Gujarat CM marks Janmashtami at Dabhoda Temple, contributes to teachers’ welfare fund

Gandhinagar, Sep 5 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel marked Janmashtami and Teachers’ Day on Saturday by joining villagers in Krishna Janmotsav celebrations at the historic Ranchhodraiji Temple in Dabhoda of Gandhinagar and contributing to the Teachers’ Welfare Fund.

Patel visited the recently reconstructed 250-year-old Shri Ranchhodraiji Temple in Dabhoda and took part in the Janmashtami rituals along with local residents.

He offered prayers to Lord Ranchhodraiji, performed puja and aarti, and sought blessings for the peace, prosperity, and overall development of Gujarat.

The temple’s Mahant, Shri Hariram Swami 1008 Mahamandaleshwar, blessed the Chief Minister during his visit. Village leaders and residents welcomed Patel by presenting him with a traditional turban, shawl and memento.

The Chief Minister also offered prayers at the Hanumanji Temple in Dabhoda and extended his greetings to people on the occasion of Janmashtami.

The celebrations at temples across Gujarat were held amid large-scale participation by devotees, with Janmashtami festivities centred on the birth of Lord Krishna.

Later in the day, Patel observed Teachers’ Day by making a voluntary contribution to the Teachers’ Welfare Fund in recognition of the contribution of teachers to education and society.

Students from several schools in Gandhinagar visited the Chief Minister’s residence in the morning to voluntarily collect contributions for the fund.

Patel interacted with the schoolchildren who had come for the collection and also contributed to the fund, continuing the tradition of acknowledging teachers on September 5.

Teachers’ Day is observed in India on September 5 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India and a distinguished teacher and scholar.

The occasion is marked by programmes and activities recognising the contribution of teachers in shaping individuals and society.

Those present during the Teachers’ Day programme included Gandhinagar District Development Officer Digant Brahmbhatt, District Superintendent of Police (SP) Ravi Teja Vasamsetty, District Education Officer Dr B.N. Prajapati, District Primary Education Officer Piyush Patel, other officials and schoolteachers.

–IANS

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