Celebrating over five decades of trust, legacy, and community connection, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar marked a proud milestone with the launch of the commemorative souvenir “Soneri Smruti Granth – A Timeless Treasure” on 18 July at the House of Lords, in honour of Gujarat Samachar's 53rd anniversary.
This special bilingual publication is a heartfelt tribute to the rich legacy and journalistic values that have defined the newspapers since their inception. As CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, has always said, “We are the paper of record”, a sentiment deeply reflected in this souvenir edition.
Soneri Smruti Granth celebrates the inspiring migration stories of distinguished businessmen, philanthropists, politicians, and more stories of courage, perseverance, and transformation. Accompanied by rare archival photographs and deeply personal reflections, it chronicles the incredible journeys of individuals who rose from humble beginnings to become pillars of British society. This book is not just a look back, it is a timeless reminder of where we came from, what we became, and the values that continue to guide us forward.
Namita Shah compered the event, which began with Vedic prayers chanted by Dr M N Nandakumara MBE, Director of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The gathering drew a distinguished audience, including Lord Dolar Popat, former MP Virendra Sharma, Lord Krish Raval, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Cllr Anjana Patel, Mike Patel, WO Ashok Chauhan, Kamal Pankhania, Pranav Vora, Nirav Patel, Cllr Parveen Rani, Vimalji Odedra, Dr Bharat Shah, and Anand Dhamecha along with his wife, Sajni Dhamecha. The MFS team was also in attendance, represented by Maria Gilbert, Zeeshan Khan, Sharon Hewes, Omkar Hushing, Leah Brunskill, and other notable community figures.
The evening was hosted by Lord Bhikhu Parekh, who remarked, “I want to take this moment to congratulate my dear friend CB Patel, who has led this publication with dedication for over five decades. May he continue for another 50 years, and we’ll all meet again to celebrate that milestone too! Editing a journal is far more complex than writing books. It means serving multiple generations, cultures, faiths, and communities, new migrants and long-settled families alike. A successful publication must be both focused and multifaceted, able to engage readers of all backgrounds while maintaining a clear editorial voice.
“To do this, one must have deep community connections, a commitment to public service, and a strong editorial vision. Gujarat Samachar has consistently shown these qualities; connecting us, informing us, and often entertaining us. For that, CB deserves our heartfelt thanks and warmest congratulations, ” he added.
Community leaders praise CB Patel’s role in bridging cultures
Leah Brunskill, Head of Marketing at Market Financial Solutions, said, “Today marks 53 years of not just journalism, but community building, CB Patel has been a timeless bridge between the UK, India, and beyond. ‘Timeless Treasures’ beautifully reflects that legacy. At MFS, we aim to follow in those footsteps. Beyond lending, we support causes like Children with Cancer UK, Go Beyond, and events such as the Lohana Business Dinner.”
“Our mission goes beyond finance, we offer free educational content, from CPD-accredited courses to property tools. With a loan book of £2.4 billion and a £3.5 billion target, diversity remains key: 44% of staff and 41% of leaders are women, and 37% come from diverse backgrounds. We’re proud to be recognised for both inclusion and service,” she added.
Director of Dhamecha Group, Anand Dhamecha said, “I’d like to begin by thanking CB Uncle, Lord Parekh, and all the dignitaries for this honour. It’s a privilege to celebrate 53 years of Gujarat Samachar—a remarkable achievement. CB’s work has not only served the Indian community but built a lasting bridge between Britain and India, connecting generations.”
Sharing his family’s journey, he said, “My grandfather came to the UK from East Africa in 1974 with his brothers, seeking a better life. Their sacrifices and hard work laid the foundation for everything we have today. Though we’ve lost some of them, their legacy continues to guide us.”
“Our connection to India remains strong. Though we were raised in London, our parents made sure we stayed rooted. We’re heading to India next week to celebrate my grandmother’s 90th birthday, she still lives there. The strength of the women in our family shaped our journey. My great-grandmother, widowed young, helped launch our family business in 1976. Today, we run 13 cash and carries, and all our charitable work is done in her name, honouring her resilience.”
Lord Rami Ranger said, “It’s never easy to speak after CB Patel and Lord Bhikhu Parekh, intellectual giants and storytellers who inspire us all. And with such a galaxy of Asian talent gathered here today, I feel immense pride. Someone once asked me how I came to Britain penniless and built a successful life. I told them: I may have arrived without money, but I brought with me rich Sanatani values that have stood the test of time. Those values, and role models like CB Patel, gave our community a voice when we had none. Gujarat Samachar helped us see ourselves reflected, showing us that if others from our community could succeed, so could we.”
He further said, “We’ve become assets to this country through hard work, loyalty, and strong values. Those of us forced to leave Uganda were given opportunities here, and even Uganda now invites us back. Money doesn’t make money, people do. Leaders like Pradeep Dhamecha built businesses while giving back. I salute Britain, where diversity is not just accepted but protected by law, that is true strength.”
