Large number of people joined virtually to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s 151st Birth Anniversary celebration organised by The National Congress of Gujarati Organisations (NCGO) UK in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Education, Gujarat - Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama. He was also joined by Bob Blackman MP, Barry Gardiner MP, Virendra Sharma MP, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Lord Rami Ranger, Rohit Vadhwana – High Commission of India, Rena Amin- BAPS and Jassmine Vithlani - Gujarati Radio.
Krishna Pujara, Public Relations Officer at NCGO, welcomed all present and introduced NCGO - an umbrella body for Gujarati organisations, established in 1985. At present there are over 850,000 Gujaratis living in the UK.
Vimalji Odedra, President of NCGO, in his opening speech, welcomed Shri Chudasama and thanked the guest speakers, dignitaries and everyone for taking the time to participate in the celebration.
Members of Parliament present highlighted Bapu’s life with his messages of non-violence. Rohit Vadhwana talked about the values and relevance of Gandhiji’s messages today.
Rena Amin spoke about Gandhiji’s values and his association with BAPS Swamis.
Jassmine Vithlani highlighted the need to educate the younger generation on Gandhi.
Devraj Gadhvi from Upleta shared his story about his younger days while learning about Gandhiji.
Lord Jitesh Gadhia talked about the legacy of Bapu and said not only was he an iconic man but also influenced and inspired millions of people through his work.
Lord Rami Ranger spoke about the values of Gandhiji in the development of the moral fabric of India and for the ultimate message in the independence of India (in 1947) – a freedom for Mother India.
The Chief Guest was then introduced by P G Patel, Secretary General, with a brief historical background on the Minister’s exemplary work over the last 5 decades and his role as Education Minister in Gujarat. Shri Chudasama expressed his delight to be virtually in the UK and thanked his two friends Vimalji Odedra and CB Patel for the invite. He informed that 2 October also coincides with the 116th Birth Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri. The Minister highlighted the work of Gandhiji – how he toiled for the nation and promoted equality for the disadvantaged and backward groups.
The Minister reminded everyone about India’s Swachhta Abhiyan that was announced by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 15 August 2014. He added how the importance of Swachhta (cleanliness) is more relevant, especially during this pandemic.
Shri Chudasama also informed the audience that he was proud to see the Indian diaspora so active in Britain and applauded the Gujarati community for playing a key role in the British Economy.
CB Patel, the Chairman of Patron Council of NCGO thanked the Minister for accepting their invitation to join. Mr Patel reminded that the ‘Gandhi Yug’ is significant and talked about his first meeting with Shri Chudasama 30 years back. He mentioned the Minister’s previous visits to the UK in 2000 and 2015 and also highlighted that NCGO has been established to meet the needs of Gujaratis in the UK. The meeting ended with a bhajan by Bharti Patel.
