TN's greatest assets are its people, says outgoing governor Vidyasagar Rao

CHENNAI: Outgoing Maharashtra Governor C

Vidyasagar Rao

, who held additional charge of Tamil Nadu, thanked the people of the state, the present and past chief ministers, and others, a

Raj Bhavan

statement on Wednesday, said. The newly-appointed Governor, Banwarilal Purohit, will arrive in Chennai on Thursday afternoon, and Rao will leave the city that morning.

Governor Vidyasagar Rao thanked the present and past CMs, cabinet ministers, leaders of all political parties, Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs), educationists, academicians, members of chambers of commerce and industry, voluntary and social service organisations, officials, police personnel and the media, the statement said.

"I sincerely thank the people of Tamil Nadu for their love and affection, and the warmth and courtesy they extended to me during my tenure as Governor. I wish the people of Tamil Nadu happiness, peace, progress and prosperity," he said, according to the statement.

Stating that he "had the privilege and honour to hold Additional Charge as Governor of Tamil Nadu", he praised the state for achievements in various sectors such as IT, automobile, construction, health care, etc.

He recalled that in the aftermath of demise of former CM J Jayalalithaa, and during the jallikattu protest, the people of TN "had maintained peace and tranquillity with great discipline".

"It is the grace of God and the hard work of people of Tamil Nadu that made the state to return to normalcy after facing the testing times caused by Vardah. The greatest assets of Tamil Nadu are its people, their simplicity, gentleness, hard work, friendly nature and discipline", he said.

The Governor said that as Chancellor of Universities, he streamlined the process of appointment of V-Cs "by fixing a time frame for completion of process and prescribing qualification for the posts of V-Cs and Search Committee Members; ensured improving the quality of higher education, promoting green and clean initiative in the colleges and university campus".

To promote clean energy at the Raj Bhavan, a 400 Kwp solar power plant was installed at a cost of Rs 4.45 crore and is ready for commissioning. "This would cater to about 80% of the energy needs of Raj Bhavan and would save close to Rs 45 lakhs to the exchequer annually," he said.