Ahmedabad, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : In a significant ceremony held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi presented Indian citizenship certificates to 158 refugees. The event, organized by the district administration, brought visible joy to the families receiving their new status.
Speaking at the event, Sanghavi emphasized, “You have always been Indians in your hearts, but today you are officially recognized as Indian citizens.” He noted that the burden of holding Pakistani passports, which had caused them distress, is now lifted, allowing them to proudly carry Indian passports.
In discussions with reporters, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the difficult circumstances faced by Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist families in Pakistan. Many of these families fled to India due to concerns over their safety and treatment. The 158 families receiving citizenship today shared their experiences of persecution in Pakistan, expressing gratitude to the Indian government for their new beginning.
Sanghavi recounted stories from elderly families, with one stating that this day feels like Diwali to them, marking the start of a new life. He encouraged the new citizens, saying, “Smile, for you are now citizens of India.”
The refugees expressed their happiness upon receiving citizenship. One refugee, Raichand, who arrived in India in 2017, shared, “We faced many problems in Pakistan. We felt scared there, so we came to India. The Indian government provides us with all the facilities. Today is a new Diwali for me, as my whole family has come to India.”
Another refugee, Sharda, remarked on the difficulties women face in Pakistan, stating, “Here in India, we have much more freedom. We are very happy to be here.”
Vishni, another refugee, reflected on the hardships endured in Pakistan and expressed relief at gaining freedom in India. “I am very happy to have received Indian citizenship. I have come here with my entire family,” she said.
Kundanika, who obtained citizenship after 15 years, shared her journey. “I was just four years old when I came to India with my family. I feel very safe here,” she noted.
The event marked a hopeful new chapter for these families, now officially recognized as Indian citizens.
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