Gujarat Foundation Day 2025: Amit Shah, Nitin Nabin mark state's 66th year
Synopsis
On Gujarat's 66th Foundation Day, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president Nitin Nabin paid tribute to the state's entrepreneurial legacy — while Surat hosted a ceremonial march, 250-artist cultural showcase, and the launch of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, blending cultural pride with an investment-forward agenda.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat's 66th Foundation Day (Gujarat Gaurav Diwas) was observed on 1 May 2025 , marking the state's formation in 1960 after the bifurcation of the Bombay State.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president Nitin Nabin extended greetings, highlighting Gujarat's cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
The main state-level programme was held in Surat , attended by Governor Acharya Devvrat , CM Bhupendra Patel , and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi .
An evening cultural showcase titled 'Glorious Gujarat: From Heritage to Development' featured more than 250 artists at Dumas Sea Face .
The Gujarat Garima Award was presented as part of the state honours, alongside release of two publications on Surat's development.
The third edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference began in Surat on the same day, covering industry, MSMEs, and sustainability.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin on Friday, 1 May 2025 extended greetings on Gujarat's 66th Foundation Day, honouring the state's cultural heritage and its sustained contributions to national development. The occasion, formally known as Gujarat Gaurav Diwas, marks the formation of the state in 1960 following the bifurcation of the erstwhile Bombay State on linguistic lines.
What Amit Shah Said
In a post on X, Shah described Gujarat as "a sacred land of glorious history, rich culture and unique entrepreneurship." He credited the state with making "a significant contribution to building a prosperous and strong nation" — from independence to integration, and from cooperative enterprise to self-employment. Shah concluded by invoking Lord Somnath, praying for happiness, prosperity, and splendour for the people of the state. He also highlighted Gujarat's role in embodying the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' both within India and abroad.
BJP President Nitin Nabin's Greetings
BJP national president Nitin Nabin also took to social media to mark the occasion, describing Gujarat as "a land of vibrant culture, industrious people and a rich historical legacy." Nabin said the state "has consistently set benchmarks of excellence" and called its entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to national progress "a testament to the resilience and vision of its citizens."
Key Celebrations in Surat
The main state-level programme for Gujarat Foundation Day 2025 is being held in Surat. The event begins with a ceremonial march from Y Junction near VR Mall to Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, featuring police contingents in a march-past, cultural performances, and a motorcycle stunt display. Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi are attending alongside other officials and public representatives.
In the evening, a large cultural programme titled
Point of View
Paired with the simultaneous launch of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, is a deliberate conflation of statehood pride with economic branding. Shah's invocation of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' and the emphasis on entrepreneurship fits a familiar template: Gujarat as the proof-of-concept for the BJP's development model. What merits scrutiny is whether the celebratory optics translate into measurable gains for the state's MSME sector and its working-class citizens, many of whom remain outside the formal economy despite Gujarat's headline growth figures.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gujarat Foundation Day and why is it celebrated on 1 May?
Gujarat Foundation Day, also known as Gujarat Gaurav Diwas, marks the formation of the state of Gujarat on 1 May 1960, when the erstwhile Bombay State was bifurcated along linguistic lines. The day is observed annually with official ceremonies, cultural events, and public celebrations across the state.
What did Amit Shah say on Gujarat's 66th Foundation Day?
Home Minister Amit Shah posted greetings on X, calling Gujarat 'a sacred land of glorious history, rich culture and unique entrepreneurship.' He credited the state with significant contributions to national development and prayed to Lord Somnath for the prosperity of its people.
Where was the main Gujarat Foundation Day 2025 event held?
The main state-level programme was held in Surat, featuring a ceremonial march from Y Junction near VR Mall to Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, attended by Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
What is the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference and how does it connect to Foundation Day?
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference is a state government initiative focused on industry, MSMEs, sustainability, and regional development. Its third edition launched in Surat on 1 May 2025, coinciding with Foundation Day, reinforcing Gujarat's profile as an investment-ready state.
What awards and publications were announced on Gujarat Foundation Day 2025?
The Gujarat Garima Award, one of the state's highest civilian honours, was presented as part of the celebrations. The state government also released two publications documenting Surat's developmental journey — 'Vikas Vatika' and a coffee-table book.
