Gujarat Cultural Association, Chicago, Celebrated Diwali,with a musical masterpiece, the essence of S. D. Berman

Chicago IL: Gujarat Cultural Association (GCA) hosted Diwali celebrations, accompanied by an electrifying Music Concert, the essence of Maestro S. D. Berman. The Sold out event was held at Meadows Club, on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 2950 W. Golf Rd Rolling Meadows, IL. the program was exceedingly successful with the active support of the Sponsors, Executive Board, GCA members and volunteers. Occasion was graced by dignitaries present from all different professions such as political, entertainment, education, business, medical, IT (Information Technology). Among them were , Cook county board of commissioner Toni Preckwinkle and Board of review commissioner Dan Patlak , Lt Governor Evelyn Sanghinetti , Mr. O. P. Meena from Consulate General of India's Office, Mr. Iftekhar Shareef, Bhavesh Patel, Anuja Gupta, Dr. Ann Lata Kaliyal, Ifthekar Sherif, and Kalpesh Joshi, prominent Community leaders like Dr Bharat Barai and Hetal Patel, Dina Modi etc.

The program started with welcome speech and lamp lighting. The Chief Guest was Sunil Shah, the founding president of the Schaumburg FIA and he entertained the audience with his witty speech.

To preserve cultural, religious, and various other traditions, Gujarat Cultural Association was established by brain child and founding member Mr. Kanti Patel in 1973. GCA launched a platform for the old and young family members to get-together to promote share and express the common feelings of love, compassion, and sacrifice involved in an every Gujarati's heart. GCA Chair Mr. Kanti Patel stated in his speech famous quote of the poet Khabarder "Where ever in the world there is a residing Gujarati member, you will always find that person represents entire state of Gujarat". We should not only celebrate Diwali as a festival but also understand its true message, implement it in our daily lives, and commit to the path of virtue, rather than that of evil, in order to emerge victorious. Wishing every one very happy, healthy and prosperous upcoming New Year, Kanti S. Patel, Chairman of GCA concluded his speech by requesting everyone for their continued support co-operation and participation in future events.

Every year GCA organized picnics, sports competition, and musical events. It also collaborates with other national organizations like Federation of India Association (FIA), the Indo-American Democratic organization (IDOA) etc. to promote the goal of our Indian-Americans to achieve the success political arena in this foreign land.

MC was 'Evergreen' Mrs. Hetal Patel. She invited Chief Guest on stage Tony Prickwinkle. Tony thanked Gujarat Culture Association for tireless work by its member, especially Kanti Patel. She congratulated leadership and entrepreneurship of the community of diaspora from Gujarat and especially paid special tribute to Mahatma Gandhi who also hailed from Gujarat in India.

Four Extraordinary individuals were honored with lifetime achievement awards; Mr. Pratap Gohil of Sumit Construction, Mr. Chandresh Bhrambhatt for his outstanding achievements as a Hotelier and Mr. Bharat Patel for being an outstanding entrepreneur.

"Unity of mind and heart bring us to gather to calibrate Diwali festivity. I offer warm greetings to the members and friends of the Gujarat Cultural Association for organizing and celebrating the annual Diwali Dinner and Musical Program. Again, my sincere congratulations to the Gujarat Cultural Association on its annual Diwali dinner, and wish the Gujarat Cultural Association, and all who comprise it, every continued success" Said by Mr. Dipak Vyas Chairman and CEO of Redberri Corporation.

Mr. O. P. Meena, representing Consul General of India in Chicago, congratulated GCA for organizing this GALA and wished everyone happy Diwali, which symbolizes joy, hope, and positive energy, focuses on the triumph of light over darkness and compassion over hatred. He added that the message of Diwali is universal in nature.

Eagerly awaited event 'A Fitting Musical Extravaganza in Memory of Mr. S. D. Berman, Golden Era of Indian film music's the most successful Bollywood musician of the Indian Film industry', followed in to late hours of night.

Sponsors: Dr Bharat and Panna Barai, Dr. Nita Patel [Dentist], Patel Brothers, Air India, Verandah, Motel 6, Sajmil Builder, Transitions Home Health Care, Law office of Wolin and Rosen etc.

Executive Board: Mr. Kanti S. Patel (Chairman), Mr. Girish Patel (President); Dr. Manish Brahmbhatt (Vic President); Mr. Dinesh Patel (Treasurer), Mr. Hemang Patel (Joint Secretary), Mr. Kanu Parekh (Culture Secretary), Mrs. Geeta Bhatt (Joint Culture Secretary) and Mr. Bhailal Patel (Trustee)

Board of Directors: Mr. Jyotindra Patel, Mr. Yogi Patel, Mr. Vijay Patel, Mr. Dilip Patel, Mr. Nilesh Patel, Mr. Subhash Majmudar and Mr. Gopal Trivedi

Volunteers: Mrs. Jyoti Pate, Mrs. Ansuya Patel, Mrs. Daxa Mehta, Mrs. Geeta Patel and Ms. Ami Mehta

Banquet Chairman: Jyotindra Patel & Gita J. Patel