Meeting with Indian Prime Ministers & Other Leaders

Sudhir S. Raval’s deep interest in parliamentary affairs has led him to meaningful one-on-one interactions with some of India’s most influential leaders. Over the years, he has met and engaged with former Prime Ministers such as P. V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh, Chandrashekhar, V. P. Singh, Deve Gowda, I. K. Gujral, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gaining valuable insights into national leadership and governance.

During his long and distinguished career in journalism, he has also exchanged views with senior political figures including Sonia Gandhi, L. K. Advani, and Sushma Swaraj, along with several central ministers, government officials, and former Chief Ministers of Indian states, including Gujarat. These interactions enriched his understanding of political processes and public administration.

Beyond these high-level engagements, Sudhir has remained deeply committed to field journalism. He was among the first to report from disaster-hit areas during the 2001 Kutch and Ahmedabad earthquake, as well as during droughts and floods, delivering unbiased, accurate, and courageous reporting across Gujarat.

Research & Reference

InvSudhir S. Raval has a strong foundation in investigative journalism, election coverage, and data-driven analysis. His research and fact-finding work is widely respected, and his insights are often regarded as authoritative. A major milestone in his career was his contribution to the Swarnim Gujarat Sansadiya Smrutika-2010, an encyclopaedia of parliamentary history published by the Gujarat Vidhan Sabha, which reflects the depth of his research expertise.

He has conducted extensive surveys on important public issues such as Lok Adalats, social challenges, and natural calamities including water scarcity, earthquakes, and floods. These studies have helped bring critical concerns to light and supported informed public discourse.

Sudhir regularly presents and publishes his research across multiple media platforms. Guided by strong ethical values, he remains dedicated to promoting human welfare, increasing public awareness, and contributing to nation-building through responsible and impactful journalism.

Contribution to the Government of Gujarat

Sudhir S. Raval’s impactful work in journalism led to his appointment in the Information Department of the Government of Gujarat by the then Chief Minister, Narendra Modi. From 2004 to 2010, he served as the Executive Editor of Gujarat magazine, where he played a key role in strengthening the government’s communication through print, electronic, and digital media, along with policy support, documentation, and public outreach initiatives.

Under his leadership, Gujarat magazine witnessed unprecedented growth, transforming from a long-stagnant circulation into a record-breaking publication. His emphasis on team spirit and quality content helped the magazine achieve over one lakh subscriptions in a single day in Surat, setting a new benchmark in Gujarati publishing history.

During this period, Sudhir also launched the ‘Positive Journalism’ movement, promoting constructive and public-oriented news over sensationalism. He conducted workshops, seminars, and training programs across Gujarat, including sessions at SPIPA, guiding government officials and journalists toward ethical, responsible, and citizen-focused communication.

Other Professional Activities

Sudhir S. Raval, along with his team of trained professionals, has been actively involved in publishing surveys, news reports, books, and print media through Noble Media and NAC Communication Network LLP. These organizations have also produced TV serials and documentaries, reaching audiences across both urban and rural Gujarat and contributing to the spread of informative and meaningful content.

His literary contributions include several notable titles such as Love Gujarat, The Warrior, JanYoddha, Swarnim Gujarat Sansadiya Smrutika – 2010, Swarnim Gujarat Ni Swarnim Safar, and Gujarat Na Jalmandiro. Among these, Swarnim Gujarat Ni Swarnim Safar stands out as a detailed and well-researched account of Narendra Modi’s governance model in Gujarat, serving as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers.

Sudhir also made a mark in television through programs like Goshthi on E-TV Gujarati, where he facilitated meaningful conversations with a wide range of guests. His passion for public engagement is further reflected in the VTV–Noble Media election surveys, including the widely acclaimed 2014 Gujarat Lok Sabha survey, which accurately predicted BJP’s historic victory across all constituencies.

Channel Head of VTV News

Sudhir has rendered commendable service as the Channel Head of Gujarat’s esteemed VTV channel. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in elevating grassroots issues to the state government’s attention and was instrumental in disseminating information about the government’s welfare schemes to the public through the platform of VTV.

