On September 17, 2014. a grand event was hosted in Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, called 'Swavalamban Abhiyan'. The former Chief Minister of Gujarat, and current Prime Minister of the country Narendra Modi was the guest of honour at the event. The event was presided over by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.
The state of Gujarat welcomed the former CM as he visited the city for the first time after his election as the PM. It was the same day that Narendra Modi celebrated his 64th birthday. Upon his arrival in Gandhinagar, he first visited his home in the city where his mother resides, to take her blessings on his birthday.
At the grand event in Mahatma Mandir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 11 welfare schemes of Gujarat Government under 'Swavalamban Abhiyan’. These 11 schemes focus on empowering women, labourers, Cattle-rearers, youth and farmers through various initiatives, assistance, relief, benefits and opportunities. PM Narendra Modi marked e -launch of 'Swavalamban Abhiyan' through laser torch, in the presence of ihe State Governor 0 P kohli and Chief Minister of Gujarat Anandiben Patel at Mahatma Gandhi, Mandir, Gandhi nagar.
Speaking at the event, the PM said that the commencement of ‘Swavalamban Abhiyan’ on the day of Vishwakarma Puja is symbolic of the various welfare schemes launched for the needy and the deprived. Appreciating the nature of ‘Swavalamban Abhiyan’, he said that qualities or swashraya (self-help), swavalamban (self-reliance) and Swabhimaan (self-respect) are deeply instilled in the people of Gujarat. He said that only when the people of India live a life of self-respect, will they become self-reliant, which in turn, will make the country self-reliant.
Government should continue to empower every section of the society and help them become self-reliant in every walk of life. the PM added. He also congratulated the Government of Gujarat for persistent efforts and hard work under the initiative of Gatisheel Gujarat.
The PM added that, initiatives like tablets and benefits in interest on self-employment loan to ITI graduates and 'Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay young entrepreneurs scheme' under ‘Swavalamban Abhiyan' are significant in empowering the youth and shaping their dreams. Talking about the entrepreneurial qualities and abilities of women, he lauded the efforts of women of Gujarat engaged in dairy sector and cattle-rearing.
On the occasion, CM Anandiben Patel said that Government of Gujarat is committed to work endlessly towards the PM's vision for Gujarat. The aim of Swavalamban Abhiyan is to ensure that the poor and needy people are not deprived of any opportunities and that they should also be a part or the progress of Gujarat, she added. Talking about the difficulties of BPL and neo-middle class families, the CM said that no one should be deprived of basic necessities of life like employment, good health and one's own home. Everyone has a right to live a better and dignified life, she added. she also expressed her joy saying that Gujarat is fortunate to have the esteemed presence of Narendra Modi in the state on his birthday.
During this event, the PM distributed tablets and cheques to the select beneficiaries of various schemes under Swavalamban Abhiyan.
