The successful completion and celebration of Gujarat Samachar took place on 10 May 2025 at the Navnat Centre in Hayes, bringing together the British Asian community to honour and celebrate the dedicated services of Asian Business Publications Ltd.
Comperes Namita Shah and Mamta Tolia warmly welcomed the dignitaries and guests. Executive Director of The Bhavan, Dr M.N. Nandakumara OBE commenced the event with a soulful Vedic prayer. This was followed by the auspicious ‘Deep Pragatya’ ceremony, marking the formal inauguration of the evening. A moment of silence was also observed in honour of the victims of the Pahalgam attack. A tribute was also paid to Rajiv Ruparelia, a prominent Ugandan businessman and philanthropist, and the son of Dr Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia.
Enriching evening of culture
Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, CB Patel, was joined by esteemed guests including Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Krish Raval, Girish Sanger, Pradip and Veena Dhamecha, Vraj and Jyostna Pankhania, Kavita Khanna (wife of late actor Vinod Khanna), Subhash Thakrar OBE, Kanti Nagda MBE, Neelam Vadera, Jashwant Doshi, and MP Bob Blackman. Almost 500 guests attended the celebration in appreciation of Gujarat Samachar’s trusted journalism, community services and cultural connections, consistently provided over five decades.
Among the highlights from the evening, was the graceful ‘Deep Dance’ presented by Navnat ladies Kalpana Doshi and Daxa Patel. Bharati Shethia presented a soulful and heartfelt bhajan.
A special guest from Bollywood, Kavita Khanna, delivered an emotional speech about her late husband, renowned actor Vinod Khanna. She then sang the popular song ‘Dil le gai kudi Gujarat di’, which was met with great enthusiasm. The cultural showcase continued with a captivating Bharatanatyam dance performance, presented by Bhavans dancers Anvita Dixit and Shivaani Avadhani.
Renowned choreographer Honey Kalaria followed with an energetic Bollywood Garba number ‘Dholida’. She was joined by her talented student Mirav Vekaria, who have both won numerous dance championships and represent the acclaimed Honey Dance Academy.
The HBS Girls group presented a Bharatnatyam Robotic dance, and the Mahavir foundation ladies group electrified the atmosphere by presenting a Garba on stage.
Warm words from speakers
Key speakers were invited to share a few words about Gujarat Samachar and its contribution to the community in the UK over the last 5 decades.
Kanti Nagda MBE and CEO of Sangat Advice Centre, highlighted how Gujarat Samachar provides a sense of belonging to the community. He also noted the contribution of the Karma Yoga Foundation - a charitable trust created by CB Patel and family, bringing social reform in the current time.
Lord Krish Raval met with a huge round of applause as he began by saying: “You have Daal-Bhaat-Shaak-Rotli and you have Gujarat Samachar.” He continued further praising CB’s efforts and admitted that he has changed the landscape of the community.
He added, ‘For over five decades, the paper has shared the stories of not just the struggle but of aspirations, not merely of migration but for all generations. CB’s newspapers became our mirror, our map, reflecting who we were and guiding where we might go. He has challenged our shortcomings and given enduring platforms for triumphs.
“Gujarat Samachar is not just a newspaper, but it is the manifesto for the vibrant community and reflects that our people matter and the Gujaratis wherever they may be have both the heritage to honour and a future to shape.”
Lord Raval also added that CB is a statesman without a seat, a diplomat without a title, a friend and a fighter in equal measure, who lives in people’s hearts. He also condemned the horrific act of Pakistan attack and said, “Britain is standing shoulder to shoulder with India.”
MP Bob Blackman took a note of this milestone of ABPL Group. He also appreciated India’s diplomatic efforts to curb terrorism across the border and loudly shouted ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’, ‘Jai Gujarat’ and ‘Jai CB.’
Girish Joginder Sanger marked the anniversary by noting that "the brand is even older than I am." Reflecting nostalgically on his experience with the newspaper, he recalled, "My late father Joginder Sanger, was very fond of these newspapers, and many editions have been preserved in his office." He expressed gratitude to CB, acknowledging how he has empowered the younger generation to thrive and praised his hard work in breathing life into ABPL.
Lord Popat congratulated ABPL on the completion of 53 years and how it has shaped the narratives of the generations. He said it was a privilege for him to be present during the celebration, “I have been present here for 23 years and celebrated ABPL's success every year in bringing the British Indian community together, but more importantly, promoting Indian values in the United Kingdom.”
