Modi, Advani, assembly speaker Ashok Bhatt, finance minister Vaju Vala and minister of state, Saurabh Patel laid the foundation stone of the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
Chief Minister Narendra Modi, former deputy prime minister LK Advani and other leaders formally launched the much awaited Gujarat Golden Jubilee year celebration by garlanding the statue of the leader of the Maha Gujarat movement, Indulal Yagnik, and by paying homage at the memorial of the martyrs of the movement. Modi also paid tribute to Pandit Ravishankar Maharaj, who inspired the movement for a separate state of Gujarat.
Modi, along with governor Dr Kamla Beniwal, also paid respect to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram and felicitated family members of the 18 martyrs of the Gujarat freedom movement. Top government officials were present at the function.
Modi, Advani, assembly speaker Ashok Bhatt, finance minister Vaju Vala and minister of state, Saurabh Patel later laid the foundation stone of the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, where holy water and sand brought from different parts of the country and the world by NRGs, will be used in its construction.
Modi said in his speech: "Gandhinagar has been the capital of Gujarat but those visiting this city have found it difficult to locate any monument related to Gandhiji. Why this has not happened in the past is a big question, but I believe perhaps God has chosen me to perform more good deeds,'' he said. He added that building the Mandir was a long cherished dream for him. The Mandir will connect the people of the country and all parts of the world.
Modi said, Mahatama Mandir was not a building or a hall but an attempt to relive the life of the father of the nation. "A time will come when people will come here to discuss peace and non-violence in the world." Mahatama Gandhi's life will be depicted in the form of statues at the Gandhi garden to be set up here. Modi said a huge charkha which is the symbol of India's freedom movement, would also be kept at the Mandir which will also have statues depicting the Dandi Salt March.
Speaking on the occasion, LK Advani praised Modi and called him an imaginative and innovative leader who not only visualised things but effectively executed them also.
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