The people of Surat celebrated the National festival of Republic Day with great fervor and festivity as Governor Dr. Shrimati Kamla unfurled National Flag on the morning of Republic Day at Yogi Chawk, in this diamond city of Surat, amid playing of National Anthem by police band and showering of flower petals from Army Helicopter. This grand flag hoisting ceremony was well attended by more than one lakh citizens of Surat. Chief Minister shri Narendra Modi also joined Governor to review the parade along with State police Chief and Chief secretary of the State. This impressive flag hoisting ceremony was followed by a blend of beating of drums for 90 seconds continuously to welcome the State level R-Day celebration.

It may be recalled that the State level celebration of Republic Day is held in Surat to enable people of the district participate in the State level event, that usually held at state capital. A series of cultural programmes including tribal dance, songs on ‘ Tapi river bank’ and on Swarnim Gujarat, a special garba on the famous ‘saaris’ of Surat and a traditional Indian dance were also performed.

Impressive Surya Vandana and Yoga was performed by 2500 students of local schools to mark the occasion. As many as 28 attractive tableaux, depicting developmental activities were presented by various Government departments. Tableau of District Election office was awarded first prize.

An impressive march past ceremony was also conducted on the tune of police band. Dog show and Horse show including tent-pegging and jumping remained the star attraction for the people of Surat. Russian P.T., The crowd lauded Motor bike stunt, gymnastic demonstration and band display with cheers.

Governor and Chief Minister greeted freedom fighters of the district. Prizes to the winners of the best platoons and tableaux were given away. Chief Minister Narendra Modi greeted people present in the pavilion by raising hands and people of Surat welcomed Shri Modi with tremendous cheers and applause after the grand function is over.

MP C.R.Patil, Darshna Jardosh, Pravin Naik, Mayor Rajendra Desai, District Panchayat President Ashwin Patel, Chief secretary A.K. Joti, DGP Chittranjan Singh, Information Commissioner V. Thiruppugazh, Cultural secretary Bhagyesh Jha, Senior State Government officials, Guardian Secretary Arvind Agrawal, SMC Commissioner S. Aparna, Collector A.J. Shah and DDO J.B. Vora were present.

CM announces to launch ‘Gram SWAGAT On-Line Redressal Programme’ from 1st Feb

On the eve of Republic Festival, Chief Minister Mr Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced to launch the ‘Gram SWAGAT On-Line Redressal programme’ in the State from 1st Feb. He was speaking at ‘Khubsurat Gujarat Cultural event’ at Vanita Vishram ground in Surat.

Dr Smt Kamlajee, Governor of Gujarat, presided over the cultural show. She called upon the citizens to realize the goal of national unity, fraternity and development.

On the occasion, Governor said that India has become a developed nation; however, we have to work for eradicating poverty, unemployment, backwardness and discrimination on the basis of religion and castes.

Governor noted that Chief Minister’s vision for organizing the vibrant summit is aimed to make Gujarat the best state. She gave compliments to Mr Modi for his dedicated endeavors which are designated to offer a great impetus to the pace of development.

‘Celebrations of national festival enkindle patriotism. They must be turned into development festivals through immense participation from people at large. Under the same resolution, Gujarat has replenished national pride among the people. People have realized that the celebration of national festival has taken form of people’s festival- development festival.’ CM gave credit of national festival’s success, which are being organized at district places, to the people of Gujarat -for their devotion and hard work.

Republic festival has turned out as a development festival for the people of Surat district. As many as 4500 development projects worth Rs 1100 Cr has been either dedicated or commenced in the last 15 days, the figure is bigger compared to past government’s entire budgets. CM announced to allot special component of Rs 100 Cr for Surat Municipal Corporation, as the 2nd installment out of the total outlay of Rs 400 Cr earmarked for Surat, under ‘Swarnin Jayanti Mukhyamantri Urban Development Scheme’.

CM also announced to give Rs 1 Cr each to Surat’s Municipal Corporation and rural administration for the development.

CM highlighted Gujarat’s development strides in various sectors. People’s participation is very crucial for the development. Gujarat has won meaningful support and participation from people in its development endeavors; Gujarat is the first state in the entire country that has achieved the 100% target of allotment of land to the tribal farmers. Gujarat has launched a special drive which is aimed to eradicate sickle cell anemia that is prevalent in tribal families.

Governor, on the occasion, honored the distinguished personalities for their outstanding contribution. Referring to that CM lauded their contribution in respective shears.

The cultural show- Khubsurat Gujarat- depicted the golden history, past and present. Mr Fakirbhai Vaghela, Minister for Justice and Social Empowerment, said that the success is attributed to the vision of CM that state level celebration of national festivals is taking place at district places- he also termed it as a capacity building venture for the districts. It enkindles patriotism and devotion among the future generation.

Shri Narottam Patel, Panchayat Minister, was fulsome of praise for the Chief Minister. Under the leadership of Mr Modi Gujarat has created the global brand image.

On the occasion, Chief Minister released a special publication-‘Samutkrantini Kshitije’ Surat, which is jointly published by district administration and Information office; it is heartening to note that the publication is edited by Joint Director of Information Mr Cecil Christy and H. M.Patel. He also released ‘Vikas Vatika’ for Surat district and an informative booklet on ‘Sagarkhedu’.

Ministers, eminent leaders, M.P Darshana Jardos, C.R. Patil, MLAs, Chief Secretary A.K. Joti, top officials and citizens attended the function.