On the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Surat organized a floral tribute program.

Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil was notably present at the event. During the program, while paying homage to Baba Saheb, C.R.

Patil stated that Dr. Ambedkar made an extremely significant contribution to the construction of modern India. The Constitution prepared under his leadership provides fundamental rights to every citizen of the country and ensures their protection.

On this occasion, Purnesh Modi also paid tribute to Baba Saheb, mentioning that his thoughts on the upliftment of the marginalized and women's empowerment are still inspiring today. BJP Surat Metropolitan President Paresh Patel remarked that the citizens will always remember Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to nation-building.

Surat Lok Sabha MP Mukeshbhai Dalal also paid his respects. The event was attended by officials from the BJP Gujarat state organization, leaders from the Surat city organization, MLAs, MPs, and a large number of workers, including candidates for the Surat Municipal Corporation elections.

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Surat, May 3 – The brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, has left the entire nation in shock. In a strong and emotional response, Union Jal Shakti Minister and Gujarat BJP President C.R. Patil refused to accept any formal honor during a Global Summit held in Surat, emphasizing the need for national retaliation over ceremonial gestures.

The summit, held at Avadh Utopia in Surat, witnessed the participation of prominent investors and industrialists from across the country. C.R. Patil, who was invited as the chief guest, took a firm stand when the organizers tried to felicitate him. Declining the honor, Patil stated that he would not accept any form of public recognition until those responsible for the Pahalgam attack are avenged.

Patil remarked that the current situation does not call for honors or bouquets, but for decisive action. He further stated that until he witnesses a strong response from the country, he would attend such events only as an observer and would not accept any memento or ceremonial token.

His declaration resonated deeply with those present, prompting the organizers to cancel the scheduled felicitation and limit the interaction to a group photograph as a gesture of respect for his sentiment.

The summit, which brought together key figures from the stock market and business sectors, turned into a moment of reflection on national security and collective mourning. Patil's decision to prioritize the sacrifices of the victims over public accolades underscored his strong nationalist stance.

The terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam targeted tourists and was followed by an extensive military search operation in the Basran-Khin region. Meanwhile, the central government is reportedly preparing a firm strategic response against Pakistan in light of the incident.

In a significant step toward addressing the chronic shortage of freshwater in the coastal regions of Surat district, the central government has launched a large-scale groundwater recharge borewell project under the national "Catch the Rain" campaign. Over the next one and a half months, a total of 27,300 recharge borewells are set to be constructed, enabling rainwater to directly seep into the ground and thereby improve the region’s groundwater levels.

This initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide efforts to enhance groundwater reserves by maximizing rainwater conservation. The Ministry of Jal Shakti is spearheading this initiative with an aim to utilize every drop of rainwater through advanced recharge systems across the country. Gujarat has emerged as one of the leading states in swiftly implementing this ambitious mission.

Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil, laid the foundation stone for the project in Olpad, emphasizing that the goal is to replenish the groundwater levels and increase water availability in water-scarce coastal areas of Surat. The newly constructed recharge borewells will store rainwater underground, reducing wastage and helping maintain consistent water levels for both drinking and agricultural purposes.

The project launch saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi, Member of Parliament Mukeshbhai Dalal, MLAs Sandeepbhai Desai and Sangeetaben Patil, District Development Officer Shivani Goyal, Surat City BJP President Pareshbhai Patel, and District Organizational President Bharatbhai Rathod. Local leaders, panchayat members, and villagers from Moragam and surrounding areas were also present at the event.

The initiative is expected to bring long-term relief to residents who have been grappling with freshwater shortages for years. With the support of modern water recharge methods, the region is poised for a future where rivers, springs, and groundwater sources not only become healthier but also more abundantly available.

New Delhi, March 21 – Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil on Friday emphasized the Narendra Modi-led government's commitment to timely project execution and said that efforts are being made to transform water conservation into a mass movement across the country.

