FORDS, NJ (TIP) More than 500 alumni and guests attended Sardar Patel University Alumni’s (SPU) 19th Annual Convention on October 30, 2021, at Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey; Networking, dignitary speeches, SPU updates, music and garba along with delicious food were enjoyed by the attendees. With a motto of “We Strive for Excellence and Excellence Matters” and goals of serving rural population by providing them with access to higher education and continue to explore new frontiers in the areas of Science and Technology and constantly set and reach new levels of achievement in research in areas within Humanities and Social Science, Sardar Patel University is known for nurturing talents, skills and scientific temper and creation of knowledge in modern India.  More than 500 alumni and guests gathered on October 30, 2021, at Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey for Sardar Patel University’s 19th Annual Convention.

The tributes were given to SPU’s founding fathers Bhailalbhai Patel, Bhikhabhai Patel & H.M. Patel at the beginning of this wonderful evening of smiles, hugs and networking.   The Iron Man of India, a staunch Freedom Fighter and Unifier of India Shree Sardar Vallabhbahi Patel was also remembered on his 146th Birth Anniversary on October 31st and a salute was given to him for all his sacrifices for India.  The Chief Guest and Chairman of Charutar Vidyamandal and President of CVM University Mr. Bhikubhai Patel and Mrs. Sarojben B. Patel and Guest of Honor Professor Subodh B. Desai presented a garland to Sardar Patel’s photo at the beginning of the program.  Mr. Bhikubhai Patel provided detailed updates of current status of SPU’s progress which is identical to dream of modern India.  Professor of Microbiology Dr. Subodh Desai shared his experience of SPU and appreciated the work is being done by SPU Alumni Association.  SPU’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Sirish Kulkarni joined the event online and shared the latest updates from SPU and also congratulated SPU team on organizing 19th annual convention.  Mr. Alay Patel, SPU Alumni Association President provided updates on goals met for the scholarships to needy SPU Students and other fruitful projects for SPU in India and also shared the update as SPU Alumni Association USA is now recognized and approved by both SPU and CVM University, V. V. Nagar.  Mr. Jatin Desai, Executive Vice President urged attendees to provide their generous support to SPU Alumni Association to continue with humanitarian and educational projects in India.  Second generation alumni Ms. Nehal Patel shared her unique experience as a woman who graduated from SPU as an electrical engineer and provided how India is progressing.  Dr. Balvant Arora, dynamic speaker and an award-winning plastic surgeon from Virginia delivered wisdom filled knowledge with his creative humor which truly entertained and educated the attendees.  The Chief Guest, Guest of Honor and Guest Speakers were presented with a plaque from SPU. FIA Chairman Late Shree Ramesh Patel and everyone who lost the lives during pandemic were remembered by Mr. Prakash Patel, SPU Committee Alumni Member. Dr. Thakor Patel, Chairman of Sevak Project from Virginia provided updates on humanitarian and health care projects in rural India.  Several SPU Alumni and supporters were recognized to include Sarlaben Patel who was the first female who graduated from engineering college in Vidyanagar, Dr. Rajendra Patel, Cardiologist and Mr. Albert Jasani of Royal Albert’s Palace.   Mr. Rajni Patel, a long-time supporter of SPU Alumni Association was also being recognized for his continued support to humanitarian projects.  Mr. Piyush Patel, Treasurer ended the convention with a vote of thanks to all who supported as well as media and supporting organizations.

Dr.  Tushar Patel served as the Master of Ceremony for the convention and extended his sincere appreciation to media supporters TV Asia, Indus TV, ITV Gold & Parikh Worldwide Media, Akila News, Gujarat Darpan, TV 9, Hi India, Sentinel SB/NB, Gujarat Samachar, Divya Bhaskar and supporting organizations MHO Hotels, IACFNJ, Royal Albert’s Palace, Bhatt Foundation and ELFA for their support to the SPU Alumni Convention.

The wonderfully choreographed dance performances from Meena Nag Group of Nritya Creations Academy of Dance, live singing from Rakesh Raj and Garba were the highlights of the event on entertainment side which was applauded by the attendees.  The SPU is one of the topmost and well reputed institutions in India.  With this wonderful alumni association and yearly gathering and networking opportunities with each other, many fruitful projects have been successfully completed in last two decades.  With a generous support from former alumni and local supporters, SPU Alumni association will be able to provide resources and expertise to the University and celebrate past, acknowledge and appreciate present and envision future for their alma mater – SPU.

(Written & Submitted by Dr. Tushar Patel, Princeton, NJ; Photo Courtesy Jayesh Patel of Jayesh Production, New Jersey)