Vadodara, Aug 15 (IANS) The next two decades must be treated as a period of focussed planning and contribution towards the goal of a developed India by 2047, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said on Saturday as he led the district-level celebration of the 80th Independence Day in Vadodara.
Addressing the gathering at the Manjalpur Sports Complex after hoisting the national flag, Sanghavi said India had only 20 years left to complete 100 years of independence and described the 80th Independence Day as more than a ceremonial occasion.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ five years ago. We now have only two decades to achieve this ambitious goal. Therefore, the 80th Independence Day is not merely a celebration. This occasion is a great inspiration for planning the next 20 years,” he said.
Recalling Gujarat’s contribution to the freedom movement, Sanghavi said the names of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had been written in golden letters in the history of India’s independence.
He also highlighted Vadodara’s contribution under the Gaekwad rule, describing it as a “school of good governance and nation-building”.
He said the Maharaja had recognised Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s talent and provided financial assistance for his higher education, which later benefited independent India.
“The roots of the making of the Indian Constitution and the rights to equality lie in this ‘land of resolve’, Vadodara,” he said.
Sanghavi said the state government is committed to development and welfare across Gujarat, including tribal communities, urban residents, children and the elderly.
“Vadodara district has received Rs 479 crore under the 15th Finance Commission, while five shelter homes have been approved for people in vulnerable areas during natural disasters. 1.36 crore farmers had received relief over the past decade and more than 69.25 lakh farmer families in Gujarat had benefited under the PM-Kisan scheme,” he emphasised.
In Vadodara, 1,810 farmers practising natural farming had received financial assistance, leading to the creation of 308 model farms.
On water management, Sanghavi said: “2.927 million cubic metres of desilting had been completed in the Vishwamitri river, while 13 check dams had been built on the Vishwamitri and five on the Surya river for flood mitigation. A 250 million-litre buffer lake had also been created at the confluence of the two rivers at Dena.”
More than 2,500 water conservation works had been undertaken under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, while the Rs 650 crore Tapi-Karjan Link Pipeline Project had been launched to strengthen irrigation.
Three new government hostels will be built for students from Vadodara and neighbouring districts under the tribal development initiative, while the capacity of existing hostels has also been increased.
Sanghavi said Gujarat had emerged as a role model in industry, investment and employment.
“During 2025-26, 1,333 recruitment fairs were organised and appointment letters were issued to 1,15,774 youths. Over the past five years, 7,403 mega employment fairs had been held, providing jobs to more than 6.54 lakh young people,” he said.
Urging young people to contribute to the country’s development, he said: “The need of the present time is not sacrifice but cooperation.”
He appealed to them to discharge their responsibilities honestly, without discrimination or disputes, and remain free from addiction.
He also praised young people for using social media to spread awareness about social evils and promote social harmony.
Following his address, Sanghavi travelled in an open jeep and greeted people gathered at the parade ground. A total of 56 employees, officers, sportspersons and citizens who had carried out notable work in Vadodara district were honoured with certificates of appreciation.
Students from various schools presented patriotic cultural programmes, while 19 platoons, including police personnel, participated in the parade.
The celebrations concluded with tree planting by Sanghavi and other dignitaries under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ initiative.
–IANS
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