The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced the organization of 'Textile Awards' in May 2026, aimed at providing a new direction to the textile industry and promoting innovation and sustainable development. Under this initiative, units and institutions demonstrating excellence in a total of 45 different categories will be honored.

The chamber's president, Nikhil Madras, stated that these awards will cover all major segments of the textile industry—fabric, yarn, garments, made-ups, processing, dyeing, trading, and retailing—thereby encouraging the entire sector. Key categories of the awards include product innovation and best alternate material use, outstanding performance in exports, quality management, excellence in technology adoption, best HR practices (employee welfare), and textile recycling. Through these categories, efforts will be made to promote modern technology, quality improvement, and environmental responsibility in the industry.

Weavers, spinners, dyeing and processing units, garment manufacturers, and entrepreneurs from the technical textile and made-ups sectors will be able to apply for this award. Additionally, traders will also be given the opportunity to participate in some selected categories.

The chamber believes that this initiative will play a crucial role in enhancing competition in the textile industry, as well as raising the levels of quality, innovation, and sustainability. This event will not only recognize units performing excellently but will also serve as a source of inspiration for other industries.

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Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a special session on 'Digital Transformation for MSMEs - Creating Your Virtual Business with Websaye' to empower MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in the digital age.

The event took place on March 28, 2026, at Samhati in Sarsana. Nikhil Madras, the chamber's president, emphasized the importance of digital transformation for MSMEs in his welcome speech, stating that the use of digital platforms has become essential for business expansion in today's era. During the program, Shreyas Gandhi, the director of Veer Infotech, provided detailed information on the benefits of digital technology and the objectives of the session.

A presentation was also made on establishing a virtual business through the 'Websaye' platform. The presentation guided entrepreneurs on starting an online business, website development, digital marketing, and strategies for digital transformation. It also explained how businesses can be developed digitally through Websaye.

Several professionals and entrepreneurs, including the chamber's honorary treasurer Mitish Modi, attended the session. In the end, Anil Sarawagi, the group chairman of the chamber, expressed gratitude to all participants. This session proved to be useful for MSMEs to advance in the digital age and give new direction to their businesses.

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Surat. The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has begun preparations to host a grand cultural festival aimed at giving the city a global identity.

The festival aims to secure a place in the Guinness Book of Records by featuring over 1,000 artists presenting various art forms within 24 hours. A significant meeting has been scheduled for April 8, 2026, at 8:30 PM at 'Samriddhi' in Nanpura to outline the framework of this ambitious event. The meeting will discuss the program planning, artist participation, schedule, and other essential aspects in detail.

The Chamber of Commerce President Nikhil Madrasi stated that the main objective of this event is to showcase Surat's cultural diversity and the talent of its artists on national and international platforms. Artists from various fields, including drama, music, dance, and literature, will showcase their talents on a single stage during the festival.

The Chamber has appealed to all local artists, art institutions, and art lovers to actively participate in this initiative and make it a success. This event is considered a significant step towards adding a new chapter to Surat's cultural history.

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An awareness session on 'Freedom from Addiction' was organized by the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry to raise awareness against the growing drug addiction in society. The event took place on April 5, 2026, at the Samriddhi Hall in Nanpura, with a large number of attendees.

Dr. Parag Shah and Dr. Kamlesh Dave were the main speakers, who elaborated on the physical, mental, and social impacts of drug addiction.

Dr. Parag Shah explained that the onset of addiction often begins due to curiosity or peer influence, but gradually it becomes a serious addiction that ruins a person's life. He mentioned that with proper guidance, strong willpower, and timely counseling, one can overcome this addiction.

He also emphasized the importance of support from family and society. Meanwhile, Dr. Kamlesh Dave discussed the social and economic effects of addiction, stating that this problem does not remain confined to the individual but affects the entire family and society.

He stressed the need to promote awareness, education, and positive activities among the youth. The chamber's president, Nikhil Madarasi, also addressed the gathering, while Honorary Minister Bijal Zariwala delivered the welcome speech. Group Chairman Rakesh Gandhi highlighted the purpose of the program.

The session was conducted by Dr. Jagdish Vaghasiya, co-chairman of the Industrial Workers Health Committee, who expressed gratitude to all at the end. Through this awareness session, the youth and society were informed about the adverse effects of addiction and inspired towards a healthy and addiction-free life.

