New Jersey Economic Mission Trip to India Daily Recap – December 13 & 14

Ahmedabad, India – Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, the New Jersey-India Commission, and the New Jersey delegation spent Thursday in Ahmedabad, the most heavily populated city in Gujarat, and Friday in Amritsar in the state of Punjab, as part of the mission. Events focused on strengthening economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and India, with education experiences and meetings with Chambers of Commerce and academic institutions.

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and New Jersey-India Commission Visit the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and the New Jersey-India Commission visited the Sabarmati Ashram, Mahatma Gandhi’s residence from 1917 to 1930, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The site served as a critical center for India’s non-violent struggle for independence and remains an enduring symbol of India’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The delegation received insights into Gandhi’s life and the history of the freedom movement. Ashram houses Hriday Kunj, Gandhi’s living quarters, alongside a museum that showcases his letters, photographs, and the iconic charkha. Sabarmati Ashram stands as a global symbol of peace and resilience, attracting millions of visitors annually.

New Jersey-India Commission attend Meeting with Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City)

The New Jersey-India Commission delegation attended a meeting with leaders of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India’s first operational smart city, and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), developed by the Government of Gujarat. The meeting focused on building New Jersey’s relationship with GIFT City and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and investment.

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and the New Jersey Delegation Attend Meeting with the Indian Institute of Technology – Gandhinagar (IIT-GN)

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and the New Jersey Delegation attended a meeting with the Indian Institute of Technology – Gandhinagar (IIT-GN), a top Indian engineering institution known for its interdisciplinary research. The meeting provided an opportunity for the delegation to learn about the innovative initiatives at IIT Gandhinagar, particularly in clean energy, AI, and healthcare. Discussions highlighted the institution’s cutting-edge research and its role in advancing these critical sectors.

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and the New Jersey Delegation met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, alongside the New Jersey delegation, met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel as part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen ties between New Jersey and India. This pivotal engagement was a part of the New Jersey-India Commission’s inaugural mission, led by Lieutenant Governor Way, which focused on enhancing economic and cultural exchanges between the two regions. Discussions centered on expanding opportunities for collaboration in areas such as technology, life sciences, and higher education. India has long been one of New Jersey’s most significant international partners, with a shared vision for growth and development across various sectors. This visit aims to build on the successes of previous missions, particularly the expansion of Indian businesses in New Jersey and the fostering of long-term trade relationships.

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and the New Jersey-India Commission Attend Meeting with Indian American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) Ahmedabad Chapter

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and the New Jersey-India Commission attended a forum with Mr. Tejinder Oberoi, Chairman of the Indian American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Ahmedabad Chapter. During the event, Ms. Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary of Science and Technology for the Government of Gujarat, addressed the gathering, highlighting Gujarat’s advancements in technology and innovation.

Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey and Chair of the New Jersey-India Commission, also presented to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, emphasizing New Jersey’s strengths as a destination for business expansion. His remarks focused on key industries such as renewable energy, technology, manufacturing, biotechnology, and life sciences, underscoring New Jersey’s dynamic ecosystem for global collaboration and growth.

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and the New Jersey-India Commission Attend Meeting with Punjabi Chamber of Commerce (PCC)

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and the New Jersey-India Commission attended a meeting with Davinder Singh, Co-Chair of the Punjabi Chamber of Commerce (PCC), in Amritsar, Punjab. The meeting focused on strengthening New Jersey’s connections with the global Punjabi business community, particularly in the technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing industries, while also supporting startups. PCC, which has 21 chapters worldwide and is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey, serves as a key bridge for fostering international business relationships.

Gary Pasricha, Commissioner of the New Jersey-India Commission, played an integral role in organizing the meeting and addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between New Jersey and the Punjabi business community to drive innovation and economic growth.

The New Jersey-India Commission Tour Harminder Sahib and Jallianwala Bagh

The New Jersey-India Commission explored Harminder Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple. This spiritual epicenter of Sikhism is a globally admired site of faith and community. The delegation experienced the serene beauty of this iconic landmark, known for its golden façade.

They also visited Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden in Amritsar that honors the memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. The group reflected on the site’s historical significance and the eternal flame, Amar Jyoti, which commemorates the resilience of those who fought for freedom.