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From the Mahatma to Modi, Gujarat has seen it all. One of India’s fastest growing economies, Gujarat plays an integral part in the very existence of India. Every Gujarati who lives in the Land of Liberty thinks and feel proud about his or her home state.
Apparently, it was a moment of great excitement for Gujaratis when they celebrated the Golden Anniversary of Gujarat or Swarnim Gujarat on May 31, 2010 at Waterford Banquet, 922, Riverside Road., Elmhurst. The celebration was held with much pomp and pleasure was organized by Vishwa Gujarat Samaj USA.
Coordinated by Naren Patel, Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA, Vice - President, the moment was also precious as two young entrepreneurs Neal and Raj Patel who are known for their sharp business acumen, a distant vision, sound capital and an ability to bounce back, have actively contributed much for the success of program. Though born and grown in United States, these young honchos are more Indian, who believe in upholding Indian culture and traditions.
Over 50 plus renowned physicians, Gujarati politicians, Chicago’s prominent businessmen, community leader’s and general public took part in the function. In all, more than 650 people attended the program. It was House Full and Sold Out show. Some people had only seen the Exhibition and left Waterford Park without attending program because there was no space.
Exhibition was breathtaking and it has never been done in Chicago ever like that. It felt like it was a Gujarati Cultural Museum. There are no words to describe outstanding Gujarati cultural activities were shown at the entrance of Hallway.
Emceed by Beena Patel (Chief Deputy Clerk of Cook County, Traffic Division), the program started with social hour. Delicious appetizer was served during social hours. It was followed by American National Anthem which was sung by Nishal Patel, grandson of Naren Patel and Indian National Anthem which was sung by Mira Chotalia.
Beena Patel, looking sensational in a Multicolor (Turquoise & Purple) sari, endeared herself to the audience with her excellent comparing of the show; she began the show saying Jai Shree Krishna and Jai Swaminarayan. She then welcomed all the guests and the community members and sung traditional song "Aaj no Lahavo Lijiye Re Kaal Kone Dithi Chhe".
This year's theme, "The Golden Anniversary" was designed to bring back fond memories and cultural and educational experience for all Gujarati people. Beena welcomed Minister Sanjay Sinha from Washington DC, Ambassador Ashokkumar Attri and Thakor Patel and Shabana Mansoori who came from Gujarat especially to attend this program on behalf of VGS President Krishnakant Vakharia.
Beena addressed Vice - President as Shree Naren Patel because the love and support of the Chicagoans are a true testimony in which Vice - President Naren Patel demonstrates that he is a strong and valued community leader in the Gujarati Community. Beena described Gujarat as "Vahali Gujarat" by saying "Malta Mali Gayi Mhogheri Gujarat, Gujarat Mori Mori Re". Gujarat is a place where the happy and vibrant people of Gujarat play Raas-Garba and Kavi sings Bhajan and Lokgito to describe their happiness. Beena mentioned that according to historians the movement of separate Gujarat began 5,000 years ago when Bhagwan Krishna moved his residence from Mathura to Dhwarka. After that in 1873, Kavi Narmada shankar Dave who was well known by his nick name "Narmad" wrote a poem "Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat" that brought the feelings of separate Gujarat in the hearts and minds of Gujarati people. After years of struggle and sacrifices of lives Gujarat received their independence in May 1, 1960. At the end of Beena's remarks she ensured the audience that a wonderful program in store for their enjoyment and pleasure.
Followed by Beena’s speech the event started with Kalash puja by board of Directors of Vishwa Gujrati Samaj USA Vice - President Naren Patel, Sumitra Patel, Dinesh Gandhi, Mafatbhai Patel, Kishore Chugh, Dr. Yash Amin, Tushar Chotalia, and Beena patel. Diya ceremony followed after Kalash puja.
The other attraction of the day was Deep Praagataya, where 50 prominent members of the community lightened the lamp. It was followed by Award Ceremony where top seven Gujarati honchos were honored- Dr Bharat Barai for Community services; Mafatbhai Patel – Industry and Community services; Hiren Patel for Community and Financial Services, Harish Bhatt in Pharmacy Business, Dr Yash Amin - Community services, Neal patel, and Raj patel – for Health care services and Pritesh Gandhi –Waterford Banquet Services and.
Upon completion of Deep Praagataya ceremony Pushpanjali dance was performed by Kalapadma dance academy. Pushpanjali is an offering of flowers to Indian Gods. In Sanskrit, pushpam means "flower" and Anjali means "offering with folded hands". So Pushpanjali means offering of flowers with folded hands. This dance is generally done first, to welcome the people.
Followed by Pushpanjali dance, Hardik Bhatt introduces Mr. Naren Patel. Speaking on the occasion, Naren Patel, Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA Vice - President, thanked the community members and special dignitaries – Ambassador Ashok Kumar Attri, consul general of India, Mrs. Ushakiran Attri and Sanjay Singha (Minister for Personnel and community services), special guest from Gujarat S. K. Nanda, the Present Principal Secretary, Forest Department, Dr. Mafat Patel, Professor Prakash Desai, VGS USA Board of Directors, Sponsors, and local community leaders in Chicago land area, and most important guest audience present tonight. He also welcomes Mr. Thakor Patel - Senior Journalist and Shabanaben Mansoori for representing President Vakharia. Illustrating 50 years of hardship and success, he explained the role of Gujarat and Gujarati community nationally and internationally.
