The Story & Glory of Gujarat

Criticism apart, lets see what a glorious land we live on. This post is in appreciation of the very land we are dwelling in - “aapnu Gujarat” and is intended to present a view of the brighter side of Gujarat, which has undergone a lot of ups and downs at the turn of the 21st century - calamities, political & communal upheavals, media criticism, et al.

Gujarat is a blend of culture and tradition, festivities and celebrations, flora and fauna, agricultural and industrial growth, and prosperity reflected in every sphere of its subsistence. I was inspired to write this piece after reading “The Story & Glory of Gujarat” published by the Gujarat Chambers of Commerce & Industry. The publication beautifully depicts the history and rich cultural heritage of one of the most progressive states in our country.

And indeed the figures have it all. A recent study by an economic research firm Indicus Analytics finds out that Surat and Ahmedabad are the first and third fastest growing city regions in the country in terms of economic prosperity. With an annualised GDP growth rate of 11.5 percent over the past seven fiscal years, Surat has emerged as the fastest growing city, while Ahmedabad region including Gandhinagar, is third with 10.1 percent. The state has more than 83 industrial clusters and over 180 industrial estates with ready infrastructure. It is a leading manufacturing hub in the country and has an excellent network of roads extending to nearly 75,000 km with 41 ports, 11 airports and generates more than 9000 MW of power.

Commercial and Economic progresses apart, let’s check out what more do we have?

Did you know that Dinosaurs roamed on Gujarat’s primitive land? Well, I was intrigued while reading this startling fact that Raiyoli, near Balasinore is one of the three largest dinosaur sites in the world. Experts think that this place may have been a major hatchery for dinosaurs, 65 million years ago, some of them over 20 meters long! The site is a treasure-trove of fossils and clutches of petrified eggs, and scientist believe this was one of the largest breeding grounds of Dinosaurs that were destroyed by meteorite and volcanoes. The Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park in Gandhinagar contains the world’s second largest hatchery of dinosaur eggs and is the only dinosaur museum in the country.

Ancient Civilization: Gujarat was home to the earliest human civilizations and had a well planned town – Lothal discovered in 1954 as a prominent city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Dholavira is another ancient city of the same civilization and is today recognized as one of the largest archaeological sites in India.

Archaeological & Religious sites: Champaner, founded in the 8th century and located 45 km from the city of Vadodara is the first world heritage site of Gujarat as declared by UNESCO. It is located at the foot of Pavagadh hills – another ancient pilgrimage site which is visited till date. The architecture of Jami Masjid in Champaner is well-known throughout the world. The site also showcases fortifications, palaces, religious buildings, residential precincts, agricultural structures and water installations way back from the 8th to the 14 centuries.

Other places of archaeological, art and religious interest include the Akshardham Temple, The Sun Temple of Modhera, Adalaj ni Vav – Gandhinagar, Rani ni Vav – Patan, Vadnagar Toran, Ambaji, Dwarka, Somnath Temple, Dakor, Udwada, Shri Siddhagiri Palitana Tirth, Rani Rupmati’s Mosque, Dargah of Meerdatar, Hajipeer, Shri Taranga Tirtha and many more.

Sanctuaries: Gujarat also houses famous wildlife sanctuaries. Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary is a home to the rare Asiatic lions. A variety of animals and over 200 species of birds including rare ones are found in this sanctuary. Other sanctuaries include the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary - Vadodara, The Kutch Wild Ass Sanctuary. Nal Sarovar with over 250 species of birds and Thol Wildlife Sanctuary are famous bird sanctuaries that are located close to Ahmedabad. Other bird sanctuaries include Khijadia Bird Sanctuary and Porbandar Bird Sanctuary. The country’s first Marine National Park was created in Gujarat. It is spread over an area of 458 sq. kms. in the Gulf of Kutch with 30-40 coral islands on the Jamnagar coast, all surrounded by reefs. The area has 37 species of hard and soft corals, 70 species of sponges150-200 species of fishes, 94 species of water birds and many more sea species. It is also a natural habitat of Dolphins.

Festivals: Gujarat witnesses a series of festivals throughout the year including Navratri, Diwali, Uttarayan, Holi, Rathyatra, Janmashtami, Moharram, Mahashivratri, fairs in Tarnetar, Shamalaji, Vautha, etc. Ahmedabad is renowned as the Kite capital. The international kite festival is held here every year and people from far and wide participate in the kite Festival.

Know Aapnu Ahmedabad: Our very own city – Ahmedabad is well known for its ancient mosques, temples, museums, archaeological sites, etc. It was known as the “Manchester of East” for its excellence in textile manufacturing. Prominent places of interest include Siddi Saiyad’s Jali, the Gandhi Ashram, Hutheesing temple, Hussain-Doshi’s Gufa, Vechaar Utensils Museum, Chakalo – the Shreyas Folk Museum, the Calico Museum of Textiles, etc. And of course it is here in Ahmedabad that the struggle for independent India began.

Cities: Gujarat can boast of not only one city but numerous cities that have contributed to its glory. Aside Ahmedabad which is the commercial capital, other cities of Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Junagadh have established their own identities. Surat is today the hub of textile and diamond industries. Rajkot is known for its gold and silver ornaments. The diesel engine manufacturing industry has flourished in Rajkot. Vadodara is known for it magnificent monuments, established educational institutions and centres of art and culture.

Institutions: A number of institutions viz. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), National Institute of Design (NID), CEPT, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), Nirma University of Science & Technology, Gujarat Vidyapith, Gujarat Science City, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), etc. are the pride of Gujarat.

Today, Gujarat is moving forward to meet new challenges and enjoy new successes in the focus sectors of agro and food processing, textiles and apparels, chemicals, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, engineering, auto and ceramics, SEZ, oil and gas, gems and jewellery, medical tourism, biotechnology, information technology and urban development.

Cheers to our great land - Gujarat!

Blossom – Christina – 05.02.08