Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday inaugurated a newly developed light and sound show at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vadnagar, the hometown of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, located in Mehsana district. The event marked a significant cultural addition to one of the region’s most revered temples.

According to an official statement, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a newly constructed Yagnashala at the temple premises, situated about 125 kilometers from Ahmedabad. The visit included a high-level meeting in Vadnagar, where Patel reviewed the progress of various ongoing development projects in the area.

As per agency report, the light and sound show has been developed by the Gujarat Tourism Corporation Limited at a cost of Rs. 5.53 crore. The initiative aims to provide visitors and devotees with a deeper understanding of the temple's ancient heritage through modern audio-visual storytelling techniques.

The launch of this program is part of broader efforts to enhance religious tourism in Vadnagar, blending spiritual experience with informative, immersive presentations that highlight the temple’s cultural and historical significance.

Mehsana, March 19 – The ancestral village of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams in Gujarat’s Mehsana district erupted in celebrations on Wednesday following her safe return to Earth. As soon as the SpaceX spacecraft carrying Williams and Butch Wilmore landed off the coast of Florida, villagers in Jhoolasan rejoiced with fireworks, dancing, and chanting in temple courtyards.

The villagers, who had been praying for Williams’ safe return, had organized a special fire ritual, or yagna, ahead of her landing. Early in the morning, students from a local government school gathered at the school premises, performed the traditional Gujarati folk dance, Garba, and formed a procession leading to the temple of their revered goddess, Dola Mata. Many villagers joined the procession, expressing their gratitude for what they believed to be divine intervention in ensuring Williams’ safe return.

According to a local teacher, when Williams departed for the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5 last year, the villagers held a special prayer session on June 27, lighting an eternal flame in the temple and organizing a procession for her safety. Now, with her successful return, they once again marched to the temple in celebration, offering thanks through music and festivities.

Excitement had been building in Jhoolasan since news of Williams' impending return was announced. As per agency report, her close relative, Naveen Pandya, shared that the villagers had been eagerly awaiting her safe arrival and hoped to invite her to visit Jhoolasan once again. Williams has visited India at least three times, including trips in 2007 and 2013 following her space missions. She was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2008.

Williams' father, Deepak Pandya, originally hailed from Jhoolasan before migrating to the United States in 1957. The headmaster of Jhoolasan Primary School, Vishal Panchal, confirmed that extensive arrangements had been made for Wednesday’s celebrations in her honor.

Williams and her fellow astronaut, Butch Wilmore, had embarked on their journey to the ISS on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s new Starliner spacecraft. Initially, they were expected to return after a week, but technical challenges with the spacecraft led to multiple delays. NASA ultimately decided to bring the Starliner back to Earth without passengers, causing further postponements in the astronauts' return.

Throughout her career, Williams has set multiple records in space exploration. She has conducted nine spacewalks, totaling 62 hours, setting the record for the most spacewalks by a female astronaut. Her contributions to space exploration continue to inspire generations, particularly in her ancestral homeland, where her achievements are a source of immense pride.

Ahmedabad, October 15, 2023: Amidst the increasing incidents of heart attacks among young men and women in Gujarat, three people have died of heart attacks in two days.

In Surat, a 28-year-old man named Amar Kishore Rathore, who worked in a diamond company, died of a heart attack after suffering from chest pain. He was married and had a daughter.

In Mahesana, a 23-year-old school teacher named Richika Shah died of a heart attack after performing Garba during a Navratri event. She was rushed to the hospital but died before she could get treatment.

In Vadodara, a 43-year-old man named Deepak Chauhan died of a heart attack in a sandwich shop.

These deaths have raised concerns about the heart health of young people in Gujarat. Experts say that there are a number of factors that can contribute to heart attacks in young people, including unhealthy lifestyle habits, poor diet, and stress.

They advise young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. They should also manage their stress levels and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, seek medical attention immediately.

Gandhinagar : Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel met with Kotak Mahindra Bank Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Deepak Gupta on Wednesday in a series of meetings ahead of the Vibrant Summit.

Gupta informed the Chief Minister that Kotak Mahindra Bank has started its International Banking Unit (IBU) at the International Financial Services Center (IFSC) of Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar. The bank has also launched two Digital Banking Units (DBUs) in Surat and Mehsana in Gujarat in partnership with the Government's '75 Digital Banking Units (DBUs) in 75 Districts' initiative.

In addition, under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Bank in collaboration with Shroff Foundation Trust (SFT) has also launched a CSR project for Skill Development in Gujarat.

The Chief Minister expressed readiness to support the expansion of education and livelihood projects in Gujarat under Kotak Group's CSR. He also invited Gupta to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Startup Conclave to be held in Ahmedabad in the coming December and the main summit to be held in Gandhinagar on January 10, 2024.

Kotak Mahindra Bank is one of the leading private sector banks in India, and its expansion in Gujarat is a sign of the state's growing economic importance. The bank's IBU in GIFT City will further boost the state's position as a global financial hub.

