CHICAGO: Kadva Patidar Samaj (KPS), an Illinois based no profit body, had its Diwali celebrations organized recently at Ashyana Banquet in Downers Grove, a south west suburb of Chicago.
Over seven hundred KPS members, families, friends, relatives, community leaders and well wishers of the KPS, Chicago gathered to celebrate this Gala Diwali Dinner Night. “We are a long way from India, so it is good for us to do this, to remember our heritage,” said Vijay Patel, KPS President, whose team worked tirelessly for the gathering.
The evening started with social hour with many choices of delicious appetizers and soft drinks. The Emcee for the occasion was Raj Patel, who kept the crowd involved for the entire length of the program. Thanking the huge response from members, executive board trustees and sponsors, Raj Patel called sponsors on the stage and lighted Diwa befitting Diwali Celebrations while in background Stuti (ya devi sarva bhutesu) was sung by young participants.
After Stuti, the Gaj Vandana was performed by another youth participant, Yatri Desai. The KPS Chicago team was introduced by Raj Patel, MC. Jill and Dhara Chokshi’s Fusion Dance was also enjoyed by KPS members. Another excellent performance was by Halie Harmil Patel & Amy Ashish Patel, a Kathak dance on song “Yashomati Maiya se”.
Greeting everybody present on the occasion, KPS president Vijay Patel said, “Our goals are to encourage people to explore and learn about rich Gujarati culture. Together let us keep this light lit for life and joy for many years to come.”
Amidst applause, President Vijay Patel and his Executive Team members presented a plaque to the outgoing KPS President and current KPS Trustee, Narendra Patel, in appreciation of his services for the past 18 years.
Thanking all for their support and appreciation, Narendra Patel then recognized other community activists for their support beginning with Mafat Patel from Patel Brothers, Babu Patel of Patel Realty, Dr Kamal Patel, Dr Indrajit Patel, Suryakant Patel of Gujarati Samaj of Chicago, Lalbhai Patel and Dr Hemant Patel of Gujarat Pragati Mandal, Davendra Patel of 42 Gaam Kadva Patidar Samaj and Haribhai Patel of Senior Citizens Society.
Surinder Jain of Ashyana Banquets was honored with a plaque for his unconditional support. Seventeen senior citizens from the KPS community were presented with imported Kashmiri Shawls for their contribution to society. The traditional Garbo and Bharat Natyam dances were performed by age group of 4 to 16 years young girls. The Garbo was choreographed by Dr Hina Patel, followed by a group dance. The program persuaded all age group members to dance with the flurry of songs sung by talented artists. DJ Arun kept the audience zooming till late midnight.
There were also live song performances throughout the evening. After dinner, the audience enjoyed the open floor dances until mid-night.
Kadva Patidar Samaj of Chicago, established in 1988, is one of the largest community organizations of Chicagoland. It provides an excellent platform for socializing among all age groups as well as personal & professional networking.
Jayanti Oza
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