GUJARAT USHERS IN A NEW ERA IN STYLE!

Gujarat Governor Dr.Kamla inaugurated the ‘Vande Gujarat’ event,
which set the ball rolling for year long of Swarnim Gujarat celebrations.

Abrilliantly synchronized multimedia show that began with fireworks and narrated the story of Gujarat from pre-historic era, through the era of Siddhraj Jaisingh, sultan Ahmed Shah, the landing of Parsis at Sanjan and the separation from Bombay state to become a separate entity in 1960, marked a befitting extravaganza on the occasion of the state of Gujarat’s golden jubilee on May 1 at the Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad. The over-crowded stadium forced the authorities to turn down many including bureaucrats and politicians, for whom a special repeat show was organized the day next.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi addressing the crowds at the ‘Vande Gujarat’ spectacular show held at Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 1

Swarnim Gujarat was celebrated with the exact same fervor on day two with about 25,000 people in attendance. The crowd went into a frenzy when the performers danced to the garba ‘Maa taaro garbo jhakham jhol...’ and ‘Maniyarote haalo haalo...’, where revellers danced with LED laced skirts illuminating the ground in various forms. There were at least 20,000 participants from across the country, doing the enactment of the state’s history based on a film that ran simultaneously.   The state government also released the ‘Jay Jay Garvi Gujarat’, composed by AR Rahman and sung by popular singers from across the country.

Morning May 1, CM Modi, Governor Kamla and senior leaders paid homage to heroes of Maha Gujarat movement.

Gujarat Governor Dr.Smt.Kamla inaugurated the Swarnim Jayanti Mahotsav (Golden Jubilee Mega Festival) in the august presence of Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Member of Lok Sabha L al Krishna Advani, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, Chief Ministers of various states, deputy Chief Ministers and eminent leaders. She said that the land of Gujarat is bejeweled with many ratnas (Gems).

The Gujarat Governor observed that the event was of immense importance for Gujarati community, truly a historic occasion. The fifty years journey in the life of a state is not considered to be a long period. It is also an occasion to reflect upon history, to take a glimpse on milestone achievements. The introspective process paves way for future progress and prosperity and surely offers inspirations and insights.

Non Resident Gujaratis from different parts of the world took part in the celebration. A delegation from the USA meets Modi

Governor remarked that the glorious era began before five decades with the blessings of Ravishankar Maharaj; the enchanting journey is laced with milestone achievements and breakthroughs, added Governor. She paid homage to Mahatma Gandhiji. Under his visionary leadership, India became independent, without shedding a drop of blood. Architect of united India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel belongs to Gujarat. He remains a fountain of inspiration for future generations, she said.

The Sardar Patel stadium was converted in to melting pot of cultural diversity. Original and congenial Gujarati music and songs pervading the stadium mesmerized the audience. Rich display of art and music, for the first time, using cutting edge techniques and the light and sound show captivated thousands of viewers.

The cultural extravaganza offered salutations
to Lord Ganapati by tribal artists in Marathi and Gujarati languages. Artists invited from different and far-flung places presented their skills.

The colorful dance performance showcasing the Gujarati culture had the audience spellbind

A fantastic multimedia show narrated Gujarat’s history

Artists from far flung areas were invited to display their talent

Former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament, Lal Krishna Advani said, “ It has been my proud privilege that I am representing Gandhinagar in Lok Sabha. Gujarat is fortunate to have visionary leader like Narendra Modi, who has burning desire to act upon his dreams. In a true sense, the celebrations have become people’s festival. It is not just an official function. Modiji devotes credit of Swarnim Gujarat to the people.”

Fifty years since its inception, Gujarat stands out as one of the most progressive states, acclaimed nationally and internationally. On the occasion of Golden Jubilee, Chief Minister extended warm greetings to the people. With meaningful and purposeful contribution from people, Gujarat has scaled new heights, added the CM. He said, “I deeply value contribution from all. It is also an occasion to express our 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 that we inherited from Sardar Patel. It is an occasion to renew our pledge and commitment. Gujarati Community spread over 50 countries and five continents have come to attend the event.”

