The 35th anniversary celebration of Gurjar, the Gujarati Association of New England was help on Sunday, November 10 with a celebration at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Under the leadership of President Eshani Shah and Vice President Deval Kamdar, the grand gala celebration featured a lot of fun and laughter. Guests were dancing the night away to the music provided by a live band, Bollywood Beats that came all the way from India for the event. 

 

Two special guests were honored for their exemplary community service work. Girish Mehta, received the Community Service Award for pioneering "Indian Circle for Caring" and helping support diverse communities.. Indian Circle for Caring USA Inc. (ICC) was established in August 2007, to fulfill a need to provide support for health care, medical support, family crisis, death and bereavement.  They have been working across the boundaries of religions, languages, regions and age groups. Their model is to work with existing social, religious, professional and support organizations to reach out to the community. Their volunteers would provide help when asked.

Manisha Bhatt, the lawyer who pioneered the "Know Your Rights" (KYR) program was honored for her work to create this wonderful program.  Through KYR, South Asian community leaders attend 10, two-hour sessions on topics ranging from employment law, consumer protection, criminal law, the court system and legislative process, family law and domestic violence, immigration, Social Security and disability law, to Medicaid and elder care.  Graduates of this program leave armed with information and contacts to pass on to members of their respective communities, which span the New England area.  2011, 2012 and 2013 participants include representatives from: Saheli, Gurjar, India Circle of Caring, Chinmaya Mission, Aavkar, American India Foundation, Lokvani the Islamic Center of Boston in Wayland, India Association of Greater Boston, and Next Generation Foundation.

The organization also thanked Shobha Shastry for her selfless contribution to community events. They also recognized members of the press, Anil and Ranjani Saigal (Lokvani), Upendra Misra(India New England), Harish Dang (Sounds of India) and Mr and Mrs Bipin Parekh (Gunjan), Anil and Arsh Mehrotra for their support for Gurjar.

"I feel very honored leading an organization that has been set up for the community, supported by the community members and a home away from home for those who miss the festival celebrations," said Eshani Shah, president of the Gujarati Association of New England. "The strength of the organization is due to the countless volunteers and past presidents and unity and dedication of the current committee."

"We have evolved with time and have become bigger and better," Shah added. "Thank you to members, sponsors, committee members and patrons."

Lokvani salutes Gurjar and looks forward to a great future for this organization.