Overseas Friends of BJP celebrate election victory
Remarks by Vasudev Patel - Overseas Friends of BJP. (All photos: Vinod Karia)
Nearly 700 members of the diaspora representing several Indian-American organizations in Atlanta gathered at Shree Shakti Mandir on June 1, 2014 to celebrate the epoch-making 2014 Indian election victory of visionary leader, Shri Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The event was organized by Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) and Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (GIBV). Many organizations come together to celebrate the historic event.
OFBJP is an international arm of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India with chapters in the U.S. and elsewhere outside of India. It has been advocating the political and economic philosophy of the BJP through seminars, lectures, networking, and social media.
GIBV is a US-based organization engaging the global NRI community in helping to reshape the future potential of India as envisioned by the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi of BJP. Its mission is to pool resources of NRIs in promoting business, trade, industry, and academic interface with India and other parts of the world. It also serves as the watchdog against any efforts to undermine the progress of Indo-global cooperation.
Deputy Consul Ashok Kumar with many members of the audience.
Participating in the event were Gujarati Samaj of Atlanta, Gandhi Foundation of USA, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, SEWA International, Greater Atlanta Tamil Association, Greater Atlanta Vedic Temple, Brahmin Samaj of Georgia, Shiv Mandir of Atlanta, Sanatan Mandir, Global Mall, NRI TDP, NFIA, India Awareness Foundation, Shree Mandir, KOA, HMSA, Swamy Narayan (Vadtal), Atlanta Hindu Society, Iskcon, BAPS, and HSS. The Indian Consulate in Atlanta was represented by Vice-Consul Mr. Ashok Kumar who congratulated Modi and BJP for the 2014 election victory.
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| Audience singing National Anthems. |
Pravinbhai Master of Shakti Mandir, the emcee, requested the priests of Shakti Mandir to start the program with chanting of the Vedic shlokas to bless the newly elected Prime Minister of India. National anthems of India and the USA were sung by the young volunteers from Shakti Mandir along with ladies from the participants. Two delightful dances followed, from students of Nritya Natya Kala Bharti Academy.
Vasudev Patel of OFBJP – Atlanta chapter told of his five weeks’ election campaign in cities, towns, and villages of Gujarat where he urged people to vote for Modi and Lotus. He concentrated on a few districts like Surendranagar where BJP was weak and expected a strong challenge from adversaries. After completing his tour in Gujarat, he went to the districts of Amethi and Raebareli in UP, where Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were contesting and where he campaigned with the BJP candidate, Smriti Irani. Patel described Narendrabhai congratulating BJP workers for getting BJP wins in all 26 seats in Gujarat. He further said that Modi has very strong character and a powerful will to lead India successfully with good governance.
Remarks by Diru Shah - Global Indians for Bharat Vikas.
Dhiru Shah of GIBV congratulated Modi and wished him success in making India one of the most powerful countries in the world. He characterized the 2014 election as the victory of dharma over adharma, victory of truth over untruth, and victory of the poorest of poor of India. He said that it was a triumph of democracy over the corrupt oligarchy and entrenched dynasty. Shah told the audience that though the Modi government faces many challenges, Narendrabhai will be successful because he has a clear vision with twelve years of track record. He urged participants as NRIs to do their dharmic duty to help Modi, such as by adopting a village and helping build infrastructure like roads, sewage, school, and medical clinic. Further, he asked the audience to be involved in the American political process so that they can influence the US government to formulate India-friendly foreign policy. He urged participants to donate for the election of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, an American Hindu, who has fought against the anti-Modi resolution introduced recently by some members of the House.
Two short videos were shown of BRTS Ahmedabad and the message from Smt. Anandiben Patel, the new Chief Minister of Gujarat. She talked about Narendrabhai’s moral character, dynamic leadership, and good governance which have dramatically changed the face of Gujarat. Under his leadership Gujarat has become one the most prosperous states in India. She urged NRIs to help by exchange of ideas and building trade and industry using their knowledge and resources.
Shiv Aggarwal, President of Ekal Vidyalaya, S.E.Region, urged participants to use the occasion to bring unity amongst all supporting organizations.
Subash Razdan of Gandhi Foundation lauded the moral character and humility of Narendra Modi. He asked the audience to thank all who contributed to the success of Modi and BJP.
Other speakers included Kusum Khurana of VHP, Past President of Gujarati Samaj,Chatur Chhabhaya, Girish Mukhi, Chairman of Gujarati Samaj, Atlanta, Raju Patel of Shakti Mandir, Surinder Dhar of Shiv Mandir, Dr. Chandora of Greater Atlanta Vedic Temple, Past President, IACA, Kaushal Tripathi, Ajay Houde from HSS, Vishwanath from Seva International, Nitin Shah, past AAHOA Chairman, who all congratulated Modi and wished him success in his new job as Prime Minister of India.
Raju Patel informed of the proposed renovations in the Sumant Hall and construction of Shakti Dham and invited all to attend Shilanyas Pooja on June 21st at the Temple. Sneha Mehta, past president of VHP announced Hindu Unity Day to be celebrated in Centennial Park in October. Dr. Raj Gandhi announced a fundraiser in July at Palace Restaurant for the French journalist Francois Gautier who has been constructing a museum of Hindu and Tibetan history near Pune, India.
Thanks were given by Vasudev Patel and Dhiru Shah, especially to volunteers of Shakti Mandir, including Raju Patel, Bhopaji Patel, Bhikhubhai Patel, and Pravin Master for helping organize the event. Participants were treated to a delicious dinner, courtesy of Shakti Mandir.
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