CHICAGO: Gujarati Samaj, a Chicago based no profit organization, hosted a grand Diwali Gala Dinner highlighted with a live musical concert on Saturday, October 18 at India House Banquet in Schaumburg.
The event that started at 6 pm lasted till well past midnight and was greatly enjoyed by more than 600 members and guests.
The MC for the occasion was Manish Pandya, Cultural Secretary, who kept the crowd actively engaged for the entire length of the program. The program began with two prayers sung by Alka and Sunny on Lord Ganesh. President Suryakant Patel welcomed all the guests and thanked members for bringing the best Diwali celebration for all.
The organization has expanded with leaps and bounds adding 15 to 20 new life members every year. Besides four mains events – Bowling, Summer Picnic, Navratri and Diwali party – they introduced Mix & Mingle and achieved great success. The GSC’s website is refreshed and efforts continue to improve it for everyone’s benefit including the vendors and sponsors, according to General Secretary Jayesh Parikh.
Jayesh Parikh introduced the event’s Chief Chhotalal Patel who in his inspiring speech narrated a few incidents of his life here, including his experience with security personnel upon entering. He urged to absorb the good parts of the society here without giving up “our culture and Gujarati spirit”.
This was followed by the lighting of “Deepawali Diya” by office bearers and all sponsors recognized then. The orchestra team led by Sunny Jadhav known as the “Voice of Kishore Kumar” lifted the spirit of all present through rendering beautiful songs.
Alka Thakur was a treat for ears singing Asha, Lata and Alka songs. Kanwarlal, an excellent mimicry artist, pleased all with a wide range of poetry and shayari. And finally, Kalpesh Kharwa, a young and talented singer, sang songs of artists such as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Mohammed Rafi. Anand Chaudhari anchored the Entertainment Program.
Mrs Urvashi Patel was introduced as GSC’s new President who introduced her 2014-2015 Executive Board consisting of-Bhavesh Shah; Cultural Secretary-Manish Pandya; Jt. Cultural Secretary-Nirisha Shah; Treasurer-Sandip Shah; Jt.Treasurer-Dakshesh Modi; Board Members: Vibha Dave; Payal Shah; Nikunj Baxi; Ashok Shah; Chandrika Shah; Devang Desai.
Kamlesh Shah gave a final vote of thanks.
Harish Rao
