Today, on Vishv Gujarati Divas, we don’t just celebrate a language; we celebrate an identity, a culture, and a way of life. This day, August 24th, marks the birth anniversary of the great poet and social reformer, Kavi Narmad, who famously declared, “જય જય ગરવી ગુજરાત!” His words weren’t just a tribute to the land; they were a powerful assertion of Gujarati pride and a call to awaken the dormant spirit of the people.
Gujarati is one of the 22 official languages of India, spoken by over 55 million people worldwide. But as any Gujarati will tell you, it’s more than just a means of communication. It is the language of our stories, our songs, and our souls. It’s the language of a mother singing a lullaby, of friends sharing a laugh over a cup of tea, and of families gathering for a lively game of Garba.
The Gujarati Spirit: From Enterprise to Art
The essence of being Gujarati is woven into the very fabric of our culture. It’s a spirit of enterprise that has seen Gujaratis become global leaders in business and commerce. From small traders to titans of industry, the community has a reputation for hard work, innovation, and an uncanny ability to turn challenges into opportunities. This entrepreneurial spirit is not limited to the boardroom; it’s a mindset that drives progress and success in all walks of life.
At the same time, this practical, business-savvy nature is beautifully balanced by a deep love for art and tradition. Gujarati literature has a rich and vibrant history, with literary giants like Kavi Narmad, Narsinh Mehta, and Gandhiji shaping not only the language but also the national consciousness. Our folk dances, like the energetic and colorful Garba and Dandiya Raas, are celebrated across the world, bringing communities together in a swirl of music and movement. They are a testament to the Gujarati love for life, for festivity, and for community.
A Global Community, Rooted in Tradition
“જ્યાં જ્યાં વસે એક ગુજરાતી, ત્યાં ત્યાં સદાકાળ ગુજરાત,” as the saying goes—”Wherever a Gujarati resides, there Gujarat will be forever.” This is more than just a phrase; it’s a reality. The Gujarati diaspora has spread far and wide, building vibrant communities in every corner of the globe. Yet, no matter how far a Gujarati travels, they carry their culture, their values, and their language with them. From London to New York, and from Sydney to Toronto, the aroma of a home-cooked Gujarati meal and the rhythmic beats of Garba find their way into every celebration.
On this Vishv Gujarati Divas, let’s not just speak the language, but live the culture. Let’s pass down the stories of our ancestors, celebrate our traditions with pride, and continue to build a legacy that is as strong and vibrant as the people who carry it. Because Gujarati is not just a language; it is a sanskar—a culture and a way of being.
Happy Vishv Gujarati Divas!
વિશ્વ ગુજરાતી દિવસ ની શુભકામનાઓ ! જય જય ગરવી ગુજરાત !
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