Vibrant Gujarat 2013: Ambanis, Ratan Tata & other top honchos share Dais with Narendra Modi

AHMEDABAD: Narendra Modi, who arrived at the Vibrant Gujarat 2013 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, hugged RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani on the dias. Modi usually shakes hands but the warmth shown by him is an indication that in days to come he will further strengthen his links, and appeal, with the industry. At the last summit Ratan Tata had publicly lauded Modi’s efforts to attract investments and provide hassle free environment for the businesses to grow in Gujarat. The “Modi for PM” chorus is likely to become stronger before the 2014 general elections.

Among those present on the dias were: Pankaj Patel ( Cadila Healthcare), Ajit Gulabchand ( Hindustan Construction Company), Chanda Kochar ( ICICI Bank), Baba Kalyani (Bharat Forge), Tulsi Tanti (Suzlon), Nimesh Kampani ( JM Financial group), Gautam Adani ( Adani group), Piruz Khambatta (Rasna), Ratan Tata (former chairman of Tata Sons), Uday Kotak (Kotak Bank), Anand Mahindra ( Mahindra and Mahindra) and Adi Godrej (Godrej group) could be seen shaking hands with Modi. Reliance ADA Group chairman Anil Ambani, Aditya Birla group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry and Essar Group's Shashi Ruia are among the industrialists who have already confirmed their presence and will be attending the two-day summit.

The sixth edition of the multi billion dollar investment summit, the Vibrant Gujarat 2013, began at Gujarat's state capital Gandhinagar today. The biennial summit that brought in excess of Rs 20 lakh crore investments in 2011, amid economic blues, would yet again attempt to attract huge investment proposals over the next two days. This time about 14000 MoUs are likely to be signed with the Narendra Modi led Gujarat government, known to be investment friendly.

Even the United Kingdom, which had snapped ties with the state post 2002 riots, is re-engaging this time with the Modi government by participating in the Vibrant Gujarat 2013 summit. "Der Aaye Durasta Aaye!! I welcome UK Govt's step for active engagement"

Gujarat that started this event to divert attention from the 2002 riots has since then established itself as an investment-friendly state. This time round it is pitching to be established as knowledge hub of India. All roads leading to the state capital have the flags of the participating countries flying high.