VOL-VII • ISSUE-1 • JANUARY 2017 | thegujaratmagazine@gmail.com

VIBRANTGUJARAT 2017

TH8 GLOBAL SUMMIT

REPUBLIC DAY 2017 SEEMA DARSHANNOBEL LAUREATES

Dear Readers,

Gujarat has made a legendary start to the year 2017 with the biggest investor's

summit- Vibrant Gujarat. The 8th chapter of the global investor's summit was

hosted in Gandhinagar where world leaders and delegates from around the

globe came together to make this event successful.

Gujarat also shone bright with festivities and celebrations during the

International Kite Festival that has been attracting competitors and tourists

every year. This quarter has been a glorious time for the state with the most

popular tourist festival- Rann Utsav at the Rann of Kutch.

Gujarat has a long standing tradition of continuous development activities by

the state government for the constant progress of the state and among all the

grand events taking place in the state, equal emphasis has been on the

grassroots. The government has ensured that the connect with the people of the

state remains strong with the initiative of Seva Setu and Pragati Setu.

Gujarat has been a proud host to the Nobel Laureates with a grand exhibition

in Ahmedabad followed by the Nobel Discussion on the subject of innovation.

While making progress in all fields, Gujarat yet again leaves a lasting

impression on the world map as musicians from Vadnagar district set a world

record during the popular Tana Riri Music Festival in Vadnagar.

We hope that you enjoy reading the first issue of the new year that we have

brought to you.

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat...

Chief Editor A. J. Shah

Co-editor Arvind Patel

Managing Editor Pulak Trivedi

Dy. Chief Editor R. R. Turi

Team ‘the GUJARAT’ Seema Dave Lenin SamuelShraddha Gidwani

Design & Layout Crayon Creative & Media Agencywww.crayonadvt.com

DistributionJayesh DaveMukundan K. P.

LETTERS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO Directorate of Information First Floor, Block no. 19, Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India- 382010

All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this publication's contents, in whole or in part, without written permission, is prohibited. the Gujarat does not necessarily agree with the views of the writers/contributors.

Publisher Shri A. J. Shah and Printer Manager, Government Photo Litho Press, Ahmedabad on Behalf of Owner Directorate of Information, Govt. of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Printed At Government Photo Litho Press, Ahmedabad Published From 19/1, Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Gandhinagar (Gujarat) : January, 2017Editor Shri A. J. Shah

E-mail: thegujaratmagazine@gmail.com

VOL-VII • ISSUE-1 • JANUARY, 2017An English Quarterly Magazine

CM’S MESSAGE

VIJAY RUPANI CHIEF MINISTER, GUJARAT

Ÿ Creation of an estimated 500,000 direct jobs and an equal number of indirect jobs.

Ÿ Providing financial incentives, regulatory freedom and world-class infrastructure.

Ÿ World class infrastructure and unparalleled connectivity and transportation access.

Ÿ Strict adherence to environmental norms, with built-in technologies for a sustainable ecosystem.

Ÿ National and international hub of Information technology and Ites companies, finance companies, commodity exchange, global trading, insurance, offshore banking and data centers among others.

The GIFT Advantage

1 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017

Dear Readers,

Gujarat has made a legendary start to the year 2017 with the biggest investor's

summit- Vibrant Gujarat. The 8th chapter of the global investor's summit was

hosted in Gandhinagar where world leaders and delegates from around the

globe came together to make this event successful.

Gujarat also shone bright with festivities and celebrations during the

International Kite Festival that has been attracting competitors and tourists

every year. This quarter has been a glorious time for the state with the most

popular tourist festival- Rann Utsav at the Rann of Kutch.

Gujarat has a long standing tradition of continuous development activities by

the state government for the constant progress of the state and among all the

grand events taking place in the state, equal emphasis has been on the

grassroots. The government has ensured that the connect with the people of the

state remains strong with the initiative of Seva Setu and Pragati Setu.

Gujarat has been a proud host to the Nobel Laureates with a grand exhibition

in Ahmedabad followed by the Nobel Discussion on the subject of innovation.

While making progress in all fields, Gujarat yet again leaves a lasting

impression on the world map as musicians from Vadnagar district set a world

record during the popular Tana Riri Music Festival in Vadnagar.

We hope that you enjoy reading the first issue of the new year that we have

brought to you.

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat...

Chief Editor A. J. Shah

Co-editor Arvind Patel

Managing Editor Pulak Trivedi

Dy. Chief Editor R. R. Turi

Team ‘the GUJARAT’ Seema Dave Lenin SamuelShraddha Gidwani

Design & Layout Crayon Creative & Media Agencywww.crayonadvt.com

DistributionJayesh DaveMukundan K. P.

LETTERS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO Directorate of Information First Floor, Block no. 19, Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India- 382010

All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this publication's contents, in whole or in part, without written permission, is prohibited. the Gujarat does not necessarily agree with the views of the writers/contributors.

Publisher Shri A. J. Shah and Printer Manager, Government Photo Litho Press, Ahmedabad on Behalf of Owner Directorate of Information, Govt. of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Printed At Government Photo Litho Press, Ahmedabad Published From 19/1, Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Gandhinagar (Gujarat) : January, 2017Editor Shri A. J. Shah

E-mail: thegujaratmagazine@gmail.com

VOL-VII • ISSUE-1 • JANUARY, 2017An English Quarterly Magazine

CM’S MESSAGE

VIJAY RUPANI CHIEF MINISTER, GUJARAT

Ÿ Creation of an estimated 500,000 direct jobs and an equal number of indirect jobs.

Ÿ Providing financial incentives, regulatory freedom and world-class infrastructure.

Ÿ World class infrastructure and unparalleled connectivity and transportation access.

Ÿ Strict adherence to environmental norms, with built-in technologies for a sustainable ecosystem.

Ÿ National and international hub of Information technology and Ites companies, finance companies, commodity exchange, global trading, insurance, offshore banking and data centers among others.

The GIFT Advantage

1 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017

03 GUJARAT THIS QUARTER

06 GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

VIBRANT GUJARAT START UP SUMMIT

GUJARAT'S FUTURISTIC

SHAMALJI CHECK POST

FLOWER SHOW : SPRING IN GUJARAT

TOWARDS A DAIRY REVOLUTION: BANAS DAIRY

INAUGURATION OF GANDHINAGAR CITY

RAILWAY STATION REDEVELOPMENT

ATAL SNEH YOJANA

SEEMA DARSHAN

GUNOTSAV 2017

PRAGATI SETU AND SEVA SETU

GUJARAT'S NEW HEALTH POLICY

INDEX QUICK BITES

GUJARAT THIS QUARTER

GNFC goes cashless

Gujarat State owned fertilizer and chemical Company, GNFC has started selling fertilizers through cashless transactions in line with the government's idea of a cashless economy.

“So far we have installed PoS machines at various fertilizer retail centers in all 33 districts of Gujarat. 98,775 farmers have purchased 11.9 lakh bags of fertilizers amounting to Rs 40.3 crore through cashless transactions in 40 days from GNFC retail outlets.” said Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Managing Director, GNFC.

GNFC is the first fertilizer company, according to its management, to adopt methods for cashless transactions. It is using card swipe machines, online sale through GNFC website and mobile apps and also through e-wallets. GNFC has also declared a special rebate scheme to encourage farmers and retailers to adopt cashless transactions.

Gujarat Police awarded the Presidents Medal

The prestigious President medal for d i s t i n g u i s h e d s e r v i c e h a s b e e n announced for three police officers of Gujarat, including two IPS officers. These medals are traditionally announced a day ahead of Republic Day.

Among the recipients from Gujarat are: additional DGP Vikas Sahay of Raksha Shakti University; IGP SG Bhati of Surat;

and deputy SP, AV Gakkhar, of Junagadh police training school. Fifteen others from Gujarat have been awarded police medals for meritorious service.

Among them are deputy SP of ATS, BA Chavda; asst PSI LJ Sadaria of Bharuch; asst PSI UA Dabhi of Anand; PSI HK Joshi of SRP; asst ASI KN Rathod; ASI SM Bhandoria; asst ASI Arunkumar Trivedi of Amreli; asst HC NG Chavda of Gandhinagar; asst. HC MJ Aagath of Porbander; asst HC DB Vaghela of Rajkot rural, asst HC MH Jadeja of Kutch; asst. HC SG Pandey of SRP; asst police constable SA Chudasma of Rajkot rural; IO HB Bharada of State Intelligence Bureau; and AIO BR Gilatar of State Intelligence Bureau.

Eight Gujaratis honoured with the prestigious Padma award

A disabled farmer, two doctors, a spiritual preacher and a veteran music director are among the eight Gujaratis to figure in the list of Padma awards declared by the government on the eve of Republic Day. While spiritual guru Ratna Sundar Maharaj would be conferred Padma Bhushan, six others including highway emergency services pioneer Dr Subroto Das, onco-surgeon Dr Devendra Patel, music director Purushottam Upadhyay, academician VG Patel, Vishnu Pandya and farmer Genabhai Patel have bagged the Padma Shri.

Gujarat sets a new world record: The highest number of people gathered to sing the national anthem

Over 3.5 lakh people on Saturday set a new world record by singing the national anthem at an event at Kagvad in Rajkot district of Gujarat in the presence of observers from Guinness World Records. The previous record stood for 2,54,537 people singing the national anthem in Bangladesh in 2014.

Gujarat government to launch d e d i c a t e d M S M E e - c o m m e rc e platform

The Gujarat government is planning to launch an e-commerce platform enabling them to buy and sell products online.

The state government has already started developing the platform, called MSME Exchange, apart from creating a huge database of MSME units and their products which can be marketed on the platform.

"The state government has given great importance to the development of the MSME sector in the state. However, the key issue faced by MSMEs is non-availability of the required market support. During the MSME seminar at the recent Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and pre-budget consultations with industry players, it was felt that a dedicated e-commerce platform was needed, which could act as an online exchange for MSMEs to buy and sell their products," said Mamta Verma, Industries Commissioner, Government of Gujarat.

"A large number of MSMEs are registered with us. We will encourage these units to register on the platform to market their products. The government may go for developing sector-specific platforms as well," she added.

According to data available with the state's Industries Commissionerate, Gujarat has 2.61 lakh registered MSMEs and 3.12 lakh small scale industries (SSI). The state government has also focused on this segment in its policies.

At the recently concluded Vibrant Summit , MSMEs s igned 25 ,578 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) the mos t in a l l ca tegor ies . The government has also laid special emphasis on MSMEs in its polices, such as the recently announced defence and aerospace policy.

2 the GUJARAT 3 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

28COVER STORY

VIBRANTGUJARAT

18 IN FOCUS

MODHERA DANCE FESTIVAL

TANA RIRI

GUJARAT CELEBRATES UTTARAYAN WITH

POMP

RANN UTSAV : THE FESTIVAL OF BEAUTY

24 SPECIAL REPORT

NOBEL LAUREATES

48 PHOTO FEATURE

REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION IN GUJARAT

50 IN CONVERSATION

DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER NITIN PATEL

BHUPENDRASINH CHUDASAMA

56 UPCOMING EVENTS

2017

03 GUJARAT THIS QUARTER

06 GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

VIBRANT GUJARAT START UP SUMMIT

GUJARAT'S FUTURISTIC

SHAMALJI CHECK POST

FLOWER SHOW : SPRING IN GUJARAT

TOWARDS A DAIRY REVOLUTION: BANAS DAIRY

INAUGURATION OF GANDHINAGAR CITY

RAILWAY STATION REDEVELOPMENT

ATAL SNEH YOJANA

SEEMA DARSHAN

GUNOTSAV 2017

PRAGATI SETU AND SEVA SETU

GUJARAT'S NEW HEALTH POLICY

INDEX QUICK BITES

GUJARAT THIS QUARTER

GNFC goes cashless

Gujarat State owned fertilizer and chemical Company, GNFC has started selling fertilizers through cashless transactions in line with the government's idea of a cashless economy.

“So far we have installed PoS machines at various fertilizer retail centers in all 33 districts of Gujarat. 98,775 farmers have purchased 11.9 lakh bags of fertilizers amounting to Rs 40.3 crore through cashless transactions in 40 days from GNFC retail outlets.” said Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Managing Director, GNFC.

GNFC is the first fertilizer company, according to its management, to adopt methods for cashless transactions. It is using card swipe machines, online sale through GNFC website and mobile apps and also through e-wallets. GNFC has also declared a special rebate scheme to encourage farmers and retailers to adopt cashless transactions.

Gujarat Police awarded the Presidents Medal

The prestigious President medal for d i s t i n g u i s h e d s e r v i c e h a s b e e n announced for three police officers of Gujarat, including two IPS officers. These medals are traditionally announced a day ahead of Republic Day.

Among the recipients from Gujarat are: additional DGP Vikas Sahay of Raksha Shakti University; IGP SG Bhati of Surat;

and deputy SP, AV Gakkhar, of Junagadh police training school. Fifteen others from Gujarat have been awarded police medals for meritorious service.

Among them are deputy SP of ATS, BA Chavda; asst PSI LJ Sadaria of Bharuch; asst PSI UA Dabhi of Anand; PSI HK Joshi of SRP; asst ASI KN Rathod; ASI SM Bhandoria; asst ASI Arunkumar Trivedi of Amreli; asst HC NG Chavda of Gandhinagar; asst. HC MJ Aagath of Porbander; asst HC DB Vaghela of Rajkot rural, asst HC MH Jadeja of Kutch; asst. HC SG Pandey of SRP; asst police constable SA Chudasma of Rajkot rural; IO HB Bharada of State Intelligence Bureau; and AIO BR Gilatar of State Intelligence Bureau.

Eight Gujaratis honoured with the prestigious Padma award

A disabled farmer, two doctors, a spiritual preacher and a veteran music director are among the eight Gujaratis to figure in the list of Padma awards declared by the government on the eve of Republic Day. While spiritual guru Ratna Sundar Maharaj would be conferred Padma Bhushan, six others including highway emergency services pioneer Dr Subroto Das, onco-surgeon Dr Devendra Patel, music director Purushottam Upadhyay, academician VG Patel, Vishnu Pandya and farmer Genabhai Patel have bagged the Padma Shri.

Gujarat sets a new world record: The highest number of people gathered to sing the national anthem

Over 3.5 lakh people on Saturday set a new world record by singing the national anthem at an event at Kagvad in Rajkot district of Gujarat in the presence of observers from Guinness World Records. The previous record stood for 2,54,537 people singing the national anthem in Bangladesh in 2014.

Gujarat government to launch d e d i c a t e d M S M E e - c o m m e rc e platform

The Gujarat government is planning to launch an e-commerce platform enabling them to buy and sell products online.

The state government has already started developing the platform, called MSME Exchange, apart from creating a huge database of MSME units and their products which can be marketed on the platform.

"The state government has given great importance to the development of the MSME sector in the state. However, the key issue faced by MSMEs is non-availability of the required market support. During the MSME seminar at the recent Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and pre-budget consultations with industry players, it was felt that a dedicated e-commerce platform was needed, which could act as an online exchange for MSMEs to buy and sell their products," said Mamta Verma, Industries Commissioner, Government of Gujarat.

"A large number of MSMEs are registered with us. We will encourage these units to register on the platform to market their products. The government may go for developing sector-specific platforms as well," she added.

According to data available with the state's Industries Commissionerate, Gujarat has 2.61 lakh registered MSMEs and 3.12 lakh small scale industries (SSI). The state government has also focused on this segment in its policies.

At the recently concluded Vibrant Summit , MSMEs s igned 25 ,578 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) the mos t in a l l ca tegor ies . The government has also laid special emphasis on MSMEs in its polices, such as the recently announced defence and aerospace policy.

2 the GUJARAT 3 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

28COVER STORY

VIBRANTGUJARAT

18 IN FOCUS

MODHERA DANCE FESTIVAL

TANA RIRI

GUJARAT CELEBRATES UTTARAYAN WITH

POMP

RANN UTSAV : THE FESTIVAL OF BEAUTY

24 SPECIAL REPORT

NOBEL LAUREATES

48 PHOTO FEATURE

REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION IN GUJARAT

50 IN CONVERSATION

DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER NITIN PATEL

BHUPENDRASINH CHUDASAMA

56 UPCOMING EVENTS

2017

QUICK BITES QUICK BITES

MRF plans to set up Rs 4,500-cr manufacturing plant in Gujarat

T h e c o m p a n y h a s s i g n e d a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government, expressing its in-principle intention, to set up a new manufacturing facility in the state for manufacturing automobile tyres, tubes, flaps and related products.

The company proposes to invest a sum of about Rs 4,500 crore over a ten year period in a phased manner. The new plant is planned to be set up in Gujarat with the intention of broad basing the company's manufacturing facilities across India. C u r r e n t l y, M R F L t d h a s e i g h t manufacturing facilities in South India.

Mahindra Lifespaces to develop Rs 3,000-cr Industrial Park in Gujarat

Mahindra Lifespaces Developers Ltd (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the $17.8-billion Mahindra Group would develop a new industrial park near Ahmedabad with an investment of nearly Rs. 3,000 crore. The company, on the third day of the ongoing Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017, announced having signed an MoU with the Gujarat Government, in this regard. Through a 100 per cent subsidiary, it would es tabl ish a mult i -product industrial park in a 350-acre area, marking Mahindra Lifespaces' foray into Gujarat.

It is being planned to cater to non-pollut ing industr ies . When ful ly operational, the industrial park is expected to create direct and indirect employment for about 12,000 youths. The proposed industrial park will be developed under the aegis of Gujarat Industrial Policy 2015, said Anita Arjundas, Managing Director, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. Mahindra L i f e s p a c e s h a s p i o n e e r e d t h e development of sustainable, integrated business cities – Mahindra World Cities - in partnership with state governments in India.

Mah ind ra Wor ld C i ty (MWC) developments in Chennai and Jaipur span over 4,000 acres and have emerged as business destinations for more than 130 Indian and transnational companies, who have set up operations in these cities to cater to both Indian and global markets. Moreover, both MWC Chennai and MWC Jaipur have been developed on ' g reen ' o r env i ronment - f r i end ly principles. MWC-Chennai is an Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Stage I Certified (with a Gold rating) integrated business city.

Mahindra World City, Jaipur, is Asia's first city (and the world's largest) to receive Climate Positive Development Stage 2 Certification from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), a global network of large cities taking action to address climate change.

World's biggest cricket stadium to come up in Ahmedabad

A cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 1.1 lakh is in the making in Ahmedabad. Once completed, the stadium, designed by world renowned architect firm M/s. Populous, would be the biggest in the world. The new stadium will be spread across a 63 acre land in Motera where the existing stadium has been demolished. "There will be a concourse to connect the entire stadium for pedestrian and vehicular movement. Moreover, the club house will be equipped with 55 rooms and an Olympic size swimming pool," said Vice-President of Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), Parimal Nathwani. Mr. Nathwani and joint secretary of the association, Jay Shah, the president of GCA, performed the ground-breaking ceremony on Monday.

Facilities : The new stadium and other facilities will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 700 crore and the construction award has been given to L&T. The stadium will also boast of a state-of-the-art club facility with three practice grounds and

an indoor cricket academy. "The parking area will accommodate 3,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers and traffic will be segregated in three directions," Mr. Nathwani said. According to him, the stadium will have 76 corporate boxes and there will not be any column construction due to which there will not be any obstruction in match viewing from any corner of the stadium.

WASTECH 2016 inaugurated by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani

The scale of industrialisation in any state can be gauged by the scale of waste-treatment facilities. At the inaugural ceremony of the two-day WASTECH-2016 event at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Vijay

Rupani said that nearly 50% of the country's total capacity of industrial effluent treatment plants are in Gujarat.

He said that Gujarat tops in hazardous wastes co-processing too. “We have been recycling solid waste acquired from industrial units and using them for co-processing in the cement industry. The state has co-processed over 108 lakh tonnes of industrial and plastic wastes in the past five years. This is a sure way to r educe tox ic was te load in ou r environment ," sa id Rupani . The WASTECH theme this year is 'The Way to Sustainability', and was also attended by Union Environment and Forest and Climate Change Minister Anil Madhav Dave .

The summit was also attended by industrialists and experts in waste management from different states of India and abroad, preparatory to Vibrant Summit-2017 held in January. He invited the dignitaries to attend the Vibrant summit . Representa t ives of 120 companies from eight countries had installed 120 stalls and Indian firms had put up 106 stalls on 5,000 square metres of space at the expo. A short film on 'Innovations in Environment Sector in Gujarat' was screened on the occasion.

Chief Minister Rupani said that Gujarat has also been stressing on sustained industr ia l development , keeping pollution under control and meticulously following the principle of 4 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recover and Recycle in waste management, adding 'Respect' as the fifth 'R'.

The Union Minister said that waste disposal should be compulsorily tackled through technology as per international standards. He said solar, cycle and recycle would become the three main sources in future.

Gujarat CM releases book published by Gujarat Vigilance Commission

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani released a book named ‘Bhrashtachar Nivaran ane Vahivatitantrani Chavirup Bhumika’ at Gandhinagar. It may be mentioned that a vigilance awareness week is being celebrated to prevent corruption in public administration and create awareness amongst people.

Gujarat Vigilance Department has published this book to take corrective actions in terms of guidance and abolishment of corruption in al l departments of State Government. Chief Minister has appreciated for this approach of Vigilance Commission. On this occasion Chief Secretary Dr. J.N. Singh, Vigilance Commissioner H.K. Das, Principal Secretary to CM S. Aparna and secretary to CM Ashwini Kumar were present.

International Conclave on Higher Education

As many as five Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed during the “International Conclave on Higher Educat ion” organised a t Mahatama Mandir in Gandhinagar . As a pre-event to the Vibrant Summit scheduled in January 2017, these five MoUs, signed in the presence of over 200 national and international delegates, were between the School of Governance Law and Urban Development Saxion U n i v e r s i t y o f A p p l i e d S c i e n c e Netherlands and Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management for exchange of students, faculty and staff members.

The second MoU was between Embassy of Denmark, New Delhi, and Gujara t Knowledge Soc ie ty fo r collaboration of education and research activities. For enhancing employability skills, British Council and Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG) signed an MoU.

The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) and Gujarat Technological University (GTU) also signed an MoU to provide training to GTU students. The fifth MoU was be tween Pand i t Deendaya l Petroleum University (PDPU) and Schulich School of Business York University, Canada, for exchange of students and faculties and joint research activities.

Admitting lack of funding for research, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, who was invited to the conclave, said in his video address, “Many a times in private, PM laments that we Narendra Modicannot fund research the way we should, but he is taking direction to fund more and more and through initiatives like 'Ucchattar Avishkar Yojana'. Industry and academicia interaction was lacking in India. Now, IIT team of students and faculty will work for ideas from industries and to improve them. An estimated Rs 260 crore is meant for this

project.”

Speaking about the importance of research, the HRD Minister said, “For centuries, India contributed 25 per cent to the world GDP and 35 per cent world trade. Today, we are not even one per cent of the world trade and much lower as GDP is concerned. We had Nalanadas, Takshshilas, Vikramshilas.”

“The world talent used to come here to learn. So I believe that only those countries can prosper that has the best of universities. For that, we need to improve higher education quality. At primary education level you have to inculcate and promote inquisitiveness in students because that is the foundation for innovation. But at higher education, the

government’s duty is to provide atmosphere for research and innovation and improvement of quality. Innovation brings in money, wealth generation, creates jobs and technologies.”

State Education Minister, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama in his inaugural address said, “Only an educated country can aspire to be a developed country. Today, we have 58 universities, 116 government colleges, 56 grant-in-aid and 456 technical colleges. 34 new government colleges and 2 new universities have been opened during the last two years. To achieve the goals of global rankings, institutions should follow best practices of world class universities.•

4 the GUJARAT 5 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

QUICK BITES QUICK BITES

MRF plans to set up Rs 4,500-cr manufacturing plant in Gujarat

T h e c o m p a n y h a s s i g n e d a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government, expressing its in-principle intention, to set up a new manufacturing facility in the state for manufacturing automobile tyres, tubes, flaps and related products.

The company proposes to invest a sum of about Rs 4,500 crore over a ten year period in a phased manner. The new plant is planned to be set up in Gujarat with the intention of broad basing the company's manufacturing facilities across India. C u r r e n t l y, M R F L t d h a s e i g h t manufacturing facilities in South India.

Mahindra Lifespaces to develop Rs 3,000-cr Industrial Park in Gujarat

Mahindra Lifespaces Developers Ltd (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the $17.8-billion Mahindra Group would develop a new industrial park near Ahmedabad with an investment of nearly Rs. 3,000 crore. The company, on the third day of the ongoing Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017, announced having signed an MoU with the Gujarat Government, in this regard. Through a 100 per cent subsidiary, it would es tabl ish a mult i -product industrial park in a 350-acre area, marking Mahindra Lifespaces' foray into Gujarat.

It is being planned to cater to non-pollut ing industr ies . When ful ly operational, the industrial park is expected to create direct and indirect employment for about 12,000 youths. The proposed industrial park will be developed under the aegis of Gujarat Industrial Policy 2015, said Anita Arjundas, Managing Director, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. Mahindra L i f e s p a c e s h a s p i o n e e r e d t h e development of sustainable, integrated business cities – Mahindra World Cities - in partnership with state governments in India.

Mah ind ra Wor ld C i ty (MWC) developments in Chennai and Jaipur span over 4,000 acres and have emerged as business destinations for more than 130 Indian and transnational companies, who have set up operations in these cities to cater to both Indian and global markets. Moreover, both MWC Chennai and MWC Jaipur have been developed on ' g reen ' o r env i ronment - f r i end ly principles. MWC-Chennai is an Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Stage I Certified (with a Gold rating) integrated business city.

Mahindra World City, Jaipur, is Asia's first city (and the world's largest) to receive Climate Positive Development Stage 2 Certification from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), a global network of large cities taking action to address climate change.

World's biggest cricket stadium to come up in Ahmedabad

A cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 1.1 lakh is in the making in Ahmedabad. Once completed, the stadium, designed by world renowned architect firm M/s. Populous, would be the biggest in the world. The new stadium will be spread across a 63 acre land in Motera where the existing stadium has been demolished. "There will be a concourse to connect the entire stadium for pedestrian and vehicular movement. Moreover, the club house will be equipped with 55 rooms and an Olympic size swimming pool," said Vice-President of Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), Parimal Nathwani. Mr. Nathwani and joint secretary of the association, Jay Shah, the president of GCA, performed the ground-breaking ceremony on Monday.

Facilities : The new stadium and other facilities will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 700 crore and the construction award has been given to L&T. The stadium will also boast of a state-of-the-art club facility with three practice grounds and

an indoor cricket academy. "The parking area will accommodate 3,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers and traffic will be segregated in three directions," Mr. Nathwani said. According to him, the stadium will have 76 corporate boxes and there will not be any column construction due to which there will not be any obstruction in match viewing from any corner of the stadium.

WASTECH 2016 inaugurated by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani

The scale of industrialisation in any state can be gauged by the scale of waste-treatment facilities. At the inaugural ceremony of the two-day WASTECH-2016 event at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Vijay

Rupani said that nearly 50% of the country's total capacity of industrial effluent treatment plants are in Gujarat.

He said that Gujarat tops in hazardous wastes co-processing too. “We have been recycling solid waste acquired from industrial units and using them for co-processing in the cement industry. The state has co-processed over 108 lakh tonnes of industrial and plastic wastes in the past five years. This is a sure way to r educe tox ic was te load in ou r environment ," sa id Rupani . The WASTECH theme this year is 'The Way to Sustainability', and was also attended by Union Environment and Forest and Climate Change Minister Anil Madhav Dave .

The summit was also attended by industrialists and experts in waste management from different states of India and abroad, preparatory to Vibrant Summit-2017 held in January. He invited the dignitaries to attend the Vibrant summit . Representa t ives of 120 companies from eight countries had installed 120 stalls and Indian firms had put up 106 stalls on 5,000 square metres of space at the expo. A short film on 'Innovations in Environment Sector in Gujarat' was screened on the occasion.

Chief Minister Rupani said that Gujarat has also been stressing on sustained industr ia l development , keeping pollution under control and meticulously following the principle of 4 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recover and Recycle in waste management, adding 'Respect' as the fifth 'R'.

The Union Minister said that waste disposal should be compulsorily tackled through technology as per international standards. He said solar, cycle and recycle would become the three main sources in future.

Gujarat CM releases book published by Gujarat Vigilance Commission

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani released a book named ‘Bhrashtachar Nivaran ane Vahivatitantrani Chavirup Bhumika’ at Gandhinagar. It may be mentioned that a vigilance awareness week is being celebrated to prevent corruption in public administration and create awareness amongst people.

Gujarat Vigilance Department has published this book to take corrective actions in terms of guidance and abolishment of corruption in al l departments of State Government. Chief Minister has appreciated for this approach of Vigilance Commission. On this occasion Chief Secretary Dr. J.N. Singh, Vigilance Commissioner H.K. Das, Principal Secretary to CM S. Aparna and secretary to CM Ashwini Kumar were present.

