Gujarati Samaj Organizes Entertaining Family Picnic

Chicago IL : Gujarati Samaj Chicago’s (GSC) organized a Family Picnic From 11:30 to 7:00 pm on Sunday June 24th, 2012 at Cook County Forest Preserve, Northwest Busse Grove# 18 (Located on Higgins Road, Less than 1/2 mile East of 290, East of Route 53) Member Entrance Charges were $7 per persons and advance purchase charges were $6 per persons. For Non Members the charges were $10 per person-advance purchase $8 per person. Kids 5 years and below were free. Close to 350 members, friends, and well-wishers participated.

Gujarati Samaj is organizing every year picnics in summer. President Suryakant Patel, and his team of Executives and volunteers as always were model of sincerity and enthusiasm running towards every nook and corner of the place to see that nobody get any difficulty and on toes to maintain trouble free environment for all participants.

The food team was ready with Gota, Tea, Sandwich, Papdi, Chatni, Chips & Salsa, Nachos & Cheese, popsicle, Ice Cream and served during Lunch between 11-30 and 1-30 and between 5-45 to 6-30 pm. Dinner was served with Chhole, Puri, Pulao, Kadhi and Mango Pulp. To compensate heat, water Melon also was being served. The temperature was in 90 degrees F and enough water and drinks, with paper cups and paper towels were stacked to supply to the thirsty participants throughout the day. Soft drinks also being served to compensate heat. Throughout the event, many Indian games and sports, such as cricket, volleyball, Bingo, and Fun Games like Standing Kho, Gajgrah, Lemon Spoon, Trilegs Run, Kothla Dod and other enjoyable games were played. There were many competitions in various games for children as well as elderly people were aptly arranged and winners were rewarded with prizes.

Finally, the picnic was enjoyed by all the guests due to dedication and hard work put in by members, volunteers and committee members of Gujarati Samaj. Food prepared and supplied by Preetiben and her team.

Suresh Bodiwala Chairman and Jyotikumar Chokshi, Editor of Asian Media had an opportunity to discussed regarding perspective of the ” Gujarati Samaj Chicago’s picnic” with President Suryakant Patel where he proudly said that “his team comprises of youngsters-New Blood and they all work amalgamating experience of seniors and putting in their own new ideas to attract youth in activities and to make Gujarati Samaj in line with the suging world, which can be seen by introducing new programs like Bowling and Mix and Mingle.

Asian Media had the pleasure of interacting with Mr. Arvindbhai Modi who happened to be President during 1983-4. It was a befitting slogan he gave, ‘Life is a Celebration, Enjoy every Moment of it.’ He really meant that. Though in seventies, he has vigor and enthusiasm like an youngster. He narrated story about beginning of Gujarati Samaj and its usefulness to the society. He also informed that establishing of Manav Mandir also is a result of Gujarati Samaj and other Gujarati Associations, who felt need for a platform to foster activities of Gujarati Samaj and bring together at a place of worship. He also informed that Gujarati Samaj is also member of FOGANA Federation Of Gujarati Associations of North America. Fogana every years organizes completions in Garba, Folk Dance and Raas in three categories each namely-Children, Youngsters, and Elderly people and give Trophies to the winners. These are arranged by rotation at different locations as decided by the Board. Gujarati Samaj has more than 650 Life Members on roll. Every year they distribute gift(Lahani) to the members.

Picnic continued up to 7-00pm and ended after prizes given to the winners of Games.

Mission: Gujarati Samaj Chicago is a non-profit organization serving the Chicagoland area. Our mission is to champion the Gujarati people to grow personally, professionally, emotionally, and spiritually by using compassion, unique perspective, and belief in Gujaratis’ inherent goodness, integrity, and enormous potential to help each other. We provide a community for those who find joy in celebrating the Gujarati culture and Gujarati people.
Vision: The Gujarati Samaj Chicago vision is to help the Gujarati Samaj get ahead in life while still maintaining focus on serving the community, family, and other organizations.
Values: Respect, Truth, Collaboration, Fun, Family Values, Integrity, and Empowerment.

Executive Committee: 2012 – 2013:
President: Suryakant Patel; Vice President: Kamlesh Shah; General Secretary: Jayesh Parikh; Treasurer: Deepen Modi; Joint Treasurer: Devang Desai; Cultural Secretary: Manish Pandya.
Board Members: Amit Desai; Ashok Shah; Nishant Modi; Bhavesh Shah; Bhupendra Bhatt
Vibha Dave; Sandip Shah.
Past President: Mukesh Shah

Current And Upcoming 2012 Events:
• GSC Mix & Mingle: Saturday, August 4th.2012 at Holiday Inn,3405 Algonquin Rd., Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.
• Navratri Garba Raas: Saturday, October 27th, 2012 at Manav Seva Mandir, 101 S. Church Road, Bensenville, IL 60106.
• Diwali Dinner: Saturday, November 10th., 2012 at India House, 1473-1521 W. Schaumburg Road,

Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA

Suresh Bodiwala
Chairman
Asian Media USA
Bus: (847) 679-8583
Fax: (847) 679-5336
Cell: (847)420-4789
sbodiwala@sbcglobal.net

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