Shri Alphons Kannanthanam, Union Minister of State for Tourism,
Dr. T.M. Thomas Isaac, Minister for Finance,
Shri G. Sudhakaran, Minister for PWD and Registration,
Shri Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Cooperation Tourism and Devaswom,
Shri P. Thilothaman, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies,
Shri Ramesh Chennithala, Opposition Leader,
Shri Allu Arjun, our special guest and noted actor,
Members of Parliament and Legislature and other dignitaries,
Friends in media,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.
I am very happy to address this large gathering of people who have come to witness the 66th Nehru Trophy Boat Race competitions at Kerala's famous Punnamada Kaayal. The Boat Race that we are about to witness has, over the years, won the admiration of people all over the world.
As all of us know, this boat race has the glorious reputation of having enchanted our first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, whose excitement resulted in the donation of a Silver Trophy and the re-naming of this water-sport as Nehru Trophy Vallam Kali in 1952. Many decades have passed, but the ripples of excitement that Punnamada kaayal experienced in 1952 remain fresh, attracting global attention even today.
However, what makes this Boat Race unique is a harmonious blending of the excitement of a competition and the unmatched joy of social and communal unity.
The conduct of this event is also an indication that we, the people of Kerala, are slowly but steadily overcoming the agony imposed on us by the recent floods. As all of us would recall, this event was postponed due to the floods.
Our Vallam kali has bestowed global fame not only on Kerala, but also to our snake-boats and the unique tempo of the Vanchippaattu. It is a matter of pride and joy that our Chundan Vallam, which has been hailed as the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose, has become an informal symbol of Kerala all over the world. I am also happy to mention here that at Raj Bhavan, we present the replica of the Chundan Vallam as memento to our honoured guests.
I am told that this year, 20 A grade snake-boats and five B grade snake-boats are competing in five heats. Besides, many other boats are competing in different categories. I can already feel the excitement of the spectators and the eagerness of the oarsmen, to pick up oars and win the trophy. And, to add to their joy, there has been an increase in the Prize money this year.
What we are about to witness is not just a water-sport; it is a pageantry of Kerala's cultural diversity, dedication to sport and its pride in the preservation of the tradition of unity. The enthusiasm and the cheer that we feel here today also evince the determination of a people to bounce back to the centre stage of progress.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society and the District Administration deserve our wholehearted appreciation for their focused efforts in organizing this event.
With these words, I declare the 66th Nehru Trophy boat Race Competitions inaugurated. May the best team win.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni / Jai Hind
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