Ashok Jirawala to Lead SGCCI as New President

Surat | Gujarat — The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), the apex trade and industry body of South Gujarat, is set to witness a landmark leadership transition on June 6, 2026, at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) in Sarsana. The grand swearing-in ceremony will not only mark the end of a record-breaking tenure under outgoing President Nikhil Madrasi but also usher in a new era under textile industry veteran Ashok Jirawala, who will take charge as President for 2026-27, alongside Ravi Raj Desai as Vice President.

The event is expected to draw an impressive gathering of national and international dignitaries, including Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Supreme Court Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder and Chairman of Persistent Systems.

The transition comes at a time when SGCCI is celebrating one of the most impactful years in its history. Under the leadership of Nikhil Madrasi, the Chamber achieved more than 90 percent of its Vision Board targets and played a pivotal role in securing policy reforms and economic benefits estimated at over ₹17,105 crore for industries across the region.

Reflecting on the Chamber’s achievements, SGCCI leaders noted that the organisation successfully pushed for the removal of Quality Control Order (QCO) restrictions on textile machinery and polyester yarn, while also securing a two-hour extension in Time of Use (TOU) electricity discounts, resulting in significant savings for industries across Gujarat.

The Chamber also set a new benchmark by organising 22 major exhibitions and more than 525 business-focused events, including industrial visits, vendor development programmes, health initiatives, seminars and workshops.

Incoming President Ashok Jirawala is widely regarded as one of South Gujarat’s most influential textile industry leaders. Having served the Chamber for over two decades and as Vice President during 2025-26, Jirawala has been at the forefront of industry advocacy, particularly for Surat’s weaving sector.

“Surat’s textile industry must embrace automation, artificial intelligence and innovation to remain globally competitive. Our goal is not only to strengthen textiles but also to create new growth opportunities for the diamond, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors,” Jirawala said while outlining his vision for the coming year.

Known for his strong industry connect and policy advocacy, Jirawala has played a crucial role in resolving issues faced by weavers, including GST input credit concerns and industry-related regulatory challenges.

Meanwhile, Ravi Raj Desai, who becomes the youngest Vice President in SGCCI’s history, brings a blend of technical, managerial and social leadership experience. An engineer, management professional and industry representative, Desai is expected to play a key role in engaging the next generation of entrepreneurs.