"Ma Nu Kanku" – Celebrating Mother, Motherland & Mother Tongue

To commemorate Gujarat Foundation Day, a memorable cultural programme titled "Ma Nu Kanku" was organized on 3 May 2026 in Ahmedabad. The event beautifully celebrated the values of Mother (Maa), Motherland (Mati), and Mother Tongue (Matrubhasha), reflecting Gujarat's rich cultural heritage and linguistic pride.

The programme was conceptualized and coordinated by Jasubhai Kavi and was made possible through the generous support of Dr. Nitin Sumant Shah, Chairman of Heart Foundation & Research Institute (HFRI), whose continuous encouragement of humanitarian, educational, and cultural initiatives has inspired numerous community programmes.

A Celebration of Gujarati Culture

The musical evening featured remarkable performances by 15 visually impaired singers and musicians led by renowned music teacher Shri Piyushbhai Dave from Vadodara.

The artists captivated the audience with soulful renditions of classic Gujarati songs, showcasing extraordinary musical talent and demonstrating that determination and passion can overcome every challenge.

Preserving Gujarat's Cultural Heritage

The venue reflected the essence of traditional Gujarat through beautifully curated displays of cultural heritage, including:

• Traditional Bajot
• Earthen stove (Mati no Chulo)
• Farmer's cart
• Supdu (traditional winnowing basket)
• Decorative Garba installations
• Traditional Gujarati folk elements

These artistic displays created an authentic cultural atmosphere and enhanced the audience's connection with Gujarat's traditions.

Dr. Nitin Sumant Shah Mother Tongue Award

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Dr. Nitin Sumant Shah Mother Tongue Award to Padma Shri Ratilal Borisagar in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the promotion and preservation of the Gujarati language.

The award was presented by distinguished scholar and author Shri Kumarpal Desai.

The honour included:

• A commemorative trophy
• A cash award of ₹51,000

The award has been instituted to honour individuals who have made exceptional contributions towards the preservation, promotion, and enrichment of the mother tongue and Gujarati literature.

Message from Dr. Nitin Sumant Shah

"Our mother tongue is not merely a medium of communication—it is the foundation of our identity, culture, and heritage. Gujarati is our pride, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve and promote it. Through programmes like 'Ma Nu Kanku', we aim to inspire the younger generation to remain connected with their language, traditions, and values while recognizing the extraordinary talent of visually impaired artists."

Empowering Divyang Artists

Speaking on the occasion, Jasubhai Kavi emphasized that such programmes are organized to bring visually impaired and differently-abled artists into the mainstream, provide them with meaningful platforms, nurture their artistic talents, and encourage self-reliance.

The organizers also announced that "Ma Nu Kanku" will be presented in schools, colleges, and cities across Gujarat to inspire future generations to value their language, culture, and heritage.

Through initiatives like these, Heart Foundation & Research Institute continues its commitment to promoting culture, education, inclusion, and social empowerment while preserving Gujarat's rich linguistic and cultural legacy.