Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended his wishes to Gujaratis worldwide on the 66th Gujarat Foundation Day, celebrated on May 1, 2026. In his message, he acknowledged the foundational contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Shyamji Krishna Varma, Ravishankar Maharaj, and Indulal Yagnik, and credited the relentless efforts of the people for Gujarat's development journey.
He reflected on the doubts surrounding Gujarat’s progress when it was established as a separate state from Mumbai on May 1, 1960, given its geography characterised by deserts, coastline, and hills. Patel highlighted the clear distinction between the state’s development from 1960 to 2000 and the sustained progress since 2001, noting that Gujarat has now achieved significant development milestones that have attracted international attention. He attributed this transformation to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and a steadfast commitment to development.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Prime Minister Modi introduced a development-oriented political approach in Gujarat, under which the state has become a national model. He noted the continued trust placed in this leadership by the people, demonstrated again in recent local self-government elections, which the government accepts with gratitude.
Patel detailed unprecedented benchmarks set by the Prime Minister through dedicated hard work, driving development across sectors including electricity, water, road infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare. Under the ‘Jyotigram Yojana’, uninterrupted 24-hour three-phase electricity is supplied to villages even in remote areas. The state’s power generation capacity has increased from 8,750 MW to nearly 53,000 MW. Gujarat is the only Indian state with an integrated network of gas, water, and electricity grids.
In addition to industrial and social advancement, 2025 was declared the “Urban Development Year” to accelerate urban growth, supported by a 40 per cent budget increase for urban development. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit, launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2003 to foster investment and business growth, has contributed to Gujarat becoming known as the ‘Global Gateway to the Future’ with one of the lowest unemployment rates nationally.
Each district’s unique strengths are showcased through Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences. Having seen success in North Gujarat and the Saurashtra-Kutch region, the conference in South Gujarat is scheduled to commence in Surat on Gujarat Foundation Day.
Patel stated that Gujarat is focused on renewable energy, including solar, wind, hybrid sources, and green hydrogen. The state’s renewable energy capacity constitutes nearly 15 per cent of India’s total. Over 300,000 households have benefited from the solar rooftop scheme.
The state is advancing in high-tech industries with two operational semiconductor plants and two more planned. Sanand and Dholera are set to become semiconductor hubs. An AI Centre of Excellence has been established at GIFT City to promote AI-driven industries.
Infrastructure development remains crucial, with the Surat Economic Region Development Plan prepared with NITI Aayog’s support. Six Regional Economic Master Plans are underway for balanced growth across North Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Central Gujarat.
Under the vision ‘Earning Well, Living Well’, Gujarat has charted the Viksit Gujarat @2047 roadmap aiming for environmentally conscious, sustainable development. Inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s Mission LiFE, the state has launched the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign promoting rainwater harvesting and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ for extensive tree planting. Efforts also include promoting sports for health and fitness.
Patel announced that Gujarat has been selected to host the Commonwealth Games, supported by Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This will involve developing world-class sports infrastructure to position Gujarat as a significant sports hub.
The Prime Minister’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’-marking 100 years of independence-coincides with Gujarat’s 75th anniversary, termed the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ in 2035. By then, Gujarat aims to be a global model of development.
The Chief Minister affirmed a commitment to ensuring that marginalised groups, including the poor, farmers, youth, women, and underprivileged citizens, benefit from welfare initiatives such as PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat, promoting their inclusion in a healthy and empowered society.
Concluding, Patel called for continued leadership from Gujarat across all areas of development. On Gujarat Gaurav Day, he urged collective dedication towards building a Viksit Gujarat for a Viksit Bharat @2047 under the guiding spirit of ‘Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas, Sauno Vishwas, Sauno Prayas’.