Gujarat was formed as a separate state on May 1, 1960, following the division of the former State of Bombay on linguistic grounds, as the region was inhabited mainly by Gujarati-speaking people. On the same day, Maharashtra was founded to meet the demands of the Marathi-speaking population. The Bombay Reorganisation Act of 1960 established the two states.
The state language of Gujrat is Gujarati. It is an Indo-Aryan language derived from local Prakrits and Sanskrit.
History
Gujarat, known as the “Jewel of Western India,” has been on the world map since ancient times, and it is stated that even Greeks knew about it. The State’s 2000-year nautical history is described in a Greek book named ‘The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea: Travel and Trade in the Indian Ocean’ written in the first century A.D. by a Greco-Roman merchant living in Egypt.
During the British Raj, Gujarat played a significant role in the business of Karachi and Mumbai. In the magazine ‘Kumar’, which was founded by Ravishankar Raval, the idea of a separate state originated in 1928. In 1937, KM Munshi, a renowned writer and Freedom fighter, proposed the concept of ‘Mahagujarat’.
Later on, after the independence in 1947, our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, appointed the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC), which recommended that the State of Bombay should stay bilingual and was further enlarged by adding the regions of Saurashtra and Kutch, which is largely Gujrati-speaking.
The SRC’s recommendations were opposed by both the Marathi and Gujarati-speaking populations and demanded separate states on linguistic grounds. Mass agitations were held against the commission’s recommendations, and ‘Mahagujarat Andolan’ was started.
Veteran leader Indulal Yagnik led the movement by forming Mahagujarat Janata Parishad. After prolonged agitations, a new separate state was formed on May 1, 1960.
The Gujarat state formation day is celebrated every year with great zeal. On May 1, several top leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, wished and congratulated Gujaratis all over the world on this significant occasion.
PM Modi emphasised the milestones Gujarat has accomplished since its formation. He said, “Greetings on Gujarat Sthapana Diwas. Gujarat has made a mark due to its all round progress as well as its unique culture. I pray that the State continues to scale new heights of development in the times ahead!”.
President Murmu tweeted, “On Gujarat Day, I extend my heartiest greetings to all the countrymen, especially to all the residents of the State. The land of Gujarat is the land of great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel”. She added, “The enterprising and progressive people here have contributed significantly to the development of the country. I wish that Gujarat continues to move forward on the path of progress and the happiness and prosperity of the residents of the State grow”.
Vice-President Dhankar conveyed his warm greetings through his Twitter handle, “Warm greetings on the statehood day of Gujarat! Blessed with abundant natural and cultural heritage, Gujarat has contributed immensely to our national development. My best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous Gujarat”.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel lauded the leadership of Prime Minister, “Under the leadership of our Prime Minister we are celebrating Amritkal, this first Gujarat Foundation Day of Amritkal is a day of special importance”.
On the occasion of Gujarat Foundation Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also wished the people of the State. He tweeted, “By changing calamities into opportunities, Gujarat today has become synonymous with peace, power, prosperity and overall development. This land of Gandhiji and Sardar Sahib will continue to contribute to the progress of the country with the same passion and dedication in the future”.
Around 30 Raj Bhawans across the country have planned to commemorate the statehoods of Maharashtra and Gujarat today as part of the government’s push to celebrate India’s cultural diversity.
