Gujarat Day 2025: Celebrating the Spirit, Culture, and Growth of the Jewel of the West
Formation of Gujarat: A Linguistic Movement
Gujarat officially became a state on May 1, 1960, following the linguistic reorganisation of the Bombay State. The division created two new states: Gujarat for Gujarati-speaking people and Maharashtra for Marathi speakers. This transformation was formalised through the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960. Since then, Gujarat Foundation Day has been celebrated with enthusiasm across the state, highlighting the people's aspirations and achievements.
A Land of Cultural Riches and Historical Legacy
Gujarat boasts a remarkable heritage—from the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation to the grandeur of the Solanki and Mughal dynasties. The state's architecture, trade routes, and historic towns bear witness to its role as a confluence of diverse traditions and influences. Celebrations on Gujarat Day reflect the pride in this deep-rooted legacy through cultural performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings.
The Birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi
One of the most revered aspects of Gujarat's identity is being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, a global symbol of peace and non-violence. His home, the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, continues to attract visitors worldwide, serving as a powerful reminder of his message of truth, tolerance, and social justice.
Economic Powerhouse with Global Aspirations
Beyond its cultural strength, Gujarat has established itself as a key player in India's economic landscape. With its strategic coastal location, robust industrial base, and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the state continues to drive innovation and investment. Its ports, business hubs, and infrastructure projects are vital to India's economic momentum.
Celebrations Across the State
On Gujarat Day, grand events are held across cities and villages alike, showcasing traditional dances, music, and local crafts. It is a day to recognise the hard work and resilience of its people, who have helped shape Gujarat into a vibrant, forward-looking state.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
21 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Calcutta HC asks Odisha to file affidavit on detention of Bengali migrants
The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the Odisha government to file an affidavit on the alleged detention of Bengali-speaking workers on suspicion of being illegal Bangladesh migrants. Hearing habeas corpus petitions filed by the families of two migrant workers from West Bengal, the Division Bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Reetobroto Kumar Mitra directed the Advocate General of Odisha, who had joined the hearing virtually, to submit the affidavit by August 20 and to be physically present in the court. During the hearing, the Division Bench asked the Odisha government's counsel to apprise the court whether the two Bengali migrant workers – Rakhibul Islam Mondal and Sainur Islam, both from Murshidabad – 'were arrested, interrogated, or detained'. Pitambar Acharya, the Advocate General of Odisha government, denied they were arrested and called the petitions 'frivolous'. The petitioners' counsel then informed the court that Mondal and Islam were released by Odisha Police after the High Court's intervention and demanded compensation for 'illegal detention'. 'The detention was illegal and therefore, compensation should be given. Those who have been released have stated that many others like them remained in custody — detained illegally and not produced before a magistrate.' Odisha's AG, Acharya, told the High Court that the documents of the two migrant workers had been verified. 'As per the Foreigners Act, 1946, Section 3, when the citizenship of suspected persons is in doubt, we investigate for lawful verification of documents. People from all over the country come to work here, and lawfully, on suspicion, their documents are verified,' Acharya added. Senior counsel Kalyan Banerjee, appearing for the petitioners, argued, 'There must be some grounds. Only on suspicion, they cannot declare someone a foreigner.' Refuting the petitioners' contention that Bengali-speaking migrants were being targeted, the Odisha AG said: 'Bengalis are our brothers and neighbors. Don't mislead them by saying these things against us. Our Chief Justice is from Bengal. It is not a matter of Bengali or non-Bengali here. It is being verified whether they are citizens of this country or not.' To this, counsel Banerjee countered, 'Then tell me, how many Tamils and how many Gujaratis have been arrested? Why are Bengalis being selectively verified?' The High Court Bench then directed the Odisha government to file an affidavit on the detention. The petitioners were directed to file replies by August 27, before the court scheduled the next hearing on August 29. The Division Bench on July 10 had directed the Odisha government to place before it relevant documents on whether the two had been detained or were missing. They were directed to answer that if detained, whether such detention was in connection with any court's order and the grounds for that. One of the habeas corpus petitions has been filed by Nasima Mondal, mother of Rakhibul, resident of Hariharpara in Murshidabad district. She claimed that her son was detained in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district on June 25 and was held for more than 24 hours without being produced before a magistrate in violation of his fundamental rights. According to her petition, Odisha Police 'ignored valid documents' in his possession — including Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration card. The petitioner alleged he was targeted for speaking Bengali and suspected of being Bangladeshi, without any proper identity checks. The second petition was filed by Rajjak Sheikh, also from Hariharpara, seeking the release of his son, Sainur. He claimed Jagatsinghpur police detained his son during a similar identity verification drive on June 30.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Maharashtra govt. seeks land on JNU campus to build Shivaji statue
