Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the grand “Ahmedabad International Book Fair 2025” and “Food for Thought Fest 2025” at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre in Ahmedabad on Thursday. On this occasion, the CM, Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, and other distinguished guests took a pledge to embrace and promote Swadeshi.
The event began with the CM and other dignitaries offering floral tributes to Bharat Mata, accompanied by an inspiring rendition of the song “Navu Bharat @150.” The CM unveiled the “Mission Four Million Trees” coffee table book and visited various educational and literary zones, including the National Book Trust of India’s stall.
The CM also signed on a canvas, describing it as a proud moment while affirming that Ahmedabad is ready to host the Commonwealth Games 2030. Indian-American author Jay Patel launched his debut book titled “Barrister Mr Patel,” dedicated to the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India and architect of national unity. The book, co-authored by filmmaker and storyteller Abhishek Dudhaiya, was officially unveiled by the CM.
After inaugurating the Book Festival, CM Bhupendra Patel visited various stalls at the Innovation Pavilion, including Recycle Green, IOTA Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd., WeHear, and KeenKey LLP, and appreciated their innovative initiatives. He also visited the Children’s Pavilion, specially curated as part of the Ahmedabad International Book Festival. The CM later visited the Spiritual Pavilion, organised as part of the “Food for Thought Fest 2025,” where he interacted with saints and spiritual leaders, received prasadam, and appreciated the diverse culinary traditions symbolising a blend of taste and culture.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain, Ministers Dr. Pradyuman Vaja, Darshna Vaghela, and Rivaba Jadeja, along with MPs Narhari Amin and Dinesh Makwana, local MLAs, and other dignitaries. Senior officials including Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, NBT Chairman Milind Sudhakar, Director Yuvraj Malik, and SAAG Founder Maneesh Baheti also graced the occasion.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from officials and office bearers of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, literary figures, and a large gathering of book lovers and students. The Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2025, jointly organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the National Book Trust India under the “Vanche Gujarat 2.0” initiative, aims to position Ahmedabad prominently on the global literary and publishing landscape.
The festival includes several inter-school contests and cultural activities such as quizzes on November 13 and 14, storytelling on November 15, fancy dress on November 16, kids’ panel discussions on November 17, impromptu speeches on November 19, and book reading contests on November 20. Winners will receive prizes and trophies. A free Children’s Film Festival will also be held each evening from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, screening award-winning international films.
Cultural programs will take place every evening from 5:30 PM onwards, featuring performances by Kirtidan Gadhvi, Ankit Trivedi, Sandeep Christian Orchestra, and a grand mushaira with eminent poets. ‘Shaurya Samvad’—an inspiring session with Lt. Gen. (Retd.) K.J.S. Dhillon and IPS (Retd.) K. Vijaykumar—will also be held. Students will get opportunities to interact with Gurcharan Das, Nitin Sethi, and Kulpreet Yadav and attend live sessions on AI, crime journalism, and the Gandhi–Mandela legacy, along with internship and content-writing opportunities with publishers.
Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, in partnership with the South Asian Association for Gastronomy (S.A.A.G), is hosting the international vegetarian food festival “Food for Thought Fest 2025” from November 13 to 16 at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre. The four-day event celebrates the culinary traditions and culture of South Asia, bringing together food enthusiasts, chefs, and cultural experts from India and abroad.
The festival’s main attractions include three pavilions: the Luxury Pavilion, curated by TAJ Soulinaire, offering fine dining with world-class vegetarian dishes; the Spiritual Pavilion, featuring the famous Mahaprasad from the Puri Jagannath Temple prepared by temple chefs; and the Coffee Pavilion, offering live demonstrations of coffee roasting, brewing, and tasting sessions.
This year, delegates from Nepal, Spain, and the Netherlands are participating. Michelin-starred Chef Alvar Hinojal Crespo from Valladolid, Spain—Ahmedabad’s sister city—will present a live demonstration of his signature vegetarian dish. Each evening from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, visitors can enjoy live cooking sessions, panel discussions, tastings, and cultural programs featuring renowned chefs Ranveer Brar, Suvir Saran, Vicky Ratnani, MasterChef Abhijit Saha, author Rashmi Uday Singh, Padma Shri Pushpesh Pant, and other eminent culinary personalities.
(ANI)
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