Mahesana, Sep 9 (IANS) A Gujarat gynaecologist is facing suspension of medical license for six months after a woman, who had undergone two cesarean sections, was not operated during her third pregnancy leading to death of the mother and the child.

Gujarat Medical Council has taken the decisive step of suspending the medical license of Dr Harshil Patel, a gynecologist based in Kadi. 

On June 26, 2022, a female patient was admitted to Dr Harshil Patel's hospital. Unfortunately, Dr Patel was not present at the time, and a critical decision had to be made regarding the patient's care. As a result of this determination, the Gujarat Medical Council suspended Dr Patel's medical license for a duration of six months.

The patient, who had previously undergone two cesarean sections, had explicitly conveyed her preference for a third cesarean delivery. However, against her wishes, a different approach was taken, and the delivery was conducted without resorting to an operation.

The newborn did not survive this ordeal. The mother's condition also deteriorated rapidly, necessitating her transfer to Bhagyoday Hospital, where she subsequently succumbed to her injuries.

In the aftermath of this incident, calls for accountability and justice resounded. Responding to these demands, a committee was convened, comprising medical professionals from esteemed institutions such as GCS, NHL, and LG hospitals.

The committee undertook a comprehensive investigation and, based on its findings, determined that conducting an operation for the delivery of the child could have potentially saved both lives.

Mehsana, Sep 4 (IANS) A man was injured when a stray cow gored him in Gujarat's Mehsana district.

The incident was caught on video and has been circulating on social media platforms. The video depicts the harrowing encounter between the man and the aggressive cow, shedding light on the escalating issue of stray cattle attacks.

In the video footage, the stray cow is observed pursuing the man over a distance before ultimately pushing him to the ground. Subsequently, the cow ferociously assaulted the man, employing its horns and trampling him underfoot.

Local residents responded to the victim's cries for assistance by attempting to ward off the cow using sticks and rods, albeit unsuccessfully.

The relentless attack left the man with serious injuries, prompting his admission to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Mehsana, Gujarat — In a major boost to agricultural infrastructure, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Matpur-Brahmanwada Lift Irrigation Scheme on Thursday. Built at a cost of Rs 67.69 crore, the scheme aims to substantially improve irrigation facilities for farmers in North Gujarat. The scheme involves a distribution pipeline network of 11.70 km, which will fill ponds in nine villages, augmenting local irrigation and recharging groundwater.

During the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the state government's forward-looking approach to development projects. "Our action plans are designed with the future in mind," Patel said. He also highlighted the state's ambitious plans to construct 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district for water harvesting. Patel urged citizens to limit the use of single-use plastic and highlighted the importance of the nationwide 'Mission Life' campaign, spearheaded by the Prime Minister.

Multiple Initiatives in a Single Ceremony

Alongside the irrigation project, the Chief Minister e-dedicated the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Town Hall in Unjha, built at a cost of Rs 8 crore. Social organizations present at the event took the opportunity to honor the Chief Minister.

Health Minister Hrishikesh Patel was also present at the occasion, and he stressed the project's significance: "Mother Narmada has descended on this land with this Rs 69 crore ambitious scheme." The Minister also credited the Prime Minister for his role in turning North Gujarat into 'Uttam Gujarat,' noting ongoing initiatives like the Sujalam Suflam scheme aimed at elevating the ground level through the construction of river barrages.

Expanding Irrigation and Water Harvesting

Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Kunvarjibhai Bavaliya explained the government's commitment to making water accessible in remote areas. "The government is steadfast in realizing the motto 'Har Khet ko Pani, Har Hath ko Kaam' (Water for Every Field, Work for Every Hand)," he said. Bavaliya added that the scheme would benefit farmers in Unjha, Visnagar, and Patan tehsils of the Mehsana district.

The Minister also updated farmers on the Gujarat Promotion Scheme under the Atal Ground Water Scheme. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of this to enrich their farming practices through micro-irrigation. In a noteworthy move, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed to abolish the three-kilometer limit for filling village ponds from the Narmada Canal, thus enabling even distant villages to benefit from the scheme.

A Long-Term Vision for Water Resources

Special Secretary of the Water Resources Department, K.B. Rabadia, provided more details about the project, stating that excess floodwater from the Narmada River would be redirected into major reservoirs, rivers, and canals in North Gujarat for various purposes including irrigation and groundwater recharge.

With the inauguration of the Matpur-Brahmanwada Lift Irrigation Scheme, the Gujarat government reiterates its commitment to sustainable agricultural development and environmental conservation. The scheme is expected to provide a much-needed lifeline to the farmers of the drought-prone region.

Four Gujarati youths, who reportedly embarked on an illegal journey to America, have been missing for six months, triggering grave concerns among their families back in Gujarat, India. One of the families lodged a complaint with the provincial police station after paying an agent Rs 20 lakh for facilitating the trip.

