"Gujarat Samachar," marked its illustrious golden jubilee with a dazzling celebration held at the prestigious House of Lords on the 22 September. Lord Jitesh Gadhia was the chief guest of the event. Guests were privileged to witness the unveiling of a Select Group of Patrons and the grand launch of a commemorative souvenir magazine titled' Eyes of Tomorrow,' a brainchild of Subhash Thakrar.
Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, CB Patel, took centre stage to fondly reminisce about the invaluable contributions made by readers, clients, community, and the dedicated senior team members. Together, they have been the unwavering pillars supporting the journey of Seva Yagna and Gyan Yagna, ensuring its unbroken continuity and success. He made a special mention of his wife, Pushpaben and sister-in-law Sarojben for their dedication and support during Gujarat Samachar’s journey.
The evening's proceedings were compered by Namita Shah and the ambience was further elevated by the soulful recitation of prayers by Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-UK Centre, Dr M N Nandakumara and a renowned singer from Gujarat, India, Maya Deepak, adding a touch of spirituality to this grand celebration.
Vision for the future and forward thinking
Former chairman of the London Chamber of Commerce and commissioner of the UK Department of International Development, Subhash Thakrar said, “When I met CB back in December last year, he wanted to mark the 50 years of the publication and we came up with this interesting concept of celebrating by looking forward. Everybody can talk about the past but moving forward and thinking about the future, we created a book called “Eyes of Tomorrow” which is about forward thinking. I started writing to various experts in their own areas of work and profession and requested them to write about what their work will look like in the next 25-50 years. I'm grateful to various authors who have participated in writing those articles.”
“When you really look back at 25 years, you'll always see that the pace of change is faster.
I remember my days in Jamnagar (Gujarat) where if you wanted to make a call, you had to book it three days in advance before you could speak to anybody, never mind a photograph or a letter as it would take days to reach.” he added.
He said, “We thought that the book could be on your shelf for a lot longer due to its futuristic approach. You can monitor what the experts have to say about their particular sector and see whether that's coming out to be the case. For the coming generations, they might amuse themselves and mull about the approach of the last generation and look at how fast things have moved on. I hope you'll all find it of interest and of use and it's really to Mark the 50 years of celebration of achievement of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice.”
Speaking about CB’s achievement, he said, “These are more than just weekly newspapers. They've clearly delivered the news to us. CB has done a great job but at the same time this organisation has provided a lot of service and done a lot of philanthropy work towards our society and that we must recognise. I want to personally thank CB under your Visionary leadership that these publications have reached their 50 years.”
I spent two summers as an intern at ABPL, says Lord Gadhia
Chief guest of the event, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, said “I am here tonight not as Lord Jitesh Gadhia but as an extended family member of the Asian business Publications and CB Patel. Let me explain why. A few years back CB asked when we first met and I think I surprised him with a very precise answer to that question which was 11th of November 1989. I was a student studying at University, and invited him and Pushpaben to attend a dinner that I was hosting on behalf of the Cambridge University India Society. Our other guests that evening included Late Manubai Madhwani and Sir J Gohil stalwarts of our community who many of you will know.”
“From that first meeting to almost 34 years ago, I think I can say we have forged a special connection. In 1990 and 1991, I spent two of my summers as a student working as an intern at the Coronet Street office writing for New Life(the predecessor publication to Asian Voice). In those days it was all hands on deck as we went from writing to printing to posting the newspapers. On Thursdays, I recall there was an incredible team effort to post out the newspapers for post office collection. Having spent these formative years with CB and the team. Having spent those years with them I feel very much a part of the Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice family. It is a huge honour and personal pleasure for me to host these golden anniversary celebrations of these publications and to honour the incredible community service and visionary leadership of CB Patel over the past five decades,” he added.
He said, “Journalism has the unique power to inform, inspire, entertain, and enlighten. Fifty years in the world of journalism is an extraordinary achievement by any measure and is a moment to celebrate not just for the newspapers themselves but also for the incredible individuals who have been part of this remarkable journey.”
Speaking about CB Patel, he said, “CB's journey itself is a source of inspiration and he has written a very moving and personal forward to the souvenir book which Subhash has mentioned. From humble beginnings in Bhadran (Gujarat), he embarked on a path guided by a profound sense of responsibility. He recalls the wisdom of his father who emphasised the importance of spreading knowledge and the sacrifices made by his mother who I had the great privilege of meeting on various occasions. These values have underpinned Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice making them not just newspapers but true pillars of our community.”
“For those who know CB, he refers to Karma Yoga as selfless action and service to the community. I would say that CB has not just reported on our community's journey but has actively shaped it with his campaigning zeal,” he continued.