International Conclave on Higher Education

As many as five Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed during the “International Conclave on Higher Educat ion” organised a t Mahatama Mandir in Gandhinagar . As a pre-event to the Vibrant Summit scheduled in January 2017, these five MoUs, signed in the presence of over 200 national and international delegates, were between the School of Governance Law and Urban Development Saxion U n i v e r s i t y o f A p p l i e d S c i e n c e Netherlands and Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management for exchange of students, faculty and staff members.

The second MoU was between Embassy of Denmark, New Delhi, and Gujara t Knowledge Soc ie ty fo r collaboration of education and research activities. For enhancing employability skills, British Council and Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG) signed an MoU.

The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) and Gujarat Technological University (GTU) also signed an MoU to provide training to GTU students. The fifth MoU was be tween Pand i t Deendaya l Petroleum University (PDPU) and Schulich School of Business York University, Canada, for exchange of students and faculties and joint research activities.

Admitting lack of funding for research, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, who was invited to the conclave, said in his video address, “Many a times in private, PM laments that we Narendra Modicannot fund research the way we should, but he is taking direction to fund more and more and through initiatives like 'Ucchattar Avishkar Yojana'. Industry and academicia interaction was lacking in India. Now, IIT team of students and faculty will work for ideas from industries and to improve them. An estimated Rs 260 crore is meant for this

project.”

Speaking about the importance of research, the HRD Minister said, “For centuries, India contributed 25 per cent to the world GDP and 35 per cent world trade. Today, we are not even one per cent of the world trade and much lower as GDP is concerned. We had Nalanadas, Takshshilas, Vikramshilas.”

“The world talent used to come here to learn. So I believe that only those countries can prosper that has the best of universities. For that, we need to improve higher education quality. At primary education level you have to inculcate and promote inquisitiveness in students because that is the foundation for innovation. But at higher education, the

government’s duty is to provide atmosphere for research and innovation and improvement of quality. Innovation brings in money, wealth generation, creates jobs and technologies.”

State Education Minister, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama in his inaugural address said, “Only an educated country can aspire to be a developed country. Today, we have 58 universities, 116 government colleges, 56 grant-in-aid and 456 technical colleges. 34 new government colleges and 2 new universities have been opened during the last two years. To achieve the goals of global rankings, institutions should follow best practices of world class universities.•

4 the GUJARAT 5 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

GUJARAT'S FUTURISTICSHAMALAJI CHECK POST

Ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017, the Government of Gujarat had organized a

two-day VG Start-up Summit in Gandhinagar. Amidst an assorted gathering of start-ups, entrepreneurs, i n n o v a t o r s , p o l i c y m a k e r s a n d incubators, Vijay Rupani, Chief Minister of Gujarat, inaugurated the VG Startup Summit 2016.

The key objective of the VG Startup Summit was to attract the brightest entrepreneurial minds from across the nation to ideate, innovate and help them shape their ideas for the development of the State and the Nation. The summit aimed to create an ideal startup ecosystem to compete with the best in the world and create a lasting network of relationships for all the stakeholders of this ecosystem.

Launching the official portal for Startups and a Coffee table book on participating entrepreneurs, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani said “I am pleased to see such strong response for this event and I hope that this two days summit will help young India to fulfill its dreams. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has initiated several campaigns to support aspiring entrepreneurs such as Skill India, Startup India, Standup India, Digital India and Make in India. While Gujarat is leading the way in various sectors, this summit is a part of the Government of Gujarat's efforts to make sure that the State and its youth stay at the

top in the race of startups as well.” One of the key events of the Startup

Summit was the Grand Challenge organized with an objective to find innovative, technology based and commercially viable solutions to key developmental issues of the State and the Nation. Speaking on the Grand Challenge, Dr. JN Singh, Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat said “The Grand challenge would provide an excellent opportunity and a platform for startup, innovators and entrepreneurs to develop affordable and sustainable solutions that improve and change the developmental landscape of the country. With the focus on solving challenges around Water and Food, we have received an enormous response from across the country with more than 1300 applications out of which 26 finalists have been selected.”

Canada being a partner country for the Summit, Victoria Lennox, Co-Founder CEO, Startup Canada represented the Canadian startups at the event. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Victoria Lennox said “India and Canada have shared strong friendship in various socio-economic sectors. Today, this deep-rooted relations between the two countries offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators to explore. I would strongly suggest all the young entrepreneurs to think global and think scalable but most importantly build something that matters and that can address some of the global issues that we face today. While entrepreneurs build a new company, they should also think on

how to build a startup ecosystem which can drive a country's economy.”

The two day summit will see parallel s e s s ions p rov id ing exper i en t i a l networking and learnings specific to the interest, challenges and opportunities for startups such as 'Igniting Startups to Accelerate Entrepreneurship', 'Startup Incubation and Acceleration Best Practices' , 'Demystifying Startup Financing - From Ideation to Scale' to name a few. Additionally, 'Fund Pitching Session' as well as 'Reverse Pitching' has been organized for match making between incubators and innovators. Ramesh Abhishek, Secretary, DIPP, Government of India highlighted that in order to cater to the global demand the Union Government is planning to have such national and international level events on startups.

Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, PK Taneja launched the Vision Document for Startups published by the Government of Gujarat. Addressing the Summit, PK Taneja said “The Vision Document highlights policies and guidelines to help budding entrepreneurs and policy makers to create an ideal ecosystem for startups in Gujarat. Various steps have been taken by the State Government to create a holistic envi ronment for innovators and entrepreneurs. With this, the Government of Gujarat aims to incubate 1000 ideas by 2017 and support 2500 innovators by 2020.”

The first edition of Vibrant Gujarat Start-Up Summit has been successful in providing a platform for knowledge sharing and exploring opportunities b e t w e e n i n c u b a t o r s , i n v e s t o r s , e n t r e p r e n e u r s a n d l i k e - m i n d e d individuals. Over the period of two days, entrepreneurs and budding startups had a chance to interact with more than 50 industry leaders and other stakeholders of the startup ecosystem. In addition to the winners of Grand Challenge, the Government of Gujarat also provided incubation support to 200 selected applicants. •

Gujarat’s Chief Minister Vijay Rupani dedicated India's first l a s e r t e c h n o l o g y - b a s e d

advanced AVMS RTO check-post at Shamlaji in Aravalli district. The check-post is equipped with advanced ray technology at a cost of Rs 4.72 crore. Along with this programme, Rupani also laid foundation stones of various developmental works worth Rs 30 crore in the tribal Aravalli belt. He expressed his commitment to make the traffic check-post well-equipped with advanced tools for making the process transparent and corruption-free. All the 16 check-posts across the state will be made advanced, automatic and transparent at a

cost of Rs. 35 crore during next year. The State Government will use this income for the welfare of the poor, deprived and the marginalised citizens. This decision has been taken with a view to eliminate irregularities and interventions by middle-men. We have fulfilled our commitment to provide transparent, sensitive, decisive and progressive government to the people, he added.

He briefed people about various pro-people steps taken by this government for an all-round development of poor and tribal people, such as schools in tribal areas of the State, forest authority letters to Vanbandhus and assistance to sickle cell anemia patients. State government is committed for strict implementation of ban on hookah bars and liquor prohibition to make our youth free from bad habits,

he added.On the occasion, Transportation

Minister, Vallabhbhai Kakadiya said that the state government has made 125 people oriented decisions within just 100 days of ruling. We can witness the experience from Shamlaji check-post itself to fulfill the goal of our Chief Minister to make government transparent and corruption-free, he added.

Principal Secretary, Transportation Department Vipul Mitra briefed people about the benefits to vehicle owners as initiations of AVMS RTO check-post. Commissioner of Transporta t ion Department and Secretary In-charge to Aravalli District RM Jadav gave the welcome speech.•

VIBRANT GUJARAT START UP SUMMIT

6 the GUJARAT 7 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

by Seema Dave

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

GUJARAT'S FUTURISTICSHAMALAJI CHECK POST

Ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017, the Government of Gujarat had organized a

two-day VG Start-up Summit in Gandhinagar. Amidst an assorted gathering of start-ups, entrepreneurs, i n n o v a t o r s , p o l i c y m a k e r s a n d incubators, Vijay Rupani, Chief Minister of Gujarat, inaugurated the VG Startup Summit 2016.

The key objective of the VG Startup Summit was to attract the brightest entrepreneurial minds from across the nation to ideate, innovate and help them shape their ideas for the development of the State and the Nation. The summit aimed to create an ideal startup ecosystem to compete with the best in the world and create a lasting network of relationships for all the stakeholders of this ecosystem.

Launching the official portal for Startups and a Coffee table book on participating entrepreneurs, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani said “I am pleased to see such strong response for this event and I hope that this two days summit will help young India to fulfill its dreams. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has initiated several campaigns to support aspiring entrepreneurs such as Skill India, Startup India, Standup India, Digital India and Make in India. While Gujarat is leading the way in various sectors, this summit is a part of the Government of Gujarat's efforts to make sure that the State and its youth stay at the

top in the race of startups as well.” One of the key events of the Startup

Summit was the Grand Challenge organized with an objective to find innovative, technology based and commercially viable solutions to key developmental issues of the State and the Nation. Speaking on the Grand Challenge, Dr. JN Singh, Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat said “The Grand challenge would provide an excellent opportunity and a platform for startup, innovators and entrepreneurs to develop affordable and sustainable solutions that improve and change the developmental landscape of the country. With the focus on solving challenges around Water and Food, we have received an enormous response from across the country with more than 1300 applications out of which 26 finalists have been selected.”

Canada being a partner country for the Summit, Victoria Lennox, Co-Founder CEO, Startup Canada represented the Canadian startups at the event. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Victoria Lennox said “India and Canada have shared strong friendship in various socio-economic sectors. Today, this deep-rooted relations between the two countries offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators to explore. I would strongly suggest all the young entrepreneurs to think global and think scalable but most importantly build something that matters and that can address some of the global issues that we face today. While entrepreneurs build a new company, they should also think on

how to build a startup ecosystem which can drive a country's economy.”

The two day summit will see parallel s e s s ions p rov id ing exper i en t i a l networking and learnings specific to the interest, challenges and opportunities for startups such as 'Igniting Startups to Accelerate Entrepreneurship', 'Startup Incubation and Acceleration Best Practices' , 'Demystifying Startup Financing - From Ideation to Scale' to name a few. Additionally, 'Fund Pitching Session' as well as 'Reverse Pitching' has been organized for match making between incubators and innovators. Ramesh Abhishek, Secretary, DIPP, Government of India highlighted that in order to cater to the global demand the Union Government is planning to have such national and international level events on startups.

Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, PK Taneja launched the Vision Document for Startups published by the Government of Gujarat. Addressing the Summit, PK Taneja said “The Vision Document highlights policies and guidelines to help budding entrepreneurs and policy makers to create an ideal ecosystem for startups in Gujarat. Various steps have been taken by the State Government to create a holistic envi ronment for innovators and entrepreneurs. With this, the Government of Gujarat aims to incubate 1000 ideas by 2017 and support 2500 innovators by 2020.”

The first edition of Vibrant Gujarat Start-Up Summit has been successful in providing a platform for knowledge sharing and exploring opportunities b e t w e e n i n c u b a t o r s , i n v e s t o r s , e n t r e p r e n e u r s a n d l i k e - m i n d e d individuals. Over the period of two days, entrepreneurs and budding startups had a chance to interact with more than 50 industry leaders and other stakeholders of the startup ecosystem. In addition to the winners of Grand Challenge, the Government of Gujarat also provided incubation support to 200 selected applicants. •

Gujarat’s Chief Minister Vijay Rupani dedicated India's first l a s e r t e c h n o l o g y - b a s e d

advanced AVMS RTO check-post at Shamlaji in Aravalli district. The check-post is equipped with advanced ray technology at a cost of Rs 4.72 crore. Along with this programme, Rupani also laid foundation stones of various developmental works worth Rs 30 crore in the tribal Aravalli belt. He expressed his commitment to make the traffic check-post well-equipped with advanced tools for making the process transparent and corruption-free. All the 16 check-posts across the state will be made advanced, automatic and transparent at a

cost of Rs. 35 crore during next year. The State Government will use this income for the welfare of the poor, deprived and the marginalised citizens. This decision has been taken with a view to eliminate irregularities and interventions by middle-men. We have fulfilled our commitment to provide transparent, sensitive, decisive and progressive government to the people, he added.

He briefed people about various pro-people steps taken by this government for an all-round development of poor and tribal people, such as schools in tribal areas of the State, forest authority letters to Vanbandhus and assistance to sickle cell anemia patients. State government is committed for strict implementation of ban on hookah bars and liquor prohibition to make our youth free from bad habits,

he added.On the occasion, Transportation

Minister, Vallabhbhai Kakadiya said that the state government has made 125 people oriented decisions within just 100 days of ruling. We can witness the experience from Shamlaji check-post itself to fulfill the goal of our Chief Minister to make government transparent and corruption-free, he added.

Principal Secretary, Transportation Department Vipul Mitra briefed people about the benefits to vehicle owners as initiations of AVMS RTO check-post. Commissioner of Transporta t ion Department and Secretary In-charge to Aravalli District RM Jadav gave the welcome speech.•

VIBRANT GUJARAT START UP SUMMIT

6 the GUJARAT 7 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

by Seema Dave

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Towards a dairy revolution:

Banas Dairy

Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Limited known as Banas Dairy is a

cooperative organization established in the year 1969 under the Gujarat Co-operative societies Act 1961. It was established with the support of NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) as a part of their Operation Flood Programme launched to bring about white revolution in the country.

It manufactures a large number of dairy products under AMUL, SAGAR and BANAS brands. Its product range includes Amul Pasteurised Milks, Amul longer Shelf Life Milk, Amul Butter, Amul Ghee, Sagar Ghee, Amulya Powder, Sagar Tea and Coffe Whitner, Sagar SMP, Amul SMP, Amul Shakti Powder, a wide range of Amul Ice Creams, Banas Peda, Banas Tea etc. The products of the dairy are marketed through Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, Anand. The dairy also provides a large number of technical inputs to over 1.8 lac farmer households, which are organised through 1200 odd Village level Cooperative Milk Societies.

Banas Dairy collects an average of around 35 lakh liters of milk everyday and currently has 4 dairy plants at Palanpur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the town of Deesa in Banaskantha district of Gujarat on the 9th of December, 2016 to inaugurate various dairy and agro related projects and products and addressed a rally of over 2 lakh farmers. He dedicated these projects to the efforts of the hard working farmers of the district. The PM took this opportunity to

a lso launch the birth centenary celebrations of late Galbabhai Patel (popularly known as Galbakaka), a social activist and founder of Banas Dairy.

Banaskantha is the highest milk producing district of India. Banas Dairy

under Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd. situated in the district is the biggest contributor to Asia's largest dairy cooperative, AMUL. The inauguration of various farmer centric projects and products in the district by the PM has added yet another feather to its cap.

The Prime Minister launched a 500 ml bottle of ‘Ámul Deshi’ A-2 Cow Milk, derived from the indigenous Kankrej cow breed. A Kankrej cow breed conservation project was also launched for the same. While introducing Banas Honey project, Prime Minister Modi described it as 'Sweet Kranti' after 'Shwet Kranti' in the region. He also inaugurated a new cheese plant with daily 30MT capacity and whey powder plant with daily 45MT capacity worth Rs.350 crore at Banas Dairy.

In light of the PM's recent decision to fast track, it has become critical to promote the use of digital payment platforms in order to truly reap the benefits of this revolutionary decision. During his address, the Prime Minister said, “There is no need to waste your time standing outside banks or ATMs, e-wallets have brought banks to your mobiles“. He urged the gathering to adopt the various digital payment platforms that have been made available to them and usher the nation towards becoming a digital economy: free corruption.

He also added that because the opposition has been disrupting the proceedings of the Lok Sabha, he has chosen to speak here amongst the people of the nation at the 'Jansabha'. Prime Minister Modi concluded by thanking the citizens of India for whole heartedly

supporting the mega campaign of boos t i ng t he ca sh l e s s economy undertaken by the Union Government.

Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani also addressed the rally and welcomed all on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the founder of Banas Dairy, Late Shri Galbabhai Patel. He said that Banaskantha will definitely become the most prosperous district of the state as a result of the various projects launched today by the Banas Dairy to make the district's farmers economically stable.

He added that it is the result of the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the benefits of Jyotigram Yojna and water of Narmada have reached the remotest areas of Banaskantha district. More than 2800 check-dams and 700 water reservoirs have been made deeper. He stated that the State Government will make provisions in the budget so that Narmada water can reach Vadgam, Palanpur, Dhanera and Deesa in the near future.

C h i e f M i n i s t e r R u p a n i a l s o congratulated the district for achieving the f i rs t posi t ion across Asia in p r o d u c t i o n o f p o t a t o e s a n d pomegranates. He assured that efforts are b e i n g c a r r i e d o u t b y t h e S t a t e Government for promoting potato sales in form of value added products like potato chips and fries. He said that investment of Rs. 400 Crore will be done by NABARD and assistance of Rs. 5 crore will be provided by the State Government annually for the same.

The Chief Minister concluded by saying that a strong mind-set is required to take a decision for cashless economy . He said that he was confident that this decision will achieve what it has set out to. He assured that Gujarat will do its best to lead the nation towards a glorious future in the field of cashless economy.•

The fifth edition of the eagerly anticipated floral exhibition at the Sabarmati riverfront 'Flower Show' was thrown open

to the public after Chief Minister Vijay Rupani inaugurated it. This year, the exhibition was bigger and spread over one lakh square metre near Ellisbridge side of the riverfront. Entry was free for eight days of the flower show till January 13.This year, the exhibition was held at the permanent flower park at the riverfront, constructed at a cost of Rs 18.75 crore.

The exhibition featured more than 750 varieties of flowering plants by 13 major nurseries of the city and had 27 sales counters. This year's flower show had a walk-in drawing competition for kids. They could draw on the spot and submit their drawings. There were also interaction centres where training of

se t t ing up greenhouses was provided.

The main attractions of the s h o w i n c l u d e d p l a n t

sculptures and landscaping, exhibition of paintings on

flower theme painted by schoolchildren, stalls

sharing information o n v a r i o u s

s c h e m e s

launched by the state government's horticulture department, exhibition and sale of plants by various nurseries from across the country, stalls selling fertilizer, seeds, pesticides and tools and organic farm produce stalls.

The other main attractions of the event were the 20 sculptures made from flowers, plants and trees. A live demonstration of a Green House model and the 20 famous nurseries that were set up to showcase and sell saplings were other sites of major interest to the exhibition visitors. To encourage more understanding and the ability to grow plants, the stalls also sold gardening instruments, machineries and tools. Literature was provided to assist afficionados in their pursuit of understanding Horticulture. Other facilities were as following:Ÿ Book StallsŸ Promoting and Showcasing Eco Tourism and

Awareness Ÿ Beautiful Lighting during NightŸ Small Fountains

FACILITIES PROVIDED:Ÿ Drinking WaterŸ Sufficient Playing and Sitting AreaŸ Help DeskŸ Medical HelpŸ Control RoomŸ Lost and Found HelpŸ CCTV surveillanceŸ Pay Bill Through PAYTM FacilityŸ Photography AllowedŸ Washrooms and Toilet FacilityŸ Ample Vehicle Parking spaceŸ Food CourtŸ CleanlinessŸ AMTS Special Bus For Flower ShowŸ Maps, Directions and Sign Boards

Apart from the flower show, the AMC is almost on the verge of completing the venue for the annual kite festival. Large open areas and small

domes can be seen lining the entire the length of the riverfront on Vallabh Sadan. The venue design for the kite festival is based on that of the French kite festival.•

8 the GUJARAT 9 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Towards a dairy revolution:

Banas Dairy

Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Limited known as Banas Dairy is a

cooperative organization established in the year 1969 under the Gujarat Co-operative societies Act 1961. It was established with the support of NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) as a part of their Operation Flood Programme launched to bring about white revolution in the country.

It manufactures a large number of dairy products under AMUL, SAGAR and BANAS brands. Its product range includes Amul Pasteurised Milks, Amul longer Shelf Life Milk, Amul Butter, Amul Ghee, Sagar Ghee, Amulya Powder, Sagar Tea and Coffe Whitner, Sagar SMP, Amul SMP, Amul Shakti Powder, a wide range of Amul Ice Creams, Banas Peda, Banas Tea etc. The products of the dairy are marketed through Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, Anand. The dairy also provides a large number of technical inputs to over 1.8 lac farmer households, which are organised through 1200 odd Village level Cooperative Milk Societies.

Banas Dairy collects an average of around 35 lakh liters of milk everyday and currently has 4 dairy plants at Palanpur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the town of Deesa in Banaskantha district of Gujarat on the 9th of December, 2016 to inaugurate various dairy and agro related projects and products and addressed a rally of over 2 lakh farmers. He dedicated these projects to the efforts of the hard working farmers of the district. The PM took this opportunity to

a lso launch the birth centenary celebrations of late Galbabhai Patel (popularly known as Galbakaka), a social activist and founder of Banas Dairy.

Banaskantha is the highest milk producing district of India. Banas Dairy

under Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd. situated in the district is the biggest contributor to Asia's largest dairy cooperative, AMUL. The inauguration of various farmer centric projects and products in the district by the PM has added yet another feather to its cap.

The Prime Minister launched a 500 ml bottle of ‘Ámul Deshi’ A-2 Cow Milk, derived from the indigenous Kankrej cow breed. A Kankrej cow breed conservation project was also launched for the same. While introducing Banas Honey project, Prime Minister Modi described it as 'Sweet Kranti' after 'Shwet Kranti' in the region. He also inaugurated a new cheese plant with daily 30MT capacity and whey powder plant with daily 45MT capacity worth Rs.350 crore at Banas Dairy.

In light of the PM's recent decision to fast track, it has become critical to promote the use of digital payment platforms in order to truly reap the benefits of this revolutionary decision. During his address, the Prime Minister said, “There is no need to waste your time standing outside banks or ATMs, e-wallets have brought banks to your mobiles“. He urged the gathering to adopt the various digital payment platforms that have been made available to them and usher the nation towards becoming a digital economy: free corruption.

He also added that because the opposition has been disrupting the proceedings of the Lok Sabha, he has chosen to speak here amongst the people of the nation at the 'Jansabha'. Prime Minister Modi concluded by thanking the citizens of India for whole heartedly

supporting the mega campaign of boos t i ng t he ca sh l e s s economy undertaken by the Union Government.

Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani also addressed the rally and welcomed all on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the founder of Banas Dairy, Late Shri Galbabhai Patel. He said that Banaskantha will definitely become the most prosperous district of the state as a result of the various projects launched today by the Banas Dairy to make the district's farmers economically stable.

He added that it is the result of the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the benefits of Jyotigram Yojna and water of Narmada have reached the remotest areas of Banaskantha district. More than 2800 check-dams and 700 water reservoirs have been made deeper. He stated that the State Government will make provisions in the budget so that Narmada water can reach Vadgam, Palanpur, Dhanera and Deesa in the near future.

C h i e f M i n i s t e r R u p a n i a l s o congratulated the district for achieving the f i rs t posi t ion across Asia in p r o d u c t i o n o f p o t a t o e s a n d pomegranates. He assured that efforts are b e i n g c a r r i e d o u t b y t h e S t a t e Government for promoting potato sales in form of value added products like potato chips and fries. He said that investment of Rs. 400 Crore will be done by NABARD and assistance of Rs. 5 crore will be provided by the State Government annually for the same.

The Chief Minister concluded by saying that a strong mind-set is required to take a decision for cashless economy . He said that he was confident that this decision will achieve what it has set out to. He assured that Gujarat will do its best to lead the nation towards a glorious future in the field of cashless economy.•

The fifth edition of the eagerly anticipated floral exhibition at the Sabarmati riverfront 'Flower Show' was thrown open

to the public after Chief Minister Vijay Rupani inaugurated it. This year, the exhibition was bigger and spread over one lakh square metre near Ellisbridge side of the riverfront. Entry was free for eight days of the flower show till January 13.This year, the exhibition was held at the permanent flower park at the riverfront, constructed at a cost of Rs 18.75 crore.

The exhibition featured more than 750 varieties of flowering plants by 13 major nurseries of the city and had 27 sales counters. This year's flower show had a walk-in drawing competition for kids. They could draw on the spot and submit their drawings. There were also interaction centres where training of

se t t ing up greenhouses was provided.

The main attractions of the s h o w i n c l u d e d p l a n t

sculptures and landscaping, exhibition of paintings on

flower theme painted by schoolchildren, stalls

sharing information o n v a r i o u s

s c h e m e s

launched by the state government's horticulture department, exhibition and sale of plants by various nurseries from across the country, stalls selling fertilizer, seeds, pesticides and tools and organic farm produce stalls.

The other main attractions of the event were the 20 sculptures made from flowers, plants and trees. A live demonstration of a Green House model and the 20 famous nurseries that were set up to showcase and sell saplings were other sites of major interest to the exhibition visitors. To encourage more understanding and the ability to grow plants, the stalls also sold gardening instruments, machineries and tools. Literature was provided to assist afficionados in their pursuit of understanding Horticulture. Other facilities were as following:Ÿ Book StallsŸ Promoting and Showcasing Eco Tourism and

Awareness Ÿ Beautiful Lighting during NightŸ Small Fountains

FACILITIES PROVIDED:Ÿ Drinking WaterŸ Sufficient Playing and Sitting AreaŸ Help DeskŸ Medical HelpŸ Control RoomŸ Lost and Found HelpŸ CCTV surveillanceŸ Pay Bill Through PAYTM FacilityŸ Photography AllowedŸ Washrooms and Toilet FacilityŸ Ample Vehicle Parking spaceŸ Food CourtŸ CleanlinessŸ AMTS Special Bus For Flower ShowŸ Maps, Directions and Sign Boards

Apart from the flower show, the AMC is almost on the verge of completing the venue for the annual kite festival. Large open areas and small

domes can be seen lining the entire the length of the riverfront on Vallabh Sadan. The venue design for the kite festival is based on that of the French kite festival.•

8 the GUJARAT 9 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

Gujarat has created an identity across the world in being a leader in development-oriented governance. The State Government under the

leadership of Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani is continually motivated to uphold this identity and take Gujarat further on the journey of progress and development. With this ambition, the State Government has taken up the work of redevelopment of Gandhinagar Capital Railway Station.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Gandhinagar capital railway station for redevelopment on the eve of eighth Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

At the occasion, PM Narendra Modi also said that the state of the art railway station will add another feather to the cap of the globally renowned city Gandhinagar. A 5 star hotel is also being constructed as a part of the station complex to accommodate the guests visiting for global events like the Vibrant Gujarat.

Gandhinagar railway station will be redeveloped at the cost of Rs. 250 crore by Gandhinagar Railway Urban Development Corporation - GARUD.

Indian Railways will also develop hundreds of railway stations based on the Gandhinagar Model.•

ANOTHER FEATHER IN THE CAP OF GANDHINAGAR CITY:

INAUGURATION OF RAILWAY STATION REDEVELOPMENT

To commemorate the 92nd birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

on December 25, Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani announced a new health scheme for the treatment of new-born and infants. In a sensitive approach to healthcare for the newborns, the programme - Atal Screening of Newborn for Enhancement of Health (SNEH) Yojna, is aimed at helping infants born with serious birth defects. The birth defects that the scheme would cover include neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, club foot, congenital cataract, congenital deafness, congenital heart diseases, Down syndrome and other diseases found among new born and infant children.

This scheme represents the next step in the measures the Gujarat government has taken to develop child healthcare within the state. As India has progressed economically it has also made steady yet noticeable progress in improving the life expectancy of its people. Gujarat in particular has made significant progress in key factors such as MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) and IMR (Infant

Mortality Rate). Owning to the dedicated efforts of the government in areas of public health and health education the overall rate of MMR has reduced from 202 (in 2001) to 112 and IMR has decreased from 60 (in 2001) to 35.

Gujarat's success lies in its endeavor to c r e a t e a b e t t e r m e c h a n i s m f o r institutional delivery over the last decade. This was done by providing better facilities for institutional care and incentivizing pregnant mothers, their friends and family members to go to medical institutions for delivery. The Gujarat government then incentivized doctors through Chiranjeevi Yojana which was launched in December 2005. Through the initiative the government partnered with private sector hospitals to encourage institutional delivery and reduce MMR and IMR.

The Gujarat government also provided better medical transport facilities through the introduction of the 108 Medical E m e r g e n c y M e d i c a l R e s p o n s e Management Centre in July 2010. These services which were setup under a PPP model between the Gujarat Government and GVK EMRI ensured that expectant mothers received the best possible medical transportation to any medical institutions. To improve post-delivery

care, the Gujarat government introduced Khilkhilat ambulances in 2012, specially designated for the safe homecoming of infants and mothers post-delivery.

To further improve post-delivery care and help improve the State's IMR and M M R , t h e G u j a r a t g o v e r n m e n t introduced a scheme known as E-Mamta in collaboration with National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Informatics Centre (NIC). The main aim includes registering individual pregnant women, individual children in the age group of 0-6 with their full details to ensure delivery of Antenatal Care(ANC), Child birth, Post Natal Care(PNC), Immunization, nutrition and to track any children who have been left out from these services.

