50 years on, martyrs of Maha Gujarat Movement honoured

The Swarnim Gujarat celebrations kicked off with homage being paid to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Maha Gujarat Movement, and acknowledgement of their family members, at Gandhi Ashram on May 1.

The event started an hour later than the scheduled time. However, the atmosphere at Gandhi Ashram was musical with Gandhi's favourite hymns and prayers being constantly played.

Most of the senior bureaucrats were present at the ashram, along with the members of the state ministry and family members of martyrs and living volunteers of the Maha Gujarat Movement.

The governor of Gujarat, Dr Kamla Beniwal, chief minister Narendra Modi, veteran BJP leader and member of parliament from Gandhinagar constituency, LK Advani and speaker of the Gujarat Assembly Ashok Bhatt, were present on the dais.

Family members of the 18 martyrs of the Maha Gujarat Movement were felicitated with a shawl and khadi by the leaders.

People at the function stood up to take the 'Swarnim Sankalp' golden oath.