Bilkul Bazaar
Surat | 03 June 2026
Textile industry urged to embrace automation, AI and technical textiles to strengthen global competitiveness
The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), in association with the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), organised the prestigious SGCCI Textile Awards 2026 at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC), honouring 53 leading companies for outstanding achievements and innovation across the textile value chain last week.
The grand ceremony celebrated excellence in product innovation, exports, technology adoption, quality management, human resources, recycling, manufacturing and industry contribution, reflecting the strength and dynamism of Surat’s textile ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, SGCCI President Nikhil Madrasi described Surat as much more than a textile city, calling it one of the most powerful growth engines of the Indian economy. He highlighted the city’s leadership in textile manufacturing, embroidery and exports, and praised entrepreneurs for successfully modernising production and exploring new international markets despite challenges such as the pandemic, raw material shortages and rapid technological changes.
SGCCI Vice President Ashok Jirawala emphasised the significance of the textile sector as one of India’s largest employment generators after agriculture. He noted that sustained success in the industry depends not only on production capacity but also on leadership, innovation and a commitment to excellence.
Chief Guest Neeraj Kumar Arya, Business Head at Welspun Living, highlighted Surat’s dominant position in the man-made fibre segment, accounting for nearly 65 per cent of the country’s production. He stressed the need for greater cost efficiency, skill development and the adoption of automation and artificial intelligence to remain competitive in the global market. He also pointed to growing opportunities for Surat to integrate more deeply into global textile value chains.
Industry veterans at the event spoke about Surat’s remarkable journey and future potential. Discussions focused on emerging opportunities in technical textiles, digital printing and sustainable manufacturing, while also underlining the importance of reducing dependence on imports and strengthening domestic capabilities.
Among the major award categories were Product Innovation, Export Excellence, Quality Management, Technology Adoption, Best HR Practices, Recycling Excellence and Manufacturing Excellence. Several leading textile companies and entrepreneurs from Surat and across the region were recognised for their contribution to the industry’s growth and transformation.
The event concluded with a call for continued innovation, collaboration and investment in advanced technologies, reinforcing Surat’s position as one of India’s foremost textile hubs and a key contributor to the nation’s economic growth.