Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday, 19 September 2026, visited Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad as part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' — an initiative marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service and governance. During the visit, Patel interacted with prisoners, distributed fruits, and toured multiple skill development centres operating within the facility.

Interaction with Inmates

During his interaction, Chief Minister Patel listened to prisoners sing the bhajan 'Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye…' — a devotional composition historically associated with Mahatma Gandhi — and urged them to imbibe its values and become 'Vaishnavs' in the true sense of the word. He emphasised that even a single lapse in judgement could carry serious consequences, affecting not just the individual but their entire family, and called upon the inmates to embrace the path of self-restraint.

Patel also shared light-hearted moments with the prisoners, creating what officials described as a relaxed and open atmosphere. He noted that products manufactured inside the jail are used by ordinary citizens, and that bhajiyas prepared at the facility have gained considerable popularity.

Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and Government Commitment

Referring to Prime Minister Modi's well-known approach of treating the entire nation as family, Patel said: 'The state government is similarly committed to ensuring that inmates receive the facilities they need.' He also encouraged the prisoners to actively participate in the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, connecting the prison visit to the broader campaign celebrating Modi's governance milestones.

This visit is one of several outreach events being conducted by Gujarat government officials as part of the Abhiyan, which spans public service activities across the state.

Skill Development Centres at Sabarmati Jail

The Chief Minister toured a range of skill development centres inside Sabarmati Central Jail, including a computer centre, and facilities for carpentry, weaving, and book-binding. He engaged with inmates working at these centres, learning about the activities undertaken to equip prisoners with marketable skills upon release. Notably, Patel also purchased several products crafted by the prisoners, a gesture that officials said was intended to encourage inmate enterprise.

Historical Rooms of Freedom Fighters

As part of the visit, Chief Minister Patel also toured rooms within Sabarmati Central Jail where prominent figures from India's freedom struggle had been imprisoned. These include Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jhaverchand Meghani, Abbas Tyabji, Ravishankar Maharaj, and Rasiklal Parikh — all of whom were detained at the facility during the colonial era. The rooms serve as a reminder of the jail's historical significance beyond its current correctional role.

Ganeshotsav Visit in Maninagar

Following his jail visit, the Chief Minister proceeded to Dakshini Society in the Maninagar area of Ahmedabad to participate in the Ganeshotsav festivities. He offered prayers to Lord Ganesha and performed the aarti, with the premises resonating with chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' upon his arrival.

The twin visits — to the jail and the festival — underscore the Gujarat government's push to project a message of reform, community engagement, and cultural continuity in the weeks ahead.