Global Gujaratis part of Gujarat’s golden jubilee

In a first of its kind, a Non-Resident Gujarati (NRG) convention was organised by the state government to celebrate Gujarat’s golden jubilee. Held at the university convention centre, around 2000 NRGs from countries like USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China (Hong Kong), Indonesia, Austria, France, Spain, Canada, Bahrain, UAE and Mauritius, as well as from various Indian states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, among others, participated.

The convention was inaugurated by governor Dr Kamala Beniwal, chief minister Narendra Modi and former deputy prime minister LK Advani. State ministers, many MPs and state BJP president RC Faldu were among those present.

The convention started with a rendition of ‘Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat’ and ended with ‘Sapta-Rangi Gujarat’, a multi-hued cultural programme depicting the rich legacy of the state. The Governor and the CM distributed the ‘kalash’ to leading NRGs attending the summit.

The governor, in her speech, said, “NRGs residing in various parts of India and outside have blended with the local culture wherever they live, and provided the best example of cultural convergence. Gujarat’s cultural origins go right up to the time of the Lothal civilization, and we have given the world some great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. Gujarat has achieved four-dimensional development and I wish it continues likewise”.

CM Narendra Modi in his speech, said, “The purpose of celebrating the golden jubilee and organising the NRG convention is to bring Gujaratis together for the development of the state.
The way China’s growth is being talked about today, India should also be a talking point, with Gujarat as the focus. The purpose of presenting the ‘kalash’ to NRGs is to motivate Gujaratis residing outside the state to celebrate Gujarat’s golden jubilee throughout the year”.

Modi added that a reason for the celebrations is to bring young Gujaratis closer to their language and roots. “We must proudly say that we speak the language that the Mahatma used”, he said.  Likening Gujaratis to the Jews who are a small but hugely enterprising community, Modi spoke of Gujaratis having brought about growth wherever they’ve gone.

L.K.Advani said that if India is great, Gujaratis are greater. “Gujaratis settled abroad have created great credit for the state”, he said.

The governor launched golden jubilee postcards on the occasion.