30 April, 2010

Swarnim Gujrat

Welcome to Golden Gujarat 
 
The strength of a pledge can never be underestimated. The pledge may be howsoever small, but the collective strength is tremendous. Just imagine, every Gujarati person takes a pledge to march one step ahead, then pledges of 55 million Gujaratis will propel Gujarat by 55 million steps and Gujarat will march to a level where it will not be stymied by any one in the world.

Come and join to make Gujarat a Golden Gujarat. Take a pledge for the Golden Gujarat.

About Golden Gujarat

1st May 1960, and with first ray of sunlight hitting the ground, Gujarat began a new era. This was to be an era of self confidence, of trend setting, of proving to the world, what Gujarat and Gujaratis have been known for ages. It was to prove to be a watershed in history of Gujarat.

The preceding years had seen a visionary struggle – a struggle for statehood, a charm for smaller geographical units with potential of turning adversities into advantages. The “Maha Gujarat Andolan” as it was called was led by visionary leaders like Indulal Yagnik, Jivraj Mehta, Harihar Khambholja and Brahmakumar Bhatt. The movement had its roots in difficulties for hinterlands of Gujarat to travel all the way to Mumbai for administrative affairs. As Government of India had already carved out separate units for administrative purposes in southern India on linguistic considerations, the desire of Gujarati masses was justified. After a long struggle of four years, the Central Government agreed to the State of Gujarat and under the leadership of Shri Jivraj Mehta, first Government of Gujarat was sworn in on May 1st, 1960. The oath of office was administered by Pt. Ravishankar Maharaj at the Gandhi Ashram and hence came into being a State called Gujarat with natural geographical formation looking like “Jaws of Lion”.

Since time immemorial, Gujarat and Gujaratis have been known for their leadership and entrepreneurial skills, for their risk taking abilities and for their desire to reach to distant territories seeking opportunities. Since the days of silk route to the trading ports at Lothal and Dholavira, Gujarati people have moved to different parts of the world and set their empires there. Be it to the mines of Africa or businesses of America or diamonds at Antwerp, Gujaratis have marked their stamp every where.

It is not just in business and entrepreneurship that Gujarat has led the way. The land also gave birth to Mahatma Gandhi, apostle of non violence, who initiated a new lineage to the philosophy of social reform and political struggles world over through his weapon of “Non Violence”. The land also gave birth to leaders like Sardar Patel, Shyamji Kishan Verma, Morarji Desai, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Shri Tribhovandas, Dadabhai Naoroji, Dhirubhai Ambani, Poet Narmad, Sarla Tai, Javerchand Meghani and Thakkarbapa to name a few.

Since the state hood, Gujarat has never looked back and achieved many milestones and has led the way for other states to emulate. The successes have come in many fields and through innovations - be it through two rounds of green revolutions to improve productivity in agriculture sector and make farmers and villages prosperous, through co-operatives and white revolution to empower women and provide a strong backbone to rural Gujarat, through inter linking of rivers and by taking waters of Narmada to every nook and corner of Gujarat and making every village self sufficient in their drinking water needs or by ensuring that every household in Gujarat gets 24 hour electricity supply.

The investment climate and industry friendly policies of Gujarat get affirmed when who’s who of business community from India joined with other investors from abroad on Jan. 12-13th, 2009 during Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit at Ahmedabad and signed Memorandum of Understandings expressing their desire to invest over Rs. 12,00,000 Crores ( US $240 Billion) through over 8500 projects. The state has through its proactive approach established itself as a leader in setting up Special Economic Zones and has moved one step ahead with its emphasis on developing Special Investment Regions.

The State has also made tremendous progress on socio-economic front through strategic interventions in social sectors. The centers of excellence in forms of IIM, NID, NIFT, CEPT, IIT, Forensic University and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Petroleum University for higher education and concerted action through “School Enrollment Programme” and “Girl Child Education Programme” has given fillip to the principle of quality education for all right from elementary education to higher education.

