Diwali Before Diwali: 319 Displaced Persons Get Indian Citizenship in Rajkot
319 displaced persons from Pakistan receive Indian citizenship certificates in Rajkot, marking a new beginning of dignity and security.
In an emotionally charged ceremony that felt more like a festival than an official function, 319 displaced persons from Pakistan were granted Indian citizenship certificates in Rajkot. The distribution, led by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, turned the fifth day of Navratri into a "Diwali-like celebration" for families who had spent years longing for a sense of belonging and security.
A New Lease on Life and Dignity
The event, held at the Pramukh Swami Auditorium, was organized by the Rajkot district administration. Addressing the crowd, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi spoke of the immense hardships and suffering these families endured in Pakistan before seeking refuge in Gujarat. He emphasized that the granting of citizenship is a direct result of the firm decisions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Sanghavi noted that for these 319 families, the "lamps of Diwali" have been lit early this year. He highlighted the stark contrast between their past and present, mentioning the plight of women in Tharparkar, Pakistan, who often cannot step outside their homes. He specifically cited the example of Kavita Ben from Morbi, describing this milestone as a true "day of freedom" for women like her.
Reclaiming Identity
One of the most poignant points raised by the Deputy CM was the struggle for identity. He recalled harrowing incidents, such as the firing at Rani Bagh in Hyderabad, Pakistan, where Hindus were forced to change their names just to survive. Sanghavi asserted that these new Indian citizens can now live with pride and dignity, finally using their real names in their own homeland.
In a light-hearted yet powerful remark, the Deputy CM noted that a pass to attend Rajkot's Garba celebrations now holds more value for these individuals than a Pakistani passport ever did.
Breakdown of Beneficiaries
The certificates were distributed to individuals across several districts in Gujarat:
- Rajkot District: 259 persons
- Morbi District: 53 persons
- Kutch District: 6 persons
- Surendranagar District: 1 person
The emotional weight of the day was captured when a young girl, expressing her gratitude for the safety and security provided to daughters in Gujarat, applied a kumkum tilak to the Deputy Chief Minister's forehead and tied a rakhi on his wrist.
CAA as a Humanitarian Gesture
Member of Parliament Parshottam Rupala, who also attended the event, described the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as a humanitarian initiative. He clarified that the Act is not designed to revoke anyone's citizenship but is instead a law intended to provide a dignified place for those who were rendered helpless in neighboring countries.
"The Indian citizenship law has brought light into the lives of refugees who had endured unbearable suffering and hardships before arriving in India," Rupala stated.
Police Commendation Amidst Celebrations
While the event focused on citizenship, Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi also took a moment to praise the Rajkot Police. He commended the City Police Commissioner, the Crime Branch, and various district teams for their swift action in solving a gold robbery and murder case that had occurred the previous night.
He revealed that approximately 50 police teams worked tirelessly, day and night, to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen property within 24 hours. Sanghavi thanked the force for ensuring that the city's Garba celebrations remained undisturbed despite the gravity of the crime.