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Gujarat Foundation Day (Gujarat Sthapana Divas) 2025
What's Happening?
Gujarat celebrated its 65th Foundation Day, also known as Gujarat Sthapana Divas or Gujarat Gaurav Divas, on May 1st, 2025. This day marks the formation of the state of Gujarat back in 1960.
How Gujarat Was Formed:
- Background: After India's independence, there were strong demands across the country to reorganise states based on language.
- Bombay State: At that time, the present-day states of Gujarat and Maharashtra were part of a single, large bilingual Bombay State, comprising both Gujarati and Marathi-speaking populations.
- Linguistic Movements:
- The Mahagujarat Andolan (movement) pushed for a separate state for Gujarati speakers. Key leaders included Indulal Yagnik, who formed the Mahagujarat Janata Parishad to mobilise people.
- The idea for a separate Gujarat was first proposed by K.M. Munshi in 1937.
- Simultaneously, the Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti advocated for a Marathi-speaking state.
- Reorganisation: Responding to these demands, the Indian Parliament passed the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960.
- Formation: On May 1, 1960, the Bombay State was officially divided into two new states:
- Gujarat (for Gujarati speakers)
- Maharashtra (for Marathi speakers)
- Territory: The new state of Gujarat included the regions of Saurashtra and Kutch.
- Capital: Ahmedabad served as the initial capital, which was later shifted to Gandhinagar in 1970.
Significance and Celebrations:
- Identity: The day celebrates Gujarat's distinct linguistic and cultural identity.
- Progress: It's an occasion to reflect on the state's progress in various fields like trade, industry, and social development. Gujarat is often called the 'Jewel of Western India'.
- Contributions: It honours the efforts of all those who contributed to the formation and development of the state, including leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who were born in Gujarat.
- 2025 Celebrations:
- The main state-level event was held in the Panchmahal district.
- Development projects worth approximately ₹649.77 crore were launched.
- The Gujarat Garima Award was presented to six individuals for their significant contributions.
- Cultural programmes and flag-hoisting ceremonies are common across the state.
Economic Importance:
- Gujarat is a major economic hub in India.
- It contributes significantly to India's GDP (8.2%), exports (over 30%), and GST revenues (8%), despite having only about 5% of the country's population.