Talking about the publications, he said, “These newspapers have witnessed our community's evolution chronicling joys, sorrows, successes and challenges; they have bridged generational gaps ensuring their content resonates with young and old. In an ever-changing world these newspapers have remained constant offering information and insights that are both relevant and enlightening. Indeed it's interesting to reflect on how the face of Britain itself has changed during these 50 years. Like many in this room I arrived here from East Africa in 1972 coinciding with the year when Gujarat Samachar was first launched in the UK and Britain has radically changed over this period.”
“After five decades, we are now a well-settled community punching above our weight and contributing disproportionately to almost every field of human endeavour yet we cannot rest on the success of the present and must look to the future and recognise the rapid pace of change in our world. I'm delighted that tonight we are not just celebrating the past glories and accomplishments but also viewing the world as Subhash said through the “Eyes of Tomorrow” which is the very apt name of the book. I had a sneak preview of the contents and I can assure you it provides a captivating tapestry of ideas and scenarios that will shape our future within the pages of this book we are transported to the future IT captures the essence of groundbreaking technologies such as artificial intelligence and Global challenges such as climate change within business trade and finance there are views on the evolving landscape of UK India relations and the emergence of Africa as a global economic player,” he continued.
He said, “In diplomacy it is projected that we will see greater involvement of the diaspora communities in international relations over the next 25 years. The secret of ABPL group success is that it embraced change while remaining firmly rooted in its core values but ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the future. I'd like to thank each and every one of you for joining this special occasion. Let us continue to celebrate the work of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice for many decades to come.”
CB Patel’s vision and advocacy praised
Conservative Peer and Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic Congo, Lord Dolar Popat said, “We gather here to make history again to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Gujarat Samachar and to pay a tribute to a truly extraordinary individual our dear friend CB Patel. CB Patel the name I remember in the 80s when somebody mentioned to Neil Kinnick, he said it's a community board which embodies the tireless spirit dedicated to the welfare of the Gujarati or British Indian Community not just here in Britain but across the world. For five decades, Gujarat Samachar and its sister titles under CB's visionary leadership have not only become the largest selling publication in the UK but have also earned the utmost respect and credibility within our community. Over the years, Gujarat Samachar has been a beacon of advocacy championing causes ranging from race equality and diversity to campaigning for direct flight London-Ahmedabad-London and of course to stop the closure of Hare Krishna Temple, and has carried out many campaigns for the benefit of the British Indian Community.”
CB’s son, Dr Merul Patel said, “You all have been generous in your praise and recognition for what my father with Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have done for over more than half a century. Many of you have also been stalwart supporters and we wouldn't have been able to accomplish anything without your support so thank you so much. Setting up and running a business is remarkably hard and requires a huge amount of dedication, however running a media business is slightly different. You spend your day at the desk for many long hours but there's much more time before you get to go back and rest as you've got to plan for campaigns for communities, you've got events to go to, and all these things eat into your weekends and evenings and leaving little time for anything else so you know family life. It is not great but that's the dedication that is required to do this type of job. My father has managed to do this for over 50 years non-stop and I wish I had half the energy that he does now when I'm his age. In fact I wish I had half the energy that he does now.”
For their 40 years of contribution, Consulting Editors of Gujarat Samachar Jyotsna Shah and Kokila Patel, and for her 16 years of contribution, Managing Editor of Asian Voice, Rupanjana Dutta were felicitated by CB Patel and Subhash Thakrar. Other team members of ABPL,Surendra Patel (Representative Community and Media), Cecil Soans (Head- Business Development) , Kishor Parmar (Advertising Manager), Pooja Raval (Manager- Business Development) and Ashaben were also acknowledged.
Group Editor, Mahesh Liloriya presented vote of thanks.
Special Meeting between Chief Guest and Patrons:
Before the event, a very special meeting was held at the House Room between Chief Guest Lord Gadhia and the Select Group of Patrons. All extended their heartfelt congratulations to CB and his publications and shared their views to strengthen Seva Yagna and Gyan Yagna.
Patrons at Present:
- Nagrecha Brothers LTD
Vinodrai Bachubhai Nagrecha
Hasmukhlal Bachubhai Nagrecha
Market Financial Solutions - Mr Paresh Raja & family
Westcombe Foundation - Mr Vraj bhai Pankhania,
Mr Kamal Pankhania
Family of Late Manubhai Madhvani - Dhamecha Group
- Shri Vinodkant D Vadera & Family
- Kansagara family
- Lord Dolar Popat & Family
- Yogesh, Hitesh & Dilesh Bhogilal Mehta
- Kaushik and Deepika Desai
Chown Dewhurst LLP - Interpolitan Money PLC
- Mr Rishi Patel & family
- Subhash & Rekha Thakrar
