It is a moment of pride for me to unveil the statue of the son of the soil, the Late Bhagwan Bapa: CM

Gandhinagar :  While extending New Year greetings to the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel stated about the historic completion of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a landmark achievement made possible through the unwavering commitment of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. We all had the privilege of witnessing this remarkable milestone.

Highlighting that this new year marks a commitment to ambitious developmental goals, the Chief Minister expressed pride in recent advancements, stating, “During Diwali, on the auspicious occasion of Vagh Baras, our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gifted Gujarat with development projects valued at ₹4,800 crore. Today, I am honored to present benefits worth ₹122 crore as developmental initiatives to the region of Savarkundla.
 
He further said that the magnitude of projects being launched today worth several crores reflects the strength and dedication of our leadership. In earlier times, a municipality’s entire annual budget amounted to only ₹5-10 lakh. Today, we are inaugurating projects valued at ₹100 crore, a testament to our commitment to transformative growth.

Under the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government has been swiftly approving planned development projects, driving rapid and tangible progress across regions. In his address, the Chief Minister conveyed his warm wishes and emphasized his commitment to ensuring that various development projects in the Amreli district are completed with the highest quality, enhancing services and facilities for residents. He further highlighted the improvements in road connectivity within Amreli district and Savarkundla city, which provide citizens with modern and convenient transportation options.

As Gujarat continues its remarkable journey of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, I feel honored to unveil the statue of the Late Bhagwan Bapa today CM further said that, A true champion of progress and a steadfast supporter of our farmers, Bhagwan Bapa’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations as well.

The Chief Minister compared the Prime Minister’s mantra of development to the personality of the late Bhagwan Bapa and stated that Bhagwan Bapa also embodied the philosophy of “Sauno Saath Sauno Vikas Sauno Vishwas and Sauno Prayas,” which inspired the implementation of collective farming practices.

The Chief Minister outlined the various farmer-centric schemes launched by both the state and central governments, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring the well-being of farmers. These initiatives include the provision of adequate roads, access to drinking water, irrigation facilities, reliable electricity, and comprehensive support from crop sowing to harvesting and sale, all contributing to the financial stability of our farmers.

Chief Minister Patel reiterated the Prime Minister’s call to transform our nation into Viksit Bharat@2047 during this Amrit Kaal. He encouraged everyone to commit themselves in the new year and actively participate in the collective resolution for a Viksit Bharat.
 
On this occasion, MP Shri Parshottam Rupala said that the government has gifted development projects worth crores of rupees to Amreli district during this New Year. The state government has allocated ₹122 crore for the development of Savarkundla.

He considered himself fortunate enough to attend the unveiling ceremony of the life-size statue of the Late Bhagwan Bapa, who was a true servant for the farmers.

MP Shri Parshottam Rupala stressed that future generations will find inspiration in the legacy of Bhagwan Bapa. He pointed out that collective farming is crucial in today’s agricultural landscape and outlined how Bhagwan Bapa promoted this concept years ago.

Shri Rupala noted that the primary challenge farmers are facing today is the limited availability of land. With most farmers owning small plots, they often lack the opportunity to experiment with innovative farming practices and are compelled to sell their harvested crops immediately.

Bhagwan Bapa was a visionary whose advocacy for collective farming and agricultural experimentation is more relevant now than ever,” Shri Rupala stated. He also drew attention to the advancements in technology and collective farming practices, such as kibbutz in Israel, showcasing their potential benefits for agriculture.
 
Furthermore, he acknowledged that necessary measures, including the Farmer Rights Act and the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act, along with the Green Revolution, have significantly enhanced the economic conditions of farmers. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, various farmer welfare initiatives are paving the way for prosperity in the agricultural sector.
 
In his welcome address, MLA Shri Mahesh Kaswala paid tribute to the pioneer of collective farming, the Late Bhagwan Bapa. He underlined that it was Bhagwan Bapa’s dedication that led to the establishment of Saurashtra’s first yard in Savarkundla.
 
Shri Kaswala said that over the past two years, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel have allocated a substantial ₹1,600 crore for the development of Savarkundla and Liliya. Among these initiatives, ₹171 crore has been designated for road infrastructure, with construction slated to commence soon on 74 of the 120 planned roads.
 
Furthermore, the state government has approved ₹25 crore for the development of a riverfront along the Navali River. This project aims not only to restore the river but also to enhance the overall beauty and appeal of the city.

IFFCO Chairman Shri Dileep Sanghani emphasized, the significant progress made in various development initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. He noted that through cooperation, new avenues for rural prosperity are being unlocked. Shri Sanghani also took a moment to reflect on the inspiration provided by Bhagwan Bapa to the youth.
 
During the occasion, esteemed folk literary figure Mayabhai Ahir paid tribute to the late Bhagwan Bapa, a former MLA, who devoted his life not to personal gain but to the welfare of the common people. Mayabhai also recalled the contributions of Bhagat Bapu and Kag Bapu.
Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel unveiled a life-size statue of the late Bhagwan Bapa at the Savarkundla APMC. As an advocate of collective farming and a lifelong servant of farmers, Bhagwan Bapa earned deep respect within the farming community through his unwavering dedication to their service. Notably, he is also the grandfather of the current MLA, Shri Mahesh Kaswala. 
 
In a significant event held in Savarkundla, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects totaling ₹122 crore. This initiative includes projects worth ₹103 crore specifically designated for the Savarkundla Municipality area. Additionally, the Chief Minister inaugurated ₹4.90 crore in projects from the Roads and Buildings Department and laid the foundation for further projects valued at ₹13.47 crore.

These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and services for the residents of Savarkundla.

The event witnessed the participation of prominent dignitaries including MLAs Shri J.V. Kakadiya, Shri Janak Talaviya, Shri Hirabhai Solanki, Smt. Kanchan Radadiya, as well as the President of Savarkundla Municipality, Shri Mehul Trivedi, and Chairman of Savarkundla Market Yard, Shri Deepak Malani. Members of the District and Taluka Panchayats, former MP Shri Naran Kachhadiya, and former MLAs Shri Bavkubhai Undhad, Shri Vallabhbhai Kakadiya, Shri Mansukh Bhuva, Hanubhai Dhorajiya, Kalubhai Virani, Ambarishbhai Der, Rajula leader Jigneshbhai Patel, Bhupendrabhai Basia, Hirenbhai Hirpara, Vipulbhai Dudhat and others were also present. Cooperative leaders, community heads, and local farmers attended the program, highlighting its community-wide significance. 
Shri Mehul Trivedi extended the vote of thanks on behalf of Savarkundla Municipality.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat