Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], January 26 : Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Friday extended heartfelt greetings to citizens on the occasion of Republic Day and said that January 26 symbolises India's self-respect, unity and strength as the world's largest democracy.
Speaking at the district-level Republic Day celebration held at the Ahmedabad Rural Police Headquarters in Makarba, Sanghavi said, "The adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, under the visionary leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar, laid the foundation of equality, justice and democratic values in the country."
He recalled the immense contribution of Gujarat to nation-building, mentioning stalwarts such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, Gulzarilal Nanda and Kanhaiyalal Munshi. Sanghavi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has carried forward this legacy by giving new direction and global recognition to India and Gujarat through development-driven governance.
Praising the discipline and dedication displayed during the parade, the Deputy Chief Minister lauded Gujarat Police personnel, NCC cadets, Student Police Cadets and Home Guards for their unwavering commitment to public safety. He said "The confidence visible in their march reflects the trust of crores of citizens in the Gujarat Police."
Sanghavi highlighted Ahmedabad's historic role in India's freedom struggle, recalling Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and Sardar Patel's leadership in shaping modern India. He said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has achieved inclusive, balanced and sustainable development."
Calling Ahmedabad a symbol of India's heritage and progress, Sanghavi said, "The city's recognition as India's first World Heritage City has further enhanced Gujarat's pride on the global manch."
Meanwhile, Air Vice Marshal Gurjot Singh Bhullar, Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration (SOA), South Western Air Command, visited Air Force Station Bhuj on Monday to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the devastating 2001 Bhuj earthquake. Speaking to ANI, Air Vice Marshal Bhullar recalled the fateful day and said that the earthquake struck as they were coming in to land after the drop in Ahmedabad.