Rajkot, 9 February 2012

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said today that dharma has been the soul of Indian society and it does not belong to any community as it would enthrone India as the global guru through service and devotion.

Speaking at the silver jubilee function of Maa Umiya Mata at Sidsar organized by Kadva Patidar Samaj in the Saurashtra region, he said that he was fortunate enough to have the blessing of all the three Mother Goddesses Ambaji, Bahuchar and Umiya Mata by virtue of which he could serve the people. He paid his obeisance to the goddess and inaugurated an exhibition of stalls and programmes.

“Had it not been for India losing direction post-Independence,” Mr. Modi said, “this great nation would have been seated as the global guru and prospered as ‘sujalam sufalam’ long back. We have lost an opportunity but the potential remains.”

The Chief Minister exhorted the community leaders to free the society from evils like feticide, gender discrimination. He also remembered the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in leading the nation during a crucial period. He said that Patidar Samaj has produced many illustrious sons like Chhagan Bapa and Odhavjibhai to add to enlightenment of the community. He felicitated community leaders.

Former Minister Chimanbhai Shaparia on the occasion announced allocation of Rs.125-crore for the welfare of the community and donation of Rs.5,55,555 to the Chief Minister’s Girls Education Fund.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Member of Parliament Parsottam Rupala, Unjha Umiya Mata Trust President Anil Patel, Ministers of State Saurabh Patel, Kanubhai Bhalala, Mohan Kundaria, Vasuben Trivedi, 20- Point Implementation Committee Chairman Kaushik Patel, State Planning Board Bhupendrasinh Chudasma and Parliamentary Secretary L.T. Rajani.