VIA marks 63rd foundation day, eyes Rs 8.4 lakh crore investment for Vidarbha
VIA's 63rd foundation day event highlighted 96 approved mega projects worth over Rs 8.4 lakh crore expected to create 2.6 lakh jobs in Vidarbha.
The Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) celebrated its 63rd foundation day with great enthusiasm. The event drew large numbers of industrialists from the city and surrounding areas, officials from various government departments, members of trade bodies and several well-known city figures.
The programme honoured forums, members, sponsors and government departments that had done good work over the year. VIA's new and upgraded website was also launched during the event.
President Prashant Mohta spoke about the association's journey so far and the future industrial prospects of Vidarbha. He said that 63 years ago, some visionary leaders had formed VIA with the aim of giving Vidarbha's industries a strong and united voice, and that the association appeared to have fully succeeded in that aim today.
Mohta said Vidarbha is expected to play a very important role in the trillion-dollar economy target that the Maharashtra government is working towards. According to him, 96 large and mega projects have been approved in the region over the past 20 months, involving a proposed investment of more than Rs 8.4 lakh crore, and these are expected to generate employment for more than 2.6 lakh people.
It was stated that Gadchiroli is emerging as a major "steel hub", while Nagpur is becoming a centre for solar energy, batteries, electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, rare earth magnets, drones, aerospace and defence production. Along with Naya Nagpur, the PM MITRA Park being built in Amravati and fresh investment in textiles and food processing are also strengthening Vidarbha further.
The event saw the formal unveiling of VIA's new and upgraded website, which will give members easier access to digital services and regulatory updates. Vice-president Prateek Tapadia and event project director Pankaj Bakshi gave the opening addresses. M. K. Sharma, Rohit Bajaj, Prem Bhonge, Anish Chhajed and Amar Agrawal were also felicitated on the occasion.
Awards were given in various categories at the ceremony for outstanding work, new ideas and active member participation during 2025-26. The Lady Entrepreneurs Wing won first place for Best Forum of the Year, while the Agro Rural Development and Food Processing Forum came second. Among the most active members, the first award went to Ravi Burde and the second to Eva Puri.
