Surat. A major transformation has occurred in India’s governance system after 2014. Governance is no longer limited to slogans; its main objective is to deliver the benefits of action-based schemes directly to the common person. An excellent example of this new good governance is the ‘Seva Setu Loan Mela’ organized in Surat.

Seva Setu Loan Mela: A ‘One-Stop’ Solution

Held on the 10th, 17th, and 24th of August at Nav Yug College in Surat, this fair was organized on the initiative of the MLA of West Surat Assembly. In this fair, the Surat Municipal Corporation, local administration, banks, insurance companies, and social leaders worked together. The fair proved to be a ‘one-stop’ solution for citizens, women, youth, and small traders, where they received instant bank loans, insurance, and documentation assistance under one roof.

‘Seva Diwas’ on the Prime Minister’s Birthday

This event is also part of the new tradition of celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday as ‘Seva Diwas’ (Service Day). Instead of grand ceremonies and garlanding, public service-based programs are organized on his birthday, conveying the message that development and service are the true celebration.

‘Not just a slogan…service’ is the new mantra that truly reflects today’s good governance, and celebrating the Prime Minister’s birthday as ‘Seva Diwas’ is the best expression of public welfare.

Surat

Surat is a historic port city in the Indian state of Gujarat, which rose to prominence in the 16th century as a major trading hub for the Mughal Empire, dealing in textiles and diamonds. Often called the “Gate to Mecca,” it was a primary departure point for Muslim pilgrims traveling by sea to the Arabian Peninsula. Today, it remains a vital economic center, renowned globally for its diamond cutting and polishing industry.

Nav Yug College

Nav Yug College is a higher education institution located in Bihar, India, established to provide accessible education to the local community. While its specific founding date is not widely documented in major historical sources, it is part of a network of colleges in the region contributing to educational development.

Seva Setu Loan Mela

“Seva Setu Loan Mela” is not a historical or cultural site, but rather a government-organized event or fair in India designed to provide financial services and loans to citizens, often targeting farmers, small business owners, and underprivileged communities. These initiatives are typically part of government schemes to promote financial inclusion and economic development by connecting beneficiaries directly with banks and financial institutions.

Surat Municipal Corporation

The Surat Municipal Corporation is the civic body responsible for the administration of Surat, a major city in Gujarat, India. It was established in 1852 during the British colonial era, making it one of the oldest municipal corporations in the country. The corporation is particularly noted for its effective urban governance and its successful transformation of the city after a plague epidemic in the 1990s.

West Surat Assembly

The West Surat Assembly is a local administrative body within the city of Surat, India, historically known as a major port and trading hub. It is part of the city’s municipal governance structure, which was established to manage the region’s civic affairs and rapid urban development.

Seva Diwas

“Seva Diwas” (Service Day) is not a specific place or cultural site but a day of service and volunteering observed primarily in India. It is often associated with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2nd, which is also celebrated nationally as a day to honor his legacy of selfless service (Seva) to the community. The day inspires citizens to engage in charitable acts and community improvement projects in his memory.

Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi is not a place or cultural site, but the current Prime Minister of India. He is a political leader who previously served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. His political career began with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization.