TV9 Gujarati marked a significant milestone in its journey with the hosting of its flagship Think Fest, ‘What Gujarat Thinks Today’, in Ahmedabad, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, spiritual thinkers, and cultural voices to deliberate on ideas shaping India’s future.

The platform, positioned as a forum for dialogue and direction, reflects the channel’s long-standing effort to foster public discourse and engage with issues influencing Gujarat’s development and national progress.

According to a TV9 Gujarati press release, the event held yesterday highlighted the network’s 18-year journey of building public trust and facilitating meaningful conversations around governance, society, and growth. The conclave aimed to capture the pulse of Gujarat at a time when India is asserting itself on the global stage, with discussions focused on innovation, economic transformation, cultural identity, and policy direction for the coming decade.

The event was attended by prominent leaders, including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Union Minister of Jal Shakti C. R. Paatil, and Minister of State for Women and Child Welfare Manisha Vakil. Their participation underscored the forum’s focus on governance, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.

Addressing the gathering, Harsh Sanghavi praised the initiative, stating that such platforms strengthen democratic participation by encouraging youth and various sectors of society to engage actively in the state’s development journey. He also highlighted transformative infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train, noting that enhanced connectivity would boost economic activity and attract greater investments, further strengthening Gujarat’s position as a growth hub.

Sharing his perspective on Gujarat’s evolving role, Barun Das, Managing Director and CEO of TV9 Network, said the State has moved beyond being an industrial powerhouse to become a centre of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.

Kalpak Kekre, Channel Head of TV9 Gujarati, emphasised that while policies may be designed at institutional levels, real development is realised through public trust and participation, and the platform aims to amplify that collective voice.

The conclave also featured political and ideological discussions, with Rajya Sabha MP and BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi reflecting on the relevance of Sanatan philosophy in the age of artificial intelligence, describing it as a system rooted in logic and scientific reasoning. Spiritual leaders Brahmavihari Swami and Rameshbhai Oza spoke about the importance of moral and cultural values in a rapidly advancing technological era, encouraging younger generations to maintain a balance between innovation and ethical grounding. Adding further perspective, Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, highlighted the need for intellectual and cultural reform alongside revisiting historical narratives.

Discussions on economic growth and market trends were led by industry experts including Ajay Kedia, Gautam Trivedi, and Faruk Patel, who shared insights on economic resilience, strategic investments, and sustainable development. From the sporting arena, Arvinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer of Gujarat Titans, highlighted how leadership, discipline, and teamwork are shaping India’s global sporting ambitions.

The event also celebrated Gujarat’s cultural and creative achievements, with personalities such as Hitu Kanodia, Kinjal Dave, Reeva Rachchh, and Rushabh Ahir discussing the growing global reach of Gujarati cinema, which has crossed the Rs.100 crore milestone while preserving its cultural roots.