CHICAGO: One of the oldest ethnic Indian organizations in Chicago land, Gujarat Cultural Association hosted Diwali celebrations with an electrifying Music Concert that attracted a large number of member families and their friends, at Waterford Banquets in Elmhurst, a south west suburb of Chicago.
The traditional lighting of lamp ceremony was performed by Bharat Barai, the Chief Guest, and other dignitaries.
Dr Bharat Barai, in his keynote address, said that we should not only celebrate Diwali as a festival but also understand its true message, implement it in our daily lives, and commit to the path of virtue, rather than that of evil, in order to emerge victorious.
Earlier, Kanti S. Patel, Chairman, Gujarat Cultural Association, in his welcome address, said that the Association, established in 1973, has undertaken initiatives aimed at growth and diffusion of the culture of Gujarat.
John Trivedi, a hotelier who was presented an award for his successful career, said that community support is an important pre-condition for success in business. “Giving back to the community, therefore, is one of the best business practices”, opined Trivedi.
The Association also honored Syed Hussaini, Sunil Shah, Iftekhar Shareef, Kalpesh Joshi, Dr Bharat Barai, Dr Anita Johan, and Shashank Bhatt for their spectacular community services.
Iftekhar Shareef stated that the presence of people representing different religions at the celebrations proves that Diwali is a festival of entire India, rather that of one community alone.
Sunil Shah observed that Diwali is an occasion not only to celebrate but also to reflect and bring about a qualitative change in our day-to-day lives. Babra and Party, an international music group, presented a spectacular music program with B M Babra, as the lead singer and Archana Gauswami, Franklin Christian, Shefali Giri, Mahendra Chudasma, as his team of formidable singers.
Their stunning renditions, which were vivacious, bubbly and full of energy, mesmerized the audience.
The well-equipped Orchestra, comprising an outstanding lineup of fine musicians, included Bhupendra Bubra-Keyboard, Manish Goel-Keyboard , Piyush Babra-Guitar, Vasudev Solanki-Octopad, Hemant Solanki-Congo Dholak Tabla, and Amit Bhavsar-Drums.
Dr Manish Brahmbhatt conducted proceedings of the function as the MC. Girish Patel, President of the Association, proposed a vote of thanks.
Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State, in his message, said that the Association is a lifeline for its members in need of networking opportunities, professional guidance, and community support. He appreciated the cultural connections that the Association is building between Illinois and India.
Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, said that she had the opportunity of visiting Gujarat and also had the honor of meeting Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister and the present Prime Minister. “I enjoy coming to your events every year. I am the biggest supporter of Indian Community. I like Indian festivals and love Indian dresses”, she added.
Gujarat Cultural Association Executive Board comprises Kanti S. Patel [Chairman], Girish Patel [President], Dr. Manish Brahmbhatt [Vice President], Shaurin Mehta [Secretary], Hemang Patel [Joint Secretary], Dinesh Patel [Treasurer], Kanu Parekh [Cultural Secretary] and Mrs. Geeta Bhatt [Joint Cultural Secretary]
The celebrations concluded with a sumptuous Gujarati-style dinner. All in all, a night of glitterati and music for all to remember.
Asian Media USA
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