With the pre-exis t ing medica l infrastructure for infant care that Gujarat has in place, the introduction of the Atal Sneh Yojana will take Gujarat to the next level in medical development.

Out of our country's annual birth count of about 26 million, it is estimated that about 1.7 million children are born with defects at birth, accounting for almost 10% of the total new born deaths and 4% of the under five mortality rate in the country. Among the measures the Government of Gujarat has taken to prevent this, is the screening of newborn children at both government and private hospitals and offering referrals and treatment to them if any defects are detected.

Implementation StrategiesMedical and follow-up care will be

administered by health care workers. Patients with critical ailments will be referred to the nearest medical centres. The Gujarat government has also put in place other initiatives to help put this plan into action through a few steps including providing facility based Newborn Screening at Public Health Centres by utilizing existing health manpower, providing facility based Newborn Screening at Private Health Centres by private doctor, staff, community based newborn screening at home through ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) for newborns up to 6 weeks of age during home visits and deploying RBSK (Rasht r iya Bal Swas thya Karyakram) team for screening and referral.•

The infrastructural facilities like Gandhinagar Railway will

add to the growth momentum of Gujarat. Prime Minister

Narendra Modi dreamt to make a world class railway station at Gandhinagar when he was the Chief Minister of the state and Gujarat today is on the verge of

realizing this dream

Indian Railways has been instrumental in bringing qualitative changes in the life of the common people. Since Gandhinagar Railway

station is being redeveloped as a world class facility, the first chapter of

world class railway development is being written in Gandhinagar itself

NARENDRA MODI

CM VIJAY RUPANI

SENSITIVEAPPROACH TO

NEWBORNHEALTHCARE:

ATALSNEHYOJANA

10 the GUJARAT 11 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

by Lenin Samuel

by Jenny Mansuria

Gujarat has created an identity across the world in being a leader in development-oriented governance. The State Government under the

leadership of Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani is continually motivated to uphold this identity and take Gujarat further on the journey of progress and development. With this ambition, the State Government has taken up the work of redevelopment of Gandhinagar Capital Railway Station.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Gandhinagar capital railway station for redevelopment on the eve of eighth Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

At the occasion, PM Narendra Modi also said that the state of the art railway station will add another feather to the cap of the globally renowned city Gandhinagar. A 5 star hotel is also being constructed as a part of the station complex to accommodate the guests visiting for global events like the Vibrant Gujarat.

Gandhinagar railway station will be redeveloped at the cost of Rs. 250 crore by Gandhinagar Railway Urban Development Corporation - GARUD.

Indian Railways will also develop hundreds of railway stations based on the Gandhinagar Model.•

ANOTHER FEATHER IN THE CAP OF GANDHINAGAR CITY:

INAUGURATION OF RAILWAY STATION REDEVELOPMENT

To commemorate the 92nd birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

on December 25, Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani announced a new health scheme for the treatment of new-born and infants. In a sensitive approach to healthcare for the newborns, the programme - Atal Screening of Newborn for Enhancement of Health (SNEH) Yojna, is aimed at helping infants born with serious birth defects. The birth defects that the scheme would cover include neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate, club foot, congenital cataract, congenital deafness, congenital heart diseases, Down syndrome and other diseases found among new born and infant children.

This scheme represents the next step in the measures the Gujarat government has taken to develop child healthcare within the state. As India has progressed economically it has also made steady yet noticeable progress in improving the life expectancy of its people. Gujarat in particular has made significant progress in key factors such as MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) and IMR (Infant

Mortality Rate). Owning to the dedicated efforts of the government in areas of public health and health education the overall rate of MMR has reduced from 202 (in 2001) to 112 and IMR has decreased from 60 (in 2001) to 35.

Gujarat's success lies in its endeavor to c r e a t e a b e t t e r m e c h a n i s m f o r institutional delivery over the last decade. This was done by providing better facilities for institutional care and incentivizing pregnant mothers, their friends and family members to go to medical institutions for delivery. The Gujarat government then incentivized doctors through Chiranjeevi Yojana which was launched in December 2005. Through the initiative the government partnered with private sector hospitals to encourage institutional delivery and reduce MMR and IMR.

The Gujarat government also provided better medical transport facilities through the introduction of the 108 Medical E m e r g e n c y M e d i c a l R e s p o n s e Management Centre in July 2010. These services which were setup under a PPP model between the Gujarat Government and GVK EMRI ensured that expectant mothers received the best possible medical transportation to any medical institutions. To improve post-delivery

care, the Gujarat government introduced Khilkhilat ambulances in 2012, specially designated for the safe homecoming of infants and mothers post-delivery.

To further improve post-delivery care and help improve the State's IMR and M M R , t h e G u j a r a t g o v e r n m e n t introduced a scheme known as E-Mamta in collaboration with National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Informatics Centre (NIC). The main aim includes registering individual pregnant women, individual children in the age group of 0-6 with their full details to ensure delivery of Antenatal Care(ANC), Child birth, Post Natal Care(PNC), Immunization, nutrition and to track any children who have been left out from these services.

With the pre-exis t ing medica l infrastructure for infant care that Gujarat has in place, the introduction of the Atal Sneh Yojana will take Gujarat to the next level in medical development.

Out of our country's annual birth count of about 26 million, it is estimated that about 1.7 million children are born with defects at birth, accounting for almost 10% of the total new born deaths and 4% of the under five mortality rate in the country. Among the measures the Government of Gujarat has taken to prevent this, is the screening of newborn children at both government and private hospitals and offering referrals and treatment to them if any defects are detected.

Implementation StrategiesMedical and follow-up care will be

administered by health care workers. Patients with critical ailments will be referred to the nearest medical centres. The Gujarat government has also put in place other initiatives to help put this plan into action through a few steps including providing facility based Newborn Screening at Public Health Centres by utilizing existing health manpower, providing facility based Newborn Screening at Private Health Centres by private doctor, staff, community based newborn screening at home through ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) for newborns up to 6 weeks of age during home visits and deploying RBSK (Rasht r iya Bal Swas thya Karyakram) team for screening and referral.•

The infrastructural facilities like Gandhinagar Railway will

add to the growth momentum of Gujarat. Prime Minister

Narendra Modi dreamt to make a world class railway station at Gandhinagar when he was the Chief Minister of the state and Gujarat today is on the verge of

realizing this dream

Indian Railways has been instrumental in bringing qualitative changes in the life of the common people. Since Gandhinagar Railway

station is being redeveloped as a world class facility, the first chapter of

world class railway development is being written in Gandhinagar itself

NARENDRA MODI

CM VIJAY RUPANI

SENSITIVEAPPROACH TO

NEWBORNHEALTHCARE:

ATALSNEHYOJANA

10 the GUJARAT 11 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

by Lenin Samuel

by Jenny Mansuria

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched the 7th statewide Gunotsav from a primary school at Kalasar village in Chotila taluka in the Surendranagar district.

This is part of a two-day campaign for qualitative improvement of 34,000 primary schools and all round evaluation of teachers and 54-lakh students of the state. The objective is to ensure that students get good teachers and quality education.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani started the morning by saying his morning prayers with the students. He also joined the school children for their mid day meals. He went around the classrooms while classes were going on and checked the student's proficiency level in Gujarati, English, science, mathematics and civics, and tested their reading and handwriting skills. There are 316 students on roll in the school.

Speaking to the school management committee, he said that the State Government is concerned and sensitive towards the poor students and those studying in village schools, and wants to ensure that they get free education in higher studies and hostel facility. There is a plan to make digital smart schools with a view to reach out to the students in remote areas. He asked retired teachers and educated villagers to take part-time classes, four hours a week.

In a similar manner, quality inspection of all schools throughout the State took place across two days where

schooling facilities and the students' proficiency in basic subjects were inspected by the State Government.

Primary education is the foundation on which the development of every citizen and the nation as a whole is built on. In the recent past, India's improved education system is often cited as one of the main contributors to the economic development of the country. At the same time, the quality of elementary education in India has also been a major concern. Student of primary school at least have basic knowledge of reading, writing and simple mathematics equations which may be helpful in performing their daily activities.

While in Gujarat there has been notable focus and efforts on enrollment, and have brought a fare share of success for the primary education, concern for learning outcomes and quality provided in primary education has been addressed by various enhancement programs for learning improvement. It is for strengthening the quality outcomes, the government of Gujarat launched a programme called Gunotsav, or 'Celebrating Quality'. Therefore Gunotsav is defined as an accountability framework for quality of primary education which includes learning outcomes of children as well as co-scholastic activities, use of resources and community participation.

The progressive government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani is determined to make the best use of resources and ensure that the benefits of these are available to all.•

CELEBRATING QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN THE STATE:

GUNOTSAV 2017Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched 'Seema Darshan' program at zero point

of Nadabet border and expressed his commitment to extensively develop adventure tourism and border tourism in Gujarat. Chief Minister Rupani said that this new approach of border tourism will give an opportunity to observe and enjoy the border for people staying across the nation and state as well. This initiative will give a new direction to tourism activity of Gujarat to observe the life of BSF Jawans serving at the border and to observe their patriotism, he added.

The coastal and land border is considered a sensitive zone, hence it has always been on high alert. This Seema Darshan has begun on the basis of Wagah Border pattern with a view to observe the bravery of BSF Jawans. The initiative of the Seema Darshan program will provide an atmosphere of patriotism among people, he added. On the occasion, Chief Minister, Rupani felicitated family members of martyrs.

Till now only Wagah border was the border outpost across India-Pakistan borders where both the countries performed drill retreat and people could

enjoy watching it. Now Gujarat has given a new present to the nation: 'Border Tourism'. He expressed commitment to give a unique place in global tourism map to Suigam along with border tourism, bird watching, desert safari and white desert.

Chief Minister Rupani made an important decision with sensible approach towards children of martyr jawans or permanently physically disabled Gujarat origin jawans from Military, Central or State Para-military Police Force, Central or State Reserve Police Force and jawans from Gujarat Police Force to provide them higher education.

As per his decision, the benefits of Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavlamban Yojna (MYSY) will be given to children of such jawans without considering their percentile or income limits. The children would just have to pass the board exams to receive benefits of MYSY. He said that this government is committed towards soldiers at the border, Jawans involved in security of the nation and their family members since he took charge as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

State Tourism Minister, Ganpat Vasava said the ‘Seema Darshan’ programme has been launched with the cooperation of Gujarat Tourism and

Border Security Force (BSF).“The idea of developing this border

area as a tourist spot was proposed by the Chief Minister on Diwali last year with BSF jawans at Nadabet,” the Tourism Minister said. “The India-Pakistan border is a sensitive area which people are not allowed to view. However, this initiative by the Chief Minister will enable common people to see the place every Saturday and Sunday round the year,” he further added.

The Tourism Minister further said that Nadabet will be the second place in the country like the Wagah border where common people will get chance to see closely the border and the life of the soldiers.

On the occasion, Ministers Ganpatsinh Vasava, Shankarbhai Chaudhari , Dilipkumar Thakor, Atamaram Parmar, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Mrs. Nirmalaben Va d h v a n i , K e s h a j i C h a u h a n , Parliamentary Secretary Ranchodbhai Rabari, MLA Parbatbhai Patel, Principal Secretary of Tourism Department S. J. Haider, Commissioner Shrivastava, Inspector General of BSF Ajay Tomar and Higher officials from Tourism, BSF and Security personnel and local people in huge number were present.•

SEEMA DARSHANSEEMA DARSHANSEEMA DARSHAN

12 the GUJARAT 13 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

by Lenin Samuel

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched the 7th statewide Gunotsav from a primary school at Kalasar village in Chotila taluka in the Surendranagar district.

This is part of a two-day campaign for qualitative improvement of 34,000 primary schools and all round evaluation of teachers and 54-lakh students of the state. The objective is to ensure that students get good teachers and quality education.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani started the morning by saying his morning prayers with the students. He also joined the school children for their mid day meals. He went around the classrooms while classes were going on and checked the student's proficiency level in Gujarati, English, science, mathematics and civics, and tested their reading and handwriting skills. There are 316 students on roll in the school.

Speaking to the school management committee, he said that the State Government is concerned and sensitive towards the poor students and those studying in village schools, and wants to ensure that they get free education in higher studies and hostel facility. There is a plan to make digital smart schools with a view to reach out to the students in remote areas. He asked retired teachers and educated villagers to take part-time classes, four hours a week.

In a similar manner, quality inspection of all schools throughout the State took place across two days where

schooling facilities and the students' proficiency in basic subjects were inspected by the State Government.

Primary education is the foundation on which the development of every citizen and the nation as a whole is built on. In the recent past, India's improved education system is often cited as one of the main contributors to the economic development of the country. At the same time, the quality of elementary education in India has also been a major concern. Student of primary school at least have basic knowledge of reading, writing and simple mathematics equations which may be helpful in performing their daily activities.

While in Gujarat there has been notable focus and efforts on enrollment, and have brought a fare share of success for the primary education, concern for learning outcomes and quality provided in primary education has been addressed by various enhancement programs for learning improvement. It is for strengthening the quality outcomes, the government of Gujarat launched a programme called Gunotsav, or 'Celebrating Quality'. Therefore Gunotsav is defined as an accountability framework for quality of primary education which includes learning outcomes of children as well as co-scholastic activities, use of resources and community participation.

The progressive government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani is determined to make the best use of resources and ensure that the benefits of these are available to all.•

CELEBRATING QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN THE STATE:

GUNOTSAV 2017Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched 'Seema Darshan' program at zero point

of Nadabet border and expressed his commitment to extensively develop adventure tourism and border tourism in Gujarat. Chief Minister Rupani said that this new approach of border tourism will give an opportunity to observe and enjoy the border for people staying across the nation and state as well. This initiative will give a new direction to tourism activity of Gujarat to observe the life of BSF Jawans serving at the border and to observe their patriotism, he added.

The coastal and land border is considered a sensitive zone, hence it has always been on high alert. This Seema Darshan has begun on the basis of Wagah Border pattern with a view to observe the bravery of BSF Jawans. The initiative of the Seema Darshan program will provide an atmosphere of patriotism among people, he added. On the occasion, Chief Minister, Rupani felicitated family members of martyrs.

Till now only Wagah border was the border outpost across India-Pakistan borders where both the countries performed drill retreat and people could

enjoy watching it. Now Gujarat has given a new present to the nation: 'Border Tourism'. He expressed commitment to give a unique place in global tourism map to Suigam along with border tourism, bird watching, desert safari and white desert.

Chief Minister Rupani made an important decision with sensible approach towards children of martyr jawans or permanently physically disabled Gujarat origin jawans from Military, Central or State Para-military Police Force, Central or State Reserve Police Force and jawans from Gujarat Police Force to provide them higher education.

As per his decision, the benefits of Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavlamban Yojna (MYSY) will be given to children of such jawans without considering their percentile or income limits. The children would just have to pass the board exams to receive benefits of MYSY. He said that this government is committed towards soldiers at the border, Jawans involved in security of the nation and their family members since he took charge as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

State Tourism Minister, Ganpat Vasava said the ‘Seema Darshan’ programme has been launched with the cooperation of Gujarat Tourism and

Border Security Force (BSF).“The idea of developing this border

area as a tourist spot was proposed by the Chief Minister on Diwali last year with BSF jawans at Nadabet,” the Tourism Minister said. “The India-Pakistan border is a sensitive area which people are not allowed to view. However, this initiative by the Chief Minister will enable common people to see the place every Saturday and Sunday round the year,” he further added.

The Tourism Minister further said that Nadabet will be the second place in the country like the Wagah border where common people will get chance to see closely the border and the life of the soldiers.

On the occasion, Ministers Ganpatsinh Vasava, Shankarbhai Chaudhari , Dilipkumar Thakor, Atamaram Parmar, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Mrs. Nirmalaben Va d h v a n i , K e s h a j i C h a u h a n , Parliamentary Secretary Ranchodbhai Rabari, MLA Parbatbhai Patel, Principal Secretary of Tourism Department S. J. Haider, Commissioner Shrivastava, Inspector General of BSF Ajay Tomar and Higher officials from Tourism, BSF and Security personnel and local people in huge number were present.•

SEEMA DARSHANSEEMA DARSHANSEEMA DARSHAN

12 the GUJARAT 13 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

by Lenin Samuel

has set up a mechanism that reaches out to the people in a unique way. It delivers these core services at their doorsteps.

Highlights

Ÿ Acts as a bridge (built by the g o v e r n m e n t ) t h a t b r i n g s t h e Government to the common people

Ÿ Organised in all the 33 districts, 271 talukas and 18,000 villages of the State

Ÿ Teams comprising of 13 officials to set up camps to deliver services and benefits of various government schemes

Ÿ Each camp caters to 8-10 villages

Ÿ All the requests of the citizens are processed on the spot and the benefits provided right away

Ÿ Details of various government schemes, their benefits, eligibility criteria and procedure to avail them are a lso announced to crea te awareness

Ÿ The proceedings of Seva Setu are recorded and stringently monitored by the state government

Ÿ Many departments have also taken this opportunity to provide additional services to the citizens like carrying out health check-ups, animal health check-ups etc.

Purview of Seva Setu

Ÿ Income p roo f , C reamy l aye r certificate, Domicile and Caste certificate

Ÿ Requests related to Ration cards

Ÿ Registering of names in Aadhar and Voter-ID card

Ÿ Registering of names under 'Ma Amrutam Yojana'

Ÿ Identifying beneficiaries of 'Vatsalya Card' and issuing a card for each one of them

Ÿ Requests related to Senior Citizen Card, Physically Handicapped Certificate, availing the benefits of scholarships

Ÿ Requests related to Widow Aid and the Aid for Senior Citizens living alone.

Ÿ Reques t s r e l a t ed to the l and

measurements and new registrations regarding the same.

Ÿ No government fee is charged for any service offered at the Seva Setu except expenses incurred for legal procedures.

Pragati Setu

The transformation of India into a developed nation is impossible without

the development of its villages. There has to be a new system of administration at the village and taluka level that ensures that people do not have to visit the district and the city level offices time and again to voice their opinion and suggest constructive changes in administrative processes for more efficient governance. The incarnation of this system in the progressive state of Gujarat, is what we term as the 'Pragati Setu' programme.

This programme has been introduced to resolve governance related issues raised collectively by the citizens of a particular region. The first phase of this scheme had been effectively launched on the auspicious day of 'Laabh Pancham' in 33 districts and 1330 villages of 124 talukas.

Highlights

Ÿ Camps under the chairmanship of the district collector along with a team of officials from 17 departments are organized at the taluka level

Ÿ The citizens of a taluka collectively report their concerns at the camp organized in their respective taluka

Ÿ The decisions on the concerns reported are taken after making consultation with officials of the concerned departments

Ÿ The deadline for implementation is decided on the spot

Ÿ Ministers, secretaries and officials of the concerned departments approach regional offices and employees to resolve the public issues

Ÿ This initiative has been implemented with a view to give priority in financial management by concerned departments in certain cases of collective issues and policy related matters

No government fee is charged for any service offered at the Pragati Setu except the charges for any legal procedures.

The quantum of government officials involved and the number of issues successfully disposed under both these programs is a testament to the sensitive yet pragmatic approach of the Chief Minister towards promoting welfare of the citizens of Gujarat. Seva Setu and Pragati Setu have emerged as two vital bridges that have ferried the State Government’s machinery to its remotest regions making each and every citizen of the state feel included. Judging from the pace of success that these programmes have already achieved, it is certain that the current state government is on a 'fast track' to cross milestones in governance, achieved never before.•

The Gujarat government has always striven to be one of the forerunners amongst Indian

states in adopting citizen friendly measures and ensuring that the benefits of i t s var ious welfare schemes are accessible to each and every citizen of the state. Gujarat has also ensured that an efficient mechanism is put in place to acknowledge the grievances raised and ensure prompt redressal. Over the past decade and half, the State Government has introduced several programmes to achieve the same.

To ensure that Gujarat's progress not only continues unabated, but is taken to the next level, the Gujarat government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani has worked on two novel initiatives – Seva Setu and Pragati Setu - that aspire to bring the government machinery even closer to the people, in fact 'right at their doorsteps'. Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, was actively involved in developmental activities at the grassroots level since an early age through his political career. It is his insights from those early days that have played a major role in shaping up these

two initiatives.

The State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani has led the state based on four pillars of good governance: Transparency • S e n s i t i v i t y • D e c i s i v e n e s s • Progressiveness

Based on the Gramswaraj concept given by Mahatma Gandhi, a community meeting Lokdarbar is conducted at the vi l lage level . Here, camps were organised, where ministers along with senior government officials entertained queries and concerns of the villagers. The solutions to the queries and the redressal for the concerns are provided at the earliest

Aapdo Taluko, Vibrant Taluko is initiated at the taluka level. To facilitate this process, authority was decentralized, ensuring that all the basic facilities could be made available to the people at the taluka level itself. Deputy Collector has been made in-charge of the programme and given freedom to identify issues within the taluka and also allocate funds for the same. Jan Seva Kendras have been set up for entertaining queries and accepting applications for various government schemes and certificates.

Loksamvad Setu was launched in each and every taluka of the State with an

agenda to address and resolve regional level problems. Camps have been organised where local ministers along with senior government officials entertained queries and concerns of the citizens of the taluka. The solutions to the queries and the redressal for the concerns are provided at the earliest.

SWAGAT Online:

State Wide Attention on Grievances by Application of Technology (SWAGAT) has been implemented at the taluka/ district level. This has enabled people to register online, any complaint that they might have against the administration. It has also ensured optimum use of technology to serve people and offer instant solutions

Seva Setu

This initiative is designed to spare the citizens of Gujarat the chore of the countless visits they are obliged to make to the district level government offices, and to the headquarters in Gandhinagar to avail routine services. Accessing government schemes and the benefits they provide, processing Aadhar and other identity cards are some examples of these essential services. The government

“The Seva Setu and Pragati Setu programs have been launched to

accelerate the pace of our transparent, decisive, progressive and sensitive government system. The idea is to ensure prompt and

on the spot delivery of core government services and

resolution of public grievances by the respective regional officers. Establishing and sustaining pro-

people and proactive governance, that works for the welfare of one

and all and reaches out to the citizens, is the primary objective of

these schemes.”

- VIJAY RUPANI CM, GUJARAT

A BRIDGE OF COMMUNICATION:

RESOLUTION OF PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY QUERIES AT

THE DOORSTEP

SEVA AND

PRAGATI SETU

14 the GUJARAT 15 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

by Shraddha Gidwani

has set up a mechanism that reaches out to the people in a unique way. It delivers these core services at their doorsteps.

Highlights

Ÿ Acts as a bridge (built by the g o v e r n m e n t ) t h a t b r i n g s t h e Government to the common people

Ÿ Organised in all the 33 districts, 271 talukas and 18,000 villages of the State

Ÿ Teams comprising of 13 officials to set up camps to deliver services and benefits of various government schemes

Ÿ Each camp caters to 8-10 villages

Ÿ All the requests of the citizens are processed on the spot and the benefits provided right away

Ÿ Details of various government schemes, their benefits, eligibility criteria and procedure to avail them are a lso announced to crea te awareness

Ÿ The proceedings of Seva Setu are recorded and stringently monitored by the state government

Ÿ Many departments have also taken this opportunity to provide additional services to the citizens like carrying out health check-ups, animal health check-ups etc.

Purview of Seva Setu

Ÿ Income p roo f , C reamy l aye r certificate, Domicile and Caste certificate

Ÿ Requests related to Ration cards

Ÿ Registering of names in Aadhar and Voter-ID card

Ÿ Registering of names under 'Ma Amrutam Yojana'

Ÿ Identifying beneficiaries of 'Vatsalya Card' and issuing a card for each one of them

Ÿ Requests related to Senior Citizen Card, Physically Handicapped Certificate, availing the benefits of scholarships

Ÿ Requests related to Widow Aid and the Aid for Senior Citizens living alone.

Ÿ Reques t s r e l a t ed to the l and

measurements and new registrations regarding the same.

Ÿ No government fee is charged for any service offered at the Seva Setu except expenses incurred for legal procedures.

Pragati Setu

The transformation of India into a developed nation is impossible without

the development of its villages. There has to be a new system of administration at the village and taluka level that ensures that people do not have to visit the district and the city level offices time and again to voice their opinion and suggest constructive changes in administrative processes for more efficient governance. The incarnation of this system in the progressive state of Gujarat, is what we term as the 'Pragati Setu' programme.

This programme has been introduced to resolve governance related issues raised collectively by the citizens of a particular region. The first phase of this scheme had been effectively launched on the auspicious day of 'Laabh Pancham' in 33 districts and 1330 villages of 124 talukas.

Highlights

Ÿ Camps under the chairmanship of the district collector along with a team of officials from 17 departments are organized at the taluka level

Ÿ The citizens of a taluka collectively report their concerns at the camp organized in their respective taluka

Ÿ The decisions on the concerns reported are taken after making consultation with officials of the concerned departments

Ÿ The deadline for implementation is decided on the spot

Ÿ Ministers, secretaries and officials of the concerned departments approach regional offices and employees to resolve the public issues

Ÿ This initiative has been implemented with a view to give priority in financial management by concerned departments in certain cases of collective issues and policy related matters

No government fee is charged for any service offered at the Pragati Setu except the charges for any legal procedures.

The quantum of government officials involved and the number of issues successfully disposed under both these programs is a testament to the sensitive yet pragmatic approach of the Chief Minister towards promoting welfare of the citizens of Gujarat. Seva Setu and Pragati Setu have emerged as two vital bridges that have ferried the State Government’s machinery to its remotest regions making each and every citizen of the state feel included. Judging from the pace of success that these programmes have already achieved, it is certain that the current state government is on a 'fast track' to cross milestones in governance, achieved never before.•

The Gujarat government has always striven to be one of the forerunners amongst Indian

states in adopting citizen friendly measures and ensuring that the benefits of i t s var ious welfare schemes are accessible to each and every citizen of the state. Gujarat has also ensured that an efficient mechanism is put in place to acknowledge the grievances raised and ensure prompt redressal. Over the past decade and half, the State Government has introduced several programmes to achieve the same.

To ensure that Gujarat's progress not only continues unabated, but is taken to the next level, the Gujarat government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani has worked on two novel initiatives – Seva Setu and Pragati Setu - that aspire to bring the government machinery even closer to the people, in fact 'right at their doorsteps'. Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, was actively involved in developmental activities at the grassroots level since an early age through his political career. It is his insights from those early days that have played a major role in shaping up these

two initiatives.

The State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani has led the state based on four pillars of good governance: Transparency • S e n s i t i v i t y • D e c i s i v e n e s s • Progressiveness

Based on the Gramswaraj concept given by Mahatma Gandhi, a community meeting Lokdarbar is conducted at the vi l lage level . Here, camps were organised, where ministers along with senior government officials entertained queries and concerns of the villagers. The solutions to the queries and the redressal for the concerns are provided at the earliest

Aapdo Taluko, Vibrant Taluko is initiated at the taluka level. To facilitate this process, authority was decentralized, ensuring that all the basic facilities could be made available to the people at the taluka level itself. Deputy Collector has been made in-charge of the programme and given freedom to identify issues within the taluka and also allocate funds for the same. Jan Seva Kendras have been set up for entertaining queries and accepting applications for various government schemes and certificates.

Loksamvad Setu was launched in each and every taluka of the State with an

agenda to address and resolve regional level problems. Camps have been organised where local ministers along with senior government officials entertained queries and concerns of the citizens of the taluka. The solutions to the queries and the redressal for the concerns are provided at the earliest.

SWAGAT Online:

State Wide Attention on Grievances by Application of Technology (SWAGAT) has been implemented at the taluka/ district level. This has enabled people to register online, any complaint that they might have against the administration. It has also ensured optimum use of technology to serve people and offer instant solutions

Seva Setu

This initiative is designed to spare the citizens of Gujarat the chore of the countless visits they are obliged to make to the district level government offices, and to the headquarters in Gandhinagar to avail routine services. Accessing government schemes and the benefits they provide, processing Aadhar and other identity cards are some examples of these essential services. The government

“The Seva Setu and Pragati Setu programs have been launched to

accelerate the pace of our transparent, decisive, progressive and sensitive government system. The idea is to ensure prompt and

on the spot delivery of core government services and

resolution of public grievances by the respective regional officers. Establishing and sustaining pro-

people and proactive governance, that works for the welfare of one

and all and reaches out to the citizens, is the primary objective of

these schemes.”

- VIJAY RUPANI CM, GUJARAT

A BRIDGE OF COMMUNICATION:

RESOLUTION OF PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY QUERIES AT

THE DOORSTEP

SEVA AND

PRAGATI SETU

14 the GUJARAT 15 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

by Shraddha Gidwani

up development of medical colleges in

districts where there are none. Another

aim is ensuring the facilitation of the

specialized medical facilities in the most

backward and tribal areas of the state.

Ensuring medical treatments for people

living in tribal areas that they need not

come all the way to the city is also

highlighted in this. The scheme as

stressed on ensuring enough manpower

in government as well private hospitals of

the state, to make smooth flow of medical

supplies available.Outreach of the programme includes

districts which do not have the provision

of a medical college namely Dahod,

Banaskantha, Amreli, Tapi, Panchmahal

and Bharuch.

Benefits of the Scheme and Assistance

include the following:Ÿ Land: Land available at district

hospital will be given on lease (along

with the construction of hospital) as

per the terms and conditions of the

Government. Ÿ Housing: As per the norms of the

M e d i c a l C o u n c i l o f I n d i a /

Government of India, provisions will

be made in order to fulfill the 300 bed

requirement in setting up a new

medical college.Ÿ Equipments: Provisions will be

made to ensure sufficient equipments

available at district hospital and

benefits of assistance scheme

applicable for purchasing medical

equipments. Ÿ Manpower: Provisions have been

made to ensure sufficient manpower

in medical hospitals at the district

hospitals as per existing terms &

conditions and these can be made

available on loan as well.Ÿ Self-Finance Medical Colleges (tribal

areas) who have been given a letter of

approval by Medical Council of India,

will be able to provide aid worth Rs.

7.5 Lakh to sanctioned seats after

completion of admission process for

the first year M.B.B.S. applicable for

five years after renewal. Ÿ The Gujara t government wi l l

reimburse the electricity expenses

that the hospital attached to self-

financed (tribal areas) medical

college will accrue for five years.Ÿ A grant will be made available to the

d is t r ic t level hospi ta l by the

government after it freezes the

amount that will be spent as a part of

its expenses.

Providing Assistance in Setting up

Super-Speciality Hospitals across

GujaratObjectives of this scheme are to ensure

that people from the innermost regions of

the state and tribal areas don't have to

come all the way to cities to receive

treatment in Super-Speciality hospitals

and will get such facilities at their

doorsteps. This scheme will ensure that

emergency treatment for accidents, heart

diseases, kidney treatment, cancer etc. is

more readily available in remote regions,

thus saving more lives. Beneficiaries of

this scheme are to be included in Maa-

Amrutam Yojana of the government.

Benefits of the Scheme include the

following:Ÿ Banks will provide capital subsidy of

10% to purchase the necessary

medical equipments for setting up

new Super-Speciality hospitals. Ÿ An interest rate up to 4% for a period

of seven years to be provided (in limit

of Rs.40 Crores).Ÿ The total electricity bill for a period of

five years will be reimbursed for the

hospital. Ÿ Scheme by the Government to

provide High Quality Medical

EquipmentsŸ Objective of this scheme is to

providing diagnostic services for

treatment in the most remote and

innermost areas of the state.

Outreach of the Programme includes

the following:Ÿ Diagnostic Services Centre- All areas

except Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat

and Rajkot Municipal Corporation.Ÿ Basic Speciality Hospital- All areas

except cities with a population of

more than 2 lakhsŸ Super Speciality Hospital- All areas

of the State.Diagnostic Services Centre: 30% aid

for the equipments related to radiology

and cardiology in the rural most areas and

20% aid or the aid that has been approved,

whichever is less, for the remaining areas. Basic Speciality Hospital: 30% aid for

the equipments related to speciality

treatments in the rural most areas and

20% aid or the aid that has been approved,

whichever is less, for the remaining areas. Super Speciality Hospital: 30% aid for

the equipments related to cancer,

cardiology and kidney in the rural most

areas and 20% aid or the aid that has been

approved, whichever is less, for the

remaining areas.•

On December 14, 2016 the

Gujarat government under the

leadership of the decisive

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, launched a

new health policy for the state. The

Gujarat Government's new policy

proposes to setup a slew of Super-

Speciality hospitals and medical colleges

in the rural parts of Gujarat in the next

five years. Through its new policy, the

State Government seeks to double the

number of available seats in Gujarat's

medical colleges.

The Government has announced four

major schemes that will contribute to

the new health policy.Establishing New Independent: Self-

Financed Colleges in the StateThe objectives of this scheme are

ensuring that sufficient manpower is

provided in Government and Private

M.B.B.S colleges in Gujarat. Today

Gujarat has a ratio of 1 doctor per 2000

people. The Gujarat government aims to

improve that to 1 doctor per 1000 people.

Reducing the number of students who

either go outside the state or out of the

country for education in the field of

medicine. The government also aims to

ensure the provision of medical and

healthcare facilities in the remotest areas

of the State. Beneficiary institutions are

to be included in Maa-Amrutam Yojana

of the government.As per this scheme, Self-Finance

Medical Colleges, that have been given a

letter of approval by Medical Council of

India/Government of India, will be able

to receive assistance worth Rs. 15 Lakh to

sanctioned seats after completion of

admission process for the first year

M.B.B.S. This will be applicable for five

years after renewal. Gujarat government

will reimburse the electricity expenses

that the hospitals attached to all self-

financed medical colleges will accrue for

five years. Land required for creating

these colleges will be made available at

50% lesser rates in all areas except areas

owned by Municipal Corporations.

Setting up a Self-Financed Medical

College in economically backward

regions and tribal areas where no such

colleges are availableObjectives of this scheme are, ensuring

availability of enough doctors in the state

and to make medical and para-medical

resources available. It also aims to scale

16 the GUJARAT 17 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

HEALTHCARE FOR ALL,GUJARAT'S NEW HEALTH POLICYby Team ‘the Gujarat’

up development of medical colleges in

districts where there are none. Another

aim is ensuring the facilitation of the

specialized medical facilities in the most

backward and tribal areas of the state.

Ensuring medical treatments for people

living in tribal areas that they need not

come all the way to the city is also

highlighted in this. The scheme as

stressed on ensuring enough manpower

in government as well private hospitals of

the state, to make smooth flow of medical

supplies available.Outreach of the programme includes

districts which do not have the provision

of a medical college namely Dahod,

Banaskantha, Amreli, Tapi, Panchmahal

and Bharuch.

Benefits of the Scheme and Assistance

include the following:Ÿ Land: Land available at district

hospital will be given on lease (along

with the construction of hospital) as

per the terms and conditions of the

Government. Ÿ Housing: As per the norms of the

M e d i c a l C o u n c i l o f I n d i a /

Government of India, provisions will

be made in order to fulfill the 300 bed

requirement in setting up a new

medical college.Ÿ Equipments: Provisions will be

made to ensure sufficient equipments

available at district hospital and

benefits of assistance scheme

applicable for purchasing medical

equipments. Ÿ Manpower: Provisions have been

made to ensure sufficient manpower

in medical hospitals at the district

hospitals as per existing terms &

conditions and these can be made

available on loan as well.Ÿ Self-Finance Medical Colleges (tribal

areas) who have been given a letter of

approval by Medical Council of India,

will be able to provide aid worth Rs.

7.5 Lakh to sanctioned seats after

completion of admission process for

the first year M.B.B.S. applicable for

five years after renewal. Ÿ The Gujara t government wi l l

reimburse the electricity expenses

that the hospital attached to self-

financed (tribal areas) medical

college will accrue for five years.Ÿ A grant will be made available to the

d is t r ic t level hospi ta l by the

government after it freezes the

amount that will be spent as a part of

its expenses.

Providing Assistance in Setting up

Super-Speciality Hospitals across

GujaratObjectives of this scheme are to ensure

that people from the innermost regions of

the state and tribal areas don't have to

come all the way to cities to receive

treatment in Super-Speciality hospitals

and will get such facilities at their

doorsteps. This scheme will ensure that

emergency treatment for accidents, heart

diseases, kidney treatment, cancer etc. is

more readily available in remote regions,

thus saving more lives. Beneficiaries of

this scheme are to be included in Maa-

Amrutam Yojana of the government.

Benefits of the Scheme include the

following:Ÿ Banks will provide capital subsidy of

10% to purchase the necessary

medical equipments for setting up

new Super-Speciality hospitals. Ÿ An interest rate up to 4% for a period

of seven years to be provided (in limit

of Rs.40 Crores).Ÿ The total electricity bill for a period of

five years will be reimbursed for the

hospital. Ÿ Scheme by the Government to

provide High Quality Medical

EquipmentsŸ Objective of this scheme is to

providing diagnostic services for

treatment in the most remote and

innermost areas of the state.

Outreach of the Programme includes

the following:Ÿ Diagnostic Services Centre- All areas

except Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat

and Rajkot Municipal Corporation.Ÿ Basic Speciality Hospital- All areas

except cities with a population of

more than 2 lakhsŸ Super Speciality Hospital- All areas

of the State.Diagnostic Services Centre: 30% aid

for the equipments related to radiology

and cardiology in the rural most areas and

20% aid or the aid that has been approved,

whichever is less, for the remaining areas. Basic Speciality Hospital: 30% aid for

the equipments related to speciality

treatments in the rural most areas and

20% aid or the aid that has been approved,

whichever is less, for the remaining areas. Super Speciality Hospital: 30% aid for

the equipments related to cancer,

cardiology and kidney in the rural most

areas and 20% aid or the aid that has been

approved, whichever is less, for the

remaining areas.•

On December 14, 2016 the

Gujarat government under the

leadership of the decisive

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, launched a

new health policy for the state. The

Gujarat Government's new policy

proposes to setup a slew of Super-

Speciality hospitals and medical colleges

in the rural parts of Gujarat in the next

five years. Through its new policy, the

State Government seeks to double the

number of available seats in Gujarat's

medical colleges.

The Government has announced four

major schemes that will contribute to

the new health policy.Establishing New Independent: Self-

Financed Colleges in the StateThe objectives of this scheme are

ensuring that sufficient manpower is

provided in Government and Private

M.B.B.S colleges in Gujarat. Today

Gujarat has a ratio of 1 doctor per 2000

people. The Gujarat government aims to

improve that to 1 doctor per 1000 people.

Reducing the number of students who

either go outside the state or out of the

country for education in the field of

medicine. The government also aims to

ensure the provision of medical and

healthcare facilities in the remotest areas

of the State. Beneficiary institutions are

to be included in Maa-Amrutam Yojana

of the government.As per this scheme, Self-Finance

Medical Colleges, that have been given a

letter of approval by Medical Council of

India/Government of India, will be able

to receive assistance worth Rs. 15 Lakh to

sanctioned seats after completion of

admission process for the first year

M.B.B.S. This will be applicable for five

years after renewal. Gujarat government

will reimburse the electricity expenses

that the hospitals attached to all self-

financed medical colleges will accrue for

five years. Land required for creating

these colleges will be made available at

50% lesser rates in all areas except areas

owned by Municipal Corporations.

Setting up a Self-Financed Medical

College in economically backward

regions and tribal areas where no such

colleges are availableObjectives of this scheme are, ensuring

availability of enough doctors in the state

and to make medical and para-medical

resources available. It also aims to scale

16 the GUJARAT 17 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

HEALTHCARE FOR ALL,GUJARAT'S NEW HEALTH POLICYby Team ‘the Gujarat’

ana and Riri is an Indian story about two girls Tborn around 1564, who were asked to sing in the court of Akbar. The story has become a part

of Gujarati folk culture.

The twins were from a northern town known as Vadnagar near Visnagar in the state of Gujarat.

It is said that the famous court musician of Emperor Akbar, Tansen, sang Deepak Raag so fervently that the unlit lamps were lit and he was affected with a burning fever. Knowing that only hearing the pure rendering of the Megh Malhar Raag, he headed for Vadnagar where Tana and Riri sang for him and brought him back to health. Inspired by this quality of singing, Akbar summoned them to his court but owing to the conservative norms of the community and society, rather than refusing or disobeying Akbar’s summon, these two sisters immolated themselves at Vadnagar. A samadhi is created in Vadnagar called Tana Riri Samadhi and the annual classical music festival is held near this Samadhi and it is a heritage site.

This year at the Tana Riri mahotsav in Vadnagar, around 640 harmonium players broke the world record by playing the national anthem together at the gathering. It was a diverse group of artist with some being senior citizens over the age of 75, some were disabled and blind and yet came together to make India proud with their patriotism and set a record to highlight Gujarat yet again on the world map.

All these artists were from Mehsana and the surrounding areas. •

tana riri

Modhera Dance Festival is an annual three-day dance festival held at Modhera in

Mehsana district during the third week of January every year, after the festival of Uttarayan. The Sun Temple of Modhera acts as its backdrop. The objective is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in. The festival is organised by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat.

The incredible festival of dance, Uttarardh Mahotsav, derives its name from the planetary and astronomical configuration of the Sun. The festival which takes place every year after Uttarayan, at the Modhera temple dedicated to the Sun God venerates the rotational cycle of the earth around the Sun. Uttarayan, the day when the sun starts his voyage towards Uttar or North indicates the end of winter and the beginning of longer days with a pleasant breeze. During Uttarayan, the Sun transmigrates from one planet to the other, i t travels from Dhanu or Sagittarius to Makara that is Capricorn.

Halfway through this voyage, the time when ‘ardh’ or half of ‘uttar’ or Northward journey is over, the period is known as Uttararadh.

The noteworthy technological splendor of the Modhera temple architecture is the planned engineering based on the planetary position of the planets and the Sun. The main temple or the sanctum is designed focusing on the rays of rising and setting Sun during Equinox. The way the edifice is structured, it ensured on the days of Equinox, that soft, linear rays of Sun showered it with illumination.•

Modhera dance festival

18 the GUJARAT 19 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

IN FOCUS IN FOCUS

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

by Manas Yadav

ana and Riri is an Indian story about two girls Tborn around 1564, who were asked to sing in the court of Akbar. The story has become a part

of Gujarati folk culture.

The twins were from a northern town known as Vadnagar near Visnagar in the state of Gujarat.

It is said that the famous court musician of Emperor Akbar, Tansen, sang Deepak Raag so fervently that the unlit lamps were lit and he was affected with a burning fever. Knowing that only hearing the pure rendering of the Megh Malhar Raag, he headed for Vadnagar where Tana and Riri sang for him and brought him back to health. Inspired by this quality of singing, Akbar summoned them to his court but owing to the conservative norms of the community and society, rather than refusing or disobeying Akbar’s summon, these two sisters immolated themselves at Vadnagar. A samadhi is created in Vadnagar called Tana Riri Samadhi and the annual classical music festival is held near this Samadhi and it is a heritage site.

This year at the Tana Riri mahotsav in Vadnagar, around 640 harmonium players broke the world record by playing the national anthem together at the gathering. It was a diverse group of artist with some being senior citizens over the age of 75, some were disabled and blind and yet came together to make India proud with their patriotism and set a record to highlight Gujarat yet again on the world map.

All these artists were from Mehsana and the surrounding areas. •

tana riri

Modhera Dance Festival is an annual three-day dance festival held at Modhera in

Mehsana district during the third week of January every year, after the festival of Uttarayan. The Sun Temple of Modhera acts as its backdrop. The objective is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in. The festival is organised by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat.

The incredible festival of dance, Uttarardh Mahotsav, derives its name from the planetary and astronomical configuration of the Sun. The festival which takes place every year after Uttarayan, at the Modhera temple dedicated to the Sun God venerates the rotational cycle of the earth around the Sun. Uttarayan, the day when the sun starts his voyage towards Uttar or North indicates the end of winter and the beginning of longer days with a pleasant breeze. During Uttarayan, the Sun transmigrates from one planet to the other, i t travels from Dhanu or Sagittarius to Makara that is Capricorn.

Halfway through this voyage, the time when ‘ardh’ or half of ‘uttar’ or Northward journey is over, the period is known as Uttararadh.

The noteworthy technological splendor of the Modhera temple architecture is the planned engineering based on the planetary position of the planets and the Sun. The main temple or the sanctum is designed focusing on the rays of rising and setting Sun during Equinox. The way the edifice is structured, it ensured on the days of Equinox, that soft, linear rays of Sun showered it with illumination.•

Modhera dance festival

18 the GUJARAT 19 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

IN FOCUS IN FOCUS

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

by Manas Yadav

ago, kites were mentioned in song by the composer Santnambe, and numerous classic miniature paintings of typical scenes in the area depict people flying kites.

Since 1989, the city of Ahmedabad has hosted the International Kite Festival as part of the official celebration of Uttarayan, bringing master kite makers and flyers from all over the world to demonstrate their unique creations and attract the crowds with unusually shaped kites. In past years, master kite makers from Malaysia have brought their wau-balang kites, llayang-llayang have come from Indonesia, kite innovators from the USA have arrived with giant banner kites, and Japanese rokkaku fighting kites have shared the skies with Italian sculptural kites, Chinese flying dragons, and the latest high-tech modern wonders. Almost every known variety of kite can be seen in the skies.

This year the kite festival was organised from January 8, 2017 to January 14, 2017 at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. This year the kite flying international event has diversified by adding value to event with laser and sound shows, kite making workshops and more. Amazing history, significance and effects of kites flying were available for visitors. Visitors enjoyed amazing Gujarati food, handicrafts and bought crafts from bazaars.

Apart from the International Kite festival celebrated in Ahmedabad, this festival was organised in other places as well. Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani greeted the people of Gujarat on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. As it is also celebrated as the kite festival, Chief Minister, Rupani took time off his busy schedule and flew kites at the rooftop in Khadia locality in the city. He wished that Gujarat's prosperity soars skyward like the kites in the sky. Those present there included Minister of S t a t e f o r W o m e n a n d C h i l d Development, Ahmedabad Mayor Gautam Shah, MLA from Khadia Bhushan Bhatt and city corporators, among others.

Chief Minister, Rupani inaugurated the

first-ever unique Divyang's Kite Festival at the Racecourse ground in Rajkot which was jointly organized by the District Administration, Suraksha Setu parent body, Police and voluntary organizations. It was attended by record 4,000 disabled people from all the 11 districts of Saurashtra region with éclat and enthusiasm. They nevertheless showed their skill in kite flying

Chief Minister, Vijaybhai Rupani addressed the people present during the occasion where he rightly mentioned that the society which fails to take care of the disabled are in fact morally impaired. He added that it is for the society to accept the less fortunate especially the physically handicapped in the mainstream, and more importantly let them feel that they are accepted. The Chief Minister then went on to list the steps his government has taken till now for the benefit of the disabled for example the free travel in State Transport buses, and build ramps and lifts in public as well as private workplaces.

The Gujarat Chief Minister later flew kites along with his wife on the occasion obliged his fans by clicking photographs with him.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included MP Mohanbhai Kundaria, MLA Govindbhai Patel,

Rajkot Mayor Jaimanbhai Upadhyay, GoSeva Ayog Chairman Vallabhbhai Kathiria, Deputy Mayor Darshita Shah, Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, Police Superintendent Antarip Sud, S ta t e Munic ipa l F inance Board Chairman Dhansukhbhai Bhanderi, Yatradham Vikas Board Vice-Chairman Rajubhai Dhruv and Additional Resident Collector Harshad Vora.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also visited city-based Wildlife Care Centre and Namonam Centre at Dharnidhar to inspect treatment of birds injured by strings while flying kites. He appealed to the people to ensure that the birds are not injured by the kites, as part of the statewide 'Karuna Abhiyan' from January 10 to 20, 2017 which was formulated by the government employees of Forest, Veterinary and Education Departments and voluntary organizations for creating awareness and alerting people to be compassionate towards the birds. The campaign was carried out under the supervision of municipal commissioners and district collectors all over the state. Here Chief Minister, Rupani was accompanied by Ahmedabad Mayor Gautam Shah, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Environment Arvind Agrawal.•

he festival of Uttarayan has now Tbecome a matter of pride for Gujarat and its people. It is that

time of the year where one can see plethora of colours as the skies over most cities of the state are covered with kites displaying myriad shapes and shades, making it appear like gems crowding the expanse right from dawn to dusk.

The atmosphere is wonderfully festive, as the families gather on the rooftop, special foods like laddoos , undhyu or surati jamun are prepared for eating over the course of the day, people find their favoured kite-makers who prepare strong resilient kite bodies with springy bamboo

frames and kite-paper stretched to exactly the right tension. Lastly, the kites are attached to a spool (or firkin) of manja, special kite-string coated with a mixture of glue and glass to be as sharp as possible for cutting strings of rival kites, At night, kite fighters send up bright white kites to be seen in the darkness, and skilled flyers will send aloft their tukkals with strings of brightly lit lanterns in a long line leading back down to the rooftop.

The festival generates a friendly competition among the friends and neighbours. Production of kites and kite supplies can be seen on the streets of Ahmedabad beginning in November, to

get ready for Uttarayan, and nowhere more so than in Patang Bazaar, the special kite market that appears in the old city. For the week preceding the festival, it is open 24 hours a day for all kite lovers to stock up for the festivities.

The festival marks the days in the Hindu calendar when winter begins turning to summer, known as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan. Kites are believed to have first arrived in India either through Muslim traders coming eastward through Persia or Buddhist pilgrims coming from China in search of sacred texts. Either way, they have a long history in the region. Over 1000 years

IN FOCUS IN FOCUS

20 the GUJARAT 21 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GUJARAT CELEBRATES

WITH POMPUTTARAYAN

It is not just the responsibility of parents and guardians to take care of the physically challenged but also of the entire society

- Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani

by Surabhi Bose

ago, kites were mentioned in song by the composer Santnambe, and numerous classic miniature paintings of typical scenes in the area depict people flying kites.

Since 1989, the city of Ahmedabad has hosted the International Kite Festival as part of the official celebration of Uttarayan, bringing master kite makers and flyers from all over the world to demonstrate their unique creations and attract the crowds with unusually shaped kites. In past years, master kite makers from Malaysia have brought their wau-balang kites, llayang-llayang have come from Indonesia, kite innovators from the USA have arrived with giant banner kites, and Japanese rokkaku fighting kites have shared the skies with Italian sculptural kites, Chinese flying dragons, and the latest high-tech modern wonders. Almost every known variety of kite can be seen in the skies.

This year the kite festival was organised from January 8, 2017 to January 14, 2017 at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. This year the kite flying international event has diversified by adding value to event with laser and sound shows, kite making workshops and more. Amazing history, significance and effects of kites flying were available for visitors. Visitors enjoyed amazing Gujarati food, handicrafts and bought crafts from bazaars.

Apart from the International Kite festival celebrated in Ahmedabad, this festival was organised in other places as well. Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani greeted the people of Gujarat on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. As it is also celebrated as the kite festival, Chief Minister, Rupani took time off his busy schedule and flew kites at the rooftop in Khadia locality in the city. He wished that Gujarat's prosperity soars skyward like the kites in the sky. Those present there included Minister of S t a t e f o r W o m e n a n d C h i l d Development, Ahmedabad Mayor Gautam Shah, MLA from Khadia Bhushan Bhatt and city corporators, among others.

Chief Minister, Rupani inaugurated the

first-ever unique Divyang's Kite Festival at the Racecourse ground in Rajkot which was jointly organized by the District Administration, Suraksha Setu parent body, Police and voluntary organizations. It was attended by record 4,000 disabled people from all the 11 districts of Saurashtra region with éclat and enthusiasm. They nevertheless showed their skill in kite flying

Chief Minister, Vijaybhai Rupani addressed the people present during the occasion where he rightly mentioned that the society which fails to take care of the disabled are in fact morally impaired. He added that it is for the society to accept the less fortunate especially the physically handicapped in the mainstream, and more importantly let them feel that they are accepted. The Chief Minister then went on to list the steps his government has taken till now for the benefit of the disabled for example the free travel in State Transport buses, and build ramps and lifts in public as well as private workplaces.

The Gujarat Chief Minister later flew kites along with his wife on the occasion obliged his fans by clicking photographs with him.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included MP Mohanbhai Kundaria, MLA Govindbhai Patel,

Rajkot Mayor Jaimanbhai Upadhyay, GoSeva Ayog Chairman Vallabhbhai Kathiria, Deputy Mayor Darshita Shah, Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, Police Superintendent Antarip Sud, S ta t e Munic ipa l F inance Board Chairman Dhansukhbhai Bhanderi, Yatradham Vikas Board Vice-Chairman Rajubhai Dhruv and Additional Resident Collector Harshad Vora.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also visited city-based Wildlife Care Centre and Namonam Centre at Dharnidhar to inspect treatment of birds injured by strings while flying kites. He appealed to the people to ensure that the birds are not injured by the kites, as part of the statewide 'Karuna Abhiyan' from January 10 to 20, 2017 which was formulated by the government employees of Forest, Veterinary and Education Departments and voluntary organizations for creating awareness and alerting people to be compassionate towards the birds. The campaign was carried out under the supervision of municipal commissioners and district collectors all over the state. Here Chief Minister, Rupani was accompanied by Ahmedabad Mayor Gautam Shah, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Environment Arvind Agrawal.•

he festival of Uttarayan has now Tbecome a matter of pride for Gujarat and its people. It is that

time of the year where one can see plethora of colours as the skies over most cities of the state are covered with kites displaying myriad shapes and shades, making it appear like gems crowding the expanse right from dawn to dusk.

The atmosphere is wonderfully festive, as the families gather on the rooftop, special foods like laddoos , undhyu or surati jamun are prepared for eating over the course of the day, people find their favoured kite-makers who prepare strong resilient kite bodies with springy bamboo

frames and kite-paper stretched to exactly the right tension. Lastly, the kites are attached to a spool (or firkin) of manja, special kite-string coated with a mixture of glue and glass to be as sharp as possible for cutting strings of rival kites, At night, kite fighters send up bright white kites to be seen in the darkness, and skilled flyers will send aloft their tukkals with strings of brightly lit lanterns in a long line leading back down to the rooftop.

The festival generates a friendly competition among the friends and neighbours. Production of kites and kite supplies can be seen on the streets of Ahmedabad beginning in November, to

get ready for Uttarayan, and nowhere more so than in Patang Bazaar, the special kite market that appears in the old city. For the week preceding the festival, it is open 24 hours a day for all kite lovers to stock up for the festivities.

The festival marks the days in the Hindu calendar when winter begins turning to summer, known as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan. Kites are believed to have first arrived in India either through Muslim traders coming eastward through Persia or Buddhist pilgrims coming from China in search of sacred texts. Either way, they have a long history in the region. Over 1000 years

IN FOCUS IN FOCUS

20 the GUJARAT 21 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

GUJARAT CELEBRATES

WITH POMPUTTARAYAN

It is not just the responsibility of parents and guardians to take care of the physically challenged but also of the entire society

- Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani

by Surabhi Bose

employment opportunities have come up in the region. During his speech the Chief Minister said, “The development of White Desert as a tourist place has lead to a holistic development. There have been new opportunities for the youth to earn a living. The culture, legacy, tradition, food, dialect, clothing and handicraft industry of Kutch have received a new identity. When we talk about increasing number of tourists visiting Gujarat compared to other states, we must not forget that Kutch plays a very important role in this.” Capitalizing on the growing demand for boarding and lodging facilities for the festival, six villages, like Sumrasar, Hodko, Gandhi nu Gam, Bhindiyara, Gorewalli, located near

Dhordo village, have put up almost 2,000 rooms for homestay during the festival. A lot of private entrepreneurs have also invested in setting up of stay facilities in a n d a r o u n d D h o r d o . T h e s t a t e government has been ext remely supportive about this and has come up with a homestay policy which looks at homestay as a commercial activity. While talking about the development of various tourist places across the state, the Chief Min i s t e r a l so s t a t ed tha t , “The government is not only developing places of religious importance, but also of geograph ica l and topograph ica l importance. The White Desert of Kutch is a natural gift that has been bestowed to the land of Gujarat. The state government

has taken various steps to develop such places and ensure better facilities for tourists visiting the place.” Keeping in mind the 'Swachch Bharat' mission of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Chief Minister announced the aim to make six tourist places in the state 100% clean. Arrangements have also been made to ensure that the cleanliness work goes on 24x7 enabling a better experience for tourists. Spending a few days at the Rann Utsav doesn't just satisfy the desire for experiencing the epitome of natural beauty but also enriches one culturally. People take back with them a part of the rich culture of the region and memories that they'd cherish for a lifetime.•

The most popular annual tourism festival in the country, Rann Utsav, was inaugurated amidst much fervour and enthusiasm at the tent city of Dhordo of

thKutch district on the 13 of December 2016. The festival celebrates the rich culture and natural beauty that exists in Gujarat. First organised in the year 2005, the festival started as an initiative of the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi to promote tourism in the state. Into its twelfth edition now, the festival has grown from being a 3-day event to a 3-month cultural extravaganza, an extra o r d i n a r y f a i r . T h e t e n t e d accommodations at Dhordo on a full

moon night is an extremely sought after experience, the festival also offers activities such as horse rides, camel safaris, bird watching, pool, table tennis, ATV riding , archery and many other activities. Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani inaugurated the Utsav of the White Desert, which he stated has now become a brand of the state, with great pride and joy.

