CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Vishwa Gujarati Samaj (VGS), USA celebrated the 6th Annual Gala Banquet in the memory of late Narendrabhai Patel, Founder, Medstar Laboratories at Meadows Club, 2950 Golf Rd., Rolling Meadows, IL.

The event was attended by a large number of eminent people, along with their families and friends, from different walks of life. The event was talk of the town and audience appreciated quality time spent with like-minded people and fun-filled musical melodies of famous Binaca Geetmala’s Blockbuster songs.

Rich tributes were paid to Narendrabhai Patel for his professional achievements in different fields of work and to his philanthropic contributions to numerous organizations, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion.

The function commenced with the singing of the Indian and the US National Anthems and lighting of lamp by the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA Board of Directors; Mafat Patel, Neal Patel, Raj Patel, Treasurer Kishore Chugh, Secretary Jayal Amin, Piyush Patel, Subodh Gabhawala, Dr. Sonal Patel and President Beena Patel.

Mrs. Sumitra Narendra Patel along with her two sons Neal and Raj and daughter-in-law Sonal and Nisha Patel were called on stage to present a Bouquet to honor Mrs. Patel for her husband’s contribution to the society.

Beena Patel, President, VGSUSA in her welcome address, said that the cherished national goals can be achieved, in full measure, only when people come forward to take up community work and share their time and talent in helping each other. Beena gave a history of six years of VGS USA and said that we have provided top class programs to our members and we will continue to maintain the same standard. She said that our Organization’s goal is to engage and encourage younger generation to showcase and promote Gujarati Culture and Heritage. Half of the audience was in their 40’s and they all enjoyed networking with Gujarati Business Community and felt proud to be a Gujarati.

Beena stated that community service does not mean merely organizing cultural events; it includes a wide spectrum of economic, education, health, social, and environmental issues concerning people. “A multifaceted community service will be greatly appreciated in making the lives of people worth-living”, she added.Beena thanked all the current office bearers of the VGS USA and said that Naren Patel, Mafat Patel, and Hiren Patel played a vital role in particular for their valuable contribution in making the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA stronger and famous for their beautiful exhibition of Gujarat Darshan and celebrating victory of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. She also thanked community leaders, media, Harish Kolasani for the Gujarat Promo Video, Sunil Shah, Babubhai Patel, Harish Bhatt and many others for their support to the VGS in a variety of ways.

Dr. Yash Amin, Member, Board of Directors said that VGSUSA has been committed to network with numerous Gujrati organizations and to ensure that all of them move in one direction and achieve the common goal of preserving the values and wisdom of Indian culture among the Indian Diaspora.

“Narendrabhai Patel started his journey as a humble pharmacist and finally occupied the prestigious position of Chairman, Medstar Laboratories. His career, therefore, will continue as a source of inspiration for the young generation”, said Amin.

“The rare blend of technical, conceptual, and human skills, and the high levels of emotional and spiritual quotients, enabled Narendrabhai Patel to touch the commanding heights of his professional success”, Amin added.

Amin called upon the professionals belonging to new generation to enrich their people-related skills and adopt transformational leadership style, rather than merely focusing on their technical skills, in order to realize their full potential.

“I know Naren Patel since 1969. “Behind every successful man there is a woman”. Sumitra Patel wife of Naren Patel was truly inspiration to him. Naren Patel two young entrepreneurs Neal and Raj Patel who are known for their sharp business acumen, a distant vision, sound capital and an ability to bounce back, now they are back bone of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA. Though born and grown up in United States, these young honchos are more Indian, who believe in upholding Indian culture and traditions” Said by Mafat Patel prominent community leader and well known Business man.

The Live Music Concert, comprising eminent singers and fine musicians, was the highlight of the event. The melodious compositions of R D Burman, including “Chura liya hai tum ne jo dil ko”, “Bahon mein chale aao”, “Karvaten badalte rahe saari raat hum”, “Mehbooba mehbooba”, etc., uplifted the mood of the audience.

Audio visual tributes were paid to R D Burman, the musical genius, by Asha Bhonsle, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Shammi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Vishal Bharadwaj, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Ameen Sayani and many more legends.

The event concluded with an authentic Gujarati Family Style dinner.

Dr. Subhash Patel conducted the proceedings of the event as the MC.