According to the complaint, the missing individual, Bharatbhai Rabari, was part of a group of eight Gujaratis attempting to reach the US. The remaining three individuals in the group have also reportedly lost contact with their families over the past six months.

The complaint was filed by Chetanben Rabari of Waghpur village, Prantij taluka, North Gujarat. She alleged that an agent from Dingucha and Mehsana had defrauded her husband of Rs 70 lakh under the guise of arranging for his migration to America. Her husband's journey began in Mumbai, from where he travelled to the Netherlands, then to Port of Spain, and finally to Dominica, after which all contact was lost.

Bharatbhai initially landed in Ahmedabad on January 8, 2023, to catch a flight to the US. From there, agent Divyeshbhai redirected him to Mumbai. Throughout his journey, Bharatbhai kept in contact with his wife, updating her on his various stops in Amsterdam, Port of Spain, and Dominica. However, the communication ended abruptly on February 4, 2023.

In response to Chetanben's unsuccessful attempts to reach her husband, she sent two family members to meet with agent Divyeshbhai. The agent assured them that Bharatbhai, along with other Gujaratis, was in Martinique and would reach America in the coming weeks. After further unsuccessful attempts to contact her husband, Chetanben approached another associate of Divyeshbhai, Mahendrabhai, who reiterated the same assurances.

Upon contacting other families involved, Chetanben discovered that they too had lost contact with their relatives in the past seven months. Following these revelations, the provincial police have arrested the accused agent, Divyesh Kumar, and an investigation is underway.

Mehsana (Gujarat), May 4 (IANS) Gujarat Police on Thursday lodged an FIR against three agents allegedly involved in an illegal immigration racket that resulted in the death of four members of a family from Mehsana district while they were trying to cross into the US from Canada.

The agents allegedly took Rs 60 lakh from the kin of the deceased and compelled the four victims to take a boat ride to cross the St Lawrence river on the US-Canada border amid turbulent weather, which ended in tragedy as the boat eventually capsized.

The deceased - Pravinbhai Chaudhary, his wife Daksha, their son Meet and daughter Vidhi - were natives of Manekpura-Dabhal village in Mehsana district. The Canadian police had found their bodies on the banks of the St Lawrence river between Quebec and New York on March 30.

The case has been registered against Nikulsinh Vihol, Sachin Vihol and Arjunsinh Chavda.

As per the FIR, which has been registered based on a complaint by Pravinbhai's younger brother Ashvinbhai, the Chaudhary family went to Canada on a visitors' visa on February 3, claiming they were going there on vacation. Upon learning that Pravinbhai was in Canada, Nikulsinh, who knew him for some time, called him and offered to send the family to the US using his 'connections'.

Pravinbhai had asked Ashvinbhai to arrange for Rs 60 lakh in cash and give it to Nikulsinh. The complainant took loans and borrowed money from his relatives and friends to make the payment. Despite their apprehensions, Sachin convinced Pravinbhai and his family them to sit on a boat, claiming that they would reach the other side in just five to seven minutes, and there was no need to worry.

Further investigation in the matter is underway.

Western Railway has completed the gauge conversion work between Jagudan-Mehsana on Ahmedabad division, and a new double line has been opened for traffic. The project has been completed at a cost of 620 crores. The new double line will enhance the safety of rail passengers as well as road users. The new section has 1 major bridge, 16 minor bridges and 8 underpasses as grade separators, making it completely free from level crossings. The new double line has been opened for traffic at a speed of 90 kmph.

The new section has an additional platform of 644 meters length commissioned at Mehsana railway station. Due to which the number of lines has increased from 5 to 14. A dedicated new main line between Viramgam to Patan which was not previously in Mehsana yard is now available in this work. Along with booking office, a new station building, common waiting hall with toilets, concourse, PRS have been commissioned. 10.84 km long new down main line, 2 km long Viramgam-Patan new main line, 760 m long two new goods sidings and 375 m long track machine sidings and one tower wagon siding have also been added.

A new Electronic Interlocking (EI) system has been commissioned at Mehsana Railway Station. The upgraded Mehsana yard is now equipped with electronic interlocking along 380 routes. The gear is managed with the help of an 85 inch VDU monitor and it also houses a state-of-the-art fire alarm, axle counter, axle counter for block and block scion monitoring.

Thakur further said that the team of Ahmedabad's Survey and Construction Department has successfully completed the mammoth task of yard remodeling of Mehsana in just 23 days without any safety lapses with effective planning. The work of connecting Mehsana to New Bhandu Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFCCIL) with Indian Railways along with a new RTR line of 800 meters has also been completed by the construction team of Western Railway through Traffic Working Order between 8 February 2023 to 28 February 2023. In which Engineering, Signaling and Telecom and Electrical (Traction) are jointly involved.

The completion of the Ahmedabad-Mehsana gauge change project and the new double line is a significant step towards the infrastructural development of railways in Gujarat. This will reduce travel time for rail passengers and will provide them with enhanced safety features, making it a milestone for Western Railway.