‘Swarnim Gujarat’ fest commences with fanfare

‘Swarnim Gujarat’ mega festival opened to an overwhelming public response at the Sardar Patel Stadium. The stadium,playing host to the golden jubilee of the foundation of the state,was converted into a cauldron of cultural diversity with around 4,000 artists performing Gujarati songs and dances.

Swarnim Gujarat is aimed at celebrating 50 years of the formation of the state as well as to showcase achievements of Gujarat and to salute the spirit of the Gujarati people,whose contribution has made the state a model for prosperity and growth.

The event began with Governor Dr Kamla and Chief Minister Narendra Modi paying tributes to martyrs and leaders of the Mahagujarat movement that led to the formation of the state which came into being on May 1,1960. Dr Kamala said that the land of Gujarat is bejewelled with many ‘Ratnas’,who created history replete with their glorious contributions.

A confident Modi said that Gujarat is sure to reach new heights during the next 365 days and ‘no one would dare to compete’. He also asked 5.5-crore Gujaratis to take one pledge – to take the sate forward by 5.5-crore steps during the golden jubilee festival.

Senior BJP leader L K Advani,who was also present during the function,praised Modi and called him “imaginative and innovative”.

Other prominent personalities among those participated at the mega festival included Leader in Lok Sabha for the Opposition Sushma Swaraj,Opposition leader in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley,CMs and Deputy CMs from various states,former Central ministers.