The Foundation Day of Gujarat and Maharashtra was celebrated with great enthusiasm at J&K Lok Bhavan, Jammu, in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha.
Addressing a gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said that Gujarat and Maharashtra are growth engines of the nation and besides massive contribution to country's GDP and exports, their social, cultural, and spiritual legacies stand unparalleled.
“Gujarat's soil is renowned for nurturing entrepreneurial spirit, zeal, simplicity, and innate warmth, while Maharashtra commands global respect for its enterprise, valor, and spiritual genius. I view both states as engines propelling India's development trajectory forward,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that Gujarat's history brims with countless sons of Bharat Mata, who elevated the nation's honor. Revered Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi transformed India's destiny through unyielding resolve, selfless dedication, and profound self-belief. He said Mahatma Gandhi gifted the nation the philosophy of truth, non-violence, selfless service, sacrifice, love, and tolerance, turning the freedom struggle into a mass movement. Lieutenant Governor also observed that Gandhiji's life inspires us to stand firm by our principles amid any adversity.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that India’s pride as the world’s largest democracy is deeply rooted in the vision and ideals of Sardar Patel.
“His unwavering belief in unity amidst diversity stands as our greatest achievement, a testament to his resolute commitment to “Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat.” The strength we draw from weaving together our traditions, cultures, and heritage into the fabric of progress is a living reflection of Sardar Patel’s steadfast determination and enduring legacy,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said Maharashtra is the land of industries, spirituality, selfless-service and sacrifice. He said icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Peshwa Bajirao, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar devoted themselves to Mother India and for the cause of national unity.
“At every sacred pilgrimage across India, the name of Ahilyabai Holkar resounds. Her vision and devotion breathed new life into the nation’s spiritual traditions and carried them forward with renewed strength," the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has discovered a renewed spirit of confidence, dignity, and progress. He said over the past 12 years, his guidance has inspired citizens to transform resolve into action, reshaping the nation’s landscape with development and determination and his tenure has marked a historic milestone, making him India’s longest-serving elected Head of Government.
“Today, Indian diaspora across the world is radiating with pride, as Hon'ble Prime Minister has restored the nation’s timeless prestige. A new sense of self-respect stirs within every citizen, uniting all sections of society in the shared vision of a developed India by 2047. By abrogating Article 370 on August 5, 2019, he also fulfilled the unfinished dream of Sardar Patel, strengthening the foundation of Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.