Tribute to Gujarat's 65 Years of Culture, Heritage, and Growth
- DHRUVI GOHIL
- May 4
- 3 min read
Every year on May 1st, Gujarat celebrates its Establishment Day (Gujarat Sthapna Divas) with pride and enthusiasm. This day marks the formation of the state of Gujarat in 1960, when the Bombay state was reorganized on linguistic lines, giving birth to a state meant to preserve and promote the Gujarati language, culture, and identity.
The Birth of Gujarat: A Movement of Unity and Purpose
The demand for a separate Gujarati-speaking state began soon after India’s independence. The movement gained momentum through the Mahagujarat Movement, a strong people’s movement in the 1950s.
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Key figures who led this movement include:
Indulal Yagnik – A freedom fighter and the chief architect of the Mahagujarat Movement.
Jivraj Mehta – The first Chief Minister of Gujarat, who played a key role in shaping the new state.
Writers, poets, and thinkers who used their voice and pen to promote Gujarati pride.
Their collective demand was not rooted in division, but in the desire to preserve language, culture, and administrative efficiency.
Finally, on May 1, 1960, Gujarat officially became the 15th state of the Indian Union.
Geography of Gujarat: Land of Contrast and Beauty
Gujarat is one of India’s most geographically diverse states:
Kutch Region: Known for the Rann of Kutch, a vast white salt desert that comes alive during the Rann Utsav. It’s famous for handicrafts, bandhani, and embroidered textiles.
Saurashtra: A region of valiant history, home to the Gir Forest (the only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion), Somnath Temple, and a strong spiritual heritage.
Central Gujarat: Includes cities like Vadodara and Anand, known for the White Revolution led by Dr. Verghese Kurien and the dairy giant Amul.
South Gujarat: A green, fertile region with high rainfall, rich in tribal culture and known for Saputara, the only hill station in the state.
North Gujarat: Dry and arid, this region is known for historical architecture, stepwells like Rani ki Vav (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Sun Temple of Modhera.
Each region has its own dialects, dresses, festivals, and culinary traditions.
Unique Aspects That Make Gujarat Special:
1. Home to Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of the Nation was born in Porbandar, and his legacy is preserved in the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.
2. Land of the Iron Man: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy PM and the architect of modern India, hails from Gujarat. His statue, the Statue of Unity, is the tallest in the world.
3. Architectural Marvels: From stepwells, Jain temples of Palitana, to Sun temples and Indus Valley sites like Lothal and Dholavira (UNESCO site), Gujarat is a historian’s treasure trove.
4. Vibrant Festivals: Navratri with Garba and Dandiya, Uttarayan (kite festival), and Tarnetar Mela are some of the most colorful cultural celebrations.
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5. Economic Powerhouse: Gujarat leads in industries, ports, petrochemicals, solar power, and textiles. The GIFT City is India’s first International Financial Services Centre.
6. Cuisine: Gujarati thali, khakhra, thepla, undhiyu, fafda-jalebi — a sweet-and-savory treat for every palate.
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Gujarat is also the birthplace of renowned personalities like Vikram Sarabhai (father of India’s space program), Morarji Desai (India’s first non-Congress Prime Minister), Dhirubhai Ambani (business tycoon and founder of Reliance), and Narendra Modi (India’s current Prime Minister).
On May 1st, people across the state come together in cultural programs, government functions, and community events. Schools and institutions host competitions, flag hoisting, folk performances, and speeches to celebrate Gujarat’s legacy and achievements.
This year, I had the great opportunity to express my love and pride for Gujarat by delivering a speech on Daman Akashvani Radio for Gujarat Sthapna Divas. Speaking about the legacy of our great leaders, the spirit of unity, and the incredible journey of our state was an unforgettable experience. It was a privilege to represent the voice of Gujarat and contribute, in my own way, to the celebration of our shared heritage.
Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat!
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