Porbandar: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar on October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and said the Mahatma’s principles of cleanliness and Swaraj continued to be reflected in contemporary public initiatives.
Patel made the remarks while addressing a prayer meeting at Kirti Mandir. He said Gandhi’s messages of truth, non-violence, Sarvodaya and universal brotherhood remained relevant and should continue to inform public life.
Patel Connects Swachh Bharat With Gandhi’s Cleanliness Message
Patel said Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness had been taken forward through the Swachh Bharat Mission, which he described as a mass movement involving people from different age groups, including volunteers and ‘Swachhagrahis’.
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The Chief Minister also linked the concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat with Gandhi’s idea of Swaraj, saying the principle had been adapted to the country’s contemporary development context.
He further referred to efforts to promote Khadi among younger people through the message “Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion.”
CM Stresses Prayer, Harmony and Public Life
Addressing the prayer meeting, Patel said prayer could encourage self-reflection, humility and compassion and promote mutual respect and harmony.
“Prayer nourishes the soul, inspires self-reflection, humility and compassion, and strengthens the resolve to follow the right path,” he said.
He also referred to ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhava’, saying India’s diversity of faiths and traditions was an important part of its social fabric.
Patel linked this principle with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s formulation of “Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas, Sauno Vishwas and Sauno Prayas”, saying it reflected an emphasis on development and welfare for people including those in villages and rural communities.
Patel Calls for Self-Reliance and Environmental Conservation
The Chief Minister also referred to Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, Sarvodaya and universal brotherhood and connected them with the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
He called upon people to contribute towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, mentioning self-reliance, welfare of poorer sections, cleanliness and environmental conservation among the areas of focus.
Patel also recalled Gandhi’s role in India’s freedom movement and his emphasis on truth and non-violence.
Minister Arjun Modhwadia Highlights Dialogue
Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia also addressed the gathering. He said Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence remained relevant and referred to dialogue as a means of addressing conflicts.
Modhwadia also highlighted Porbandar’s association with Gandhi and appealed to people to incorporate cleanliness into their daily lives.
“Keeping our homes, streets and country clean and following Gandhiji’s ideals is the true tribute to him,” he said.
Senior government officials, elected representatives, city representatives, school students and citizens attended the programme.
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