Suresh Shah
CHICAGO: Gujarat Cultural Association of Chicago lived up to its reputation as a lead cultural organization promoting cultural heritage of Gujaratis and Indians in this part of the world by hosting a well attended Diwali Milan combined with its Annual Gala at Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, a north side suburb of Chicago.
Banquet Chair Jyotindra Patel said the big highlight of the event was the recognition of prominent figures for their contribution to the society at large. Indian Consul DB Bhatti and Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown presented awards to four of them – Motilal Agarwal, Anil Shah, Dr Anuja Gupta and Rita Shah – for excellence in their field of activities.
Moti Agarwal got Award as Banker of the Year, Anil Shah was recounted as front ranking Accountant in the community, Dr Anuja Gupta won recognition for her $40 million dollars venture for seniors while Rita Shah shot into limelight as the Woman of the Year. Rita Shah happens to be the wife of Sunil Shah who is running for Mayoral position in Schaumburg area and is a community activist.
The event started with traditional Lamp Lighting ceremony done by Dr Rashmi Patel, DB Bhati, founding president Kanti Patel, Jyotindra Patel and others. Jyotindra Patel welcomed members and their families, invited guests and all attendees. He briefly talked about the activities of the association. The Emcee of the Event was Amisha Patel who really enlivened the proceedings with her gracefully handling her job. Vote of Thanks was proposed by the association secretary Saureen Mehta.
The near three hours program had great entertainment provided by Prathiv and his group whose performance won acclaim from all those present.
