Siliguri, 25 February 2023: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed more than thousand students from around 80 schools in 9 districts of North Bengal under India@G20 in Siliguri, today.

On this occasion, Shri Birla said that it has always been his endeavor to meet young friends as much as possible, talk to them and listen to their experiences. Young children have the potential, hopes, dreams, and the determination to make them come true. He told that he is feeling more energetic among the children. He further said that the country's education policy is not only developing the intellectual potential of the youth, but also showing the path of their multi dimensional progress. He expressed confidence that the challenges facing the world would be solved only by the courage and strength of the young students. Shri Birla also congratulated and complimented the students for their tireless hard work and efforts.

Speaking on 'Theme Tourism', Shri Birla said that India is known all over the world for its cultural and geographical features. From language to dress, from culture to food, diversity exists here in different forms. That is why tourism is important for India.

Referring to the immense progress of tourism in the country, Shri Birla said that when tourism increases, more and more employment is generated and the country's economy gets a boost. He said that Siliguri city is one of the major tourist destinations of West Bengal. The development of modern infrastructure amidst the scenery full of snow-capped mountains, diversity of wildlife, tea plantations and natural beauty shows the picture of the emerging city. Siliguri is also the gateway to Northeast India, he observed.

Referring to the growing tourism profile of the country, Shri Birla said that it is the result of the efforts of the Government of India that the country has seen growth in the Global Tourist Index ranking. At present, emphasis is being laid on the conservation, preservation and registration of antiquities of archaeological monuments, added Shri Birla. He suggested that once in a year everyone must go to a place where you have never been before. It will fill everyone's life with a new kind of experience.

Shri Birla said that it is a matter of pride for India to chair the G-20 during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, and this  programme is also an important part of it. The G20 countries comprise 60% of the world's population, 85% of global GDP and 75% of global trade. The success of G20 is the responsibility of all Indians. He noted that India getting the chairmanship of G20 shows that India's presence has increased on the global stage and India has emerged as a global power.

Further interacting with the youth, Shri Birla encouraged them to do smart work with hard work.  And he told the students that whatever they have achieved, and the people who have contributed in this journey, they must remember them and express their gratitude to them.