AHMEDABAD, 27 September – At an event marking 20 years of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiative's tremendous growth and success. Held at Ahmedabad's Science City, Modi likened the journey of Vibrant Gujarat to a small seed that has now flourished into a magnificent banyan tree.
Launched with the vision of making Gujarat the nation's growth catalyst, the Prime Minister recalled facing numerous challenges, notably from the Central Government at the time. Investors were discouraged from supporting Gujarat, and ministers were reluctant to attend the summit. Yet, undeterred, Vibrant Gujarat persevered, not only achieving its initial goals but also linking other states in its mission. When Modi's government took center stage in 2014, the ambitions scaled higher, aiming to position India as the world's growth dynamo.
"We've faced ridicule, protest, and finally acceptance," PM Modi reflected, invoking Swami Vivekananda's words. He recollected the numerous adversities Gujarat underwent, from famines to earthquakes, and from heart-wrenching incidents like Godhra to subsequent violent outbursts. Through all these challenges, Gujarat's resilience stood firm.
Today, Vibrant Gujarat attracts participation from 135 countries, boasting the presence of over 40,000 delegates and 2,000 exhibitors. Once recognized merely as a trading state, Gujarat now thrives in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and finance – a transformation that Modi credits significantly to Vibrant Gujarat.
State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel commended the summit's evolution, starting with 300 business partners to now being an emblem of success. With world-class projects like the Gift City Dholera, Patel appreciates the Prime Minister's unwavering commitment to Gujarat.
Prominent industrialist, Lakshmi Mittal, present at the ceremony, echoed a similar sentiment, praising India's rapid economic growth trajectory.
Since its inception on September 28, 2003, when Narendra Modi helmed the position of Gujarat's Chief Minister, Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit has grown leaps and bounds. From fostering investments in Gujarat to molding the future of India, the summit stands as a testament to the nation's potential. Its unmatched success sets a benchmark, inspiring other states to pursue similar investment-driven summits.
