Sarvajanik University, India, and Pwani University, Kenya, successfully launched an International Online Seminar Series under the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two universities. The initiative aims to promote academic collaboration, research exchange, and global learning opportunities.

The first session, held on 26 May 2026, featured a lecture by Dr. Kiran Pandya, Provost, Sarvajanik University, on the topic:
“Navigating the Philosophical and Methodological Pitfalls of Quantitative Inquiry: From Positivism to Precision – Addressing Critical Issues in Modern Quantitative Research.”

The session covered important issues in quantitative research, including aggregation challenges, pooling of data, and model assumptions. A good number of Master’s and PhD students from Pwani University attended the seminar, making it a highly engaging and successful start to the lecture series.

From Pwani University, Prof. Nancy Nagowa and Prof. Anne Hilda Ong'ayo shared positive remarks on the MoU and appreciated the collaborative initiative. The session was moderated by Mr. Alex Muthanga.

From Sarvajanik University, Dr. Vandana Shah and Dr. Megha Agarwal coordinated the programme successfully.

Both universities expressed their commitment to continuing such collaborative academic activities in the future. The next session in the seminar series is scheduled for 29 May 2026.

(Utkarsh Patel)

Dr. Mahendrasinh Devsinh Chauhan, known for his simple and straightforward personality, is a famous eye surgeon from Gujarat. He was born on 24 December 1964. He is the director of Keshvi Eye Hospital and has been serving poor people for many years. He completed his MBBS in 1987, DOMS in 1990, MS in Ophthalmology in 1991, and PhD in 2014 from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. 

He has worked for many years as an Assistant and Associate Professor at Government Medical College, Surat. At present, he is the Principal of Shri Bharti Maiya College of Optometry and Physiotherapy. His contribution to healthcare and education has been remarkable. He has served as a member of the Syndicate and Senate and also as the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the university. At the national level, he was an elected member of the Medical Council of India and worked in many sub-committees. He continuously represented before Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding increasing medical seats in the country, and positive results were achieved. He has played an important role in improving medical education and healthcare in Gujarat.

Dr. Chauhan is especially known for his social service. Since 2000, he has been serving as an honorary surgeon at Satya Sai Eye Hospital. Till now, he has performed more than 20,000 free cataract surgeries for poor patients. For this service, he received the Shri Satya Sai Dhanvantari Seva Award.

He is also the Chairman of Bharat Cancer Hospital. He is the founder of Eye View Laser Vision, where around 40 eye doctors from South Gujarat together provide advanced laser surgery facilities. He is also a trustee of K.P. Sanghvi General and Eye Hospital. He played an important role in starting the Smart Cop Health Card for Surat Police staff.

In social service, he is actively connected with the Rajput community. He is an Executive Member of Rajput Samaj South Gujarat Kshatriya Sangh and the founding secretary of the Rajput Samaj Doctor Association.

He is known for his humble nature, efficiency, and clear decision-making. He believes in consensus and avoids unnecessary disputes. He is often discussed in student circles and social matters. He has published many research papers, and four students have completed their PhDs under his guidance. He has received awards such as the Dr. K.J. Ganatra Rotating Trophy (2011-12).His wife, Dr. Binodini Chauhan, is also active in the medical field, and his daughter Keshvi is also a doctor. 

Dr. Chauhan is deeply inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He often says, “Narendra Bhai is the pride of our country, and we should support him as much as we can. Serving the nation, as he says, is the truest service.”
Despite being a busy doctor, Dr. Chauhan has a special ability to balance student activities and medical institutional services. People like him, who serve society selflessly without expecting anything in return, keep the light of social service shining in society.

(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of khabarchhe.com)

(Utkarsh Patel)

Surat, a city known as the textile capital of India, has produced many successful entrepreneurs who have earned global recognition through hard work and vision. Among such inspiring personalities, Kamalbhai Tulsiyan (Kamal Vijay Ramchandra Tulsiyan) stands out. He is not only a successful textile industrialist but also a social worker, an able guide in the banking sector, and a strong voice for the industry. His life shows that true success comes when business is combined with service to the society.

Kamalbhai started his career from very humble and challenging beginnings. In the Pandesara GIDC area of Surat, he established J. R. Dyeing & Printing Mills Pvt. Ltd., which is now considered one of the oldest and most trusted saree manufacturing and processing companies in the country. His company has become a symbol of quality and reliability in dyeing, printing, and texturizing. He has also focused on modernizing the industry by adopting eco-friendly technologies and taking continuous steps for the welfare of workers. Today, he runs the business along with his family members.

His personality becomes even more impressive through his commitment to social service. He is actively serving as the Chairman of The Sutex Co-operative Bank Ltd., which provides financial support to Surat’s textile industry and small and medium traders. Under his leadership, the bank has contributed significantly through education loans, business loans, and various social initiatives.

Kamalbhai has also served as the President of the Pandesara Industrial Cooperative Society, where he worked to protect the interests of textile units. His contributions to organizations like the Southern Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA) and Surat Mega Textile Processing Park Association have been valuable for industry growth. As a patron and managing committee member of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI), he has always spoken boldly for the rights and concerns of traders.