(L to R) Gujarat Governor Dr Kamla, Narendra Modi and Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani felicitate Maha Gujarat movement martyrs’ family members

Roads, streets, public-buildings, corporate and commercial houses and important sites across the state wore a festive look, witnessing glow-cast illuminations from the night before the event. On May 1, the Chief Minister first went to Lal Darvaja –Ahmedabad to offer floral tribute to Indulal Yagnik. At Shahid- Smarak, Modi paid homage to martyrs of Maha Gujarat Movement. He honored all who gave their valuable contribution in formation of Gujarat. On this occasion, he felicitated martyrs’ families. From there, he went to Hruday-Kunj-Sabarmati Ashram to pay tribute to Gandhiji.

Entire Gujarat was abuzz with enthusiasm, joy and sense of pride. In Ahmedabad, Modi, the Governor of Gujarat Dr.Kamla, Assembly Speaker Ashok Bhatt and NDA Chairman Lal Krushna Advani led people in chanting –Jay Jay Garvi Gujarat. The pulse throbbing Jaynad reverberated across the city. Cabinet colleagues, eminent leaders also joined them with thousands of citizens. It was quite an electrifying experience, as all 18000 villages, towns and municipal- corporations simultaneously organized Jaynad.

The Chief Minister Narendra Modi also performed groundbreaking ceremony of Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar at 10.a.m. Water from 31 holy rivers and soil from 51 odd places was utilized for performing Abhishek –Pujan by pouring pious water and soil in the foundation of Mahatma Mandir. Spread over 34 acres, Mahatma Mandir will be built at Central-Vista, in vicinity to a road linking Gh-4 circle to railway station. The capital of Gujarat is named after Mahatma Gandhi, however, it did not have any monument to display legacy of Bapu. The state decided to build Mahatma Mandir with a unique Gandhi garden. Business centre and exhibition hall will take the visitors to the lively moments of freedom-struggle, depicting replicas of Dandi-Kucha-Mitha- Satyagrah. A great show of engineering-excellence, giant suspension-bridge linking Gandhi-garden and salt-hill hopes to stun the visitors. The tower will display handspinning- wheel (replica of charkha).

Modi also initiated various development projects in Vadodara as a part of the celebration. He reaffirmed his commitment for successful implementation of Total Sanitation project, which aims to achieve the goal of Nirmal Gujarat (filth-free Gujarat). The goal of slum-free Gujarat is quite winnable, added the CM. The development projects to the tune of Rs.188.86 crores are being undertaken by the administration as a part of the golden jubilee celebrations throughout the year.

Outlining the theme of providing the ultra modern sports complexes, with an aim to offer facilities confirming international standards, Modi highlighted the exciting avenues being opened up for the youth. During the golden jubilee year, the State will be organizing Khel-Kood Mahakumbh that is bound to give tremendous fillip to tourism and employment generation, said Modi. Under an initiative, the state is attaching top priority to women, while offering benefits under various schemes, being implemented to offer dwelling units to the urban-poor, added CM. State has been giving special incentives to women, if property deed is registered on the name of a woman. According to an estimate, the state has borne revenue-loss to the tune of Rs. 150 crores. It reflects state government’s deep commitment for women empowerment. Modi in his address urged the poor to educate their children. It is the right tool to empower future generation he said.

CM commended the leadership of selfgovernment institutions for their vision for development. Emphasizing the need for technology enabled urban development. Modi performed ground breaking ceremony of ultra modern Indoor and Outdoor stadium, which is to be built at Manjalpur Vadodara. The stadium is designed to offer facilities like foot ball, hockey, volley ball fields, running track. Around 4000 beneficiaries of the Dwelling Unit Scheme, whose names were short-listed through a computer- draw, were given away keys on this occasion.

