Freedom fighters of Gujarat

There are many freedom fighters campaigned against foreign domination and helped in getting the India freed from British, French and Portuguese rule. These are 8 brave freedom fighters of all time to whom we owe this independent nation we are currently living in.
I proud that they were from Gujarat.
   
 * Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

known as ‘Father of the Nation’ was one of the charismatic Indian leaders who fought for the freedom of the country. This great leader was born in Porbandar, Gujarat on Oct 2, 1869. He was the youngest of the three sons of Putlibai and Karamchand Gandhi. He completed his primary studies in Rajkot and was married to Kasturba at the age of 13.

   



 * Dayanand Saraswati

Founder of the Arya Samaj, Dayanand Saraswati preached egalitarianism as opposed to the widespread casteism prevalent in the society during his lifetime. Born as Mool Shankar Tiwari in 1824 in Tankara, Gujarat, he was brought up in a conservative household. Once his father had taken him to a temple to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. When Dayanand saw a rat nibbling at the offerings made to Lord Shiva, he was flummoxed and wondered as to why the Lord Almighty could not defend himself from am ordinary mice. This incident was to shake Daya Nand Saraswati's faith in idol worship and religious rites.

   * Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

 Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the great social leaders of India. He played a crucial role during the freedom struggle of India and was instrumental in the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union. Despite the choice of the people, on the request of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel stepped down from the candidacy of Congress president. The election on that occasion eventually meant for the election of the first Prime Minister of independent India.

 



  * Ravi Shankar Vyas

 Ravishankar Vyas, affectionately called as the Maharaj in Gujarat and all over India, was a true Gandhian, a leading freedom fighter and a humble servant of the people.

Born on February 25, 1884, Mahashivaratri Day, to a rural-based peasant Brahmin family of Radhu Village of Kaira District, Gujarat, Ravishankar dropped out of school just after the sixth standard and engaged himself to assist the parents, Nathiba and Pitamber Shivram Vyas in agriculture work.

   * Jivatram Kripalani

Jivatram Kripalani, also referred to with the prefix Acharya (Teacher), was an Indian freedom fighter, who became a nationwide leader of the Janata Party revolt against the Indian Emergency. Jivatram (also spelled Jiwatram) Bhagwandas Kripalani was born in current-day Gujarat in 1888. He was of Sindhi and Gujarati roots. He received college education, and was a learned and scholarly young man when he became a member of the Indian National Congress. He was a school teacher when he soon became a disciple of rising nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi, and adopted his teachings and leadership. Kripalani was involved in the Non-Cooperation Movement of the early 1920s, and worked in Gandhi's ashrams in Gujarat and Maharashtra on tasks of social reform and education, and later left for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in northern India to teach and organize new ashrams.

    * Mahadev Desai

 Mahadev Desai was born on 1 January 1892 in the village of Saras in Surat district of Gujarat. His father Haribhai Desai was a teacher in the primary school of Saras. Mahadev's mother Jamnabehn belonged to Dihen, the ancestral place of this Desai clan. She was sharp in intelligence as well as in her nature. The village-folk respected her. Mahadev resembled his father in build and his mother in appearance. He was only seven years old when his mother expired in 1899.

  

 



 * Abbas Tyabji

Abbas Tyabji (died June 9, 1936) was an Indian freedom fighter from Gujarat, who had served as the Chief Justice of the Baroda High Court. He was a key ally and supporter of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during the 1918 Kheda Satyagraha, and the 1928 Bardoli Satyagraha. He was also a close supporter of Mohandas Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. In 1919-20, Abbas Tyabji was one of the members of the Committee appointed by the Indian National Congress to review the charges against General Reginald Dyer for the Amritsar Massacre, which occurred during the fight for independence from the British. Tyabji became the national leader after leading major protests against the arrest of Mohandas Gandhi in May 1930. He died in Mussoorie (now in Uttaranchal) on June 9, 1936.

