SHILLONG, Oct 14: Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on Tuesday warmly welcomed the 14-member media delegation of journalists from Meghalaya and Tripura, who are currently on a press tour to Karnataka.
According to a statement here, the team was accompanied by Additional Director General, PIB Karnataka Region, SG Raveendra, and officials of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bengaluru, during the visit.
The Governor extended his best wishes to the delegation for their ongoing tour across various parts of the state and lauded the PIB’s initiative in organising such media exchange programmes, which he said help foster mutual understanding and facilitate the sharing of development initiatives and best practices between regions.
He also expressed confidence that the visit would provide the journalists with a comprehensive understanding of Karnataka’s progress in areas such as infrastructure, education, space, industry and rural development.
Gehlot emphasised that firsthand interactions were crucial in understanding the real impact of developmental efforts at the grassroots level.
Reflecting on his tenure as Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Governor fondly recalled his association with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and their collaborative efforts towards inclusive and sustainable growth.
During the interaction, Gehlot also enquired about the status of an international-standard sports stadium for persons with disabilities (PwDs), a project initiated during his tenure as union minister.
He recalled that land had been allotted by the Meghalaya government for the project and expressed hope that it had progressed, noting its potential to promote para-sports and empower differently-abled athletes.
An accompanying official informed him that significant progress had indeed been made on the initiative.
The Governor further remarked that such visits strengthen inter-state ties, promote awareness of regional achievements and enhance engagement between the media and government institutions.
He also suggested that similar delegations from Karnataka should visit the Northeastern states to showcase the development taking place there and to further national integration through dialogue and collaboration.
Meanwhile, the media delegation also visited Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in Bengaluru, where they interacted with Chairman and Managing Director, Shantanu Roy, who praised the PIB’s efforts in promoting national awareness through media exchange visits.
The BEML team briefed the journalists on the company’s vital contributions to India’s Mining and Construction, Rail and Metro sectors and its role in advancing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision through indigenous innovation.
The delegation also toured BEML’s state-of-the-art facilities and witnessed the production of metro coaches, Vande Bharat train coaches and heavy engineering machinery.
The team also learned about BEML’s initiatives to promote women’s participation across technical and managerial roles, ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace.
The media representatives expressed appreciation for BEML’s role in strengthening India’s infrastructure, defence and transport sectors while upholding excellence and innovation.
