Ahmedabad, Aug 12 (NationPress) This year, Gujarat will host its state-level Independence Day festivities in Porbandar, the revered birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.

On August 15, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will officiate the flag-raising ceremony, commemorating the 78th anniversary of India's independence.

According to the General Administration Department, Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary will spearhead the celebrations in Mehsana, while cabinet ministers and district collectors will manage events in other regions.

Senior ministers have been designated to important areas - Kanubhai Desai in Navsari, Rishikesh Patel in Sabarkantha, Raghavji Patel in Jamnagar, Balvantsinh Rajput in Valsad, Kunwarji Bavaliya in Gir Somnath, Mulubhai Bera in Devbhoomi Dwarka, Dr. Kuber Dindor in Panchmahal, and Bhanu Babariya in Rajkot. Deputy Speaker Jetha Ahir will represent Mahisagar, while Ministers of State Harsh Sanghavi, Jagdish Vishwakarma, Mukesh Patel, Bhikhusinh Parmar, and Kunwarji Halpati will oversee ceremonies in Gandhinagar, Morbi, Bharuch, Kheda, and Tapi, respectively.

In the remaining districts, local collectors will hoist the national flag and lead the events. The celebrations promise to feature cultural performances, patriotic songs, and tributes to freedom fighters, highlighting Gujarat’s significant role in India’s independence narrative and its ongoing dedication to democratic principles.

Porbandar’s historical significance extends beyond being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi; it has long been a center for maritime trade, cultural interactions, and political importance.

Once a prosperous princely state ruled by the Jethwa Rajputs, Porbandar established robust trade connections with Arabia, Africa, and Europe through its port. Its coastline made it a pivotal player in Gujarat’s maritime heritage, aiding in the dissemination of Indian culture worldwide.

However, its most notable moment in history occurred on October 2, 1869, when Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born here.

The town evolved into a cornerstone in India’s freedom struggle, as Gandhi’s upbringing in Porbandar, characterized by a blend of tradition, spirituality, and coastal diversity, influenced his perspective.

Porbandar also witnessed various reform movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with local thinkers and leaders shaping discussions on education, women’s rights, and social reform.

By selecting Porbandar for Gujarat’s state-level Independence Day celebration, the government is not only paying tribute to Gandhi but also shining a light on a city that has historically been pivotal in India’s cultural, political, and historical evolution.