The minister also launched a knowledge report on “Future impact on Pharma & Healthcare with Diversity & Inclusivity: Vision 2030″….reports Asian Lite News
Hailing the state’s contribution in the pharma sector, Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani on Sunday said that of the $24 million exports achieved by India, Gujarat accounts for nearly 25 per cent.
She was inaugurating the national conference on “Soaring Heights of Empowerment in Pharma & Healthcare Industry” here.
The minister also launched a knowledge report on “Future impact on Pharma & Healthcare with Diversity & Inclusivity: Vision 2030”.
Extending her wishes on the state’s Formation Day, she highlighted the contribution of Gujarat in the Pharma sector stating that out of 24 million USD exports achieved by India, the state accounts for nearly 25 per cent. She expressed concern over lack of opportunities for women in the pharma and healthcare sectors and hoped that the conference would help to generate dialogue, discussion and drive outcomes towards the goal of more women in these sectors.
pharma industry
Deepa Sharma, Conference convener said that focussing on empowering Women entrepreneurship and participation in healthcare and pharma to drive dialogue and action was the goal of the conference. “With a goal to contribute to the national agenda of celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, we hope that the conference is instrumental in fuelling the entrepreneurial spirit,” she added.
Dr Viranchi Shah – National President Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association added that “Business is in in every Gujarati’s DNA and with the emphasis on strong participation by women given by the minister, I am confident that more participation from Women entrepreneurs & professionals will happen. The deliberations and outcome from this conference will help the stakeholders to have a look on how to further strengthen diversity and inclusivity in this industry.”
The conference also stressed on the importance of Diversity and Inclusivity in these sectors and the thrust to Make in India and help bring more women into the mainstream through enterpreneurship.
The Gujarat education department was able to construct only 14 per cent of the required 19,128 classrooms in a span of two years, the state Assembly was informed on Monday…reports Asian Lite News
The state government presented the information in the House in response to series of questions asked during the ongoing budget session.
Education Minister Jitu Vaghani informed the House that against the requirement of 19,128 classrooms in various primary schools, the state government was able to build only 2,714 during the last two years.
The opposition party Congress said that the requirement of classrooms in the state’s primary schools has constantly been on the rise. In 2015, a total of 8,388 class deficit was reported where as in 2018, the requirement shot up to 16,008 whereas in 2021, a total of 18,537 classroom requirement of classrooms were reported.
“In the year 2022, a total of 19,128 classrooms requirement was reported. In two years, the government has constructed 2,714 classrooms for the primary section of the government schools, asserted the education minister.
The minister further informed that not a single classroom was constructed in Dangs, Narmada and Tapi districts the same period, against the requirement of 154, 183 and 162 respectively. Four classrooms were constructed in Gir-Somnath in 2019-20, against the requirement of 188 classrooms.
The highest number of classroom deficit is been reported in a Dahod district where classroom deficit is 1,677 against which only 66 classrooms have been constructed during the same time.
Similarly, against a series of questions put up by the Congress legislators for facilities like electricity, compound walls in primary schools, the education minister informed the house that a total of 23 schools were devoid of power supply and 5,439 government primary schools and 272 private primary schools were devoid of compound walls, across the state.
This will be the third time that the UAE will be participating in the Summit as a Partner Country…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE will participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022 as a “Partner Country,” the organisers of the Summit have announced.
“India and UAE share a close friendship and this partnership for Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022 will boost bilateral relations,” said the announcement made in Gandhinagar, capital of one of India’s most business-friendly states.
UAE to participate in Gujarat’s investor summit
This will be the third time that the UAE will be participating in the Summit as a Partner Country. The biennial gathering brings together captains of global business, thought leaders and policy-makers to explore business opportunities in the state located in western India.
The idea of the summit was conceptualised in 2003 after Narendra Modi became Chief Minister of Gujarat. It has continued as a catalyst in making Gujarat a preferred investment destination within India even after Modi became India’s Prime Minister.
Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, was in the UAE earlier this month to promote the Summit among UAE businessmen and investors. Patel had extensive meetings in several emirates during the visit.
State’s global brand image
As a pre-cursor to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit (VGGIS) 2022, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel earlier this month met industry leaders in one-on-one meetings during his visit to Mumbai.
The 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit will be held on the theme of “Atmanirbhar Gujarat to Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in January 2022 in the state capital, Gandhinagar from January 10 to 12.
As a pre-cursor to the 2022 summit, Patel was in Mumbai for a road-show to invite investors to Gujarat.
