On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, various communities and organisations across the UK celebrate the festival in their own unique ways. However, on Sunday, 27th October, a truly remarkable Diwali event was hosted at the Sattavis Centre in Wembley. Organised by Anand Overseas Brotherhood, UK (AOB), this gathering brought together brothers, sisters, and daughters originally from Anand, alongside presidents, delegates and invited guests from 69 villages affiliated with the "Shree Sattavis Gam Patidar Europe" association. Among the special guests was Mr CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.
The programme began with a Ganesh Vandana and the Gayatri Mantra, led by Jagrutiben Patel, Vice President of the Anand Overseas Brotherhood, UK. The lighting of the lamps followed in front of idols of Lord Ganesh, Maa Jagdamba, and Radha Krishna. Honorees included 100-year-old Shantabaa Gordhanbhai Patel, 93-year-old Shardabaa Indubhai, 8-year-old gold medalist Aara Patel and young representatives Reshma, Sheetal and Jasmine.
The Anand Overseas Brotherhood, UK, with 54 years of history, is now managed by Kokila Patel and her team of female office bearers, re-elected for responsibilities until 2026. While Diwali events typically feature speeches and children's disco dances, the women’s committee’s performance, dancing to classic film snippets, received resounding applause at the Sattavis Centre’s Aristol Hall.
Rashmikaben Tarakbhai Patel, Secretary of the Anand Overseas Brotherhood, welcomed everyone and outlined the organisation's activities. President Kokila Patel then spoke, highlighting Anand’s legacy, saying, "Anand is etched in history thanks to Amul Dairy, its 'White Revolution,' and the vision of Freedom fighter Tribhovandas Kishibhai Patel, who made Anand the Milk Capital of India."
Kokila Patel emphasised the significance of empowering women, noting that for the first time, the Patidar community of Sattavis Gam has entrusted the organisation’s entire management to women.
She proudly acknowledged the dedication of her committee, including Secretary Rashmika, Vice President Jagruti, Treasurer Kalpana, Social Secretary Urvashi, Joint Secretary Kinnari, PRO Sonal, and members Pushpa, Renuka, Jyoti, Hema, Sheetal, Reshma, and Jasmine. Special thanks were given to former presidents Anantbhai, Rohitbhai, and Yogeshbhai, along with supportive brothers Pravinbhai, Bhupendrabhai, Tarakbhai, Meenketubhai, Rajeshbhai, Dr. Pravin, and active young members Hetal, Hiten, Jayesh, Rohitbhai, Nayan, Neel, and Vipul. She also praised Pravinbhai for organising the annual trip and Urvashiben for coordinating local trips to Skanda Vale, Mahakali darshan, and the Isle of Wight.
The daughters of Anand honoured 100-year-old Shantabaa with a shawl and flowers, alongside other community pillars like 93-year-old Shardabaa (founder of Sharda High School), Kusumben (wife of R.U. Patel) and Pushpaben. Aara Valentina Dhiren Patel, an 8-year-old gold medalist in Jiu Jitsu from Germany, was also recognised.
In her speech, the Joint Secretary of the organisation, Kinnari Patel, praised President Kokila Patel for her effective leadership and ability to keep the organisation active by bringing everyone together. Committee members Honours President presented with a special gift.