    * Vithalbhai Patel

 Vithalbhai Patel was an Indian legislator and political leader, and co-founder of the Swaraj Party. Born in Nadiad, in the Indian state of Gujarat, Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel was the third of five Patel brothers, four years elder to Vallabhbhai Patel, raised in the village of Karamsad. Vithalbhai educated himself in Nadiad and in Bombay, and worked as a pleader (a junior lawyer) in the courts of Godhra and Borsad. At a very young age, he was married to a girl from another village, Diwaliba. His younger brother Vallabhbhai Patel had similarly studied by himself and worked as a pleader. Studying in England was a dream to both men, although they did not know this. Vallabhbhai had saved enough money and ordered his passport and travel tickets, when the postman delivered them to Vithalbhai, on account that it was addressed to a Mr. V.J. Patel, Pleader. Vithalbhai insisted on traveling on those documents actually meant for Vallabhbhai, pointing out that it would be socially criticized that an older brother followed the lead of the younger.

Vacation At Gujarat

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Shuklatirth and Kabirvad at the Bank of River Narmada in Gujarat, India

Gujarat is a state in western India. It has an area of 75,686 sq mi (196,077 km²) with a coast line of 1,600 km, and a population in excess of 50 million. The state is bordered by Rajasthan to the north, Maharashtra to the south, Madhya Pradesh to the east and the Arabian Sea as well as the Pakistani province of Sindh on the west 1947. Its capital is Gandhinagar, while its largest city is Ahmedabad. Gujarat is home to the Gujarati-speaking people of India.

Gujarat played an important role in the economic history of India throughout the history of India. The state has the fastest growing economy in India. It is also, one of the most industrialized states within the nation. Thus, making it the richest state with a GDP per capita income twice that of the country as a whole.

Gujarat State in India is full of most beautiful picnic spots and the places of tourist's interest. There are also many holy places that are visited by many pilgrims all throughout the year. River Narmada offers
many such beautiful and holy spots for the picnic as well as pilgrimage. Narmada River is considered the mother of the people of Gujarat State. It meets the Arabian Sea near Bharuch, one of the vital and important cities of Gujarat State in India. I have visited one spot near Bharuch on the bank of River Narmada that has its own ancient history as well as the beauty of a picnic spot. This place is Shuklatirth that is around 17 miles away from Bharuch.

This place which is related to Sant Kabir holds a special importance for devotees. As per one belief, it is believed that sant kabir while wondering came to Mangaleshwar area. He stayed over here. As per folk tale two brothers named Tatva Jiva washed the feet of Sant Kabir. Then this water when poured on dry tree, the tree bloomed with greenery. From this the huge tree was created. On all the four sides by the touch of mother Narmada tree covered a lot place. Due to this its origin cannot be reignited. 18 kms away from Bharuch, to see this place which is located in the middle of the following waters of heavenly Narmada is a lifetime opportunity.

The state encompasses major sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, such as Lothal and Dholavira. Lothal is believed to be one of the world's first ports. Gujarat's coastal cities, chiefly Bharuch, served as ports and trading centers in the Maurya and Gupta empires. Mohandas Gandhi, considered India's "father of the nation", was a Gujarati who led the Indian Independence Movement against the British colonial rule.

The state encompasses major sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, such as Lothal and Dholavira. Lothal is believed to be one of the world's first ports. Gujarat's coastal cities, chiefly Bharuch, served as ports and trading centers in the Maurya and Gupta empires. Mohandas Gandhi, considered India's "father of the nation", was a Gujarati who led the Indian Independence Movement against the British colonial rule.

You can very easily reach Shuklatirth by bus or taxi from Bharuch or Vadodara. It is around 65 miles away from Vadodara and it takes around couple of hours to reach Shuklatirth in car. There is an old, historical temple of Lord Shiva here, which is around 2000 years old. There is a ghat of Narmada here, where you can take a bath. However, make sure to be very careful while taking a bath here as the water is very deep here in the River Narmada. Once you are through with the darshnas and the bath at Shuklatirth, get ready to visit one of the oldest trees of Vad in the world known as Kabirvad. This famous kabirvad is the biggest and oldest tree of the Gujarat State.

Narmada River In Gujarat

Narmada River, also known as Rewa (5th Longest River in India)

Have look at some fact figures about Narmada River:

Length: 1,312 km
Basin area: 98,796 km²
Source elevation: 1,057 m
Source: Amarkantak
Country: India
Mouths: Gulf of Khambhat, Arabian Sea
Cities: Jabalpur, Vadodara

The Narmada river is the only river in India that flows in a rift valley and flows in central India between North India and South India. Narmada river rising in Madhya Pradesh state that runs from east to west along with the Tapti River and the Mahi River. Narmada flows over a length of 1,312 km (815.2 mi) before draining through the Gulf of Cambey (Khambat) into the Arabian Sea, 30 km (18.6 mi) west of Bharuch city of Gujarat. The Narmada River has a huge water resources potential for agriculture and economy of the region. More than 90% of water flow occurs during the monsoon months of June to September.

