Gujarat and Maharashtra Day: Indian-Americans celebrate creation of two dynamic Indian states

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Members of the Indian-American community, majority of them hailing from the two states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, gathered May 1, 2022, at the Indian Consulate in New York to celebrate the creation of the two states in 1960.

The Gujarat Maharashtra Day, organized jointly by the Federation of Indian Associations of NY-NJ-CT and the Consulate General of India, New York, was attended by scores of people who expressed their joy in song, dance, awards and recognitions, and a number of speeches focusing on the culture and history of these states 62 years ago.

The event was dedicated to fighting COVID-19 and was part of the ongoing Government of India initiative, ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ commemorating 75 years of India’s independence.

The chief guests were Archana Joglekar – a celebrated actress, director, and Kathak exponent, and Kaajal Oza Vaidya, a noted author, scriptwriter, radio jockey, and motivational speaker.

The event was attended by India’s Consul General in New York Randhir Jaiswal, Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, FIA President Kenny Desai, FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya, Padma Shri recipient and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media Dr. Sudhir Parikh, and Padma Shri H R Shah, chairman of TV Asia, Mayor of Edison Sam Joshi, and FIA executives Srujal Parikh, Alok Kumar, and Smita Miki Patel among others.

Consul General Jaiswal pointed out that the Indian diaspora from both Gujarat and Maharashtra contribute to the economic and social progress of whichever country they live in.

Deputy Consul General Jeph noted how pe

ople from both the states stand out as leaders in finance and business, as well as rich cultural traditions and heritage. “We are extremely, extremely proud” of the contributions made by pravasis from Gujarat and Maharashtra, not just to India but to the countries where they live, Jeph said in his speech. He thanked FIA for bringing everyone together. And he praised the performances at the event.

FIA president Desai noted that the state of Gujarat is the ‘Karambhoomi’ of Lord Krishna and many notable figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Bhakt Narsi Mehta, Vikram Sarabhai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the industrial houses of Ambanis and Adanis, and that Mahrashtra has been the “guardian” of Hindu Sanatan Dharam and produced brave leaders like Chattrapati Shivaji, Baji Rao Peshwa and Ahilyabai Holkar. Both states have contributed much to India’s progress, he said.

FIA Chairman Vaidya said he was born and brought up in Baroda, Gujarat which had a significant Maharashtrian influence and as such he had experienced the best of both cultures. He emphasized the need to engage other Indian communities in the U.S. and have events which bring diverse groups together, and complimented CG Jaiswal for “a fabulous and unprecedented job” on that front, and noted how the Consulate had kept its doors open through the pandemic. “Our job is not over. There is lot of ground work the community needs to do for getting unified,” Vaidya said.

Dr. Sudhir Parikh said that he shares a personal bond with Maharashtra as he did his middle and high school from Mumbai. He attributed his success to the State of Gujarat for the higher education he received. He recalled how Gujarat was formed as a separate state. What I am today, all my success, I give credit to Gujarat. Because Gujarat government gave me the education, made me a doctor,” and credited the teachers there for who he is today. “The real development of Gujarat is with our Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” When Modi became Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2002, “He made us, NRI, the Pravasi Gujarati, very important.” He also noted that Modi was responsible for establishing the ‘NRI Gujarati’ initiative long before Pravasi Bharatiya initiative started. Dr. Parikh is a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.

“By the same token, I really enjoy Marathi culture… and used to speak Marathi fluently,” Dr. Parikh said.

A one-minute silence was observed in the memory of late Yashpal Soi, FIA founding-member, past-president and vice chairman-emeritus.

Guru Joglekar dwelt on the culture and folk tradition of Maharashtra and its shared culture with Gujarat.

Kajal Oza Vaidya said both states should be seen in unison and commended them for their progress and development and for excelling in the fields of enterprise, culture, commerce, and entertainment. Today’s gathering “is proof of the fact that our country lives in our hearts,” Oza Vaidya said.

Mayor Joshi called it an honor to be present and spoke about his vision to have a satellite office of IIT India in Edison. He thanked the FIA for their initiatives which go a long way in keeping the Indian Community in touch with their Indian roots.

Event Chair, Past President, and member of Board of Trustees of FIA Srujal Parikh recognized and felicitated the sponsors, supporters, partner associations, and members in their effort to make the event successful.

TV Asia’s H.R. Shah also spoke at the event.

The program included cultural performances from both the states and especially the Garba from Gujarat and Laavni, a  Maharashtrian folk dance.