“The Vibrant Gujarat Summit which was conceptualized in 2003 by the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, has built Gujarat’s global brand image. When he initiated the summit, it was a new experiment for the nation and the world. Today, it is a global brand image to reckon with,” said Bhupendra Patel on Thursday.
“The summit has evolved, focusing on global issues, their solutions and opportunities available worldwide in addition to promoting investment in the state. Networking and knowledge sharing are other pertinent takeaways. Gujarat is deeply committed to fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat for the growth and development of India’s citizens,” added Patel.
Addressing leading industrialists and business delegates in Mumbai, he stressed on the dominance of Gujarat as the country’s most preferred investment destination across the globe. “Gujarat has an all-inclusive, all-round development ecosystem and with industry-friendly policies, the state is ready to welcome global and local industries/businesses seeking to re-locate in post-corona times,” added Patel.
“We aim to attract investment in sectors such as next-generation infrastructure, energy, digital network, fintech, start-up, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies. The VGGIS Summit is the best platform to be a part of the development journey from ‘Atmanirbhar Gujarat to Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” said Patel.
He invited financial institutions, fintech companies and startups present in the interactive meet to invest and do business in Gujarat’s GIFT City.
At Dubai Expo
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also visited the India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai earlier this month and made a strong pitch to global investors to capitalise on the state’s ease of doing business, conducive policies, robust industrial ecosystem and futuristic infrastructure.
Expo
The visit was part of the state’s plans to engage with global investor community, government representatives, heads of companies, trade & industry chambers and promote the 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022. Patel, along with other officials would be showcasing the tremendous business opportunities that the state offers.
Speaking on his visit to the India Pavilion, the Chief Minister said, “As part of celebrating India’s 75th year of Independence, a special show is organized at the Dubai Expo. India’s progress is showcased in areas like science and technology, industrial growth, agriculture and space sciences.”
“It’s heartening to see the Image of a new India on an international platform like the Dubai Expo. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi is propelling India to set new benchmarks of development and progress. I am truly impressed watching the India pavilion at this Expo,” he added.
Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a biennial event was conceptualized in 2003 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (then Chief Minister of Gujarat). Continuing the success of Vibrant Gujarat Summits, Government of Gujarat is organising the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit with the central theme: ‘From Aatmanirbhar Gujarat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, scheduled on January 10-11-12, 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The Summit will be inaugurated by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.
As per industry reports, at USD 22 billion, Gujarat received the highest amount of FDI equity in India for FY2021, accounting for 37 per cent of the total FDI received in the country. It is a national leader in Chemicals & Petro-chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Gems & Jewellery, Automobile & Auto parts, Textiles among other sectors. The state accounts for 17 per cent to India’s industrial output with 11 per cent of the country’s factories located there.
The Gujarat ATS had also seized a heroin drug consignment worth about Rs 600 crore from Morbi district…reports Asian Lite News.
In a joint operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Gujarat-Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) have seized 77 kg of heroin worth around Rs 400 crore from a Pakistani fishing boat off the Gujarat coast, officials said on Monday.
Gujarat’s defence PRO said in a tweet the Coast Guard along with the state ATS apprehended the Pakistani fishing boat ‘Al Huseini’ with six crew members on board in the Indian waters.
“The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in a joint Ops with ATS #Gujarat has apprehended one Pak Fishing Boat “Al Huseini” with 06 crew in Indian waters carrying 77 kgs #heroin worth approx 400 crs.
Boat brought to Jakhau for further investigation.”
In a similar joint operation in April, a boat was apprehended with eight Pakistani nationals carrying 30 kg of heroin worth about Rs 150 crore, from the Indian waters near the Jakhau coast in Kutch.
The Gujarat ATS had also seized a heroin drug consignment worth about Rs 600 crore from Morbi district.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had seized around 3,000 kg of the drug, believed to be from Afghanistan and likely worth Rs 21,000 crore in the global market, from two containers at the Mundra port in Kutch earlier.
RAK Ruler welcomed the Chief Minister of Gujarat and shared views with him on ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and India at all levels…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received on Thursday, Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, India, and his accompanying delegation, who are currently visiting the UAE, at his palace at the Saqr bin Mohammed City.
Sheikha Amenah bint Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Investment and Development Office in Ras Al Khaimah, and several officials, attended the meeting.
RAK Ruler receives Gujarat CM
RAK Ruler welcomed Chief Minister of Gujarat and shared views with him on ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and India at all levels.
In turn, Rajnikant Patel extended his thanks and appreciation to the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah for his warm welcome and hospitality, emphasising that this reflects the strong cooperation between the UAE and India.
The Chief Minister visited the India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai on Wednesday and made a strong pitch to global investors to capitalise on the state’s ease of doing business, conducive policies, robust industrial eco system and futuristic infrastructure.
The Chief Minister is leading a high-level delegation to the UAE to promote the upcoming ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022’ to be held in January.
The visit is part of the state’s plans to engage with global investor community, government representatives, heads of companies, trade & industry chambers and promote the 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel meets with UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi at Expo 2020
High-level delegation from the State including CM Bhupendra Patel visited Expo2020 Dubai to promote Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2022…reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel visited the India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai today and made a strong pitch to global investors to capitalise on the state’s ease of doing business, conducive policies, robust industrial eco system and futuristic infrastructure.
The Chief Minister is leading a high-level delegation to the United Arab Emirates to promote the upcoming ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022’ to be held in January.
Indian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
The visit is part of the state’s plans to engage with global investor community, government representatives, heads of companies, trade & industry chambers and promote the 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022. Shri Patel, along with other officials would be showcasing the tremendous business opportunities that the state offers.
Speaking on his visit to the India Pavilion, the chief minister said, “As part of celebrating India’s 75th year of Independence, a special show is organized at the Dubai Expo. India’s progress is showcased in areas like science and technology, industrial growth, agriculture and space sciences.”
“It’s heartening to see the Image of a new India on an international platform like the Dubai Expo. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is propelling India to set new benchmarks of development and progress. I am truly impressed watching the India pavilion at this Expo”, he added The delegation is meeting Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, UAE, Mr. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO, DP World at the Expo 2020 site and is slated to hold a Vibrant Gujarat Roadshow in the city, later in the evening.
Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a biennial event was conceptualised in 2003 under the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India (then the Chief Minister of Gujarat). Continuing the success of Vibrant Gujarat Summits, Government of Gujarat is organizing the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit with the central theme: ‘From Aatmanirbhar Gujarat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, scheduled on 10-11-12 January 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The Summit will be inaugurated by Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel meets with UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi at Expo 2020
As per industry reports, at USD 22 billion, Gujarat received the highest amount of FDI equity in India for FY2021, accounting for 37 percent of the total FDI received in the country. It is a national leader in Chemicals & Petro-chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Gems & Jewellery, Automobile & Auto parts, Textiles among other sectors. The state accounts for 17 percent to India’s industrial output with 11 percent of the country’s factories located there.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel met industry leaders in one-on-one meetings during his visit to Mumbai earlier this month, as a pre-cursor to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit (VGGIS) 2022.
As a pre-cursor to the summit, Patel was in Mumbai for a road-show to invite investors to Gujarat.
“The Vibrant Gujarat Summit which was conceptualized in 2003 by the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, has built Gujarat’s global brand image. When he initiated the summit, it was a new experiment for the nation and the world. Today, it is a global brand image to reckon with,” said Patel.
“The summit has evolved, focusing on global issues, their solutions and opportunities available worldwide in addition to promoting investment in the state. Networking and knowledge sharing are other pertinent takeaways. Gujarat is deeply committed to fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat for the growth and development of India’s citizens,” added Patel.
Addressing leading industrialists and business delegates in Mumbai, he stressed on the dominance of Gujarat as the country’s most preferred investment destination across the globe. “Gujarat has an all-inclusive, all-round development ecosystem and with industry-friendly policies, the state is ready to welcome global and local industries/businesses seeking to re-locate in post-corona times,” added Patel.
“We aim to attract investment in sectors such as next-generation infrastructure, energy, digital network, fintech, start-up, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies. The VGGIS Summit is the best platform to be a part of the development journey from ‘Atmanirbhar Gujarat to Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” said Patel.
He invited financial institutions, fintech companies and startups present in the interactive meet to invest and do business in Gujarat’s GIFT City.
Positive approach of Gujarat leadership and bureaucrats has attracted industrialiststo expand their business in the state. Modi when he was CM, used to tell that State Government always put red carpet for industries and not red tape resulted Gujarat stands number 1 state to attract investment in the state … writes Nilesh Shukla
The word of entrepreneurship and Gujarat is a two side of one coin. There is no hidden fact that Gujarati are born entrepreneur. They have a high business sense as compared to others. It is also said that ‘Business means Gujarati‘. Narendra Modi who was aware the business skill of Gujjus, therefore he had pushed this skill in 2003 by organizing Vibrant Gujarat Global investors Summit. Since 2003, the State Government is organizing Global Investors’ Summit and makes efforts to attract industries for investment in Gujarat. The journey of Vibrant Gujarat started from 2003 and state has got remarkable result. Positive approach of Gujarat leadership and bureaucrats has attracted industrialist to expand their business in state. Modi when he was CM, used to tell that State Government always put red carpet for industries and not red tape resulted Gujarat stands number 1 state to attract investment in the state.
