Gujaratian Minister for Internal Affairs Rough Sanghavi. File | Photo Credit: Hind
After years of uncertainty, 185 displaced persons from Pakistan were awarded to Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act (change) (CAA), 2019. Recipients, many of whom were in Rajkot in Gujaratov Rajkot, Morbi and Kutch.
“Now you are the citizens of the Great Nation – India,” Gojarat said the Minister of Home Matters Rough Sanghavi. The announcement met with the singing “Bharat Mat Ki Jai (victory to Mother India)” from the audience, and several recipients were emotional when they received their certificate.
Among the recipients were men, women and children who migrated from Pakistan, who gathered with religious persecution and lack of safety. Many of them belong to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities – groups recognized under CAA for fit for naturalization.
Among those who granted citizenship were a doctor of a young woman who completed medical education in Pakistan. “Just as she was about to start her career, her family was forced to escape from the ground,” said Mr. Sanghavi. “After years of waiting in India without legal status, official Indian citizenship now holds,” he said. Mr. Sanghavi added that she was just one example of many lives affected by law.
Other recipients included everyday wage gainful workers, in the household and older persons who lived without formal citizenship for several years.
Mr. Sanghavi said that the Indian government has committed itself to supporting those who suffered from religious discrimination in neighboring countries. “It is not just a certificate division – it is a return of dignity, security and rights,” he said. He added that India led by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), respects all religions and protects the rights of vulnerable.
He credited the Prime Minister Narendra Modim and the Minister of the Interior of the Union Amit Shah for the execution of CAA and called it a step that saved lives and restored the identity of many.
Mr. Sanghavi also ordered local officials to facilitate the integration of new citizens into government systems and to ensure their approach to programs related to education, health, housing and livelihood. “From today, your children will grow with access to the same occasions as any other Indian citizen,” he told them.
Several recipients expressed gratitude after receiving the certificate of citizenship. “I have been part of India since today. I feel safe. I feel recognized,” said ASHA Ben Becharbhai, resident Rajkot.
Bhavenna Ben Maleshwari, who has lived in Rajkot for the last 10 years and worked in the last eight, said, “Now I can say without hesitation – I am an Indian citizen. Thank you to the government for supporting us.”
Published – July 25, 2025 9:14
