Modi lauds Kantilal Shah's environmental work in Seychells

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today lauded Indian-origin conservationist Kantilal Jivan Shah's tireless work in combating climate change in Seychells.
"Though he is not alive today, wherever people of Seychells will go, they would certainly remember Kantilal Jivan Shah. Through his work, he earned praise for the people of Seychells and India. World praised him and recognised his contributions and gave him awards. He spend a lot of time for environmental cause," Modi said during his civic reception address.
Shah died in 2010 at the age of 88 in Victoria, capital of Seychells.
Modi, the first Indian premier to visit the Indian Ocean island country in 34 years, said that Shah earned praise for Seychells through his contribution.

The world felicitated him, and gave him awards not for being a businessman merely. He spent much of his thoughts on the welfare of nature and environment, he said.
"Today, as world discusses to combat climate change, Shah had been working on this issue during his youth days. He would awaken people for the unity in this regard," Modi said.

Shah was born in Gujarat in 1922 and moved to Seychelles with his family at the age of five.
He became a famous Seychellois personality, respected for his work as a historian, journalist, photographer, businessman and conservationist.
For nearly 30 years, he made efforts to preserve the islands' environment and wildlife which included the creation of wildlife reserves and the protection of sea turtles and mangrove swamps.

Being an Indian-origin, Shah's life and his tireless works make us proud, Modi said.
"Whenever and wherever an Indian spends time and put efforts for the betterment of the place one lives, it make us proud. I hope that this will continue in future and India's reputation will strengthen," Modi said.