The Narmada river is considered extremely holy by the Hindus.
The most sacred rivers of India are Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Sarswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri, a dip in any of these rivers washes ones sins away..

The dams on Narmada river benefits the four Indian states Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan that include provision for drinking water, power generation and irrigation facilities.

Source of Narmada River:

The source of the Narmada is a small tank called Narmada Kund located on the Amarkantak hill, in the Anuppur District of eastern Madhya Pradesh. From the Amarkantak hill range the river descends at the Kapildhara falls over a cliff and meanders in the hills flowing through the rocks and islands up to the ruined palace of Ramnagar.
Amarkantak is 71 Kms. from Anupppur, an important railway junction of the South Eastern Central Railway. Amarkantak is at a distance of 320 Kms. from Jabalpur and 265 Kms. from Rewa by road and around 100 Kms. from Shahdol. The nearest railway station from Amarkantak is Pendra, which is 65 Kms. from Amarkantak. Pendra is in Bilaspur of Chhatisgarh

History of Narmada River:

The history of Narmada River is closely associated with the place Amarkantak and Narmada Kund. In Indian Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Shatapatha Brahmana and Vashishtha samhita, Amarkantak and its rivers have been mentioned. However, there is hardly mention of Narmada River in Vedic literature. History of near about 3000 years has remained in dark after the era of Mahabharata. Nearly 6000 years back, Suryavanshi King Mandhata founded a town in Riksh Parvat's valley and named it Mandhata. Queen of Purukutsa, son of Mandhatri, gave the name Narmada to the river.


Tributaries of Narmada River:

At Hoshangabad, Narmada River has some striking ghats constructed on its banks. Its longest tributary is the Tawa River. It joins Narmada River at Bandra Bhan in Hoshangabad District, Madhya Pradesh. This river broadens out in Bharuch District after traversing through Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Below Bharuch city it forms a 20 kilometre wide estuary where it enters the Gulf of Cambay. The water of the river is used not only for feeding the drought prone areas of states of Gujarat
and Madhya Pradesh, but also for navigation as well. 


Geography of Narmada River:

Geography of Narmada River includes Narmada Valley. The narrow valley of the Narmada lies below the Vindhyachal scarps. Narmada River flows across this narrow valley and this valley covers the southern region of Dhar District`s Manawar tehsil and the southeastern part of Kukshi tehsil of the district. The width of the valley is 15 to 30 kilometers. The height of the river ranges from 275 metres to 150 metres. The height varies in northern part of Manawar tehsil to that of the southwest low plain of Nisarpur. In the western side of the Narmada Valley, Khalghat and Bakaner lie. It is wider and comparatively fertile. Towards westwards, Narmada valley comprises several hills that are the originating point of a number of streams. These streams join Narmada River resulting in few stretches of alluvium deposit. Valleys of Narmada River are historically as well as economically significant. History states that Chalukya emperor Pulakeshin II defeated emperor Harshavardhan of Kannauj on the banks of Narmada River.

Narmada River in plains:
 
The river rises on the summit of Amarkantak Hill in Madhya Pradesh state. It traverses the first 320 kilometers course around the Mandla Hills, which form the head of the Satpura Range; then moves towards Jabalpur passing through the `Marble Rocks`, it enters the Narmada Valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, and moves westwards towards the Gulf of Cambay. It flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, and finally meets the Arabian Sea in the Bharuch District of Gujarat.

Narmada River flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh 1,077 km (669.2 miles), Maharashtra 74 km (46.0 miles)), 35 km (21.7 miles) border between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra and 39 km (24.2 miles) border between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat and in Gujarat 161 km (100.0 miles)).

