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Historic and spectacular ‘Swarnim
Gujarat’
Celebrations by Gujarat Samaj, Atlanta
By Mahadev Desai
Pic.by Krish Photography
Gujarati Samaj, Atlanta organized a historic, mammoth and
spectacular Golden Jubilee “Swarnim Gujarat’ Celebrations,
commemorating 50th Anniversary of Gujarat State,along with the
dedication of the bust of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on its
premises, with great fanfare. Close to 2,500 people attended the
two- day event making this a truly vibrant Gujarati celebration.
The program was coordinated by Board of Governors member Ramesh
Pandya and his team of dedicated volunteers under the dynamic
leadership of the President of Gujarati Samaj,Vipul Patel and
was graced by the presence of Padma Shri Dr.Sudhir
Parikh,Chharodi Gurukul’s Swami Madhavpriyadasji; the President
of National Federation of Indian American
Association(NFIA),Chandu K.Patel;Senior Vice President and
Founding Partner of Core Pharma,Dr.Vithal Dhaduk;Member of Rajya
Sabha,Kanjibhai Patel;and Founder of ‘Academy of Indian
Culture’,Arvindbhai Joshi and supported by all the leading
Indian Organizations in Atlanta. The celebrations were held on
Saturday, September 11 and Sunday September 12,2010, at the
‘Sardar Patel Bhavan’, home of Gujarati Samaj,in Tucker,Georgia.
Messages conveying Congratulations and Best wishes were received
from the Chief Minister of Gujarat,Narendra Modi, Minister Nitin
Patel; Gujarat Vidhansabha speaker Ashok Bhatt and Executive
Chairman of Swarnim Gujarat Celebrations,I.K.Jadeja.
On sunny Saturday morning, Gujarati Samaj Officers and members
extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and also greeted
Jayantibhai Patel of BAPs Shree Swaminarayan Mandir who arrived
with the commemorative ‘Swarna Kalash’sent from Gujarat by it’s
Chief Minister, Narendra Modi.The Kalash had previously been
blessed at the BAPS 3rd Patotsav Festival on August 22, 2010.
All the attendees then proceeded to the entrance of the Main
Hall, where Swamiji and dignitary guests ceremoniously placed
the Kalash on a stool to launch the celebrations.
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(L to R) - );
Mr. Ramesh Pandya, coordinator ‘Swarnim Gujarat’;
Mangalkaka – donor of Sardar bust; Mr. Mukund Shah
(Donor); Dr. Dhaduk; Swami Madhavpriydasji; Dr. Sudhir
Parikh; Mr. C. K. Patel; Mr. Arvindbhai Joshi. |
After the dignitary guests,Chairman,Dr.Mukesh Patel, Mukund Shah
and Mangalkaka took their seats on the stage,Ramesh Pandya
welcomed all and invited Swamiji to light the ceremonial
divo.Pandya gave a brief, glowing description of the Chharodi
Gurukul run by Swamiji, and also other humanitarian services
performed by him for which he has received several
Awards.Swamiji offered his blessings and exhorted all to join
him in offering salutations to Gujarat, in famous words of Poet
Narmad-‘Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat’ We are all happy and proud to be
born in Gujarat.Gujaratis are known for making money. Sure. But
Gujaratis are also known for their acts of philanthropy. (applause).Spiritual
leaders from all over India come to Gujarat because it is a land
of two Mohans-Dwarika’s Lord Krishna and Porbander’s Mahatma
Gandhi! (applause). Swamiji also explained the significance of
various items, like Kumbh used in Pooja,
Gujarati Samaj Secretary, Khyati Patel emceed the remaining part
of the interesting program with composure and confidence. All
stood up for a rousing flag hoisting ceremony and then solemnly
observed a moment of silence for the 9/11 victims. Amy Jasani
and Nirali Patel beautifully sang the US National Anthem and
later in company with Anand Jasani,Kamy Shah,Rhea Husein and
Shailee Husein sang the Indian National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’
With the recent Padma Shri Award, bestowed by the President of
India, Smt.Pratibha Patil, Dr.Sudhir Parikh, has become the only
Indian American to receive all three of the most prestigious
Awards-The Ellis Island Medal of Honor; the Pravasi Bharatiya
Samman and the Padma Shri. A noted physician,Dr.Parikh has
received these Awards for his exemplary career, a lifetime of
community service; his generous philanthropy and for enhancing
Indo-US relations.The attendees erupted into a wide applause
after watching a video-clip highlighting the above.
