As usual I was reading on internet Asian Voice April 28 edition and read an article by Mitul Panikar Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice @46.
May month is a very significant month in which two very important events happened. First on May 1 1960 separate Gujarat State was formed by then central government in India and second event on May 5 1972 Gujarat Samachar was launched in England by the blessings of then High Commissioner of India respected Shri Appa Saheb Pant with a clear mandate to the team of Gujarat Samachar to serve community with their problems and to raise voices to help and solve them.
In this journey of 46 years both Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice must have faced numerous problems, seen many ups and downs, faced financial difficulties but one by one they overcame all hurdles and became largest weeklies in Europe and serving community with it’s established goals without worrying about many unfounded criticisms. Kudos to all involved from top to bottom in publishing both weekly newspapers and God bless you all.
Opening ceremony of Gujarat state was performed by very dedicated and well respected social worker Late Shri Ravi Shankar Maharaj. Gujarat state came in to being not by easy way. There was big continued protest by Gujaraties under the leadership of well respected, fondly known as Shri Indu Chacha, Shri Harihar Khambholja and many like minded selfless leaders of that time and many young student lost their lives in agitation against central government by police firing. Late Moraji Desai was staunchly against the demand of separate Gujarat state but by strong agitation and protest finally it was established as a separate state and by dedicated politicians and visionary governments Gujarat state has become a very progressive and model state and we all Gujaraties living in India and abroad must take pride of our beloved state and fondly wish for more success in future.
Last but not least on up coming Mother’s Day in America, Canada and in India on May 13th we wish Happy Mother’s Day to all not only on Mother’s Day but everyday because it is not limited to only one day celebration but it is celebrated everyday by spending quality time with mother/parents and get their blessings.
Suresh and Bhavna Patel
Markham, Canada
