3-day Bharatkool Festival Chapter-2 kicks off in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday inaugurated ‘Bharatkool Chapter-2’, an event organised by the Gujarat Media Club at Gujarat University, and called for positive intent behind criticism, stating that “every criticism must carry the spirit of public welfare.” He said that negativity must be transformed into positivity to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, adding that Gujarat will continue to lead in this national mission.

The chief minister praised the media for its role in the state’s development and said that constructive criticism helps improve governance. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he noted that the year 2025 marks significant national milestones, including the 150th birth anniversaries of Birsa Munda and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. Patel said recent events such as the ‘Rashtriya Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ and the grand ‘Bharat Parv’ at Ekta Nagar showcased India’s unity in diversity and revived cultural heritage.

Highlighting India’s civilisational strength, Patel said the country’s identity rests on its ancient culture that guides humanity toward truth. Citing Swami Vivekananda’s impact on the West, he emphasised the need for youth to stay rooted in Sanatan values while progressing with time. He congratulated the organisers for creating a platform that connects young people with cultural identity and urged them to contribute collectively to India’s developmental vision.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, addressing the gathering, said Gujarat’s progress is deeply rooted in “bhav, raag and taal”, congratulating the organisers for choosing these themes for Bharatkool. He said that under PM Modi’s leadership, Gujarat began its modern development journey with the right intent, and that the same spirit must guide the next generation. He added that major cultural infrastructure projects—such as India’s largest music studio coming up in Vadnagar and similar facilities in Vadodara—reflect the state’s commitment to nurturing heritage and talent.

Sanghavi said three decades of cultural and developmental initiatives reflect a continuous effort that began during Modi’s tenure as chief minister. He encouraged participants to submit research-based recommendations to the government so that the ideas discussed at Bharatkool could translate into policy.

Addressing the event, BAPS saint Brahmavihari Swami stressed the importance of truth in journalism, saying that the media must ask questions—of both society and oneself. He praised the prime minister’s efforts to position India once again as a global leader, urging citizens to contribute to the nation’s progress.

Gujarat Media Club president Nirnay Kapoor outlined the club’s activities and noted that Chapter-2 carries forward the spirit of the first edition of Bharatkool. Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani, senior journalists and students from various institutions were present in large numbers. DeshGujarat