Mr. Naren Patel thanked in his welcome speech to every one presence in large numbers that shows your love for Gujarat and making this program successful. He personally thank board members; Mafat Patel, Dinesh Gandhi, Yashwant Amin, Kishore Chugh, Beena Patel, Tushar Chotalia, all sponsors for their support and contribution to the community. specially Mr. Mafat Patel, Dr. Bharat Barai, Hiren Patel, Harish Bhatt, and his two sons Neal and Raj Patel. He also recognize Dr. Yash Amin, Kishore Chugh, Beena Patel for their hard work and acknowledged Mrs. Varsha Mahnedra Patel, Mr. Shashi Patel for Stage Decoration, Valji Patel from Splash Graphics and Shobhana Kamdar from Sajawat and all others for putting this beautiful exhibition possible.
Mr. Naren Patel salutes Mahatma Gandhi, Ironman Sardar Patel, Jivraj Mehta, Morarji Desai and Indulal Yagnik, beloved Narendra Modi as today's Iron man. He emphasized on Iron Man Sardar Patel where the roots of the nation were deep rooted to make it a democratic nation. We are proud of our Hero and for their sacrifice and contribution to the nation. All of us have noticed that Gujarat has progressed tremendously within a short 50 years and particularly under the vision and leadership of beloved Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
Gujarati festivals are famous in the world such as Navaratri and Kite Festival. Gujarat is truly wedded to the principal of Sarva Dharm Sambhav. He added that “I am thankful for the Gujarati skills that have strongly influenced my life. As we know the Gujaratis are known and recognized for their strong business skills in the world. I would also like to thank my entire family for supporting me and my wife Sumitra for her nurturing the
wonderful Gujarati spirit in our sons Neal and Raj”.
Thanking the community Attri highlighted the role of Gujarati community by tracing back to the history. Hilariously he commented that when Neil Armstrong step into the moon, few Gujarati people there on moon has offered him Dhokala. Consulate General Ashokkumar Attri brief address that recounted his experience with members of the Gujarati community while in Middle East and Kenya. He met a businessman from Gujarat whose ancestors had helped Vasco De Gama reach India via South Africa also offered Gujarati food. He also highlighted the economical contribution of Gujarat to national and international economies. Attri said “Gujarati businessmen are well known all over the world and they attracts highest flow of overseas business to Indian.
Minister Narendra Modi, in a DVD message, thanked the community members for preserving Gujarati culture, cuisine and tradition in foreign-land. He also congratulated community members for strengthen Gujarat-USA ties.
On cultural front Gujarati Garbo choreographed by Kaku Shah, Khel Khel Re Bhavani Ma and Bhajan "Mara Mandir Padharo Shri Nathaji was performed by Kalapadma Dance Academy. Showcasing Gujarat culture, tradition, attires and its people, Gujarat Darshan was presented by family and friend of Naren Patel. Cultural program was beautifully and well thought out show and lot of effort was put in to make it very enjoyable. Gujarat Darshan was every one's favorite program when everyone came on stage to show different parts of Gujarat “Jeni Dharti Sada Rasal” The highlight of the program was "Sarva Shresth Man in the world Mahatma Gandhi”.
The event was concluded by Vote of thanks by Yash Amin and delicious authentic Gujarati cuisine. The dinner was followed by a musical concert, presented by SA RE GA MA Orchestra on the occasion. Singers Navin & Varsha Kadiwala, Raju Pandya, Hitesh Naik, Padmini Rao, Raju Bankpur, Chinar and Zankar Desai supported by Gopal Shah on the tabla, Raju Ali on the Guitar, Kafi Khan on drums plus Octra Pad, Parthive Thakkar on Congo and Corus by Suresh Mehta sound by Amit Shah and Deepak Patel. Singer Ms. Rita Patel, Padmini and Hitesh Master held the audience spellbound with their Gujarati conventional Lok Geet. Entire program was outstanding, with repeated thunderous applause and vocal endorsement and repeated demand from the spectators as ”once more” after almost each song. Despite lateness of the evening, hardly a soul departed from the Gala before end of the unforgettable evening, another sign of the dazzling program.
There was diversity in the audience however after the program, significant number of people demanded to have another repeat of entire program in near future. The audience response was "Way to go Naren Patel, the program was classy just like you".
The program was completely in Gujarati; however, there were many Non-Gujarati people who attended the program. Though in Gujarati, the program was well attended, enjoyed and appreciated by non-Gujarati members too. Speaking to Asian Media USA, Minister Sanjay Sinha from Washington DC and Consul General, said, “I am so pleased even though Gujarati is not in universal language, but the presentation was so carefully planned and the result was unbelievable and memorable for years to come”. Everyone felt so good about the program; they emailed and phone the Vice - President Naren Patel non-stop for two days. They cannot get over the nostalgic feelings that it was nothing like that they have seen in Chicago.
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