New Jersey/Ahmedabad, 2 September 2012

The vibrant Gujarati spirit was in full swing on the second day of World Gujarati Conference. ‘Chaalo Gujarat’, an event, that primarily aims at connecting the Gujarati Diaspora to their roots and their rich culture, everyone celebrated the Gujarati enthusiasm in compartments ranging from- art, people & culture.

The day started off with a speech by Harish Bhimani. His speech was followed by Yuvaraj Mandhatasinhji(Yuvraj Saheb of Rajkot) dialect wherin he said :-“Taking pride on the progress of Gujarat. When everyone lives and thinks, a Gujarati Thinks and Lives. One should be Proud to take birth in a Gujarati family. From ancient history to the current IT age Gujarat and Gujaratis have left a mark worldwide. Thanks to AIANA team for organizing WGC 2012 –It is a small step for a Gujarati but a Giant leap for Gujarat and Gujaratism”. Peter Kothari succeded Yuvaraj Mandhatasinhji on the dias and started off by saying:-“I thank all those people who have travelled more than 10000 miles to make this event a grand success. It’s like chewing a “lokhand na chana” to organize such an event in USA. Quoting America as a Land of Opportunities, he stated that if we are not united and organized we may get lost in the vast ocean of scopes”. Leader of swaminarayan dharm, Swami Hariprasadji was next to deliver his motivational and spiritual chants.

A video clip of renowned Poet Late Shri Suresh Dalal was shown and a two minute silence was observed in his memory. The day had galaxy of stars making their presence felt with varied cultural activities. The Tri Divasiya Katha by Pujya Shri Morari Bapu focused on the topic ‘Gujarati’. Next in succession was: Gujarati Patriotic Medley in the voice of leading Gujarati artist Parthiv Gohel. His vocals mesmerized the audience to such an extent that people yearned for more. Spectacular Dance Performances by Physically challenged blind children representing ‘Blind People Association’, Ahmedabad, enthralled the audience with their amazing performance. President of AIANA Mr. Sunil Nayak presented them $2000 as donation , Mr. Yashwant Patel $5001 & Mr. Pinakin Pathak $2001 also gifted the ‘Blind People Association’ respectivley.

Cricketer Parthiv Patel was facilitated with a memento by AIANA representative Tushar Patel. Also facilitated was Mr. Parimal Nathwani along with an AV presentation. New Jersey state senator Robert Menendez and three representatives from federal government and previous Obama administration Mitul Desai, Tarak Shah and Sonal Shah were also present and graced the occasion. It was a pride moment for all Gujaratis.

Miss Gujarat USA & Fashion Show is an ingenious effort, by WGC 2012. The main aim of the contest was to crown from the aspect of intelligence, beauty & talent. All the contestants were the epitome of true Gujarati heritage. The contestents were awarded for various categories. Shradha Amin was crowned Miss Gujarat USA, while Meera Thakrar and Ekta Khetia stood 1st and 2nd runners up respectively. The whole event was the epitome of true Gujarati heritage. Dhwanit and Sharman shared the dais for a one to one chat called “CHAS WITH CHHAGAN” in the lines of “Coffee with Karan” and later Sharman Joshi was facilitated with a memento of AIANA’s WGC.

Honorable Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the WGC conference through video conferencing for more than half an hour. A presentation was made by Mr. Mihir Bhuta on “Injustice to Sardar” and next in queue was a unique form of ecstatic dance – ‘KUNDALINI’ also known as Shadow Dance. A unique co-ordination between man and shawdow makes it a very exclusive form of dance. Finally the aurora ended with “GEET GAATHA GUJARAT NI” by various artists like Shyamal-Saumil, Aarti Munshi, Soll Kapadia, Parthiv Gohil, Sanjay & Parth Oza.

Dhwanit kept the audience in lighter mood with his instant witty activities. He also conducted quiz in between as fillers wherein people from audience, who answered his questions were given away prizes like 1 gm gold coins, DVDs of his album and free return ticket to India sponsored by Air India.

Also Seminars on various topics were conducted between 2.30 to 4.30 pm in the specially assigned seminar hall. To revive the spirit of Gujarat: business, education, Cultural and social issues, health and spiritual issues, along with the entertainment factor that relates to all Gujarati community, were also discussed. The magnificent event commemorated the spirit of Gujarat on the consecutive day, with all Gujarati’s taking a little bit of Gujarat with them.