The recent recognition to Gujarat as destination for medical tourism has come after intense efforts. The state has made big strides in community health care through its “Janani Suraksha Yojana” and “Chiranjivi Yojana”.

True, the state has through its rich culture, deep rooted heritage and colorful vibrancy has compelled everyone to look at the state with awe and respect. Now that the Gujarat is completing 50 years of its formation, the state is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. The celebrations are not only for achievements of past i.e. the glorious journey that Gujarat has been through over the years and for land mark achievements across sectors but also for a vision – A vision of even better Gujarat, A vision of a prosperous Gujarat, A vision where every Gujarati person is educated, A vision where every Gujarati person is healthy, A vision of a clean Gujarat, A vision of Green Gujarat, A vision of modern Gujarat.

The Gujarat of this vision will be truly a “Golden Gujarat” and that will be achieved not just by actions of the Government but through equal participation by every Gujarati person.

Every person of Gujarat can be partner in this vision of a “Golden Gujarat”. He can do so by contributing in which ever manner he likes. What is required is only one pledge – a pledge of determination with dedication. The pledge may be howsoever small, but as Hon’ble Chief Minister has succinctly put it, the “Sankalp” - pledges of 55 million Gujaratis may be howsoever small, but the collective strength of those pledges will propel Gujarat on a path of development which will be unparalleled and unprecedented.

The time has come now to join the celebrations, to be partner in progress of Gujarat to make it truly a “Golden Gujarat”.

Come and join in this movement, take a pledge. Every pledge and every contribution counts. It counts for the vision of Golden Gujarat that all of us dream of.

“Let us take a pledge for the Golden Gujara


Gujaratpedia 

Subject Wise 

Gujaratpedia is an encyclopedia of Guajrat where people will build profile of Gujarat and Gujarat's art, culture and heritage.


Business and Industries(8)
Culture(45)
Education(21)
Geography(18)
Health and Fitness(8)
History(20)
Religion and Spirituality(12)
Science and Technology(25)
Society(0)
Sports and Games(2)
Tourism(18)             

Village Book

Gujaratpedia is an encyclopedia of Guajrat where people will build profile of Gujarat and Gujarat's art, culture and heritage.
  
Ahmedabad(49)
Amreli(4)
Anand(9)
Banaskantha(2)
Bharuch(3)
Bhavnagar(10)
Dahod(0)
Dang(1)
Gandhinagar(23)
Jamnagar(1)
Junagadh(9)
Kutch(9)
Kheda(2)
Mehsana(14)
Narmada(0)
Navsari(2)
Panchmahal(1)
Patan(5)
Porbandar(1)
Rajkot(8)
Sabarkantha(8)
Surat(7)
Surendranagar(6)
Baroda(1)
Valsad(1)
noida(0)
seoni(0)
Khurda(0)
Pune(0)
vizag(0)
Kanpur(0)
KOLKATA(0)
Mumbai(0)
Bikaner(0)
SALEM(1)
calicut(0)
burdwan(0)
Thane(0)
Sec'bad(0)
B(0)
Sultanpur(0)
JAIPUR(0)
kamrup(0)
Pondichery(0)
Bangalore(0)
Dehradun(0)
chennai(0)
Sangli(0)


Pledges

Take a Pledges

Gujarat is completing 50 years of its formation on 1st May, 2010. The journey so far has been quite gratifying. Today, the State is being looked upon as being closely with the developed regions of the world in terms of development parameters. The credit for this goes to the people of Gujarat. The Gujarati diaspora, too with significant has added to the progress and pride of the state. Overcoming many odds and adversities, we have been able to achieve this extraordinary feat. We have reached a threshold point of development and are ready to take off for newer heights. With the golden jubilee year, we will enter into our Golden phase.

