Gujarati Physicians’ Association Celebrates Sardar Patel Jayanti in New Jersey

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The Gujarati Physicians Association (GPA) held Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti which would fall on December 15^th, combined with a Diwali and New Year celebration at the Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey Friday, December 1, 2023.

Attended by more than 200 Indian American physicians from Gujarat, the evening’s program began with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by GPA committee members and Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, and H.R. Shah, Chairman of TV Asia.

After the lamp lighting, a song rendered 20 years ago by famous Indian singer Sonu Nigam was played to honor Sardar Patel. The song was the same one which Nigam sang when Albert Jasani inaugurated the Sardar Patel Statue in New Jersey, Dr. Jayesh Patel informed attendees.

The first award of the evening went to Albert Jasani. Announcing the award, Dr. Jayesh Patel, who emceed the event, said Jasani was a big man with a heart of gold. Noting that Jasani was going to be the Grand Marshal at the upcoming Woodbridge Holiday Parade, Dr. Jayesh Patel said it was the first time that an Indian American was going to act as the Grand Marshal in a parade organized by any Indian association. He went on to praise Jasani saying he was always ready to help in any manner, and added that the evening’s dinner was provided by him.

Accepting the award, Jasani said he remembered the ceremony from 20 years ago. Speaking of the Ramji Temple in India which is going to be consecrated in January 2024, Jasani invited everyone present to the temple consecrating ceremony.

Dr. Mukund Thakar of Aristacare, was recognized for his services in adult care, and contributions to the healthcare industry in that sector, especially in regard to the Indian American community.

Dr. Parikh presented an award to Dr. Vithal Dhaduk in absentia. His award was accepted by Shobhna Patel of Royal Albert’s Palace as Dr. Dhaduk was away in Florida for an emergency.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Parikh said it was good to see so many Gujarati physicians and their families gather for the evening’s celebrations. He credited Dr. Hemant Patel, past president of AAPI, Dr. Jayesh Patel, Dr. Sumul Raval, and many other volunteers for organizing the event.

“The organization provides a great networking platform to us and also for our second generation,” Dr. Parikh said, urging those gathered to keep supporting the association and be part of the family.

Wishing those gathered a happy Diwali and New Year, Parikh reminded them about the upcoming office bearer’s elections in January 2024, and asked them to support Dr. Sumul Raval for the post of the Vice President. He described Dr. Raval as a good person and a good physician, ready to help the Gujarati physicians and their families, and the AAPI families in general. “God bless you, our tristate physicians’ association,” Parikh said, adding, “God bless India and God bless America.”

(Archana Adalja contributed to this report)