Sigdi Restaurant in Manchester hosted an honour ceremony on 24 August which was organised by the Arise and Awake Jagruti Association (UK) and the Arise and Awake Rohit Samaj Jagruti Trust, Surat. The event celebrated Ratilal Chohan, founder and leader of the association, for 60 years of dedicated community service in the UK across six decades.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar; Kokila Patel, Consulting Editor of Gujarat Samachar; Surendra Patel, former Director of the Drama Department at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and his wife Bhavini Patel. Prominent community leaders from across North West England, as well as representatives from Bolton, Preston, Manchester, Bradford, Leeds, London, Leicester, and Birmingham, were also present.
Organised by his daughter and Membership Secretary Chetna Solanki, the event paid tribute to Ratilalbhai’s decades of service, reflecting the grandeur of past events he had hosted with dignitaries, including Indian Prime Ministers and High Commissioners. As Ratilalbhai entered to traditional drumbeats and waving tiranga flags, he was visibly moved, especially seeing CB Patel, who had arrived from London, bringing tears of joy to his eyes.
The ceremony opened with a soulful Ganesh Vandana by Vrinda Urveshi Sisodia, followed by a floral tribute to Ratilalbhai’s late mother, Indiraben, by his daughter Chetna and family. Natubhai Chauhan, the association’s secretary, expressed gratitude for everyone’s support and highlighted the Arise and Awake Rohit Samaj Jagruti Trust, Surat’s impactful work. He introduced President Rajendra Chauhan, Vice President Hemant Chauhan, General Secretary Jaswant Solanki, Treasurer Jitendra Chauhan, and Trustees Yogendra Mehta, Khandu Chauhan, and Mehul Chauhan, noting their efforts in funding medical and student fees, rebuilding homes, and supporting the underprivileged through food and clothing distribution across India, especially during Diwali.
During the event, Ratilalbhai honoured CB Patel with a shawl, a copy of his book ‘The Kanai Connection’, and a special star award, ’The Kanai Connection Ratilal C Chohan Award’, to be presented annually on 24th August in recognition of outstanding community service. Accepting the honour, CB Patel reflected on his 45-year friendship with Ratilalbhai, fondly recalling his 65th birthday celebrations with his late wife, Indiraben. He praised Ratilalbhai’s family, especially daughter Chetna and son-in-law Navnit Solanki, for organising the memorable event.
CB Patel also acknowledged Ratilalbhai’s immense contributions to the Hindu community across Preston, Bolton, Ashton, Leicester, Bradford, Leeds, and London, highlighting his dedication to spreading Sanatan values and lauding the vision of the 'Arise and Awake' project, announcing plans to formally establish it in the UK.
Surendra Patel was honoured by Ratilalbhai with a shawl and award for his guidance and support at North London community and spiritual events, while other leaders from the North West, Birmingham, Leicester, and London Hindu organisations were also recognised. Held at The Sigdi Restaurant, the event was made special by owner Rahul Agrawal and his staff, who wore navy-blue uniforms matching the theme, celebrating unity, gratitude, and community spirit.
