CM Bhupendra Patel Participates in Centenary Celebrations of Karadi Rashtriya Shala in Navsari

Gandhinagar : Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel actively participated in the centenary celebrations of Karadi Rashtriya Shala in Jalalpore Taluka during his visit to Navsari.

Chief Minister extended his best wishes for Vasant Panchami to everyone present and expressed pride in participating in the centenary celebrations of the Bharat Vidyalaya Rashtriya Shala in Karadi Village, which serves as a center of worship for Maa Saraswati. He also mentioned that, under the inspiration and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the year 2025 is poised to be a year of national pride. This year marks the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the 100th birth anniversary of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and the celebration of the Amrit Mahotsav of the Constitution. He highlighted that it is a remarkable coincidence that the centenary celebrations of Karadi Rashtriya Shala, which highlight the pride of our nation’s glorious history of independence, are being held this year.

Reflecting on the key role of Karadi village in the selection of Dandi for the ‘Namak Satyagraha,’ the CM highlighted that Karadi holds immense significance in the freedom struggle and is a unique part of our heritage. The village became immortal in history due to its vital link with the Dandi Salt Satyagraha, which struck a major blow to the British regime. Karadi served as the last camp of the Dandi March initiated by Mahatma Gandhiji at Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhiji continued the Salt Satyagraha activities from a hut (Bapu’s hut) in Karadi, and when arrested by the British, he declared that Karadi was his permanent address. The CM expressed immense pride in visiting Karadi, a village that has preserved the legacy of Bapu’s historic Salt Satyagraha. He also acknowledged that the Prime Minister has inspired the nation through numerous resolutions during the Amrit Kaal of Azadi, encouraging the people to shed the mentality of subjugation and embrace pride in their rich heritage. The PM has developed the Dandi Memorial, allowing people worldwide to visit and take pride in Dandi, a symbol of India’s enduring historical legacy. The CM stated that we aim to create new avenues of development by blending historical institutions with modernity, fulfilling the PM’s mantra of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi.’ He described the National School of Karadi as a centre of freedom fighters, carrying a glorious history of ‘Gandhi and Education’ along with a commitment to Viksit Bharat.  Chief Minister stated that the Prime Minister has preserved our history while embracing modern dimensions in education to keep pace with time. This school is also equipped with modern technology, including modern computer labs and smart classrooms. He mentioned with pride that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set the vision for Viksit Bharat by the year 2047. He emphasized that the current students of this school, with the spirit of “Nation First,” will become the driving force of Viksit Gujarat for Viksit Bharat @2047.

On this occasion, Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil congratulated the donors and teachers associated with Karadi School on its completion of a centenary and praised their contributions to education and society in the coastal area of Jalalpore. He also extended his best wishes to the school, urging its students to remain committed to the vision of Viksit Bharat while preserving the school’s historical legacy in the freedom struggle. Union Minister emphasized the importance of water conservation, drawing a parallel with wealth accumulation, and addressed key topics such as cleanliness, clean water, and infrastructure facilities in his speech. He further stated that rainwater harvesting, which involves the collection of rainwater, will not only ensure water conservation for future generations but also help resolve the current issue of water scarcity for drinking and irrigation. Under the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, the highest number of water harvesting plants have been established in Navsari district across the state. This initiative will store rainwater underground, thereby raising the water table and helping to address future water issues. Additionally, he mentioned that the administrative officers and officials in Navsari are committed to the region’s comprehensive development and emphasized the importance of expanding infrastructure facilities.  In his welcome address, Jalalpore’s Member of the Legislative Assembly, Shri R.C. Patel, shared his fond memories of Karadi village. He spoke about the glorious history, achievements, and successes of Karadi Rashtriya Shala. He also respectfully apprised Chief Minister of the developments in Jalalpore. Describing the roads, drinking water, and infrastructure facilities in the riverbank region, he highlighted the interests, achievements, and commitment of the youth in these villages toward sports. 

At the beginning of the event, Chief Minister and other dignitaries launched a book that highlights the success story and illustrious legacy of Bharat Vidyalaya.

The centenary celebrations of  Karadi Rashtriya Shala Bharat Vidyalaya were attended by several dignitaries, including Member of the Legislative Assembly from Navsari, Shri Rakesh Desai, Leader Shri Bhurabhai Shah, organizing representative Shri Babubhai Rama, donors, members of the education board, social workers, the school principal and staff, a large number of students, alumni, and villagers.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat