Govt plans a heady mix of tradition, modernity

At Vibrant Gujarat, it’s not garba all the way. Bhavai, Kathakali and Kuchipudi dancers will also welcome foreign investors. Diamonds w...

At Vibrant Gujarat, it’s not garba all the way. Bhavai, Kathakali and Kuchipudi dancers will also welcome foreign investors. Diamonds will sparkle to draw their eye while fashion shows will be held to dazzle them with the state’s rich heritage. And above all, the 10-day event will be full of business proposals to attract investment.

‘‘Through Vibrant Gujarat, we plan to show foreign investors that the state turned red tape into welcome mats. We do not know how many proposals or investments will materialise, but this event will show the best of Gujarat to the world. We hope this event will be a success in blending tradition with modern economics,’’ Principal Secretary P.K. Laheri says.

The programme commences at Kankaria Football Ground on September 25 with a maha arti. A maha garba performed simultaneously on eight stages will pave the way for the Global Investors’ Summit which will be held from September 28 to September 30 at Tagore Hall here. Both programmes will be inaugurated by Deputy PM L.K. Advani.

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September 26 will see the inauguration of Gharena 2003, a three-day exhibition of designer jewellery to showcase artisans from Kutch and other rural areas.

The investors’ summit, in partnership with FICCI, will cover sectors like agro-processing, biotech-pharma, natural gas and oil, infrastructure, mining and tourism. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will be handling the meet from September 30 to October 2 at Surat encompassing segments like gems, jewellery and garments.

Officials expect many NRIs and foreign delegates to arrive for both the meets.

A workshop on earthquake reconstruction will be held in Gandhidham on September 30.

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This will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, before he opens Gartexmart and Jewelmart organised by CII in Surat.

Vibrant Gujarat will end on October 2 in Porbandar where a convention has been organised on the philosophy of khadi, including vegetarianism and ayurvedic medicine.