"Gujarat showed the way of preservation of heritage to entire nation," PM Modi

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Gujarat showed the way to the preservation of heritage for the entire nation and mentioned the rejuvenation of Somnath under the leadership of Sardar Patel as a historic event.
In an address at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, PM Modi said that other preservation examples are the city of Ahmedabad as a World Heritage City along with Champaner and Dholavira, Lothal, Girnar, Pavagadh, Modhera and Ambaji.
Referring to the development campaign for the restoration of heritage related to India's freedom struggle, the Prime Minister mentioned the redevelopment of Rajpath in the form of Kartavya Path and establishment of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's statue, development of places related to independence on Andaman and Nicobar Islands, development of places related to B R Ambedkar in the form of 'Panch Teerth', unveiling of Statue of Unity in Ektanagar and transformation of Dandi.
PM Modi emphasized that the restoration of Sabarmati Ashram is a crucial step in this direction.
"Future generations and those visiting the Sabarmati Ashram will find inspiration from the power of charkha and its ability to give rise to a revolution. Bapu had filled hope and faith in a nation that was suffering from despair due to centuries of slavery", he said.
Noting that Bapu's vision shows a clear direction for India's bright future, the Prime Minister said that the government is giving priority to the welfare of the rural poor and is running Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign by following the ideals of Aatmanirbharta and Swadeshi provided by Mahatma Gandhi.
The Prime Minister also touched upon natural farming and informed that 9 lakh agricultural families in Gujarat have adopted natural farming which led to a reduction in usage of 3 lakh metric tons of urea.
The Prime Minister stressed living through the ideals left behind by ancestors in the modern form and touched upon boosting Khadi usage to prioritize the livelihood of the rural poor and Aatmanirbhar campaign.
Referring to the empowerment of villages, the Prime Minister said that Bapu's vision of Gram Swaraj is coming alive.
He mentioned the growing role of women and said, "Be it self-help groups, more than 1 crore lakhpati didis, women ready to become drone pilots, this change is an example of a strong India and also a picture of an all-inclusive India."
The Prime Minister also referred to 25 crore people coming out of poverty in the last 10 years due to the government's efforts. He also touched upon India's recent achievement in the Space sector.
"Today, when India is moving forward with the determination to develop, this shrine of Mahatma Gandhi is a great inspiration for all of us. Therefore, the development of Sabarmati Ashram and Kochrab Ashram is not just the development of historical places. It also strengthens our faith in the resolve and inspiration of a Viksit Bharat", the Prime Minister said.
He expressed confidence that Bapu's ideals and the inspirational places associated with him will continue to guide us in our journey of nation-building.
The Prime Minister called upon the Government of Gujarat and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to create a competition for guides as Ahmedabad is a heritage city and also urged the schools to take at least 1000 children every day to Sabarmati Ashram and spend time.
"This will allow us to relive the moments without the need for any extra budget," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that providing a new perspective will give strength to the nation's development journey.