To celebrate the last five decades of undivided support and loyalty from patrons, advertisers, readers and well-wishers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, ABPL Group under the leadership of Chairman CB Patel hosted a New Year reception at the Sangat Centre, Harrow on 29 January 2024.
Addressing the guests, CB Patel, who is also the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar said, “Thank you very much for all your support and prayers. In the UK, there are only 2 million Indians (out of a population of 70 million), and they gave us the first Prime Minister of Indian origin. Today the Ambassador of the UK to Qatar is a British Indian- Neerav Patel, who has roots in my village Bhadran, Gujarat. His grandfather was my friend.
While travelling in India for the last 21 days I went to many places. London has been my home for 58 years and I owe everything to this country, but I will never forget India- my Janmabhoomi (country of birth). We are the ‘living bridge’ between this country and India.
“Therefore, we have a responsibility. Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice became big by serving the community. They are not just newspapers. We have faced many challenges over the years, but with the backing of people present here like Rameshbhai Kansagra, and many other dear advertisers and readers, we have been able to sustain our continued Seva and Gyan Yagna for the last five decades. Without your support and encouragement, we wouldn't be where we are today.”
Speaking about the historical importance of the reception venue, CB said, “Sangat Centre serves the community. They don’t receive any grants from the government yet are the pillars of the community. I especially want to recall the selfless services of Bhanuben Kantibhai Nagda and Anilaben Shah. Another motivational presence I want to especially mention is Hasmitaben Doshi, Hall Secretary of Navnat Centre. She is here with the message that life must go on, despite challenges. After the sad demise of her husband Dr Vinodrai, this is her very first public event. A special thanks to compere and life coach Smita Joshi, who helped us to connect with ourselves.”
Pranav Vora, CEO of Aum Care UK Ltd said, “Aum is a symbol of peace and Gita is a value which teaches us compassion and selfless service. In the Gita, Lord Krishna emphasises duty as dharma. Our caretakers in the Aum Care work with a profound sense of responsibility, empathy and understanding, serving the adults with care, beyond just day-to-day assistance. Tailoring our services to meet everyone not only provides them with physical assistance but also emotional support. Our caretakers always approach with selfless dedication and humility. With all your support and collaboration with the local councils together we can create a committed and connected community.”
The Rt Hon Keith Vaz, former Leicester East MP and Minister of State of the UK for Europe and North America said, “Who else than CB could bring together political leaders and representatives from the opposite sides like Susan Hall, and Krupesh Hirani along with all our great philanthropists of our community like Ramesh Kansagra, Vinu Bhattessa and people who served so well in Harrow like Navin Shah, Kanti Nagda. This is the unique quality of CB Patel.” He further added, “CB you have supported all in public life no matter which party they belong to. I first came to him when I was 25 years of age. I was standing as a MP from Richmond, he supported me. I have never dreamt that in my lifetime we would have a Prime Minister of Indian origin. Isn't it amazing? Incredible changes, the Home Secretary, Foreign Secretary of Asian origin. Now everyone knows Narendra Modi, but in the past when not everyone did, CB was with him when nobody else was!
“I think we are lucky to have him around with the newspapers, supporting the community. He taught me the first words of Gujarati- ‘Tamne Shu Taklif Che?’ (what are your problems). And said these are the only words you need to hear in Leicester. I asked CB, what if they have ‘Taklifs’ (problems), and he said you will sort them out.”
The Mayor of Harrow Cllr Ramji Bhai Chauhan said, “It's so good to be with all of you. CB always promotes young people. He makes sure that young people come to the front line and help the community as much as they can.
“My charity RITA Foundation provides therapeutic activities via an easy-to-use interactive touch-screen device. It offers therapeutic support to older individuals and people living with dementia. I invite you all to support it.”
Susan Hall, Conservative candidate for Mayor of London said, “I am pleased to be a part of this get-together. I have heard about CB for so many years and I know how wonderful he is. The community loves the newspaper. We make sure that we can do the best for the people wherever they are. We are elected to do our best for the residents whatever the party is. This is what I want to do.
“If I am selected as the Mayor of London, the first thing I will do is to stop the ULEZ expansion. Safety on our streets is another point of concern. We desperately need to reform the police and get them back on the beat solving crimes.”
Loknath Mishra, MD and CEO of ICICI UK said, “I met CB about 5 years back. I noticed that he was walking faster than me. Even six months back when we were together, I had to make efforts to catch up with him. He is a wonderful person having a charm to hold on the entire community. He takes people under his wings.”
Mayor of Ealing Cllr Hitesh Tailor said, “CB has always been very supportive. I am first ever the Gujarati Mayor of Ealing. I was honoured that the Jalaram Mandir was able to host the service and helped to organise a magnificent spiritually uplifting service. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are the newspapers always there for the community.”
Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Cllr Pankit Shah said, “My heartfelt appreciation to CB Patel. A pleasure to be here. I am the first Indian Mayor of my city in the history of the last 150 years. I wasn't born here; I came as a student here 20 years ago.
“Hatfield Food Bank is part of the Trussell Trust network of food banks, providing emergency food and support to people in crisis in the Hatfield area.”
Navnat Hall Secretary Hasmitaben Doshi said, “Today I have come out of my house for the first time, after the sad demise of my husband. CB encouraged me and because of his motivation, I came. Thank you so much.”
Kanti Nagda MBE, CEO of Sangat Centre welcoming the guests said, “It’s my pleasure to welcome you all to the Sangat Centre. It’s a registered charity, we provide advice and guidance on immigration, welfare benefits, housing, matrimony etc. We take the cases to the tribunal, the high court. In short, we are a mini citizens advice bureau.
“Serving the community is not an easy task. We introduced the Warm Bank project and provided a warm and safe space for people to escape the cold but also offered a range of activities to promote social interaction and mental well-being. During Covid-19, to overcome the detrimental effect of loneliness and isolation we provided access to digital technology and supported 29 people by providing iPads and taught them how to use them to have more meaningful activities and engage socially as well as have improved outcomes for their health needs. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the impact that small acts of kindness can have on people’s lives.”
An award-winning author, certified yoga teacher and life coach Smita Joshi was the compere of the event. Rockybhai presented melodious songs and Chinu Kishore, founder of Luiporia Nasoni, Secretary of NEICCUK, and Cultural Secretary of the United Assam Association of UK presented a wonderful folk dance.
A vote of thanks was given by Group Editor Mahesh Liloriya.
(Photo courtesy:
Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix)
