Surat was the center of state celebrations on Friday for the 66th ‘Gujarat Gaurav Diwas’, featuring a large police parade, cultural displays, and public engagement. Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel led the festivities, starting with the parade from Y Junction to Lalbhai Contractor Stadium. The event saw the participation of Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and various state leaders, along with 750 personnel from 18 platoons of the Gujarat Police.
The parade, under the command of IPS officer Dr. Naveen Chakravarty, showcased ceremonial drill formations and thematic tableaux illustrating Gujarat’s development journey. Spectators along the route were treated to police motorcycle stunts. The ceremony began with the Governor taking the salute before the parade’s commencement.
Chief Minister Patel and other dignitaries joined in singing “Vande Mataram” amidst chants of “Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” from the crowd. The program featured cultural performances, including Garba and tribal dances, highlighting the state’s traditional art forms. Singer Bhavin Shastri and his band presented patriotic performances like “Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat” as part of the evening program organized by the district administration.
The event attracted large crowds along the parade route, with the presence of notable figures such as Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel, and several other ministers and officials. Among the attendees were Chief Secretary M. K. Das, DGP Dr. K.L.N. Rao, and Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations.