Gujarat will become golden Gujarat when each and every citizen wears a golden smile on his face. Golden jubilee, therefore, is both a moment of celebration of past achievements as well as an occasion for resolving to move ahead with more vigour and commitment to fulfill our individual and combined aspirations. If each one of us takes one pledge-one Sankalp, howsoever little, either personal or public. I am sure, they will result into 5.5 crore steps which will enable the State to take a quantum leap.I wish that we celebrate the golden jubilee in such a way that every citizen gets involved; everyone has the feeling of belongingness in the progress of performance and pride in the celebrations.This website is a tool and a platform for all of us to come together to and shape the Gujarat of our dreams; a Golden Gujarat. Come forward with your ideas and suggestions about making Gujarat golden, share the material and literature about Gujarat, anything and everything you feel like sharing or doing regarding our beloved State during this golden and glorious period.

District Wise Pledges 

Ahmedabad (295)
Baroda (94)
Gandhinagar (77)
Valsad (75)
Bharuch (72)
Junagadh (72)
Anand (56)
Surat (51)
Banaskantha (39)
Thane (34)
Rajkot (28)
Sabarkantha (28)
Patan (24)
Navsari (24)
Bhavnagar (21)
Mehsana (18)
Jamnagar (16)
Amreli (12)
Surendranagar (10)
Mumbai (10)
Porbandar (8)
Kutch (7)
Panchmahal (6)
Kheda (5)
Pune (5)
KOLKATA (3)
Bangalore (3)
Dehradun (2)
burdwan (1)
Sultanpur (1)
Dahod (1)

 
Subject Wise Pledges 

water (97)
society (85)
tree (74)
electricity (74)
tax (57)
traffic (48)
peace (45)
contribute (42)
Culture (40)
assistance (39)
responsibility (36)
Education (33)
CARE (31)
Co-operation (31)
clean (29)
honest (28)
model village (27)
Social (24)
eco-friendly (23)
Forestry (22)
Civic Sense (22)
natural resources (22)
respect (22)
moral values (20)
Technologies (20)
national property (18)
voluntary activities (16)
modern technology (16)
dowry (15)
quality (14)
SOCIAL SERVICE (12)
Health care (12)
Administration (11)
Self Improvement (11)
sibility (11)
Social Respon (11)
Social Responsibility (11)
Polution Control (11)
responsibilities (11)
Traffic Rules (10)
healthcare (10)
crime (9)
citizen charter (8)
free service (7)
Green Gujarat (7)
earch (6)
donate (6)
wildlife (6)
solar (6)
Health (6)
people (6)
nature (6)
mid day meal (5)
Strong India (5)
ENVIRONMENT (5)
Healthy India (5)
help (4)
Forest (4)
GAJANAND C.RAMTEKAR.NAVRANGPURA. AHMEDABAD (4)
i will try to bring a averness in gujarat by my HINDUSTANI FOUNDETION TRUST. (4)
jay hind (4)
jay jay garvi gujarat. (4)
jo 1-1 gujarati sanklap leshe to Gujarat to Svarnim Bansej (4)
Environment Gujarat (4)
enviornment (4)
Educational (4)
.........JAY JAY GARVI GUJARAT...... (4)
Bonny Patel (4)
Swarnim Gujarat (4)
save it (4)
will save us. (4)
Water and Electricity is gift of nature (4)
pan sathe Bharat pan Swarnim Banse. (4)
polution free city (4)
Poor (3)

Events

Current Events

Sr No. Date Name of event Venue
1 30th Apr 2010 Swarnim Gujarat Vaishwik Sammelan Convention Center, Gujarat university
2 30th Apr 2010 Jaynaad and Mashal Jyot Programme All District and Taluka places


Upcoming Events

Sr No. Date Name of event Venue
1 01st May 2010 Vande Gujarat Sardar Patel Stadium
2 01st May 2010 Swarnim Sankalp Programme Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad


