PORBANDAR, October 2nd - Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel commemorated the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by laying floral tributes at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar on Monday. The visit highlighted the significant contributions made towards cleanliness under the Swachh Bharat Mission, an initiative dear to Gandhi and championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Under the nationwide 'Swachhta Hi Seva' campaign, individuals across Gujarat and the rest of the country dedicated an hour to Shramdaan on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti. Chief Minister Patel encouraged the nation to embrace Gandhi's teachings of truth, non-violence, and Satyagraha. He emphasized that the Gandhian principle of 'Antyodaya se Sarvodaya' has found its true essence under the guidance of the Prime Minister.
Chief Minister Patel also stressed the significance of prayer in purifying the soul, resonating with Gandhi's beliefs. Visitors worldwide are inspired by Kirti Mandir, Mahatma Gandhi's birthplace. Furthermore, in alignment with 'Atmanirbhar Gujarat to Self-reliant India,' Khadi is being actively promoted in Gujarat. To commemorate this effort, a special 20% discount will be available on Khadi products from October 2 to October 31.
Minister in-charge, Kunwarjibhai Bavaliya, remarked that while Bapu's teachings originate from a different era, they remain equally influential today. The event at Kirti Mandir saw presentations of devotional music, and Chief Minister Patel received a charkha from Bavaliya and an oil painting memento of Bapu from District Collector K.D. Lakhani.
An interfaith prayer session was organized at Kirti Mandir, with a host of dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP Rambhai Mokaria, Porbandar MP Rameshbhai Dhaduk, and many other officials, joining to honor Mahatma Gandhi's enduring legacy. The attendees also pledged their commitment to cleanliness during the prayer meeting.
