Gujarat Foundation Day: Celebrations & PM Modi's Message

Ahmedabad/Surat, May 1 (PTI) The 66th Gujarat Foundation Day was celebrated with a police parade and cultural event in Surat on Friday, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message on the occasion, thanked people for their steady support to the BJP in polls and said the state overcame multiple challenges to contribute hugely to India's economic growth.

Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, his deputy Harsh Sanghavi and Union minister C R Patil, who hails from Gujarat, attended the police parade in Surat.

The Navsari police, the State Reserve Police Force, the Gujarat Marine Police, district police units from Tapi and Dang took part in the parade, besides personnel from the forest department and home guards. Women-led platoons from Surat city and rural police, the jail department and Bharuch and Valsad districts were among the highlights of the parade organised on 'Gujarat Gaurav Diwas'.

The event also showcased cultural performances, including 'garba' (a folk dance) and Adivasi dances, as well as motorcycle stunt displays by police personnel.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Patel expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for his "inspiring message" on the Foundation Day and assured him of his commitment to lead the state from the front in contributing to a developed India.

In a two-page message, Modi extended wishes for Gujarat Day and thanked the people of his home state for giving their "unequivocal stamp of approval" for Patel's work in the just-concluded local body polls, which were swept by the ruling BJP.

The PM noted the BJP has been getting the blessings of the people of Gujarat in various elections since 1995.

Patel shared on X, Modi's message and said the latter's deep bond with the state and a vision for "Viksit Bharat" (developed India) provide all with "renewed energy and direction" to continuously move forward on the path of development.


"Under your guidance, Gujarat's development journey has witnessed remarkable achievements in sectors such as infrastructure, industry, agriculture, education and welfare of the poor, due to which Gujarat has today established itself as a model state across the country," Patel maintained.

The CM said the trust placed by Modi in him and the people of Gujarat will continue to inspire every citizen to work with greater enthusiasm to take the state's identity and pride to newer heights.

"Embracing your call for building a Viksit Bharat with the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (together with all, development for all), I assure, on behalf of all Gujaratis, that Gujarat will always remain committed to leading from the front in contributing to a Viksit Bharat," Patel asserted.

Modi said in his message that the verdict in various elections, be it the local bodies or Parliament, reflects the unwavering trust that Gujarat has reposed in the politics of good governance and development.

The PM recalled the contributions made by people associated with the 'Mahagujarat Movement' (demanding creation of the state of Gujarat) and the "eternally motivating" work and vision of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

In his message, Modi talked about geographical diversity of the state and said he will be in Somnath to mark 75 years since the reopening of the Lord Shiva temple in the Gujarat town in 1951.

Modi noted that Gujarat, established on May 1, 1960, overcame various social, geographical and natural challenges to emerge and contribute significantly to India's economic development.

Installing the gates of the Sardar Sarovar Dam was one of the key decisions taken after he assumed office at the Centre in 2014, a reflection of his understanding of the importance of water and irrigation for Gujarat, the PM affirmed.

Modi said the Centre has supported the efforts of the Gujarat government in various ways, like increasing connectivity through Vande Bharat trains and launching the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.