“And CB Bhai,” he added warmly, “you are a remarkable role model. I want to know what chip powers your razor-sharp memory, you remember people and moments from decades ago like they happened yesterday!”
High Commissioner of Uganda to the UK, Her Excellency Nimisha Madhvani said, “It is a great honour to stand before you in the historic House of Lords, a place where ideas have shaped the UK and the world. But today is not just about the past, it’s about celebrating a fresh contribution to our cultural and literary landscape. Please join me in applauding CB Patel and his dedicated team for the launch of Soneri Smruti Granth, a golden, timeless treasure capturing identity, resilience, and the enduring values that bind us across continents.
“This book is more than a literary achievement; it’s a bridge between generations, nations, and communities, from Uganda to India to the UK. CB, your lifelong commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices, especially women and those expelled from Uganda, is remarkable. You’ve preserved stories, inspired dialogue, and spotlighted achievements that deserve global recognition. May this book reach schools, libraries, and homes across the world. And CB, it’s time you finally visited Uganda, you’ve told our stories for decades. We are open, welcoming, and thriving. With four direct flights a week via Uganda Airlines and visa approvals in two days, we say: come and see our heaven on earth,” she added.
The commemorative copy of Soneri Smruti Granth was unveiled by Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Anand Dhamecha, Kamal Pankhania, Kamlesh Madhvani, High Commissioner Nimisha Madhvani, CB Patel, Lord Krish Raval, Lord Rami Ranger, and Dr Bharat Shah.
Honouring the pioneers behind ‘Gujarat Samachar’
Consulting Editors of Gujarat Samachar, Jyotsna Shah and Kokila Patel, were honoured by H.E. Nimisha Madhvani for their outstanding contributions spanning over four decades with ABPL and their dedicated service to the wider community.
Jyotsna Shah, Consulting Editor of Gujarat Samachar said, “Today we’re celebrating a remarkable milestone, 53 years of Gujarat Samachar. It’s a proud moment to mark this journey here in the House of Lords with Lord Bhikhu Parekh and esteemed guests. Completing such a long and impactful run abroad is truly historic. Our Editor CB Patel’s visionary spirit continues to inspire us all. Even now, his energy and drive push us to aim higher. This commemorative volume, ‘Soneri Smruti Granth’, is more than a book; it’s a record of migration, identity, and the resilience of the Gujarati community.
“From championing culture and faith to reflecting the voice of the people, Gujarat Samachar has always stood by its principles of accuracy, clarity, and community service. I’ve been fortunate to be part of this journey for over 40 years, growing from sub-editor to consulting editor. This book captures that collective legacy, our stories, our challenges, and our triumphs and it will surely hold a special place in our libraries and hearts.”
Kokila Patel, another Consulting Editor of Gujarat Samachar said, “It’s with immense gratitude and emotion that I reflect on my 42-year journey with Gujarat Samachar, a path I never imagined, but one I cherish deeply. I arrived from Anand, Gujarat, with no background in journalism. I was a housewife who had worked in retail in Tooting, unfamiliar even with a typewriter. But destiny had other plans, and that plan was called CB Patel. He saw something in me I didn’t see in myself. I joined as a typesetter, but his guidance turned me into a writer. My first piece, based on my own experience with dowry, moved him to tears. That moment changed my life.
“With his encouragement, I wrote over 30 columns, real stories drawn from real people. Gujarat Samachar became my university, and CB Bhai my greatest teacher. Together, we created wedding specials, Navratri and Diwali magazines, and countless community editions. The love I’ve received from our readers has been humbling. Today, I stand not just as a journalist, but as a proud student of a man who believed in me. CB Bhai, thank you. This is your legacy, and I’m honoured to be part of it. And to all of you, thank you for reading, supporting, and walking this journey with me,” she added.
At the conclusion of the event, CB Patel said, “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone here today and those who couldn’t join us. This book is more than a souvenir, it’s a chronicle of the journey of over two million people of Indian origin. It reflects the spirit, struggles, and achievements of our community. I encourage you to share these stories with your grandchildren, so they understand where we came from, what we built, and how far we've come.
“This country has given us much, and we, too, have contributed to its greatness. Our diverse faiths and traditions are celebrated within these pages, showing that the British Indian story is nothing short of extraordinary. We’re not just looking back, we’re looking ahead. What we’ve achieved so far is just the beginning. We have ambitious plans for the future of this publication and our community. A new generation is already stepping forward, both here and in India, working passionately to carry this legacy forward for the next 50 years and beyond. This isn’t just about preserving history, it’s about creating it. And we need your continued involvement and support. Read the book, share it, and let it inspire thought and conversation. Knowledge is power, but it requires your investment; of time, curiosity, and heart. I feel deeply optimistic. This event, this team, and this shared journey give me strength. I may be 89, but I don’t feel old, because I continue to do meaningful work, surrounded by people who care.”
