New Delhi/Surat, May 1 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Friday extended greetings on the 66th Gujarat Foundation Day, paying tribute to the state’s rich cultural heritage and its significant contribution to national development.

In a post on X, HM Shah said: “Heartfelt greetings to the people of Gujarat on the state’s foundation day, a sacred land of glorious history, rich culture and unique entrepreneurship.”

He further added, “From independence to integration, from cooperation to self-employment, Gujarat has made a significant contribution to building a prosperous and strong nation. By preserving its cultural heritage in India and abroad, Gujarat has strongly embodied the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. I pray to Lord Somnath to bless the people of the state with happiness, prosperity and splendour.”

BJP national president Nitin Nabin also conveyed his greetings on the occasion.

“Warm greetings on Gujarat Statehood Day. A land of vibrant culture, industrious people and a rich historical legacy, Gujarat has consistently set benchmarks of excellence. The state’s entrepreneurial spirit and its contributions to the nation’s progress are a testament to the resilience and vision of its citizens,” Nabin said in a post.

The Gujarat Foundation Day, also known as Gujarat Gaurav Diwas, marking the formation of the state in 1960 following the bifurcation of the erstwhile Bombay State on linguistic lines, will be observed across the state with official ceremonies, cultural events and public celebrations.

The main state-level programme will be held in Surat, featuring a ceremonial procession and cultural presentations.

The event will begin with a march from Y Junction near VR Mall to Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, and will be attended by Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, along with other officials and public representatives.

Police contingents will participate in a march-past, alongside cultural performances and a motorcycle stunt display.

In the evening, a large cultural programme titled “Glorious Gujarat: From Heritage to Development” will be organised at Dumas Sea Face, featuring more than 250 artists.

The performances will highlight Gujarat’s cultural traditions as well as themes of development through music, dance, and light-and-sound presentations.

As part of the celebrations, state honours including the Gujarat Garima Award will be presented.

The state government will also release two publications documenting Surat’s developmental journey, titled “Vikas Vatika” and a coffee-table book.

Several government and heritage buildings in Surat have been illuminated for the occasion.

The observance coincides with the third edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, which begins in Surat today.

The conference will include discussions on industry, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), sustainability and regional development initiatives.

–IANS

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