A cradle of craftsmanship, Kutch is known for its exquisite variety of weaving, patchwork, block-printing, bandhani, tieand-dye, rogan-art and other ethnic styles of embroidery, pottery, wood-carving, metal-crafts and shell-work. The variety emerges from the enchanting terrain that provides a perfect

backdrop to this edition, including a tourist facilitation centre. Gujarat Tourism has constructed a 30-metre high watch tower, designed by the Ahmedabad based architect, Jayesh Parekh. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) has also approached the Border Security Force (BSF) to explore the possibility of a display of their defence equipments at the venue for the tourists. A separate lane spanning 2-3 km stretch on either side of the highway has been created for easy mobility of camel and horse carts on the way to t h e White Rann from the tent city. Pedestrian paths have also been created for ease of travel. Around 8-10 lakh tourists visited the festival last year. As a result of this ever growing popularity of the festival, new

RANN UTSAV: THE FESTIVAL OF BEAUTY

22 the GUJARAT 23 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

IN FOCUS IN FOCUS

by Shraddha Gidwani

employment opportunities have come up in the region. During his speech the Chief Minister said, “The development of White Desert as a tourist place has lead to a holistic development. There have been new opportunities for the youth to earn a living. The culture, legacy, tradition, food, dialect, clothing and handicraft industry of Kutch have received a new identity. When we talk about increasing number of tourists visiting Gujarat compared to other states, we must not forget that Kutch plays a very important role in this.” Capitalizing on the growing demand for boarding and lodging facilities for the festival, six villages, like Sumrasar, Hodko, Gandhi nu Gam, Bhindiyara, Gorewalli, located near

Dhordo village, have put up almost 2,000 rooms for homestay during the festival. A lot of private entrepreneurs have also invested in setting up of stay facilities in a n d a r o u n d D h o r d o . T h e s t a t e government has been ext remely supportive about this and has come up with a homestay policy which looks at homestay as a commercial activity. While talking about the development of various tourist places across the state, the Chief Min i s t e r a l so s t a t ed tha t , “The government is not only developing places of religious importance, but also of geograph ica l and topograph ica l importance. The White Desert of Kutch is a natural gift that has been bestowed to the land of Gujarat. The state government

has taken various steps to develop such places and ensure better facilities for tourists visiting the place.” Keeping in mind the 'Swachch Bharat' mission of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Chief Minister announced the aim to make six tourist places in the state 100% clean. Arrangements have also been made to ensure that the cleanliness work goes on 24x7 enabling a better experience for tourists. Spending a few days at the Rann Utsav doesn't just satisfy the desire for experiencing the epitome of natural beauty but also enriches one culturally. People take back with them a part of the rich culture of the region and memories that they'd cherish for a lifetime.•

The most popular annual tourism festival in the country, Rann Utsav, was inaugurated amidst much fervour and enthusiasm at the tent city of Dhordo of

thKutch district on the 13 of December 2016. The festival celebrates the rich culture and natural beauty that exists in Gujarat. First organised in the year 2005, the festival started as an initiative of the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi to promote tourism in the state. Into its twelfth edition now, the festival has grown from being a 3-day event to a 3-month cultural extravaganza, an extra o r d i n a r y f a i r . T h e t e n t e d accommodations at Dhordo on a full

moon night is an extremely sought after experience, the festival also offers activities such as horse rides, camel safaris, bird watching, pool, table tennis, ATV riding , archery and many other activities. Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani inaugurated the Utsav of the White Desert, which he stated has now become a brand of the state, with great pride and joy.

A cradle of craftsmanship, Kutch is known for its exquisite variety of weaving, patchwork, block-printing, bandhani, tieand-dye, rogan-art and other ethnic styles of embroidery, pottery, wood-carving, metal-crafts and shell-work. The variety emerges from the enchanting terrain that provides a perfect

backdrop to this edition, including a tourist facilitation centre. Gujarat Tourism has constructed a 30-metre high watch tower, designed by the Ahmedabad based architect, Jayesh Parekh. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) has also approached the Border Security Force (BSF) to explore the possibility of a display of their defence equipments at the venue for the tourists. A separate lane spanning 2-3 km stretch on either side of the highway has been created for easy mobility of camel and horse carts on the way to t h e White Rann from the tent city. Pedestrian paths have also been created for ease of travel. Around 8-10 lakh tourists visited the festival last year. As a result of this ever growing popularity of the festival, new

RANN UTSAV: THE FESTIVAL OF BEAUTY

22 the GUJARAT 23 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

IN FOCUS IN FOCUS

by Shraddha Gidwani

NOBELLAUREATES

NOBELLAUREATES

Marking the first time that multiple Nobel Laureates spoke under the same roof in India, the Nobel dialogue represented one of the most significant achievements of the 8th Edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The dialogue was

attended by eminent scientists, dignitaries from both state governments and from the central government as well students and industry leaders. All of them came to have an interactive session with the Noble laureates.The Noble laureates participated in 2 panel discussions and shared their thoughts on topics like Basic or Applied Research – Fostering an innovative environment and Local research, global impact: Addressing global challenges. In all eight

celebrated Nobel laureates attended the grand Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017.

SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT

24 the GUJARAT 25 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

by Pulak Trivedi

NOBELLAUREATES

NOBELLAUREATES

Marking the first time that multiple Nobel Laureates spoke under the same roof in India, the Nobel dialogue represented one of the most significant achievements of the 8th Edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The dialogue was

attended by eminent scientists, dignitaries from both state governments and from the central government as well students and industry leaders. All of them came to have an interactive session with the Noble laureates.The Noble laureates participated in 2 panel discussions and shared their thoughts on topics like Basic or Applied Research – Fostering an innovative environment and Local research, global impact: Addressing global challenges. In all eight

celebrated Nobel laureates attended the grand Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017.

SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT

24 the GUJARAT 25 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

by Pulak Trivedi

Professor Michel Hartmut, Chemistry 1988:

Dr. Hartmut Michel is a German biochemist. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the elucidation of the three-dimensional s tructure of a photosynthetic reaction centre in 1988. This was the first structure determination of a membrane protein or of a membrane protein complex which was considered to be not possible before. He works at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He is a strong critic of using agricultural land or natural forests for the production of biofuels.

Professor Serge Haroche, Physics 2012:

Dr. Serge Haroche was born in 1944 in Casablanca. He graduated from Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), receiving his doctorate from Paris VI University in 1971. After a post-doctoral visit to Stanford University, he became full professor at Paris VI University in 1975, a position he held until 2001, when he was appointed Professor at Collège de France (in the chair of quantum physics).

He has been part time professor at Yale University (1984-1993), member of Institut Universitaire de Frances(1991-2000) and chairman of the ENS Department of Physics (1994-2000). In September 2012, he has been appointed ‘Administrateur du Collège de Frances’ (equivalent to Pres ident of th is institution), a position he held until September 2015. Since then, he is Professor Emeritus at Collège de France.

Serge Haroche's research has mostly taken place in the laboratory Kastler Brossel at ENS. His main research activities have been in quantum optics and quantum information science. He has made important contributions to Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics (Cavity QED), the domain of quantum optics which studies the behaviour of atoms interacting strongly with the field confined in a high-Q cavity, a box made of highly reflecting mirrors.

Dr. Haroche has received many prizes and awards, culminating in the 2012 Nobel Prize in physics, shared with David Wineland.

Professor Will iam E. Moerner, Chemistry 2014:

Dr. W. E. (William Esco) Moerner is the Harry S. Mosher Professor of Chemistry and Professor, by courtesy, of Applied Physics at Stanford University. He conducts research in physical chemistry and chemical physics of single molecules, single-molecule biophysics, super-resolution imaging and tracking in cells, and trapping of single molecules in solution.

His interests range from methods of precise quantitation of single molecule properties, to strategies for three-dimensional imaging and tracking of single molecules, to applications of

single-molecule measurements to understand biological processes in cells, to observations of the photodynamics of single photosynthetic proteins and enzymes.

He has been elected Fellow/Member of the NAS, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Chemical Society, American Physical Society, and OSA. Major awards include the Earle K. Plyler Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy, the Irving Langmuir Prize in Chemical Physics, the Pittsburgh Spectroscopy Award, the Peter Debye Award in Physical Chemistry, the Wolf Prize in Chemistry, and the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

P r o f e s s o r V e n k a t r a m a n a n Ramakrishnan, Chemistry 2009:

Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan was

born in India, and received his bachelor's degree in physics from Baroda University in 1971. He received his PhD in physics from Ohio University in 1976 and studied biology for two years at the University of California, San Diego before beginning his postdoctoral work with Peter Moore at Yale University. After a long career in the US, he became a group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England. He is the current president of the Royal Society.

Ramakrishnan has a long-standing interest in ribosome structure and function. In 2000, his laboratory determined the atomic structure of the 30S ribosomal subunit and its complexes with ligands and antibiotics. This work has led to insights into how the ribosome ‘reads’ the genetic code, as well as into various aspects of antibiotic function.

Professor Richard Roberts, Physiology or Medicine 1993:

Dr Richard J. Roberts is the Chief Scientific Officer at New England Biolabs, Beverly, Massachusetts.

He received a PhD in Organic Chemistry in 1968 from Sheffield Universi ty and then moved as a postdoctoral fellow to Harvard. From 1972 to 1992, he worked at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, eventually becoming Assistant Director for Research under Dr J.D. Watson.

He began work on the newly-discovered Type II restriction enzymes in 1972, and these enzymes have been a major research theme. Studies of transcription in Adenovirus-2 led to the discovery of split genes and mRNA splicing in 1977, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1993.

P r o f e s s o r R a n d y S c h e k m a n , Physiology or Medicine 2013:

Dr. Randy Schekman is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

He studied the enzymology of DNA

replication as a graduate student with

Arthur Kornberg at Stanford University.

H i s cu r ren t in t e res t i n ce l lu l a r

membranes deve loped du r ing a

postdoctoral period with S. J. Singer at

the University of California, San Diego.

At Berkeley, he developed a genetic and

biochemical approach to the study of

eukaryotic membrane traffic.

Among his awards are the Gairdner

International Award, the Albert Lasker

Award in Basic Medical Research and the

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine,

which he shared with James Rothman and

Thomas Südhof.

P ro f e s s o r H a ro l d E . Va r m u s ,

Physiology or Medicine 1989:

Dr. Harold Varmus MD, co-recipient of

the Nobel Prize for studies of the genetic

basis of cancer, joined the Meyer Cancer

Center of Weill Cornell Medicine as the

Lewis Thomas University Professor of

Medicine in April 2015.

Previously, Dr. Varmus was the

Director of the National Cancer Institute

for five years, the President of Memorial

Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for 10

years, and Director of the National

Institutes of Health for six years.

A graduate of Amherst College and

Harvard University in English literature

and Columbia University in medicine, he

was further trained at Columbia

University Medical Center, the National

Institutes of Health, and the University of

California San Francisco (UCSF), before

becoming a member of the UCSF basic

science faculty for over two decades.

Professor Ada Yonath, Chemistry

2009:

Dr. Ada Yonath focuses on protein

biosynthesis and antibiotics paralyzing it.

She graduated from the Hebrew

University, earned Ph.D. from Weizmann

Institute and completed postdoctoral

studies at Mellon-Institute and MIT,

USA. In the seventies she established the

first structural-biology laboratory in

Israel. Currently, she is the Director of

Kimmelman Center for Biomolecular

Structure at Weizmann Inst. Previously

she also headed the Max-Planck-

Research-Unit for Ribosome Structure in

Hamburg. Among others, she is a

member of US-National-Academy-of-

Sciences; Israel Academy of Sciences

and Humanities and the Pontificia

Accademia delle Scienze (Vatican). She

holds honorary doctorates from over 20

universities and her awards include the

Israel Prize; Linus Pauling Gold Medal;

Wolf Prize; Albert-Einstein World Award

for Excellence; Erice Peace Prize; Nobel

Prize for Chemistry.•

26 the GUJARAT 27 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT

Professor Michel Hartmut, Chemistry 1988:

Dr. Hartmut Michel is a German biochemist. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the elucidation of the three-dimensional s tructure of a photosynthetic reaction centre in 1988. This was the first structure determination of a membrane protein or of a membrane protein complex which was considered to be not possible before. He works at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He is a strong critic of using agricultural land or natural forests for the production of biofuels.

Professor Serge Haroche, Physics 2012:

Dr. Serge Haroche was born in 1944 in Casablanca. He graduated from Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), receiving his doctorate from Paris VI University in 1971. After a post-doctoral visit to Stanford University, he became full professor at Paris VI University in 1975, a position he held until 2001, when he was appointed Professor at Collège de France (in the chair of quantum physics).

He has been part time professor at Yale University (1984-1993), member of Institut Universitaire de Frances(1991-2000) and chairman of the ENS Department of Physics (1994-2000). In September 2012, he has been appointed ‘Administrateur du Collège de Frances’ (equivalent to Pres ident of th is institution), a position he held until September 2015. Since then, he is Professor Emeritus at Collège de France.

Serge Haroche's research has mostly taken place in the laboratory Kastler Brossel at ENS. His main research activities have been in quantum optics and quantum information science. He has made important contributions to Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics (Cavity QED), the domain of quantum optics which studies the behaviour of atoms interacting strongly with the field confined in a high-Q cavity, a box made of highly reflecting mirrors.

Dr. Haroche has received many prizes and awards, culminating in the 2012 Nobel Prize in physics, shared with David Wineland.

Professor Will iam E. Moerner, Chemistry 2014:

Dr. W. E. (William Esco) Moerner is the Harry S. Mosher Professor of Chemistry and Professor, by courtesy, of Applied Physics at Stanford University. He conducts research in physical chemistry and chemical physics of single molecules, single-molecule biophysics, super-resolution imaging and tracking in cells, and trapping of single molecules in solution.

His interests range from methods of precise quantitation of single molecule properties, to strategies for three-dimensional imaging and tracking of single molecules, to applications of

single-molecule measurements to understand biological processes in cells, to observations of the photodynamics of single photosynthetic proteins and enzymes.

He has been elected Fellow/Member of the NAS, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Chemical Society, American Physical Society, and OSA. Major awards include the Earle K. Plyler Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy, the Irving Langmuir Prize in Chemical Physics, the Pittsburgh Spectroscopy Award, the Peter Debye Award in Physical Chemistry, the Wolf Prize in Chemistry, and the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

P r o f e s s o r V e n k a t r a m a n a n Ramakrishnan, Chemistry 2009:

Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan was

born in India, and received his bachelor's degree in physics from Baroda University in 1971. He received his PhD in physics from Ohio University in 1976 and studied biology for two years at the University of California, San Diego before beginning his postdoctoral work with Peter Moore at Yale University. After a long career in the US, he became a group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England. He is the current president of the Royal Society.

Ramakrishnan has a long-standing interest in ribosome structure and function. In 2000, his laboratory determined the atomic structure of the 30S ribosomal subunit and its complexes with ligands and antibiotics. This work has led to insights into how the ribosome ‘reads’ the genetic code, as well as into various aspects of antibiotic function.

Professor Richard Roberts, Physiology or Medicine 1993:

Dr Richard J. Roberts is the Chief Scientific Officer at New England Biolabs, Beverly, Massachusetts.

He received a PhD in Organic Chemistry in 1968 from Sheffield Universi ty and then moved as a postdoctoral fellow to Harvard. From 1972 to 1992, he worked at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, eventually becoming Assistant Director for Research under Dr J.D. Watson.

He began work on the newly-discovered Type II restriction enzymes in 1972, and these enzymes have been a major research theme. Studies of transcription in Adenovirus-2 led to the discovery of split genes and mRNA splicing in 1977, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1993.

P r o f e s s o r R a n d y S c h e k m a n , Physiology or Medicine 2013:

Dr. Randy Schekman is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

He studied the enzymology of DNA

replication as a graduate student with

Arthur Kornberg at Stanford University.

H i s cu r ren t in t e re s t i n ce l lu l a r

membranes deve loped du r ing a

postdoctoral period with S. J. Singer at

the University of California, San Diego.

At Berkeley, he developed a genetic and

biochemical approach to the study of

eukaryotic membrane traffic.

Among his awards are the Gairdner

International Award, the Albert Lasker

Award in Basic Medical Research and the

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine,

which he shared with James Rothman and

Thomas Südhof.

P ro f e s s o r H a ro l d E . Va r m u s ,

Physiology or Medicine 1989:

Dr. Harold Varmus MD, co-recipient of

the Nobel Prize for studies of the genetic

basis of cancer, joined the Meyer Cancer

Center of Weill Cornell Medicine as the

Lewis Thomas University Professor of

Medicine in April 2015.

Previously, Dr. Varmus was the

Director of the National Cancer Institute

for five years, the President of Memorial

Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for 10

years, and Director of the National

Institutes of Health for six years.

A graduate of Amherst College and

Harvard University in English literature

and Columbia University in medicine, he

was further trained at Columbia

University Medical Center, the National

Institutes of Health, and the University of

California San Francisco (UCSF), before

becoming a member of the UCSF basic

science faculty for over two decades.

Professor Ada Yonath, Chemistry

2009:

Dr. Ada Yonath focuses on protein

biosynthesis and antibiotics paralyzing it.

She graduated from the Hebrew

University, earned Ph.D. from Weizmann

Institute and completed postdoctoral

studies at Mellon-Institute and MIT,

USA. In the seventies she established the

first structural-biology laboratory in

Israel. Currently, she is the Director of

Kimmelman Center for Biomolecular

Structure at Weizmann Inst. Previously

she also headed the Max-Planck-

Research-Unit for Ribosome Structure in

Hamburg. Among others, she is a

member of US-National-Academy-of-

Sciences; Israel Academy of Sciences

and Humanities and the Pontificia

Accademia delle Scienze (Vatican). She

holds honorary doctorates from over 20

universities and her awards include the

Israel Prize; Linus Pauling Gold Medal;

Wolf Prize; Albert-Einstein World Award

for Excellence; Erice Peace Prize; Nobel

Prize for Chemistry.•

26 the GUJARAT 27 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

SPECIAL REPORT SPECIAL REPORT

COVER STORYCOVER STORY

Vibrant Gujarat is a name that the entire world is familiar with. As an investor's summit, a business network, a majorly

significant government programme and even an attraction for people from around the world.

Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor's Summit is a globally recognized brand today, which had started humbly in the year 2003 with 76 MoUs committed for investment, to massive success in the year 2017 with 25,578 MoUs, investment intentions and strategic partnerships signed and sealed. From less than a thousand international participants hailing from 45 countries, to over 33,000 executives and legislators representing 100 nations in attendance highlights the growth journey that the brand Vibrant Gujarat has seen over the decade and a half. Vibrant Gujarat, the biennial Global Investor's Summit hosted by the Gujarat State government, launched in 2003 has come a very long way. It

VIBRANTGUJARAT

29 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017

by Shraddha Gidwani

TH8 GLOBAL SUMMIT

2017

COVER STORYCOVER STORY

Vibrant Gujarat is a name that the entire world is familiar with. As an investor's summit, a business network, a majorly

significant government programme and even an attraction for people from around the world.

Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor's Summit is a globally recognized brand today, which had started humbly in the year 2003 with 76 MoUs committed for investment, to massive success in the year 2017 with 25,578 MoUs, investment intentions and strategic partnerships signed and sealed. From less than a thousand international participants hailing from 45 countries, to over 33,000 executives and legislators representing 100 nations in attendance highlights the growth journey that the brand Vibrant Gujarat has seen over the decade and a half. Vibrant Gujarat, the biennial Global Investor's Summit hosted by the Gujarat State government, launched in 2003 has come a very long way. It

VIBRANTGUJARAT

29 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017

by Shraddha Gidwani

TH8 GLOBAL SUMMIT

2017

had been conceived as a regional platform to showcase Gujarat's business potential, and has now transformed into a Global Business Hub.

The journey has been a memorable one, and it is not only about the rapidly escalating scale and magnitude of the event alone, immensely impressive though they are. The success of Vibrant Gujarat Summit over the years also implies the range and number of beneficiaries that the forthcoming projects are designed to include.

The eighth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor's Summit was hosted at the magnanimous venue Mahatma Mandir- a jewel in the crown of Gandhinagar- the capital city of Gujarat. The key theme of this eighth edition of the Summit was sustainable long- term growth and inclusive development.

Gujarat Government has always stressed on the importance of inclusive development and even at this globally s i g n i f i c a n t i n v e s t o r ' s s u m m i t , development till the last mile was the key focus. The State is determined to not let its investors and partners lose sight of this goal, and this is the conviction of Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani. He reiterated his commitment to create more

and more employment opportunities by attracting investment in sectors related to smart city, skill development, small and medium scale industries.

Small industries contribute 31 per cent of India's total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide employment to over 11 Crore people. Ploughing in money in this fertile ground would ensure a rich harvest. Also, building up a large base of trained professionals is bound to have a favourable impact on the nationwide campaigns that are being driven by none other than the Prime Minister himself-Make in India, Skill India and Digital India. Gujarat already leads the pack on this front, and it is determined to retain its position in the future.

Minutely defined plans to set up Centers of Excellence, specialized Skill Universities, freshly fortified ITEs and ensuring ‘Ease to do Business’ to new investors, Gujarat government is all set to chant a new mantra: Small is Big.

The eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January 2017, proved not only the biggest but the best ever, as it offered prime platform to the finest in the country and from around the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani presided over the inauguration of the 8th Edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Eminent leaders on the dais accompanying the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, Rupani included Heads of State from countries such as Russia, Serbia, Rwanda and Kenya, as well as corporates and industrialists including Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata and Gautam Adani. There were business leaders from outside India too, including Suzuki, Cisco and Essar.

Despite the diverse background of the various speakers present on stage, each speaker hinted at the same theme during their speech. A sense of excitement for the possibilities-presented by both Gujarat and India through their economies and by t h e p o l i c i e s t h e y a r e c u r r e n t l y implementing-was evident during the programme.

In his inaugural speech at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an enthusiastic audience gathered at Mahatma Mandir to witness a grand opening ceremony to the three-day summit. In his speech, the PM said, “Coming for Vibrant Gujarat brings back many memories. From the launch in 2003 to the Summit today, the journey has been very successful.” He said that owing

to the successful journey of Vibrant Gujarat and the business-friendly environment in the state, Gujarat represents the business spirit of India.

He also talked about how this biennial summit is not only an investor’s forum, but also a cultural experience where great leaders of the state like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were remembered, and the spirit of Gujarati culture is celebrated. He noted how Gujarat has a diverse identity- it is the land of Gandhi and Patel, and also the land of business.

Talking about the scientific research and development in the state and in the country, he said that Science is the pivot through which our vision for a glorious India will translate into strategy and action.

In his address, he spoke about the financial developments in Gujarat that are bringing glory to the entire nation. He sa id tha t i naugura t ion o f Ind ia International Exchange is a momentous occasion for India's Financial Sector.

India's 3Ds- Democracy, Demography and Demand are going to propel the nation to new heights of economic progress and prosperity and Gujarat is a major leading contributor to this. Today, India is a bright spot in global economy. We are seen as the engine of global growth. It is our vision and mission to bring paradigm shift in ways of life of economy.

In the past couple of years, Gujarat has come under the global limelight for being the best state in India for Ease of Doing Business. This has attracted many investors across the state to invest here and Government places highest emphasis on ease of doing business and creation of a business friendly environment.

The eighth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor's Summit is dubbed as the biggest one ever. Heads of State from all over the world who took part at the summit and added to its success include Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, President of Kenya Ulhuru Kenyatta, President of Rwanda Paul Kagame,

Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, Prime Minister of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Dy. Prime Minister of Russia Dimitry Rogozin, Dy. Prime Minister and Minister of Culture & National Heritage of Poland Piotr Glinski, and than 20 Ministers from various countries.

This year, Vibrant Gujarat Summit had 12 country Partners viz. Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, The Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, UAE, UK and USA.

The summit that started with a grand inaugural ceremony went on through three days where 16 country seminars and 21 theme seminars were conducted. Along with that, four state seminars were also part of the VGS 2017.

As many as 74010 registrations were recorded during Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017. Around 2734 International delegates attended the summit where more than 304 business to business and more than 201 business to government meetings were conducted. •

30 the GUJARAT 31 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

had been conceived as a regional platform to showcase Gujarat's business potential, and has now transformed into a Global Business Hub.

The journey has been a memorable one, and it is not only about the rapidly escalating scale and magnitude of the event alone, immensely impressive though they are. The success of Vibrant Gujarat Summit over the years also implies the range and number of beneficiaries that the forthcoming projects are designed to include.

The eighth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor's Summit was hosted at the magnanimous venue Mahatma Mandir- a jewel in the crown of Gandhinagar- the capital city of Gujarat. The key theme of this eighth edition of the Summit was sustainable long- term growth and inclusive development.

Gujarat Government has always stressed on the importance of inclusive development and even at this globally s i g n i f i c a n t i n v e s t o r ' s s u m m i t , development till the last mile was the key focus. The State is determined to not let its investors and partners lose sight of this goal, and this is the conviction of Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani. He reiterated his commitment to create more

and more employment opportunities by attracting investment in sectors related to smart city, skill development, small and medium scale industries.

Small industries contribute 31 per cent of India's total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide employment to over 11 Crore people. Ploughing in money in this fertile ground would ensure a rich harvest. Also, building up a large base of trained professionals is bound to have a favourable impact on the nationwide campaigns that are being driven by none other than the Prime Minister himself-Make in India, Skill India and Digital India. Gujarat already leads the pack on this front, and it is determined to retain its position in the future.

Minutely defined plans to set up Centers of Excellence, specialized Skill Universities, freshly fortified ITEs and ensuring ‘Ease to do Business’ to new investors, Gujarat government is all set to chant a new mantra: Small is Big.

The eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January 2017, proved not only the biggest but the best ever, as it offered prime platform to the finest in the country and from around the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani presided over the inauguration of the 8th Edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Eminent leaders on the dais accompanying the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, Rupani included Heads of State from countries such as Russia, Serbia, Rwanda and Kenya, as well as corporates and industrialists including Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata and Gautam Adani. There were business leaders from outside India too, including Suzuki, Cisco and Essar.

Despite the diverse background of the various speakers present on stage, each speaker hinted at the same theme during their speech. A sense of excitement for the possibilities-presented by both Gujarat and India through their economies and by t h e p o l i c i e s t h e y a r e c u r r e n t l y implementing-was evident during the programme.

In his inaugural speech at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an enthusiastic audience gathered at Mahatma Mandir to witness a grand opening ceremony to the three-day summit. In his speech, the PM said, “Coming for Vibrant Gujarat brings back many memories. From the launch in 2003 to the Summit today, the journey has been very successful.” He said that owing

to the successful journey of Vibrant Gujarat and the business-friendly environment in the state, Gujarat represents the business spirit of India.

He also talked about how this biennial summit is not only an investor’s forum, but also a cultural experience where great leaders of the state like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were remembered, and the spirit of Gujarati culture is celebrated. He noted how Gujarat has a diverse identity- it is the land of Gandhi and Patel, and also the land of business.

Talking about the scientific research and development in the state and in the country, he said that Science is the pivot through which our vision for a glorious India will translate into strategy and action.

In his address, he spoke about the financial developments in Gujarat that are bringing glory to the entire nation. He sa id tha t i naugura t ion o f Ind ia International Exchange is a momentous occasion for India's Financial Sector.

India's 3Ds- Democracy, Demography and Demand are going to propel the nation to new heights of economic progress and prosperity and Gujarat is a major leading contributor to this. Today, India is a bright spot in global economy. We are seen as the engine of global growth. It is our vision and mission to bring paradigm shift in ways of life of economy.

In the past couple of years, Gujarat has come under the global limelight for being the best state in India for Ease of Doing Business. This has attracted many investors across the state to invest here and Government places highest emphasis on ease of doing business and creation of a business friendly environment.

The eighth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor's Summit is dubbed as the biggest one ever. Heads of State from all over the world who took part at the summit and added to its success include Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, President of Kenya Ulhuru Kenyatta, President of Rwanda Paul Kagame,

Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa, Prime Minister of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, Dy. Prime Minister of Russia Dimitry Rogozin, Dy. Prime Minister and Minister of Culture & National Heritage of Poland Piotr Glinski, and than 20 Ministers from various countries.

This year, Vibrant Gujarat Summit had 12 country Partners viz. Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, The Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, UAE, UK and USA.

The summit that started with a grand inaugural ceremony went on through three days where 16 country seminars and 21 theme seminars were conducted. Along with that, four state seminars were also part of the VGS 2017.

As many as 74010 registrations were recorded during Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017. Around 2734 International delegates attended the summit where more than 304 business to business and more than 201 business to government meetings were conducted. •

30 the GUJARAT 31 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

PRIME MINISTER’SINAUGURAL ADDRESS–

KEY HIGHLIGHTSŸ Coming for Vibrant Gujarat brings

back many memories. From the launch in 2003 to the Summit today, the journey has been very successful.

Ÿ Gujarat represents the business spirit of India.

Ÿ Gujarat, the land of Gandhi and Patel, is also the land of business.

Ÿ Science is the pivot through which our vision for a glorious India will translate into strategy and action

Ÿ Inauguration of India International Exchange is a momentous occasion for India’s Financial Sector

Ÿ I n d i a ’ s 3 D s - D e m o c r a c y , Demography and Demand are going to propel the nation to new heights of economic progress and prosperity

Ÿ Today, India is a bright spot in global economy. We are seen as the engine of global growth.

Ÿ It is our vision and mission to bring paradigm shift in ways of life of economy.

