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Gandhinagar, November 1 (IANS) Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated Bharat Parv-2025 at the Statue of Unity complex in Ekta Nagar in the presence of Assembly Speaker Shankar Choudhary, Minister of State for Tribal Development and Food and Civil Supplies PC Baranda and other dignitaries.
This Bharat Parv has been organized in Ekta Nagar to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel, the creator of united India and Iron Man.
The Chief Minister said that Bharat Parv truly represents the mantra given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi – Rajya Anek – Rashtra Ek, Samaj Anek – Bharat Ek, Bhasha Anek – Bhava Ek, Rang Anek – Tiranga Ek (Many States, One Nation, Many Communities, One India, Many Languages, One Spirit, and Many Colours, One Tricolour). The festival provides citizens with a glimpse of India’s unique cultural unity in diversity.
He said that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, stands as a grand tribute to Patel. The Prime Minister is now taking the country on the path of development to build ‘Shreshtha Bharat’, just as Patel had created ‘One India’ by uniting 562 princely states.
The Chief Minister said that we are indeed fortunate that after decades of independence, we have got a Prime Minister whose leadership embodies the spirit of nation first – which puts collective interest above self-interest.
He further said that for many years after independence, the celebration of Sardar Jayanti remained merely a formal government event. However, our visionary leader, PM Modi, has turned it into a meaningful celebration of national unity. He has given due respect to the invaluable contribution of Vallabhbhai Patel in the integration of India.
The Chief Minister noted that it was PM Modi who inspired the country to celebrate Patel’s birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) since 2014.
He emphasized that Patel’s monumental work as grand as the Statue of Unity has brought global recognition to this tribal region. With the same system and machinery, the PM has shown how visionary leadership can bring transformational change through the creation of SOU and Ekta Nagar.
Speaking about Bharat Parv, the Chief Minister said that every evening two states will give their cultural presentations. A total of 45 food stalls and a live studio kitchen have been set up, featuring cuisine from different states and union territories. Besides, 55 stalls of handicrafts and handlooms have been set up. The Bharat Darshan Pavilion will showcase pavilions from different states, each highlighting their famous tourist destinations and cultural features.
The Chief Minister said that on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda, a special presentation will be organized in Ekta Nagar on 15th November.
He remarked that just as the spirit of unity in diversity defines Ek Bharat – Shrestha Bharat, the same spirit comes alive through our festivals and celebrations. From Gujarat’s Navratri Garba and Maharashtra’s Ganesh Utsav to Bihar’s Chhath Puja and West Bengal’s Durga Puja, these festivals are celebrated across the country, symbolizing cultural harmony wherever families from these regions are settled.
He further said that with the inspiration of PM Modi, Madhavpur Fair has become a symbol of national unity by connecting the north-eastern states with Western India. Similarly, events like Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam and Kasi-Tamil Sangamam have further strengthened the unity and integrity of India – a sentiment that Bharat Parv also celebrates.
Notably, the Prime Minister has also realized the essence of ‘Ek Bharat – Shreshtha Bharat’ by encouraging the celebration of foundation days of various states in state palaces across the country.
The Chief Minister said that through Bharat Parv, the essence of India and its traditions will be revived in Ekta Nagar for 15 days, thereby fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of “Development too, Heritage too”.
He also mentioned that the Prime Minister envisions making the Statue of Unity and Ekta Nagar a world-class tourist destination by integrating multiple attractions with the statue.
He said the Prime Minister is committed to building a self-reliant India and urged people to follow the path of unity shown by Patel and adopt Swadeshi. He visited various stalls set up on Bharat Parv in the Statue of Unity complex.
On this occasion, MP Shri Jashubhai Rathwa, MLA Darshanaben Deshmukh, District Panchayat President Bhim Singh Tadvi, SSNNL MD Shri Mukesh Puri, Tourism Secretary Rajendra Kumar, Tourism Corporation MD Prabhav Joshi, Statue of Unity CEO Amit Arora, Tribal Development Commissioner Ashish Kumar, District Collector SK Modi, DDO RV Vala, Director General of Police Sandeep Singh, District Police Chief Visakha Dabral, SOU K. Additional Collector Gopal Bamnia and other senior officials were present.
–IANS
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