The Prime Ministers keynote at Rajkot’s Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summit for Saurashtra Kutch was more than ceremonial oratory; it was a strategic blueprint for regional metamorphosis, underscoring why this resilient expanse merits urgent investor gaze in Indias Viksit trajectory.
Commencing with the Gujarati salutation “Kem cho” and invoking Somnath’s sanctity, the address seamlessly wove Gujarat’s heritage with its developmental zeal. Vibrant Gujarat, now a two decade global benchmark across ten editions, has evolved from investment magnet to inclusive platform uniting corporates, MSMEs, startups, and multilaterals. Its regional focus spotlighting coastal prowess, tribal belts, industrial clusters, and pastoral legacies exemplifies localized empowerment amid national ascent.
Indias credentials dazzle: fastest growing large economy, inflation mastery, primacy in milk, generics, vaccines; UPIs transactional sovereignty; second ranked mobile manufacturing; third largest startup ecosystem. Global endorsements abound IMFs growth engine tag, S&P upgrade, Fitch acclaim rooted in policy continuity and burgeoning neo middle class. “Yahi samay hai,” the leitmotif urges: Saurashtra Kutch beckons as investments propitious hour.
Resilience Rewarded: From Adversity to Anchor
Saurashtra Kutchs saga from 21st century quake and perennial drought to Atmanirbhar fulcrum inspires. Rajkot’s 250000 plus MSMEs master precision from fasteners to fighters; Alang recycles a third of world shipping; Morbi tiles globalise thrift; Dholera pioneers semiconductors. Kutchs 30 GW renewables eclipse Paris; Green Hydrogen hubs with BESS ensure grid fortitude. Mundra Pipavav ports export 1.75 lakh vehicles yearly; fisheries infrastructure lures processors. Skill ecosystems universities partnering Australia Singapore pipeline future ready talent.
Tourism amplifies: Lothal’s ancient dockyard, Rann Utsav tents, Gir lions (900000 visitors), Blue Flag beaches. Rwandas Gir cow proliferation illustrates Saurashtras scalable rural model.
Reforms as Multiplier
Reform Express accelerates: Next Gen GST, 100% FDI in insurance, Income Tax overhaul, labour codification, nuclear privatization via Shanti Act. Gujarat’s primed infrastructure and visionary policies vow bountiful yields.
Policymakers must amplify such forums, easing regulatory friction to harness this potential. Investors, heed the summons: Saurashtra Kutch is not peripheral but pivotal its alchemy could redefine Gujarat as India’s growth pole.