Ÿ Government places highest emphasis on ease of doing business

HERE ARE SOME OF THE QUOTES BY THE VARIOUS SPEAKERS:

Gujarat is an important economic powerhouse of the world. Sectors where

we can mutually benefit are manufacturing, fertilizers, petrochemicals,

Agri-business, mining, gas and coal

It is a great responsibility for political leaders, policy makers,

academicians to connect and find solutions to global Challenges

MR. UHURU KENYATTAHON’BLE PRESIDENT OF KENYA

MR. ANTÓNIO COSTAHON’BLE PRIME MINISTER OF PORTUGAL

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is a valuable platform for collaboration across sectors such as Agriculture,

Manufacturing, Technology, culture, tourism, education and health

We will do our best to engage and invest in India

MR. PAUL KAGAMEHON’BLE PRESIDENT OF RWANDA

MR. ALEKSANDER VUCICHON’BLE PRIME MINISTER OF SERBIA

There are many Russian companies in Gujarat. In

Vadinar we are building a refinery and when PM Modi says invest in India, Russia

follows it very seriously

There is no better country than India for business.

We love this country, and its people. We can see

Hon’ble PM’s fingerprints in the growth story of Gujarat.

Adani Group to invest Rs 49,000

crore in Gujarat over the next five years

In a time of little certainty, when courage is lacking,

when leadership is in crisis in the world, there is a very strong leadership in India in

Prime Minister

The support from Government of India is very

encouraging for us. We will expand further in

Gujarat, playing an important role in its

automobile growth story

MR. DMITRY ROGOZINHON’BLE DY. PRIME MINISTER OF RUSSIA

MR. JOHN CHAMBERSCHAIRMAN, CISCO

MR. GAUTAM ADANICHAIRMAN, ADANI GROUP

MR. PETER HUNTSMANCEO, HUNTSMAN CORPORATION

MR. TOSHIHIRO SUZUKI CEO, SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION

Let me congratulate PM for having started

Vibrant Gujarat Summit. We realize the significance and

potential of India as the fastest growing Economy

MR. PIOTR GLINSKIHON’BLE DY. PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF

CULTURE AND NATIONAL HERITAGE, POLANDGujarat is the fastest growing

state and has tremendous zeal for execution. I had fortune or good luck of

moving our car factory in Gujarat. Soon under Modi’s leadership, Gujarat became an auto hub.

I am also a Gujarati.

MR. RATAN TATACHAIRMAN TATA GROUP

MR. MUKESH AMBANICHAIRMAN

RELIANCE INDUSTRIES LTDWe have consistentlyshown our faith and

commitment in Gujarat by developing large businesses here. In return, we have earned faith and

received immense love from the people of Gujarat

32 the GUJARAT 33 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

PRIME MINISTER’SINAUGURAL ADDRESS–

KEY HIGHLIGHTSŸ Coming for Vibrant Gujarat brings

back many memories. From the launch in 2003 to the Summit today, the journey has been very successful.

Ÿ Gujarat represents the business spirit of India.

Ÿ Gujarat, the land of Gandhi and Patel, is also the land of business.

Ÿ Science is the pivot through which our vision for a glorious India will translate into strategy and action

Ÿ Inauguration of India International Exchange is a momentous occasion for India’s Financial Sector

Ÿ I n d i a ’ s 3 D s - D e m o c r a c y , Demography and Demand are going to propel the nation to new heights of economic progress and prosperity

Ÿ Today, India is a bright spot in global economy. We are seen as the engine of global growth.

Ÿ It is our vision and mission to bring paradigm shift in ways of life of economy.

Ÿ Government places highest emphasis on ease of doing business

HERE ARE SOME OF THE QUOTES BY THE VARIOUS SPEAKERS:

Gujarat is an important economic powerhouse of the world. Sectors where

we can mutually benefit are manufacturing, fertilizers, petrochemicals,

Agri-business, mining, gas and coal

It is a great responsibility for political leaders, policy makers,

academicians to connect and find solutions to global Challenges

MR. UHURU KENYATTAHON’BLE PRESIDENT OF KENYA

MR. ANTÓNIO COSTAHON’BLE PRIME MINISTER OF PORTUGAL

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is a valuable platform for collaboration across sectors such as Agriculture,

Manufacturing, Technology, culture, tourism, education and health

We will do our best to engage and invest in India

MR. PAUL KAGAMEHON’BLE PRESIDENT OF RWANDA

MR. ALEKSANDER VUCICHON’BLE PRIME MINISTER OF SERBIA

There are many Russian companies in Gujarat. In

Vadinar we are building a refinery and when PM Modi says invest in India, Russia

follows it very seriously

There is no better country than India for business.

We love this country, and its people. We can see

Hon’ble PM’s fingerprints in the growth story of Gujarat.

Adani Group to invest Rs 49,000

crore in Gujarat over the next five years

In a time of little certainty, when courage is lacking,

when leadership is in crisis in the world, there is a very strong leadership in India in

Prime Minister

The support from Government of India is very

encouraging for us. We will expand further in

Gujarat, playing an important role in its

automobile growth story

MR. DMITRY ROGOZINHON’BLE DY. PRIME MINISTER OF RUSSIA

MR. JOHN CHAMBERSCHAIRMAN, CISCO

MR. GAUTAM ADANICHAIRMAN, ADANI GROUP

MR. PETER HUNTSMANCEO, HUNTSMAN CORPORATION

MR. TOSHIHIRO SUZUKI CEO, SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION

Let me congratulate PM for having started

Vibrant Gujarat Summit. We realize the significance and

potential of India as the fastest growing Economy

MR. PIOTR GLINSKIHON’BLE DY. PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF

CULTURE AND NATIONAL HERITAGE, POLANDGujarat is the fastest growing

state and has tremendous zeal for execution. I had fortune or good luck of

moving our car factory in Gujarat. Soon under Modi’s leadership, Gujarat became an auto hub.

I am also a Gujarati.

MR. RATAN TATACHAIRMAN TATA GROUP

MR. MUKESH AMBANICHAIRMAN

RELIANCE INDUSTRIES LTDWe have consistentlyshown our faith and

commitment in Gujarat by developing large businesses here. In return, we have earned faith and

received immense love from the people of Gujarat

32 the GUJARAT 33 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

any international and Indian MCEOs attended the evening roundtable with Prime

Minister, Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs

Theme of the Global CEO Conclave - ‘Transforming India’

The 8thVibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar that took place from 10-13 january this year brought together more than 50 global CEOs for an in-camera discussion session with Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani and Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley. With the theme of

‘Transforming India’, the conclave focused on fostering a constructive, futuristic dialogue with positive outcome f o r t h e e c o n o m i c , s o c i a l a n d environmental betterment of the global society as a whole and India in specific.

Among the CEOs present at the d i s c u s s i o n f r o m I n d i a i n c l u d e Mr.Mukesh Ambani, Smt. Arundhati Bhat tacharya , Mr. Ani l Ambani , Mr.Anand Mahindra, Mr. Gautam Adani, Mr. Dilip Shanghvi, Mr. Adi Godrej and Mr.Ajay P i ramal among o thers . international CEO's included Boeing International President Bertrand Marc Allen, President of Emerson Electric C o m p a n y E d w a r d L M o n s e r , TrafiguraBeheer BV Mr Jeremy Weir,

Chairman and CEO of Electricite de France S.A. Mr. Jean-Bernard Levy, Suzuki Motor Corporation President Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki, and Executive Chairman of CISCO Mr. John Chambers among others.

Amit Midha, President of DELL EMC sharing his views and ideas said, “India's growth story over the last few years has been incredible! Several indicators including a healthy GDP growth rate, ease of doing business, manufacturing environment, FDI growth, financial inclusion and a flourishing start-up ecosystem are witnessing encouraging developments, backed by a progressive government. However, for India's true p o t e n t i a l t o b e r e a l i z e d , t h e s e

transformational trends need to be evenly s p r e a d a c r o s s I n d i a ' s d i v e r s e demographic and geographic landscape. Our government's Digital India initiative, complemented with collaborative private participation, will catalyze India's transition into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge economy. A digitized India will impact industries, enterprises and individuals, making way for futuristic technologies that will lead to never-before-seen transformation at professional and personal levels. There's no better time than now to do business in India.”

The discussions during the roundtable largely revolved around global as well as Indian investment climate and business opportunities.

Talking about the present scenario of business and start ups in Gujarat, Tsai Jen Lo, Chairman of Maxxis Group said,

“Gujarat presents a favorable ecosystem for businesses to flourish. It is growing with its mission to 'Transform India'. It is rightfully known as 'India's Economic Expressway' and we are extremely satisfied with our investments in the state”.

The summit discussed the changes and challenges in business ecosystems in India as well as at the global level. The session primarily focused on potential investment opportunit ies , policy framework, reforms, new ventures and social political environment needed for ease of doing business in India and Gujarat.

Mr. Yusuf Ali M. A, MD of Lulu Group shared his plan about Gujarat stating that, “Lulu Group is planning to invest INR 10,000 Crore to INR 12,000 Crores in India. Our Lulu Shopping Mall in Kochi, Kerala is India's biggest Shopping Mall.

In Ahmedabad, we are looking at opportunities to start a Shopping Mall, Hotel and a mini Convention and Exhibition Centre which will attract more tourists to the State of Gujarat.”

The summit expected to culminate into a slew of partnerships, MoUs and investment commitments in the state of Gujarat.

The Global CEO Conclave would not only result in helping the Government of Gujarat and India to identify the specific action points to become the undisputed leader with regards to global investment friendliness but also would mark India and Gujarat as a top investment destination with a much suitable and needed business ecosystem. •

ndTHE 2 GLOBAL CEO CONCLAVE

34 the GUJARAT 35 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

any international and Indian MCEOs attended the evening roundtable with Prime

Minister, Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs

Theme of the Global CEO Conclave - ‘Transforming India’

The 8thVibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar that took place from 10-13 january this year brought together more than 50 global CEOs for an in-camera discussion session with Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani and Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley. With the theme of

‘Transforming India’, the conclave focused on fostering a constructive, futuristic dialogue with positive outcome f o r t h e e c o n o m i c , s o c i a l a n d environmental betterment of the global society as a whole and India in specific.

Among the CEOs present at the d i s c u s s i o n f r o m I n d i a i n c l u d e Mr.Mukesh Ambani, Smt. Arundhati Bhat tacharya , Mr. Ani l Ambani , Mr.Anand Mahindra, Mr. Gautam Adani, Mr. Dilip Shanghvi, Mr. Adi Godrej and Mr.Ajay P i ramal among o thers . international CEO's included Boeing International President Bertrand Marc Allen, President of Emerson Electric C o m p a n y E d w a r d L M o n s e r , TrafiguraBeheer BV Mr Jeremy Weir,

Chairman and CEO of Electricite de France S.A. Mr. Jean-Bernard Levy, Suzuki Motor Corporation President Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki, and Executive Chairman of CISCO Mr. John Chambers among others.

Amit Midha, President of DELL EMC sharing his views and ideas said, “India's growth story over the last few years has been incredible! Several indicators including a healthy GDP growth rate, ease of doing business, manufacturing environment, FDI growth, financial inclusion and a flourishing start-up ecosystem are witnessing encouraging developments, backed by a progressive government. However, for India's true p o t e n t i a l t o b e r e a l i z e d , t h e s e

transformational trends need to be evenly s p r e a d a c r o s s I n d i a ' s d i v e r s e demographic and geographic landscape. Our government's Digital India initiative, complemented with collaborative private participation, will catalyze India's transition into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge economy. A digitized India will impact industries, enterprises and individuals, making way for futuristic technologies that will lead to never-before-seen transformation at professional and personal levels. There's no better time than now to do business in India.”

The discussions during the roundtable largely revolved around global as well as Indian investment climate and business opportunities.

Talking about the present scenario of business and start ups in Gujarat, Tsai Jen Lo, Chairman of Maxxis Group said,

“Gujarat presents a favorable ecosystem for businesses to flourish. It is growing with its mission to 'Transform India'. It is rightfully known as 'India's Economic Expressway' and we are extremely satisfied with our investments in the state”.

The summit discussed the changes and challenges in business ecosystems in India as well as at the global level. The session primarily focused on potential investment opportunit ies , policy framework, reforms, new ventures and social political environment needed for ease of doing business in India and Gujarat.

Mr. Yusuf Ali M. A, MD of Lulu Group shared his plan about Gujarat stating that, “Lulu Group is planning to invest INR 10,000 Crore to INR 12,000 Crores in India. Our Lulu Shopping Mall in Kochi, Kerala is India's biggest Shopping Mall.

In Ahmedabad, we are looking at opportunities to start a Shopping Mall, Hotel and a mini Convention and Exhibition Centre which will attract more tourists to the State of Gujarat.”

The summit expected to culminate into a slew of partnerships, MoUs and investment commitments in the state of Gujarat.

The Global CEO Conclave would not only result in helping the Government of Gujarat and India to identify the specific action points to become the undisputed leader with regards to global investment friendliness but also would mark India and Gujarat as a top investment destination with a much suitable and needed business ecosystem. •

ndTHE 2 GLOBAL CEO CONCLAVE

34 the GUJARAT 35 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

efence Minister Manohar DParrikar attended the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat's

special theme seminar addressing the need for building indigenous capacity and self-reliance in the Defence sector. Themed as 'Aerospace and Defence- Synergies for achieving Self Reliance, Encouraging Innovation and Make in India, the seminar was also attended by C h i e f M i n i s t e r , Vi j a y R u p a n i , Government of Gujarat, Mr. Kamal Dayani, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Gujarat, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta IAS, Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Mr. R.J. Shah, N o d a l O f f i c e r , I n d u s t r i e s Commissionerate, Government of Gujarat, Dr. S. Christopher, Chairman, DRDO and Secretary Department of Defence R&D, Government of India, Dr. C.P. Ramnarayanan, Director General (Aero), DRDO, Mr. S.C. Bajpai, Member/AV, Ordnance Factory Board, Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, CEO & MD, B r a h m o s A e r o s p a c e , M r . J a n Widerstrom, Chairman, SAAB India Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Ashwani B h a r g a v a , D i r e c t o r , S u p p l i e r

Management, Boeing India, Commodore (Retd.) and Mr. Mukesh Bhargava, Vice President, Submarines & Underwater Platforms BU , L&T Heavy Engineering

The seminar was conducted with the aim to build discussions around the future of India's goal of self-reliance in the Defence sector, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar congratulated Chief Minsiter, Vijay Rupani for setting up a truly 'vibrant' summit. In response to the Chief Minister, he stated that 20 licenses have been granted to Gujarat alone in the last two years, boosting the Make in Gujarat goal. Regarding the evolution of the Defence sector in India, he stated that the Defence Ministry has gone beyond 'Make in India' by promoting design, develop and Make in India. Giving examples of progress and efficiency in the Defence sector, he stated that over 70% NOC's were granted in just 17 days. He further added that after 30 years, India has built its own indigenous artillery gun and the Defence Ministry has placed o r d e r s f o r t h e s a m e . D r. C . P Ramanarayanan, Director General (Aero), DRDO, further explained the growing self-reliance of the Defence sector by stating that no parachutes used

by pilots are imported and more than 90% of radars in India are manufactured by Indian PSU's. Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, CEO & MD, BrahMos Aerospace, highlighted the role of BrahMos missiles as an excellent example of Make in India through Joint Venture with a partner country.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani made a strong case for Gujarat's readiness to take part in the growth of India's Defence sector. He said that Gujarat is the first state in India to create a crystal clear policy on Defence and Aerospace. He stressed that Gujarat wants Defence and Aerospace in its manufacturing hubs, the youngsters would get opportunity to be employed and the state will come strong on providing the required skill sets to be effective.The Dholera Smart city is capable of playing a substantial role in providing required infrastructures said Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. He concluded by stating that Gujarat will provide the Government of India with all required spaces and facil i t ies to strengthen the capacity of defence and aerospace projects in the state. •

AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE-SYNERGIES FOR ACHIEVING SELF-RELIANCE,

ENCOURAGING INNOVATION AND MAKE IN INDIA SEMINAR

Food Processing: Catering to the needs of the Nation

The Indian food industry is poised for huge growth, increasing its contribution to

world food trade every year. In India, the food sector has emerged as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition, particularly within the food processing industry.

The food industry, which is currently valued at US$ 39.71 billion is expected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11 per cent to US$65.4 billion by 2018. Food and grocery account for around 31 per cent of India's consumption basket.

Accounting for about 32 per cent of the country 's total food market , the G o v e r n m e n t o f I n d i a h a s b e e n ins t rumenta l in the g rowth and development of the food processing industry. The government through the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is making all efforts to encourage investments in the business. It has approved proposals for joint ventures (JV), foreign collaborations; industrial licenses and 100 per cent export oriented units.

Market Size

The Indian food and grocery market is the world's sixth largest, with retail contributing 70 per cent of the sales. Food has also been one of the largest segments in India's retail sector, which was valued at US$ 490 billion in 2013. The Indian food retail market is expected to reach Rs 61 lakh crore (US$ 894.98 billion) by 2020.

The Indian food processing industry is one of the largest industries in India and is ranked fifth in terms of production, consumption, export and expected growth. It contributes around 14 per cent of manufacturing Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 13 per cent of India's

exports and six per cent of total industrial investment. Indian food service industry is expected to reach US$ 78 billion by 2018.The Indian gourmet food market is currently valued at US$ 1.3 billion and is growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20 per cent. India's organic food market is expected to increase by three times by 2020.

Enhancing Agricultural Growth through Food Processing event targeted t o w a r d s p r o v i d i n g i m p e t u s t o i n n o v a t i o n s a n d t e c h n o l o g i c a l advancement and showcasing latest trends in farm productivity, food processing, food preservation etc. Moreover, the role of entrepreneurship in agricultural value chain and its

associated linkage with agricultural production and rural prosperity were explored. The seminar threw light on the international perspective and best practices among food parks instituted in other country, along with the usages of multifarious technologies, including radiation, in food preservation.

The event was attended by Minister for Food Processing GoI Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister for Agriculture and Energy, Government of Gujarat, Mr. Chimanbhai Shapariya and Dr. GV Shankar, Sarpanch of Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya among others attended the event.•

36 the GUJARAT 37 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

efence Minister Manohar DParrikar attended the 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat's

special theme seminar addressing the need for building indigenous capacity and self-reliance in the Defence sector. Themed as 'Aerospace and Defence- Synergies for achieving Self Reliance, Encouraging Innovation and Make in India, the seminar was also attended by C h i e f M i n i s t e r , Vi j a y R u p a n i , Government of Gujarat, Mr. Kamal Dayani, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Gujarat, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta IAS, Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Mr. R.J. Shah, N o d a l O f f i c e r , I n d u s t r i e s Commissionerate, Government of Gujarat, Dr. S. Christopher, Chairman, DRDO and Secretary Department of Defence R&D, Government of India, Dr. C.P. Ramnarayanan, Director General (Aero), DRDO, Mr. S.C. Bajpai, Member/AV, Ordnance Factory Board, Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, CEO & MD, B r a h m o s A e r o s p a c e , M r . J a n Widerstrom, Chairman, SAAB India Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Ashwani B h a r g a v a , D i r e c t o r , S u p p l i e r

Management, Boeing India, Commodore (Retd.) and Mr. Mukesh Bhargava, Vice President, Submarines & Underwater Platforms BU , L&T Heavy Engineering

The seminar was conducted with the aim to build discussions around the future of India's goal of self-reliance in the Defence sector, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar congratulated Chief Minsiter, Vijay Rupani for setting up a truly 'vibrant' summit. In response to the Chief Minister, he stated that 20 licenses have been granted to Gujarat alone in the last two years, boosting the Make in Gujarat goal. Regarding the evolution of the Defence sector in India, he stated that the Defence Ministry has gone beyond 'Make in India' by promoting design, develop and Make in India. Giving examples of progress and efficiency in the Defence sector, he stated that over 70% NOC's were granted in just 17 days. He further added that after 30 years, India has built its own indigenous artillery gun and the Defence Ministry has placed o r d e r s f o r t h e s a m e . D r. C . P Ramanarayanan, Director General (Aero), DRDO, further explained the growing self-reliance of the Defence sector by stating that no parachutes used

by pilots are imported and more than 90% of radars in India are manufactured by Indian PSU's. Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, CEO & MD, BrahMos Aerospace, highlighted the role of BrahMos missiles as an excellent example of Make in India through Joint Venture with a partner country.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani made a strong case for Gujarat's readiness to take part in the growth of India's Defence sector. He said that Gujarat is the first state in India to create a crystal clear policy on Defence and Aerospace. He stressed that Gujarat wants Defence and Aerospace in its manufacturing hubs, the youngsters would get opportunity to be employed and the state will come strong on providing the required skill sets to be effective.The Dholera Smart city is capable of playing a substantial role in providing required infrastructures said Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. He concluded by stating that Gujarat will provide the Government of India with all required spaces and facil i t ies to strengthen the capacity of defence and aerospace projects in the state. •

AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE-SYNERGIES FOR ACHIEVING SELF-RELIANCE,

ENCOURAGING INNOVATION AND MAKE IN INDIA SEMINAR

Food Processing: Catering to the needs of the Nation

The Indian food industry is poised for huge growth, increasing its contribution to

world food trade every year. In India, the food sector has emerged as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition, particularly within the food processing industry.

The food industry, which is currently valued at US$ 39.71 billion is expected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11 per cent to US$65.4 billion by 2018. Food and grocery account for around 31 per cent of India's consumption basket.

Accounting for about 32 per cent of the country 's total food market , the G o v e r n m e n t o f I n d i a h a s b e e n ins t rumenta l in the g rowth and development of the food processing industry. The government through the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is making all efforts to encourage investments in the business. It has approved proposals for joint ventures (JV), foreign collaborations; industrial licenses and 100 per cent export oriented units.

Market Size

The Indian food and grocery market is the world's sixth largest, with retail contributing 70 per cent of the sales. Food has also been one of the largest segments in India's retail sector, which was valued at US$ 490 billion in 2013. The Indian food retail market is expected to reach Rs 61 lakh crore (US$ 894.98 billion) by 2020.

The Indian food processing industry is one of the largest industries in India and is ranked fifth in terms of production, consumption, export and expected growth. It contributes around 14 per cent of manufacturing Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 13 per cent of India's

exports and six per cent of total industrial investment. Indian food service industry is expected to reach US$ 78 billion by 2018.The Indian gourmet food market is currently valued at US$ 1.3 billion and is growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20 per cent. India's organic food market is expected to increase by three times by 2020.

Enhancing Agricultural Growth through Food Processing event targeted t o w a r d s p r o v i d i n g i m p e t u s t o i n n o v a t i o n s a n d t e c h n o l o g i c a l advancement and showcasing latest trends in farm productivity, food processing, food preservation etc. Moreover, the role of entrepreneurship in agricultural value chain and its

associated linkage with agricultural production and rural prosperity were explored. The seminar threw light on the international perspective and best practices among food parks instituted in other country, along with the usages of multifarious technologies, including radiation, in food preservation.

The event was attended by Minister for Food Processing GoI Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister for Agriculture and Energy, Government of Gujarat, Mr. Chimanbhai Shapariya and Dr. GV Shankar, Sarpanch of Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya among others attended the event.•

36 the GUJARAT 37 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley spoke about the country's economy, GST and situation

post demonetization on the second day of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit,2017.

Finance Minister, Arun Jai t ley addressed the audience at the GST Seminar at Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017. The theme of the seminar was ‘GST: Game changer for the Indian Economy’. The seminar focused on the far-reaching impact of economy, business operations, and business ecosystem in the country.

The Finance Minister stated that Vibrant Gujarat Summit has become the foremost economic conclave of India and the vibrancy of this conference has increased with each summit. At the keynote address, he said though India was fastest growing economy, we were substantially non-compliant in taxation. Talking about Gujarat, Finance Minister said that Gujarat is ready for #GST and has made all the required preparations

"Once GST is implemented, a combination of a more digitized economy with a more efficient tax system will make India better. Talking about various steps taken by the Govt, Finance Minister, Jaitley said “Number of steps that have been taken are going to be significant because they are going to change the pattern in which India and Indians are going to live and spend in the future. It will have an impact on the course of our future lives,”

He further said that GST will lead to better and hassle-free goods and services

by checking various bottlenecks. Once GST will be rolled out, Indian economy will be cleaner, stronger, much better, much bigger and India will be a highly successful economy with India coming back on Global radar.

Regarding GST, which is to subsume most of Central and State taxes like excise, service tax and VAT, he briefed the audience saying, "Most of the issues have been resolved, few critical issues are

left which I hope that will be resolved in the next few weeks" and it needs to roll out by latest September 16, 2017. “We would want it to be implemented from April, if all the issues are resolved. But implementing before September 16 is a necessity,” he said.

Talking about demonetization and its economical and social impact, the Finance Minister said "Excessive paper currency has its own vices, it leads to its own temptations." He said treaties with Mauritius, Cyprus and SGP were rewritten as government desired that the

shadow economy should not prosper. He believed that GST would be an honest effort by India to improve the World Bank's ease of doing business ranking.

Dr. Naushad Forbes, President of Confederation of Indian Industry, said that GST will change the way the Indian industry operate, GST will expand India's tax base and thus reduce tax burden.•

he larger than ever 8th edition Tof Biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global summit held from 10th

January till the 13th January removed any lingering doubts regarding India's position on the world stage.

As the Government of India is preparing blueprint for all round development of cities, Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 asked global institutions to invest in the urban infrastructure and allied sectors offering huge opportunities.

Addressing a seminar on 'Smart and Livable Cities: Opportunities and Challenges' on the second day of the eighth biennial Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 said India was changing under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and there has been a great change in the people's attitude towards development. The cities are undergoing facelift with footpath, cycle tracks, flyovers, BRTS, Metros and other infrastructure, said Naidu while releasing a coffee table book on Flower Power prepared by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.

The Union Minister said the change in the Government's attitude has resulted in

shift from 'populism' to 'peopleism' to cater to the needs of the people. The decision to create 100 'smart cities' has come as a divine blessing on the earth, creating a healthy competition among the cities and States, he said, adding, “Ahmedabad ranked AA+ among the top cities. Gujarat is on its way to become an 'Economic Expressway'. Gujarat Model is now considered to be 'Flavour of Country'. The work on 36-km long Ahmedabad Metro will be completed by 2018.”

He said, the Central Government's transparent and accountable government has helped construct 4.17-lakh toilets for girl students in educational institutions across the country. Nearly 1.30-crore people surrendered cooking gas subsidy following the appeal of the Prime Minister.

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) on affordable housing and other p ro jec t s fo r Ahmedabad , Sura t , Bhavnagar and other cities worth Rs.11,600-crore were signed during the seminar.

Gujarat's Minister of State for Urban Development, Vallabhbhai Vaghasia said the percentage of people living in urban areas in India will increase from 31.8 per

cent to 40 per cent by 2030. Gujarat is bracing up six Smart Cities to Centre's choice, creating civic basic amenities, adopting PPP model.

C a n a d a ' s I n f r a s t r u c t u r e a n d Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi said companies from his country would invest USD15 billion to help build roads, railways, airways, urban transport, sanitation waste management and environment.

Denmark's Energy Minister Lars Christian Lilleholt said that the smart city concept was applied in his country too which would be applied to maximum purpose in Indian cities too.

National Taiwan University Prof. S.K. Jason Chang in his keynote address stressed on the need to incorporate the European and UK model of Bus, Bike, Metro Walk (BBMW) model, as also incorporated by Taiwan, in developing the 100 Smart Cities in India. It entails providing living, mobility, economic, good governance and environmental-friendly civic amenities, keeping in view low carbon future, safety and pobility (potential and possibility), vision, strategy, action plan and international collaboration.•

GST IS A GAME CHANGER FOR

THE INDIAN ECONOMY

URBANDEVELOPMENT

38 the GUJARAT 39 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley spoke about the country's economy, GST and situation

post demonetization on the second day of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit,2017.

Finance Minister, Arun Jai t ley addressed the audience at the GST Seminar at Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017. The theme of the seminar was ‘GST: Game changer for the Indian Economy’. The seminar focused on the far-reaching impact of economy, business operations, and business ecosystem in the country.

The Finance Minister stated that Vibrant Gujarat Summit has become the foremost economic conclave of India and the vibrancy of this conference has increased with each summit. At the keynote address, he said though India was fastest growing economy, we were substantially non-compliant in taxation. Talking about Gujarat, Finance Minister said that Gujarat is ready for #GST and has made all the required preparations

"Once GST is implemented, a combination of a more digitized economy with a more efficient tax system will make India better. Talking about various steps taken by the Govt, Finance Minister, Jaitley said “Number of steps that have been taken are going to be significant because they are going to change the pattern in which India and Indians are going to live and spend in the future. It will have an impact on the course of our future lives,”

He further said that GST will lead to better and hassle-free goods and services

by checking various bottlenecks. Once GST will be rolled out, Indian economy will be cleaner, stronger, much better, much bigger and India will be a highly successful economy with India coming back on Global radar.

Regarding GST, which is to subsume most of Central and State taxes like excise, service tax and VAT, he briefed the audience saying, "Most of the issues have been resolved, few critical issues are

left which I hope that will be resolved in the next few weeks" and it needs to roll out by latest September 16, 2017. “We would want it to be implemented from April, if all the issues are resolved. But implementing before September 16 is a necessity,” he said.