As a part of series of developmental initiatives undertaken by the government, Gujarat will also house India’s first aerospace university near Valsad in south Gujarat — presently, there are only two such universities in the world. Gujarat Vittal Innovation City (GVIC), a joint venture between state government and a company promoted by a former Gujarat cadre bureaucrat, has tied up with leading aviation intelligence provider Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) to develop world’s largest aerospace university. The Rs 400-crore project will be a part of GVIC’s upcoming special economic zone and commissioned by the end of 2012.

The university will offer short-term as well as long-term courses of integrated multi-disciplinary education and training. The courses would include pilot training, air traffic control, maintenance, repairing and overhauling of aircraft, customer service, aviation law among others. Besides, an airstrip of 1,800 metre is also being planned for a flying school.

CAPA will bring in expertise from international institutes like US-based Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University (aerospace engineering), New Zealand’s Airways International (air traffic training) and UK’s Oxford Aviation Academy (pilot training) to Gujarat. A detailed evaluation of numerous sites across India was done before finalizing the location. Gujarat was chosen due to its proximity to Mumbai, availability of land and good infrastructure. Apart from the university, GVIC will also house a dedicated Helicopter City, which will facilitate research and development, manufacturing and maintenance apart from providing ancillary support to business jets and helicopters. Exciting plasma balls with flashes of electricity visible, an interactive presentation explaining how hydro power is generated or a screen that you can slide and the film playing on the screen changes. All this and much more for the children seeking to know about how, what, why, who and when about electricity is now put up at the latest exhibit at the Science City in Ahmedabad. India’s premier electricity museum, CLP Electrodrome was inaugurated at the Science City by Modi. A joint initiative of the state department of science and technology, Gujarat Science City and CLP the largest foreign investor in the Indian power sector CLP Electrodrome is the state-of-the-art and highly interactive museum of electricity. The museum is the first of its kind in India, exclusive dedicated to several exciting aspects of electricity. Being an interesting mix of education and entertainment, the museum will hold a strong appeal for kids and adults from a variety of different backgrounds and interests.

With plenty of promises and equally dedicated efforts, Gujarat is well on its path to a golden era.

[By D. Dave]

[ TWEETS ]

Some Recent Modi TWEETS:

• Any unsubstantiated criticism of Gujarat can never be tolerated, come what may !
• Great artist like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan is ready to face any stiff opposition for Gujarat’s pride and glory, is inspirational for us.
• You all stayed awake with me in these difficult circumstances and expressed your feelings. I am heartily grateful to you for that. (After appearing before the Special Investigation Team)
• I have tried to do this like a common citizen, with God as witness to my actions.
• Our conduct must prove respect for the due process of law and no hesitation towards the supremacy of the Constitution.
• It is natural for you all to have felt anxious about the SIT marathon questioning that went on till 1 in the night.
• Now as the lies reach a crescendo as never before I am compelled to bring the facts before my beloved countrymen Central Budget depicts anti-Gujarat mindset.
• Central Budget is Anti-poor, anti-farmer, anti-youth & antiwomen. It also works against Dalits, making great harm to the deprived classes.
• The #railwaybudget continued the UPA Government’s policies of gross injustice to Gujarat- a significant contributor to the nation’s growth.
• No mention of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train? Or about new super fast trains to and from Gujarat?
• Railway Budget directionless, impractical; sure to add to inflation, create further obstacles in the nation’s economic growth
• I am grateful that I have been conferred with such a fortune to communicate and touch the lives 50 lakh poor of the state
• Garib Kalyan Mela has ignited positive spark in poor and the sensibility of the administration has touched them.
• Series of 50 Garib Kalyan Mela has ended, but not the fight against poverty. Poor have also recognized the disrupting entities.
• Every flourishing family should have at least a small library of minimum 50 books.