Moving to the final stage of Gujarat elections 2012 : A few thoughts...

Published By : Admin | December 15, 2012 | 16:31 IST

Dear Friends,

After weeks of round-the-clock campaigning, public meetings, personal interactions and lot more, we are now moving to the final stage of the elections. On 13th December, Gujarat voted in record numbers. The voting percentage exceeded that of all the previous elections for which I congratulate you all. This clearly indicates that the BJP will break all its previous records of winning and will get a thumping majority.

I have seen many elections in Gujarat but there is something very unique about the elections this time. The eyes of not only the entire nation but also the entire world are on the people of Gujarat. Never before have state elections generated so much interest from the people at large.

After travelling across the entire state over the last so many months, I have seen with my own eyes that these elections are not being fought by the BJP. They are not being fought by Narendra Modi either. If there is someone fighting the elections, it is the 6 crore people of Gujarat. What is even more heartening is the fact that it is the youth of Gujarat who have taken the elections on their shoulders in a way that is never seen before! This is a very positive sign.

The 2012 Gujarat Elections are not restricted to who your MLA will be. Do not go out to vote with the objective of making a party win or making a party lose the deposit- the importance of your vote is much more. When you go out to vote, think about Gujarat’s future, think about who would you like to see steer the state to greater heights of progress in the coming five years.

Over the last many weeks I had the chance to be among so many of you. I have addressed several public meetings over the last many days and the affection the people have shown has touched me beyond words.

Among the most innovative experiences during the campaign was my addressing people across many places in Gujarat simultaneously using 3D projection technology. Such technology has never been used before anywhere in the world and I am glad that Gujarat has yet again become a pioneer when it comes to innovation and usage of latest technology. Technology remains only the medium- the bond I share with the people is of the heart and runs very deep!

We have gone to the people only with one agenda- development! We ask for another opportunity to serve Gujarat on the basis of our work over the last 11 years. Today, Gujarat is synonymous with development and development is synonymous with Gujarat! Making the common man the focal point of our initiatives, we have sought to create a better Gujarat and this determination will only increase over the next 5 years.

These elections are a contest between the hard work and sweat of the BJP Karyakarta versus the money power of the Congress. The level of lies that the Congress has propagated during the campaign was unprecedented and has left me stunned. It is unfortunate how their enmity with an individual has taken shape of a severe anti-Gujarat feeling among the Congress. No stone has been left unturned to stall the development of Gujarat. From spreading lies to behind the curtain arrangements, they have tried every trick out of the book.

It looks as if the Congress has nothing to offer for Gujarat and the development of its people, its youth, its farmers, its women, its cities and its villages. What can be more telling than the fact that even the Prime Minister of the nation, himself an economist has to abandon development politics and talk of divisive votebank politics to seek votes. The negative image Congress has built in this election will stay with the people of Gujarat for a very long time. They have left a lasting impression of spreading lies, allegations and negativity.

After selling the nation’s sports with CWG scam, selling our technology in the 2G scam, selling our coal in the Coalgate scam, the Congress has set its eyes on selling the nation itself. The willingness of the Congress to strike a deal with Pakistan behind the curtains without consulting the people of Gujarat showcases their attitude towards Gujarat. Sir Creek is not about Kutch or Gujarat only but it is a complete sell-out of Indian interests and a threat to our nation’s security! For the Prime Minister it can be a piece of land but for us it’s a part of our body and we cannot give even an inch to Pakistan.

Friends, you have seen me working over the last 11 years. Every moment of my life has been devoted in the service of the people of Gujarat. In the last 11 years I have not taken a single day’s rest from working for Gujarat’s development. This is a land we all love. If you leave your house for even 10 days, would you give your keys to an unknown person? Then how can you give the keys of Gujarat’s future to those whose vision for Gujarat’s development still remains a mystery?

To those voting day after, I would make a sincere appeal to you- go out and vote in large numbers! In the last 11 years Gujarat has broken all records in the field of development and now let us add another feather in our cap. Let Gujarat create a record of high voting turnout.

Once again, I thank you for your constant solidarity during the campaign trail. It is your support that keeps us going and inspires us to work harder so that we can create a Bhavya and Divya Gujarat, one where not only we but also our future generations will lead a happy and prosperous life. I am sure the voting turnout on 17th will exceed that of the 1st phase!

Jay Jay Garvi Gujarat,

 

Yours,

Narendra Modi

 

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Rann Utsav - A lifetime experience
December 21, 2024

The White Rann beckons!

An unforgettable experience awaits!

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!