In a gesture that transcended political boundaries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen personally welcoming Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan onto the stage at a recent event in Thiruvananthapuram. The moment, captured on video, has drawn attention for its display of cordiality between leaders from different ends of the political spectrum.

The event in question marked a significant day for Kerala, with the Prime Minister inaugurating and launching multiple major infrastructure, transport, social welfare, and scientific initiatives for the state and the southern region. The venue was Puthirikandom Maidan, where Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar, Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, and other prominent figures were also present.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Thiruvananthapuram, acknowledging and praising him for launching key projects aimed at the state's development. Vijayan expressed immense pride and pleasure in welcoming Modi to "God's own Country," recognizing the Prime Minister's commitment to projects that would significantly contribute to Kerala's progress. He specifically highlighted the laying of the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation Hub, the inauguration of the Poojappura Head Post Office Building, and the launch of the PM SVANIDHI scheme benefiting one lakh individuals.

A major highlight of the event was the flagging off of four new train services by the Prime Minister, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train. These included the Nagercoil-Mangaluru Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram Amrit Bharat Express, Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, and a passenger train connecting Thrissur and Guruvayur. The new train services are expected to improve connectivity between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, promoting tourism, trade, education, employment, and cultural exchange.

In addition to boosting rail connectivity, PM Modi launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, which is aimed at providing instant liquidity and promoting digital transactions. The UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility will help beneficiaries build formal credit histories. PM Modi also disbursed PM SVANidhi loans to one lakh beneficiaries, including street vendors from Kerala.

During the event, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of cities in India's journey towards development. He noted the central government's investment in urban infrastructure over the past 11 years. Modi also said that Thiruvananthapuram reflects the aspirations of a changing Kerala and that the development works would strengthen Kerala's infrastructure and create new opportunities.

Pinarayi Vijayan conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for approving key projects for the state, describing it as a "cherished moment of satisfaction" for the Kerala government. He expressed hope that the central government would continue to support Kerala and address its demands promptly.