CHARLOTTE, NC: Often labeled as Chhote Sardar, India PM Narendra Modi has recently got embroiled in a reservation controversy not of his making. A group of Patidars organized a massive rally and demonstration in Gujarat recently demanding end of reservation and quota system for a section of society. And if that is not done, get Patidars also covered by the reservation system.
The demonstration and rally turned violent at some point introducing a sense of divide within the community at large that otherwise was getting well knit. It had its impact abroad, especially in this country, and again it got timed coinciding with the visit of the Indian PM to this country.
Many Indians are dismayed as it is a flash point which can create a division within the community with far reaching impact. Most Patidars want to disassociate themselves with this type of movement.
Especially, they would not like to have demonstration staged in the name of Patels or Patidars.
Baldev Thakor and others have taken a public stand and have asserted that the Patidar community of the United States has unanimously opposed the proposed rally against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations on September 25.
“As members of the overseas Patidar community, we condemn it. This is an exercise in political mud-slinging and we do not want to be a part of it,” said Baldev Thakor, President of Maya Hotels and a concerned Patidar community member. “We wholeheartedly support Modi in his initiatives to take the country to greater heights” he added.
The group believes that the agitations in India and now in US are politically motivated and these protests do not represent the voice of the entire Patidar (Patel) community.
“We Patels in the US are not taking any sides. Our intention is to make everybody aware that not every Patidar is against Prime Minister Modi. We do not support people who are tarnishing the reputation of our community and the great country of India,” said Danny Patel, President and CEO of PeachState Hospitality.
There are about 150,000 Patidars living in the United States and the people who support the rally against Prime Minister Modi at United Nations are a miniscule number who are misrepresenting the community.
“Mr Modi is coming here to further a bigger vision that he holds for India and instead of supporting his vision, some people are trying to thwart his vision for petty political gains which the majority of us feel is not right,” said Ravi Patel of Sree Hotels.
Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister is visiting the United States between 23 and 28 September.
During his visit, he is expected to meet tech giants, entrepreneurs in the Bay area to promote the Digital India campaign and address a 20,000 strong Indo American community in San Jose, California. He is also expected to speak at the United Nations.
Patidars in US are an industrious and peace loving community that has progress of India close to their heart. This community comprises Leuva Patidar Samaj of USA, Charotar Patidar Samaj of USA, Kadwa Patidar Samaj of North America and Patel Samaj of Mehsana.
Vinesh Virani
