NEW YORK (TIP): Gujarati Samaj of New York announced a CULTURAL FESTIVAL OF GUJARAT to mark the celebration of its 40th Anniversary. The festival will be held on August 8,9 & 10, 2014. Consul General Dyaneshwar Mulay inaugurated the kick off with traditional lighting of the lamp. Chamunda Swami chanted Shlokas from Hindu scripture to seek divine blessings for the success of the undertaking. Ambassador Mulay expressed the need to market India to the mainstream. He asked every member to invite friends from mainstream to events and educate them about richness of India and Indian culture. He wondered why India still does not have a permanent seat at the Security Council.

He spoke of the Consulate’s initiative in hosting a series of events on India’s rich culture, lofty thought and diversity. He shared his conviction that India and USA are best partners to build the global economy. And every NRI should help make that happen. A spokesman for the Samaj said that Gujarati Samaj of New York was established in 1974, and has now a membership of more than 2400 families representing some of the most successful and affluent Gujarati Americans of Tri-state area. On the occasion of 40th Anniversary, Gujarati Samaj of New York is organizing a mega event for 3 days called “CULTURAL FESTIVAL OF GUJARAT” (CFG) showcasing the rich history, culture and heritage of State of Gujarat in India, the birth state of Global icon Mahatma Gandhi, Iron man Sardar Patel, religious Gurus including Pramukh Swami, business leaders Ratan Tata and Dhirubhai Ambani and the recently elected Prime Minister of India, Narendrabhai Modi among others. CULTURAL FESTIVAL OF GUJARAT (CFG) is to be held over three days in August on 8th, 9th and 10th in St. Anthony’s Conference Center in Melville, New York.

The 3-day mega event will include programs such as Garbo from Gujarati Samaj, Bhavai by Shakuntal Arts, Kamlesh Patel Dance, Dayro by Sairam Dave & Group, Women Seminar by Kajal Oza, Group Bhajans by Hari Bharwad, comedy by Jagdish Trivedi, concert by Mauli Dave, Fashion Show by Sringar group, Archan Trivedi for drama, Bhanubhai Vora of Swarkinnary group from Bombay, Sanjay Oza and Party, Sahitya lecture, Auction of Arts and Award ceremony. R. D. Patel, Chairman of Board of Trustees said, “We are excited to present this mega event to the community to thank our predecessors who brought the Samaj reach this far. This institution has been the cornerstone for our community to continue to share our culture with generations over last 40 years and I promise to continue to build with help from each Trustee of the Board in coming years”.

Harshad Patel, President of Gujarati Samaj of New York said, “I am fortunate to be the President in this historic year, and look forward to host an event of international standards with help from Dilip Chauhan, Minesh Patel and Bhupendra Patel, along with day to day contribution from my able committee members, Jatin Upadhyay, Chandrakant patel, Chimanbhai Patel, Anil Patel, Kiritbhai Patel and Divyesh Tripathi, to make this dream come true. I urge each of the community person of Indian origin to join us, and business community to help with support to make it a grand success”. Bharti Desai, Program manager and host of Gujarati Samaj of New York and launch event, said, “It has been a pleasant experience for me to host and organize multiple events at the Samaj in last few decades. It has helped me creatively to contribute in making each program a success. After having worked with several Presidents at the Samaj, now I look forward to handling this mega event and take the events presented by the Samaj to the next level in organizational excellence”. Samaj showcased “Garavi Gujarat” film on Gujarat’s riches and unfolded the video on CFG. The web site was inaugurated by Consul General. Attendees will enjoy traditional Gujarati food, enjoy very famous Gujarati movies like Jigaraneami, Akhand Saubhagyavati and Mahendi Rang Lagyo. Various booths will decorate the exhibition at the event with book stalls and handicrafts.

Top Government officials, public persons, Business and community leaders, young professionals, achievers and VVIPs are expected to attend the mega event over 3-days to be attended by 5,000 on a day. Dr. Navin Mehta, Trustee and major supporter of Samaj thanked the attendees and community in helping Samaj in last 39 years. He was proud to see Narendrabhai Modi, a Gujarati lead the nation as PM. He saw a growing and prosperous India in the making. He fondly related his own association with Samaj since he was doing his residency in New York.

Gujarati Samaj of New York which was established as non-profit organization by about one hundred first generation Gujarati families, today, has a life membership of over 2400. Over last 39 years the Samaj has conducted several activities to promote Gujarati and Indian religious and culture in New York area to community persons from all generations. In 1985, the Samaj acquired its own 12,000 sqft center located in Fresh Meadows, Queens, New York. The Center can accommodate up to 700 people.

The center is used mainly for Samaj activities. In 2009-2010, the Center was refurbished. Several thousand members of the Tri-state area are now using the Center for family events. In addition several other ethnic organizations are taking benefit of the central location to conduct their events at the center. Today, Gujarati Samaj of New Yorkis one of the oldest and vibrant organization in the tri-state area serving the Gujarati and other communities with educational, religious, and social activities such as FOGANA, Health Awareness Expo, Medical and Yoga Camp, Holi Celebration, Navaratri Celebration, Diwali Celebration, Gujarati Dayro and Drama, Appreciation Dinner, Cultural Tours, Gujarat Day Celebration, Independence Day Celebration, Republican Day Celebration among others. Samaj of New York is planning to have blood bank and Matrimony section for community benefit. Samaj held 10th anniversary at Madison square Garden and 20th Anniversary at Jacob Javits Center.

Gujarati Samaj of New York announced a raffle draw for a BMW car for the attendees. Earlier, before the formal program began, a minute’s silence was observed to pay homage to BJP leader Gopinath Munde who lost his life in an accident.