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.

Vadodara, December 1. On the sixth day of the Sardar@150 Unity March organized as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of the architect of independent India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harshbhai Sanghavi and Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia commenced a foot march from the famous Trimandir in Vadodara district on Monday. The two leaders walked for approximately 13 kilometers up to Menpura, taking Sardar Saheb’s message of unity and resolve to the masses.

As per report, during the course of the march, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi participated in a tree plantation drive at Sardar Smriti Van in Alamgir. A total of 562 trees were planted at the location to honor the 562 princely states that were integrated by Sardar Patel to create a unified India, serving as a symbolic expression of national unity.

People from various villages in the Vadodara district accorded an enthusiastic welcome to the leaders and marchers along the route. Flowers were showered at several places, and spirited slogans of Jai Sardar echoed throughout the area, filling the atmosphere with a sense of patriotism and respect.

A special focal point of the Unity March was the unique and attractive paintings of Sardar Patel created by children, whose art and enthusiasm demonstrated that the ideals of Sardar Saheb continue to inspire the coming generation. The event was attended by Collector Anil Dhameliya, District Development Officer Mamta Hirpara, Superintendent of Police Sushil Agarwal, and a large number of villagers and officials.

Surat: To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a grand Sardar@150 Unity March was organised in the Majura Assembly constituency in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

As per report, the march was held under the joint auspices of the district administration and Surat Municipal Corporation, covering an 8-kilometre route from the Atal Clinic at Bamroli to Ratnadeep Society. More than 20,000 patriotic citizens participated in the padyatra, which was filled with an atmosphere of national pride as slogans like Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai echoed along the entire route.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s firm resolve and farsightedness had guided India on the path of unity and development. He underlined that Patel’s contribution remains a source of inspiration even today in preserving the country’s unity and integrity. He also noted that from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel is being celebrated with great enthusiasm, reflecting the nation’s gratitude for his monumental role in nation-building.

Harsh Sanghavi further described the Majura area as a kind of mini-India, where people from diverse cultures and communities live together in harmony with a spirit of unity in diversity. He emphasised that the unity march serves as an important medium to familiarise the younger generation with Sardar Patel’s efforts and sacrifices in shaping a united India.

At the conclusion of the padyatra, all participating citizens resolved to promote the use of indigenous products and pledged to contribute to the creation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The event saw the presence of Mayor Daksheshbhai Mavani, corporators, office-bearers, officials of the municipal corporation and a large number of local residents, adding further significance to the occasion.

Surat: In a significant step towards making the city smarter, safer and equipped with technology-based security systems, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the state-of-the-art CCTV command and control centre Netram at the Surat Police Commissioner’s office.

Developed through a combination of public participation and the latest technology, as per agency report, the centre is expected to substantially strengthen the surveillance and monitoring capabilities of Surat Police. The existing command and control room has been upgraded and centralised to create Netram, which now features high-resolution display walls and advanced monitoring systems, enabling clearer and real-time observation of different parts of the city.

The new facility also provides live monitoring from three body-worn cameras, enhancing transparency in field operations and facilitating faster response during ground-level action. With this integration, officers at the centre can closely track movements and situations as they unfold on the streets.

A total of 1,460 CCTV cameras have been allocated for the city, of which 1,333 have already been installed. At present, 709 cameras are operational and are keeping watch over main roads, crowded localities, public places and sensitive points. This network is aimed at making the city’s security arrangements more alert, coordinated and effective.

The live feed from Surat Police’s Netram will also be monitored from Tri-Netram located in Gandhinagar. After the planned software upgrades, the live stream will be accessible from the offices of the Director General of Police and the Chief Minister as well. This linkage is expected to enable quicker decision-making and more coordinated action during emergency or special situations.

The inauguration event was attended by Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, Joint Police Commissioner (Sector 2) K. N. Damor, Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Raghvendra Vats, Special Police Commissioner Vabang Zameer and several other senior officials, marking a major milestone in the city’s evolving security infrastructure.

Surat. Unseasonal rainfall over the past five days has caused extensive damage to the standing paddy crop across Surat and several other districts of South Gujarat. To assess the situation firsthand, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited the affected farmlands in Olpad taluka today.

