From temples to townships: Shamlaji festival marks a step toward modern Aravalli

Gandhinagar: At the Shamlaji Mahotsav in Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced multiple development projects in Aravalli district worth Rs 168 crore. This marked the CM’s first programme in Shamlaji since it was declared a new taluka, turning the festival into a “Vikas Utsav” for the district.

Over the past three years, Rs 1,232 crore worth of development works have been approved for Aravalli, enhancing housing, education, healthcare, and livelihoods in tribal areas. The CM highlighted initiatives including upgraded community health centres, 12 science colleges, two universities, and 11 medical colleges, enabling tribal children to pursue higher education in professional fields.

Promoting the vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the CM encouraged supporting tribal arts, skills, occupations, and products under “Vocal for Local, Local for Global.” Projects inaugurated included Rs 107.02 crore of Roads and Buildings Department works, Rs 24.49 crore for education, Rs 19.9 crore for sports, Rs 12.5 crore for Panchayat roads, and Rs 3.46 crore for health. Families from nomadic and denotified tribes received plot allotments, and Kishan Mission Mangalam groups received cash credit assistance.

Officials present included District Panchayat President Priyanka Damor, MP Shobhanaben Baraiya, MLAs Bhikhusinhji Parmar and Dhavalsinh Zala, District Collector Prashasti Pareek, District Development Officer Deepesh Kedia, and other dignitaries.

The Shamlaji Mahotsav, traditionally a cultural and religious event, served this year as a launchpad for substantial development in Aravalli district. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasised the balance between modern development and preserving religious and historical heritage, coining the approach “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi.”

The new projects will improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and sports facilities across the district. Tribal welfare received a major focus, with several programmes aimed at providing housing, career opportunities, and economic support to historically underserved communities.

The development works highlight Gujarat’s commitment to inclusive growth, aiming to integrate remote and tribal regions into the mainstream economy while strengthening cultural identity. Officials noted that such initiatives would provide long-term opportunities for youth and boost the overall socio-economic landscape of Aravalli.