As the evening progressed, Subhash Thakrar OBE, Chairman of the Attlee Youth and Community Centre in Tower Hamlets, London, took the stage and invited the audience to stand in honour of CB Patel, celebrating his extraordinary journey at the age of 89.
Thakrar, who also serves as Chairman of Moor Park Ltd. and Trustee of the Jasper Foundation, congratulated CB for creating such an important institution. He acknowledged CB’s remarkable contributions, by saying, “CB has given us news, culture, and community. He is a leader in various campaigns that continue to benefit both our community and wider society.”
He urged everyone to read CB's column, As I See It, praising it for its original insights and thought-provoking ideas. Thakrar also commended the invaluable work of CB Patel and the ABPL Group, describing it as the most respected media house in the UK today.
Taking a moment to recognise the wider community, Thakrar expressed heartfelt appreciation to many individuals, emphasising that this celebration should not only be about Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, but about honouring all those who have collectively contributed to British society.
He echoed the sentiments of Lord Raval and Lord Popat, by saying, “We are well fitted into British society,” and paid tribute to those who made lasting impacts—especially the Gujarati community from Uganda and the pioneers of the 1970s.
He went on to mention contributors and philanthropists who worked for the Gujarati community, especially those who came from Uganda such as Pradeep Dhamecha OBE, the businessman and philanthropist who has contributed largely to the society, Late Vinu Nagrecha and Hasu Nagrecha, the family that has dominated East London with their charities and other social activities, Ramesha Kansagra who hosted various cultural activities in their community hall, also stood by Gujarat Samachar whenever it needed support. Subhash also thanked Lord Popat, Kaushik Desai, Paresh Raja, Rishi Patel, Vaju Pankhania and family, Yogesh and Hitesh Mehta, Mumtaz Patel, Vijay and Bhikhu Patel, GP Hinduja, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Nitin Patel, Ketan Kotecha, Priti Patel, Bharat Shah, Koolesh Shah, Sanger family and recognised all those people who have contributed to the community.
Souvenir unveils stories of legacy
To commemorate the remarkable milestone of 53 years of Gujarat Samachar, Consulting Editor of Gujarat Samachar, Jyotsna Shah, paid a heartfelt tribute and shared the details about the upcoming souvenir ‘Soneri Smruti Granth - A Timeless Treasure’. While giving a background, she said this bilingual commemorative souvenir is not just a publication but a celebration of legacy, a record of resilience, and a tribute to the spirit of a community that has thrived across continents. This commemorative edition will feature inspiring migration stories of distinguished businessmen, philanthropists, politicians, and more, alongside rare archival photographs and heartfelt reflections from our collective journey.
The grand launch of the same is set for July 2025, and this is how Gujarat Samachar and ABPL’s legacy will continue to grow, inspiring the next generation to take pride in their identity while making a global impact.
Vote of thanks from CB Patel
Towards the conclusion of the event, Namita Shah introduced CB Patel with his well-known quote: “You can aim and fail, that is fine, but don’t aim low.”
Taking to the stage, CB reflected warmly, by saying, “I thank the spiritual supreme for blessing me with such a wonderful evening and an opportunity to host so many people under one roof. Gujarati is my language, my culture, and my oxygen. India is the land of my birth, and Britain is my second home. I have travelled to many countries and met countless people, but I feel incredibly fortunate to have received so much love and respect from all of you over the years. Words fall short to express this feeling.”
He spoke about his unwavering commitment to giving back to society and acknowledged the many individuals who played a role in helping him realise his vision of taking the company to greater heights.
CB warmly thanked everyone present for being part of the iconic moment. He invited both current and former staff members present on stage, introducing them to the audience and acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the journey of Gujarat Samachar and the ABPL Group.
A heartfelt vote of thanks was extended to the President of Navnat Vanik Association UK, Jashwant Doshi, for the beautiful decorations and overall event arrangements. Special appreciation also went to Hasmita Doshi, Hall Secretary; Natu Mehta, President of Navnat Vadil Mandal; Bacchu Mehta; Varsha Vora, Vice President of Navnat Bhagini; Saroj Varia, President of Navnat Bhagini; and all committee members of Navnat. Their dedication and support were instrumental in managing various aspects of the event.
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We are deeply grateful to all our supporters, well-wishers, and loyal readers who attended the celebration. Many dignitaries and supporters who couldn’t be present in person also sent their warm wishes. ABPL sincerely thanks everyone who contributed their time, effort, and spirit to help make this celebration a memorable and resounding success.
