Gujarati Samaj of Tampa Bay

» NRI Related Communities, Organizations, Associations in U.S

The Gujarati Samaj of Tampa Bay
was born in June 1981 at the residence of Mr. Ghanshyam Patel at
a meeting of a few individuals including Ghanshyam Patel, P.S. Patel
and Pradip Patel. The Samaj celebrated the Navratri Garbas at the
Seminole Garden Center on Central Ave. and the Diwali program at
the Roy Haynes Park in 1981 under the first president Mr. Ghanshyam
Patel.

P.C. Patel presided over the Samaj in 1982. Navratri garbas in
those days were very simple considering the costumes and the music.
The music was pre recorded on audio tapes and played on a portable
audio cassette player.

Mr. Pradip Patel was the president of the Samaj for the years
of 1983, 1984, and 1985. In 1983 came the first custom made costumes
clad choreographed Raas Garbas by teenagers. During this year the
Gujarati Samaj also sponsored and screened a Gujarati play "Ghar
Ghar Mati na Chula". In the spring of 1984 a "Khichadi
Picnic" was organised to encourage both young and adults collectively.
This tradition is alive even today! Every year the Samaj organises
a picnic with Khichadi, roasted Corn and Watermelon to celebrate
Mother’s Day at the Fort De Soto Beach. TheMother’s Day Picnic of
spring 1998 was a great success.

The Navratri Garbas of 1985 graduated to a new high of dancing
to the music of now famous Lalit Sodha and party from Mumbai, India.The
Diwali Dinner Party included a variety of Entertainment programmes
from local talents.

Thus began a new era in the history of the Samaj. Committee meetings
became formal as minutes got written, approved and recorded. Praful
Patel was elected as the President in 1986 with the first female,
Neki shah as the vice president.This year the Samaj successfully
organised the Sports Day and Holi celebrations.The summer of 1986
brought the first Anand Bazaar that was organised at the 2nd floor
of the USF Administrative bldg.The Samaj grew in size with the increasing
memberships. Larger halls were rented for festivals and for the
first time "Lahni" was distributed to members at the Navratri
Raas Garba. The Diwali Dinner was a big hit too as it included a
"Natak" by the adult members of the Samaj.A magazine with
Mahatma Gandhi on its front page.took over from its previous photo
copied list for members. By now the spirit and enthusiasm of Gujaratis
were such that volunteers and funds were in abundance.

Sharad Patel took over the reins as the president in 1987 and
this year the the Samaj politically supported Helen Chavez as a
mayoral candidate at the Anand Bazaar. 1988 and 1989 saw the presidency
of Dr. Kiran Patel and Anand Bazaar evolved in to the now popular
India festival at Sundome, USF.

Mahendra Doshi presided in 1990. Membership grew at a considerable
rate .The popular Diwali Dinner was now prepared by professional
caterers. During the 1991 presidency of Mr.Khandu Patel trophies
for the India Festival were custom designed, made and imported from
India.

1992 presidency of Ramesh Parmar was marred by his tragic accident
and the serious injury to his eyes. Our savor, the ever reliable
Mr. P.D.Patel who was the Vice president took over and acted as
the president and performed the duties of the president as well
as the vice president.Thank you Mr. Patel, for your selfless devotion
to the Samaj that we see even today.

In 1993 Nikunj Patel was the President, the Samaj was thriving
to uphold and improve the quality of the functions the Samaj continued
to host successful cultural and religious events.

Tampa Bay community’s good old dream came true in August 1996,
with the completion of the India Cultural Center. Under the presidency
and leadership of Dr. Kiran C. Patel a Center aimed to inspire purer,
fuller and better life that speaks of Love and Unity was born.The
community’s desire to have its own facility was finally fulfilled.
The center is aimed at providing us to practice the laws of Dharma,
Karma, and Giving. The trustees of The India Cultural Center (ICC)
urge both young and adults to actively participate in the cultural
events and also to support ICC and the community as a whole in every
way you can.

"It is my hope that ICC and its Trustees will be playing the
vital role of bridging the gap between the generations and providing
a platform and a vehicle with which the rich culture and heritage
of our community will be maintained for generations to come."-Dr.Kiran
Patel.

The president for Gujarati Samaj for 1996 was Dr.Nandkishor Shah.The
Samaj now hosted its events in the new facility, ICC at 1511 Lynn
Road, Tampa FL. With the passing of each year the annual events
of India Festival expanded to the level of acceptance where people
came all the way from Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia to share
this great family affair. Year after year the event of India Festival
promised family fun for all with exotic Indian Foods, Folk Dance,
Raas and Garba Competitions.

1997-The "Suwarna Jayanti" (Golden Aniversaty) of India’s
Independence from the British Rule, India festival marks the completion
of a Decade.This year Dr. Vijay Patel presided over the Gujarati
Samaj. And under the Chairmanship of Dr.Kiran Patel and P.D.Patel
as the Co-chairman Gujarati Samaj hosted the 10th India Festival
and FOGANA a national compettition of Folk Dances. The Samaj not
only successfully organised this 2 day event but also provided food
and accomodations to the participants of Fogana. On the third day
was a live Musical show by Kumar Sanu and Kavita Krishnamurthy which
was a huge success.

Dr. Mukesh Kapadia presided over the Samaj in 1998, keeping the
traditions of the Gujarati Samaj alive. This past year the Samaj
very sucessfully organised Diwali, Navratri, and the 11th annual
India Festival along with lots of other cleebrations of Indian festivals
and cultural events. This year The Samaj reached new heights by
launching its own website on the World Wide Web.

Related – Gujarati Cultural Association

Photo: Gujarati Wikisource Workshop 120430 by Jayantanth, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.