One of his most notable qualities is that he never avoids challenges. During difficult times such as the 1994 plague and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he played an important role in supporting workers, protecting the industry, and helping society. By coordinating with the government and local administration, he provided financial and emotional support to many families. Such efforts truly define him as a social leader beyond being an industrialist.

Even at the age of around 74, Kamalbhai continues to maintain an active daily routine like a young entrepreneur. He is known for his straightforward nature and never hesitates to speak openly about industry issues, whether in front of politicians or senior officials. He lives a simple life and treats his workers like family members. He strongly believes in environmental protection and the use of modern technology to ensure sustainable growth in the textile sector. His involvement in social activities related to education, healthcare, and industry is remarkable.

Kamalbhai Tulsiyan’s work teaches us that success is not just for personal gain but for the benefit of society. He truly believes that real success lies in moving forward together with everyone. His life reflects the idea that “success means growing together.” Personalities like him continue to inspire young entrepreneurs in Surat and beyond.

(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of khabarchhe.com)

Surat: In a significant initiative aimed at safeguarding the health and developmental future of vulnerable children, Swarsangya Charitable Trust, in collaboration with Nirmal Hospital, organized a Free Child Health and Development Camp under the Poshan Sangam (C-MAM) initiative implemented by the Surat Municipal Corporation.

The camp focused on children identified as Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) and Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM). Free services included CBC tests, paediatric examinations, nutrition counselling, and hearing screening.

Medical experts emphasized that malnutrition affects not only body weight but also brain development, immunity, speech, and learning ability. Health statistics indicate that up to 60 percent of childhood hearing loss is preventable if detected early. By integrating hearing screening into the nutrition programme, Swarsangya Charitable Trust ensured a holistic approach toward child welfare.

Nirmal Hospital provided medical infrastructure and specialist support to ensure professional execution of the camp.
The initiative highlighted the importance of early detection and preventive healthcare.

A few years ago, after witnessing the rapid prosperity of Surat, a senior political leader from Saurashtra brought together land mafias and formed a gang that came to be known as the Mahakal Group. The sudden raid by the Income Tax Department’s DDI wing on the mastermind of this Mahakal Group in Surat has sent shockwaves.

Earlier, the government had neutralized several associates of this gang. However, questions are now being raised: Does the Mahakal gang still exist, or is this the final blow against it? Will all its remaining members now be completely eliminated?

As land prices in Surat skyrocketed, a senior political leader from Saurashtra formed a gang of around 30 people nearly five years ago. According to a report published by *Divya Bhaskar*, the gang included 10 land mafias, 4 journalists, 2 gangsters, along with politicians, lawyers, and chartered accountants. The gang created immense terror in Surat, leaving industrialists deeply distressed.

Eventually, the matter reached the Prime Minister, following which strict action was taken. Over time, the gang dispersed, but some individuals continued operating independently and reportedly received backing from powerful quarters. It is said that some associates of the gang attempted to reassert themselves.

The main accused had purchased six luxury cars. During the IT raids, approximately ₹1.3 crore in cash, luxury vehicles, and several important documents were seized. The IT team conducted raids at multiple locations starting Wednesday morning. Following these raids, panic has spread among other associates of the Mahakal Group. Gradually, more information about them is emerging, and details of their alleged scams are expected to surface further in the coming days.

AURO University, Surat, will host its 13th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, 27th December 2025, at 4:45 p.m., on its campus. The ceremony will be graced by   
                                
Govindjibhai Dholakia, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. (SRK) and Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundation (SRKKF), as the Chief Guest.

Founded under the leadership of Hasmukhbhai P. Rama and inspired by the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and The Divine Mother, AURO University is a premier institution of Integral and Transformational Learning. It has effectively implemented the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020).

During the 13th convocation, 313 students (160 boys and 153 girls) will be conferred with a Ph.d. Post-Graduate, Under-Graduate Degrees, and Diplomas. The ceremony will also honour 32 rank holders, including 14 Gold Medals and 18 Silver Medals.Two research scholars will receive their Ph.D degree.

The event marks a significant academic milestone, celebrating student achievement and the beginning of their professional journeys.

Surat: A highly disturbing incident has come to light at Surat's high end K’s Charcoal Restaurant in Piplod where a hidden mobile phone was found recording inside the women’s washroom. 

The matter came to light when a vigilant female customer noticed something fishy in the washroom’s ventilation. She noticed a mobile phone secretly placed with its camera on. 

Police investigation revealed that the phone had been placed by a 30-year-old housekeeping staff member, Surendra Rana, originally from Jharkhand.Rana, working at the restaurant for the past two years, was later arrested.Police recovered two mobile phones and parts of a spy camera from his residence. 

DCP Vijay Singh Gurjar confirmed that the accused had recorded at least 5 videos. 

The restaurant management issued a statement condemning the incident, calling it “extremely unfortunate and against our values.” They assured full cooperation with the police investigation and announced that the restaurant would remain temporarily closed until the matter is resolved. “Guest safety and privacy are our highest priority, and stronger security measures will be implemented,” the management said.

