#Ahmedabad
The 66th Gujarat Foundation Day was celebrated with a police parade and cultural event in Surat on Friday, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message on the occasion, thanked people for steady support to the BJP in polls and said the state overcame multiple challenges to contribute hugely to India's economic growth.
Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, his deputy Harsh Sanghavi and Union minister C R Paatil attended the police parade in Surat.
The Navsari police, the State Reserve Police Force, the Gujarat Marine Police, district police units from Tapi and Dang took part in the parade, besides personnel from the forest department and home guards. Women-led platoons from Surat city and rural police, the jail department and Bharuch and Valsad districts were among the highlights of the parade organised on 'Gujarat Gaurav Diwas'.
The event also showcased cultural performances, including 'garba' (a folk dance) and Adivasi dances, as well as motorcycle stunt displays by police personnel.
Thanking PM Modi for his "inspiring message" on the Foundation Day, Chief Minister Patel assured him of his commitment to lead the state from the front in contributing to a developed India.
In a two-page message, Modi extended wishes for Gujarat Day and thanked the people of his home state for giving their "unequivocal stamp of approval" for Patel's work in just-concluded local body polls, which were swept by the ruling BJP.
The PM noted the BJP has been getting the blessings of the people of Gujarat in various elections since 1995.
Patel shared on X, Modi's message and said the latter's deep bond with the state and a vision for "Viksit Bharat" provide all with "renewed energy and direction" to continuously move forward on the path of development. The CM said the trust placed by Modi in him and people of Gujarat will continue to inspire every citizen to work with greater enthusiasm to take the state's pride to newer heights. PTI