Yogi Divine Society celebrates Gujarat Foundation Day as “Gujarat Gaurav Din” in Lake Hiawatha, NJ
in presence of dignitaries like Dr. Sudhirbhai Parikh and Dr. Dhadhuk.
These days, as individual traits are marching towards becoming a “complete personality”, Gujarat is
bestowing upon its people invaluable virtues of all kinds complemented with eternal happiness. Gujarat
has lit a fire not only in India, but its flames enlighten lands far across the oceans, spread on the face of
the earth. And in return, the dutiful sons of Gujarat are spreading its glory, and celebrating its culture
world over.
‘Haridham’ Swaminarayan Temple and Cultural Center of Yogi Divine Society (YDS), which serves as an
epicenter to instill spirituality and promote culture amongst the community, hosted a zestful celebration
of Gujarat’s 50th foundation day as “Gujarat Gaurav Din” on April 24th 2010. Volunteers and devotees
had started preparing for this event since days. In presence of dignitaries like Dr. Sudhirbhai Parikh, Dr.
Vitthalbhai Dhadhuk, Dr. Dineshbhai, Shree J. P. Uncle, Shree Sandipbhai, Shree Albert Jasani, Shree
Jagdishbhai, Shree Virubhai, Shree Thakorbhai, Shree Shaileshbhai (Vadilal Ice-cream), Shree Dipakbhai
Thaker, Shree Bharatbhai Rana, the celebrations started at around 6 p.m. The event started with dinner,
after which everyone offered “Aarti” at the temple, followed by religious chants and hymns.
One of the most important phases of this event was when Dr. Sudhirbhai Parikh was awarded and
recognized for his benevolent actions, his service to the society and hi perseverance in preserve the
cultural pride of our country. Dr. Parikh’s work is recognized by countries world over. Dr. Parikh has
been honored with awards like the ‘Ellis Island Medal of Honor’, he is the recipient of ‘The Pravasi
Bhartiya Samman’ and he is also honored with the ‘Padma Shri’ awarded to distinguished Indians and
people of Indian origin for their contribution toward the society. This list is exclusive, but not
exhaustive. Dr. Parikh was once again recognized for his work and life at the “Gujarat Gaurav Din” by the
dignitaries of YDS and the entire NRI community. Along with this, several social and spiritual
organizations were honored for their contribution towards our community.
Shree Sanjaybhai (Dhoom F.M.) and Gunjanbhai (YDS), while hosting the event kept the audience in a
joyous mood with their anecdotes and jokes and reinforced the invariable trait of a Gujarati, that of
being ever smiling and spreading the joy. Later in the evening, Divyangbhai (YDS) discussed the mission,
vision and work of Yogi Divine Society (YDS). In a seamless manner, he discussed YDS’s mission of
integrating cultural and spiritual harmony within the threads of our community. Divyangbhai also gave
everyone, an insight into the life and work of H. D. H. Shree Hariprasad Swamiji, his untiring, persistent
and industrious efforts for preserving and propagating societal, cultural and spiritual values. His
dedication towards serving the youth of our community by making them socially able and spiritually rich
was highlighted in Divyanbhai’s speech as well. In the form of a warm closing, he extended to all, an
invitation to attend the grand Youth Congregation planned for the year 2015 in India.
The event ensued with Shree Arunbhai Thaker talking about H. D. H. Shree Hariprasad Swamiji’s crucial
role in the Gujarati Community, and expressed gratitude towards him in the form of a self-written
poetry. He identified the unique traits of Gujarat and Gujaratis, in his very special fashion and delighted
the audience.
Following this, three young Gujaratis, born and brought up in USA, Shree Pushpakbhai, Shree
Shreyasbhai and Shree Punyeshbhai, presented why they relate to Gujarat so much, even though they
have spent almost their entire life in the USA. The enlisted and explained achievements of Gujarat, its
rich history and heritage, and paid due honor to the Saint and Leaders of Gujarat. It is because of the
selfless struggle of these Saints and leaders that Gujarat today has a unique and prosperous identity in
the world.
Following this the dignitaries of YDS cordially received and honored the privileged guests, namely Shree
Sandipbhai (Vice Chairman, ICS), Dr. Dhadhuk, Dr. Dineshbhai, Shree Albert Jasani and several other
esteemed Gujarati NRI’s.
Towards the end, everyone felt blessed while listening to H. D. H. Shree Hariparasad Swamiji’s blissful
discourse. He commemorated the great lands of Dwarka while narrating an episode from the life of
Lord Krishna. He talked about the greatness and necessity of Saints in one’s life, and identified several
qualities of a Gujaratis. He also blessed everyone saying that “Lord will accept as worship to him, any
service rendered towards a Gujarati by anyone with a selfless motive.” He added as bliss, a wish that the
spiritual affinity amongst the Gujaratis may develop stronger within the community incessantly.
After this blissful discourse, “Aarti” was offered to the deities at about 10:30 pm, which was followed by
an expression of gratitude towards the dignitaries of YDS, namely, Shree Lalitkaka (President, YDS),
Shree Jayendrabhai (Vice President, YDS), Shree Jayantbhai, Shree Vipulbhai Amin, Shree Vishnubhai,
Shree Ashokbhai and Shree Vipulbhai Gandhi. Towards the end of this grand celebration of Gujarat and
its people, a warm invitation was extended to everybody for the upcoming events of YDS, and especially
for H. D. H. Shree Hariprasad Swamiji’s ‘Praagatya Parv’ scheduled for May 23rd, 2010


URL: yds.org