ARTESIA: For Manu Patel, community service is a way of life, a commitment and his own way of giving back. At 50, Manu has a thriving medical insurance practice with influential clients.A native of Ahmedabad, Manu came here as a young boy. Public service began in 1978 with the Norwalk Temple

. Then there was no looking back.Manu has been involved with the Artesia City for over a decade and is a close friend of prominent local politicians like Tony Lima, Linda Sanchez, Tony Mendoza, Lorreta Sanchez, John Martin and Sally Flowers, to name a few.India Post caught up with him for a brief chat where he spoke on a number of issues. In a reference to the Little India Sign on the 91 freeway, he blamed it on disunity and lack of political participation by the Indians. Artesia has about 167 registered Indian voters and in the last city council election fewer than 50 voted.

"There has to be more political awareness, more political participation," he says.Manu also cited the example of the local Dutch, Portuguese and Asian communities. "They have a say in the council because they come out and vote," he says. According to him Indians not only lack political activity but are also disunited and indulge in back stabbing. He cited another case. "For example, Artesia merchants disagree on the naming of one shopping plaza 'Little India Village'.

They say that the name is misleading. But so for they have not been able to get together on common ground to deal with the situation, he said.As for the development of Artesia, Manu said the city has been sanctioned almost half a billion dollars for developmental projects. Soon we can expect a Downtown District on Pioneer between 183rd and South Open only for pedestrians.

The Downtown District will be developed on the same lines on the 3rd street promenade. A parking structure is also in the pipeline and it is expected to be built behind Pioneer Cash N Carry. Once complete, the new look will definitely be a boon to the Indian businesses and eventually Artesia will become a major Indian hub in South Western USA. "After this is done, we will work on the Little India Sign," said Manu Patel.Manubhai also spoke on other issues including law and order. "Policing has been increased but we also need to take basic safety precautions" he says.Artesia residents have a peculiar garbage disposal problem.

The city charges thirty five dollars for an overflowing dumpster. Manu Patel appealed to the people to protest this unnecessary fine. After all the city doesn't give credit for an empty dumpster.As for the ever increasing FIAs or UFICAS and the multiple melas etc, Manu said that it's a few bad eggs that prevent and sabotage unity for their own personal agendas. He reiterated that the Desi community needs to unite- irrespective of their being Indian, Pakistani, Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Punjabi, Gujarati or Telugu.If there is no unity, there is nothing, he said.