Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Gujarat CM Patel Highlights Growth and Heritage in New Jersey
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited New Jersey during a tour of the United States and Canada.
He spoke with Gujarati families, entrepreneurs and business leaders about Gujarat’s plans for the future.
He said projects such as Vibrant Gujarat and GIFT City were imagined before many people understood their potential.
Gujarat has also created a plan for development through 2047.
The plan divides the state into six zones with different goals for each area.
Patel asked Gujaratis living abroad to help their adopted countries and also share investment, knowledge and experience with Gujarat.
He then visited BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville.
The temple complex celebrates Indian culture, spirituality and service, with help from more than 12,500 volunteers.
A museum under construction there will teach visitors about Hindu civilisation, science, architecture and values.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel presented Gujarat’s development plans to Gujarati families and business leaders in New Jersey.
Patel said Vibrant Gujarat and GIFT City were conceived early and are now generating economic benefits.
Gujarat’s 2047 roadmap divides the state into six zones with sector-specific priorities and long-term targets.
Patel urged the Gujarati diaspora to support both their adopted country and Gujarat through investment, knowledge and experience.
At BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Patel viewed a planned 100,000-square-foot museum featuring 85 dioramas, 40 multimedia presentations and 200 lifelike statues.
- Who
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarati diaspora members, business leaders, BAPS saints, volunteers and community representatives.
- What
- Patel promoted Gujarat’s economic development vision, met diaspora and business representatives, and visited BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham and its planned museum.
- When
- On the seventh day of Patel’s US tour, during a Sunday visit; the Akshardham complex was inaugurated in October 2023.
- Where
- Carteret and Robbinsville, New Jersey, United States.
- Why
- To promote Gujarat’s development and investment opportunities, strengthen international partnerships, engage the Gujarati diaspora and view the cultural and spiritual complex.
- Development target
- Gujarat aims to increase its contribution to India’s GDP from 8.2% to more than 10% by 2030.
- 2047 roadmap
- The state has been divided into six zones with identified sectors, growth opportunities and long-term targets.
- Highlighted initiatives
- Patel cited Vibrant Gujarat, conceived in 2003, and GIFT City, envisioned as a global financial and fintech hub during 2006–07.
- Museum size
- The planned Swaminarayan Akshardham Museum will cover 100,000 square feet.
- Planned exhibits
- The museum is expected to include 85 immersive dioramas, 40 multimedia presentations and 200 lifelike statues.
- Museum themes
- Exhibits will cover Hindu civilisation, spirituality, science, architecture and values, including Dholavira, Rani ki Vav, a Gujarat haveli and the Konark wheel.
- Volunteer contribution
- More than 12,500 volunteers contributed to the Akshardham complex, which was formally inaugurated in October 2023.