Past Events 

Sr No. Date Name of event Venue
1 14th Apr 2010 Concluding Ceremony of Sankalp Jyot yatra - Phase II All Taluka Places
2 12th Feb-14th Apr 2010 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Yatra Gujarat State
3 15-17th Jan 2010 Convention on Buddhism Vadodara, MS University
4 01st Jan 2010 Swarnim Gujarat Sansadiya Parishad Gujarat Assembly
5 30th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Dhari, Amreli
6 29th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Mahuva, Bhavnagar     
7 26th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Karjan, Vadodara
8 24-25th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Surat City
9 12-13th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Vadodara City
10 11th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Zalod, Dahod
11 10th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Kadana, Panchmahals
12 09th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Gandhinagar
13 08th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Mahesana Town
14 06th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Vadali, Sabarkantha
15 05th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Danta, Banaskantha
16 04th Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Patan town
17 03rd Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Ahmedabad City
18 01st Oct 2009 Swarnim Gujarat Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra Gujarat Assembly, Gandhinagar
19 26th Jan 2009 Republic Day Celebrations Godhara, Panchmahal
20 25th Jan 2009 Launching Ceremony of Website of Golden Jubilee Celebrations Godhara, Panchmahal         


Organization Structure

To carry out celebration of Golden Jubilee of Gujarat, a committee headed by Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi has been reconstituted as under vide GR No. GGC-commitee-102009-824, dated 2/9/2009

1 Hon'ble Chief Minister Chairman
2 Shri Ashok Bhatt Member
3 Smt. Anandiben Patel Member
4 Shri Fakirbhai Vaghela Member
5 Chief Secretary Member
6 Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Finance Department Member
7 Additional Chief Secretary (Services) General Administration Department Member
8 Principal Secretary (Education) Education Department Member
9 Secretary Youth, Sports & Cultural Activities Deapartment Member
10 Shri K. P. Yagnik, Retired I.A.S Member
11 Shri Vishnu Pandya Writer-literary Member
12 Secretary, ARTD, General Administration Department Member
13 Director General, Gujarat Golden Jubilee Celebration Secretariat Memeber Secretary


To assist above mentioned committee in carrying out the task of Golden Jubilee Celebration, a secretariat has been setup with following organization.  


SR.
NO.
NAME & DESIGNATION TEL. NO. (Office) MOBILE E-MAIL ID
1
Shri D. K. Rao, IAS
Director General
23257795 9978406108 dg-syc@gujarat.gov.in
2 Shri Dhananjay Dwivedi, IAS
Director
23257897 9978405341
3 Shri K. S. Prajapati
Officer on Spl. Duty
23257780 9978405517 us1-syc@gujarat.gov.in
4 Shri D. K. Dave
Officer on Spl. Duty
23257967 9978405370 osd3-syc@gujarat.gov.in
5 Shri Urmish Patel
Accounts Officer
23257879
ao-syc@gujarat.go

29 April, 2010

Ramlila Festival

Introduction

Ramlila is simply an enactment of complete Hindu epic-Ramayana. It covers the complete life, values, principles and journey of Lord Rama. Every episode of his life is enacted with lots of detailing is very informative and is called a “Lila”.
It is celebrated across India yet Ramlila of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are typically very popular and special. Ramlila is one such event or celebration that till date embodies and encapsulates Hindu tradition and ethics very well.
The life and values of Lord Rama is the best lesson to be learnt in one’s life and especially to Hindus Ramlila remains the best visual treat and learning experiences in life. It is observed every year in the month of September- October.
Significance

Ramlila is followed across India with great vigor and enthusiasm. Perhaps many Hindus would not have read complete Ramayan but its enactment in the form of Ramlila is not only a learning experience from the life of Shri Ram , but also is fun and entertaining.

Especially for children, who may find it cumbersome to Read the epic find it interesting to watch Ramlila and through it their young minds absorb many things. To move from one episode of lord Rama’s Life to another through the process of Ramlila is like a Pilgrimage to Hindus and indeed “worship In Action”.

