Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel Inaugurates Development Exhibition During Vikas Week

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Development Exhibition in Ahmedabad during Vikas Week (7-15 October), highlighting the remarkable journey of development in the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patel noted that when Modi assumed office as Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001, he began a new chapter in the politics of development.

Patel emphasised that under Modi's guidance, Gujarat's uninterrupted development journey has now entered its 25th year of good governance. He underlined the importance of continuing this progress towards the centenary of India's independence and the vision of a developed India by 2047.

As Prime Minister, Modi's transformative GST reforms have significantly benefited the common citizen. His mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas" has engaged citizens in the development process. In a gesture of gratitude, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, members of the state cabinet, various social groups, cooperative organisations, banks, and dairy unions collectively wrote 1,11,75,000 postcards to the Prime Minister under the "Atmanirbhar Bharat, Jan Aabhar" initiative.

Patel noted that under Modi's guidance, Gujarat's efforts towards world-class development continue to provide new direction, which is the purpose behind celebrating Vikas Week annually. This year, Vikas Week coincides with the International Year of Cooperatives.

To implement the Prime Minister's call for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Har Ghar Swadeshi, Vikas Week this year focuses on promoting Swadeshi and Vocal for Local initiatives.

Patel added that through the participation of the poor, youth, farmers, and women-the four pillars of knowledge-Vikas Week aims to set a new direction for development. Drawing parallels to the Swadeshi movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he emphasised that India must now move towards Vocal for Local and Local for Global to build a prosperous, self-reliant nation. By promoting indigenous products and emphasising quality local production, India can become Atmanirbhar and developed.

Health Minister Rishikesh Patel said that Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Swadeshi movement with limited infrastructure to achieve independence, and today, Prime Minister Modi is guiding India towards becoming a developed nation through the Swadeshi mantra. He expressed confidence that this approach will reduce the country's trade deficit and foster economic prosperity.

He further noted that the development journey, started 24 years ago, is being celebrated during Vikas Week, engaging farmers, livestock owners, and youth. Each postcard addressed to the Prime Minister reflects the heartfelt sentiments of every Gujarati, not just a letter. Citizens are urged to view this event as a milestone, not a destination, and to contribute to building a developed India through Swadeshi initiatives.

Cooperation State Minister and Pradesh President Jagdish Vishwakarma wished everyone on Valmiki Jayanti and recalled that on 7 October 2001, Narendra Modi took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister, beginning a journey of service, dedication, and public trust in governance.

Vishwakarma noted that in today's digital era, citizens-particularly in the cooperative sector-have expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister through postcards on GST reforms, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the Swadeshi campaign. Over 12,000 villages, 26,000 cooperative societies, 550,000 college students, and 125,000 school students participated in this unique campaign.

He emphasised that if 1.4 billion Indians take a single step towards Swadeshi, nothing can prevent India from becoming a developed nation. Citizens are encouraged to prioritise Swadeshi purchases during upcoming festivals to contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Cooperation Department Secretary Sandeep Kumar welcomed all participants. During the programme, participants pledged to contribute to the Har Ghar Swadeshi campaign and adopt Swadeshi practices.

It is noteworthy that over 7.5 million gratitude postcards from farmers and citizens-including those received by milk unions, DCCBs, Amul Fed, and GSC Bank-have been sent to the Prime Minister. Applications have been made to include this achievement in the World Book of Records, London, the Limca Book of Records, and other record books. An audio-visual film on the campaign was also screened during the event.

Participants of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat, Jan Aabhar" programme included Mayor Pratibhaben Jain, Ahmedabad MPs and MLAs, GSC Bank Chairman Jay Patel, GCMMF Chairman Ashok Chaudhary, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner and officials, Chief Postmaster General Ganesh Sawadekar, cooperative society officials, district cooperative bank chairpersons and directors, dairy union leaders, social and political leaders, students, and teachers.