Bangalore: In praising Karnataka's contribution to the development of the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that Bangalore embodies the start-up spirit that has elevated India to a different level.

At a function marking the unveiling of the "Statue of Prosperity" in Bangalore, he began by paying heartfelt homage to the great leaders from the state of Karnataka.

"I'm lucky to have come to Bangalore on such an important day. On this day, the nation's two greatest sons-- Sant Kanaka Das and Maharshi Valmiki -- celebrate their birthdays. I pay them both my respects "PM Modi said.

The arrival of the Vande Bharat Express, the Bharat Gaurav Kashi Yatra train, and a top-notch airport terminal make it a significant day for Karnataka, according to the prime minister. He said that the 108-foot-tall statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda would motivate Indians to establish themselves as world leaders.

"Karnataka received its initial Vande Bharat Express train today. Also, a new terminal at Bangalore Airport was opened in accordance with the city's needs "PM Modi remarked.

"The occasion of today exemplifies the spirit of our Yuva. The Vande Bharat train that was flagged off today offers a glimpse of the character of New India "he said. He said that a startup is more than just a business; it also represents the confidence and aspiration to advance a country.

The Prime Minister claimed that Bangalore is essential to India's development as a startup hub and that India is well-known throughout the world for its startups. "Bangalore epitomises the "Start-up" spsirit. India is renowned for its start-ups all over the world. The investments being made in the nation benefit Karnataka as well "added PM Modi.

PM Modi said, the Vande Bharat Express is a sign that India has finally moved past its period of stagnation. "Indian railway stations are being updated and made more beautiful. Our goal is to build more up-to-date train stations and better infrastructure for connection. The young of the nation have more potential as a result of the increase in airports. It creates prospects for work "he said.

He added that building additional airports and improving air connectivity are urgently needed since connectivity will be a key factor in India's development. The PM said, "The new terminal in Bangalore will boost passenger amenities."
The 108-foot-tall bronze monument of Bangalore founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, known as the "Statue of Prosperity," was unveiled by PM Modi. The state is being constructed to honour Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the city's founder, for his contributions to Bangalore's development. He also opened Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport's Terminal 2 earlier in the day.

The opening of Terminal 2  will greatly benefit the populace by doubling the capacity for handling passengers and adding check-in and immigration desks.

With a construction budget of over Rs 5,000 crore, Terminal 2 will increase yearly passenger capacity from 2.5 crore to approximately 5-6 crore.

At Bangalore's Kranthiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station, he also signalled the departure of the Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express and the Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan Train. This is South India's first Vande Bharat Express train and the fifth overall in the nation.

Under the Bharat Gaurav scheme, in which the government of Karnataka and the ministry of railways collaborate to convey pilgrims from Karnataka to Kashi, Karnataka is the first state to board this train.

At Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore, the prime minister presented floral tributes to the statues of the saint poet Kanakadasa and Maharshi Valmiki.