The Gujarat Golden Jubilee yearlong celebrations were formally launched by chief minister Narendra Modi, former deputy prime minister LK Advani and other leaders.
The much awaited grand Swarnim Gujarat celebrations to mark 50 years of Gujarat's statehood kicked off on Saturday, May 1. A number of programmes were organised during the day by the state government to mark the day.
The Gujarat Golden Jubilee yearlong celebrations were formally launched by chief minister Narendra Modi, former deputy prime minister LK Advani and other leaders by garlanding the statues of the leaders of Maha Gujarat movement, Indulal Yagnik and Ravishankar Maharaj. The CM and other leaders paid homage to the martyrs at the memorial for martyrs of Maha Gujarat movement.
A special programme was organised at the Sabarmati ashram to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and felicitate the families of martyrs of the Maha Gujarat movement. The CM also laid the foundation stone of Mahatma Mandir, proposed to be one of its kind memorial of the Mahatma.
The grand event, 'Vande Gujarat', was organised at Sardar Patel Stadium from 7:30 pm onwards. The stadium was packed to full capacity with around 50,000 people filling its vast space. Among those who attended the gala event were CMs, deputy CMs, ministers and other dignitaries.
The mega cultural programme drew overwhelming response. Thousands of people who had arrived for the event were unable to get entry into the stadium and had to leave disappointed. The stadium was transformed into a cauldron of cultural diversity. Original Gujarati music and songs filled the stadium.
Gujarat Governor Dr Kamla Beniwal inaugurated the Swarnim Jayanti Mahotsav (Golden Jubilee Mega Festival) at the stadium. She said that the land of Gujarat is bejewelled with many gems. Gujarat has given birth to many great leaders.
The governor remarked that the glorious era began five decades ago with the blessings of Ravishankar Maharaj. The enchanting journey is laced with several achievements and breakthroughs, she said.
The governor also paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, saying he preached truth and non violence. She also heaped praises on the architect of united India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, saying he has remained a fountain of inspiration for future generations.
Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Narendra
Modi, said, "With meaningful and purposeful contribution from people, Gujarat has scaled new heights. I deeply value
the contribution from everyone. It is also the occasion to express our sincere gratitude towards martyrs of Maha Gujarat
Movement."
"We have to realize the dream cherished by Ravishankar Dada and Induchacha. The land belongs to Pujya Bapu. We are inheritors of the great legacy of Sardar Patel. It is an occasion to renew our pledge and commitment. People from the world over have come to participate in the golden jubilee festival," he said.
The Gujarati community spread over 50 countries and five continents have come to attend the event, he said, adding that the state aims to act with full vigour to achieve glorious goals and to enhance the human development index of the state.
"We have to concentrate on 50 issues in the next ten
years. The state government is all set to mark 50 Golden-Landmarks in next 10 years. Common vision, common goal, common dreams, Gujarat has the potential to fulfil golden goals," the chief minister said.
Former deputy PM, LK Advani said it was his privilege that he was represented Gandhinagar in the Lok Sabha.
"Gujarat is fortunate to have a visionary leader like Narendra Modi, who has a burning desire to act upon his dreams. In a true sense, the celebrations have become people's festival," he said.
The spectators were treated to exhilarating performances by over 4,000 artists. Key events of Gujarat's history were presented by artists in their unique styles. The artists performed on various themes from pre-historic period to modern Gujarat, depicting various cultural, religious, social and economic contributions of Gujaratis. A laser show was also organised as part of the programme.
Former deputy PM LK Advani, leaders of opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, respectively, Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa, Uttarakhand CM Dr Ramesh Pokhrial, Bihar's deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, Punjab's deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, former governor of West Bengal Viren Shah, former Gujarat CM Keshubhai Patel, most of the current state ministers, MPs, MLAs, corporate leaders, religious leaders like Morari Bapu, Ramesh Oza, leading sports persons, and social leaders among others were present in the stadium on the occasion.
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