tourist destinations in the country. The State is also endowed with forests like Tadoba, Melghat, Pench which abound with biodiversity.
7. Maharashtra has traditionally enjoyed geographical advantage in terms of industrial development. The State has maintained its leading position as one of the most attractive destinations for domestic as well as foreign investment. The State is the economic engine of the nation, and has played a significant role in the country’s infrastructural development. Maharashtra is also a leading State in the country in terms of agriculture, industrial production, trade and transport. As a result Maharashtra, remains one of the most developed and prosperous States in the country.
8. The contribution of Mumbai in making Maharashtra the number one State in the country cannot be overstated. The city, houses the headquarters of most of the banks, corporate and financial institutions. The city is also home to India’s largest stock exchange, and the world famous film industry.
9. Mumbai, one of India’s most important ports, handles an enormous foreign trade. It is a hub of manufacturing, finance, and service sector. Pune has emerged as an IT and Automobile Hub of the Country. Nagpur, Kolhapur and Solapur are other dynamic centres of growth and development. Maharashtra is leading in the implementation of cyber security and creating a safe cyber space for citizens and businesses.
10. The biggest strength of our State is its people who are industrious, progressive, pragmatic and hard working. I am confident that Maharashtra will continue its march towards peace, progress and inclusive development.
11. I appeal to the citizens to join hands in building a new and vibrant Maharashtra. Once again, I extend my heartiest greetings to the people, on the occasion of Maharashtra Day.
Jai Hind ! Jai Maharashtra !!