The community organization Friends of Gujarat, held Diwali celebrations at Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, New Jersey, Nov. 18, 2021, attended by scores of supporters.
Kirit Patel, founder of Friends of Gujarat, FoB, welcomed those who came saying it was good to meet people in-person after more than a year of being online, and thanked all those who worked hard to make the event successful.
Kirit Patel also indicated that a bigger 3-day event would be announced soon.
Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, in his speech, praised FoB which he said represented the spirit of Gujaratis who are always trying to help others and are successful.
Friends of Gujarat is a platform to make the second generation aware of Gujarati culture, and to do good philanthropic work for Gujaratis and other communities in the U.S. and India, Dr. Parikh said. He assured his support and that of his media outlet.
Other speakers included Rajesh Patel, president of the Indian Cultural Society of New Jersey, Ratilal Patel, president of the seniors association FISANA, both of whom praised FoB for its work and wished it well.
Rajesh Patel recited the following poem during his speech:
Diwali no tahewar chhe
FOG no program chhe
Kiritbhai nu administration chhe
CJ ane Deep nu ayojan chhe
Rajesh ni shayari chhe
Albert no palace chhe
Tamaro saath chhe
Ne Bhagwan na aashirwad chhe
Chalo saathe badha
Ne fatakada fodwana chhe
(In Gujarati)
દિવાળી નો તાહેવર છે
ફોગ નો પ્રોગ્રામ છે
કિરીટભાઈ નુ એડમિનિસ્ટ્રેશન છે
સીજે એને દીપ નુ અયોજન છે
રાજેશ ની શાયરી છે
આલ્બર્ટ નો પેલેસ છે
તમારો સાથ છે
ને ભગવાન ના આશિરવાદ છે
ચલો સાથે બઢા
ને ફટાકડા ફોડવાના છે
Pradip Kothari of Indo American Cultural Society wished a Happy Diwali and ‘Nutan Varshabhinandan’ (Happy New Year) to all. He commended Kirit Patel on organizing such gatherings from 2008, and for FoG on completing almost fourteen years. “They have done wonderful work,” he said, and wished Kirit Patel and the entire team of FoG future success. He made a promise to FoG that his organization will always help and support FoG.
Gujarati food by Deep restaurant was served. Live entertainment was also part of the event.
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