Under the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Gujarat has officially granted Indian citizenship to 56 Pakistani nationals who have lived in the state for over two decades. Gujarat’s State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi ceremoniously handed over the citizenship certificates during an event in Ahmedabad on 11 December 2024.
Sanghavi congratulated the recipients and expressed heartfelt wishes, saying, “Smile, now you are citizens of this great country, India.” His words brought immense relief and joy to the new citizens, many of whom had awaited this moment for years.
Hisha Kumari’s Remarkable Journey
One of the most inspiring stories among the recipients was that of Hisha Kumari. Born in Pakistan in 1998, she moved to India with her family in 2013, seeking freedom and a better future. Her perseverance and determination stand as a testament to her resilience.
Hisha continued her education in India, completing her schooling and gaining admission to a medical college in Ajmer in 2017. Having recently completed her medical studies, she is now set to embark on her career as a doctor.
Expressing her gratitude upon receiving her citizenship, Hisha said, “I am grateful to the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for restoring my identity. With this citizenship, I can now apply anywhere.” She proudly displayed her certificate, marking the culmination of years of effort and hope.
Streamlining the Citizenship Process
State Home Minister Sanghavi highlighted the government’s commitment to simplifying the citizenship process for deserving individuals. “Earlier, these people had to endure a lengthy process in Delhi. Now, we have ensured their issues are resolved locally,” he explained.
The event underscored the Modi government’s focus on granting citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries under the CAA. From 2017 to March 2024, 1,167 Pakistani citizens were granted Indian citizenship. With these 56 individuals, the total has now risen to 1,222.
Gujarat’s Proactive Role
In Gujarat alone, over 50 Pakistani Hindus received citizenship certificates in the last six months, demonstrating the state’s proactive approach to addressing the concerns of persecuted minorities.
For the 56 individuals, obtaining Indian citizenship marks the end of a long and arduous journey and the start of a new chapter filled with opportunities and hope. This legal recognition enables them to fully integrate into Indian society, pursue their dreams, and build a secure future.
(With Inputs From Organiser)
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