LPS of USA Area Representatives Contact List 2010-2011
Transcription
LPS of USA Area Representatives Contact List 2010-2011
SURATI FARSAN MART WE SHIP NATIONWIDE 11814 186TH ST, ARTESIA, CA 90701 (562) 860 2310 9494 BLACKMOUTAIN RD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92126 (858) 549 7280 FRESH SWEETS FRESH SNACKS SINCE 1986 ORDER ONLINE SURATIFARSAN.COM LEUVA CONNECTION Leuva Patidar Samaj of USA LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 716 Sweet Water Circle, Old Hickory, TN 37138 Phone# 615-739-5088, Fax# 615-739-5266 Board of Directors President Bharat (Bobby) Patel (916) 478 0475 1st Vice President Hasubhai Patel (281) 870 0606 2nd Vice President Jayesh D Patel (615) 370 8255 Secretary Kirit Kantilal Patidar (904) 571 9241 Joint Secretary Sanjay D Patel (615) 399 0017 Treasurer Satish (Steve) M Hari (662) 895 0876 Joint Treasurer Sunil Patel (615) 377 7768 Editor Harshad D Patel (562) 809 2623 Joint Editor Shailesh Patel (918) 361-5955 Publication P K Patel (214) 339 0935 Youth Chairman Rajendra Patel (615) 867 5055 Joint Youth Chairman Nayan Patel (931) 723 2243 Ex Officio Mukesh Mowji (408) 268 4747 Public Relations Ron Patel (972) 432 8856 Mahendra Arvind (415) 259 4059 Nagin Das (770) 384 0784 Mahendra Patel (956) 761 8500 Hargovan Desai (562) 402 3332 Ramanbhai Patel (650) 873 9300 Hitesh Patel (580) 622 6500 IT Technology Suresh Patel (904) 826 3345 Womens West & Joint Publication Nayana Nancy Patel CHO (404) 886 9179 Womens Rep East/Youth Lina Patel (513) 257 6700 Send editorial submissions to [email protected] LEUVA CONNECTION Visit us at w w w . leuvapatidarsamaj.com Leuva Connection is published by Garavi Gujarat Publications (USA) Inc on behalf of the Leuva Patidar Samaj of USA. Designed & Printed in the United Kingdom by Garavi Gujarat Press, a division of the Asian Media & Marketing Group Garavi Gujarat Publications (USA) Inc. 2020 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, Atlanta GA 30071-3710 Tel: ++ 1 770 263 7728 Fax: ++1 770 263 8617 email: [email protected] www.amg.biz www.gg2.net © Garavi Gujarat Publications (USA) Inc. 2011 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without written permission of the copyright owners. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. It should be noted that any opinions and recommendations expressed in this magazine are the views of the writers themselves and not necessarily those of the Leuva Patidar Samaj or Garavi Gujarat Publications (USA) Inc. Jai Shree Krishna, My dear brothers and sisters, It’s been 10 months since the leadership changed on July 12 2010. As I’ve said before, LPS of USA has one singular goal only: to pass on our colorful culture and rich heritage to our new generation and generations to come. Spring has just arrived and across the country it brings a flurry of weddings and social activity within our community. Your LPS of USA board of directors also have been busy working with their committees on new programs. One such program is Our Credit Card processing program. It had a slow start but now it has picked up steam with over 100 hotels participating in the program. I encourage each of you to join as well. It’s going to be beneficial to you and consequentially to LPS OF USA. You can find the necessary contact information on our 2011 calendar. Along with many of my board of directors, I went on what we call a small road show in three states, starting from Little Rock, AR, to Memphis, TN, and finally to Oklahoma City, OK. During our trip we had interesting interactions with wonderful Leuvas along the way. We really appreciated and enjoyed their hospitality and vigor for LPS of USA. Little Rock topped our quest for new life time memberships. We went from small town hall meeting to sizable regional (tri-state) meeting in Memphis; TN. Folks, let me tell you, the enthusiasm we see in these