- First-ever Global Gujarati Awards to unfold amid the iconic White Rann of Kutch on March 7–8
- Gujarat Tourism, film stars, global Gujaratis and influencers to converge for a landmark cultural celebration
- Two-day star-studded awards showcase paired with a three-day exhibition on Gujarati & Kutchi heritage
- Over 40 award categories to honour excellence across art, cinema, music, culture and digital creativity
- Independent juries, month-long nominations and global participation to define credibility and scale
NE ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU
Ahmedabad, Feb 9
With an ambitious vision to place Gujarati culture, creativity and talent firmly on the global map, the first edition of the Global Gujarati Awards was officially launched on Monday, marking the beginning of a landmark cultural movement. Organised by AR9 Holidays Pvt. Ltd., the awards will be held against the breathtaking backdrop of the White Rann of Kutch at Kutch Yatra Resort, Dhorado, featuring a Cultural Night on March 7 followed by a grand Awards Night on March 8-International Women’s Day.
Speaking at the launch, Arvind Rupaliya, Director of AR9 Holidays Pvt. Ltd. and Founder of Kutch Yatra Resort, outlined the scale and vision of the debut edition.
Arvind Rupaliya said, “Gujarat Tourism will join hands with us. Hollywood and Bollywood stars, who’s who of Gujarati cinema, influencers will take part in this debut event. Along with two-day star-studded show there will also be a three-day exhibition throwing light on rich Gujarati & Kutch culture, tradition and crafts. It is expected that around 5,000 will gather from other parts of India, Kutch and Gujarat, including Global Gujaratis.”
He further elaborated on the deeper cultural intent behind the initiative, stating in his special address:
“An initiative like the Global Gujarati Awards is a matter of pride for Kutch. Kutch is not only a tourism hub, but is now set to become a global centre for the celebration of Gujarati art and culture. For AR9, it is a proud moment to organize the first edition of these awards and to provide Gujarat with a global platform through Kutch Yatra Resort.”
Highlighting the experiential essence of the event, Rupaliya added: “The Cultural Night on 7 March and the Awards Night on 8 March will not merely be events, but a confluence of Gujarat’s soul, traditions, and contemporary creativity.”
The prestigious awards are being guided and managed by Hetal Thakkar, Jigar Chauhan and Vivek Thakkar, who have envisioned the Global Gujarati Awards not merely as a ceremonial function, but as a symbol of Gujarati identity, pride and global presence.
Explaining the robust selection process, Hetal Thakkar said: “Eminent experts from respective fields will be the juries. The monthlong nominations will commence today.”
Hetal Thakkar added that “the winners will be conferred with trophies apart from hospitality at our resort. The chief Guest and the guests of honour will be decided in due course of time.”
Under the Global Gujarati Awards, individuals making outstanding contributions across art, culture, cinema, music, creators and digital platforms will be honoured in over 40 categories, with winners selected by an independent and autonomous jury, ensuring transparency and credibility.
As the White Rann of Kutch prepares to host a global-scale cultural celebration, organiser Mital Patel noted that the people of Kutch are eagerly awaiting the event and expressed confidence that the awards would contribute meaningfully toward realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Incredible India’, while showcasing Gujarat’s cultural richness to the world.
The Global Gujarati Awards aim to act as a bridge between Gujarat’s timeless heritage and its modern global diaspora, celebrating excellence while strengthening cultural connections across borders.
With its official launch now complete, the Global Gujarati Awards – First Edition has begun its journey toward becoming a prestigious global brand, rooted in tradition, powered by creativity, and united by Gujarati pride.
