HOUSTON: A dream project of members of Gujarati community in Houston area to set up a full fledged community center for social, cultural and other activities has finally come true.
One of the oldest and largest organizations of Indian Americans in Houston, Gujarati Samaj has finally taken upon itself to build a multi million dollar center measuring 39,000 sq feet plus at one of the most ideal locations in Houston, Stafford. It will be easily accessible to most Gujarati and Indian American residents in the city.
Spurred by a hefty donation of a parcel of land by Amit Bhandari and Mukesh Turakhia, the new executive team with the infusion of young blood finally goaded all team members to an action plan and a formal Bhumi Pujan was done three months ago. The project, as explained by Suresh Patel, Director and treasurer of the Samaj, would be in two phases and will house a multi purpose banquet hall, kitchen, and center stage while the second floor facilities will be used for library and conference room.
Suresh Patel said that construction would start as soon as formal building permit is received and before the middle of 2014 the hall would be fully functioning for numerous activities. “The project is a dream coming true as the Samaj members were toying with this idea for over two decades and they moved closer to realizing the dream once two Indian businessmen came up with a donation of a sizeable parcel of land .The idea caught up fast as the location of the Center is considered ideal for all to reach – near the highway and Siddhivinayak Ganesh temple – not only for the huge Gujarati community but for members of other communities as well. It is designed in such a way that it will have a multi purpose use.
Jay Patel, secretary of the Samaj said that “after lots of scrutiny and consultations with over 100 people, we have come to this final design of the Hall. It will be one of a kind where people would love to do all family and social functions. It has capacity for 1000 people sitting. It can be divided into two separate halls, each one will have kitchen, enough bathrooms, separate entry, excellent sound system, separate reception area, bigger than many four star hotels and excellent lighting. Our location is very impressive, close to all Sugar land members, easy access from 1960, Beltway 8and south. And there is plenty of parking.”
“This project’s final design is expected to be completed in September 2014 and construction will be completed in Sept-Oct 2015 or sooner, depending on weather conditions,” added Dr. HD Patel, Chairman, Board of Directors, Gujarati Samaj of Houston. “If we subscribed to the idea that some one will do then nobody will do.
If we collectively and individually support this project, it will become a reality and every one will benefit” he averred.
The 2010 Census placed the Indian American population at 95,000 plus. Assuming 50% of this group constitutes Gujaratis then it would be safe to place Gujaratis around 48000, and that is a strong presence of this community in the area. “Obviously the Center will meet their need for a community meet and gatherings”, said Suresh Patel He also observed that the total outlay will be close to $5800, 000 (including that for detention pond and reserve fund) while the Samaj already has about $2,280,000, including donations and pledges. The Samaj will have to raise the balance for the project.
The Board of Directors of the Samaj are: Chairman Dr Harshad Patel, Vice Chairman is Ajay Patel, Past chairman Dr Kirit Desai, Secretary Jayanti Patel, Treasurer Suresh Patel. Two young officials assuming office in the coming year are president and vice president of the Samaj respectively Amita Patel and Yogini Patel.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
