Ahmedabad is the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat and one of the most important cultural and economic hubs in western India. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad has a rich history that dates back centuries, with its foundations linked to the Sultanate era. The city was founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah, after whom it is named, and it became the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate.
Ahmedabad is known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and as a center for commerce and industry. The city played a significant role in India’s independence movement, particularly as the home of Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram, which served as a base for many of his activities, including the famous Dandi March.
Today, Ahmedabad is recognized for its rapidly growing economy, particularly in textiles, chemicals, and information technology. It is also famous for its educational institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), one of the top business schools in India.
The city is a blend of old and new, with its historic walled city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while modern Ahmedabad is characterized by its high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and industrial estates. Ahmedabad also hosts the annual Kite Festival, which draws participants from all over the world.
In Jan 2023, BOOM investigated a viral video that was falsely claimed to show a 3-year-old child being lifted by a kite during a festival in Ahmedabad.
BOOM found that the video was actually from a 2020 incident in Taiwan, where a 3-year-old was lifted high into the air after getting entangled in a giant kite at a kite festival. The video was inaccurately shared as an event from Ahmedabad.
In October 2020, BOOM investigated a video that was being shared online with claims that it showed 'Modi Magic' in Tamil Nadu, depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeting crowds.
BOOM found that the video was actually from 2017, when PM Modi was in Gujarat to cast his vote during the 2017 Gujarat elections. The video was misleadingly shared as an event from Tamil Nadu.
