Indian Americans celebrate 63rd Gujarat-Maharashtra Day at Indian Consulate

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Leading members of the Gujarati and Marathi communities attended the 63^rd anniversary of the states’ creation May 1, 2023, at the Indian Consulate.

Speakers dwelt on the greatness of the two states and their contribution to India’s growth story, as well as the leaders who hailed from the region to bring in India’s independence 75 years ago, and to this day – from Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel to Prime Minister Narendra Modi – continue to bring progress to the country and spread its cultural richness, and enhance its dynamic economic achievements around the world.

India’s Consul General in New York Randhir Jaiswal congratulated the two communities’ representatives filling up the great hall at the Consulate, including the leadership of the Federation of Indian Associations-NYNJCTNE.

The Consul General appealed to the diaspora to use its resources to further help India progress, and to make the most of the tourism opportunities and the incomparable “variety” of the nation. In both Gujarat and Maharashtra, he said, there is a feeling of progress wherever one goes, new developments everywhere, and urged non-resident Indians to join that road to progress. He also urged them to support India’s ‘Year of the Millet’ campaign, as both an alternative grain for health, and also for minimizing the climate change disaster.

Other speakers included Padma Shri recipient, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, and senior advisor to FIA Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Kenny Desai, president of FIA, Ankur Vaidya, chairman of FIA, Deepak Shah, H. R. Shah of TV Asia, and Navin Mehta.

All of them emphasized the role that Gujarat and Maharashtra play in India’s development. Dr. Parikh called Gujarat the ‘diamond’ of India and recalled his days as a high school student when the turmoil of separation of the region took place from 1956 to 1960. He also spoke of great leaders from both states, like Gandhiji, Sardar Patel, Vinoba Bhave, an Jyotirao Govindrao Phule, who led the way to India’s independence and its unity. “And today, our popular Prime Minister Modi, the best thing that happened to India in 75 years, is not only popular in India, but also leads G20, and is a world leader, and in future could be Vishwaguru,” Dr. Parikh said.  Dr. Parikh spoke of the entrepreneurship of Gujaratis, as “global business leaders” known around the world for creating wealth and uplifting the poor.

Speaking to ITV Gold, Ankur Vaidya said he hoped both Gujaratis and Marathis would work together harmoniously to promote the Indian-American community and enhance the char of what both communities have done for India.

Kenny Desai stressed how the two states have contributed to India’s growth and the way that the country is moving forward. In his speech, he also dwelt on May 1 being Labor Day around the world and the hard work of all people, including the leaders of FIA, to bring unity. In the “new India” he said, PM Modi has united people. And Gujarat and Maharashtra have been important not only culturally, but also, they have been the biggest contributors to India’s progress and could help the country grow on the world stage.

Deepak Shah, in his speech, called the two states “exemplary” in their contributions to India and switching to Gujarati, he dwelt on the history and the future of the communities and the great leaders and industrialists who have been extremely influential in the nation’s progress.

Several youths performed traditional Gujarati and Maharashtrian dances. Popular songs were also sung by local well-known artists.