Channel Head – India News Gujarat

Sudhir S. Raval has served as Channel Head of India News Gujarat, where he introduced diverse and innovative programming with a strong focus on public-interest journalism. Under his leadership, the channel organized high-profile public events in Ahmedabad and Daman, attended by dignitaries including Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Administrator Praful Patel. These events featured panel discussions on socially relevant issues and were broadcast live, setting new standards for public engagement through television.

In recognition of his credibility and experience, Sudhir was appointed as Consulting Editor by the ITV Network, one of India’s leading media conglomerates. He also launched the Gujarati weekly Aarpar, which quickly gained readership for its ethical and people-centric journalism, though it could not continue due to professional differences. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Sudhir has always viewed failures as learning opportunities, moving forward with renewed determination..

Driven by a vision of positive nation-building, Sudhir founded the web portals nobleIndian.com and Jan Man India, both aimed at empowering citizens and promoting constructive dialogue. These platforms were designed to encourage public participation and showcase India’s culture and values, reflecting his enduring commitment to democracy, positivity, and social transformation.

‘Off The Record’ on VTV

Off The Record on VTV represents a distinctive journalistic approach redefined by Sudhir S. Raval. While the term traditionally implies confidentiality, Sudhir transformed it into a platform of complete transparency, with candid conversations conducted openly on camera. Through this pioneering show, he interviewed more than 100 influential personalities from diverse fields including politics, administration, industry, literature, technology, healthcare, media, religion, and education, setting a new benchmark in Gujarati electronic media.

Beyond television, Sudhir applied the same principles of leadership, transparency, and team spirit during his tenure in government-related media initiatives. His ability to motivate teams and engage the public resulted in unprecedented participation, most notably when the government magazine Gujarat received over one lakh subscriptions in a single day in Surat. This remarkable achievement earned public praise from the then Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Entrusted with significant responsibility, Sudhir justified this confidence through tireless dedication, courage, patriotism, and positive journalism. Under his influence, the magazine’s circulation grew to historic levels, laying a strong foundation that continues today, making it the most widely circulated magazine in Gujarat.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Driven by a profound commitment to community welfare and human empowerment, Sudhir S. Raval actively champions initiatives that foster compassion and social equity. Through the Noble Trust, he works to weave a spirit of nobility into the fabric of society by uplifting marginalized, illiterate, and differently-abled communities. His vision heavily emphasizes empowering youth and women, cultivating a strong sense of national pride and collective social responsibility.

Honoring a deeply personal mission, Sudhir helps sustain the inspiring legacy of his late daughter through Ekta n Angels. Initially founded by Ekta Raval and now directed by Neeti Raval with Sudhir’s close support, this organization is dedicated to providing vital care for the underprivileged and differently-abled, ensuring her vision of pure empathy and service continues to transform lives.

Beyond local grassroots initiatives, Sudhir’s humanitarian reach extends globally. As the General Secretary of the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj—a premier, non-political global body representing the Gujarati diaspora across more than 100 countries—he plays a pivotal role in strengthening cultural bonds and driving international social initiatives that unite Gujaratis worldwide.

Thought Leadership & Public Discourse

Renowned for his eloquence and incisive commentary, Sudhir S. Raval is a prominent voice in seminars, national conferences, and public dialogues centered on nation-building. He actively shapes discourse on journalism, justice, philanthropy, ethics, and civic responsibility, consistently striving to reinforce and reform democratic values through his thought leadership.

Guided by a profound humanitarian vision, Sudhir firmly believes that journalism is a societal trust that must transcend profit motives. This philosophical clarity is backed by rigid discipline, precise time management, and a highly structured approach to execution. By meticulously planning and prioritizing his initiatives, he ensures that his insights and efforts translate into meaningful, measurable contributions toward a more ethical, aware, and progressive society.

