Warmest greetings to all Gujaratis worldwide on Gujarat Formation Day! This day is far more than just the anniversary of a state's creation; it is a v
Warmest greetings to all Gujaratis worldwide on Gujarat Formation Day! This day is far more than just the anniversary of a state’s creation; it is a vibrant celebration of Gujarat’s rich culture, remarkable economic progress, dynamic leadership, and the enduring spirit of its people. The journey that began with the sacrifices of the Mahagujarat movement has today propelled Gujarat to the forefront of Indian states. Let’s delve deeper into this inspiring saga.
The date, May 1, 1960, holds a special significance, offering a moment for native Gujaratis and the vast NRI community to reconnect with their glorious history and take immense pride in their collective achievements. It’s a day that strengthens the bonds of unity and celebrates Gujarat’s inherent entrepreneurship and magnificent past.
The formation of Gujarat on May 1, 1960, was the result of the bifurcation of the bilingual Bombay State, carving out the Gujarati-speaking regions into a distinct entity. The success of this linguistic reorganization is largely credited to the ‘Mahagujarat Andolan’ (Greater Gujarat Movement), which gained momentum starting in 1956. This powerful agitation was spearheaded by Indulal Yagnik, affectionately known as ‘Indu Chacha’. A pivotal moment during the movement occurred at Lal Darwaja in Ahmedabad, where a student protest faced police firing, tragically leading to the martyrdom of 5 to 8 students. This sacrifice further fueled the intensity of the movement, galvanizing widespread support. Ultimately, with the assent of then-President Rajendra Prasad, Vice President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra were officially formed on May 1, 1960, through the passing of the Bombay Reorganisation Act in Parliament. The state of Gujarat was formally inaugurated by the revered social reformer, Ravishankar Maharaj.
From its humble beginnings in 1960, Gujarat has transformed into one of India’s leading states, making significant strides across its economy, industrial development, education, and infrastructure. It is a state that proudly carries a glorious past while pioneering initiatives for the future – a place where ancient temples coexist with modern malls. Gujarat’s contribution to India’s history is profound, from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization sites like Lothal and Dholavira to Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Its cultural tapestry is a beautiful confluence, ranging from the divine realm of Lord Krishna at Dwarka to the essence of Sufi traditions.
Economically, Gujarat has become a vital industrial hub for the nation, contributing a substantial 8.2% to India’s total GDP. The state accounts for over 30% of the country’s total exports and provides around 8% of the national GST revenue. Its strategic advantage is underscored by its robust infrastructure: with 42 ports and 18 airports, Gujarat ranks first in logistics across India. The state is a powerhouse in the chemical and petrochemical sectors, boasting 8 chemical clusters and 14 industrial estates. It is also the second-largest producer of onshore crude oil and the fourth-largest producer of natural gas in India. Its dominance in exports further solidifies its position as an economic leader.
While starting as a state with limited resources in 1960, Gujarat’s economy has witnessed explosive growth, with its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) now exceeding ₹22 lakh crore. A key driver of this industrial and economic momentum is its young and dynamic workforce, with 65% of the population falling within the productive age group of 15-59 years. Cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara have emerged as vibrant economic nerve centers. The state’s infrastructure has seen dramatic improvement, positioning Gujarat as a premier investment destination in India, attracting global giants like Tesla and major semiconductor manufacturers.
Gujarat’s journey has been shaped by the leadership of numerous Chief Ministers since 1960. The first Chief Minister, Dr. Jivraj Narayan Mehta, was instrumental in laying the foundation of the state’s administrative structure and initiating industrial development. Subsequent leaders focused on diverse aspects such as strengthening the Panchayati Raj system (Balwantrai Mehta), boosting industrial and educational growth (Hitendra Desai), improving rural infrastructure and irrigation (Ghanshyambhai Oza), advocating for farmers’ interests and rural development (Chimanbhai Patel, Babubhai Jashbhai Patel), promoting social inclusion through initiatives like the KHAM theory and reforms in education and health (Madhavsinh Solanki), and modernizing rural employment and agriculture (Amarsinh Chaudhary). Leaders like Keshubhai Patel focused on infrastructure development and attracting industrial investments, while Suresh Mehta worked towards administrative transparency. Shankersinh Vaghela contributed to rural infrastructure and farmer welfare, and Dilip Parikh strived to stabilize the state’s economy during his tenure. Narendra Modi, who became the longest-serving Chief Minister, launched the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Summit’ to attract global investments, spearheaded projects like the Sabarmati Riverfront, Jyotigram scheme, and significant infrastructure development. Anandiben Patel holds the distinction of being Gujarat’s first woman Chief Minister.
In the realm of tourism, Gujarat has proven to be a pioneer, being the first state in India to develop the ‘Atithyam Tourist Footfall Dashboard’ for systematic development of the sector. The majestic Asiatic Lions of Gir, the mesmerizing Rann Utsav of Kutch, the UNESCO World Heritage status of Ahmedabad’s historic city, along with iconic sites like Rani ki Vav, Dholavira, Champaner, and the newly built Sudarshan Setu, all proudly preserve Gujarat’s glorious heritage. Across various sectors, Gujarat has consistently set benchmarks, establishing itself as a model state for the rest of the country. This remarkable progress from its founding has been actively supported by the state government’s consistent efforts to promote diverse fields.
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