Dams on Narmada River:

The valleys of River Narmada are very important for the economically development of the region. There are various handicraft works and other small-scale industries along the Narmada. The dams on Narmada river benefits include provision drinking water, power generation and irrigation facilities. The Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) final order determined the utilizable quantum of Narmada waters to be 27,000,000 acre feet (3.3×1010 m3) at 75% dependability and allocated it to the four states as Party States Allocated share of water % share of power
Madhya Pradesh 18,250,000 acre feet (22.51 km3) 57
Gujarat 9,000,000 acre feet (11 km3) 16
Maharashtra 250,000 acre feet (0.31 km3) 27
Rajasthan 500,000 acre feet (0.62 km3) Nil
Total 28,000,000 acre feet (35 km3) 100

There are many Dams on the river, Mojor Dams are:

• Sardar Sarovar Dam 
• Indira Sagar Dam
• Omkareshwar Dam
• Maheshwar Dam
• Bargi Dam
• Maan Dam
• Jobat Dam
• Tawa Dam

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International Cricket Stadiums of Gujarat.

Sardar Patel Stadium (Motera Stadium) is one of the premier Cricket stadiums of India located in the Motera locality of Ahmedabad. Because of its location, the stadium is commonly called Motera Stadium to avoid confusion with another stadium of the same name in Navrangpura locality of Ahmedabad. Sardar Patel stadium is owned by Gujarat Cricket Association and comes under the aegis of the West Zone. It is the largest stadium in the state of Gujarat, and has an official capacity of 54,000 spectators. It is equipped with floodlights for day-and-night games and is a regular venue for Test cricket and One Day Internationals (ODI) matches.

Formerly known as the Gujarat Stadium, the ground was later renamed in tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Apart from cricket, the ground has played host to a number of programs arranged by the Government of Gujarat. The pitch once favoured the bowlers, but has lately been host to competitive games.

As of February 2011, the Motera stadium has played host to 20 ODI matches. In India, only Eden Gardens (22 ODI Matches) has hosted more ODI matches than Motera Stadium. The stadium is also one of the host venues for 2011 Cricket World Cup to be held in India. It is scheduled to host 3 matches, including a Quarter final match.

Icc world cup cricket matches at ahmedabad

MATCHES AT SARADAR PATEL (GUJARAT) STADIUM, MOTERA, AHMEDABAD


1. 21-02-2011 AUSTRALIA Vs NEWZLAND
2. 04-03-2011 NEWZLAND Vs ZIMBABWE
3. 24-03-2011 A2 Vs B3 2nd Quarter Final.

Gujarati Samaj at Udaipur

Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the final capital of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom, located to the southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River, the first capital of the Mewar kingdom. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh II came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot, assuring him it would be well protected. Udai Singh II consequently established a residence on the site. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured the fort of Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur.
As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia ranas, and later maharanas (also called the Guhilots or Suryavansh), who had always tried to oppose Mughal dominance, reasserted their independence and recaptured most of Mewar except for Chittor. Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. Being a mountainous region and unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal horses, Udaipur remained unmolested from Mughal influence in spite of much pressure.
Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur was the only royalty who did not attend the Delhi Durbar for King George V in 1911. This fierce sense of independence earned Udaipur the highest gun salute in Rajasthan, 19 against the 17 each of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Bikaner, Kota and Karauli. After India's independence in 1947, Maharana Bhupal Singh, the King of Udaipur, acceded to the Government of India, and Mewar was integrated into India's Rajasthan state.

Are you want to stay at Udaipur ? Then search bellow area…..

All Chief Ministers of Gujarat

Dr. Jivraj Narayan Mehta Shri Balwantray Mehta Shri Hitendra K. Desai Shri Ghanshyambhai C. Oza






Shri Chimanbhai J. Patel Shri Babubhai J. Patel Shri Madhavsinh F. Solanki Shri Amarsinh Chaudhary






Shri Chhabildas Mehta Shri Keshubhai Savdasbhai Patel Shri Sureshchandra Rupshanker Mehta Shri Shankersinhji Laxmansinhji Vaghela




Shri Dilipbhai Ramanbhai Parikh Shri Narendra Modi

Ahmedabad Pics at Night

Ahmedabad pics at Midnight

Have you ever see your city in midnight? Here I have some pics from Ahmedabad wich are taken at Night. Its amazing that you show traffic and area are covered with people and suddenly its empty at night. Enjoy……..

