On November 13, 2024, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated Swami Vivekananda Vidya Mandir at Jhanda Chowk in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. During the event, she addressed the residents of the Union Territory (UT), expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and celebrating the recent educational advancements and tourism efforts in the region.
Education: Key Infrastructure for Local Youth
In her address, President Murmu acknowledged the significant efforts by the UT Administration to enhance educational infrastructure. She pointed out that the Government Engineering College, launched in 2018, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), established in 2022, have become valuable assets for the local youth, offering them quality technical and vocational education close to home. She expressed confidence that these institutions would empower young people with the skills needed for the competitive job market.
Embracing Tourism Potential
Recognizing the UT's rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage, President Murmu emphasized its value as a growing tourism hub. She commended the administration for its initiatives to improve tourism facilities in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, which attract visitors seeking the region's scenic landscapes, beaches, and cultural diversity. The President underlined that an expansion in tourism would lead to new employment opportunities, benefit local businesses, and foster intercultural exchanges that make communities more connected and understanding.
Tourism and Environmental Balance
President Murmu also emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism development, suggesting that preserving the area’s natural beauty and resources should be a priority as tourism grows. She urged the administration to strike a balance between tourism development and environmental conservation, ensuring the region’s unique heritage can be enjoyed for generations to come.
The inauguration of Swami Vivekananda Vidya Mandir and the focus on education and tourism underscore the government’s commitment to fostering both economic growth and social progress for the residents of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.