We showed how a kite can draw the world to Gujarat: Modi

Gujarat Chief MinisterNarendra Modi today said even though the kite festival existedin the state for a long time, it was his government whichbrought it at an international platform.

After inaugurating the 25th International KiteFestival at the Sabarmati River front here, Modi said "'PatangUtsav' (kite festival) was a routine effort. It has existedfor a long time. But what was not there was the skill to showit to the world. We showed how a kite can draw the world toGujarat."

Stating that this time the state government is takingthe International Kite Festival to smaller towns, he said, "Weare trying to take this festival to smaller towns likeModhera. We are trying to brand Modhera and market it."

Modi also highlighted the efforts made by the Gujaratgovernment to give a strong impetus to tourism. He said thatfestivals such as this will give a boost to tourism and alsobenefit the poorest of poor.

"Gujarat has a lot to show and give to the world. Butin the past, least emphasis was given to promote tourism inthe way in which it should have been. However, in the last fewyears, we have given an impetus to tourism. We want people tocome to Gujarat, to see Gujarat," the Chief Minister said.

Despite starting late on promoting tourism, he saidthat very few places would have emerged as such an attractionfor tourists the way Gujarat has. Gujarat's tourism sector wasgrowing at a double rate than India's, Modi said.

"Tourism sector in India is growing at 7 per centwhile tourism in Gujarat is growing at 16 per cent," he said,adding that "we are reaping fruits for the initiatives wetook."

It is the strength of the six crore Gujaratis thatdraws people from all over the world, he stressed.

State Tourism Minister Saurabh Patel also spoke on the occasion while Revenue Minister Anandi Patel, Finance MinisterNitin Patel, among others also marked their presence.

Delegates from 50 countries and ten states of Indiaalso participated in the festival.

A British national, who was in the state for the firsttime to participate in the festival, said that "Gujaratis werehospitable and they were enjoying this experience."

Stephan Bekker from Cape Town in South Africa said,"The atmosphere here is fantastic. I had attended the kitefestival in Beijing also where it was organised during thenight. People used to fly kites by putting up lights on it andthe competition was whose kite would remain in the sky for thelongest period. May be, Gujarat can look forward to organisingthe kite festival during night."