The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, attended a civic reception hosted by the Government of Gujarat in her honour this evening (October 3, 2022) in Gandhinagar.
Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked the Government and people of Gujarat for organising the felicitation function in her honour. She said that this was her first visit to Gujarat as President of India and she was overwhelmed by the immense enthusiasm and affection of the people.
The President said that Gujarat has been a major centre of Indian culture and civilization since ancient times. Sites like Dholavira, inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka at Junagadh, Surya-temple at Modhera and trade centres like Surat and Mandvi are ancient examples of the rich culture of Gujarat. Gujarat has Jain Temples at Palitana and Girnar, Buddhist Viharas at Vadnagar, Parsi Fire Temples at Udvada. Among the present cities, Ahmedabad has been declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO. Apart from assessing buildings and other physical dimensions built in the last 600 years, UNESCO also attached importance to the tradition of mutual harmony and shared culture of the people of Ahmedabad. She said that UNESCO also recognised the human values such as faith in non-violence as an intangible heritage of Ahmedabad. She said that Gujarat was and is a mirror of India’s cultural unity, and will remain so in future too.
The President said that people of Gujarat are known all over the world for their hard work, dedication and social service. She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave shape to the ‘Gujarat Model’ as the Chief Minister of the state which paved the path for progress of Gujarat. Today, he is providing new dimensions to the overall development of India. Shri Narendra Modi is the ideal representative of the progressive and inclusive culture of Gujarat, she added.
The President noted that about two-third of the processed diamonds of the world are produced in Gujarat. This state accounts for 95 percent of India’s diamond exports. She said that Gujarat ranks first in India’s total exports, with a share of about 21 percent. It is also one of the leading states in the country in terms of start-up ecosystem.
The President said that as the leading manufacturing hub of the country Gujarat provides huge employment opportunities. She said that the ‘White Revolution’ through cooperatives of Gujarat, is behind the top ranking of India in milk production. He noted that Gujarat produces 76 percent of the country’s salt. On a lighter note, the President said ‘the salt produced in Gujarat is consumed by all Indians’ (yah kaha jaa sakta hai ki sabhi deshwasi Gujarat kaa namak khate hain).
The President said that Gujarat has given high priority to environmental protection along with industrial development. She noted that Gujarat is the largest generator of roof top solar power in the country. Gujarat is also one of the leading states in wind energy production.
The President said that Gujarat is one of the most investor-friendly states in the country. This state has made impressive progress in the development of modern infrastructure and connectivity. She appreciated the Governor of Gujarat for his guidance and Chief Minister of Gujarat for his leadership and expressed confidence that the developmental journey of Gujarat will continue to progress at an even faster pace.
Please click here to see the President’s Speech –
***
DS/AK