Talking about demonetization and its economical and social impact, the Finance Minister said "Excessive paper currency has its own vices, it leads to its own temptations." He said treaties with Mauritius, Cyprus and SGP were rewritten as government desired that the

shadow economy should not prosper. He believed that GST would be an honest effort by India to improve the World Bank's ease of doing business ranking.

Dr. Naushad Forbes, President of Confederation of Indian Industry, said that GST will change the way the Indian industry operate, GST will expand India's tax base and thus reduce tax burden.•

he larger than ever 8th edition Tof Biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global summit held from 10th

January till the 13th January removed any lingering doubts regarding India's position on the world stage.

As the Government of India is preparing blueprint for all round development of cities, Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 asked global institutions to invest in the urban infrastructure and allied sectors offering huge opportunities.

Addressing a seminar on 'Smart and Livable Cities: Opportunities and Challenges' on the second day of the eighth biennial Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 said India was changing under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and there has been a great change in the people's attitude towards development. The cities are undergoing facelift with footpath, cycle tracks, flyovers, BRTS, Metros and other infrastructure, said Naidu while releasing a coffee table book on Flower Power prepared by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.

The Union Minister said the change in the Government's attitude has resulted in

shift from 'populism' to 'peopleism' to cater to the needs of the people. The decision to create 100 'smart cities' has come as a divine blessing on the earth, creating a healthy competition among the cities and States, he said, adding, “Ahmedabad ranked AA+ among the top cities. Gujarat is on its way to become an 'Economic Expressway'. Gujarat Model is now considered to be 'Flavour of Country'. The work on 36-km long Ahmedabad Metro will be completed by 2018.”

He said, the Central Government's transparent and accountable government has helped construct 4.17-lakh toilets for girl students in educational institutions across the country. Nearly 1.30-crore people surrendered cooking gas subsidy following the appeal of the Prime Minister.

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) on affordable housing and other p ro jec t s fo r Ahmedabad , Sura t , Bhavnagar and other cities worth Rs.11,600-crore were signed during the seminar.

Gujarat's Minister of State for Urban Development, Vallabhbhai Vaghasia said the percentage of people living in urban areas in India will increase from 31.8 per

cent to 40 per cent by 2030. Gujarat is bracing up six Smart Cities to Centre's choice, creating civic basic amenities, adopting PPP model.

C a n a d a ' s I n f r a s t r u c t u r e a n d Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi said companies from his country would invest USD15 billion to help build roads, railways, airways, urban transport, sanitation waste management and environment.

Denmark's Energy Minister Lars Christian Lilleholt said that the smart city concept was applied in his country too which would be applied to maximum purpose in Indian cities too.

National Taiwan University Prof. S.K. Jason Chang in his keynote address stressed on the need to incorporate the European and UK model of Bus, Bike, Metro Walk (BBMW) model, as also incorporated by Taiwan, in developing the 100 Smart Cities in India. It entails providing living, mobility, economic, good governance and environmental-friendly civic amenities, keeping in view low carbon future, safety and pobility (potential and possibility), vision, strategy, action plan and international collaboration.•

GST IS A GAME CHANGER FOR

THE INDIAN ECONOMY

URBANDEVELOPMENT

38 the GUJARAT 39 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

In the subjec t of encouraging Industries, the Government of Gujarat has always been a proactive state. Back in October, 2016 Chief Minister, Vijay R u p a n i a t t e n d e d t h e m e g a pharmaceutical exhibition at 'Pharmac India'. The event was also inaugurated by Union Minister for chemicals and fert i l isers , Ananth Kumar. Chief Minister, Rupani shared that the government will soon star a bulk drug park, Pharma Park and medical device park in Gujarat with support of the central government. Chief Minister, Rupani stated that the industry took shape in Gujarat 110 years ago and today, the State has emerged as a pharma hub. He had announced that the government is going to organize a special session during upcoming Vibrant Gujarat summit in presence of Nobel prize award winners from the areas of physics, chemistry etc.

The aim of the Pharma seminar is to bring together leaders from the global industry, senior government officials, eminent R&D professionals, global and domest ic regulatory bodies , and members from the academia to facilitate a fruitful dialogue and brainstorming on the next steps towards consolidating Gujarat's industry leadership, and the innovation that can be leveraged in the process. Gujarat and India's favorable environment for industrial manufacturing, as well as government support to the industry will also be highlighted through the seminar. It will also provide participants a chance to understand the various investment opportunities in Gujarat, and the outlook of global investors on India's pharmaceuticals and medical devices industry.

Impressed by the performance of the sector during past summits, Gujarat

government promoted pharma as one of the key sectors in the VG summit 2017. As per the statistics shared by the government, the project status of the pharma sector ranks amongst the top for actual materialization right from the VG seminar flagged off from 2011 till the VG 2015. This biennial VG summit started on January 11 and continued to the 13th, 2017 in Gujarat. Through the VG summit, pharma sector has been able to attract investors from around the globe leading to signing of 414 MoUs with huge investment coming into the state.

Dr H G Koshia, commissioner of Gujarat FDCA pointed out that pharma sector has alone brought in investment proposals of Rs.4,498 crore of which Rs.3,418 crore is the actual investment through the last concluded Vibrant Gujarat. In fact, Gujarat's popularity as investors' favourite destination for pharma, has helped attracting projects other than through the VG events as well.

He further stressed that the CMO has taken this decision after carefully analysing the outcomes of the previous summits. “After deliberation, the government has decided to promote the pharma sector during this upcoming summit. They have asked us to do a seminar on the pharma sector on the first day highlighting its strengths and investor friendly policies. We will also have huge interactive meetings between the industry members, national and global regulators during this meet so as to address any investor queries,” he added.

He informed that as of 2016 there are 16 ongoing pharma projects in Gujarat worth investment of Rs.117 crore. “Apart from generating huge income for the state, it is also generating employment for the people in the scale of nearly 5,739

plus. All these factors have played a key role in Gujarat's booming economy. We are elated by this decision which is definitely going to imprint Gujarat's stamp as an ideal pharma hub in the global map.”

Pharma has been chosen as the key sector from the 42 other sectors in the state.

During the 7th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit, the pharmaceutical sector too received an overwhelming response, with 201 memorandum of understandings (MoUs) worth of INR 5000 crores signed during the event. Most of these MoUs were in the formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and medical device segments.

Commenting on the success of the pharma segment, Dr. Hemant G Koshia, Commissioner, Food and Drug Control Administration, Gujarat informed that in 2011, the government of Gujarat had initiated Business to Government (B2G) meetings and it has really worked well since the last two summits. He added that this year with the help of B2G, 201 MoUs have been signed.

While sharing the details of MoUs, Dr. Koshia informed that an American pharmaceutical company, Amneal Pharmaceuticals has agreed to invest INR 280 crores for setting up a state-of-the-art formulation facility in Gujarat. Israel-based Teva in partnership with P&G has finalized the expansion of their business operations in Gujarat. Dr. Koshia added that this summit has worked well for the pharma sector and new companies from the US and Europe have shown keen interest in investing in the state.•

THE VIBRANT SECTOR: AN OVERVIEW OF THE PHARMA SEMINAR

The skilled youth of Gujarat are the future of our economy and the state government has

identified and encouraged their progress in every field.

Vibran t Guja ra t Summi t 2017 highlighted this through a special seminar on skill development and creation of employment opportunities for the youth. Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy presided over this seminar.

Maximum employment opportunities a re on ly poss ib le th rough sk i l l development and Gujarat is leading the way amongst various states in India in providing skill development. These were the words of Union Minister of State (I/C) f o r S k i l l D e v e l o p m e n t a n d Entrepreneurship, Rajiv Pratap Rudy,

while addressing the seminar titled 'Skilling and Human Capital.

During the seminar Mr. Rudy spoke about how Gujarat has given a new

direction to India in the field of skill development. He talked about the various steps taken by the Union government to provide skills to the youth, including the 'Pradhan Mantri Kaushalya Yojana'. Mr.

Rudy stated that this seminar for skill-orientation was praise-worthy and the p r o j e c t o f N a r e n d r a M o d i - l e d government 'Make in India' will play a key role in providing employment to skilled youths.

Deputy Director General of Japan International Co-operation Agency, South Asia Department Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto also addressed the seminar. He talked about how India had the potential to become a superpower through the strenght of its youth. He talked about how, over 30,000 youths will be given training under the Japan-India Institute for manufacturing. In the first phase of this programme the states of Gujarat, Karnataka and Rajasthan have been selected.•

EMPOWERING THE YOUTH: A SEMINAR ON SKILLING AND HUMAN CAPITAL

40 the GUJARAT 41 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

In the subjec t of encouraging Industries, the Government of Gujarat has always been a proactive state. Back in October, 2016 Chief Minister, Vijay R u p a n i a t t e n d e d t h e m e g a pharmaceutical exhibition at 'Pharmac India'. The event was also inaugurated by Union Minister for chemicals and fert i l isers , Ananth Kumar. Chief Minister, Rupani shared that the government will soon star a bulk drug park, Pharma Park and medical device park in Gujarat with support of the central government. Chief Minister, Rupani stated that the industry took shape in Gujarat 110 years ago and today, the State has emerged as a pharma hub. He had announced that the government is going to organize a special session during upcoming Vibrant Gujarat summit in presence of Nobel prize award winners from the areas of physics, chemistry etc.

The aim of the Pharma seminar is to bring together leaders from the global industry, senior government officials, eminent R&D professionals, global and domest ic regulatory bodies , and members from the academia to facilitate a fruitful dialogue and brainstorming on the next steps towards consolidating Gujarat's industry leadership, and the innovation that can be leveraged in the process. Gujarat and India's favorable environment for industrial manufacturing, as well as government support to the industry will also be highlighted through the seminar. It will also provide participants a chance to understand the various investment opportunities in Gujarat, and the outlook of global investors on India's pharmaceuticals and medical devices industry.

Impressed by the performance of the sector during past summits, Gujarat

government promoted pharma as one of the key sectors in the VG summit 2017. As per the statistics shared by the government, the project status of the pharma sector ranks amongst the top for actual materialization right from the VG seminar flagged off from 2011 till the VG 2015. This biennial VG summit started on January 11 and continued to the 13th, 2017 in Gujarat. Through the VG summit, pharma sector has been able to attract investors from around the globe leading to signing of 414 MoUs with huge investment coming into the state.

Dr H G Koshia, commissioner of Gujarat FDCA pointed out that pharma sector has alone brought in investment proposals of Rs.4,498 crore of which Rs.3,418 crore is the actual investment through the last concluded Vibrant Gujarat. In fact, Gujarat's popularity as investors' favourite destination for pharma, has helped attracting projects other than through the VG events as well.

He further stressed that the CMO has taken this decision after carefully analysing the outcomes of the previous summits. “After deliberation, the government has decided to promote the pharma sector during this upcoming summit. They have asked us to do a seminar on the pharma sector on the first day highlighting its strengths and investor friendly policies. We will also have huge interactive meetings between the industry members, national and global regulators during this meet so as to address any investor queries,” he added.

He informed that as of 2016 there are 16 ongoing pharma projects in Gujarat worth investment of Rs.117 crore. “Apart from generating huge income for the state, it is also generating employment for the people in the scale of nearly 5,739

plus. All these factors have played a key role in Gujarat's booming economy. We are elated by this decision which is definitely going to imprint Gujarat's stamp as an ideal pharma hub in the global map.”

Pharma has been chosen as the key sector from the 42 other sectors in the state.

During the 7th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit, the pharmaceutical sector too received an overwhelming response, with 201 memorandum of understandings (MoUs) worth of INR 5000 crores signed during the event. Most of these MoUs were in the formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and medical device segments.

Commenting on the success of the pharma segment, Dr. Hemant G Koshia, Commissioner, Food and Drug Control Administration, Gujarat informed that in 2011, the government of Gujarat had initiated Business to Government (B2G) meetings and it has really worked well since the last two summits. He added that this year with the help of B2G, 201 MoUs have been signed.

While sharing the details of MoUs, Dr. Koshia informed that an American pharmaceutical company, Amneal Pharmaceuticals has agreed to invest INR 280 crores for setting up a state-of-the-art formulation facility in Gujarat. Israel-based Teva in partnership with P&G has finalized the expansion of their business operations in Gujarat. Dr. Koshia added that this summit has worked well for the pharma sector and new companies from the US and Europe have shown keen interest in investing in the state.•

THE VIBRANT SECTOR: AN OVERVIEW OF THE PHARMA SEMINAR

The skilled youth of Gujarat are the future of our economy and the state government has

identified and encouraged their progress in every field.

Vibran t Guja ra t Summi t 2017 highlighted this through a special seminar on skill development and creation of employment opportunities for the youth. Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy presided over this seminar.

Maximum employment opportunities a re on ly poss ib le th rough sk i l l development and Gujarat is leading the way amongst various states in India in providing skill development. These were the words of Union Minister of State (I/C) f o r S k i l l D e v e l o p m e n t a n d Entrepreneurship, Rajiv Pratap Rudy,

while addressing the seminar titled 'Skilling and Human Capital.

During the seminar Mr. Rudy spoke about how Gujarat has given a new

direction to India in the field of skill development. He talked about the various steps taken by the Union government to provide skills to the youth, including the 'Pradhan Mantri Kaushalya Yojana'. Mr.

Rudy stated that this seminar for skill-orientation was praise-worthy and the p r o j e c t o f N a r e n d r a M o d i - l e d government 'Make in India' will play a key role in providing employment to skilled youths.

Deputy Director General of Japan International Co-operation Agency, South Asia Department Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto also addressed the seminar. He talked about how India had the potential to become a superpower through the strenght of its youth. He talked about how, over 30,000 youths will be given training under the Japan-India Institute for manufacturing. In the first phase of this programme the states of Gujarat, Karnataka and Rajasthan have been selected.•

EMPOWERING THE YOUTH: A SEMINAR ON SKILLING AND HUMAN CAPITAL

40 the GUJARAT 41 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

VIBRANT GUJARAT GLOBAL TRADE SHOW

ibrant Gujarat global trade show was inaugurated by Prime Minister VMr Narendra Modi, where about 1500 entities participated from India and abroad. Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade show was organized at an

unparalleled scale under the tutelage of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017.

More than 15 lakh people and representatives from over 80 countries visited and participated in the vibrant Gujarat global trade show in the span of five days. The show had two parts, business seminars were held on January 10 and 11 and on January 12 and 13, the exhibition was opened for visitors. It was India's largest exhibition covering 1.25 lakh sq mt of gross area.

Special incentives were given to MSMEs and women entrepreneurs participating in the Global Trade show. Companies from various sectors including automobiles, agro and food, pharmaceuticals, defence, energy, environment, petrochemicals, biotechnology, engineering maritime, IT, textile, tourism had set up their pavilions which attracted attention both from investors as well as curious public.•

42 the GUJARAT 43 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

VIBRANT GUJARAT GLOBAL TRADE SHOW

ibrant Gujarat global trade show was inaugurated by Prime Minister VMr Narendra Modi, where about 1500 entities participated from India and abroad. Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade show was organized at an

unparalleled scale under the tutelage of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017.

More than 15 lakh people and representatives from over 80 countries visited and participated in the vibrant Gujarat global trade show in the span of five days. The show had two parts, business seminars were held on January 10 and 11 and on January 12 and 13, the exhibition was opened for visitors. It was India's largest exhibition covering 1.25 lakh sq mt of gross area.

Special incentives were given to MSMEs and women entrepreneurs participating in the Global Trade show. Companies from various sectors including automobiles, agro and food, pharmaceuticals, defence, energy, environment, petrochemicals, biotechnology, engineering maritime, IT, textile, tourism had set up their pavilions which attracted attention both from investors as well as curious public.•

42 the GUJARAT 43 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

The eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

drew to a close at the sprawling Mahatma Mandir Complex in thGandhinagar on the 13 January 2017. Having established

itself as the biggest congregation of corporate leaders, policy

makers and analysts in the country, this edition of the Vibrant

Gujarat Summit witnessed 25,578 MoUs that were signed

between companies or with the government.

The list of partnering organisations for the event at

Gandhinagar included some of the world’s top associations

like The British Council, US India Business Council, UK India

Business Council, Japan External Trade Organisation

(JETRO) and the Australia India Business Council among

others.

The grand stage set up during the Vibrant Gujarat Global

Summit was utilised by nations across the world to showcase

their strengths, to promote reasons to build strategic business

partnerships and initiate ventures. This edition of Vibrant

Gujarat Global Summit included partner countries such as

Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, The Netherlands,

Poland, Singapore, Sweden, UAE, UK and the USA.

We have curated a series of pictures where nations across the

world showcased themselves at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.•

Nations attendVibrant Gujarat Summit

44 the GUJARAT 45 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

The eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

drew to a close at the sprawling Mahatma Mandir Complex in thGandhinagar on the 13 January 2017. Having established

itself as the biggest congregation of corporate leaders, policy

makers and analysts in the country, this edition of the Vibrant

Gujarat Summit witnessed 25,578 MoUs that were signed

between companies or with the government.

The list of partnering organisations for the event at

Gandhinagar included some of the world’s top associations

like The British Council, US India Business Council, UK India

Business Council, Japan External Trade Organisation

(JETRO) and the Australia India Business Council among

others.

The grand stage set up during the Vibrant Gujarat Global

Summit was utilised by nations across the world to showcase

their strengths, to promote reasons to build strategic business

partnerships and initiate ventures. This edition of Vibrant

Gujarat Global Summit included partner countries such as

Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, The Netherlands,

Poland, Singapore, Sweden, UAE, UK and the USA.

We have curated a series of pictures where nations across the

world showcased themselves at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.•

Nations attendVibrant Gujarat Summit

44 the GUJARAT 45 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

Indian Air Force held a flying display of Sukhoi 30, Akash Ganga and Suryakiran in Gandhinagar on

January 9 as a part of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017. The IAF, along with the Army and the Indian Navy will also showcase their wares at their respective stalls at the Global Trade Show as part of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The IAF flying display was held on January 9 over Swarnim Park at Sector 11 of Gandhinagar in front of the Bank of Baroda building, and with an aim to benefit maximum number of people, a full dress rehearsal of exactly the same sequence was conducted on January 7 from 11:00 am to11:40 am at the same venue, which was open to the public. The show had three displays: fifteen para-

troopers of Akash Ganga dropped from Mi-17 V-5 helicopters, advanced aerobatics by Sukoi 30 fighter jets and Suryakiran formations.

The audience held their breath while watching the performance of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets amid the thunderous roar of its engines. The aircraft performed

a range of awe inspiring manoeuvres, including the 'tail slide' and 'vertical Charlie', before handing over the skies to the 'Surya Kiran' formation aerobatics team.

The four Hawk aircraft formed the 'rays of the sun' and then went ahead showcasing the extreme skills and precision. After displaying various formations in the air, they signed off with an 'India Formation'.The Aakash Ganga team of the IAF came next, para-dropped from a MI-17V5 helicopter dotting the sky with vibrant colours, predominantly saffron, white and green. The para-gliders landed barely a few meters in front of the spectators much to their delight and amazement.•

Air show

GIFTCITY

THE FUTURE OF FINANCEW h e n t h e G i f t c i t y w a s “conceptualised, I was Chief M i n i s t e r o f G u j a r a t .

Technological progress had accelerated manifold. We had world class talent of Indian origin working in India and abroad. India had a leadership position in Information Technology. Finance was being increasingly married to technology. It was becoming very clear to us that finance combined with technology, or “fintech” as it is sometimes called, would be an important part of India's future development.

I deliberated a lot with experts about how to make India, a thought leader, in the field of Finance. It was clear that we would need to have the best facilities and the ability to transact in all markets in the world. GIFT city was born out of this vision. Our aim was to provide world class facilities to India's world class talent in finance and technology. Today, with the inauguration of this Exchange, we have reached an important landmark in achieving that vision,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sounding the inaugural bell of BSE's first international exchange 'India International Exchange (INX)' at the country's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at the Gujarat International Finance-Tec (GIFT) City in Gandhinagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that in next 10 years the IFSCwill be a price setter for various instruments.

"My vision for GIFT City is larger. In next 10 years from now, I see GIFT City become a price setter for at least a few of the largest traded instruments in the

world , whether in commodit ies , currencies, equities, interest rates derivatives or any other financial instruments. Over the next 10 years I expect this city to generate several lakhs of jobs," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A subsidiary of Bombay Stock Exchange, India INX is one of the world's most advanced technology platforms with a turn-around-time of 4 micro seconds which will operate for 22 hours a day; allowing international investors and NRIs to trade from anywhere across the globe.

INX will trade initially in equity derivatives, currency derivatives, commodity derivatives including index and stocks. It plans to offer depository receipts and bonds later. Modi, after opening the exchange by sounding the virtual gong, termed it as a “momentous occasion for Indian financial sector”.

Operating from the first floor of the 16-s t o r e y ' H i r a n a n d a n i S i g n a t u r e ' commercial, India INX will be the fastest international exchange in the world in terms of order response time, with a median trade speed of four microseconds. This, according to BSE Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ashish Kumar Chauhan, is better than its own domestic exchange at Mumbai, which has an order response time of six microseconds. In 2015, BSE had become the fastest exchange in the world with the six microseconds median trade speed. In compar i son , t he s econd f a s t e s t international exchange at Singapore has a n o r d e r r e s p o n s e t i m e o f 6 0 microseconds.

What's more, India INX at IFSC will be open for trading for 22 hours every day. The exchange will open for trading activity daily at 4 am when exchanges in Japan open, and close at 2 am when exchanges in the US close.

Modi said that India was in a better time zone between the eastern and western markets and through the international exchange, it could provide services during day and night.

In the next three years, BSE will be investing around Rs 500 crore in the international exchange. India INX will begin operations with 100 employees, most of whom have relocated from Mumbai, apart from local and foreign personnel. In addition, about 100 brokers have applied to shift to IFSC, of which 50 have already taken space at Hiranandani Signature, which has so far seen 30 per cent of the 4.2 million sq ft of commercial space being signed up including BSE's India INX, Kotak Mahindra Bank and other brokerages.

It needs to be mentioned here that financial institutions operating out of the temporary structure within IFSC have so far conducted business transactions worth $1 billion.

In the first phase, the IFSC will provide services in equity, commodities, currencies, and interest rates derivatives, in later phase, it will be offering other financial instruments including masala bonds.

Meanwhile, according to Mr. Chauhan, the GIFT City will help bring investments worth $ 1-3 trillion in the next 10-15 years. •

46 the GUJARAT 47 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

Indian Air Force held a flying display of Sukhoi 30, Akash Ganga and Suryakiran in Gandhinagar on

January 9 as a part of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017. The IAF, along with the Army and the Indian Navy will also showcase their wares at their respective stalls at the Global Trade Show as part of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The IAF flying display was held on January 9 over Swarnim Park at Sector 11 of Gandhinagar in front of the Bank of Baroda building, and with an aim to benefit maximum number of people, a full dress rehearsal of exactly the same sequence was conducted on January 7 from 11:00 am to11:40 am at the same venue, which was open to the public. The show had three displays: fifteen para-

troopers of Akash Ganga dropped from Mi-17 V-5 helicopters, advanced aerobatics by Sukoi 30 fighter jets and Suryakiran formations.

The audience held their breath while watching the performance of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets amid the thunderous roar of its engines. The aircraft performed

a range of awe inspiring manoeuvres, including the 'tail slide' and 'vertical Charlie', before handing over the skies to the 'Surya Kiran' formation aerobatics team.

The four Hawk aircraft formed the 'rays of the sun' and then went ahead showcasing the extreme skills and precision. After displaying various formations in the air, they signed off with an 'India Formation'.The Aakash Ganga team of the IAF came next, para-dropped from a MI-17V5 helicopter dotting the sky with vibrant colours, predominantly saffron, white and green. The para-gliders landed barely a few meters in front of the spectators much to their delight and amazement.•

Air show

GIFTCITY

THE FUTURE OF FINANCEW h e n t h e G i f t c i t y w a s “conceptualised, I was Chief M i n i s t e r o f G u j a r a t .

Technological progress had accelerated manifold. We had world class talent of Indian origin working in India and abroad. India had a leadership position in Information Technology. Finance was being increasingly married to technology. It was becoming very clear to us that finance combined with technology, or “fintech” as it is sometimes called, would be an important part of India's future development.

I deliberated a lot with experts about how to make India, a thought leader, in the field of Finance. It was clear that we would need to have the best facilities and the ability to transact in all markets in the world. GIFT city was born out of this vision. Our aim was to provide world class facilities to India's world class talent in finance and technology. Today, with the inauguration of this Exchange, we have reached an important landmark in achieving that vision,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sounding the inaugural bell of BSE's first international exchange 'India International Exchange (INX)' at the country's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at the Gujarat International Finance-Tec (GIFT) City in Gandhinagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that in next 10 years the IFSCwill be a price setter for various instruments.

"My vision for GIFT City is larger. In next 10 years from now, I see GIFT City become a price setter for at least a few of the largest traded instruments in the

world , whether in commodit ies , currencies, equities, interest rates derivatives or any other financial instruments. Over the next 10 years I expect this city to generate several lakhs of jobs," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A subsidiary of Bombay Stock Exchange, India INX is one of the world's most advanced technology platforms with a turn-around-time of 4 micro seconds which will operate for 22 hours a day; allowing international investors and NRIs to trade from anywhere across the globe.

INX will trade initially in equity derivatives, currency derivatives, commodity derivatives including index and stocks. It plans to offer depository receipts and bonds later. Modi, after opening the exchange by sounding the virtual gong, termed it as a “momentous occasion for Indian financial sector”.

Operating from the first floor of the 16-s t o r e y ' H i r a n a n d a n i S i g n a t u r e ' commercial, India INX will be the fastest international exchange in the world in terms of order response time, with a median trade speed of four microseconds. This, according to BSE Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ashish Kumar Chauhan, is better than its own domestic exchange at Mumbai, which has an order response time of six microseconds. In 2015, BSE had become the fastest exchange in the world with the six microseconds median trade speed. In compar i son , t he s econd f a s t e s t international exchange at Singapore has a n o r d e r r e s p o n s e t i m e o f 6 0 microseconds.

What's more, India INX at IFSC will be open for trading for 22 hours every day. The exchange will open for trading activity daily at 4 am when exchanges in Japan open, and close at 2 am when exchanges in the US close.

Modi said that India was in a better time zone between the eastern and western markets and through the international exchange, it could provide services during day and night.

In the next three years, BSE will be investing around Rs 500 crore in the international exchange. India INX will begin operations with 100 employees, most of whom have relocated from Mumbai, apart from local and foreign personnel. In addition, about 100 brokers have applied to shift to IFSC, of which 50 have already taken space at Hiranandani Signature, which has so far seen 30 per cent of the 4.2 million sq ft of commercial space being signed up including BSE's India INX, Kotak Mahindra Bank and other brokerages.

It needs to be mentioned here that financial institutions operating out of the temporary structure within IFSC have so far conducted business transactions worth $1 billion.

In the first phase, the IFSC will provide services in equity, commodities, currencies, and interest rates derivatives, in later phase, it will be offering other financial instruments including masala bonds.

Meanwhile, according to Mr. Chauhan, the GIFT City will help bring investments worth $ 1-3 trillion in the next 10-15 years. •

46 the GUJARAT 47 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

COVER STORY COVER STORY

PHOTO FEATURE PHOTO FEATURE

thhe 68 Republic Day was celebrated with much Tfanfare in Gujarat with State Governor O. P. Kohli unfurling the national flag at Vallabh Vidyanagar town

of Anand district in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

The state level function to celebrate Republic Day was held in Vallabh Vidyanagar. Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he was the state's Chief Minister, the tradition has been to observe such functions outside the state capital of Gandhinagar. Parade, tableaux displaying various scheme of the state government and presentation of cultural programmes was also held at Shastri Maidan in Vallabh Vidya Nagar.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani greeted the citizens on the occasion and tweeted "The parade is display of forces might, talent and preparedness to counter enemies - visible and invisible. Republic Day Celebration, Anand".

Gujarat Frontier of Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated the day at their headquarter in Gandhinagar.

Among many other schools, colleges and institutions, Republic Day was also celebrated at the famous Somnath Temple in Gir-Somnath district.•

REPUBLIC DAY

CELEBRATION IN

GUJARAT

48 the GUJARAT 49 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

PHOTO FEATURE PHOTO FEATURE

thhe 68 Republic Day was celebrated with much Tfanfare in Gujarat with State Governor O. P. Kohli unfurling the national flag at Vallabh Vidyanagar town

of Anand district in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

The state level function to celebrate Republic Day was held in Vallabh Vidyanagar. Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he was the state's Chief Minister, the tradition has been to observe such functions outside the state capital of Gandhinagar. Parade, tableaux displaying various scheme of the state government and presentation of cultural programmes was also held at Shastri Maidan in Vallabh Vidya Nagar.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani greeted the citizens on the occasion and tweeted "The parade is display of forces might, talent and preparedness to counter enemies - visible and invisible. Republic Day Celebration, Anand".

