Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of political leaders on Wednesday extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Maharashtra and Gujarat on the occasion of the two states’ Foundation Day, commemorating 64 years since their formation from the erstwhile Bombay state in 1960.
In messages shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister lauded the cultural richness, historical significance, and development journeys of the two western states.
Tribute to Maharashtra’s Legacy
Calling Maharashtra a “strong pillar of progress,” PM Modi highlighted the state’s “glorious history” and the resilience of its people. “My best wishes for the state’s continued development,” he wrote, reaffirming Maharashtra’s crucial role in India’s growth.
Governor CP Radhakrishnan paid homage to revered icons including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Lokmanya Tilak, Veer Savarkar, and Dr B. R. Ambedkar, on the occasion of Maharashtra’s 65th Foundation Day. Expressing concern for the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, he assured that the state government was coordinating efforts to ensure the safe return of all stranded tourists from Maharashtra in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led a floral tribute at Mumbai’s Hutatma Chowk, honouring the martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. In his public address, he outlined Maharashtra’s ambition to become a trillion-dollar economy and announced an upcoming 100-day development plan. “Maharashtra Day is significant for the most progressive state in the country,” he said, emphasizing a forward march rooted in the legacies of Shivaji Maharaj and Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar hoisted the national flag at Pune City Police Headquarters Parade Ground, part of widespread celebrations across the state.
Gujarat Celebrates “Gaurav Diwas”
In his message to Gujarat—his home state—Prime Minister Modi praised the “enterprising spirit and dynamism” of its people. “The people of Gujarat have excelled in various fields. May the state keep attaining new heights of progress,” he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings, highlighting Gujarat’s role in India’s spiritual, cultural, and freedom movements. “From the Bhakti movement to the freedom struggle and beyond, Gujaratis have always played a pioneering role,” Shah noted, invoking blessings from the sacred site of Somnath.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described May 1 as Gujarat Gaurav Diwas and paid tribute to stalwarts such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Shyamji Krishna Varma. Acknowledging PM Modi’s leadership, Patel said Gujarat had emerged as a “role model and growth engine for India.”
Looking toward the future, the Chief Minister unveiled a ten-year roadmap leading to Gujarat’s 75th foundation year in 2035. Dubbed the “Utkarsh Gujarat Diamond Festival,” the initiative will celebrate the state’s heritage and recognize contributions from across society. “With the collective effort of every Gujarati, we will take Gujarat to the highest peak of development,” he pledged, signing off with the slogan “Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat.”
Historical Context
May 1 is observed annually as Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day, marking the states’ formation following the enactment of the Bombay Reorganisation Act in 1960. The reorganization addressed long-standing linguistic and administrative aspirations, resulting in the bifurcation of the former Bombay state into Maharashtra and Gujarat.