Amit Shah Inaugurates Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre in Pune
Pune, July 18:
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre on Friday in Pune, Maharashtra. The state-of-the-art facility has been developed by the Shri Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj, marking a significant milestone for the Gujarati community in the region.
Present at the inauguration were Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, and several other dignitaries.
In his address, Amit Shah praised the Poona Gujarati Samaj for building what he described as the “most beautiful building of the Gujarati community in the country,” highlighting their 13 years of united effort in realizing this project without any internal disputes. The modern facility spans 2.5 lakh square feet and was constructed at an approximate cost of ₹300 crore.
He acknowledged the 112-year legacy of the Samaj, which has served the Gujarati community in Pune since 1913. “Wherever Gujaratis go, they integrate, contribute, and uplift society without ever getting involved in disputes,” Shah remarked, adding that the creation of this centre symbolizes the culmination of the community’s 113-year journey.
Referring to Pune as a city of great historical and cultural significance, Shah emphasized its role in India’s freedom movement and social reforms—from Shivaji Maharaj and the Peshwas to leaders like Lokmanya Tilak. He said Pune has been at the forefront of preserving Vedic knowledge, literature, and art, while also driving social change.
Shah also touched upon the country’s transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past 11 years, citing major achievements including:
- Electrification of 20,000 villages by 2016
- Construction of toilets in over 15 crore households
- Free health care up to ₹5 lakh for the poor
- Monthly free ration for 80 crore citizens
- Abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir
- Construction of the Ram Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
- Success of India’s Chandrayaan mission
- Rapid economic growth—India now ranks as the world’s 4th largest economy
He further stated that India is emerging as the global fintech capital, the second-largest mobile manufacturing hub, and a leader in data consumption and startups. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026 and underscored India’s growing stature in renewable energy and defense capabilities.
Looking ahead, Shah said India aims to be among the top 10 nations in the Olympic medal tally when it hosts the Olympics in 2036. He stressed that the foundation being laid now under PM Modi’s leadership will make India a global leader by 2047—when it celebrates 100 years of independence.
Concluding his address, Shah encouraged members of the Samaj to support the new centre’s library—currently housing 5,000 books—by donating at least two books each to expand the collection to 15,000. “We must cultivate the habit of reading in our children, especially about our history,” he said.