- Can a single diya become the symbol of a statewide ‘Seva Sankalp’?
- More than 88 lakh diyas to illuminate 18,500-plus locations across Gujarat on September 17
- Bhajans, satsang and cultural programmes from 6 pm; temple aartis to accompany 7 pm lamp-lighting
- Ahmedabad, Ambaji, Surat, Rajkot and Bhavnagar among major centres for high-profile programmes
- Month-long welfare outreach to focus on Ayushman Bharat, foodgrain distribution and farmer schemes
NE NEWS SERVICE
GANDHINAGAR, SEPT 16
Gujarat is preparing for a spectacular sea of light on September 17, with more than 88 lakh diyas slated to be lit at over 18,500 locations across the state under the ‘Ashirwad No Divdo’ (Lamp of Blessings) programme marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
But beyond the sheer scale of the illumination lies a larger question: can the glow of millions of traditional lamps be linked with a wider campaign of public service and welfare delivery?
The Gujarat Government says the answer lies in its month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, under which the September 17 celebration will be accompanied by outreach aimed at taking welfare benefits to the last mile.
Spokesperson minister Jitu Vaghani, while briefing the media in Gandhinagar, said the statewide programme would see prayers for the Prime Minister’s long life, with citizens being encouraged to participate by lighting lamps at public places as well as in their homes.
From temple courtyards to public squares
The scale of the programme stretches across Gujarat’s urban landscape.
In the 17 municipal corporation areas, 17 major city-level programmes are planned, with an estimated participation of 2.76 lakh people. Another 17 programmes, including bhajan sandhya and related cultural events, are expected to involve around 4.75 lakh people.
A further 12,481 local programmes across 287 wards are planned, with an estimated participation of 15.95 lakh people.
Across municipalities, 152 major city-level programmes are scheduled, expected to draw around 5.25 lakh people, while another 5,740 local programmes will be organised.
The government has also listed 152 bhajan sandhya and similar programmes in municipal areas, with estimated participation of around 5.75 lakh people.
The combined planning covers 169 major programmes, 169 additional programmes and 18,508 local programmes across municipal corporation and municipality areas.
One diya, many public spaces
The programme will not be confined to conventional religious venues.
Diyas will be lit at temples, lakes, rivers, public squares, main gates, milk dairies, statues of eminent personalities, circles, town halls, gardens and APMCs.
The evening programmes will begin at 6 pm on September 17, with bhajan sandhya, satsang and cultural performances. The main lamp-lighting will take place at 7 pm, alongside temple aartis.
The initiative comes amid a wider series of birthday-related programmes being organised across Gujarat. Current reporting has also highlighted separate large-scale diya-lighting and community initiatives in Ahmedabad and Surat.
Leadership presence across major centres
At Kankaria in Ahmedabad, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel are scheduled to participate.
At Ambaji, Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary and state BJP president and MLA Jagdish Vishwakarma are scheduled to attend.
In Surat, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will participate at Olpad, while Union Minister C.R. Patil will attend the programme at Navadi Ovara.
At Hirasar in Rajkot, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to be present.
In Bhavnagar, Vaghani will participate at Bor Talav, while Union Minister of State Nimuben Bambhaniya will attend the programme at Karchaliya Para.
From celebration to ‘Seva’
The state government has sought to connect the birthday programme with welfare outreach under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
Special initiatives during the month will focus on facilitating access to Ayushman Bharat, foodgrain distribution and farmer welfare schemes, with the stated objective of ensuring that benefits reach people at the grassroots.
Vaghani has appealed to citizens to light one diya at home and associate themselves with the broader resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’.
The symbolism is unmistakable: a single flame may be small, but 88 lakh flames spread across Gujarat can create a statewide spectacle. The stated challenge for the campaign, however, is to carry that symbolism beyond September 17—into the everyday delivery of service, welfare and development.