As per report, breaking official protocol, Sanghavi removed his shoes and personally walked through the muddy fields between Selut and Dihen villages in Olpad taluka. He inspected the damaged paddy crop closely, holding the wet stalks in his hands to examine the extent of the losses. His gesture was seen as an effort by the state government to truly understand the farmers’ distress beyond official reports.

Accompanied by Olpad MLA Mukesh Patel and officials from the Agriculture Department, Sanghavi directed that an immediate assessment of the crop damage be initiated. The visit also witnessed a deeply emotional moment when a woman farmer, drying her damaged paddy on the roadside, broke down in tears while narrating her ordeal to the Deputy Chief Minister.

Sanghavi consoled the farmers and urged them to stay strong. He assured them that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had taken the situation very seriously and that ministers had already been deployed across affected regions to expedite field surveys and ensure a fair compensation process for every farmer.

During his interaction, several farmers also raised concerns about canal repair works. In response, Sanghavi promised to strongly present the matter before the Chief Minister to ensure that repair work on the irrigation canals begins next year, offering some reassurance to the distressed farmers.

Surat – On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi performed the traditional Shastra Puja at the Surat Police Headquarters along with police personnel. He extended greetings to citizens and security forces, describing Dussehra as a festival that symbolizes the victory of truth over falsehood and divine power over evil tendencies.

As per report, Sanghavi highlighted that the tradition of Shastra Puja reflects India’s rich cultural heritage. He added that this year’s Navratri celebrations not only honored Goddess Amba but also showcased the strength of “Operation Sindoor.” He further noted that Navratri plays a vital role in creating new employment opportunities for small traders and entrepreneurs, serving as a strong platform for promoting the principles of Vocal for Local and self-reliance.

The minister praised the Gujarat Police for their commitment to public safety, emphasizing that officers sacrificed their own festive celebrations to protect citizens. He said that due to the vigilance of the Home Department and the coordinated efforts of the state government, this year’s Navratri witnessed a remarkable blend of devotion, security, commerce, and nationalism.

The event was attended by Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, Additional Director General of Police Wabang Zameer, Joint Police Commissioner (Traffic) Raghavendra Vats, DCP Bhaktiba Dabhi, along with all DCPs, ACPs, and police personnel.

Surat – On the eve of Navratri, Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, made a significant announcement that has boosted the festive spirit across the state. He declared that this year, garba players will be allowed to participate in celebrations late into the night without any restrictions. He directed Gujarat Police to make arrangements in every city and district to ensure that lakhs of devotees can worship Goddess Amba with full enthusiasm.

Sanghavi emphasized that the festival should bring prosperity to small traders and street vendors, describing Navratri as an opportunity for them similar to Diwali. He said that those who work tirelessly to prepare goods or set up food stalls should be given full freedom to conduct business. This year’s festivities are also being linked to the themes of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Swadeshi’, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and indigenous products.

The minister also issued strict warnings to commercial garba organizers. He said they must ensure proper facilities for all participants and that songs disrupting the devotional atmosphere would not be permitted. Stressing that Navratri is an integral part of Indian culture, he added that maintaining its sanctity is everyone’s responsibility and that negligence or untoward incidents would not be tolerated.

Special attention has been given to the safety of women and girls. Sanghavi urged them to immediately call the emergency helpline number 112 if they face any problem, assuring that Gujarat Police is always ready to assist. As per agency report, additional security measures have been implemented this year to prevent anti-social elements from exploiting the festivities.

The announcement has sparked widespread excitement in Surat and across Gujarat, with people looking forward to celebrating Navratri with renewed enthusiasm and devotion.

Ahmedabad, June 13 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site in Ahmedabad on Friday, where an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (flight AI171) crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, resulting in the death of 265 people. The Prime Minister also met with survivors undergoing treatment at the city’s Civil Hospital.

Upon arrival at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Modi proceeded directly to the Meghani Nagar area, where the aircraft had crashed into a medical college campus. He spent approximately 20 minutes inspecting the site and was briefed on the incident by Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu and Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit.

