Gujarat’s largest city Ahmedabad on Friday formally became India’s first World Heritage City with UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova handing over the certificate to Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Speaking on the occasion, Rupani said it was a proud moment for over 6.5 crore Gujaratis. Ahmedabad got the World Heritage City status due to hard work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added.

The city, which is also known as Manchester of the East for its textile industries, was selected out of 250 cities in the race for the coveted status.

“Modiji did a lot of hard work to get the heritage city tag for Ahmedabad,” said Rupani, adding the city, which is a home to great men like Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Narendra Modi, has now been awarded the certificate of the World Heritage City by UNESCO.

“This day is not a result of something which is achieved overnight but a fruit of the hard work of then Chief Minister Modi, who organised an Asian heritage city conference in Ahmedabad in 2010

wherein he talked about making the city a world heritage city,” Rupani said.

“I convey my heartfelt gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for his vision and direction and support. I am sure that the city will now be flooded with tourists and historians from across the globe

which will increase the pride and glory of Gujarat,” said the Chief Minister.

He accused the earlier Governments of not trying enough to get the coveted status. The Chief Minister also thanked the UNESCO and the Culture Ministry

In her speech, Bokova said, “It was indeed a great experience to visit India’s first UNESCO World Heritage city, a symbol of intercultural dialogue and unity in diversity.

“A city that boasts life, culture, and joy everyday with its extravagant lifestyle. A symbol of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.”

“Significance of the city lies beyond the physical beauty of its architectural heritage. A landmark city where (Mahatama) Gandhiji began India’s freedom struggle,” the UNESCO official added.

On July 8, India secured the nomination for Ahmedabad on UNESCO’s World Heritage list during the 41st Session of World Heritage Committee.

The honour makes the walled city of Ahmedabad the third in Asia to be on the list.