A poignant ceremony unfolded on July 25, 2025, in Rajkot, as 185 displaced persons from Pakistan—mostly from Kutch, Morbi, and Rajkot districts—were formally granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. The event, presided over by Gujarat MoS for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, emphasized state support for resettlement and rights.Wikipedia+15The Week+15Ahmedabad Mirror+15The New Indian Express+1Ahmedabad Mirror+1Telegraph India+3The Hindu+3Bhaskar English+3Hindustan Times
Ceremony Highlights in Rajkot
Held at Atmiya University in Rajkot, the ceremony saw Harsh Sanghavi personally awarding citizenship certificates. He urged the beneficiaries to “keep smiling” as they embarked on new lives as legal Indian citizens. Chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” filled the venue.Bhaskar English+1The New Indian Express+1
Background: CAA 2019 & Eligibility
Under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, persecuted non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan—specifically Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians—who entered India before December 31, 2014, are eligible for expedited citizenship.Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5The Hindu+5
The 185 individuals, mainly from minority communities, were processed based on those provisions.Ahmedabad Mirror+1ThePrint+1
Stories of Resilience
Among the beneficiaries was a female doctor, who recounted her ordeal in Pakistan. Despite earning a medical degree, she faced persecution and ultimately sought refuge in India with her family. Now, receiving citizenship, she looks ahead to practicing medicine here.The Week+5NewsDrum+5Bhaskar English+5
Other recipients spoke of decades of hardship—homes burnt down, families separated, lack of access to education and welfare. Their stories underscored the human cost behind the legal process.Ahmedabad MirrorThe New Indian Express
Government Support & Integration Assurance
Minister Harsh Sanghavi praised India’s inclusive ethos:
“India is a country where all religions are respected… If nations want to see how human rights are upheld, they should look at India and Gujarat.”News on AIR+11NewsDrum+11Ahmedabad Mirror+11
He assured beneficiaries of full access to welfare schemes, healthcare, education, and equal opportunity. The state promised to treat them as part of the Gujarat family, ensuring their children thrive.The Times of India+3Ahmedabad Mirror+3NewsDrum+3
Political Acknowledgment
During his address, Sanghavi commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for enabling passage and implementation of the CAA 2019, noting the event corrected a long-standing humanitarian deficit. Gratitude was also extended to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state officials.The Hindu+6NewsDrum+6The Week+6
Regional Spread of Beneficiaries
The newly naturalized citizens arrived from three districts of Gujarat—Kutch, Morbi, and Rajkot. Their naturalization underscores the act’s focus on those settled across border‑adjacent regions over many years.Bhaskar English+8Ahmedabad Mirror+8The New Indian Express+8
Broader Significance
This mass conferment aligns with national efforts to expedite citizenship rights for persecuted minorities. As the CAA 2019 becomes operational at scale, Gujarat’s action marks one of the largest single batches of citizenship grants under the law in 2025.The New Indian ExpressThePrint
The move reflects India’s intent to legally recognise long-standing refugees and uplift their socio‑economic status.
Conclusion: A New Beginning
For 185 former Pakistan residents, July 25, 2025 will be remembered as a day of emotional closure and fresh opportunity. From vulnerability to citizenship, they are now full‑fledged Indians entitled to dignity, rights, and the chance to rebuild lives in Gujarat.
