Godhra wore the colours of pride on Thursday as Gujarat marked its 65th Foundation Day — known locally as Gujarat Gaurav Diwas. For the first time, the state-level event came to the historic town in Panchmahal district, bringing with it a promise of growth that reaches beyond a single day of flags and fireworks.
Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel led the celebrations in front of thousands at Bamroli Road ground. The morning opened with a crisp police parade, complete with motorcycle stunts and a band performance that drew cheers from schoolchildren packed into the stands.
After the salute came the substance. The Chief Minister inaugurated or laid stones for 85 projects worth nearly ₹650 crore. Key schemes include:
- a UHT milk processing plant at Panchamrut Dairy, set to give local farmers a steady market
- India’s largest lithium-ion battery recycling plant in Halol, promising cleaner industry jobs;
- upgrades to roads, an RTO office and police infrastructure that will cut travel time and raise safety.
District Collector Ashish Kumar said the works “touch every home”, from better transport links to a ropeway extension at Pavagadh that could double tourist footfall. In a region often remembered for past unrest, these investments signal a deliberate shift towards opportunity and confidence.
Why does this matter to Gujaratis everywhere — and not just those living near Godhra? First, the state’s economy already powers over 8 per cent of India’s GDP; keeping remote districts plugged into that growth is vital if Gujarat is to stay ahead of national targets for “Developed India @ 2047”.
Second, the battery-recycling plant positions Gujarat at the heart of the clean-tech supply chain. With the Centre pushing for electric vehicles, reclaiming metals at home slashes import bills and creates green jobs.
Third, the dairy expansion strengthens a sector that employs one in seven rural households in the state. Longer shelf-life milk can travel farther, so higher farmgate prices should follow.
Finally, the parade and evening cultural show — where local achievers were honoured — are more than ceremony. They restore civic pride to a town often shown only through the lens of 2002. This narrative change can attract visitors, investment and, crucially, hope.
As the sun set over the newly-painted streets, fireworks lit the sky above Godhra. The message from the rostrum was simple: Gujarat’s next chapter must include every district, every village and every young dreamer. If the money announced today turns swiftly into bricks, jobs and clean energy, that promise may soon feel real.
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