Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the grand Ahmedabad International Book Fair 2025 and the Food for Thought Fest 2025 at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre on Thursday. The two major festivals, jointly organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the National Book Trust of India under the initiative Vanche Gujarat 2.0, aim to promote reading culture, intellectual exchange, and sustainable culinary practices in Gujarat’s heritage city.
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Union Minister of Education Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan joined the Chief Minister and other dignitaries in taking a pledge to embrace and promote Swadeshi. The event began with floral tributes to Bharat Mata and the soulful rendition of “Navu Bharat @150,” symbolising India’s cultural resurgence.
“Mission Four Million Trees” and the Spirit of National Pride
During the ceremony, Mr. Bhupendra Patel unveiled the coffee table book “Mission Four Million Trees,” highlighting Gujarat’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and urban green growth. The Chief Minister also toured various educational and literary zones, including the National Book Trust of India’s pavilion, and signed a commemorative canvas affirming that Ahmedabad is ready to host the Commonwealth Games 2030.
The occasion also marked the launch of Barrister Mr. Patel, a debut novel by Indian-American author Mr. Jay Patel, co-authored by filmmaker Mr. Abhishek Dudhaiya. The book, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary, was unveiled by the Chief Minister, paying tribute to the Iron Man of India and the architect of national unity.
Promoting Innovation, Spirituality, and Education
After inaugurating the Book Fair, Mr. Bhupendra Patel visited the Innovation Pavilion, featuring startups such as Recycle Green, WeHear, IOTA Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd., and KeenKey LLP, praising their inventive contributions toward sustainable development and local entrepreneurship.
The Chief Minister also explored the Children’s Pavilion, designed to foster reading habits among young minds, and the Spiritual Pavilion, part of the Food for Thought Fest. Here, he interacted with saints, appreciated India’s spiritual heritage, and acknowledged the unifying power of food and faith.
A Star-Studded Gathering of Thinkers, Writers, and Policy Leaders
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including Union Minister Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Ahmedabad Mayor Ms. Pratibha Jain, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Pradyuman Vaja, Minister Ms. Darshna Vaghela, Ms. Rivaba Jadeja, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Narhari Amin, and Ahmedabad West MP Mr. Dinesh Makwana.
Also in attendance were Deputy Mayor Mr. Jatin Patel, Advocate General Mr. Kamal Trivedi, Commissioner Mr. Banchhanidhi Pani, and literary and administrative figures from across Gujarat. Chairman of the National Book Trust Mr. Milind Sudhakar and Director Mr. Yuvraj Malik highlighted the event’s significance in placing Ahmedabad on the global literary map.
Engaging Activities and Literary Showcases for All Ages
The Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2025 features a week-long series of inter-school competitions including quizzes, storytelling, fancy dress events, kids’ panels, impromptu speeches, and book reading contests from November 13 to 21. Winners will receive exciting prizes and trophies.
A Free Children’s Film Festival will also be held daily, screening internationally acclaimed films from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Each evening, the cultural lineup will feature performances such as a folk orchestra by Kirtidan Gadhvi, Gujarati poetry with Ankit Trivedi, a Hindi musical by Sandeep Christian Orchestra, a grand mushaira, and Shaurya Samvad—an interactive session with Lt. Gen. (Retd.) K.J.S. Dhillon and IPS (Retd.) K. Vijaykumar.
Food for Thought Fest 2025: A Culinary and Cultural Feast
Parallel to the book fair, the Food for Thought Fest 2025, hosted by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in collaboration with the South Asian Association for Gastronomy (S.A.A.G), celebrates vegetarian cuisine, sustainability, and cross-cultural exchange.
The event features three thematic pavilions:
- The Luxury Pavilion, curated by TAJ Soulinaire, showcasing fine-dining vegetarian experiences that blend Gujarati traditions with global elegance.
- The Spiritual Pavilion, offering Mahaprasad from the Jagannath Temple of Puri, prepared by traditional Brahmin chefs.
- The Coffee Pavilion, debuting this year, where visitors can experience the journey of coffee from plant to cup through live roasting and brewing demonstrations.
The festival also includes international participation from Nepal, Spain, and the Netherlands. Michelin-starred Spanish chef Mr. Alvar Hinojal Crespo from Valladolid, Ahmedabad’s sister city, is among the key highlights, presenting a live demonstration of vegetarian delicacies.
From 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM daily, attendees can enjoy cooking sessions, tasting events, and cultural programs featuring celebrity chefs such as Mr. Ranveer Brar, Mr. Suvir Saran, Mr. Vicky Ratnani, MasterChef Mr. Abhijit Saha, author Ms. Rashmi Uday Singh, and Padma Shri awardee Mr. Pushpesh Pant.
Ahmedabad on the Global Cultural Map
With both festivals running simultaneously, Ahmedabad is positioning itself as a vibrant hub for literature, gastronomy, and cultural diplomacy. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Bhupendra Patel, the state continues to merge heritage with innovation—showcasing Gujarat as a global destination for art, ideas, and sustainable living.
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