The visionary political leadership and positive attitude of state administration has put Gujarat in international map in context of investment-friendly state. As per data released by the State Government, Gujarat accounts for 17.44% of India’s industrial output (2018-2019). Gujarat is a national leader in sector of Automobiles & Auto Parts, Pharma and Medical Devices, Chemical and Petro-chemicals, Gems and Jewellery, Textiles, Garments & Apparel and Sanitary/Ceramics Goods. Gujarat has also put its name in world map in the sector of petroleum refining hub at Jamnagar, processed diamonds in Surat, Asia’s largest dairy and Morbi ceramic cluster is the 2nd largest in the world.
Gujarat is also pioneering state ranking 1st position in Foreign Direct Investment and Exports (2021), Export Preparedness Index-2020, Logistics Performance Index and LEASndex-2019 &2021, Composite Water Management Index by NITI Aayog -2019 and “Best Performing State” in the National Startup Ranking by DPIIT-2018 & 2019.
Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a biennial event was conceptualised in 2003 under the visionary leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India (then the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat). The Summit has today evolved into one of the most reputed global forums for business networking, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for inclusive socio-economic development.
Shri Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat CM says “Gujarat’s reputation as a business-friendly state across national and international geographies is driven by our robust industrial infrastructure. Its proactive policymaking, including ease of doing business, has made it the most preferred business destination of India and the world alike”
As a precursor to the Summit, seminars, events and exhibitions to showcase Gujarat’s distinctive accomplishments, strengths across sectors, and its preparedness to lead Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s growth story will be organised. Dholera SIR and GIFT CITY are the big-ticket projects for the development of Gujarat. Chief Secretary Shri Pankaj Kumar says Gujarat State is vibrant and has a very strong presence of MSMEs. We have not lost a single man-day in the state. On all parameters, Gujarat is a leading state. He invited potential investors to come and experience the vibrant feel of Gujarat.
Gujarat in terms of its industrial ecosystem & showcasing the investment opportunities available in Gujarat across various sectors, says Shri Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary.
The Summit will host flagship events on key national initiatives as well as emerging global agendas. As India completes 75 years of its Independence in 2022, “Azadi @ 75” will focus on flagship initiatives of the Government of India such PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, PLI Schemes with the vision of making India Aatmanirbhar as well as transformative governance reforms undertaken for reducing compliance burden for ease of doing business and ease of living. The seminar on Transitioning to a Green Economy will focus on global agenda pertaining to sustainable economic development and climate change with focus on National Hydrogen Mission and Green Hydrogen, Renewable Energy and Electric Mobility. In line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India, the seminar onTECHADEwill focus on technology & innovation as the drivers of next economic growth. The Roundtable with Global Financial Institutions (IFIs) will focus on FinTech, Sustainable Infrastructure Financing, Asset Monetization, Alternative Investment Funds as well as emerging opportunities in Aircraft Leasing and Bullion Exchange at GIFT City.
The Government of Gujarat’s initiatives and policies to attract investments, create employment opportunities and improve the Ease of Doing Business within the State will be disseminated to the investors in upcoming event.
In a curtain-raiser event, more than 80 diplomats participated, this shows that how Gujarat is pioneering to attract investors not in the country but also at the international level.
The journey of Vibrant Gujarat during the last 9 editions was very successful in terms of investment and the upcoming Global summit will focus on a number of policies and schemes of the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat. The central theme of VGGS 2022 would be – ‘From Aatmanirbhar Gujarat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ This chapter of VGGS 2022 attempts to focus on all key sectors imperative for the growth of the economy, The event will also focus on the core of policy formation and host several seminars on how Gujarat can play a pivotal role in achieving the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The GPS tracking device onboard Jalpari will be investigated by the forensic team to find out what exactly happened. Rest of the investigation will be carried out by the Porbandar police,” added Joshi…reports Asian Lite News.
A young fisherman from Palghar in Maharashtra was killed and another was injured after Pakistan Marine Security Agency (PMSA) troops fired at a fishing boat off Okha Coast, Porbandar, Gujarat, officials said on Sunday.
The deceased fisherman has been identified as Shridhar R. Chamare (32), a resident of Vadrai, a coastal village in Palghar district. The incident has sparked anger among the fishing community here.
Chamare’s body has been brought back to Okha and sent for post-mortem, confirmed the Devbhoomi Dwarka police. A case of murder has been registered in Porbandar as the incident happened in sea beyond 12 nautical miles. More details are awaited.
