The first ever Glorious Gujarat exhibition in the United States held late last month in Edison, New Jersey, ended on a high note with impressive dance and cultural events as well business seminars that organizers said indicated investment interests by American businesses in the western Indian States, media reports here suggest.
The organizers did not immediately say if there were any tangible markers of such interest saying that a number of memorandum of understandings were signed between American businesses and their Indian counterparts from Gujarat.
The business seminar focusing on investment opportunities in Gujarat was opened by Anil Patel, former Industries Minister in the Narendra Modi government in Gujarat. Addressing the large gathering of trade, industry and investors at the opening day of the August 22-23 event, he spoke about the conducive investment in Gujarat.
He talked about the impressive foray Gujaratis have made in India and across the world with their sheer business acumen and foresight. He also talked about various key areas that make Gujarat the most investor-friendly and lucrative destination for foreign investors, and also the investment opportunities available.
Eminent speakers at the event included H.K. Dash, former secretary in the department of Home Affairs and Param Shah, head of FICCI Gujarat State Council. Drumil Patel, Domain Expert- ports and logistic in his presentation on “Destination Gujarat,” provided detailed information on Indian and Gujarat economies, strengths of Gujarat and investment opportunities in various sectors. He mentioned that though not endowed with natural resources like coal or natural gas, Gujarat is now a power surplus state because it could leverage upon its strength in port sector and use imported coal and gas for power generation.
He also shared key information about major projects like Gujarat International Finance Tec City, Delhi- Mumbai Industrial Corridor and Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemicals Industrial Region that would change the industrial landscape of the State.
But it was not just business that made the event attractive to people who attended in large numbers, not only from New Jersey, but also from neighboring states like New York and Philadelphia. True to its event title, the event showcased the state’s rich variety and art and culture, holding a number of dance, musical recitals as well as stage plays.
The Sugam Sangeet program with Nayan Pancholi, Gargi Vora, Bhumik Shah and Himali Vyas Naik presented several soul stirring renditions, including folk music and Gujarati songs. The musical extravaganza with singers like Nayan Pancholi, Gargi Vora, Himali Vyas Nayak, Dipti Shah and Shaili Shah offered excellent mélange of Bollywood and Gujarati folk music in one of the cultural sessions.
At the exhibition zone a real life model of Mahatma Gandhi with the spinning wheel was the cynosure of all eyes. Several visitors lined up to take their pictures along with Gandhiji’s model. Photos of Gujarat’s wildlife of Gujarat were displayed.
Exhibitor companies representing real estate, garments, gems and jewelry, food products and art and paintings drew enthusiastic crowds. The performance hall came live with programs like Sugam Sangeet and with people like Nayan Pancholi, Gargi Vora, Bhumik Shah and Himali Vyas Naik presenting several soul stirring renditions, including folk music and Gujarati songs.
At the event, the organizers gave ‘Glorious Gujarat Award’s to recognize the extraordinary contribution of the U.S. and India-based talents in the field of business, entertainment, medicine have made. Several people, including Manoj Joshi, Prachi Mehta, Zarine Khan, Daisy Shah and Sachin-jigar were among the award recipients. Organizations like Gujarat Maritime Board, Indian Business Association and Federation of Indian Associations also received the award.
With excellent exhibition setup and application of experience and knowledge in organizing mega events, Glorious Gujarat USA left indelible impression among the visitors at the event and far exceeded the expectations with its debut performance at Edison, the organizers said.
