Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel allocated Rs 7.50 crore for development projects in Surat city and district during the state-level Gujarat Gaurav Diwas-2026 celebration held at Dumas Sea Face on Friday, according to a press release.
The cultural programme, titled “Gauravvanti Gujarat, Virasat thi Vikas,” was organised under the chairmanship of Governor Acharya Devvrat and attended by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi alongside other dignitaries.
Union Minister of Jal Shakti CR Patil, Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, Agriculture Minister Jitu Vagahani, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, Water Supply Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya, Minister of State for Health Praful Panseriya, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Purnesh Modi, Member of Parliament Mukesh Dalal, and several MLAs also attended.
For development works in Surat city and district, the Chief Minister allocated Rs 7.50 crore. Cheques of Rs 2.50 crore each were presented to District Collector Dr Saurabh Paridhi, Municipal Commissioner Dr M. Nagarajan for city development, and District Development Officer Shivani Goyal for rural development, the release stated.
Governor Acharya Devvrat praised Gujarat’s development journey, stating: “A state which once struggled for water and basic facilities has today become the number one in the country due to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the hard work of its people.” He recalled the past drinking water crisis following separation from Maharashtra, when authorities distributed water by train and managed conflicts.
“The state also lacked basic infrastructure like industries, roads, and electricity. However, due to the tireless efforts of Gujaratis and the people-centric policies introduced by Narendra Modi as Chief Minister, Gujarat has transformed remarkably today,” he added.
The Governor highlighted Gujarat’s leadership in sectors such as semiconductors and aircraft manufacturing in Vadodara. Regarding Surat, he said: “The people of Surat have not only transformed their city but have the ability to bring change wherever they live across the world.” He noted that Surat’s diamond and textile industries have provided India with a strong global identity.
He urged citizens to advance Gujarat combining values, spirituality, and development, contributing to nation-building through hard work.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel observed that Gujarat, formed as a separate state on May 1, 1960, initially lacked infrastructure but has become a symbol of progress due to the skills, wisdom, and hard work of its people.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat has emerged as the country’s growth engine and a global role model of development, with rapid progress since 2001,” he said, adding that celebrating national festivals at district headquarters has strengthened public participation in governance and connected people with the development process.
Praising Surat’s development, the Chief Minister remarked that it now holds global recognition due to its diamond and textile industries. He noted that multinational companies in Hazira, the Diamond Bourse, and Gems and Jewellery Park have transformed Surat. The city has secured top ranks in cleanliness surveys and acquired a unique identity as the ‘City of Bridges’ with a network of 123 bridges.
Extending greetings on the 66th State-level Gujarat Gaurav Diwas celebration, Patel said Surat has shown a new direction through 100 per cent electric buses and a circular water economy model as a symbol of green growth. He said Surat and its citizens will lead in achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Gujarat’ to fulfil Prime Minister Modi’s resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi congratulated citizens and stated: “Due to the hard work and efforts of every Gujarati, the state has become a leading one in the country,” adding that the government and people are working together as ‘Team Gujarat’ to drive development rapidly.
He emphasised cleanliness, stating that Gujarat’s cities are among the cleanest in the country and urged citizens to maintain this by avoiding litter and using dustbins, easing the burden on sanitation workers. He highlighted the moral duty to protect public property and tourist sites, appealing to preserve the modern facilities at Dumas beach.
Sanghavi also stressed the importance of citizens staying fit for Gujarat’s progress, advising reduced use of oil and sugar for better health.
Thanking the public for overwhelming support in local self-government elections, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence, saying: “Under the guidance of the Chief Minister, the state government team will take Gujarat to new heights of development with public participation.”
The release reported that ‘Gujarat Garima Awards’ were presented to distinguished individuals by the Governor and Chief Minister. Eminent personalities who enhanced the district’s pride were honoured.
Two books showcasing Surat district’s development journey, “Vikas Vatika” and a “Coffee Table” book, were also released on the occasion.
The Gujarat Garima Award-2026 was conferred on Bharat Kantilal Salvi for arts, Hasmukh Dave for social service, Dr Dhaval Nayak for medical service, Bakulaben Patel for sports, and Hetvi Khimsuriya for excellence in sports and arts.
Additionally, Padma Shri awardees and eminent personalities from Surat district, including Padma Shri Savjibhai Dholakia, Nileshbhai Mandlewala, Dr Kanubhai Tailor, Yazdi Karanjia, Mathurbhai Savani, as well as other distinguished individuals Niranjanaben Kalarthi, Mohammed Vania, Manav Thakkar, and family members of Harmit Desai, were honoured.
The 50-minute event featured over 250 artists presenting Surat’s journey from its past to present development through a theatrical performance enhanced by lighting and sound, the release concluded.