Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : Gujarat Thakor Community Midnight Gathering and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
An ‘Abhyuday Mahasammelan’ was organised at Ramkatha Ground to awaken youth power in the Gujarat Kshatriya Thakor community and to deliberate on issues such as de-addiction, employment, education, and overall social development. Thousands of community members had gathered even before midnight, with large crowds present well before 3 am. The main agenda of the convention was to strengthen awareness around social unity and education.
The event began on a grand note with the Saraswati Vandana. This was followed by the rhythmic beats of dhols and garba, which enlivened the entire atmosphere. People waved flags and danced with enthusiasm to songs by Rakesh Barot and Kirtidan Gadhvi. Speeches delivered by Members of Parliament, leaders, and community representatives were warmly received, inspiring the community to unite and move forward collectively. At the conclusion of the programme, the bhoomi pujan of Saraswatidham was performed, and a pledge was taken to elevate the community to higher levels of education.
From the Thakors of Banaskantha to Alpesh of Ahmedabad, everyone was given recognition
Addressing the Thakor community convention, Alpesh Thakor said that today political leaders and the community had come together on a single platform. Present and former ministers, MLAs and MPs were all present together. Since the convention was called at 3 am, many doubts and suspicions were raised, but he said he had been working among the community for years and, after travelling across the state, it was clear that Alpesh Thakor had not emerged overnight. By building an organisation of the Thakor community in Gujarat, recognition had been given from the Thakors of Banaskantha to Alpesh of Ahmedabad. Continuous efforts had been made for 15 years to unite the community.
Had de-addiction begun years ago, half the land would belong to the Thakor community today
He said that leaders of different political parties had come together and the community had awakened. When de-addiction was spoken about on January 26, 2016, people laughed, but the ideology of de-addiction was firmly laid. Today, the youth of the Thakor community have carried this message to every household, and 90–95 per cent of people in villages across the state have become free from addiction. Had de-addiction happened years earlier, half the land would belong to the Thakor community today. The success of de-addiction is now clearly visible.
The Thakor community of Gujarat must fight its own battle
He said that the biggest leaders in society are not always seen in high offices, but efforts are now being made to turn youths into SPs and Collectors. Collective thinking is essential, and lessons must be learnt from communities that have progressed. Rights and entitlements must be asserted, and those sharing common struggles should stand together. The Thakor community of Gujarat must fight its own battle. Saraswati Dham will be able to house 2,000 boys and girls, shaping the future of children. Institutions must be built at taluka and district levels, and land should not be sold for extravagant wedding expenses.
He added that if he could not contribute anything to society through politics, he would quit politics. In the coming years, eight more buildings would be constructed. By 2036, a daughter of the community would stand here as an SP or Collector and deliver a speech. This was the third midnight gathering in the country’s history.
People from more than 7,000 villages attended
The Gujarat Kshatriya Thakor Sena has been continuously working to awaken the community. With the bhoomi pujan of Saraswati Dham, efforts are being made to expand educational opportunities. After de-addiction, the focus has now shifted towards creating a hunger for education. People from over 7,000 villages gathered for the programme. All these efforts are aimed at securing the future and upliftment of the community’s children.
‘Our community must move beyond peons and security guards to become IAS and IPS officers’
MP Geniben Thakor said the community must move beyond peons and security guards to become IAS and IPS officers. Daughters should be married only after completing Class 12, and special hostels for girls should be built in every taluka. Women’s employment must also be addressed, and girls should be prepared to fight on every front. She said unity across regions—north, south, central Gujarat and Saurashtra—was essential, as time waits for no one.
Purpose of the Mahasammelan
Leaders including Dhavalsinh Jhala, Keshaji Thakor, Baldevji Thakor, Geniben Thakor, Shobhanaben Baraiya and Cabinet Minister Ramansingh Solanki said the main objective of the Mahasammelan was to take the community forward in education and employment. The campaign launched in 2016 has now completed ten years, with significant improvements claimed. During the programme, the announcement and bhoomi pujan of the Shri Saraswati Dham project at Adalaj were also carried out. The Mahasammelan conveyed a fresh message of awareness and unity within the Thakor community.
