The ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’ started on Friday from the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad with a 45-minute speech by Prime Minister Modi. The celebrations, which will run till August 2023, will mark the 75th year of India’s Independence from British colonial rule.
“Today we are seeing history being created. I salute the martyrs who kept the tradition of national defence alive even after Independence. These pious souls laid the brick for the reconstruction of independent India. I bow at their feet,” said the Prime Minister in his speech.
On the occasion of the anniversary of the start of the historic Dandi Yatra, the Prime Minister also remembered the significance of Gandhi’s march, saying, “We still say ‘humne desh ka namak khaya hai’. Salt means honesty and loyalty. It is a symbol of labour and equality.” He also said that the British had attacked this symbol of self-reliance and that the ‘Delhi Chalo’ slogan cannot be forgotten even today.
“Every movement inspires us. Many movements have not received as much importance as they should. We have to bring the lives of heroes and heroines to the people. India is moving forward with the strengthening of democracy,” PM Modi added.
Flagging off a 386-km march from the Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, the Prime Minister also stated, “If we take one step forward for the country, the country will move forward 130 crore steps. It will be celebrated in small forms without big celebration.”
PM Modi further said that India has also moved ahead economically. “India is moving forward on the aspirations of 130 crore people. India›s self-reliance in vaccine manufacturing has proved beneficial for the entire world. India has helped the people along the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.”
He then urged the people of the nation to play their role in the Rashtra Yajna by taking an oath and being a part of the Amrut Mahotsav. He also asked schools to organise 75 different programmes by forming 75 groups.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also addressed the gathering. “Today, the eyes of the entire country are on Gujarat. Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel started the freedom struggle from here, and on the same land today, freedom is being celebrated. The grandchildren of the land of Gujarat have come to guide the Prime Minister. On the 91st anniversary of the Dandi Yatra, the entire country is going to unite,” he said.
Singers Hariharan and Jubin Nautiyal also performed at the event while PM Modi launched the Amrut Mahotsav website.
Earlier on Friday, PM Modi arrived at the Ahmedabad airport from where he reached the Sabarmati Ashram. He laid a wreath at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and stayed for seven minutes before watching the demonstration.
Actor Anupam Kher who was also present at the event said that the younger generation needs to learn about the lifestyle of Mahatma Gandhi. On being asked about the Opposition, he commented, «I have nothing to say about the Opposition at the moment. This is not an issue to protest. We have come to the program in honour of the great men who have contributed to the liberation of the country.”
The event saw the participation of people from all over the country. A group from Tamil Nadu arrived to perform at the PM›s programme, while more than 30 pedestrians from Madhya Pradesh joined the Dandi Yatra. People from Ahmedabad also arrived at Abhay Ghat to attend the meeting.