Responding to a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the demands for grants under the Ministry of Jal Shakti for the financial year 2025-26, Paatil stated that the government consistently begins projects on schedule and ensures their completion on time. Following his response, the House approved the ministry's grant demands by voice vote, rejecting the cut motions proposed by some opposition members.

As per agency report, the minister noted a consistent increase in budget allocations for water resources and pointed out that despite water being a state subject, the central government has extended significant financial support to help states build institutional and infrastructural capacity. For the upcoming fiscal year, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been allocated Rs. 99,502 crore.

Highlighting the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Paatil said that in 2019, there were three crore tap water connections across India. By 2025, this number had risen to over 15.5 crore. He also noted that approximately 12 crore toilets have been constructed since 2014, benefiting nearly 60 crore people and improving overall sanitation.

Regarding the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, the minister informed that it will provide drinking water to around 6.2 million people and has already seen an expenditure of over Rs. 10,000 crore. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to complete such projects on time and added that the successful rejuvenation of the Ganga River has led to a rise in dolphin sightings, including in areas where they had previously disappeared.

Paatil stressed that transforming water conservation into a public movement is a key objective. He warned that any complaints of irregularities in implementation will be taken seriously, and responsible officials will not be spared. Addressing concerns raised by members regarding discrepancies in tap water delivery under the Jal Jeevan Mission, he acknowledged that minor irregularities may occur but assured that corrective action would be taken and accountability ensured.

Earlier in the discussion, Congress MP Robert Royte highlighted the need to strengthen water management systems in light of climate change impacts. Samajwadi Party member Anand Bhadauria alleged widespread corruption in the ministry’s schemes and sarcastically suggested renaming it the “Wealth Accumulation Ministry.” Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh cited water scarcity in Prayagraj and urged that the region be granted the same level of support as Bundelkhand.

The discussion reflected the broader parliamentary focus on water security, transparency in implementation, and the importance of long-term planning to meet future challenges in India’s water sector.

Surat, March 2: Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil, inaugurated the Limbayat-Dindoli Connecting Underpass near Sai Baba Temple in the Udhna Yard area along the Surat-Bhusawal railway line on Sunday. The underpass, constructed at a cost of ₹53.58 crore, aims to significantly improve traffic flow and connectivity in Surat’s Limbayat zone.

While addressing the gathering, Minister C.R. Paatil highlighted that the newly built underpass, stretching 503 meters, is the longest in Gujarat and has been developed using modern engineering techniques. Built through a collaborative effort between the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Indian Railways, the project is expected to ease travel for residents and commuters in the region. Previously, people from Limbayat and Navagam had to take a 2-3 km detour to reach their destinations, whereas the underpass now allows them to cover the distance in just 500 meters.

The underpass is expected to serve as a lifeline for transport, reducing travel time and fuel consumption while facilitating smoother business operations for local industrialists and commuters. Given that seven railway lines pass over this underpass, it stands out as Gujarat’s longest. To ensure proper ventilation, an advanced outdoor air conditioning system has been installed to maintain adequate oxygen levels for vehicle users.

Paatil also lauded the Surat Municipal Corporation for its infrastructure initiatives, noting that Surat already boasts Gujarat’s longest Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) route, and now, the state’s longest underpass has also been constructed in the city.

Surat, February 18 – With the rapid expansion of Surat city, the need for enhanced law enforcement infrastructure has grown significantly. Addressing this necessity, the city has inaugurated its 40th police station in Dream City, a region poised to become a major business hub, especially for the diamond industry.

The Dream City Police Station was officially inaugurated on Sunday by Union Minister of Water Resources C.R. Paatil, in the presence of State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Rajya Sabha MP Govindbhai Dholakia. The station has been established in anticipation of the upcoming Surat Diamond Bourse and Dream City projects, ensuring a strong law enforcement presence in this crucial business district.

Given the significance of the diamond industry, security remains a top priority. With Surat emerging as a global diamond trading hub, the new police station aims to provide a safe and conducive environment for business operations. The Surat Diamond Bourse, located near the city's airport, is expected to attract diamond traders, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the world, making security a key concern.

