The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Barnala's call to trade, industry

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 20, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Barnala's call to trade, industry

By Our Staff Reporter

The Governor, Surjit Singh Barnala, unveiling the plaque to mark the inauguration of a new building of the Hindustan Chamber of Commerce in Chennai on Wednesday. — Photo: S. R. Raghunathan

CHENNAI, JAN. 19. The Governor, Surjit Singh Barnala, today called upon trade and industry to extend all possible assistance to those affected by the December 26 tsunami.

Describing the devastation caused by the tsunami as "most unfortunate," Mr. Barnala told a meeting organised here by the Hindustan Chamber of Commerce that "something has to be done" for the millions of people who affected in the coastal areas.

Departing from the prepared text of his speech at the inauguration of the Chamber's new building on Greams Road, he said: "I had been to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands yesterday, saw people crying ... everything has been swept away. They lost what they saved in two generations in just two minutes." He urged trade and industry to think about those people.

The Governor, who earlier viewed an audio-visual presentation of the Chamber's growth since its inception in 1945, said: "I thought something would be said (about the tsunami), but unfortunately that was not brought in the programme." The chambers of commerce had a "crucial role to play in establishing cooperation between the Government and the people so as to serve their mutual interests."

Commending the pro-active role played by the Hindustan Chamber of Commerce, he said: "In our complex society, we have a collective responsibility and every one is accountable for society's welfare and well-being." The future of the country depends on rapid industrialisation and modernisation of agriculture with optimal use of science and technology. "We have to meet the sweeping changes taking place globally to compete with the advanced countries."

Responding immediately after the Governor's speech, senior office-bearers of the Chamber said the organisation had donated a considerable amount towards the tsunami relief and rehabilitation work through the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

"We would rise to the expectation ... we have done our bit and are in touch with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration (for extending assistance)," said Ashok R. Thakkar, president-elect of the Chamber.

The Chamber president, Mahendra Parmar, said the new premises was centrally located and provided a hassle-free working environment.

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