President of India, Draupadi Murmu, was warmly welcomed by UT Administrator Praful Patel during her visit to Silvassa, where she addressed the gathering with a greeting in Gujarati, “Kem chho? I greet you very much!” The President expressed her joy at being among the people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, noting the warmth of their welcome. She commended the region’s hardworking and affectionate residents, who are known for their contributions to society and are recognized by the Government. She mentioned that in 2022, Smt. Prabhaben Sobhagchand Shah was awarded the Padma Shri for her work in women’s empowerment, while renowned painter Premjit Baria received the Padma Shri last year for his contributions to art.
The President emphasized the importance of educational development, referring to the National Education Policy’s focus on improving infrastructure to enhance learning experiences. In line with this vision, she inaugurated the Jhanda Chowk School, which is equipped with modern amenities like a smart classroom, music room, and Atal Tinkering Lab to promote interactive learning. Reflecting on her own teaching background, she shared her enthusiasm for interacting with students and teachers at the school.
Highlighting advancements in higher education, the President praised the efforts of the local administration. She noted the establishment of a Government Engineering College in Daman in 2018 and the opening of a NIFT campus in 2022, which offers opportunities in technical and design education near the vibrant fashion and textile hubs of Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
President Murmu also visited the NIFT and Government Engineering College, expressing her admiration for the energy and confidence of India’s youth. She said, “The youth of our country are progressing with great energy and confidence, which will be the foundation of a developed India.”
During her visit, the President toured the Aviary in Daman and the Namopath Seafront, where she appreciated the region’s rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage. She commended efforts by the Central Government and the Union Territory Administration to promote eco-tourism and enhance the region’s appeal through festivals such as the Kite Festival and Monsoon Festival. “Expanding tourism creates employment and helps us appreciate our nation’s beauty and heritage,” she said.
The President noted the administration’s success in implementing key initiatives, such as becoming the first Union Territory in India to provide “Water to Every Household” in 2022. She also recognized their achievements in healthcare, mentioning her visit to the NAMO Medical Education and Research Institute, established in 2019, and the increased capacity at Shri Vinoba Bhave Civil Hospital.
As Tribal Pride Day approaches on November 15, the President praised efforts to honor the contributions of the tribal community in the freedom struggle. She noted that Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu have a significant tribal population, and highlighted initiatives such as the ITI in Khanvel, which provides skill training for tribal youth, and the ‘Gir Adarsh Ajeevika Yojana’ that supports tribal women in dairy farming.
The President concluded her speech by acknowledging the substantial contributions of the Union Territory to India’s economy, with an export total of approximately Rs 35,000 crores in 2023-24. She praised the efforts of the UT administration and residents, and wished them continued success, saying, “I am delighted by the overall development of this Union Territory. My congratulations to the administrator, public representatives, and residents, and my best wishes for a bright future.”