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In Surat, the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted a special awareness campaign to promote road safety. This campaign was held on April 2, 2026, in the Pandesara and Bamroli areas, involving a large number of workers.

Under this campaign organized by the Chamber's Traffic Education and Awareness Committee, retro reflectors were installed on over 1200 workers' bicycles. The main objective was to increase the visibility of cyclists at night and reduce the likelihood of road accidents. During the campaign, workers were provided detailed information about the importance of retro reflectors and were made aware of safe practices while on the road.

The committee's chairperson Kamniniben Dumuswala, along with members Achanaben Desai, Mukesh Patel, Ganesh Solanki, Ashok Dumuswala, and Krishnakant Kharwar, actively participated in this initiative. Additionally, police officers from the Pandesara police station played a crucial role in making the campaign successful. This initiative is considered a commendable effort to raise awareness about road safety in the city, particularly ensuring the safety of the labor class.

Surat — A special session on Vastu Shastra for financial health and wellness was organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Professional Vastu expert Shreyansh Joshi served as the keynote speaker at the event.

During the session, Shreyansh Joshi provided detailed information on the fundamental principles of Vastu Shastra, its application in daily life, and simple changes that can be made in home and office arrangements. He explained the significance of the 360-degree energy cycle, the nine planets, and the 16 directions, highlighting how each direction and planet specifically impacts an individual's health, financial status, mental peace, and relationships.

The Chamber's president, Nikhil Madarasi, noted that the importance of Vastu Shastra is continuously increasing in the current times. A properly constructed home and workplace play a crucial role in an individual's mental peace, health, and economic progress. Presenting the program's outline, Group Chairman Kamlesh Gajera emphasized the necessity of raising awareness on such topics to maintain balance in professional and personal life.

Several professionals and Chamber members, including former Chamber president B.S. Agarwal and member Atul Patel, were present at the event. The program was conducted by Sandeep Dobariya, Chairman of the Spiritual Awakening Committee. At the end of the program, a question-and-answer session was held, where attendees asked various questions that were satisfactorily answered by the expert.

Surat, March 29, 2026. The war-like situation in the Gulf region has started showing a significant impact on the industries of South Gujarat. To address these concerns, a high-level meeting was organized on Sunday under the chairmanship of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The meeting was attended by various administrative officials and prominent representatives from the industrial sector.

During the session, a delegation from the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including President Nikhil Madrasi, Vice President Ashok Jirawala, Honorary Treasurer Mitish Modi, and Secretary Polik Desai, presented a detailed report on the challenges facing the trade and industry sectors due to the Gulf crisis. As per agency report, the chamber specifically highlighted the negative consequences for the textile, plastic, diamond, and chemical industries, urging the government to implement immediate relief measures. They emphasized that without timely policy-based support, the condition of these industries could deteriorate further.

The chamber representatives explained that the depreciation of the rupee and fluctuations in foreign exchange have led to an increase in the cost of imported raw materials, which is severely affecting the profitability of various businesses. Additionally, the instability in crude oil prices has made it difficult for manufacturers to create stable production plans. The industrial sector is also facing disruptions in the supply of industrial gas, which is hampering the overall production process.

The crisis has also extended to the labor force, as a shortage of LPG cylinders in labor colonies is causing significant hardships for workers. This situation has prompted many laborers to return to their home states, creating a potential labor shortage for local industries. The diamond industry has been directly hit as well, with exports being affected by disruptions in international trading hubs like Dubai and Antwerp, leading to accumulated stock. To mitigate this, the chamber suggested that the government should allow re-import without customs duty and take steps toward making India a global trading hub.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi listened to the concerns raised by the chamber and assured the representatives that the state government would take swift and effective action to resolve the issues. He stated that the government stands firmly with the industries during this challenging period and remains committed to providing the necessary relief and support to ensure their stability.

Surat, October 24 - The curtain raiser ceremony for Wealth Expo 2026, jointly organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Jain International Trade Organisation Surat, was held at Amore on Dumas Road on Thursday. The event provided detailed information regarding the objective, format, and future possibilities of the upcoming exhibition.