Dr Parikh said he felt honored to be invited to the ‘Swarnim
Gujarat’ celebrations. “ These Awards really are yours because I
could not have received these without your support, and good
wishes. Today is a day of pride for us-pride for the all-round
progress of vibrant Gujarat in every field, Gujarat is a land of
Gandhi,Ravishanker Maharaj,Morarji Desai, Sardar Patel,Dadabhai
Navrojee,Vikram Sarabhai, Ambani,Narsi Mehta and Kavi Narmad, to
name a few and we all are inheritors of their invaluable
legacy.”(applause). Dr.Parikh is Chairman and Publisher of
Parikh Worldwide Media Inc.He stressed the importance of
preserving and promoting Gujarati culture and heritage and
especially Gujarati language and appealed to the audience to not
only read the Gujarat Times(a Gujarati language weekly
newspaper) but to also contribute articles and poems.
Mr. Chandu K.Patel “CK” from California is the President of
Vishwa Umiya Patidar Pariwar, and is a hotelier by profession.
He is Founder of “Southern California Hotel-Motel Association”.
In his brief address,C.K.Patel said, “ Let us salute all those
brave men and women who laid their lives for Gujarat. Today is a
day not only for rejoicing but also for thinking of the future
road map for upliftment of Gujarat. Gujarat’s 65% population
lives in its 18,000 villages. When I saw the impressive model
village in the adjoining exhibition section, it brought back the
memories of my early days in my small village in Gujarat. I
applaud Gujarat’s Chief Minister Narendra Modi for the rapid and
progressive transformation of Gujarat’s villages in the past ten
years. To give one example, through Jyotigram Yojana, all the
villages have now been electrified with a 24 hour electricity
supply(applause). But a lot remains to be done. It is our duty
to help the villages. If you do not invest in Gujarat now, you
are missing the boat, because the rate of return on your
investment will be much higher than in any other State in India.
Let us pledge today to lend our support to him in fulfilling his
vision and mission to put Gujarat on the world map.”(applause)
Dr.Vithalbhai Dhaduk is an eminent neurologist who helms diverse
professional entities. He is also heavily involved in research,
teaching and study of neurology in Medical College of
Pennsylvania. Dr.Dhaduk echoed C.K.Patel’s exhortation of
helping in Gujarat’s progress. “ I strongly urge you to adopt a
village or a worthy village-project and extend your help.
Recently when I met Narendra Modi, he commended Gujarat Samaj
for honoring Sardar Patel by installing his bust. (applause). He
also welcomed the offer by the Organizers of famed Police Unity
Tour to start a Police Unity Tour in Gujarat in 2011 when 50
Senior Police Officers from US and India will show their
solidarity in fight against terrorism by riding their bikes from
Karamsad, the birth place of Sardar Patel, to the BAPS Mandir in
Gandhinagar”. (applause)
Arvind Joshi is the Founder of the “Academy of Indian Culture”
in Los Angeles, California in 1988.through which he has trained
more than 1,000 artists and played a great role in pursuing his
passion for light, folk and devotional music and drama. He is a
recipient of several prestigious Awards in Gujarat and U.S.
Joshi commended Ramesh Pandya for his fierce commitment, drive
and determination in organizing the Swarnim Gujarat celebrations
and stressed the need to preserve and nourish Gujarati language,
culture and traditions. He concluded his brief remarks by
reciting a poem ‘Dil ma divo karo (Light a lamp in your hearts)
(applause), and requested Pandya to present a Plaque to
Dr.Sudhirbhai Parikh.
Kanjibhai Patel is a former Minister in Gujarat and also on the
National Executive of BJP.Kanjibhai lauded iconic Narendra
Modi’s exemplary leadership and immense popularity all over
India and his astounding role in enhancing Gujarat’s
stature.Kanjibhai also urged the attendees to engage in
empowering the villages in Gujarat.
After releasing the attractive commemorative Souvenir, plaques
were presented to Dr.Parikh;C.K.Patel;Dr.Vithal Dhaduk; Arvind
Joshi and Kanjibhai Patel.
In his address, the President of Gujarati Samaj, Vipul Patel
said,” GSA is privileged and honored to celebrate ‘Swarnim
Gujarat’ celebrations, under the leadership and hard work of BOG
Ramesh Pandya and his team.
Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the State of Gujarat has
emerged as a model state in many ways. Its progress and
achievements are envious to even some developed nations!
“Today’s Gujarat is tomorrow’s India.”
After 29 years, GSA is a robust Samaj with over a thousand paid
family members. The whole credit goes to our founding fathers,
past executives, board members, financial donors and dedicated
volunteers. Today we are also creating another history. We will
be inaugurating the bust of our Iron Man,Sardar Patel in our
Sardar Bhavan.It was our long time member and dedicated
volunteer,Shree Ram Mangaldas Motibhai Patel(Mangalkaka)’s dream
to install the bust and he has generously sponsored it. GSA is
honored to have a galaxy of eminent dignitaries to the historic
celebrations. I would like to recognize all the past Presidents
of GSA and request them to please stand up. I wish to also
recognize Baldevbhai Patel, from Gujarati Samaj Tennessee; and
Ravi Parekh and Poonam Patel from Gujarati Samaj Franklin,
Kentucky respectively. I also thank local Organizations, BAPS
Swaminarayan Mandir, Shakti Mandir, IACA; Global Mall and SMVS
for their support. Finally I would like to also thank all the
event donors, vendors, Souvenir advertisers; Media partners,
Davis Printing, Krish Photography and all the volunteers.”
