On Sunday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the ‘Virasat’ Folk Art Museum, dedicated to Padma Shri Joravarsinh Jadav, in Akaru village, Dhandhuka. The museum is a tribute to the rich heritage of Gujarat, showcasing a remarkable collection of ancient artefacts and celebrated artworks.
CM Patel expressed his admiration for the museum’s contribution to preserving the state's cultural legacy, calling it an invaluable asset for future generations. The museum is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding folk art and inspiring youth to appreciate and carry forward these traditions.
In his speech, the Chief Minister emphasised the significance of heritage in preserving the identity and culture of any community. He also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his consistent efforts to promote India’s diverse cultural heritage on the global stage.
Patel specifically pointed out the worldwide recognition of Gujarat’s Garba dance, attributing it to Modi’s visionary leadership. He congratulated Joravarsinh Jadav and his family for their six-decade-long dedication to preserving and promoting Gujarat’s rich folk traditions, culminating in the establishment of the Virasat Museum.
Joravarsinh Jadav expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the Chief Minister for his presence at the event. He acknowledged that this moment would be recorded in golden letters in the history of Akaru village.
The ceremony was attended by various political and social leaders, including MP Devusinh Chauhan, former Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, and MLAs Kalusinh Dabhi and Kiritsinh Dabhi.
In addition to the museum’s inauguration, CM Patel also laid the foundation for 184 development projects worth Rs 246.31 crore in Dhandhuka. These projects aim to bring transformative changes to the region, with improvements planned across various sectors, including education, healthcare, urban development, and rural infrastructure. Patel highlighted that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Gujarat has witnessed tremendous growth, making the state a role model for development.
The Chief Minister referred to these initiatives as a New Year’s gift for Dhandhuka, turning the occasion into a celebration of progress. He specifically praised the efforts that have been made in the Bhal region, where projects worth Rs 1,000 crore are currently underway.
Patel credited the Prime Minister’s leadership for turning Gujarat into a water-rich state, citing successful schemes like the Sujlam-Suflam and SAUNI Yojana, which have ensured the distribution of Narmada water across every corner of the state.
Moreover, the Chief Minister lauded the improvement in essential services such as healthcare and road infrastructure in Gujarat. With robust digital connectivity and modern healthcare facilities now available even at the taluka level, Gujarat is poised for a new era of development.
Patel reiterated that the state’s approach of balancing development with heritage, encapsulated in the mantra “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,” has brought remarkable progress without compromising cultural values.
The event also saw the participation of various dignitaries, including Surendranagar MP Chandubhai Shihora and Dhandhuka MLA Kalubhai Dabhi. The gathering marked a significant step towards ensuring that Gujarat’s development goes hand-in-hand with the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.
The 184 projects span multiple sectors such as Roads and Buildings, Education, Health, Urban Development, Panchayats, and Rural Housing, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents of Dhandhuka and surrounding areas.
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