MP Govindbhai Dholakia, who is also a leading figure in the diamond industry, emphasized the pressing need for this police station, given the increasing flow of traders and industrialists into Dream City. He stated that the Surat Diamond Bourse would soon see the opening of over 100 offices from February 22, further increasing the demand for security infrastructure.

Meanwhile, economic challenges in the diamond sector have dampened enthusiasm, with a slowdown impacting traders and artisans alike. Industry leaders have urged the central government for financial assistance to support artisans facing economic hardship, though an official response is still awaited. Stakeholders remain hopeful that the government will consider their request in the near future.

Surat (Gujarat) [India], June 12: IVY Growth Associates, a leading venture capital firm and startup ecosystem enabler, will host the third edition of its flagship event, 21BY72, on June 15 and 16, at Avadh Utopia in Surat, in association with Steam House and Ayaani Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery. The event aims to put the Diamond City on the global startup ecosystem map.

The event will be one of the largest startup summits in the country with more than 20,000 participants, over 200 startup founders, 600+ investors and industry leaders. It will offer an exceptional platform for networking, learning, and collaboration. Gujarat BJP President and Union Minister CR Patil will be the chief guest at the summit, and Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi will be the guest of honour.

Prateek Tosniwal, Chartered Accountant and investor, said, “The third 21BY72 Startup Summit will witness the participation of 20,000+ people as compared with 16,000 last year, and will play an even bigger role in strengthening the startup ecosystem in Gujarat and India. Marquee names from the world of investing, renowned serial entrepreneurs and investors will be there, sharing their expertise and insights on the latest trends in technology, business, and entrepreneurship.”

Anupam Mittal, shaadi.com Founder and Shark Tank judge, Raj Shamani, Founder of Figuring out and House of X, Arjun Vaidya, Co-founder of V3 Ventures, Parul Gulati, actor and entrepreneur, Apurva Chamaria, Head of Venture Capital at Google India, and Manish Chowdhary, Founder of Wow Skin Science, are among the notable participants.

With more than 100 venture capital funds and 500 angel investors in attendance, the summit will provide an unmatched opportunity for startups to showcase their offerings and pitch their ideas before top investors. The event will feature panel discussions, insightful keynote addresses, and interactive workshops, empowering entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge, meaningful connections, and opportunities to grow.

Rachit Poddar, Co-Founder of IVY Growth Associates, said, “One of the highlights of the summit is the Trailblazers Mine, a live pitching and fundraising event for startups, where selected startups will get a chance to pitch their ideas to esteemed investors, mentors and industry leaders. Moreover, close to 100 startups will exhibit their innovative products and services, and showcase their offerings to investors and partners.”

IVY Growth Associates is on a mission to put Surat on the global startup ecosystem map by connecting startups with investors from India, UAE, the UK, and the US. With 21BY72, it has created a platform to accelerate entrepreneurship, boost economy and employment, and drive angel investment across India.

In less than three years, IVY Growth Associates & its network has invested in over 100 growth-stage startups across sectors with Rs. 20 crores in deployed capital from its fund and syndicated funds totalling more than Rs. 80 crores from its network. It has invested in startups in diverse sectors like renewable energy, protective farming, Edtech, and direct-to-consumer brands, and is also focusing on Fintech, Agritech, D2C, Cleantech, SaaS, and EV. Some of the successful startups in its portfolio include Emotorad, Rupeek, Zappfresh, Zypp Electric, and BluSmart.

IVY Growth has also launched Arigato Capital, a SEBI-registered Category 1 AIF Venture Capital Fund to raise Rs. 250 crores to further fuel its capability to fund promising startups. As part of its expansion strategy, it is building a global corridor that connects angel investors and startups, with a special focus on the Middle East, US & Europe.

IVY Growth Associates invites the entire startup ecosystem to join the 21BY72 Startup Summit and contribute to making Surat the next startup hub of India.

Surat – On the final day for filing nominations for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP State President C.R. Patil were in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Patil chose the auspicious Vijay Muhurta to file his nomination from the Navsari seat.

