DALLAS, TX : What was essentially a family affair celebrating the life and achievements of one of the most successful Indian businessmen, Chandrakant Patel , turned out to be a great community event – an affair to remember not by Indian community members in Dallas alone but across the country.
Over 850 guests from Dallas, Houston, California, New Jersey, New York, Chicago and other cities in USA showed up at Surati Leva Patidar Samaj Community in Irving reflecting their huge regard, respect and love for one of their own heroes – Chandrakant (Chan) Patel , a self made successful businessman and banker.
The event essentially was hosted by Chan family members’ friends and admirers and the two hand half hour event, studded with live entertainment program and short but meaningful speeches never had a dull moment. As put by one of the invited guests Mafat Patel, often described as uncrowned king of India Town Chicago, the organizers had planned the program so well that many felt that a somewhat personal celebration turned out to be a really enjoyable community event.
“I did feel that many of us should think of organizing such events frequently recognizing seniors for their success and community services which in turn could inspire the second generation to emulate their lives and achievements,” he said
Rajan Patel, Chan’s son, emceed the event gracefully and after a welcome address left speaking to his mother Smt Surekha Patel. She did a remarkably decent job followed by equally eulogizing speech by Sushil Patel, the second son of Chan. In between there was entertainment program, dances and skits by a professional LA troupe. Friends and well wishers also paid their respect and regards to Chan Patel.
The culmination was with a great presentation by Chan’s granddaughters. Overwhelmed by the love and affection from all around, Chan was choked with emotion while thanking friends, family members and well wishers
A first class science student from Bombay University, Chan had Masters Degrees from both Stanford and John’s Hopkins University. He started his career as a programmer with Braniff Airlines; a job that brought him to Dallas, where he would spend the rest of his life making his mark. In 1976 Chan bought his first hotel. His dedication and commitment to his work started paying him huge dividend.
He stopped working with Braniff; turning into a full time hotelier. His vision and commitment to work again came in good stead and he turned front runner in the hotel industry in his area, owning a total of 17 hotels.
In his journey to become a hotel owner, he learned that many of his fellow immigrants found it difficult to get a loan due to some technicalities and also inadequate grasping of the formal requirements. And a dream was born – to start a bank for the people and of the people around him.
The dream execution was not easy. He needed $2 million as capital. With Chan willing to invest $1 million himself, he approached other local Indian businessmen and professionals to invest by buying shares at $10 each. His success thereafter is a matter of history now that his State Bank of Texas has branched out even to Chicago.
Toral Bala adds: Dallas shows us something more to celebrate! Chan Patel and his life achievements were celebrated by his friends and family this past weekend in an over-the-top Bollywood themed gala.
Hollywood’s favorite Bollywood dance company started the night off with upbeat performances followed by powerful speeches recognizing Chan Patel as a businessman, friend, mentor, husband and father.
The night continued with New York DJ Jay Dhabi and Houston’s very own DJ Alx who had guests dancing until the early morning hours. After a variety of food was served, guests munched on fresh Paan that was made to order. Hopefully more celebrations of parents and their commitments and sacrifices will follow.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
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