Vellore - My city and my pride

Only recently my understanding of the meaning of the name of ‘Vellore’ began to change from one being ‘City of heat’ (‘Veyil’ ‘ooru’) to the one of ‘City of spears’ (‘Vel’ ‘ooru’). Historically, Vellore has been the seat of power and Chinna Bommi Nayak and Thimma Bommi Nayak – chieftains of ‘Raya’s’ of Vijayanagara Empire built the popular monument of the city - Vellore Fort.

Vellore fort was the prized possession of real estate that many dynasties fought for until it was captured by the British to establish their presence in 1760. One of the first documented revolts (Sepoy Mutiny) against the British rule in India took place in Vellore in 1806 when about 800 soldiers (sepoys) lost their lives for courageously standing up against the British orders that trampled on their dignity and self respect.

With its gallant history behind, Vellore now is poised to become the futuristic city of India. Having high literacy rate (more than 70% as per 2001 census), strong road and rail network, institutions of importance (schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, industries and dynamic government being in place Vellore has a brighter future if collective decisions are made for a brighter future of our citizens.

Opportunities:

Former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had authored a book titled ‘Envisioning an empowered nation – Technology for societal transformation’ he has outlined a concept called ‘PURA – Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas’ which could be studied to harness the opportunities that exist today in Vellore. PURA concept outlines four areas of connectivity that needs to be addressed for overall development namely Physical, Electronic, Economic and Knowledge.

Economic connectivity is the appropriate platform to discuss today about the various opportunities in and around Vellore. Having converted the city of Vellore into a corporation and Vellore being located on the declared the Chennai-Bangalore-Mumbai industrial corridor, opportunities can be as many as an entrepreneurial mind can imagine exploring.

Medical tourism: Future of medical tourism in India is expected to touch 12 billion dollars by 2012. Vellore already has an established health care industry and it is to get an impetus with the upcoming ‘Apollo Aragonda Integrated Health City’ (AAIHC) 50 KM north of Vellore, that is to have a medical college, tertiary level hospital and to train 25000 medical professionals every year. With three medical colleges in 50 KM radius, this area is likely to become the hub of medical tourism of India.

Vellore must position itself to exploit the opportunities by inviting industries in the field of biotechnology, and health care (medical equipment, and healthcare supplies etc) on Vellore – Chittoor highway and Chennai – Chittoor highway.

Hospitality: Thanks to the newly opened ‘Golden Temple’ Vellore is turning into a popular religious tourism destination. Overnight the traffic has increased by the thousands and this is presenting challenges as well as opportunities. Hospitality sector primarily consists of hotels, restaurants, and drivable roads.

Vellore must promote at least a three star hotel, and a dynamic bed & breakfast industry. Also, city of Vellore must promote privately managed traffic management infrastructure such as exclusive parking buildings, active towing industry, and a flyover connecting Katpadi (north of Palar) with Bagayam etc.

Industries: Chennai–Bangalore highway, Vellore–Chittoor highway, Chennai-Chittoor highway are the prime corridors for Vellore to promote industries. Apart from the declared special economic zone (SEZ) in Ranipet, industries manufacturing solar energy equipment, leather & automobile accessories and engineering tools etc must be considered.

Tapping these opportunities require dynamic leadership that is willing to dream big and perseverance to work as hard as it takes to turn the city of Vellore into a ‘city of opportunities’ for many.