By Sanjay Pandya

Atlanta, Georgia, May 30, 2009: The first ever “Business and Professional Networking” event organized by newly elected, young energetic team of Gujarati Samaj Atlanta was a ray of hope amid gloomy economic situation of today. The subject of the seminar “How to survive in hard economic times” was timely and attracted many business owners and professionals since it was open for all Asian Americans.

With unemployment heading towards double digits, networking attracted many young adults. Samosa and hot tea added flavor to the networking. This was, probably the first ever-successful attempt, which brought sense of satisfaction to our young adults.

Founded in 1981 with 10 to 15 families, Gujarati Samaj Inc. today has close to 1000 paid members and mortgage-free 40,000 sq. f. building in Tucker, Georgia. For past 28 years Gujarati Samaj is operating on democratic values with Board of Governors and Executive committee, elected new every year.
 

Women Professional / business owners

The Gujarati Samaj of Atlanta along with their regular cultural programs, for the first time, undertook a new program called “Business and professional Network” for all Asian Americans, knowing fully well the economic environment of USA. Objective of this forum was,“ The Gujarati Samaj Inc., through its “Business and Professional Network” forum will work as a catalyst to promote and protect interest of its members by inspiring excellence through programs and initiatives, professional development and community development. The “Business and Professional Network” will organizes seminars, workshops and networking event to increase knowledge and provide information on key subjects along with it will encourage their members to uphold standard business ethics, and aid professionals in job placement and training.“

Gujarati people, hailing from western part of India, form probably an important part of great Indian Diaspora. Gujarati community is known for their business acumen in India and abroad. Every state in USA has an organization similar to Gujarati Samaj of Atlanta, reflecting community’s emotional, cultural and economic need.
 

Networking hours

The team of volunteers at Gujarati Samaj of Atlanta sent mass emails, made calls and approached community members and other organizations to join with them for this event. Their efforts handsomely earned them couple of founding sponsors, at least dozen event sponsors and 225 attendees. All the participants received a file folder filled with information regarding educational materials and their websites, articles on networking job searching, resume writing and motivation. The seminar, educational materials and food – everything were free for pre-registered participants, thanks to sponsors! The next event is tentatively scheduled in the month of August 2009. Volunteers / sponsors are welcome. Please visit: Networking@gsatlanta.org.
 

Seminar in progress

The subject of the seminar “How to survive in hard economic times” was approached from all possible angels by various speakers. Khyati Patel, lead of the event welcomed everyone and said how important networking has become in our modern life. To set the tone of the event she quoted John Donne, “No man is an island itself entirely of itself…” Khyati introduced current Gujarati Samaj president Mr. Vipul Patel and invited him to speak.

Working as an IT manager in professional life Vipul Patel gave a brief history of Gujarati Samaj of Atlanta and argued the case for the importance such event for the community.

The first speaker of the evening Sapna Patel of New York life, a founding sponsor and member of BPN event organizing committee asked everyone in general not to panic in such unstable economy and reasoned that responsible financial decisions could turn challenges into opportunities. All the speakers reciprocated her advice “do not panic” during the seminar.

Prakash Parmar, an immigration attorney, Gujarati Samaj board of governor and member of BPN event organizing committee explained legal side of people with different category of visas and what should they expect.

Kirtan Patel, a corporate attorney of “Kumar and Pathak” law firm gave an idea of bankruptcy and how one should handle it. He also gave a dose of reality to audience and said days of “exuberance“ are long gone.

Dr. Dilip Patel, a practicing psychiatrist and long time Gujarati Samaj volunteers in various capacities explained how to deal with ‘stress’ coping with present economic situation. He also explained simple and medical ways to deal with stress.
 

Gujarati Samaj President, Mr. Vipul Patel honoring Mr. Mohan Kapur

Mr. Mohan Kapur, a motivational speaker treated subject from standpoint of how to enhance success in life. He advised attendees to practice success. Since success is journey, he said success is what you can do. Do not think what you cannot do. Quoting a successful athlete he said, “just run your own race, do not worry what others are doing.” He advised to keep positive attitude, write down your goals-weekly, monthly and yearly. He ended with quoting Robert Frost’s famous poem” The Road not taken”,
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Interestingly, Khyati Patel opened the session with John Donne’s poem “No man is island” which was concluded by Mr. Kapur with Robert Frost’s poem.