meetings is amazing! I wish you were with us in Oklahoma City when little girls performed a couple of cultural dances in front of a big crowd. They were awesome! In all town hall and regional meetings our members have suggestions and concerns about our Samaj. One note worthy point is about our wedding reevaj (tradition) and the unreasonable expectations during this event. For example, attending guests expect to be put in hotel rooms from either the bride’s or groom’s side of the families. This kind of burden is too much for many of the parents, who however feel obligated to along with these demands. Samaj rules have been made before, but only to be broken. Any change to lessen this kind of burden must come from within. Therefore, I request that we all come forward and put a stop to this kind of unfair burden on fellow Leuva brothers and sisters. All across the country we show one thing in common… our leuva kids! LPS OF USA’s goal is on the right track. During the tour we have received several lifetime memberships, annual memberships and many registrations for LPS OF USA National Convention in New Orleans, LA. We will have the LPS OF USA National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 28-31, 2011. This will be the first time LPS OF USA is holding the Convention at a remote location since none of the top officers are from the area. We had several meetings and discussed concerns with leaders of state of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas before finalizing the location. Volunteers and the leaders are very enthusiastic and have already started working on twenty different committees. As I have always said this organisation is not of the Board of directors, it’s yours… the members! It’s team work and you must join us and make this event very successful. It’s a slow process but definitely the LPS OF USA is a platform that our coming generations will be able to use proudly! We just have to KEEP FAITH in our LPS OF USA! God Bless you, Bharat (Bobby) Patel Gaam Pathron Oakland, CA President LPS OF USA 2010-2011 May 2011 3 LEUVA CONNECTION LEUVA Executive Board of Directors Leuva Patidar Samaj of USA Executive Committee Board of Directors President Bharat (Bobby) Patel (Pathron) 1st Vice President Hasubhai Patel (Bajipura) 2nd Vice President Jayesh D Patel (Chikhli) Secretary Kirit K Patidar (Afva) Joint Secretary Sanjay D Patel (Kharvasa) Treasurer Satish (Steve) M Hari (Pata Pardi) Joint Treasurer Sunil Patel (Kharvasa) Editor Harshad D Patel (Saroli) Joint Editor Shailesh Patel (Isroli) Publication P. K Patel (Sarbon) Youth Chairman Rajendra Patel (Mota) Jt Youth Chairman Nayan Patel (Puna) Ex Officio Mukesh Mowji (Umrakh) Public Relation1 Ron Patel (Babla) Public Relation2 Mahendra Arvind (Kharvasa) Public Relation3 Nagin Das (Puna) Public Relations4 Mahendra Patel (Ruva) Public Relation5 Hargovan Desai (Digas) Public Relations6 Ramanbhai Patel (Mori) Public Relations7 Hitesh Patel (Bajipura) Womens East & And Youth Lina Patel CHO (Vadhvania) 04May 2011 IT Technology Suresh Patel (Puna) Womens West & Joint Publication Nayana Nancy Patel CHO (Soyani) LEUVA LEUVA Letter from 1st Vice President CONNECTION Respected Leuva Patidar Members, As your convention chair man, I am very pleased to announce and welcome everyone to the 8th National LPS Convention & Trade Show. The LPS Convention will be held at the Marriott Convention Center in New Orleans, LA on July 28th-31st, 2011. On behalf of the Convention’s Co-Chairs, Jayesh Patel, Kirit Patidar and Sunil Patel; Ambassador Chair, Sanjay Patel and Steve Hari; and Louisiana representatives, we look forward to making your experience, at this convention, an unforgettable one. We are striving to ensure that this convention appeals to attendees of all ages. There will be several activities for all attendees, including, but not limited to, the youth; teenagers; adults with matrimonial interests; women; and senior citizens. The focus of this convention, as the theme portrays, is ‘Celebrating the strength between Leuva generations.’ The youth play the most important role in our samaj and therefore, it is essential that they preserve our heritage and cultural values. I would like to request the support of our members from all the Leuva Patidar Samaj’s across the USA to encourage their members with their families to attend this very exciting convention. As you know from past conventions, this is a great way for families to meet, socialize, and interact in a social forum. I humbly request that our members do not make other plans (i.e. weddings, family or gaam events, tournaments, etc.) during these convention dates. At this time, I would like to thank the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and surrounding area samaj’s for their tremendous support and gratitude for hosting this convention. Information and registration forms are available on the LPS website (www.lpsofusa.com). Please direct all inquiries, comments or suggestions to us on our website. Jai Shri Krishna & Jai Swaminarayan. Thank you, Hasu Patel 1st Vice President 2011 Convention Chair May 2011 5 LEUVA LEUVA Area Representatives CONNECTION LPS of USA Area Representatives Contact List 2010-2011 6 State Name Home 1 AR Mukesh Patel 2 AR 3 Fax Email Village 501-486-9121 501-410-0778 501-486-9121 [email protected] Bagumra Jayesh Lallu 501-605-1810 870-250-1718 501-605-1840 [email protected] Ambheti AR Satish J. Patel 870-732-5818 901-210-8799 870-739-5621 [email protected] Bajipura 4 CA Dilip Patel 661-325-1650 661-706-3372 661-322-7636 [email protected] Timba 5 CA Ramesh Patel 858-695-8971 619-368-3391 619-477-3295 [email protected] Sampura 6 CA Dalsukh K. Patel 562-865-0020 310-918-2033 562-865-0092 [email protected] Saroli 7 CA Hasu B. Patel 213-387-5987 213-503-0025 213-385-2671 [email protected] Astan 8 CA Navin N Patel 650-348-6200 650-773-2100 650-579-1300 [email protected] Umrakh 9 CA Vijay D. Patel 415-387-8998 415-725-0126 415-387-0609 [email protected] Bajipura 10 CA Suresh P. Patel 831-438-1575 831-320-0286 831-423-8945 [email protected] Timba 11 FL Anil D. Patel 904-998-9855 904-536-4411 904-493-4949 [email protected] Varad 12 FL Dipak Patel 352-266-2011 N/A [email protected] kharvasa 13 FL Sanmukh Swami 239-466-5596 239-822-5697 239-278-3670 [email protected] Afva 14 FL Rakesh Bhula 850-877-4437 850-766-5808 850-878-9964 [email protected] Sandlepur 15 GA Dharmesh Patel N/A 678-410-8438 N/A [email protected] Pinsad 16 GA Deepak R. Patel 912-335-5641 912-655-8845 N/A [email protected] Kantali 17 IL Harshad Patel 309-764-1709 309-764-1709 309-764-1709 [email protected] Nagod 18 MA Dilip K. Patel 508-865-0833 713-540-2359 508-581-9885 [email protected] Goji 19 NC Jimmy R.Patel 336-998-9116 704-224-3625 336-998-7770 [email protected] N/A 20 NC Dipak V. Patel N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 21 OH Kirti Surati 419-727-8725 419-283-4989 419-727-8955 [email protected] Soyani 22 OR Nikhil B Patel 503-559-9509 503-559-9507 800-520-3116 [email protected] Kuched 23 OR Dilip Patel 541-342-1109 541-731-9645 541-343-3438 [email protected] Vihan 24 TN Jitu D. Patel 615-248-6864 615-491-2070 615-248-6864 [email protected] Chikhli 25 TN Ramesh Patel 615-859-3888 615-969-9990 615-859-6391 [email protected] Dastan 26 TN Raj Narayan 615-822-4240 615-479-8292 615-824-7645 [email protected] Vihan 28 TN C.P - Chetan Kana 731-668-6621 731-298-60517 31-668-0209 [email protected] Nagod 29 TN Minesh Patel N/A [email protected] Kothamd31 30 TX Himanshu M. Patel 407-971-9000 409-543-2215 409-971-2214 [email protected] Bhamaiya 31 TX Ashwin T. Patel N/A [email protected] Umrakh 32 TX Dahyabhai N Patel 972-771-7641 972-989-5782 972-771-9922 [email protected] kharvasa 33 TX Hemant N. Patel 972-492-8713 