Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel Inaugurates National Tribal Trade Fair–2025 in Newly Formed Ambika Taluka of Surat District

Gandhinagar, December 2025 : While inaugurating the three-day National Tribal Trade Fair, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel expressed confidence that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Vocal for Local, Local for Global” would be effectively realised through this fair.

This Fair has been organised from 26 to 29 December at Vasrai in the newly formed Ambika taluka of Surat district, through the collective efforts of the entire tribal community of the state and supporting organisations.The fair has been organised with the objective of motivating tribal youth, towards self-employment, while bringing small and medium MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and businesses together on a single platform to expand business and industrial activities. In addition, with over 370 stalls, more than 80 tribal cuisine stalls, participation of over 700 representatives from across the country, and MSME business workshops, the fair will also realise the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

In the presence of Finance and Urban Development Minister Shri Kanubhai Desai, Tribal Development Minister Shri Naresh Patel, and Minister of State Shri Dr. Jayram Gamit, Chief Minister, along with inaugurating the fair, also carried out e-foundation stone laying ceremony and e-inauguration of various development works worth Rs. 858 crore undertaken by the Roads and Buildings Department in Surat district.

Chief Minister stated that the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat would gain new momentum through this fair by strengthening the contribution of tribal industries, traditional arts and crafts, and MSMEs. Describing Gujarat’s successful role in effectively implementing the Prime Minister’s vision of self-reliance and swadeshi, the Chief Minister said that the state government has transformed youth from job seekers into job providers through the promotion of self-help women’s groups, startups, and skill development centres. He also expressed pride in the Rs. 2 lakh crore Janjati Kalyan Yojana launched by the Prime Minister for the holistic development of Gujarat’s tribal community, which has lived for centuries with hard work, honesty, and self-respect, stating that it has become a guiding force for tribal development across the country.

State Tribal Development Minister Shri Naresh Patel stated that today is a moment of pride for all, adding that the development journey initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat is being carried forward seamlessly under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. He further that the Tribal Trade Fair seeks to preserve tribal culture while creating opportunities for tribal youth in industry and business, thereby generating employment at the local level, and urged all stakeholders to actively participate in efforts that help tribal youth build skills and progress.

Mahuva MLA Shri Mohan Dhodia stated that the government has reached the doorstep of the tribal community to encourage and empower it, describing the fair as a valuable opportunity to promote tribal entrepreneurs. He added that the government has shown genuine concern for the tribal community and congratulated the state government for the creation of the new Ambika taluka.

President of the Samast Adivasi Samaj, Dr. Pradeep Garasia, while providing details of the Tribal Trade Fair, stated that at a time when the state government is promoting the adoption of swadeshi, this fair has around 400 stalls. The objective is to promote Vocal for Local, natural farming, and tribal food treasures, enabling entrepreneurs to achieve self-employment. He also stated that there are plans to establish an eco-friendly business centre.

This event was attended by Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Shri Antra Singh Arya, Chairperson of the ST Welfare Parliamentary Committee Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, District Panchayat President Smt. Bhavini Patel, Bardoli MP Shri Prabhubhai Vasava, Valsad MP Shri Dhavalbhai Patel, MLAs Shri Ganpatsinh Vasava, Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar, Shri Kunvarji Halpati, Shri Sandipbhai Desai, Shri Vijaybhai Patel, Shri Mukeshbhai Patel, Shri Mohanbhai Konkani, social leader Shri Mansinhbhai Patel, and District Development Officer Shivani Goyal, along with other dignitaries.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat