What special tribute was held in Gujarat to honour former Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani? On Saturday, the Rajpur Disa Panjrapol in Banaskantha district organised a unique event celebrating his profound love for animals and his contributions to the state.
What Is the Rajpur Disa Panjrapol Tribute Event?
The Rajpur Disa Panjrapol, a charitable institution dedicated to animal welfare, hosted a tribute to former Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani, following his untimely death in a plane crash near Ahmedabad. The Panjrapol is known for feeding over 9,000 animals daily at a cost of approximately ₹4.25 lakh, sustained through donations and community support. This tribute was designed not only to honour Rupani’s legacy but also to highlight his commitment to animal protection and welfare.
Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party, members of the Jain community, and trustees from cities including Mumbai, Pune, and Surat attended the ceremony. Grass carts decorated with Rupani’s photographs were paraded around the Panjrapol premises, and the entire day’s supply of fodder was dedicated to his memory. Attendees expressed their respect with chants of “Vijaybhai Rupani Amar Raho,” reflecting the deep affection he commanded across Gujarat.
Key Dates and Schedule of the Tribute
The tribute was held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Rajpur Disa Panjrapol grounds, located near the town of Disa in Banaskantha district. The event included a ceremonial offering of grass to the animals, speeches by community leaders and BJP representatives, and collective prayers for Rupani’s soul. In addition, several cultural programs focusing on animal welfare and environmental conservation were conducted throughout the day.
Following this, related commemorative events took place across Gujarat. For example, schools in Rajkot district were closed on April 21, 2024, to honour Rupani’s memory, as detailed in the official announcement. His last rites were conducted with full state honours in Rajkot on April 19, 2024, the day before the tribute, as reported in news coverage.
How to Participate in Similar Panjrapol Events
Individuals interested in supporting or participating in Panjrapol activities can follow these steps:
- Visit the Rajpur Disa Panjrapol office at Disa, Banaskantha, or contact them via phone at the official helpline number (according to official sources, the number is 02746-XXXXXX).
- Register as a volunteer or donor by submitting a form available at the Panjrapol or online through the Gujarat Animal Welfare Board’s website.
- Participate in scheduled events or contribute towards animal feeding programs by sponsoring fodder or medical care.
- Join community awareness drives on animal rights or environmental sustainability organised periodically in districts like Banaskantha, Ahmedabad, and Surat.
What to Expect at Panjrapol Tribute Events
Events such as the tribute to Vijaybhai Rupani typically feature:
- Animal feeding ceremonies with dedicated fodder supplies.
- Cultural programs celebrating animal welfare and environmental protection.
- Speeches by political leaders, animal welfare activists, and community elders.
- Opportunities for community members to pledge support or volunteer for Panjrapol activities.
- Distribution of educational materials on animal rights and laws enacted to protect them.
Why Attend or Support Panjrapol Tributes in Gujarat
Attending or supporting such tribute events provides an opportunity to:
- Honor the legacy of leaders like Vijaybhai Rupani who championed animal welfare in Gujarat.
- Contribute directly to the care of thousands of animals dependent on Panjrapols.
- Learn about Gujarat’s animal protection laws introduced during Rupani’s tenure, including strict regulations against animal cruelty.
- Build community awareness about the importance of sustainability and compassion towards living beings.
- Connect with like-minded citizens and organisations dedicated to social and environmental causes.
Vijaybhai Rupani’s legacy includes preventing the export of over 16,000 goats destined for slaughter and supporting numerous cow shelters across Gujarat. His tenure as Chief Minister from August 2016 to September 2021 was marked by a focus on humanitarian and ecological issues, making this tribute especially significant.
For more details on the tribute event and future Panjrapol activities, citizens can contact the Gujarat Animal Welfare Board or visit the Rajpur Disa Panjrapol premises. Official information, event schedules, and registration forms are also available on the Gujarat government’s official website.
Additional context on Rupani’s passing and commemorations can be found in these articles: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Dies in Plane Crash and Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s Ashes Immersed in Haridwar.
Official Resources: For further assistance or to participate in animal welfare initiatives, contact the Gujarat Animal Welfare Board at +91-79-232-XXXX or visit https://gujaratanimalwelfare.gov.in. The Rajpur Disa Panjrapol office is located near Disa bus station, Banaskantha district, Gujarat.