- Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference at Marwadi University spotlights industry-ready talent
- Smart industrial estates, mega investments and AI-ready Jamnagar set the growth tempo
- Kutch–Saurashtra emerges as a powerhouse of skills, sustainability and scale
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
RAJKOT, JAN 12
Making a strong case for industry-ready human capital as the cornerstone of India’s next growth phase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored Gujarat’s robust education and skill development ecosystem at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) held at Marwadi University, Rajkot.
Organised by the Government of Gujarat, the first day of VGRC marked a major push towards regional empowerment and investment-led development, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and Viksit Gujarat@2047.
In a significant boost to infrastructure and manufacturing, the Prime Minister inaugurated 13 new smart industrial estates and a medical devices park, reaffirming the state’s readiness to support advanced manufacturing and innovation-driven enterprises.
‘Skills Before Scale’: PM’s Message to Industry
Highlighting the urgent need to align education with industry demand, PM Modi assured investors that Gujarat offers a future-ready talent pipeline, backed by institutions, skilling frameworks and industry partnerships.
The emphasis on skill-first growth resonated strongly with investors and policymakers, particularly as India positions itself as a global manufacturing and innovation hub.
Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel reinforced this narrative, stressing that regional development, especially in Kutch and Saurashtra, is a vital pillar of India’s broader economic aspirations.
Mega Investment Announcements Power Growth Narrative
The conference witnessed transformational investment commitments, further cementing Gujarat’s status as India’s most investor-friendly state:
- Adani Group announced an investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore in Kutch over the next five years, expected to generate large-scale employment and livelihoods.
- Reliance Industries unveiled plans to invest ₹7 lakh crore in Gujarat over the same period.
Sharing key highlights, Mukesh Ambani outlined Reliance’s vision to develop Jamnagar as the world’s largest integrated clean energy ecosystem. He also announced plans to position Jamnagar as India’s largest AI-ready centre, aimed at enabling affordable and accessible AI solutions for every Indian.
Universities as Growth Enablers
Hosting the landmark event, Ketan Marwadi, President, Marwadi University, said: “It is a proud moment for us to host the event. Institutes like us play a pivotal role in strengthening regional ecosystems by nurturing skilled talent, fostering innovation, and aligning education with industry and investment needs to support India’s long-term economic growth. This conference is a collective commitment to drive innovation, sustainability and quality investments that resonate into the heart of India’s growth story.”
Echoing the sentiment, Jitu Bhai Chandarana, Vice Chairman & Co-Founder, Marwadi University, said: “The conference serves as a platform for driving investment-led growth in the Kutch and Saurashtra region. Hosting this landmark event reflects Gujarat’s strong governance, industry-friendly ecosystem and long-term vision for prosperity. As an institution deeply rooted in education, innovation and entrepreneurship, we wish to see a globally competitive environment that generates sustainable employment.”
Vocal for Local, Ready for the World
Rooted in the ‘Vocal for Local’ ethos, the VGRC brought together policymakers, thought leaders, industry captains and global investors to explore the untapped potential of the Kutch–Saurashtra region, known for its maritime strength, MSME networks and industrial diversity.
The first day featured high-impact discussions on:
- Sustainability and clean energy
- Ports and logistics
- Agro and food processing
- Textiles and fisheries
- Minerals and advanced manufacturing
With strong global participation, the conference reaffirmed Gujarat’s international stature as a preferred investment destination, seamlessly linking skills, infrastructure and innovation.