Accompanied by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Harsh Sanghvi, BJP candidate C.R. Patil led a spirited bike rally on Thursday through Navsari for his nomination. The rally, starting from the central office in Navsari, saw Patil and CM Patel riding in a flower-adorned car, attracting thousands of enthusiastic supporters. Women danced the Garba, and Geeta Rabari's songs filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere. Stringent police arrangements were in place to ensure safety during the event. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Patil missed the opportunity to file his nomination on Thursday. Therefore, on Friday, accompanied by a small group of supporters, Patil successfully registered his candidature for the Navsari Lok Sabha seat at 12:39 in the Vijay Muhurta.

In a notable gesture of sportsmanship, both Patil and Congress candidate Naishadh Desai met at the Collector's office in Navsari. Desai approached Patil and exchanged a few words, which led to a friendly exchange between the two candidates. After filing his nomination, Desai expressed his best wishes for Patil, and in return, Patil reciprocated the sentiment.

Desai, the Congress candidate, made a symbolic appearance at the Collector's office, dressed in Khadi attire reminiscent of Mahatma Gandhi, with a bald head, a stick in his hand, and wearing slippers, paying homage to the Father of the Nation. His attire was a subtle nod to Gandhi's principles and his commitment to simplicity and non-violence.

In a recent press conference ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Bharatiya Janata Party's Gujarat State President, C.R. Patil, dismissed any possibility of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress making significant gains in the state. Patil asserted that both parties were "daydreaming" and out of touch with the ground reality.

Patil specifically targeted the AAP, noting that out of the 7 assembly seats in Bharuch, all but one candidate lost their deposit, indicating a lack of public support. He also highlighted that both Bhavnagar and Bharuch Lok Sabha seats have traditionally been strongholds of the BJP.

Referring to the alliance between AAP and Congress, Patil stated, "After losing the public vote in the assembly elections, both of them are daydreaming of winning Gujarat together." He expressed confidence that neither party would see success in Gujarat, citing their poor performance in previous elections.

Patil criticized the parties for making false promises and misleading the people of Gujarat. He claimed that the voters were now aware of these tactics and would not be swayed by empty rhetoric. Patil also expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the party aimed to win all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat.

Surat (Gujarat) [India], February 13:  A group of industrialists, professionals and youths from Surat, a city known globally as Diamond and Textile City, have come together to establish the Brand Surat Foundation, aimed at showcasing Surat as a brand across the world. The endeavor encompasses various initiatives to project Surat as a distinguished brand on the international stage. The logo of Brand Surat was launched by Lok Sabha MP and Gujarat BJP President CR Patil on Monday, marking a significant milestone in this endeavor.

Other cities in India and other countries are not aware of the various specialties of Surat city, which inspired a group of aware citizens to come together and spotlight Surat’s unique attributes to the world. Brand Surat Foundation is a realization of that idea. The ceremony to unveil the logo of Brand Surat commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by the launch of the logo by CR Patil.

In his address, CR Patil commended the initiative and assured government support to the Foundation in its pursuits. He said that Surat is poised to emerge as a role model in various sectors. He highlighted developments such as the Surat Diamond Bourse, the world’s largest office complex, and the 29-storey twin towers project by Surat Municipal Corporation, which would make it the first municipal corporation to execute such a large office building. The MP underscored the corporation’s efforts to ensure sustainable water supply for the city’s needs for the next 50 years. He concluded by saying that Surat’s many unique characteristics can help it emerge as a brand in the world.

Earlier, the distinguished guests were extended a warm welcome by the organizers. They emphasized Surat’s inclusive spirit akin to water, which allows the city to accommodate people coming from other cities and states. He praised Surat’s legacy of communal harmony and its strength to convert adversity into opportunity. He commended the people of Surat for their remarkable philanthropic contributions.

The event also featured a session involving learning about Surat’s strong suits from women who relocated to the city post-marriage. A compelling power presentation about Surat’s unique attributes was also made during the event.