Since ages Lord Rama is observed and worshipped as “Maryada Purshottam” and seen as “Best among dignified”.
Celebrations

Across India

Although typically a Hindu celebration, Ramlila is followed by people from different religions and is open to all. Many cities in India hold Ramlila for different periods of time ranging from 7, 14 to 31 days.

Not only as viewers but 100’s of Sadhus from across the country called “Ramayanis” assemble and recite the text and lessons of Ramayan. The enactment in forms of skits/ plays is very colorful and includes fascinating dresses, jewellary, decorations and carried out in very ethnic manner with no involvement of technology to make it look more ethnic and gives authenticity.
Although celebrated across India the Ramlila of Delhi, UP and especially that of Ramnagar (Varanasi) are very popular.

Ramlila in Ramnagar:
Ramnagar is a small town located about 15 Km from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The Ramlila observed here is not only popular but maintains its originality till date. It is believed that the “Maharaja of Kashi” started it years ago in a very traditional manner.

Certain highlights of this Ramlila that stands it apart from those observed in other states are:

Duration:

As compared to Ramlila celebrated elsewhere in India for duration of nearly 14 days, the one in Ramnagar is spread over complete 31 days, with every little event of importance being covered.

Multiple Sets:

As against single set designated for Ramlila in other cities, in Ramnagar there are multiple sets ranging from original palaces, to gardens to some historic place that are permanently reserved for this purpose only. These different locations symbolically denote different areas / places related to Ramayan for Example: Ashok vatika, Lanka, Panchvati etc… Along with the play as viewers move on the footsteps of lord Rama, it also becomes a spiritual experience, indeed a pilgrimage for devotees.

Unaffected By technology:

As most of the traditional fairs and festivals in India have moved and transformed into a new form with the growing technology, this place still imbibes and follows the traditional ways and means of Ramlila enactment. There is no use of electric lights, cameras, special effects, and other animation, sound effect technologies.

Still no seats:

one interesting thing to notice in this Ramlila is that as in earlier times there used to be no seats and elevated platforms for viewers, the same tradition is followed till today, wherein the viewers sit on ground, lean on roofs, climb on tress, elevate on walls to witness the event.

Ram Barat Festival

Rambarat is one of the important festivals of Uttar Pradesh, the festival is mainly celebrated in the city Agra. The festival celebrates the marriage of Lord Rama. Festivities are marked by marriage procession of Sri Ram during Ramlila celebrations in the city.

 Celebration 

Every year a new place of the town is chosen as Janakpuri, the bride’s place, which is ornately decorated for the royal wedding to welcome the procession.

The procession includes different tableaux or jhankis of local people dressed as Lord Rama and Laxman, mounted on beautifully decorated elephants. The grand procession starts from Lala Channomalji Ki Baradari for the Janakpuri venue and passes through different parts of the town.  

The stunning ambience of the town attracts large number of local population as well as tourists to witness the portrait of divine wedding.

Time to celebrate:

The Festival of Royal wedding procession called Rambarat is celebrated every year in the month of October or September during the celebration of popular Ramlila.


Rajgir Mahotsav

Introduction :

Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadhan empire in Bihar is held sacred by both Buddhists and Jains for its association with the Buddha and Mahavir. Department of Tourism, Bihar holds a colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Mahotsav or Dance Festival every year in Rajgir. Be it instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music, geniuses in their own realms of accomplishments, create an almost ethereal atmosphere. This festival held during last week of October attracts tourists in large numbers.

The colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Dance Festival is held at Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha kings. Department of Tourism, Bihar organises every year, this vibrant festival of classical and folk dances at Rajgir - the land where the Buddha meditated and preached, from October 4 to October 26.

Holding a sterling position in the Indian Cultural Calendar, Rajgir Mahotsav is the ultimate destination for the connoisseurs of Indian cultural form of expression of the self. Be it instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music, geniuses in their own realms of accomplishments, create an almost ethereal atmosphere to electrify true devotees.