The ill-fated flight had taken off from Ahmedabad for London on Thursday afternoon, carrying 242 passengers and crew, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among those killed. Only one passenger, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, survived the crash, which also claimed the lives of two pilots and ten crew members.

Following his site visit, Prime Minister Modi went to the Civil Hospital, where he interacted with the injured, including the sole survivor. He visited Ward C7, where 25 patients are currently receiving treatment, and also spoke with the attending medical staff.

After the hospital visit, Modi held a high-level review meeting at the Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited (GUJSAIL) office near the airport. The meeting included senior officials from the state government and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to assess the ongoing rescue, relief, and investigation efforts.

In a significant move aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Gujarat, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has released a comprehensive "MSME Guide Book" to provide detailed guidance on various government schemes and subsidies available to entrepreneurs. The publication was officially launched by Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State for Home and Industries, Government of Gujarat.

During the launch ceremony, Harsh Sanghavi praised SGCCI’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of such publications in offering reliable information and direction to industrialists. He acknowledged that the MSME sector forms the backbone of the Indian economy and highlighted the chamber’s role in strengthening this critical sector through structured support and awareness-building.

According to SGCCI President Vijay Mewawala, the newly launched guide book compiles detailed information on a wide range of schemes implemented by the Gujarat government for MSMEs. It covers policy guidelines, financial assistance programs, required certifications, subsidies, and registration procedures. He expressed confidence that the publication will serve as a valuable resource for small business owners, enabling them to fully benefit from government initiatives.

Mewawala further noted that in the current business climate, access to accurate information and proper guidance has become essential for the growth of the MSME sector. The chamber continues its efforts to raise awareness among entrepreneurs about various forms of government support and to encourage ongoing improvements in the sector.

The launch event was also attended by former SGCCI President Ramesh Vaghasia, Honorary Secretary Nirav Mandalewala, Honorary Treasurer Mrunal Shukla, and Chairman of the MSME Committee CA Manish Bajrang. With the release of this guide book, MSME entrepreneurs across Gujarat are expected to gain vital assistance in expanding their operations and utilizing available government schemes to their fullest potential.

Surat, April 26 – In a historic crackdown, Gujarat Police arrested a total of 1,024 illegal Bangladeshi nationals during a massive operation conducted in Ahmedabad and Surat. As per media report, the operation led to the detention of 890 individuals from Ahmedabad and 134 from Surat, as police teams worked through the night with heightened vigilance.

According to police officials, these Bangladeshi citizens had illegally entered India through West Bengal and were residing across different states with forged documents. Investigations further revealed that several among them were involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activities. In a shocking discovery, four of the previously apprehended individuals were found to have links with the international terrorist organization Al-Qaeda.

Gujarat's Minister of State for Home issued a stern warning, stating that all Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in Gujarat must report to the nearest police station within the next two days. Failure to do so would result in police teams reaching their residences and making arrests. The minister also warned that strict action would be taken against those found sheltering illegal immigrants.

The operation was initiated following decisions made during a national security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the central government directing all states to undertake similar strict measures. Gujarat Police executed the operation in a well-coordinated manner, involving officers from the ranks of ACP and DCP to ground-level personnel, who remained deployed throughout the night.

Senior officials, including the State Home Minister, commended the efforts of the Ahmedabad and Surat police teams. Authorities are also identifying individuals involved in preparing and providing fake documents such as Aadhaar cards and PAN cards to Bangladeshi nationals. Strict legal action will be pursued against those facilitating such activities.

UDAN - The Business Expo, organized by the DVO Helpline of Shri Dhandhar Visha Oswal Shrimali Jain Samaj, concluded successfully with enthusiasm and strong participation. The primary objective of the expo was to provide a dedicated platform to small and medium entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a broader audience.

Over 80 business participants from diverse sectors set up their stalls during the expo, which witnessed a footfall of more than 7,000 visitors. Attendees engaged actively with the exhibitors, expressing interest in both online and offline business opportunities and offering highly encouraging feedback.

