Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said even though the kite festival existed in the state for a long time, it was his government which brought it at an international platform.
After inaugurating the 25th International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati River front here, Modi said "Kite festival was a routine effort. It has existed for a long time. But what was not there was the skill to show it to the world. We showed how a kite can draw the world to Gujarat."
Stating that this time the state government is taking the International Kite Festival to smaller towns, he said, "We are trying to take this festival to smaller towns like Modhera. We are trying to brand Modhera and market it."
Modi also highlighted the efforts made by the Gujarat government to give a strong impetus to tourism. He said that festivals such as this will give a boost to tourism and also benefit the poorest of poor. "Gujarat has a lot to show and give to the world. But in the past, least emphasis was given to promote tourism in the way in which it should have been. However, in the last few years, we have given an impetus to tourism. We want people to come to Gujarat, to see Gujarat," the Chief Minister said. Despite starting late on promoting tourism, he said that very few places would have emerged as such an attraction for tourists the way Gujarat has.
