Celebrating 11 years of success of the Indian Bureau of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar (UK), ABPL Group held a dazzling evening filled with laughter and warm camaraderie. Publisher/Editor CB Patel, who was on his annual visit to India commenced an event that saw journalists, writers, political leaders, and well wishers in attendance. The anniversary day actually falls on 16th February.
Held at the Fortune Park hotel, on 28 January, the programme began with the lighting of a lamp by Padma Shri awardee Vishnu Pandya, revered journalist Bhupatrai Parekh, GCCI NRG Committee Chairman KH Patel, CB Patel, Managing Editor Kokila Patel, and Senior sub-editor Khushali Dave. This was followed by a musical performance by Maya Dipak. Host for the evening, Dhvaita Joshi introduced her as a member of the ABPL Group. Captivating the audience with her melodious voice, Mayaben set a pleasing tone for the rest of the night.
Seated amongst the audience were Officer on Special Duty, Communication & Public Relations at the CMO, Bhagyesh Jha, Akruti Promotions and Media Managing Director Pankaj Mudholkar, Nav Gujarat Samay Editor Ajay Umat, Dr Mafatlal Patel, Balwant Jani, Dr Hari Desai, Dr Teena Doshi, Dr Rizwan Kadri, and Kenya-based reader and well-wisher Ashwin Doshi, who had specially flown in from Mumbai. Speaking on the occasion, AB Publication (India) Pvt Ltd, Director and distinguished Oncologist, Dr Bhavesh Parekh welcomed guests. "By inviting everybody once a year, CB builds a bridge - allowing all of us to get together. I welcome all of you, and congratulate Bhupatrai Parekh and Kokilaben, for their key contributions in the launching of the India office,” said Dr Bhavesh Parekh.
The welcome speech was followed by a visual clipping of CB's life journey. Showcasing his struggles, movements, successes and his political journey, the video summed up the reason ABPL remains up and running today. Taking the stage next, Kokilaben gave a vibrant effusion on how she didn't expect such an overwhelming presence at the event. "Our group has constantly worked for the rights of Indians, British Asians, and Gujaratis settled in the UK. Be it the opening of the Hare Krishna temple at Watford or the commencing of the London-Ahmedabad direct flight, we have successfully ran petitions along with our readers and community members," she said. She also recalled the time Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned CB during his first Wembley address. "Announcing the launch of the direct London-Ahmedabad flight, he called CB his friend."
"We also release several other issues along with Gujarat Samachar (UK) and Asian Voice. We organise awards such as Shravan Sanman, Vadil Sanman, Saraswat Sanman, and other similar programmes. ABPL India Bureau has been functioning for the past 11 years. I have been associated with CB for 34 years. I had no knowledge regarding journalism,, but it was his encouragement and support that helped me learn all I need to know. It was under him, that all of us - Bhupatbhai, Balwant Jani, Hari Bhai, Tinaben, Bharatbhai Vyas, Pravinaben Patel, and Dhruvbhai Gadhvi, remain connected for the past several years.”
Next, in a gesture to congratulate Vishnu Pandya on his Padma Shri, CB and Bhupatrai presented him with a shawl, and flowers. It was followed by a similar honour for Dr Urvi Parekh, by Kokilaben and Pravinaben.
Bhupatrai took the mike to give a short thank you speech. He stated that Gujarat Samachar (UK) is not just a newspaper, it is an institution, and so is CB. "Not just behind the commencement of the London-Ahmedabad direct flight, CB also initiated a move for retaining Sardar Patel's UK home." He gave special thanks to Mombasa-based Ashwin Doshi and Kokilaben.
Jatin Gandhi, owner of Tanishk and Shaswat Gandhi showrooms, explained the importance of print media. He said, "I have known CB and Gujarat Samachar for several years, but it was today, that I actually came to know him closely. Congratulations to the India office for completing 11 years successfully. I am thankful to its cordial and supportive team. Under CB's able leadership, these publications have so far, done charity worth 7 million pounds. Print media is very powerful. The extent of its capabilities can be seen in CB's work."
Finally, the man of the hour, CB Patel took centre stage, and announced Padma Shri Vishnu Pandya as the honorary Editor of Gujarat Samachar (UK). "Gujarat Samachar will complete 45 years in May 2017. The company doesn't owe a single debt. In our offices, there are no employees, just friends working together, and I, for certain, am not their 'boss'," he said. He thanked Pankaj Mudholkar, Dr Jayesh Patel, Bhagyesh Jha, Rajesh Patel, Bharatbhai Vyas, Rameshbhai Patel, Balwant Jani, Dr Keyur Buch, Dr Kunjal Buch, and Manish Mehta, for their contribution and encouragement.
Several friends and associates were honoured as the company patrons. Recipients included CB's childhood friend Jaysukh Mehta, Maya Dipak and her husband Dipak, Bhagyesh Jha, and Vejabhai Ravaliya and wife Saakarben. People working in the India office for over five years were awarded a certificate of appreciation. Vikram Nayak, who has been working with the office since the first day as a Graphic Designer, Accounts Manager Hardik Shah, Asian Voice News Editor KK Joseph, Graphic Designer Mukesh Patel, and Bureau Chief Nilesh Parmar received the awards.
Lastly, the crowd was addressed by Bhagyesh Jha, who said, "The mentality today is that nobody reads literature, and there is nothing worth reading in newspapers. Languages today are missing their potency, and the rising number of means of communication are just increasing the gap. Which is why, we will have to make all efforts to keep it alive, and if we work together, we can be successful."