In a very stirring speech, 88 year old Mangalkaka paid glowing
tributes to the indomitable ‘Iron Man of India’,Sardar Patel, a
world renowned Statesman, a unique integrator who played a major
role in India’s struggle for freedom and later in forging a
unified India from 565 princely states.
The Chief Coordinator,Ramesh Pandya recognized Atlanta’s well
respected and liked performing arts promoter Mustafa Ajmeri,who
is recovering from a serious illness.Pandya said that it was his
dream that Gujarati Samaj ought to organize Golden Jubilee
celebrations.Pandya also recognized Girish Patel(Mukhi),Vinod
Kaswala and Rasik Bhimani for working strenuously to set up the
village exhibits, which can help younger generation and all
those who have not been to India to learn about village-life in
India.Pandya further recognized past-President of Gujarati
Samaj,Vinodbhai Patel(Vinodkaka), who over the years has
consistently attended each and every event of the Samaj and
helped in every possible way. Both Girish Patel and Vinodkaka
were presented with Plaques for their services.Pandya went on to
thank Kalpesh Patel of Patel Bros.; Dhiru Pattni;and BAPS
Swaminarayan Mandir(for blessing the Swarnim Kalash).
The attendees were treated to two spectacular dance items
choreographed by Dance Director Kumud Savla and music director
Sandeep Savla of Atlanta’s famed Indian Dance and Music Academy.
The first dance choreographed to a prayer by Poet Narmad and
composed by music maestro Rahman was performed by Samta Savla
and group, who later performed a scintillating raas(Gokul aavo
Girdhari) with a mixed group,which received a thunderous
ovation..Traditional form of Garba known as ‘Tippani’ was
performed by Gujarati Samaj ladies to vibrant music of Gujarat.
Dr.Sudhir Parikh, flanked by the other dignitaries, and beaming
donor Mangalkaka performed the unveiling ceremony of the bust of
Sardar Patel, by garlanding the bust and showering it with
flower petals. Drumbeats and loud applause added flavor to the
ceremony. Vinodbhai Patel and Girish Patel(Mukhi) have played a
big role in getting the 100 kilo bust by sculptor Dhruv of
Ahmedabad to Atlanta.Navinbhai Patel arranged to bring the soil
from Sardar’s home to place underneath the bust. Gujarati Samaj
Atlanta has the honor to be the first among the Organizations in
the US to install Sardar’s bust.
The attendees proceeded to the Exhibition Section where Dr.
Dhaduk cut the ribbon and declared the exhibition open. On the
left side there were panels displaying original pictures of
Gujarat’s famed scientists, literary figures, saints,
researchers, entrepreneurs and patriots, with quotes, poems, and
other insightful information underneath. On the right side there
were exhibit replicas of typical village huts, village wells,
ox-cart,cradle,temples, musical instruments, cooking utensils,
pots, a rope swing, a rope charpoy; a spinning wheel,etc.A few
volunteers donned village costumes and acted as a tailor, a
cobbler, a barber ,etc.
In the afternoon, after lunch, there was a live entertainment
program and audio/video presentation on a giant screen and in
the evening,after a delectable dinner,Arvind Joshi and his
troupe of Kirti Dave,Rekha Dave,Noopur Dave,Kirti Patel,Mayuri
Patel,Harsh Thaker, Hemant Ekbote, Darshak Joshi,and Jayshree
Gohil presented a ‘Geet Gurjari’ musical entertainment program.
The audience were treated to a vintage Gujarati songs like
‘dhuni re dhakhavi’;Taari aankh no afini;chhanu re chhapnu’;
Hari tu gadu maru kya lay jay;etc. which have won the hearts and
minds of music-lovers everywhere. Joshi was very appreciative of
the audience. “ We enjoyed presenting the program here because
the audience is very receptive and music-loving.”
Many more members and public turned up on Sunday to visit the
Exhibition Hall, Vendor booths and enjoy the Cultural show.
Kudos to Gujarati Samaj for organizing the Golden Jubilee
celebrations ,in a record time of less than two months,and with
free admission,breakfast,lunches dinners and cultural
entertainment for all.
The purpose behind organizing this event, as coordinator Ramesh
Pandya stated was “educational”. It afforded a golden
opportunity to learn about Gujarat without spending a dime from
one’s pocket.
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