Gandhinagar, Aug 28 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Friday extended greetings to citizens on Raksha Bandhan, highlighting the festival’s emphasis on the bond between brothers and sisters, while state BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma called for a broader recognition of women’s dignity, safety and empowerment.
CM Patel, in a message posted on social media platform X, described Raksha Bandhan as a festival of the “sacred affection and unbreakable trust” between siblings.
He said the festival is an important symbol of family values, cultural traditions and respect for women’s empowerment. “Heartiest greetings to everyone on the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan,” CM Patel said.
He expressed the hope that the festival would bring happiness, peace, prosperity and harmony to families.
Deputy CM Sanghavi also extended his greetings, posting a brief message on X, saying: “A promise that goes beyond words. Happy Rakshabandhan!”
Vishwakarma, in his message issued on the eve of the festival, described Raksha Bandhan as a symbol of the love, affection and mutual trust shared by brothers and sisters.
“Indians living across the world celebrate the festival with joy and enthusiasm. The tying of a rakhi by a sister on her brother’s wrist represented her wishes for his happiness, health and safety, while the thread also symbolised the enduring affection and mutual responsibility between siblings,” he emphasised.
Vishwakarma said the responsibility associated with Raksha Bandhan is mutual, with brothers expected to stand by their sisters and safeguard their dignity, security, happiness and self-respect at every stage of life.
He described the festival as an occasion for siblings to reaffirm their commitment to supporting each other during difficult times and sharing in each other’s happiness.
The state BJP chief also linked the festival’s message to the wider issue of women’s empowerment, saying Indian culture accorded women a position of honour and dignity.
“The BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had placed women’s empowerment at the centre of the country’s development through initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s safety, dignity, economic self-reliance and participation in decision-making,” he emphasised.
He added that Gujarat, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, is continuing to move in the same direction.
–IANS
mys/dpb