Chamber of Commerce President Nikhil Madrasi stated that the organization remains committed to the development of industry and trade by providing new opportunities to entrepreneurs through various exhibitions, seminars, and networking platforms. He expressed confidence that the upcoming expo will play a crucial role in promoting investment and innovation among the industrialists of Surat and the South Gujarat region. Furthermore, as per agency report, JITO Surat President Milan Parikh mentioned that the exhibition will bring together major financial institutions, investors, leasing companies, fintech innovators, and industry experts on a single platform to showcase modern financial products, investment opportunities, and innovative leasing solutions.

Highlighting the significance of the event, Chamber Vice President Ashok Jirawala explained that such initiatives create strong networking platforms that help establish new business relationships and open new avenues for development. He added that the primary aim of the expo is to empower professionals, entrepreneurs, and individual investors by providing them with proper financial guidance. Providing logistical details, Chamber Group Chairman Kamlesh Gajera announced that Wealth Expo 2026 is scheduled to be organized on May 8, 9, and 10, 2026, at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre located in Sarsana.

The formal launch of the expo took place in the presence of several key dignitaries, including former Chamber President Vijay Mewawala, Honorary Minister Bijal Jariwala, Honorary Treasurer CA Mitish Modi, All Exhibition Chairman Kiran Thumar, and Group Chairman Rakesh Jain, along with other officials and committee members of JITO Surat. The program also featured an open forum where members of both organizations shared their views, and the entire event was hosted by Kamlesh Gajera.

Surat. The Sitex – Surat International Textile Expo 2026, organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Southern Gujarat Chamber Trade and Industries Development Center, is receiving a tremendous response from buyers and visitors. Held at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Center in Sarsana on February 21, 22, and 23, 2026, from 10 am to 7 pm, the event has become historic with the presence of over 17,410 people in just two days.

Chamber President Nikhil Madrasi informed that world-class textile machinery is being displayed at the exhibition. As per agency report, the launch of the world's first four-sheet high-speed rapier jacquard machine was the main attraction of the expo. In addition to this, the latest range of high-speed airjet machines, new position printer machinery, position embroidery machinery, and circular knitting machines has also been showcased.

According to the statistics, 5,560 buyers and visitors arrived on the first day, Saturday, while this number increased to 11,850 on the second day, Sunday. Consequently, a total attendance of 17,410 visitors was recorded over the two days, which has provided extensive benefits to the exhibitors as well as the entire textile industry of Surat.

A large number of business representatives and individuals associated with the industry attended the expo from various industrial centers across the country, including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Bhilwara, Varanasi, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Pune, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Chennai, and Bangalore. The industry believes that Sitex 2026 is proving to be a significant platform for the expansion of new technology, innovation, and business possibilities in the textile sector.

Surat, January 22: The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), in collaboration with the Southern Gujarat Chamber Trade and Industries Development Center, is set to organize three prominent exhibitions at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Center (SIECC) in Sarsana. The events, titled Food and Beverages, SGCCI Global Village, and the Women Entrepreneur Exhibition (WEE), are scheduled to take place on January 24, 25, and 26, 2026. The exhibitions will remain open to visitors daily from 10 am to 7 pm.

Addressing the media, SGCCI President Nikhil Madrasi stated that the presence of numerous renowned personalities from India and abroad at these exhibitions would create new opportunities for global trade, investment, and industrial cooperation for Surat and South Gujarat. As per agency report, the inauguration of all three exhibitions is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10 am at the Exhibition Dome in Sarsana. Anar Patel, President of Khodaldham Trust and Founder-Director of Craftroots, will serve as the inaugurator for the event, while Surat Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shalini Agarwal will be present as the chief guest.

Chamber Vice President Ashok Jirawala informed that the inaugural function would witness the participation of distinguished international guests, including Shane Getson, MLA Chair of the Alberta Economic Corridor, Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations from Botswana, and Raj Modi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce from Zimbabwe. Additionally, several dignitaries will attend as guests of honor, including Viraj Kulkarni, Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in India, Jackie Lovely, MLA from Alberta, Canada, Pradeep Peshkar, Director of the National MSME Board, Dr. Mary Awusi, CEO of the Republic of Ghana, and Ishwar Parmar, Vice President of the KREMAG Association.

