The Gujarat government on Sunday announced to celebrate 23 years of the state’s “development journey” under the then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ‘Vikas Saptah’ starting from October 7 to 15. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel-led state cabinet Sunday during a specially convened meeting took this decision.
The government said ,The week-long celebration will be done every year.
The announcement was made by government spokesperson and senior minister Rushikesh Patel while briefing the media. Modi had taken oath as state CM on October 7, 2001.
Since then, the spokesperson said, Gujarat has achieved unprecedented development in various sectors under Modi, first as Chief Minister and then as Prime Minister. He added that the cabinet has decided to celebrate this development journey every year as a Vikas Saptah based on various themes. An official release from the government stated, “…this year’s ‘Vikas Saptah’ will feature multipurpose programmes across the state, including cultural presentations by local artists.
Additionally, citizens will have the opportunity to share their experiences regarding Shri Narendra Modi’s governance initiatives and their impact on life through social and digital media using the hashtag #VikasSaptah.”
The celebration will include inauguration and foundation stone laying of developmental projects worth Rs 3500 crore across the state.
Vikas Padyatra
As part of the celebration, a Vikas Padyatra will also be held at 23 iconic locations in the state known for their development during these 23 years. Also, it will include activities like art installation, exhibitions, TEDx kind of talk shows and social media campaigns. The 23 iconic locations where Vikas Padyatra will be held include Statue of Unity, Ahmedabad Sabarmati Riverfront, Metro and BRTS, Modhera Sun Temple, Mahatma Mandir-Dandi Kutir, GIFT City, Nadabet, Pavagadh, Sabarmati Railway Station, iCREATE, Vadnagar, Vadodara iconic bus-port, Charanka Solar Plant, Ambaji, Sudarshan Bridge, Pal Dadhvav Tribal Memorial, dinosaur park, Bhuchar Mori Van, Girnar ropeway etc.
Essay writing competitions will also be held in schools and colleges of the state.
A Bharat Vikas Pledge will also be administered to encourage public participation in the development process.
In this regard, Patel said that all the ministers and government officials will gather in the Cabinet Hall of Swarnim Sankul I to take the pledge on Monday at 12.39 pm.
Famous public places of the state will be decorated while wall paintings will be done that will present an overview of the 23-year-old development journey. Various days will be celebrated during the week like Youth Empowerment Day, Good Governance Day, Entrepreneurship Day, Nutrition and Health Day etc.