Gujarat Hindu Society hosted the Vadil Sanman programme in Preston, in partnership with Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, lead by C B Patel, Publisher/Editor of the papers and Patron of Gujarat Hindu Society. He has inspired organisations to recognise their elders over 80’s who have made huge sacrifices towards travelling around the world and finally settling in UK.
In Preston there were 55 nomination from over 80’s who were awarded the Karma Yogi Award. In addition to the over 80’s Gujarat Samachar also recognised a dozen members from the GHS committee and volunteers who have been long standing volunteers of the Society and had input in the development of GHS. The chief guests on this special occasion were the High Sheriff of Lancashire Amanda Parker, the deputy Mayor of Preston Cllr Marcus McManus and Councillor Peter Molineux.
The opening ceremony started with the main guests lighting the lamp followed by a Swagat dance by Abhinanda Dance Group.
The Society’s President Bhikubhai welcomed everyone and expressed his thanks to CB Patel for thinking of the idea of honouring the 80+ elderly people from our community. C B Patel in his speech showed his appreciation for the elderly people’s journey from their motherland to settling in Preston. He acknowledged gratefully their contribution to the establishment of the Hindu organisation and foundation built to keep our Hindu faith and Indian culture alive. This was followed by address from the Deputy Mayor and the High Sherriff. All the main guests took turn in presenting a framed sanman patra to the elderly members.
In the form of entertainment, a taste of Gujarati poetry was rendered by a well known poet, Adambhai Tankaravi, who enthused everyone with his light hearted poems. Adambhai was honoured by C B Patel for his literary contribution to the community. Music and singing was provided by Mahesh and Bhavna Navekar.
Professor Gupta, Chair of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing addressed the audience on how the elderly members can be supported by the community especially if they leave alone.
In addition to honouring the elderly there was a special programme to honour C B Patel by GHS, who has adopted Preston as his second home. CB was given a special framed sanman patra by Bhikubhai and Chhotalal draped C B Patel with a shawl for his services to the community at large and for the contribution to the world of journalism.
This day was very special for everyone present. The main guests were overwhelmed by the affection shown to the elderly and felt this should happen in other communities as well. Gujarat Hind Society thanked C B Patel and his team for giving us the opportunity to recognise our elders and pray to Lord Krishna to shower his blessing upon all readers of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice.
Deputy Mayor, Preston City Council, Councillor Margaret McManus, said: “It was a great honour to be invited to this ceremony. I am so pleased that a great number of people from the Gujarat Hindu society have settled in Preston. The elderly people who received the awards have made a great achievement not only by moving into a new environment and surrounding but also by bringing up their families whilst maintaining their culture. I think it is fantastic that the Gujarat Hindu community have recognised the achievements these people have made by honouring them at this ceremony.”
[photos with kamalbhai]