The Food and Beverages Exhibition, organized with the objective of promoting the food processing industry, will feature 156 exhibitors from various cities across the country. Visitors will be able to view a comprehensive range of offerings, including food processing machinery, packaging, cold chain, warehousing, food testing labs, financial solutions, dried and frozen food, bakery items, groceries, and beverages. Advanced robotic machinery and organic health products will also be key attractions, with over 500 food items available for tasting under one roof.

The Women Entrepreneur Exhibition (WEE), organized by the SGCCI Ladies Wing, will host over 110 stalls set up by women entrepreneurs. Participants will showcase their products and talents across diverse sectors such as health, fashion, handicrafts, jewelry, interior decor, readymade garments, and food and beverages. Ladies Wing Chairperson Mayuri Mewawala stated that this exhibition would provide a strong platform for women to become self-reliant while facilitating networking and brand promotion. These three exhibitions are expected to provide a golden opportunity for industrialists, traders, and start-ups from Surat and South Gujarat to connect at national and international levels. According to the organizers, registration for all the exhibitions will be free of charge.

Surat, January 2: The Art and Culture Committee of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has organized a special art exhibition at the Vanita Art Gallery located at Athwa Gate in Surat. The three-day event, running from January 2 to January 4, 2026, was inaugurated on Friday morning by Lavjibhai Badshah of the Avadh Group. The exhibition aims to provide a dedicated platform for local artists to display their creativity while allowing citizens to engage with art and culture in a peaceful and creative environment.

The showcase features a diverse collection of 45 paintings and three sculptures created by 25 talented artists from the city. As per agency report, the exhibition will remain open to the general public daily from 11 am to 7 pm. The initiative focuses on highlighting the artistic potential within Surat and fostering a deeper connection between the artistic community and the general populace.

Speaking at the inauguration, SGCCI President Nikhil Madrasi described the exhibition as a significant step toward encouraging the artistic skills, creative thinking, and cultural heritage of the city. He emphasized that the platform provided by the Chamber serves as a vital link for artists to showcase their talent and connect with society. Lavjibhai Badshah also addressed the gathering, remarking that art goes beyond aesthetic experience to make society more sensitive and aware. He noted that such exhibitions play a crucial role in bringing recognition to local artists and delivering their creative power to the community.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including SGCCI Vice President Ashok Jirawala, former President Vijay Mevawala, Honorary Secretary Bijal Jariwala, and Honorary Treasurer CA Mitesh Modi. The gathering also included Art and Culture Committee Chairperson Swatiben Sethwala, Co-Chairperson Krutikaben Shah, Vanitaben Rawat, Avaniben Desai, and other committee members and office bearers of the women's wing. Chairperson Swatiben Sethwala stated that the primary objective of the event is to cultivate an interest in art among the citizens of Surat, recognize the talent of artists, and inspire them to advance in their creative journeys.

Surat, January 1. To encourage art and creativity, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has organized a grand art exhibition on the occasion of the New Year. Scheduled to be held on January 2, 3, and 4, 2026, at the Vanita Art Gallery located at Athwa Gate, this exhibition promises to introduce the citizens of the city to a new world of colors and artistic narratives.

Chamber President Nikhil Madrasi highlighted the objective of the event, stating that the primary goal is to provide a professional platform for local artists to showcase their talent. As per agency report, this exhibition will not only serve as a source of inspiration for art lovers and students but will also offer a peaceful and creative environment to visitors amidst the busy life of the city. A total of 25 talented artists are participating in this exhibition, where the gallery will display 45 paintings and two special sculptures.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the artworks daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The exhibition will be officially inaugurated on the morning of January 2 at 11:30 AM by Surat MP Mukeshbhai Dalal and Lavjibhai Badshah of the Avadh Group. Following the inauguration, on January 3, Provost of Vanita Vishram University Dr. Daksheshbhai Thakar and Dilipbhai Ughad of the Avadh Utopia Group will arrive to encourage the artists.

The event will conclude with a felicitation ceremony on the evening of January 4 at 4:00 PM, where all participating artists will be honored with certificates. This exhibition is expected to prove to be an important link in the cultural landscape of Surat, where every artwork will tell a distinct story. It presents an opportunity for art lovers to engage in direct dialogue with artists and understand various forms of art closely.