Tomorrow morning I will be leaving for Japan on a 4-day visit to the ‘land of the rising sun’. Japan and India have enjoyed a historical relation as well as a deep cultural bond.Lord Buddha has been a the binding force that has connected these two great lands and in the modern times we had stalwarts like Swami Vivekananda and Rabindra Nath Tagore who reinforced the strong ties between our 2 nations. Apart from a common administrative culture, both India and Japan believe in liberal societies and democratic governance. Thus, it is hardly surprising that India and Japan have become extremely close over the years.
I had the opportunity to visit Japan back in 2007 but since then a lot of new positive developments have taken place between Gujarat and Japan. Mutual exchanges between Gujarat and Japan have become a regular affair. To give you an example- for the past 30 years, Gujarat University has had a full-fledged student exchange programme with Japan, which has added tremendous value in the lives of many students. Japan has also been a pro-active and valued partner in the last three biennial Vibrant Gujarat investment summits. Furthermore, it is involved with the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project of which Gujarat is an important stakeholder and major beneficiary.
During the 4-day visit, I will have an opportunity to travel across 5 provinces of Japan. Among the 44 functions that would be held, there would be interactions with various political and business leaders of Japan. In addition, it would be a delight to meet sections of the vibrant Indian community that are based there.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the Japanese Government for inviting me along with the delegation from Gujarat as well as showing keenness to strengthen ties between Gujarat and Japan. This visit will be surely a ‘win win’ situation for both Gujarat and Japan both it in terms of economic and cultural forms of cooperation.
Come, immerse yourself in a unique mix of culture, history and breathtaking natural beauty!
On the westernmost edge of India lies Kutch, a mesmerising land with a vibrant heritage. Kutch is home to the iconic White Rann, a vast salt desert that gleams under the moonlight, offering an otherworldly experience. It is equally celebrated for its thriving arts and crafts.
And, most importantly, it is home to the most hospitable people, proud of their roots and eager to engage with the world.
Each year, the warm-hearted people of Kutch open their doors for the iconic Rann Utsav—a four-month-long vibrant celebration of the region’s uniqueness, breathtaking beauty and enduring spirit.
Through this post, I am extending my personal invitation to all of you, dynamic, hard-working professionals, and your families to visit Kutch and enjoy the Rann Utsav. This year’s Rann Utsav, which commenced on 1st December 2024, will go on till 28th February 2025, wherein the tent city at Rann Utsav will be open till March 2025.
I assure you all that Rann Utsav will be a lifetime experience.
The Tent City ensures a comfortable stay in the stunning backdrop of the White Rann. For those who want to relax, this is just the place to be.
And, for those who want to discover new facets of history and culture, there is much to do as well. In addition to the Rann Utsav activities, you can:
Connect with our ancient past with a visit to Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage site (linked to the Indus Valley Civilisation).
Connect with nature by visiting the Vijay Vilas Palace, Kala Dungar. The ‘Road to Heaven’, surrounded by white salt pans, is the most scenic road in India. It is about 30 kilometres long and connects Khavda to Dholavira.
Connect with our glorious culture by visiting Lakhpat Fort.
Connect with our spiritual roots by praying at the Mata No Madh Ashapura Temple.
Connect with our freedom struggle by paying tributes at the Shyamji Krishna Varma Memorial, Kranti Teerth.
And, most importantly, you can delve into the special world of Kutchi handicrafts, each product unique and indicative of the talents of the people of Kutch.
Some time ago, I had the opportunity to inaugurate Smriti Van, a memorial in remembrance of those whom we lost during the 26th of January 2001 earthquake. It is officially the world's most beautiful museum, winning the Prix Versailles 2024 World Title – Interiors at UNESCO! It is also India's only museum that has achieved this remarkable feat. It remains a reminder of how the human spirit can adapt, thrive, and rise even in the most challenging environments.
Then and now, a picture in contrast:
About twenty years ago, if you were to be invited to Kutch, you would think someone was joking with you. After all, despite being among the largest districts of India, Kutch was largely ignored and left to its fate. Kutch borders Registan (desert) on one side and Pakistan on the other.
Kutch witnessed a super cyclone in 1999 and a massive earthquake in 2001. The recurring problem of drought remained. Everybody had written Kutch’s obituary.
But they underestimated the determination of the people of Kutch.
The people of Kutch showed what they were made of, and at the start of the 21st century, they began a turnaround that is unparalleled in history.
Together, we worked on the all-round development of Kutch. We focussed on creating infrastructure that was disaster resilient, and at the same time, we focussed on building livelihoods that ensured the youth of Kutch did not have to leave their homes in search of work.
By the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the land known for perpetual droughts became known for agriculture. Fruits from Kutch, including mangoes, made their way to foreign markets. The farmers of Kutch mastered drip irrigation and other techniques that conserved every drop of water yet ensured maximum productivity.
The Gujarat Government’s thrust on industrial growth ensured investment in the district. We also leveraged Kutch’s coast to reignite the region’s importance as a maritime trade hub.
In 2005, Rann Utsav was born to tap into the previously unseen tourism potential of Kutch. It has grown into a vibrant tourism centre now. Rann Utsav has also received several domestic and international awards.
Dhordo, a village where every year Rann Utsav is celebrated, was named the 2023 Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The village was recognized for its cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, and rural development.
Therefore, I do hope to see you in Kutch very soon! Do share your experiences on social media as well, to inspire others to visit Kutch.
I also take this opportunity to wish you a happy 2025 and hope that the coming year brings with it success, prosperity and good health for you and your families!
