Surat. In a leadership change at the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, senior industrialist Ashok Jirawala has taken over as President, while young entrepreneur Ravi Raj Desai has assumed the role of Vice President.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Center in Sarsana, where the responsibilities were formally handed over by former President Nikhil Madras. Several prominent figures were present at the event, including Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi, Supreme Court Justice J.K. Maheshwari, industrialist Anand Deshpande, founder of Balaji Wafers Chandu Bhai Virani, and Rajya Sabha MP Govind Dholakia, along with many industrialists, public representatives, and dignitaries. Nikhil Madras's tenure was filled with achievements; during 2025-26, under his leadership, SGCCI made significant contributions in the areas of industrial interests, business activities, exhibitions, and international connections.
His tenure saw an expansion of the organization's activities and a strong representation of the voice of the industrial sector of South Gujarat at the state and national levels. Ashok Jirawala, the newly elected President, is a well-known name in the textile industry of South Gujarat. He is the President of the Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association and has effectively raised issues related to weavers and the textile industry for a long time.
Jirawala, who has been associated with the Chamber for nearly 20 years, was active as Vice President during 2025-26. He has effectively represented various industrial issues at the state and national levels. He believes that connecting the textile industry with automation, artificial intelligence, and modern technologies is essential for advancing in global competition.
Ravi Raj Desai, the new Vice President, is among the youngest industrial representatives to reach this position in the Chamber's history. He has a strong academic background in engineering and management and is associated with various industrial and social organizations. Currently, he plays a leadership role in several industrial organizations and foundations.
The new leadership's priorities include enhancing the competitive capacity of industries, promoting new technologies and innovations in key sectors such as textiles, diamonds, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. They aim to promote automation and AI, linking industries with modern technology, automation, and artificial intelligence to increase productivity and global competitiveness. Strengthening connections with global markets, linking South Gujarat's industries with international trade, investment, and partnership opportunities.
Encouraging youth leadership and entrepreneurship, connecting the new generation of entrepreneurs with industrial organizations and the mainstream of economic development. The new leadership of the Chamber has indicated that in the coming times, special attention will be given to enhancing the competitive capacity of industries, promoting technological innovation, and strengthening the business interests of South Gujarat on national and global platforms.
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