“‘Jalpari’, an Indian boat, sailed from Okha in Devbhoomi Dwarka district on October 25. The incident happened at around 4 pm on Saturday. One of the fishermen died after being hit by a bullet fired by PMSA troops. The boat returned to Okha on Sunday morning with the deceased and the injured fisherman, both hit by PMSA firing,” Dwarka SP Sunil Joshi said.
“The GPS tracking device onboard Jalpari will be investigated by the forensic team to find out what exactly happened. Rest of the investigation will be carried out by the Porbandar police,” added Joshi.
“Chamare was working on the boat ‘Jalpari’ owned by Jayanti Bokhama for the past more than three months,” Maninder Arekar, Chairman of Vadrai Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, said in a statement.
The fishermen have demanded that the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat should take up the matter with the Indian government to ensure that the body of Chamare is returned with full dignity. They also demanded that an international probe should be ordered into the rash action by the Pakistani troops.
Slamming the incident, India-Pakistan peace activist Jatin Desai said in Mumbai, “Firing is unacceptable…it violates all international conventions. Under no circumstances traditional fishing boats should be fired upon. It’s high time that the governments of India and Pakistan work out a permanent resolution to this issue. Ideally, both should agree to have a ‘no arrest policy’ also.”
Just four days back, the Indian government had released 10 Pakistani fishermen, who were arrested for illegally crossing over to the Indian territory. Border Security Force (BSF) jawans had handed over the fishermen to Pakistani Rangers at the Attari-Wagah border on Wednesday.
“There will be new museums, an amphitheater, VIP lounge, shops, food court among other things in the newly created ‘world class’ memorial as per the newspaper reports…reports Asian Lite News.
Around 130 eminent personalities from various segments of the country, opposing the Centre and Gujarat government’s joint plan to redevelop Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad through the Rs 1,200-crore ‘Gandhi Ashram Memorial and Precinct Development Project’, has criticised the move.
They came out with a statement on Wednesday, saying that the proposed project will “severely compromise simplicity and sanctity” of the present-day ashram and can be envisioned at best as “Gandhi Theme Park” and at worst “a second assassination.”
Prayer at Sabarmati Ashram on 30 January 2019 (Wikipedia)
The around 130 eminent personalities led by the president of Gujarat Sahitya Parishad and noted Gujarati writer Prakash Shah, historians Rajmohan Gandhi and Ramchandra Guha, musician T.M. Krishna, retired High Court Judge A.P. Shah, Admiral (Retd) Laxminarayan Ramdas, former IAS officer Sharad Behar, former IPS officer Julio Ribeiro, senior lawyer Anand Grover and activists Harsh Mander and many other activists, writers, Gandhians and former IAS and IPS officers have opposed the Union government’s plan to ‘develop’ the historic Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati, claiming that it will harm its sanctity.
“It was an attempt to take over Gandhian institutions”, they said in the statement.
The signatories also include social activists Shabnam Hashmi, Yogendra Yadav, Aruna Roy, Teesta Setalvad, writer and cultural activist G.N. Devy, filmmaker Anand Patvardhan, writer Ram Punyani and former IAS, artist and poet Gulam Mohammed Sheikh, journalist Kumar Ketkar, writer P. Sainath, among others.
The joint statement is titled as ‘Prevent Government takeover of Gandhian Institutions’.
“The present government is all set to ‘reclaim’ the ‘visual wholesomeness, tranquility and uncluttered environment of 1949’ and make it a ‘world-class’ tourist destination spread over 54 acres. It has announced a budget of Rs 1,200 crore for Gandhi Ashram Memorial and Precinct Development Project,” it says.
Charkha kept at Gandhi Ashram (Wikipedia)
“We must collectively oppose any government takeover of Gandhian institutions, while ensuring that the government continues to use public money for the proper maintenance and upkeep of such institutions, in consultation with eminent Gandhians, historians and archivists from India and around the world,” says the joint statement.
“There will be new museums, an amphitheater, VIP lounge, shops, food court among other things in the newly created ‘world class’ memorial as per the newspaper reports.
Kunj, at Sabarmati Ashram (Wikipedia)
“But, the place has never needed a ‘world-class’ makeover to attract tourists. The charisma of Gandhi along with the authenticity and simplicity of the place has been enough,” says the statement.
“Reports say that the project will be under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister. This is in keeping with the present government’s strategy to appropriate and commercialise all Gandhian institutions in the country. The worst example of this can be seen in Sevagram, but the most frightening aspect is government control over all Gandhian archives. As Mahatma Gandhi was murdered by elements whose ideology still inspires some of those in power in India, this danger cannot be overlooked,” it adds.
