Surat, May 29, 2026: The 'SGCCCI Textile Awards 2026' was grandly organized at the Platinum Hall of the International Exhibition and Convention Center (SIECC) in Sarsana under the joint aegis of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI). The ceremony honored 53 companies and industrialists for their outstanding and innovative work in various sectors of the textile value chain.
The program began with a Ganesh Vandana dance presented by Payal Ravi. Following this, former SGCCCI president Ashishbhai Gujarati lit the lamp to inaugurate the ceremony. Chamber president Nikhil Madrasi stated that Surat is not just a textile city but the most powerful growth engine of the country's economy.
He mentioned that Surat, a leader in textile production, embroidery, and exports, provides employment to millions. Despite challenges such as the pandemic, raw material shortages, and technological changes, the industrialists of Surat have modernized production capacity and established their identity in new international markets. Vice President Ashok Jirawala noted that after agriculture, the textile sector is the only field that provides employment to nearly 250 million people in the country.
He emphasized that the success of any industry is determined not just by production but by strong leadership, innovation, and excellent work practices. Neeraj Kumar Arya, Business Head of Welspun Living and the chief guest of the event, stated that Surat contributes 65 percent to the manmade fabric (MMF) sector in the country. He pointed out that China is still far ahead in global textile exports, and India needs to work swiftly towards cost efficiency and integration into the global value chain.
He urged industrialists to adopt automation and artificial intelligence, highlighting that a shortage of manpower could become a significant challenge in the future, making it essential to technically train local youth. Pramodbhai Chaudhary from the Talents Group mentioned that Surat ranks second in denim production in the country after Ahmedabad and is set to emerge as a technical textile hub in the future. Subhash Dhawan from Gokul Tex Print noted that due to digital printing and technological advancements, Surat has made remarkable progress in recent years.
He reported a decrease in dependence on Chinese viscose yarn, but acknowledged that Surat's share in global exports remains limited, indicating vast potential for growth. During the ceremony, industrialists and companies were honored in various categories including product innovation, export, quality management, technology adoption, best HR practices, recycling, and textile machinery manufacturing.
Additionally, several senior industrialists who made significant contributions to the development of the textile industry were awarded special honors and contribution awards. At the end of the program, the chamber's Vice President (Elect) Ravibhai Desai expressed gratitude to all guests and industrialists, stating that this honor serves as inspiration not only for experienced industrialists but also for the new generation of young entrepreneurs who are giving a new direction to family businesses with modern thinking.
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