In a significant move to boost educational empowerment, the Gujarat Kshatriya Thakor Sena (GKTS) organized a massive gathering, the 'Abhyuday Mahasammelan', at Ram Katha Maidan in Gandhinagar during the early hours of Tuesday. This event, which commenced at 3 am and concluded around 6 am, drew thousands of members from the Thakor community, along with prominent leaders across political affiliations.
Groundbreaking of Saraswati Dham Educational Complex
The highlight of the Mahasammelan was the bhoomipujan, or groundbreaking ceremony, for a state-of-the-art educational centre named Saraswati Dham. This facility is set to be constructed on a 4.5 bigha plot of land allocated by the Gujarat government at concessional rates, located near Adalaj in Gandhinagar. With an estimated cost of approximately Rs 125 crore, the centre aims to serve as a comprehensive training hub for competitive examinations, including the UPSC civil services.
Leadership and Community Participation
The event was spearheaded by Alpesh Thakor, the BJP MLA from Gandhinagar South constituency and leader of GKTS. In his address, Alpesh emphasized the community's decade-long journey from focusing on deaddiction initiatives in 2016 to now prioritizing education as a tool to overcome backwardness. He expressed a vision to see Thakor youth excel in civil services exams and secure positions as IAS and IPS officers.
Notable attendees included state ministers such as Raman Solanki, Swarupji Thakor, and Sanjay Mahida, as well as Lok Sabha MPs Geniben Thakor and Shobhna Baraiya. Several sitting MLAs, including Lavingji Thakor, Dhavalsinh Zala, Keshaji Chauhan, Kalpesh Parmar, and Yogendrasinh Parmar, along with former MPs, MLAs, and ministers, were also present, showcasing broad-based support for the initiative.
Facilities and Inclusivity of the Education Centre
Once completed within a two-year timeframe, Saraswati Dham is designed to accommodate up to 2,000 students simultaneously, offering co-educational facilities. The centre will feature a modern library and provide training for a wide range of competitive exams. Additionally, it will include programs for foreign education, employment opportunities, private sector jobs, business ventures, and organic farming.
While prioritizing youths from the Thakor community, Alpesh Thakor confirmed that the centre will also admit underprivileged students from all communities, ensuring inclusivity. He highlighted that the overwhelming turnout at the Mahasammelan, especially during the early morning hours, reflects a deep-seated hunger for education and development within the community.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in addressing educational disparities and fostering skill development, aligning with broader efforts to enhance socio-economic progress in Gujarat.