Gujarat Summit Video 2011

The Vibrant Gujarat Summits, held biennially since 2003, have been a major success, attracting investment proposals worth over US$ 370 billion. On January 12th and 13th, 2011 the 5th Vibrant Gujarat Summit is scheduled to take place at the new purpose-built Mahatma Mandir, in the State capital, Gandhinagar. It promises to be the biggest and best yet.The Vibrant Gujarat Summits aim to facilitate investment alliances for the participating countries; they are the ideal platform to explore business opportunities in Gujarat, in India and across the world.

Makar Sankranti / Uttarayan Of Ahmedabad

Makar Sankranti or Sankranti or Sankranthi marks the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path. Traditionally, this has been one of many harvest days in India.

Owing to the vast geography and diversity of culture in India, this festival is celebrated for innumerable reasons and in innumerable ways depending on the climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location.
Sankranti is celebrated since last 6000 years, as archeological findings in Latin America prove that the Mayans celabrated something similar to Sankranthi with Pongal, Pala kayalu, as some kind of spring festival.

Sankranti is the Sanskrit word, which refers to the transmigration of the Sun from one Ra-shi(zodiac in Indian astrology) to the other. Hence there are 12 such sankrantis in all. However, the Sankranti festival usually refers to Makara Sankaranti, or the transition of the Sun from Dhanu rashi (Sagittarius) to Makara rashi (Capricorn).

For this purpose, the Zodiac signs are considered sidereally, and not tropically, as in western astronomy, thus not accounting for the Earth's precession. The festival therefore takes place around 21 days after the tropical winter solstice (between December 20 and 23rd) that marks the starting of Uttarayana, which means northward journey of Sun.

Considering the Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the gradual increase of the duration of the day. Scientifically, the shortest day of the year is around December 21–22 after which the days begin to get longer, hence actual Winter Solstice begins on December 21 or December 22 when the tropical sun enters Makara rashi. Hence actual Uttarayana is December 21. This was the actual date of Makar Sakranti too. But because of the Earth's tilt of 23.45 degrees and sliding of Equinoxes, Ayanamasha occurs. This has caused Makara Sankranti to slide further over the ages. A 1000 years ago, Makar Sankranti was on Dec 31st and is now on January 14. 5000 years later, it shall be by the end of February, while in 9000 years it shall come in June.

While the traditional Indian Calendar is based on lunar positions, Sankranti is a solar event. So while dates of all Hindu festivals keep changing as per the Gregorian calendar, the date of Makar Sankranti remains constant over a long term, 14 January. Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu Calendar month of Magha.

Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. According to the lunar calendar, when the sun moves from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn or from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana, in the month of Poush in mid-January, it commemorates the beginning of the harvest season and cessation of the northeast monsoon in South India. The movement of the earth from one zodiac sign into another is called Sankranti and as the Sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac known as Makar in Hindi, this occasion is named as Makar Sankranti in the Indian context. It is one of the few Hindu Indian festivals which are celebrated on a fixed date i.e. 14th January every year.

Makar Sankranti, apart from a harvest festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is said as the 'holy phase of transition'. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be sanctified in any Hindu family, this day onwards. Scientifically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season.

All over the country, Makar Sankranti is observed with great fanfare. However, it is celebrated with distinct names and rituals in different parts of the country. In the states of northern and western India, the festival is celebrated as the Sankranti day with special zeal and fervor. The importance of this day has been signified in the ancient epics like Mahabharata also. So, apart from socio-geographical importance, this day also holds a historical and religious significance. As, it is the festival of Sun God and he is regarded as the symbol divinity and wisdom, the festival also holds an eternal meaning to it.

In year 2011 Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on the 15th January 2011. There is big celebration of Uttarayan in Ahmedabad by chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi.

Enjoy.....................

Kite Festival 2011 Ahmedabad Video

International Kite Festival is held at Ahmedabad on January 14 every year, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is a festival that heralds a change of season marking the movement of the sun into the northern hemisphere - a celebration to mark the end of winter. The skies are blue and clear, a cool breeze blows and a feeling of anticipation, joy and jubilation grips all who celebrate the occasion.

In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the kite-flying day. Kite-flying day in Gujarat is an extraordinary day, unlike at other places. Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s premier city, leads the way in the celebration of Uttarayani, and is the venue of the International Kite Festival.

Kite-flying festival is being held in important cities of Gujarat each year. The festival draws expert kite-makers and flyers not only from cities of India but also from around the world. Designer’s Kites of infinite variety are displayed at the venue.