Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) honored the President and Board of Directors of the Gujarati Samaj of New York on the organization’s 40th anniversary, for their nearly half century of service to the community. Since 1974, the Gujarati Samaj has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the traditions, language culture of the State of Gujarat in India, famous as the home of Mahatma Gandhi and India’s current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Samaj solidified their roots in the Queens community in 1985 when they opened a community center in Fresh Meadows, which has since been the meeting place for hundreds of community events, such as religious festivals and community healthcare programs.

To commemorate the anniversary, Senator Stavisky presented Senate proclamation to President Harshad Patel, Program Manager Bharati Desai, Chair of the Board of Trustees Raman Patel, Vice Chair Khandu Patel, President of the Society of Indo American Engineers and Architects Mihir Patel, Community Advocate Jitu Mehta and Chairperson Dilip Chauhan. On the occasion, Senator Stavisky was honored with traditional shawl by the Gujarati Samaj of New York.