Surat, Gujarat: Over 70 diamond polishers from HVK International Pvt. Ltd., a diamond company located in Katargam, Surat, have gone on strike since April 16, demanding a wage hike amid rising inflation and cost of living. The Labour Department has launched an investigation into the matter and issued a notice to the company for failing to produce records related to minimum wage payments, bonuses, and gratuity.

On April 17, Labour Department officials, including Deputy Commissioner M. C. Karya, visited the company premises and held meetings with both the protesting workers and company management. "A probe has been launched into the matter. Our team has met both parties. Since the investigation is underway, it is difficult to determine the outcome," said Karya.

According to Bhavesh Tank, State Vice President of the Diamond Workers Union of Gujarat (DWUG), a prior attempt to resolve the issue through a dialogue with company authorities failed to yield any result.

A diamond worker shared that wages had been reduced by ₹1 per diamond after Diwali, bringing the rate down from ₹16.50 to ₹15.50 for polishing.

Meanwhile, in a mediated meeting conducted by the Deputy Labour Commissioner, involving company management, workers, and representatives of the Diamond Workers Union, no resolution could be reached due to the company's inflexible stance. Consequently, the strike continues, and the Labour Department has served a notice to the company for not presenting mandatory wage and employee benefit records.

This is not the first such incident. Workers from five other diamond factories in Surat and two in Navsari had earlier gone on similar strikes seeking better pay.

(By Utkarsh Patel) 

Marathas have had a presence in Surat’s politics since the 17th century when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj challenged the Nawab of Surat. However, in modern India, the emergence of Maratha politics in Surat can be traced back to the 1990s. During that period, many Marathi-speaking people from Khandesh migrated in search of jobs, primarily joining the police force. 

Khandesh, located on Gujarat’s southeastern border, had limited employment opportunities. Since local Gujarati youth showed less interest in joining the police, recruitment policies favored migrants from Maharashtra.

At the time, the Congress party dominated politics, and while there were a few Marathi leaders, they remained confined to the municipal level due to the small Marathi-speaking population. However, post-1996, industrialization led to a surge in factories, drawing in workers from Maharashtra, especially Khandesh, as well as other regions.

With the growing voter base, political ambitions among Marathi leaders also increased. A significant shift occurred when Congress lost its dominance, and the BJP came to power. Leaders like Ravindra Patil rose to the position of Deputy Mayor, and C.R. Patil began to establish himself.

Currently, the Marathi-speaking voter base is estimated to be around one million. C.R. Patil has since become the President of Gujarat BJP and a Union Minister, while Sangeeta Patil has secured her position as an MLA for the third consecutive term. 

The Future of Maratha Politics in Surat 

The key question is whether Maratha political dominance will continue in the future. Experts believe that Maratha politics in Surat has reached its peak, but a leadership vacuum may arise in the next 2-3 years. Currently, no strong second-rank leaders have emerged, creating a potential power gap. However, some young leaders are preparing to step into this space. 

Future Maratha Leaders 

Jignesh Patil (Son of C.R. Patil) 

Jignesh is active in social work and sports. He focuses on grassroots development programs and enjoys popularity among the youth. He serves as the chairman of the Beach Soccer Committee under the All India Football Federation and leads the NGO ‘Youth for Gujarat,’ which undertakes various development and welfare activities. Despite his father’s busy schedule, he meets with people, listens to their problems, and works toward solutions. 

Dr. Nikhil Patil (Son of Ravindra Patil) 

A doctor by profession, Nikhil runs his own clinic and is an active BJP member. He serves as the president of the Lions Club of Limbayat and the youth president of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial Committee in Limbayat. Recently, he has increased his political activity, evident from the strong support at events like the Shivaji Jayanti celebrations. 

Sunil Patil 

A former General Secretary of BJP’s Youth Wing and an active BJP worker, Sunil is also a young entrepreneur in the textile industry. He is deeply involved in social work and recently gained significant recognition for organizing the largest Shiv Katha event in Surat. He openly expresses his desire to enter politics and is prepared to contest elections if given a ticket. His large-scale organization of Shivaji Jayanti celebrations further indicates his growing political ambitions. 

Samrat Patil 

Like Sunil, Samrat is also a young entrepreneur and is equally active in politics. He played a significant role in organizing the Shiv Katha event and has made all necessary preparations to enter the political arena.  Experts suggest that these Patil brothers have strong backing from top leaders in Delhi and Gandhinagar, which will help them shape their political careers.

Apart from these emerging leaders, other contenders are also working hard to establish themselves. However, the bigger question remains: Will Maratha dominance in Surat’s politics continue, or will Hindi-speaking leaders replace them? Considering the voter demographics, Hindi-speaking voters are almost equal in number to Marathi-speaking voters. 

A detailed discussion on this evolving political scenario will be necessary at the right time. 

(The author is a renowned entrepreneur and social worker. The views expressed in the article are their personal opinions.)