Maharashtra Minister for Industries and Marathi Language Uday Samant said on Wednesday that the State government has sought land from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to build a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj riding a horse on the campus. 'We have held preliminary talks with the Vice-Chancellor and she is positive about it. A statue of our most revered king in this renowned university will help spread the importance of his valour and Maratha history on a national platform, given the university's key position in the academic world. Once the land is allotted, the State government will construct the statue. There is in-principle approval for the State government's proposal,' Mr. Samant said. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and State Cabinet Ministers will visit JNU on Thursday to inaugurate the Kusumagraj Special Centre for Marathi Language, Literature, and Culture, named after the celebrated poet and Jnanpith awardee. The centre will offer postgraduate and certificate programmes aimed at promoting multilingualism and cultural understanding. 'It will offer an MA in Marathi and certificate courses aligned with the National Education Policy, 2020 for non-Marathi speakers, such as those who speak Tamil. Notably, many students from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have opted for Tamil, and it's common to hear Tamil being spoken during our functions. This trend is encouraging as it promotes unity and sensitivity towards other languages across the country. The State government is emphasising Marathi's importance, especially since it has been recognised as a classical language by the Centre. It is a language known for its rich literary heritage,' JNU V-C Santishree Pandit had told reporters recently. Mr. Fadnavis will also lay the foundation stone for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Special Centre for Security and Strategic Studies, which will function under JNU's School of International Studies. The centre will focus on exploring indigenous strategic traditions based on the Maratha empire and aims to become a hub of military history, strategy, and future policy development rooted in India's past. ₹10 crore allocated The State government has allocated ₹10 crore each for both centres .The Marathi centre was announced in 2007 by then Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Left parties hold procession against the harassment of W.B. migrants in other States
Amidst reports of targeting of migrant workers from West Bengal in the BJP ruled States, the Left parties on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) hit the streets in Kolkata demanding that the harassment of migrants should stop. Leaders and supporters of Left parties like CPI(M), CPI, AIFB and CPIML participated in the march from Esplanade to Ramlila Park and their demands include that both the Union government and West Bengal government should ensure that migrants from the State should not be targeted. CPI (M) State Secretary Md. Salim who participated in the march said that the migrants have a right to work anywhere in the country and the Union government and BJP and RSS is responsible for it. 'The Election Commission has no right to conduct SIR ( special intensive revision). The Constitution of India provides the mandate for holding free and fair elections to the Commission. Tamanna was killed during elections and no action was taken by the ECI. The Central Election Commission is subservient to the Centre and the State Election Commission is subservient to the State,' Mr. Salim said. The CPI(M) leader was referring to the death of Tamanna Khatun, a nine year old girl who was killed in a crude bomb explosion on June 23 at Kaliganj in Nadia district on the day results of the bypolls of Kaliganj Assembly seat was announced. Sabina Yeasmin , the mother of Tamanna, also held protests in Nadia demanding justice for her daughter and protection of migrants in other States. The father of Tamanna Hossain Sheikh is a migrant worker and was away when his daughter was killed. The protests by the Left Parties who also demanded a special session of West Bengal Assembly on the harassment of migrants also blamed the Trinamool Congress government and said that West Bengal has done nothing for the welfare of migrant workers. The rally by Left parties comes after the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for sustained protests and a 'language movement' over the targeting of migrant workers from West Bengal. Addressing the Trinamool Congress annual Martyrs' Day rally on July 21, Ms. Banerjee has said that a movement would start in Bengal from next Sunday to protest against alleged attacks on 'Bengalis, Bengali language and linguistic terrorism'. Meanwhile, Calcutta High Court directed the Odisha government to file an affidavit in opposition to the contentions in habeas corpus petitions that two Bengali-speaking migrant workers from West Bengal were illegally detained in the neighbouring state. The court was informed that the two migrant workers over whom the habeas corpus petition was filed Sainur Islam and Rakibul Islam have already returned to their residences. The Odisha government denied that migrants were illegally detained.
