Gujarat Marks 66th Foundation Day with Grand Parade in Surat as CM Hails Development Model

Key facts

• Gujarat celebrates its 66th Foundation Day on May 1, known as Gujarat Gaurav Diwas.
• Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the state's development model has drawn global attention.
• Patel credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for laying the foundation of 'development politics' after 2001.
• Power generation capacity rose from 8,750 MW to around 53,000 MW.
• Gujarat is the only state with an integrated gas grid, water grid and electricity grid.
• Two semiconductor plants have become operational; two more are planned in Sanand and Dholera.
• Surat police will perform daring bike stunts, including human pyramids and sword-wielding acts in traditional Kutchi attire.
• Women police officers in sarees will perform stunts to showcase women empowerment.

A Spectacle of Stunts and Heritage in Surat

Surat is set to host an unprecedented Gujarat Gaurav Divas celebration on May 1, transforming the city into a stage for a Republic Day-style parade. For the first time, residents will witness police personnel performing daring bike stunts along a route from Y Junction to Lalbhai Contractor Stadium. The parade will feature high-risk human pyramids, with multiple officers balancing on a single moving bike. Personnel dressed in traditional Kutchi attire will perform sword-wielding stunts, evoking historical warriors, while others in saint-like costumes add a spiritual dimension. Women police officers in sarees will execute challenging stunts, delivering a strong message of women empowerment. Another breathtaking act involves a jawan performing on a narrow iron rod placed between two moving bikes, requiring extreme precision and balance. The event will also include tableaux representing Gujarat's development journey and Surat's historical legacy, blending patriotism, culture, and entertainment.

Chief Minister’s Vision of Global Recognition

On the eve of the 66th Foundation Day, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel asserted that Gujarat's development model has impressed the world. Extending greetings for 'Gujarat Gaurav Diwas', he attributed the state's growth to collective efforts and visionary leadership. “The whole world is impressed by Gujarat’s development model and is attracted to Gujarat today,” he said. Patel recalled the blessings of figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, and Shyamji Krishna Varma, whose inspiration shaped Gujarat's journey. He noted that when the state was formed on May 1, 1960, doubts were raised about how a region with desert, coastline and hills would progress. “But everyone can see the clear difference between Gujarat’s four decades of development from 1960 to 2000 and the uninterrupted development journey of two and a half decades after 2001,” Patel said, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for laying the foundation of “development politics” in the state.

From Power to Semiconductors: Infrastructure Milestones

Patel highlighted major strides in electricity, water, roads, health, education and social sectors. Through the ‘Jyotigram Yojana’, 24-hour continuous three-phase electricity is now provided to villages. Power generation capacity has soared from 8,750 MW to around 53,000 MW, and Gujarat is the only state with an integrated gas grid, water grid and electricity grid. The Chief Minister pointed to initiatives such as the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit, launched in 2003 when Modi was CM, which has positioned the state as a “global gateway to the future” and contributed to low unemployment. District-level strengths are promoted through regional conferences aimed at taking local products to global markets. Gujarat is also focusing on renewable energy and green growth, including solar, wind and green hydrogen. Renewable energy capacity now accounts for 15 percent of the country’s total, and more than three lakh houses have been covered under rooftop solar schemes. Two semiconductor plants have become operational, with two more to be built in Sanand and Dholera, which are set to become hubs of the semiconductor industry. An AI Centre of Excellence has been established at GIFT City.

Urban Development and Regional Planning

On urban and regional development, Patel said the government has increased the urban development budget by 40 percent. Economic master plans for six regions have been prepared with support from NITI Aayog. These plans aim to drive balanced growth across the state, moving beyond traditional industries by promoting high-tech sectors. The Chief Minister asserted that Gujarat has emerged as a role model for the country under Modi’s leadership. “People have continued to repose faith in Modi’s leadership,” he said, underscoring the political continuity that has underpinned the state’s transformation.

Preparations and Public Invitation for the Celebration

Preparations for the Surat parade are in full swing, with the district administration and police conducting rehearsals and ensuring tight security arrangements. Officials have invited citizens to gather in large numbers at Y Junction at 5 PM to witness this historic celebration. The event is designed not only to demonstrate strength and discipline but also to celebrate Gujarat’s rich heritage and cultural diversity. The combination of daredevil stunts, cultural performances, and tableaux is expected to draw thousands, marking a new chapter in the state's annual festivities.

A State’s Journey from Doubt to Global Spotlight

Gujarat’s 66th Foundation Day arrives at a moment when the state is projecting itself as a model of development and a hub for cutting-edge industries. The contrast between the early decades of struggle and the rapid progress since 2001 is a central theme in the Chief Minister’s narrative. As the state celebrates its achievements, the Surat parade serves as a vivid symbol of the confidence and ambition that define contemporary Gujarat. The event underscores a deliberate blend of tradition and modernity, with police stunts and cultural displays reinforcing a message of discipline, empowerment, and progress.

The bottom line

• Gujarat’s 66th Foundation Day is marked by a grand parade in Surat featuring police stunts, human pyramids, and cultural tableaux.
• Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post-2001 leadership for the state’s transformation.
• Power generation capacity has increased sixfold to 53,000 MW, and Gujarat has integrated gas, water, and electricity grids.
• Two semiconductor plants are operational, with two more planned; an AI Centre of Excellence has been set up at GIFT City.
• Renewable energy capacity is 15% of India’s total, with over 300,000 houses covered by rooftop solar schemes.
• The urban development budget has been raised by 40%, and economic master plans for six regions are in place.