In the past, some of the great artists who have performed at the festival are Sonal Man Singh, Hema Malini, Sanyukta Panigrahi, Nalini-Kamalini, Swapna Sundari, Shovna Narayan, Madhukar Anand, Madhumita Roy, Amita Dutta, Mukund Nayak, Madhavi Mudgal, Leela Samson and Anand Shankar. The sanctity of Rajgir is aptly acclaimed by the performance of such respected artistes, who, in their humility, feel blessed by this land of the holy. 

History

Rajgir (meaning house of the king) was earlier the capital of Magadh, until 5th centaury BC. After the formation of Patliputra the capital was shifted from Rajgrih (then) to Patliputra.

Historically, the king of this place Jarasandha, was defeated by Lord Krishna 17 times. When it came to the 18th time, Krishna had left the place without a war. Also according to Mahabharata one of the Pandavas Bhima had split Jarasandha into two halves and threw both in opposite directions. Jarasandha was invincible as his body could rejoin any dismembered limbs. There is a famous Jarasandha's Akhara(place where you practice martial arts).

The place has a feel and aura of Buddhism as it is closely associated with Lord Buddha.

Buddha had not only spent many years here, but also delivered sermons and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill.It is believed that the Jivekarmavan monastery was one of favourite places to reside for Buddha. Many teachings of Lord Buddha was penned down here in Rajgir and the place is proudly the host of First ever Buddhist council.

The place also traces its history to the captivity of Bimbisara. It is believed that Ajatashatru had captivated his father Bimbisara here ages ago. Although it is not properly sourced that who out of Bimbisara or ajatshatru was responsible for the establishment of the town, but it was Ajatshatru who was responsible for moving the capital to Patliputra.

Based on some ancient Buddhist and Jain scriptures the place has been divided into new and old Rajgir.

Rajgir

Rajgir or Rajgrih literally means the home of Royalty. It is located 15 Kms from Nalanda.Before Patliputra was formed it was the capital of Magadh and was known as Rajgrih. It is a small and beautiful town, which actually is a valley. The town is all surrounded by ecstatic hills and mountains. There is enough natural beauty to captivate any visitor to the place.

The place has a feel and aura of Buddhism as it is closely associated with Lord Buddha.

Buddha had not only spent many years here, but also delivered sermons and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill.It is believed that the Jivekarmavan monastery was one of favourite places to reside for Buddha. Many teachings of Lord Buddha was penned down here in Rajgir and the place is proudly the host of First ever Buddhist council.

Major Attractions:

Today, the town of Rajgir is one of the favorite pilgrimage gestination for many Hindus, Jains and Buddhists as there are numerous exquisite temples of jains, Buddhists and Hindua built here.

Not only from the religious point of view, but the town is also a very renowned holiday destination due to the scenery and weather charm of the place.


Rajgir is famous for its warm water ponds. These water ponds are supposed to contain some medicinal properties that cure many skin diseases.

The added attraction of Rajgir is the Ropeway which takes you uphill to the Shanti Stupa and Monasteries built by the Japanese Devotees on top of the Ratnagiri hills.
  
How to Reach

Rajgir is one of the most important tourist destinations in India. It is located in the state of Bihar and being a valley, there is tremendous scenaric attraction for the visitors.

One of the major attractions for tourists visiting India is the annual dance mahotsav held at Rajgir. It is a well accessible town and the weather in which the event is held is simply the best.

By Air:

In order to reach Rajgir Dance Festival by air, you can board flights from the major airports of the country to Patna. From Patna Airport, you can hire taxis to arrive at the venue, which is at a distance of just 105 kms.

By Rail:

The nearest railway station to Rajgir is at Gaya. The station is well-connected to the other cities of Bihar and other cities of the country. You can take buses or hire taxis to reach the venue that lies at a distance of 95 kms.

By Road:

Rajgir is well-connected to Gaya and Nalanda. One can take regular buses or hire cabs to reach the venue.