Roots & Journey

Sudhir S. Raval’s life is anchored by a profound commitment to family and core values. Born on May 26, 1959, in Morbi (Rajkot district, Gujarat), his character was forged by his parents: he inherited a deep philanthropic ideology from his mother, the late Smt. Sharadaben, and an uncompromising dedication to truth from his father, the late Shri Shantilal Mohanlal Raval.

In July 1986, Sudhir married Neeti, daughter of Smt. Jashumatiben and Shri Pravinchandra Pathak. A Master of Arts graduate, Neeti has been his lifelong partner in both family and purpose. Together, they built a family dedicated to intellect, enterprise, and service. Their daughter, Dr. Abhi Raval Trivedi, holds a Ph.D. in Media and Communication and is married to an independent businessman Daksh Trivedi. While their late daughter, Ekta, is no longer physically present, her enduring spirit remains the foundational inspiration behind Sudhir’s humanitarian endeavors. Their son, Manav, an alumnus of Ahmedabad University specializing in the field of marketing, beautifully reflects his father’s active, observant, and affectionate nature, and has channeled this drive into establishing his own independent business.

A science graduate, Sudhir’s early career began in the banking sector, serving with Vijaya Bank from 1982 to 1986, followed by a venture into business. However, a profound love for the nation ultimately led him to pivot away from commercial pursuits to dedicate his life entirely to journalistic and reformist causes. Today, when away from his professional responsibilities, he finds balance and rejuvenation through his love for music and the strategic focus of chess.

‘OFF THE RECORD with SUDHIR RAVAL’ in VTV

Unofficial, informal, in confidence, not intended to be known publicly, not meant to be recorded. These are some of the most common meanings of the term ‘Off-the-Record’ and it is widely respected by journalists, as a serious breach of code of ethics to divulge the identity of their source or to betray the trust of that source, by using the information inappropriately. In short, what transpires between the source and the journalist, is supposed to be ‘in camera’…

But for Sudhir, the definition is On-the-Record. Because, he had the privilege of having a têtê-à-têtê with more than seventy personalities, which were ‘on camera’ and were aired on VTV. These personalities are from diverse fields like, politics, bureaucracy, industry, literature, technology, community service, healthcare, economics, films, media, religion, education and so on. This certainly is a first of it’s kind milestone amongst Gujarati electronic media !

Honour

While Sudhir has been honoured by various institutions on different occasions, he was particularly recognized for his distinguished contributions to the field of journalism at a national level. In 2017, the Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha honoured him with the title of ‘National Brahmin Shiromani’ at the Constitution Club in New Delhi.

Similarly, in 2008, Sudhir was honoured with the ‘Pride of Gujarat’ award by the prestigious Gujarati magazine Feelings, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of journalism.

Dream and Desire

After three decades of journalism, Sudhir has formulated a roadmap for the next five years. Following an assessment of his studies, experiences, and observations, he has planned to author ten books. Work on the outlines of these proposed books has already commenced. The proposed titles of these books are:

• WHY DON’T WE DO IT ?
• ELECTORAL REFORMS – A WAY TO METAMORPHOSIS
• IN THE NAME OF RELIGION
• DEVIATING DEMOCRACY
• THE BIG FIGHT
• SECULARISM V/S NATIONALISM
• AT THE COST OF NATION
• NEHRU : WHY STILL THE MOST DEMOCRATIC LEADER ?
• INDIA ON BED OF ARROWS
• YOUR ESCAPE IS AT YOUR COST
• THE NATION AND WE, THE PEOPLE

Goal

Defined by a resiliently positive mindset and an inherently optimistic approach to life, Sudhir S. Raval has earned widespread respect and recognition across the public sphere. He operates on the foundational mantra that ‘Work is Worship,’ seamlessly integrating this ethos into every facet of his personal and professional journey. Ultimately, his life is driven by an unyielding desire to render invaluable service to the nation through the power of media and grassroots social reform—a lifelong dedication aimed at achieving spiritual fulfillment as his ultimate goal.