Gujarat Frontier of Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated the day at their headquarter in Gandhinagar.

Among many other schools, colleges and institutions, Republic Day was also celebrated at the famous Somnath Temple in Gir-Somnath district.•

REPUBLIC DAY

CELEBRATION IN

GUJARAT

48 the GUJARAT 49 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

by Team ‘the Gujarat’

IN CONVERSATION IN CONVERSATION

IN CONVERSATION WITHDEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER

NITIN PATELn the heart of the serene capital city of IGandhinagar stands a splendid

structure where ministers and

secretaries work relentlessly for the welfare

of the people of Gujarat. This grand structure

known as Swarnim Sankul is also the office

of Deputy Chief Minister, Nitin Patel. Over a

warm cup of tea, the humble politician who

is a public-welfare servant at heart talked to

the team of the Gujarat. In a candid

conversation with Arvind Patel, Nitin Patel

spoke about his lifestyle, his political

journey, his attitude towards life and many

other interesting subjects that will intrigue

our readers.

How does a typical day of your life start?I am a common man like everyone. My day

starts as usual with my daily chores. As a

Deputy Chief Minister there is one little

difference in my routine, which makes all the

difference. I live for the people. Therefore

the minute I wake up I start receiving lots of

phone calls and I must respond to many

messages on my phone. I don't keep my

phone aside even for a minute after I wake

up. I listen to officers who inform me about

the people's problems, I listen to the people

themselves if they have any concerns and I

listen to my well-wishers who like to keep in

touch with me. I am always approachable to

anyone who needs to get in touch with me.

51 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017

IN CONVERSATION IN CONVERSATION

IN CONVERSATION WITHDEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER

NITIN PATELn the heart of the serene capital city of IGandhinagar stands a splendid

structure where ministers and

secretaries work relentlessly for the welfare

of the people of Gujarat. This grand structure

known as Swarnim Sankul is also the office

of Deputy Chief Minister, Nitin Patel. Over a

warm cup of tea, the humble politician who

is a public-welfare servant at heart talked to

the team of the Gujarat. In a candid

conversation with Arvind Patel, Nitin Patel

spoke about his lifestyle, his political

journey, his attitude towards life and many

other interesting subjects that will intrigue

our readers.

How does a typical day of your life start?I am a common man like everyone. My day

starts as usual with my daily chores. As a

Deputy Chief Minister there is one little

difference in my routine, which makes all the

difference. I live for the people. Therefore

the minute I wake up I start receiving lots of

phone calls and I must respond to many

messages on my phone. I don't keep my

phone aside even for a minute after I wake

up. I listen to officers who inform me about

the people's problems, I listen to the people

themselves if they have any concerns and I

listen to my well-wishers who like to keep in

touch with me. I am always approachable to

anyone who needs to get in touch with me.

51 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017

In a stressful lifestyle with so many responsibilities one can get exhausted physically as well as mentally. What is your health routine that keeps you fit and going?My entire day is dedicated to the people. I hardly take out any time for making a healthy routine. I don't get enough time to exercise or even take a leisurely walk. But my family is my

backbone. My wife is always concerned about my health. She makes sure that I compensate for the lack of a healthy routine by maintaining a healthy diet. I have healthy vegetable soups everyday for instance. I can say that it is the blessings of my well wishers as well as the love and care from my family that keeps me healthy

and going.

You have led a very inspirational life and today you are the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat. What has been your source of inspiration in your life?

I have been living the life of a public servant as long as I can remember. I had participated in the Navnirmaan Andolan in my second year of college, which was in 1974. Since then it has become my passion. I get a sense of happiness and satisfaction knowing that by my contribution someone has benefited, someone's problem was solved, someone has progressed.

How has your family environment influenced your life?

Right from my grandfather's generation my family has been involved in serving the people. My grandfather was actively involved in the independence struggle. My family has been instrumental in setting up hospitals and cooperative banks for the benefit of the people. Values of public service have been instilled in me since childhood. This is what I grew up seeing, this is what I grew up learning and this is what I grew up doing myself.

Since your entire life has been dedicated to serving the people, how do you find a balance between public life and family life?Since decades I have hardly had a family life. Most of my day goes in public services. As a Deputy Chief Minister I have many responsibilities on my shoulder and I give utmost priority to that. It is difficult to find a balance. But it makes me stronger knowing that I have my family's support and love at every stage of my life. This support system gives me more confidence in my pursuit.

What do you like to read?I have been very fond of reading ever

since my childhood. When I was in school I used to love to read. Even though I don't get as much time to catch up on reading with my current responsibilities, when ever possible I always like to find a good book and give it a read. I read various genres and I have many favourite authors.

Can you tell us about the turning point in your career that has brought you where you are?

When we talk about a turning point I can only think of the year 1990, the year I became a Vidhan Sabha Candidate. At that time I was the Kadi Nagar Palika President. Our Minister was Nathabhai Zagade. He had visited our district at the time. He was visiting a senior leader of the RSS, to choose a candidate for Vidhan Sabha elections. I was invited to that meeting. Over there he told me that I must stand for the elections. I gladly obliged and stood for the elections. With the blessings of my seniors, from Nagar Palika president I became a Vidhan Sabha candidate and owing to my well-wishers, I won that election.

Can you share some of your fond childhood memories?

I believe in living in the moment. I have had a wonderful childhood and made the most of it at the time. This is true for each stage of my life. I also lived a very active youth stage. Which brings us to now. Even today I live fully. Of course at times one feels

nostalgic about the old times but I strongly believe in living for now and making the most of each precious moment.

Can you tell us about your interest in sports?In my youth I was very active in sports. I have played table tennis, volleyball and even cricket. I enjoy sports event today and I like to watch the young talent of our state come up and show their excellence in the field of sports. It brings me immense pride and joy seeing our talented Gujaratis bring laurels to the state in every sport.

Can you tell us about your own success story?

The key to my success can be defined in two simple heartfelt words- God's grace. There are many people out there who are passionate to work hard and achieve something for themselves and the people at large. I am one such person. I have been blessed to receive an opportunity to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, the most progressive state of the country.

How do you define good leadership?I am a loyal party man. I strongly believe that through team work alone one can achieve something. I am only one individual. With me I have the strength of my party, the support of the party workers and other members and the inspiration from millions of Gujaratis. One person alone cannot be a strong leader. It has to be a joint effort.

What is your focus for 2017 elections?

Dedicated effort towards empowering the youth. We aim to nurture an entire generation to enable them to carry on the Mission towards development of our state. We have also kept sensitive focus on agriculture. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy as well as the grassroots of our society. Development in the field of agriculture and empowerment of those engaged in the activity is of utmost priority for the government. Gujarat is already

advanced in infrastructure. Our aim, now, is to ensure inclusive development.

Do you look at the smart city project in Gujarat as a challenge?

I have been in the Urban Development Ministry for five years. I have had immense experience in urban development. With years of experience and a strong support system I don't find any task at hand challenging as such. I am ambitious about the smart city project and I am confident of its success.

Based on your years of experience what do you see for Gujarat in the year 2020?Gujarat state machinery as well as the citizens of Gujarat are very progressive and ambitious. I see a lot of technological advancement in the state. I see this development penetrate in the field of health, medicine and education effectively. Peoples demands are going to reach to another level. The new generation will progress solely owing to technological advancement in the state.

What are the future challenges that you as Deputy Chief Minister see for Gujarat?

I will not call them challenges but my future ambitions. With that being said I feel that currently the focus is on maximum reach of all government schemes. The farsighted government has many schemes in place for the empowerment of all sections of the society for development in every field and for progress of the entire state. Our aim now is to communicate this to every citizen and to ensure that each person till the last mile receives the benefit of these schemes.

You have a short time span in hand to make a difference. How will you make the most of this time?I don't see my time span for public service as just one and half years. I have been serving the people of the state since last 15 years. Development of the state is not a short-term goal for me. It is a long-term process and a

journey that has been going on for the last 15 years. Hopefully my hard work of the past years will bear fruit now and we can all benefit from the difference I have made with my humble contributions.

After becoming the Deputy Chief Minister how do you maintain your connect with the common man?

Nothing has changed this regard after becoming the Deputy Chief Minister. I still meet each and everyone who approaches me. I get most pleasure from being of help to the people. My doors are always open for the people. One thing we stand for very passionately is to build an inclusive government, which the people can consider their own.

How do you see politics?I think of politics as an entity that

must exist. Many institutions will arise, new workers will join the field of politics and new candidates will come up in the field. My hope is that the new generation of workers and candidates that join politics are 'seva-bhavi' and welfare oriented at heart.

Many people who see you personally and even in photographs are curious to know why you are always dressed in white. Can you tell us about it?

I have been dressing in white for a few years now. This has come to be my regular choice of clothing. I have never given it too much thought but I guess I enjoy the simplicity of it.

What is your message for the youth of the state?

I would like to urge the new generation to use the strengths that they have to manage everything well. I urge them to find their priorities and work on them relentlessly. My message to them is to focus on their families and always abide by the values that they have grown up with. I urge them to contribute wholeheartedly for the betterment of their society. And I also urge them to be a proud patriot.•

IN CONVERSATION IN CONVERSATION

52 the GUJARAT 53 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

In a stressful lifestyle with so many responsibilities one can get exhausted physically as well as mentally. What is your health routine that keeps you fit and going?My entire day is dedicated to the people. I hardly take out any time for making a healthy routine. I don't get enough time to exercise or even take a leisurely walk. But my family is my

backbone. My wife is always concerned about my health. She makes sure that I compensate for the lack of a healthy routine by maintaining a healthy diet. I have healthy vegetable soups everyday for instance. I can say that it is the blessings of my well wishers as well as the love and care from my family that keeps me healthy

and going.

You have led a very inspirational life and today you are the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat. What has been your source of inspiration in your life?

I have been living the life of a public servant as long as I can remember. I had participated in the Navnirmaan Andolan in my second year of college, which was in 1974. Since then it has become my passion. I get a sense of happiness and satisfaction knowing that by my contribution someone has benefited, someone's problem was solved, someone has progressed.

How has your family environment influenced your life?

Right from my grandfather's generation my family has been involved in serving the people. My grandfather was actively involved in the independence struggle. My family has been instrumental in setting up hospitals and cooperative banks for the benefit of the people. Values of public service have been instilled in me since childhood. This is what I grew up seeing, this is what I grew up learning and this is what I grew up doing myself.

Since your entire life has been dedicated to serving the people, how do you find a balance between public life and family life?Since decades I have hardly had a family life. Most of my day goes in public services. As a Deputy Chief Minister I have many responsibilities on my shoulder and I give utmost priority to that. It is difficult to find a balance. But it makes me stronger knowing that I have my family's support and love at every stage of my life. This support system gives me more confidence in my pursuit.

What do you like to read?I have been very fond of reading ever

since my childhood. When I was in school I used to love to read. Even though I don't get as much time to catch up on reading with my current responsibilities, when ever possible I always like to find a good book and give it a read. I read various genres and I have many favourite authors.

Can you tell us about the turning point in your career that has brought you where you are?

When we talk about a turning point I can only think of the year 1990, the year I became a Vidhan Sabha Candidate. At that time I was the Kadi Nagar Palika President. Our Minister was Nathabhai Zagade. He had visited our district at the time. He was visiting a senior leader of the RSS, to choose a candidate for Vidhan Sabha elections. I was invited to that meeting. Over there he told me that I must stand for the elections. I gladly obliged and stood for the elections. With the blessings of my seniors, from Nagar Palika president I became a Vidhan Sabha candidate and owing to my well-wishers, I won that election.

Can you share some of your fond childhood memories?

I believe in living in the moment. I have had a wonderful childhood and made the most of it at the time. This is true for each stage of my life. I also lived a very active youth stage. Which brings us to now. Even today I live fully. Of course at times one feels

nostalgic about the old times but I strongly believe in living for now and making the most of each precious moment.

Can you tell us about your interest in sports?In my youth I was very active in sports. I have played table tennis, volleyball and even cricket. I enjoy sports event today and I like to watch the young talent of our state come up and show their excellence in the field of sports. It brings me immense pride and joy seeing our talented Gujaratis bring laurels to the state in every sport.

Can you tell us about your own success story?

The key to my success can be defined in two simple heartfelt words- God's grace. There are many people out there who are passionate to work hard and achieve something for themselves and the people at large. I am one such person. I have been blessed to receive an opportunity to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, the most progressive state of the country.

How do you define good leadership?I am a loyal party man. I strongly believe that through team work alone one can achieve something. I am only one individual. With me I have the strength of my party, the support of the party workers and other members and the inspiration from millions of Gujaratis. One person alone cannot be a strong leader. It has to be a joint effort.

What is your focus for 2017 elections?

Dedicated effort towards empowering the youth. We aim to nurture an entire generation to enable them to carry on the Mission towards development of our state. We have also kept sensitive focus on agriculture. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy as well as the grassroots of our society. Development in the field of agriculture and empowerment of those engaged in the activity is of utmost priority for the government. Gujarat is already

advanced in infrastructure. Our aim, now, is to ensure inclusive development.

Do you look at the smart city project in Gujarat as a challenge?

I have been in the Urban Development Ministry for five years. I have had immense experience in urban development. With years of experience and a strong support system I don't find any task at hand challenging as such. I am ambitious about the smart city project and I am confident of its success.

Based on your years of experience what do you see for Gujarat in the year 2020?Gujarat state machinery as well as the citizens of Gujarat are very progressive and ambitious. I see a lot of technological advancement in the state. I see this development penetrate in the field of health, medicine and education effectively. Peoples demands are going to reach to another level. The new generation will progress solely owing to technological advancement in the state.

What are the future challenges that you as Deputy Chief Minister see for Gujarat?

I will not call them challenges but my future ambitions. With that being said I feel that currently the focus is on maximum reach of all government schemes. The farsighted government has many schemes in place for the empowerment of all sections of the society for development in every field and for progress of the entire state. Our aim now is to communicate this to every citizen and to ensure that each person till the last mile receives the benefit of these schemes.

You have a short time span in hand to make a difference. How will you make the most of this time?I don't see my time span for public service as just one and half years. I have been serving the people of the state since last 15 years. Development of the state is not a short-term goal for me. It is a long-term process and a

journey that has been going on for the last 15 years. Hopefully my hard work of the past years will bear fruit now and we can all benefit from the difference I have made with my humble contributions.

After becoming the Deputy Chief Minister how do you maintain your connect with the common man?

Nothing has changed this regard after becoming the Deputy Chief Minister. I still meet each and everyone who approaches me. I get most pleasure from being of help to the people. My doors are always open for the people. One thing we stand for very passionately is to build an inclusive government, which the people can consider their own.

How do you see politics?I think of politics as an entity that

must exist. Many institutions will arise, new workers will join the field of politics and new candidates will come up in the field. My hope is that the new generation of workers and candidates that join politics are 'seva-bhavi' and welfare oriented at heart.

Many people who see you personally and even in photographs are curious to know why you are always dressed in white. Can you tell us about it?

I have been dressing in white for a few years now. This has come to be my regular choice of clothing. I have never given it too much thought but I guess I enjoy the simplicity of it.

What is your message for the youth of the state?

I would like to urge the new generation to use the strengths that they have to manage everything well. I urge them to find their priorities and work on them relentlessly. My message to them is to focus on their families and always abide by the values that they have grown up with. I urge them to contribute wholeheartedly for the betterment of their society. And I also urge them to be a proud patriot.•

IN CONVERSATION IN CONVERSATION

52 the GUJARAT 53 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017JANUARY, 2017

needed them the most. It is with a heavy heart that I had to choose between my responsibilities towards my family and my duties towards the people. Eventually my duties towards the people became a passion for me and today I consider it public welfare rather than duty.

Tell us about your journey from a teacher in Dholka to Education Minister of Gujarat

As a teacher I was a strict disciplinarian. I always believed that quality of education will enable a child to compete with the world, and culture and discipline will enable a child to be a strong-willed citizen. I treasure these values even today as an education minister. Strength and will power are of utmost significance in these days and age where students are under depression and stress. To address this issue I have taken some initiatives like including an inspiring poem “ Manushya to bada mahaan hai” in the school syllabus to educate them about the value of life. It is my sincere hope that the teachers can impart this education whole heartedly to nurture strong-willed citizens of tomorrow. Examinations have become a very stressful environment for students and at times they are misguided and they resort to unfair means. To ensure that examinations are carried out as a fair and disciplined process we have taken an initiative to install CCTV cameras in examination halls. Now the students can

excel at their own credentials and on their merit. When you meet an accomplished citizen you can see that the building block of his success is his education.

Revenue Ministry is closely associated directly with the people. Tell us about your experiences as the Revenue Minister

I am a welfare oriented person at heart and welfare of the people is always a priority for good governance. As a revenue minister my priority has been that people's problems are resolved with ease and simplicity. For this, we have successfully initiated 'Seva Setu' and 'Pragati Setu' for immediate and prompt redressal of grievances. With Seva Setu individual problems like availing Aadhar card, ration card, widow assistance and land survey are being resolved. With Pragati Setu collective issues like road construction are being addressed. These initiatives have helped people of the state and given a new identi ty to the development of common man.

One of the major decisions of the government this year has been demonetisation. What are your views on it?

Demonetisation is a very daring and positive step of the government towards making India corruption free. Not only has this move curbed black-money but it

has also put a check on counterfeits. Such a major move requires the collective efforts of every citizen because of which many have faced inconveniences. I urge them to consider this as a temporary situation and contribute towards a better India. Along with the CM, we have held workshops throughout the state to make people aware about cashless payment so that Gujarat becomes the leader in Digital Banking sector. This programme will broadcast live by e-gram network through BISAG and also on DD Direct (DTH) Gujarati channel.

In conclusion, what is your message for the youth of Gujarat?

Back in the days, when I was a teacher, I was closely associated with the youth. They are our future and should be nurtured to become great citizens. My only message to them is to be considerate about depleting resources and conserve water and electricity. Normally, I am a very calm person but when I see people wasting resources I feel deeply outraged. I also urge the youth to have faith in our country and be true Patriots. •

Rapid Fire Round

Favourite food : Khichdi, Bhakhri and Vegetables

Favourite Author : Raghuveer Chaudhary

Favourite Colour : Saffron

Favourite Game: Cricket

Favourite Singer: Mukesh

Favourite Actor: My friend, Manoj Kumar

Favourite Holiday destination: Sardar Sarovar

Favourite Flower : Rose

Favourite Song: “Ae mere pyaare vatan…”

Favourite Values: Manners and Discipline

Life’s Mission : Janseva (Public Welfare)

You come across as a calm and composed person who is strong-willed at the same time. What is the secret behind your composure?I owe it all to my religious beliefs. My daily prayer rituals help me start my day with positivity. It helps me remain calm and clears my mind of all the stress. I am a true believer in God and my unshakable faith in Him helps me through any challenges that come my way. I sincerely follow my religious rituals and observe fasts as part of my devotion. This is the source of my strength and will-power. Being as religious as I am, has made me believe and respect not only my religion but that of all communities.

You have contributed signicantly towards bringing equality and harmony among various communities in the state. Can you tell us about this aspect of your life?I hail from a place where I was perceived as a very staunch Hindu leader. Initially I

faced a lot of resistance among the people there due to communal differences. This inspired me to work harder towards achieving communal harmony and creating my own image as a Leader of Equality. I started various initiatives like participating in the 'Jai Bhim' rally on 14th April and organising 'Samuh Bhojan' for social equality.

Tel l us about some ch i ldhood memories that are dear to youMy school was an integral part of my childhood. It is the place which nurtured me to be the man I am today. It was on those classroom benches that I learnt about inspiring world leaders and like every other child dreamt about my future. I relive those childhood memories when I

visit the campus of Saraswati School which turns into a voting booth

during elections and I cast my vote with utmost pride.

How do you maintain a balance between your family life and public life?We have always been a close knit family unit and have stood by each other through thick and thin. I felt very special when I got their love

and support when I

IN CONVERSATION WITH

BHUPENDRASINHCHUDASAMA

IN CONVERSATION IN CONVERSATION

55 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017

The renowned leader and Minister of Education and Revenue, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama opens up about his life and political journey in a candid interview with Pulak Trivedi.

needed them the most. It is with a heavy heart that I had to choose between my responsibilities towards my family and my duties towards the people. Eventually my duties towards the people became a passion for me and today I consider it public welfare rather than duty.

Tell us about your journey from a teacher in Dholka to Education Minister of Gujarat

As a teacher I was a strict disciplinarian. I always believed that quality of education will enable a child to compete with the world, and culture and discipline will enable a child to be a strong-willed citizen. I treasure these values even today as an education minister. Strength and will power are of utmost significance in these days and age where students are under depression and stress. To address this issue I have taken some initiatives like including an inspiring poem “ Manushya to bada mahaan hai” in the school syllabus to educate them about the value of life. It is my sincere hope that the teachers can impart this education whole heartedly to nurture strong-willed citizens of tomorrow. Examinations have become a very stressful environment for students and at times they are misguided and they resort to unfair means. To ensure that examinations are carried out as a fair and disciplined process we have taken an initiative to install CCTV cameras in examination halls. Now the students can

excel at their own credentials and on their merit. When you meet an accomplished citizen you can see that the building block of his success is his education.

Revenue Ministry is closely associated directly with the people. Tell us about your experiences as the Revenue Minister

I am a welfare oriented person at heart and welfare of the people is always a priority for good governance. As a revenue minister my priority has been that people's problems are resolved with ease and simplicity. For this, we have successfully initiated 'Seva Setu' and 'Pragati Setu' for immediate and prompt redressal of grievances. With Seva Setu individual problems like availing Aadhar card, ration card, widow assistance and land survey are being resolved. With Pragati Setu collective issues like road construction are being addressed. These initiatives have helped people of the state and given a new identi ty to the development of common man.

One of the major decisions of the government this year has been demonetisation. What are your views on it?

Demonetisation is a very daring and positive step of the government towards making India corruption free. Not only has this move curbed black-money but it

has also put a check on counterfeits. Such a major move requires the collective efforts of every citizen because of which many have faced inconveniences. I urge them to consider this as a temporary situation and contribute towards a better India. Along with the CM, we have held workshops throughout the state to make people aware about cashless payment so that Gujarat becomes the leader in Digital Banking sector. This programme will broadcast live by e-gram network through BISAG and also on DD Direct (DTH) Gujarati channel.

In conclusion, what is your message for the youth of Gujarat?

Back in the days, when I was a teacher, I was closely associated with the youth. They are our future and should be nurtured to become great citizens. My only message to them is to be considerate about depleting resources and conserve water and electricity. Normally, I am a very calm person but when I see people wasting resources I feel deeply outraged. I also urge the youth to have faith in our country and be true Patriots. •

Rapid Fire Round

Favourite food : Khichdi, Bhakhri and Vegetables

Favourite Author : Raghuveer Chaudhary

Favourite Colour : Saffron

Favourite Game: Cricket

Favourite Singer: Mukesh

Favourite Actor: My friend, Manoj Kumar

Favourite Holiday destination: Sardar Sarovar

Favourite Flower : Rose

Favourite Song: “Ae mere pyaare vatan…”

Favourite Values: Manners and Discipline

Life’s Mission : Janseva (Public Welfare)

You come across as a calm and composed person who is strong-willed at the same time. What is the secret behind your composure?I owe it all to my religious beliefs. My daily prayer rituals help me start my day with positivity. It helps me remain calm and clears my mind of all the stress. I am a true believer in God and my unshakable faith in Him helps me through any challenges that come my way. I sincerely follow my religious rituals and observe fasts as part of my devotion. This is the source of my strength and will-power. Being as religious as I am, has made me believe and respect not only my religion but that of all communities.

You have contributed signicantly towards bringing equality and harmony among various communities in the state. Can you tell us about this aspect of your life?I hail from a place where I was perceived as a very staunch Hindu leader. Initially I

faced a lot of resistance among the people there due to communal differences. This inspired me to work harder towards achieving communal harmony and creating my own image as a Leader of Equality. I started various initiatives like participating in the 'Jai Bhim' rally on 14th April and organising 'Samuh Bhojan' for social equality.

Tel l us about some ch i ldhood memories that are dear to youMy school was an integral part of my childhood. It is the place which nurtured me to be the man I am today. It was on those classroom benches that I learnt about inspiring world leaders and like every other child dreamt about my future. I relive those childhood memories when I

visit the campus of Saraswati School which turns into a voting booth

during elections and I cast my vote with utmost pride.

How do you maintain a balance between your family life and public life?We have always been a close knit family unit and have stood by each other through thick and thin. I felt very special when I got their love

and support when I

IN CONVERSATION WITH

BHUPENDRASINHCHUDASAMA

IN CONVERSATION IN CONVERSATION

55 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017

The renowned leader and Minister of Education and Revenue, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama opens up about his life and political journey in a candid interview with Pulak Trivedi.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Kavant is a gathering arena for tribal groups since time

immemorial. It is a gathering of the Rathva community to

recreate the joy of existence and life. It is a sheer delight to watch

the exuberance of men and women dressed in their distinctive

finery gradually congregating to sing and dance, discuss

marriages and liaisons, barter goods and services. The Kavant

fair is generally held three days after Holi at the village of Kavant

located in the heart of the Rathva homeland near the town of

Chhota Udepur about a 100 kms from Vadodara which has an air

port, a rail link and is a major city.

The Festival is a catharsis of emotional splendor, a rite of

passage, family liaisons and a successful harvest all

amalgamated into one tremendous exposition of riot and colour.

The Kavant Mela is a prominent tribal festival in the north-

eastern part of Gujarat falling in the month of April. On the way to Kavant village one can sometimes see bedecked groups of

tribals trekking towards the venue. They arrive using a variety of modes of transport, showing off their affluent eye shades, lighters

and radios. Women of each village wear a dupatta and skirt of the same dye while the men wear similar turbans and skirts in order to

differentiate themselves from other sub-groups. Both men and women are bedecked with community specific silver jewellery

which is intricately sinewy and a pleasure to behold.

KAVANT FAIR

Dang Darbar honours the tradition of rulers and other heads of

villages gathering for durbars during the British rule over India. The

tradition continues today in the Dangs, a tribal dominated district, as

many of the former Rajas and Naiks are still accorded status unlike

the princely families whose title and privy purses were abolished.

One of the major festivals of the Dang area, Dang Darbar Fair this thtime will be held on 12 March, 2017. The Dang area is located in the

Satpura hills and is surrounded by lush green forests.

Dang Darbar fair takes place before the colourful festival of Holi

and focuses on the interesting lifestyle of the tribal people of the

Dang area. This fair is held every year in the Ahwa district of Gujarat .

The fair is the perfect place to witness the lifestyle and cultural life of

the native tribal people. The fair is ceremonially opened to the

visitors by the tribal chief who blesses it. Kahalia and Tadpur the

ancient tribal instruments are played during the Dang Darbar Fair.

Dangs Darbar

Gunotsavcelebrates

quality EDUCATION

56 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS

Kavant is a gathering arena for tribal groups since time

immemorial. It is a gathering of the Rathva community to

recreate the joy of existence and life. It is a sheer delight to watch

the exuberance of men and women dressed in their distinctive

finery gradually congregating to sing and dance, discuss

marriages and liaisons, barter goods and services. The Kavant

fair is generally held three days after Holi at the village of Kavant

located in the heart of the Rathva homeland near the town of

Chhota Udepur about a 100 kms from Vadodara which has an air

port, a rail link and is a major city.

The Festival is a catharsis of emotional splendor, a rite of

passage, family liaisons and a successful harvest all

amalgamated into one tremendous exposition of riot and colour.

The Kavant Mela is a prominent tribal festival in the north-

eastern part of Gujarat falling in the month of April. On the way to Kavant village one can sometimes see bedecked groups of

tribals trekking towards the venue. They arrive using a variety of modes of transport, showing off their affluent eye shades, lighters

and radios. Women of each village wear a dupatta and skirt of the same dye while the men wear similar turbans and skirts in order to

differentiate themselves from other sub-groups. Both men and women are bedecked with community specific silver jewellery

which is intricately sinewy and a pleasure to behold.

KAVANT FAIR

Dang Darbar honours the tradition of rulers and other heads of

villages gathering for durbars during the British rule over India. The

tradition continues today in the Dangs, a tribal dominated district, as

many of the former Rajas and Naiks are still accorded status unlike

the princely families whose title and privy purses were abolished.

One of the major festivals of the Dang area, Dang Darbar Fair this thtime will be held on 12 March, 2017. The Dang area is located in the

Satpura hills and is surrounded by lush green forests.

Dang Darbar fair takes place before the colourful festival of Holi

and focuses on the interesting lifestyle of the tribal people of the

Dang area. This fair is held every year in the Ahwa district of Gujarat .

The fair is the perfect place to witness the lifestyle and cultural life of

the native tribal people. The fair is ceremonially opened to the

visitors by the tribal chief who blesses it. Kahalia and Tadpur the

ancient tribal instruments are played during the Dang Darbar Fair.

Dangs Darbar

Gunotsavcelebrates

quality EDUCATION

56 the GUJARAT JANUARY, 2017

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Kankaria Carnival:the week-long urban festival celebrating open

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