Most Respected Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble Upa Rashtrapatiji,

Dr. K.T. Jaleel, Hon’ble Minister for Local Self Government,

Shri Ramesh Chennithala, Leader of Opposition

Smt. Soumini Jain, Mayor of Kochi,

Prof. K.V. Thomas, Member of Parliament, Ernakulam,

Shri John Fernandez, Member of Legislative Assembly,

Shri K. J. Maxi, Member of Legislative Assembly, Kochi

Shri M. Swaraj, Member of Legislative Assembly, Tripunithura

Shri P.T. Thomas, Member of Legislative Assembly, Thrikakara

Shri Hibi Eden, Member of Legislative Assembly, Ernakulam

Members of the Kochi Municipal Corporation Council,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram, 

       I deem it a privilege to address you all on this happy occasion when the Kochi Municipal Corporation celebrates its  Golden Jubilee. It is a matter of great joy and pride that today’s function is being inaugurated by our Hon’ble Upa Rashtrapatiji. On behalf of everyone present here, let me welcome our Hon’ble Upa Rashtrapatiji to Kerala and to Kochi.

       As Kochi Municipal Corporation crosses the milestone of 50 years, it would be appropriate to recall hundreds of people whose commitment and hard work have contributed to the steady growth of this city into the commercial capital of Kerala. The occasion also calls for continued, concerted action to transform this into a metropolis that is clean, healthy, sustainable and livable to everyone.

       Though geographical events have initiated Kochi's transformation into a fine natural harbor, its development into one of the safest ports and one of the fastest growing cities in India has been due to planned social interventions over periods of time. Globally noted for its historical significance, this Queen of the Arabian Sea sets a fine example of unity in cultural diversity by being home to almost 16 different linguistic groups.

       Ever since the Government of Kerala declared Kochi as a Municipal Corporation in November 1967, it has been growing at a fast pace, enabling it to become the nerve centre of almost all commercial and economic activities in our State.

       Suitable infrastructure such as a major port, container   terminal, harbor terminal and an international air terminal have  accelerated the industrial growth in the city, which is incidentally, one of the top five selected under the Smart Cities Mission of the Government of India.

       Since Kochi Municipal Corporation can claim its legitimate share of credit in such achievements, I congratulate every member of the Council, past and present including the present Mayor Smt. Soumini jain on their contribution to this progress and for playing a vital role in providing services to the local community through democratic self-governance. 

       The completion of 50 years also points towards certain responsibilities that the MunicipalCorporation has to strictly fulfill. Along with seeking efficient solutions to manage the needs of a growing city, we need to ensure that pollution levels are kept to the minimum so that Kochi remains a truly safe city.

       We are also duty bound to ensure safety and welfare of the poor people who struggle to keep our cities clean. As a judge of the Supreme Court of India who directed the Government and Municipal bodies to abolish manual scavenging and to ensure that adequate equipment be provided to those who work in the drains and manholes, I still see great scope for improvement in our approach towards such people. While trying to incorporate an innovative, dynamic and predictive system for the efficient management of the city's services, let us also ensure that the poorest sections get the benefit of our system.  In fact, Kochi should set an example to the world through such inclusive measures.

       I once again share the joy of the people of Kochi and  compliment the Kochi Municipal Corporation for conducting this function in a befitting manner. With these words, I invite our Hon’ble Upa Rashtrapatiji to inaugurate this programme.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind