SGCCI - Loktej English

Surat: New team takes charge at SGCCI, Ashok Jirawala becomes president

Loktej English Team — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:01:21 +0530

Surat. The newly elected officials of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) for the year 2026-27 have formally taken charge.

During the handover ceremony held after the 86th grand inauguration, the officials of the year 2025-26 handed over the responsibilities of the organization to the new team. In the event, the president of 2025-26, Mr. Nikhil Madarasi, welcomed the newly elected president Ashok Jirawala by presenting him with a bouquet. Following this, President Ashok Jirawala welcomed Ravi Raj Desai, elected as the vice president for 2026-27, and wished him well for his new responsibilities.

During the handover ceremony, Vijay Mevawala transferred the responsibilities of the past president to Nikhil Madarasi. Meanwhile, Bijal Jariwala handed over the honorary minister's responsibilities to Paresh Lathia. CA Mitesh Modi transferred the duties of honorary treasurer to Atul Patel.

In the same vein, Kiran Thummar handed over the responsibilities of all exhibition chairman to Manish Kapadia. There was also a leadership change in the women's wing, where Mrs. Mayuri Mevawala transferred the responsibilities of ladies' wing chairperson to Mrs. Alpa Madarasi.

Former and current officials of the chamber, representatives from the industry, and distinguished members from various fields were present at the event. The program reiterated the commitment to elevate the industries, trade, and entrepreneurship of South Gujarat to new heights under the leadership of the new team.

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Surat: Dr. Anand Deshpande Engages with Entrepreneurs with Over 50 Crore Turnover

Loktej English Team — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:57:37 +0530

Surat: At a special 'Ask Me Anything' event organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and Integrity Network, Dr. Anand Deshpande, founder and chairman of Persistent Systems, interacted with entrepreneurs having an annual turnover of over 50 crore rupees. The event was also attended by the chamber's honorary treasurer Atul Patel, Dr. Anil Sarawagi, and Dr. Vijay Radadiya.

Entrepreneurs from the IT, software, SaaS, and artificial intelligence sectors received guidance on business expansion, leadership, and future challenges. Dr. Deshpande emphasized that to elevate any company to new heights, clear goals, market leadership, team-centric thinking, and strong corporate governance are essential. He advised entrepreneurs to identify niche markets where they can establish leadership by capturing a 20 percent market share, rather than chasing small portions of large markets.

He stated that founders should adopt a perspective of 'our company' instead of 'my company' for business growth. Employees should be developed not just as staff but as partners, and options like ESOP should be considered to make them stakeholders in the company's success. Discussing the growing impact of artificial intelligence, Dr. Deshpande noted that AI is rapidly challenging human capabilities in tasks like coding and data analysis.

Consequently, IT companies that remain limited to 'selling man-hours' or coding services may face challenges in the future. He mentioned that companies will need to adopt outcome-based pricing models instead of focusing on working hours. Additionally, due to the increasing need for data security, there will be a significant rise in demand for secure AI models and AI agents based on private data.

In response to a question about expanding into foreign markets, Dr. Deshpande referred to the 'Buffalo Strategy,' suggesting that new companies should become part of established global platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft, and AWS, rather than spending resources to create new markets. This approach facilitates easier access to millions of existing customers and accelerates the process of international expansion. During the event, three companies from Surat were specially honored for achieving tenfold (10X) growth in their businesses over the past four years.

The honored companies included Vasundhara Infotech, DesignWiz, and a leading e-commerce aggregator. The founders of these companies also shared their experiences, providing insights into business challenges and success strategies. The event organizers stated that such platforms play a crucial role in connecting Gujarat's entrepreneurs with global thinking, modern technology, and innovation.

High-level programs will continue to be organized in the future to strengthen Surat's IT and technology ecosystem. The successful event's organizers, including Chetan Patel, Puneet Gajera, Amar Panchal, Nirav Alagiya, Saumish Kakadia, and Ganpat Dhameliya, expressed that this is a long-term effort by the chamber to connect Gujarat's entrepreneurs with the power of global thinking and modern technology, and such high-level programs will continue uninterrupted in the future to make Surat's IT hub globally competitive.

Surat: Leadership change at SGCCI, Ashok Jirawala to take over the chamber after Nikhil Madras's record-breaking tenure

Loktej English Team — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:42:46 +0530

Surat. A historic leadership change at the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) will take place on June 6 at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Center (SIECC) in Sarsana.

Nikhil Madras, the president for the year 2025-26, will hand over his successful and achievement-filled tenure, while senior industrialist Ashok Jirawala will take the oath as the new president for 2026-27, and Ravi Raj Desai will be sworn in as the new vice president. Nikhil Madras's tenure has been filled with achievements; under his leadership, SGCCI achieved remarkable milestones in activities, industrial interests, and global connections during the year 2025-26. Over 525 mega events were organized, including more than 411 seminars and workshops, 56 industrial visits, 43 health awareness programs, and three vendor development programs.

The chamber organized a record 22 industrial and trade exhibitions, notably including 'Wealth Expo', 'Chemical and Pharma Expo', and 'EPE Expo'. The Art and Culture Committee also made significant efforts to establish art as an industry through five exhibitions. The chamber claimed that as a result of its various representations and efforts, the industrial sector received an economic benefit of approximately ₹17,105 crores.

Decisions such as the removal of quality control orders (QCO) applicable to textile machinery and polyester yarn, and the extension of the time-of-use (TOU) discount period for electricity consumers provided significant relief to industries. Increased international recognition of Surat During Nikhil Madras's tenure, six international delegations from SGCCI visited various countries. A delegation led by President Droupadi Murmu visited Botswana, where Surat's KP Group signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) worth ₹36,000 crores.

Additionally, trade relations with Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Ghana were strengthened. The visit of the Vice President of Zimbabwe to Surat at the chamber's invitation is also considered a historic achievement. Success in education and skill development The SGCCI Education and Skill Development Center conducted 86 batches on topics such as textiles, import-export, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing, training 1,165 students.

This activity generated an income of ₹1.31 crores for the institution and recorded a net profit of approximately ₹80 lakhs. New hopes with Ashok Jirawala's leadership The newly elected president Ashok Jirawala is a well-known name in the textile industry of South Gujarat. He is the president of the Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association (FOGWA) and has effectively raised issues related to weavers and the textile industry for a long time.

Ashok Jirawala has been associated with the chamber for the past 20 years and was active as vice president in 2025-26, effectively representing 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 becomes the youngest vice president The new vice president Ravi Raj Desai will be the youngest industry representative 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 industry organizations and foundations.

Prominent personalities to attend the oath-taking ceremony Prominent figures such as Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Gujarat's Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi, Supreme Court Justice J.K. Maheshwari, industrialist Dr. Anand Deshpande, founder of Balaji Wafers Chandu Bhai Virani, Rajya Sabha MP Govind Dholakia, Surat MP Mukesh Dalal, and Bardoli MP Prabhu Vasava will be present at the ceremony on June 6. Following the tradition established in 1940, outgoing president Nikhil Madras will formally hand over the responsibilities to new president Ashok Jirawala and vice president Ravi Raj Desai.

Surat: Grand Award Ceremony for the Textile Sector, 53 Companies Honored with 'SGCCCI Textile Awards 2026

Loktej English Team — Sat, 30 May 2026 11:00:26 +0530

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.

Surat: Correct product selection and patience are essential for success in the import-export sector: Experts' advice at SGCCI Mega Meet

Loktej English Team — Fri, 29 May 2026 12:16:10 +0530

Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) organized a grand event titled 'Mega Meet Import-Export Course' at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Center (SIECC) in Sarsana.

A large number of former students of the course, young entrepreneurs, and youth aspiring to build careers in the import-export sector participated in the event. Under this special training series, which began during the tenure of then Chamber President Rameshbhai Vaghasiya in 2023, 28 batches have successfully completed so far, with a total of 968 students trained through this course. Amitbhai Mulani from 'Bharat Udaan Mission by Import and Export Training Academy' stated that this course helps in understanding the fundamental principles of import-export in a practical manner.

He mentioned that despite global challenges, India recorded an export of ₹39 lakh crore in the last financial year, which is about ₹2 lakh crore more than the previous year. He noted that these figures clearly indicate the immense potential available for Indian traders in the import-export sector. Hardikbhai Patel, associated with the Trade and Forex vertical of ICICI Bank, provided important guidance to small traders regarding banking processes.

He emphasized that the registered address of the business should be stable and that it is essential to provide accurate information about the business during GST registration. He also mentioned that the DNB (Dun & Bradstreet) service can be extremely useful in avoiding international fraud during imports and verifying the credibility of foreign companies. Snehalbhai Patel from Dynamic Shipping and Logistics stated that to maintain competitiveness in the international market, it is necessary to control not only product quality but also logistics and transportation costs.

He added that better coordination with foreign buyers and strong payment clearance can help in securing larger orders in the future. Maulikbhai Bhadani from Asoraj Private Limited shared his experience, stating that choosing products based on others' choices significantly increases the chances of failure. He advised entrepreneurs to select products in which they have a personal interest and a good understanding.

He shared that it took him four years to choose the right product, and he received his first order from Nigeria about two years after starting the company. He emphasized that continuous hard work, dedication, and patience for at least five years are essential for success in the export business. Girishbhai Luthra, Chairman of Luthra Group, shared his thoughts on successful business and life balance, stating that continuous dedication is necessary in business, but adequate rest is equally important.

He outlined three key mantras for success: excellent presentation, maximum use of modern technology, and strong personal relationships with employees. Saurabh Jain, the Surat branch manager of ECGC Limited, advised exporters to first obtain IEC (Import Export Code) and DGFT registration to benefit from government subsidies and financial assistance schemes.

Only after that is it better to select target markets and export countries. At the end of the program, a special question-and-answer session was held where experts addressed various questions and concerns related to import-export from students and traders.

Surat: Textile Awards organized under the joint aegis of SGCCI-CITI

Loktej English Team — Thu, 28 May 2026 12:16:21 +0530

Surat: The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) have organized the 'Textile Awards' to provide a new direction to the textile industry and encourage entrepreneurs who excel in their work. Surat is considered a rapidly emerging center in the country's textile sector.

With the complete supply chain of the textile industry available here, the city contributes significantly to the economy and provides numerous employment opportunities. The chamber aims to inspire textile entrepreneurs to advance in areas such as quality management, innovation, and exports. Under this initiative, a total of nine categories will honor textile entrepreneurs.

These categories include Product Innovation, Outstanding Performance in Exports, Quality Management, HR Practices, Recycling, Excellence in Local Textile Machine Manufacturing, Emerging Textile Units of Surat, and Lifetime Achievement Awards in the Polyester, Viscose, and Textile Park sectors. A total of 54 entrepreneurs will be honored at the ceremony.

This event will take place on May 28, 2026, at Platinum Hall, Sarsana, with Neeraj Kumar Arya attending as the chief guest. According to the chamber, these awards aim to honor entrepreneurs excelling in the textile sector and provide new direction and inspiration to the industry.

Surat: Ravi Raj Desai's resounding victory in the election for the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce

Loktej English Team — Mon, 25 May 2026 12:08:07 +0530

In the election for the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, which is well-known in the city's business and industrial sector, Ravi Raj Desai achieved a remarkable victory with a significant majority. His opponent Nitin Bharucha faced a crushing defeat, and his security deposit was also forfeited.

A total of 2505 votes were cast in the election, of which 18 votes were declared invalid. In the counting of 2486 valid votes, Ravi Raj Desai received 1887 votes, while Nitin Bharucha managed only 599 votes. Following this victory by a large margin, there was extensive discussion in the business community regarding Ravi Raj Desai's support.

According to sources, prior to the election, various names were discussed among several prominent members for the Vice President position. Attempts were made to reach a consensus on the names of Nitin Bharucha and Navalohiya, but ultimately, Ravi Raj Desai's name was approved as the acceptable candidate by all parties.

After the election results were announced, a festive atmosphere was observed among supporters. Representatives of business organizations and people from the industry congratulated Ravi Raj Desai and expressed hope for him to make the Chamber's activities more effective.

Surat: SGCCI's 4 mega events conclude with historic success, over 16,350 visitors in 3 days

Loktej English Team — Mon, 25 May 2026 12:07:45 +0530

The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) organized 4 historic events simultaneously, including 3 mega expos and the 'Surat Startup Summit'. These events were held at the International Exhibition and Convention Center (SIECC) in Sarsana.

This three-day 'Mahakumbh' concluded today with grand success. The event was held from Friday to Sunday, daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with significant support from the esteemed organization TORIN Wealth Management. The event received unprecedented response from Surat and the entire South Gujarat region.

During these three days, over 16,350 business visitors, entrepreneurs, parents, and students attended the exhibitions. Jignesh Madhavani, Director and Chairman of TORIN Wealth Management, expressed happiness and praised the Chamber's team for organizing 4 events together. On the successful conclusion of the expo, the Chamber's President Nikhil Madras and Vice President and President (elect) Ashok Jirawala expressed great optimism, stating that the seeds sown today in the Chemical and Pharma Expo will grow into a massive banyan tree in the future.

They are confident that separate, independent, and autonomous expos will be organized for these two sectors in the coming days. Additionally, the Smart Education Expo proved to be extremely helpful for thousands of students and parents in shaping their future careers and receiving proper guidance, while the Surat Startup Summit has sown the seeds of innovation and new entrepreneurship among the youth of the region, which will change Surat's economic landscape in the future. On the very first day of the summit, the chief guest and Chairman of CHEMEXCIL, Satish Wagh, announced the inauguration of Chemexcil's high-tech office in Surat, providing a significant gift to the industrialists of South Gujarat.

Key highlights of the 4 events held include: 1. Chemical & Pharma Expo 2026: Organized by Chemexcil and the Chamber, this expo received support from the Gujarat government's indextb, as well as Acutas Chemicals, Ather Industry, Anupam Rasayan, HLE Glasscoat, and Yashasvi Rasayan. It showcased the latest technologies from pharmaceutical manufacturers, including specialty, industrial, agro, and fine chemicals, API and bulk drug manufacturers, as well as major manufacturers of laboratory equipment and process machinery, who gained significant business opportunities.

2. Smart Education Expo 2026: With primary support from TORIN Wealth Management, this expo featured participation from national and international universities, renowned schools, and prestigious colleges. It became a fantastic hub for class 10-12 and college students, graduates, and parents to explore smart educational options and career paths.

3. Surat Startup Summit 2026 (third edition): Supported by AIC SURATI iLAB Foundation and TiE Surat, this major platform provided high-potential startups with a great opportunity to present their plans directly to angel investors and venture capitalists for funding and business recognition.

4. SGCCI Business Connect (SBC) Business Expo 2026: By bringing together leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, and corporate professionals from various sectors on a single platform, this expo elevated business networking, strategic partnerships, and business development to new heights.

Surat: Business and Innovation Mega Conclave from May 22, SGCCI to Host Four Mega Events

Loktej English Team — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:44:24 +0530

Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) is set to host four major mega events at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Center (SIECC) in Sarsana, Surat, from May 22 to 24, 2026.

These include three major expos and the third edition of the 'Surat Startup Summit 2026'. Chamber President Nikhil Madrasai mentioned that these events will set a record for hosting 22 exhibitions in a single year in its 85-year history. All four events are being organized with the main support of Torin Wealth Management.

The joint inauguration of all four events will take place on May 22 at 10 AM, with Union Minister of State for Commerce Dr. Jitin Prasada as the chief guest. Surat Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan, Chemexcil Chairman Dr. Satish Vaman Wagh, i-Hub Gujarat CEO Hiranmay Mahant, along with several industrialists and corporate leaders, will also be present at the inauguration.

The 'Chemical and Pharma Expo 2026', running from May 22 to 24, will serve as a significant B2B platform for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. This expo is supported by Chemexcil and the Gujarat government-backed Indextb. Pharmaceutical companies, API and bulk drug manufacturers, specialty chemicals companies, lab equipment, packaging, and process machinery firms will showcase their new technologies and products.

A large number of manufacturers, researchers, importers-exporters, and investors from both domestic and international markets are expected to participate. The 'Smart Education Expo 2026' will become a major platform for career planning for students and parents, featuring universities, schools, and colleges from India and abroad. This expo will be particularly beneficial for students in grades 10-12, graduates, diploma holders, and youth preparing for higher education, providing them with direct interaction with institutions and information on career options.

The 'Surat Startup Summit 2026', with the participation of over 200 investors and more than 50 VC/Angel Investors, will be a significant platform for startups in the tech, healthtech, fintech, agritech, and sustainability sectors. The summit will feature live startup pitching, speed investor dating, B2B networking, and brand promotion. Organizers anticipate over 25,000 visitors, more than 200 investors, and over 50 venture capitalists and angel investors to attend.

This summit is also supported by AIC Surti iLab Foundation and TiE Surat. The 'SGCCI Business Connect (SBC) Business Expo 2026' will see participation from companies across various sectors including FMCG, IT, finance, automobiles, garments, health, and digital technology. The main objective of the expo is to promote business networking, strategic partnerships, funding, and new business opportunities, featuring live product launches, B2B-B2C meetings, and an innovation pavilion as key attractions.

Chamber President Nikhil Madrasai and Vice President and President-Elect Ashok Jirawala stated that these four mega events will provide a new direction for the industrial, educational, and entrepreneurial development of Surat and Gujarat. They appealed to industrialists, startups, students, parents, and citizens to participate in large numbers in these events.

Surat: Grand Art Exhibition by SGCCI Successfully Concludes in Mumbai

Loktej English Team — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:12:30 +0530

Surat. The grand art exhibition organized by the Art, Culture and Handicraft Committee of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) at the Nehru Centre Art Gallery in Worli, Mumbai, successfully concluded.

The week-long exhibition, held from May 5 to 11, 2026, showcased the artworks of talented artists from across the country on a national platform. The aim of the exhibition was to provide artists with national recognition and connect them directly with art lovers, collectors, and curators. The exhibition was inaugurated by Lakshmi Rao, the President of the IMC Ladies Wing, as the chief guest.

Many art lovers, industrialists, and dignitaries from Mumbai and Surat, including renowned business consultant Neville Mehta, were present on this occasion. The Chamber's President, Nikhil Madras, stated that organizing this exhibition in a major art and culture hub like Mumbai, after Surat and Ahmedabad, is an important initiative of the Chamber. He mentioned that this platform provided artists with the opportunity to engage directly with the country's esteemed art collectors and curators.

A total of 47 artworks by 24 selected artists from across the country were displayed at the exhibition. All paintings were curated based on professional standards set by the committee. During the exhibition, a painting by Surat artist Tejalben Modi was sold on the spot, which further encouraged other artists.

According to the organizers, this exhibition proved to be not just a platform for artists to showcase their work, but also an opportunity for corporate networking and connecting with the global market. Swati Shethwala, Chairperson of the Chamber's Art, Culture and Handicraft Committee, stated that SGCCI will continue to organize such national-level events to promote art and culture in the future. Many dignitaries, including committee member Mansi Virani, the Chamber's Honorary Minister Bijal Zariwala, and former Honorary Minister Deepak Shethwala, were present at the inauguration ceremony.

Surat: SGCCI holds important meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister to enhance air connectivity at Surat Airport

Loktej English Team — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:08:35 +0530

A delegation from the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjirapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi to present detailed issues related to air connectivity and infrastructure development at Surat International Airport. The delegation was led by SGCCI President-designate Ashok Jirawala.

This significant meeting was held at the residence of Union Minister of Jal Shakti and Navsari MP C.R. Patil, who facilitated and coordinated the meeting. The discussion focused on the development of the airport, considering the rapidly growing industrial and commercial needs of South Gujarat. SGCCI emphasized the demand to make Surat a 'Point of Call', stating that Surat is an emerging economic center in the country with a global impact in the diamond, textile, engineering, chemicals, and MSME sectors.

Despite being declared an international airport, there remains a lack of international flights and modern facilities. The delegation requested the inclusion of Surat as a 'Point of Call' under the Air Service Agreement (ASA) to allow international airlines to operate flights directly from Surat. They also urged the resumption of previously operated international flights to Dubai, Sharjah, and Bangkok, highlighting the significant demand from business travelers, NRIs, and Gujarati expatriates on these routes.

