Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today exuded confidence that the Gujaratis worshipping Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, could do wonders for all round development of the state if they also worshiped Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge.

Inaugurating the 6th annual National Book Fair here to mark the 57th anniversary of Gujarat’s Foundation Day, he said that the Gujaratis have trade and commerce ingrained in their genes and they could do more if they delved deep into the vast sea of knowledge, literature and cultural heritage. The book fairs like this provide an ideal opportunity, particularly to the upcoming generation, to let go their imagination sky-high.

The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for good governance and all round development in the State, making fast track government a reality.

He also inaugurated various projects and launched new projects totaling Rs.1,000-crore at the book fair organized by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

He felicitated Padma Shri journalist-writer Vishnubhai Pandya and noted singer Purushottam Upadhyay on the occasion.

Mr. Rupani congratulated the (AMC) for successfully arranging the book fair for the last five consecutive years. It sells books worth about Rs.1.50-crore. He released a coffee table book titled ‘Shabdashilp’ carrying the photographs of the last five years’ highlights, and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s works ‘Akshardeh 23-24-25’. He also launched online Gujarati syllabus website.

Deputy Chief Minister Nitinbhai Patel spoke on Gujarat’s development by leaps and bounds during the last 57 years since Gujarat was carved out as a separate state from bilingual Bombay State on May 1, 1960. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for including Ahmedabad as a Mega City and for the Union Urban Ministry of Urban Development allocating huge amounts for various urban projects.

Ahmedabad Mayor Gautambhai Shah wished this National Book Fair being organized by AMC provided a forum for the citizens to directly talk with authors. He also remembered the sacrifices of known and lesser known martyrs in the Mahagujarat Andolan led by Induchacha 57 years ago.

Those present on the occasion included Ministers Bhupendrasinh Chudasma, Shankarsinh Chaudhry, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Vallabhbhai Vaghasia and Nirmalaben Wadhvani, MP Kiritbhai Solanki, Parliamentary Secretary Babubhai Patel, MLAs Rakeshbhai Shah, Jagdishbhai Panchal and Sureshbhai Patel, Deputy Mayor Pramodaben Sutaria and officials.

– Information