NCGO UK marked Gujarat Foundation Day with virtual prayers for India National Council of Gujarati Organisations UK (NCGO) marking Gujarat Day on May 1, 2021 with prayers for India.
The prayers started with the opening by the President of NCGO UK welcoming everyone and informing them that normally NCGO celebrates the Gujarat Foundation Day by raising awareness of the Gujaratis in the UK and promoting the rich culture of Gujarat. However, this year all the events planned for the MahaGujarat Month in May were cancelled at short notice due to the Covid Impact in India. He said, we are thankful to all our honourable guests who have joined us to pray for India.
Dr Mattur Nandakumara from Bhavan Centre started the prayers followed by the prayer from Padma Shri Barry Gardiner MP from Bhagwat Gita. Devi Nidhi & Neha Saraswat Ji joined in from India with Bhajans. MP Virendra Sharma shared his thoughts on the current pandemic affecting India.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat – Mr Vijaybhai Rupani shared his message through a video message thanking everyone for their support during this difficult time and thanked the Gujarati Community for marking the Gujarat Day with Prayers.
Lord Dolar Popat informed all present that we normally celebrate Gujarat day but as a result of the pandemic our mother country is facing the worst situation in their fight against the pandemic.
Lord Meghnad Desai joined from Delhi and went into the history of Gujarat and when it was formed. Lord Bhiku Parekh who has been associated with NCGO UK since its inception informed about Gujarat in the making, the history of small states with a common Gujarati culture. Lord Navnit Dholakia joined with others in the prayers. Lord Sheikh read a very special dua during Ramadan.
Mr Manmeet Singh Narang – The Minister for Coordination at the High Commission of India London gave condolences and prayers for India and thanked NCGO for the event. Kuldeep Sekhawat – President of BJP UK & representing MATV informed that it’s not a great day to celebrate Gujarat day because of the situation in India. Shaun Bailey- Mayoral Candidate of London joined the prayers with his message.
Community Organisations and the faith organisations highlighted their charitable work for India and requested everyone to support. We were joined by the Chair of Trustees of BAPS UK – MR Mayank Shah, Mr Girish Mashru of Jalaram Mandir – Wembley, Mr Narendra Thakrar of Valabh Nidhi Mandir of Wembley & East London. Mr Nemu Chandaria of One Jain and Mr Mayur Mehta of RamChandra Mission & Geeta Shah of Women to Women Diamond Services with the members of the community organisations.
CB Patel – Patron of NCGO summarised the prayers with a special message to the community to unite together and maintain harmony for the betterment of all communities.
The prayers were coordinated by Krishna Pujara – Public Relations Officer of NCGO and supported by the Web hosts Deepak Patel & Sanjay Odedra – Secretary General NCGO UK. Vice-President Jitubhai Patel thanked all the speakers and the media partners - Gujarat Samachar & The prayers were streamed live on MATV sky Channel.
