By Japan K Pathak

Surat: Though it was a function limited to bhoomi pujan ceremony for construction of a hostel project by Saurashtra Patel Samaj, Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi’s well-worked speech via video conferencing and the message embedded in it was beyond just one function, one occasion and one community.

The Prime Minister mentioned Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s remark in his speech in which Patel had said – all countrymen are the children of Bharat, and Jaati and Panth must not become obstruction in our path … We all should love our country and create our fortune with mutual love and cooperation.

The Prime Minister added how Sardar saheb’s such thoughts have always given strength to Gujarat. He pointed out that ‘Nation First’ is life-mantra of Sardar saheb’s children.

The message was relevant and appropriate for the entire country and all communities as an important lesson to go beyond castes and communities with the mantra of Nation First.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the names of so many institution-builders of past decades who are forgotten.

In reference to ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav,’ he mentioned Chhaganbha, a doyen who established Kadi Sarva Vidyalay Kelavni Mandal as early as in 1919. Today Kadi Sarva Vidyalay has expanded to a mammoth educational organization and uplifted the lives of lakhs of people in North Gujarat region. Same was done by Bhai Kaka in the Central Gujarat region by his services to Charotar Vidya Mandal. In fact Bhaikaka and Bhailalbhai had set up an entire town focused around knowledge and education which is thriving even today as Vallabh Vidyanagar. The Prime Minister in this reference also remembered HM Patel. He recalled Mohanlal Laljibhai Patel (Mo La Patel) who set up a huge educational institute. He recalled Mohanbhai Virjibhai Patel who set up a hostel namely Patel Ashram in Amreli. He recalled Keshavaji Virani and Karshanbhai Virani who had built a school and hostel for girls in Jamnagar. The Prime Minister also recalled Naginbhai Patel, Sakalchand Patel and Ganpatbhai Patel whose attempts fructified in the form of various universities.

Such inspiring gems, dedicated to the service of the society, have been there all over the country in every walk of life, however it is generally observed that they are not remembered enough. The Prime Minister made good use of the occasion to remember these gentlemen who contributed immensely to shape entire generations in the sphere of knowledge and education. In fact many of the community members were unaware of some names of institution builders the Prime Minister mentioned while uncovering a distinct facet of the community’s own history.

The Prime Minister has always believed sand said in his speeches that education is the most important tool to uplift any community or society.

Click here for full text of speech in Hindi
DeshGujarat