The meeting proposed increasing the number of daily flights between Surat and Mumbai and starting additional frequencies in the Delhi sector. Furthermore, there was a demand for a direct flight from Surat to Bhubaneswar to facilitate workers and industries between Odisha and Gujarat. The chamber also pointed out the need for air connectivity to major cities like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ranchi, Patna, Varanasi, Kochi, Coimbatore, Indore, and Lucknow.

A request was made to approve additional UDAN routes to enhance regional connectivity. The delegation called for allowing simultaneous operations of domestic and international flights at Surat Airport. They proposed developing a full international cargo terminal with customs clearance facilities to reduce exporters' dependence on Mumbai.

There was also a demand for the installation of a CAT-I landing system and advanced approach lighting system to prevent flight delays in bad weather. Additionally, suggestions were made to start duty-free shops at the airport and modernize the airport under a PPP model. The chamber reported that a modern terminal of 25,520 square meters has been developed at Surat Airport in 2023, with an annual capacity of 5.5 million passengers.

Facilities such as 24x7 operations and night parking are also available at the airport. The meeting discussed the vision to develop the capacity to handle 22.5 million passengers annually under the Airport Master Plan-2047, along with a suggestion to allow electric vehicles in airside operations.

The Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjirapu Ram Mohan Naidu listened seriously to all the issues raised by the delegation and assured necessary action while considering them positively. Members of the Airport Advisory Committee, including Paresh Patel, Suresh Agarwal, Keyur Khaini, Keval Shah, Pramod Chaudhary, Vinod Agarwal, Kunjvihari Sultania, Subhash Patodia, J.P. Agarwal, Jeetubhai Vakharia, Anand Desai, Nagjibhai Sakaria, Bhuvalal Shah, Kailash Hakim, Vishal Budhia, and Bharat Sukhadia, along with several industrialists and representatives of business organizations from South Gujarat, were present at the meeting.

Surat: SGCCI Expands Infrastructure, Grand Inauguration of 'Bimla Rani Amarnath Dora Parivar Bhavan

Loktej English Team — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:43:58 +0530

Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has taken another significant step in its infrastructure expansion by grandly inaugurating a modern banquet hall named 'Bimla Rani Amarnath Dora Parivar Bhavan' at the SIECC campus in Sarsana.

This new hall will now serve as a modern and convenient venue for industrial, commercial, and social events. The inauguration took place on May 9, 2026, during a ceremony attended by former chamber president Rajendra Chokhawala. The event began with SGCCI president Nikhil Madarasi welcoming the main donors, Mrs. Bimla Rani Dora and Mr. Amarnath Dora, along with the chief guest Rajendra Chokhawala, with bouquets and mementos.

In their address, the Dora family mentioned that this building has been designed keeping in mind the needs of Surat's industrial and business community. This modern banquet hall will provide an excellent platform for seminars, business conferences, networking meetings, and various social events. It is noteworthy that Mr. Amarnath Dora has previously served as the president of SGCCI.

Chamber president Nikhil Madarasi stated that with the continuous increase in industrial and business events in Surat, the need for modern facilities has grown. In this context, this new banquet hall will play a crucial role in meeting the chamber's growing needs and further strengthening the infrastructure of the SIECC campus. At the end of the ceremony, SGCCI vice president Ashok Jirawala expressed gratitude to all guests and associates.

The event saw a large attendance of former chamber presidents, representatives from various industry organizations, traders, and members of the Dora family. The new 'Bimla Rani Amarnath Dora Parivar Bhavan' is built over an area of approximately 3,700 square feet and has a seating capacity of around 200 people. The hall is equipped with a modern air conditioning system with a capacity of 20 tons.

Its interior has been given an attractive 'cafe look', which will provide a special identity to corporate and social events. The building also features two special VIP lounges with seating arrangements for 12 people each. Additionally, modern facilities such as a state-of-the-art kitchen, permanent dish counter, special chimney for smoke extraction, and separate wash areas for women and men have also been provided.