The event was graced by esteemed guests, including the Chief Guest, Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Special Guest, Hon'ble Surat Police Commissioner Shri Anupam Singh Gehlot. Other notable dignitaries in attendance were Shri Jigneshbhai Patil, President of Youth for Gujarat, along with respected community leaders such as Shri Ashokbhai Kanuga, Smt. Yashaben Contractor, Shri Sevantibhai Shah, Dr. Jayeshbhai Shah, Advocate Manishbhai Patel, and several other prominent figures of the Jain community.

The central aim of the expo was to empower local entrepreneurs by offering them a platform to promote their businesses and explore wider market opportunities. With enthusiastic public participation and a well-curated display of products and services, the event served as a valuable networking and business development initiative.

The successful execution of the expo was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Sumitibhai Shah, Sanjaybhai Shah, Manishbhai Shah, Keyurbhai Shah, and the active involvement of many young volunteers from the community. Their collective support ensured the event was both impactful and memorable.

Gujarat is a state known for many identities—Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s fearless leadership, Narendra Modi’s vision for development, and Amit Shah’s political acumen. While Gujarat has carved its place as a peaceful and prosperous region, it also faces challenges related to crime and social unrest. Maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and upholding peace is a huge responsibility that now rests on the shoulders of Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Affairs, Harsh Sanghavi.

At a young age, Harsh Sanghavi has been entrusted with the crucial role of Home Minister, a position often described as a thorny crown due to the immense responsibility it carries. However, his unwavering policies and strong decision-making abilities distinguish him as a leader capable of handling this demanding role. Managing the Home Department of a state like Gujarat is no small task—it involves maintaining internal security, upholding law and order, and ensuring the safety of every citizen. Sanghavi’s youthful energy and determined approach suggest that he is fully committed to overcoming these challenges successfully.

The Challenge of Gujarat’s Safety and Security

As an industrial and economically thriving state, Gujarat also faces inevitable criminal activities. Smuggling of illegal substances, cybercrime, unlawful activities, and crimes against women are some of the major concerns that the state is grappling with. Harsh Sanghavi has tackled these issues head-on with swift decision-making and strict enforcement policies. His tenure has witnessed a notable improvement in the functioning of Gujarat’s police force. His active participation in police training programs and inspiring speeches at induction ceremonies reflect his dedication to strengthening the Home Department.

Balancing Youthful Energy with Responsibility

Harsh Sanghavi entered politics as a young legislator and quickly rose to the position of Minister of State for Home Affairs. This role has given him the opportunity to prove his leadership capabilities at an early stage in his career. From handling sensitive incidents like the Morbi bridge tragedy to cracking down on illegal liquor rackets, he has consistently made efforts to listen to public concerns and address them effectively. His direct and clear communication style has helped build public confidence in his leadership. A notable example of this was his encouragement of citizens to celebrate Navratri freely, showcasing his respect for cultural and religious traditions.

A Blend of Strict Policies and Sensitivity

A successful Home Minister is defined by a balance between strict governance and compassion for the people. Harsh Sanghavi has maintained this equilibrium by implementing a zero-tolerance policy against crime, sending a strong message that law violations will not be tolerated. At the same time, he has worked towards making policing more citizen-friendly. By promoting employment opportunities and sports activities for the youth, he is striving to shape a secure and progressive future for Gujarat.

Standing Firm Amidst Criticism and Challenges

Holding a political office inevitably invites criticism, and Harsh Sanghavi is no exception. Questions have been raised regarding certain law enforcement actions, including allegations of excessive force and investigations into criminal cases. However, despite these challenges, he has remained steadfast in his mission. Ensuring the safety and security of Gujarat’s citizens remains a top priority for his government. He has also made efforts to modernize the police force, enhance training programs, and foster direct engagement with the public to strengthen trust between law enforcement and citizens.

Harsh Sanghavi’s tenure as Home Minister is still ongoing, and many challenges lie ahead. The task of maintaining Gujarat’s peace and security is a continuous process. His energetic leadership, innovative approach, and dedication to public service indicate that he has the potential to become a pillar of Gujarat’s future governance. As he continues to shape his political career, there is hope that his contributions will make Gujarat a safer and more prosperous state.