214-923-4325 214-461-8379 [email protected] Navsari 34 TX Milan Jaariwala 817-498-0010 817-300-3535 817-498-0010 [email protected] Surat (Saroli) 35 TX Bharat V. Patel 972-401-3234 972-333-4551 972-401-3440 [email protected] Vaghecl 36 TX Samir T. Patel 713-924-3077 832-567-8484 713-921-9664 [email protected] Dhawnman 37 TX Manish Desai 713-697-7900 713-410-5109 713-697-1710 [email protected] Digas 38 TX Kamlesh Patel 254-696-3623 254-760-2420 254-698-7041 [email protected] Shampura 39 AL Vikas Patel 251-643-1635 678-557-6453 251-675-6881 [email protected] Rajpura Vadhvania 40 AL Jayesh Patel N/A N/A N/A N/A 41 MS Babu Patel 601-209-0878 N/A N/A N/A Baben 42 MS Davendra Patel 601-634-8607 N/A N/A N/A Bajipura 43 OH Sital Patel 937-898-1212 937-367-3092 937-898-7354 [email protected] Chikhli 44 OH Bhavesh Patel 513-671-0556 513-349-3913 513-671-4953 [email protected] Dungar 45 OK Priyesh Patel 405-691-4502 405-627-7339 405-692-3961 [email protected] Jaman 46 WA Arvind G Patel 360-828-6013 503-708-5404 503-542-7557 [email protected] Sadodra May 2011 Cell 352-732-4590 901-692-9140 901-240-1782 713-256-3623 713-524-7426 251-747-1459 LEUVA LEUVA Letter from Publisher’s Desk CONNECTION Letter from the Publisher’s desk NAMASTE, Wow! These past two years have been very difficult for many of us, especially with our businesses and personal lives facing drastic financial burdens, foreclosures, rising gas prices & food costs, bankruptcies, and even back to the basics and adjustments. Many of us in our community have had many stressful months of trying to keep our heads above the water and yet try to continue to take part in our community, our kids, and our family. During these times of difficulties as a community we should not be taunting those who are having tough times; but rather have moral ethics to help and advice those in need, how to weather these tough economic times. “Money may be the husk of many things but not the kernel. It brings you food but not appetite: medicine, but not health; acquaintance, but not friends; servants, but not loyalty; days of joy, but not peace or happiness.”(Quote by Henrik Ibsen). Nancy Patel (Women’s West/ Jt. Publisher) Shailesh Patel (jt Editor) suggestions, articles, photos or concerns please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected] or call me at 404-886-9179. Remember sending an article does not guarantee a placement in an upcoming issue. Harshad Patel (Editor ) PK Patel (Publications) Sincerely, Nayana “Nancy” Patel – (Gaam Soyani) Publisher “A proud Leuva Patidar” The entire year the LPS of USA board has worked hard to ensure that our rich culture and heritage is still a part of our lives, no matter what storms we have to weather. This year on July 28th -31st, 2011 we have a great National Convention planned in the beautiful and exciting city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Included in this magazine are the registration forms and tentative agenda for you to review and fill out. We encourage all of you to be a part of this great event and help make it a successful convention. For all of those who attended Nashville, Tennessee in 2009, actions spoke louder than words. Louisiana local members are working hard for the planning of this event and we would like to thank their wonderful hospitality and efforts in joining hands with the LPS of USA to bring about this great convention. Please sign up and make this a great summer family event where we can all come together in one place: “Celebrating the Strength between Leuva Generations”. We ask all of those who have not renewed their memberships or have not become a member of the LPS of USA to please do so using the Membership Form included on page 30 of this magazine. We are also planning a new membership directory in the near future and for all those who would like to be included need to be paid members. On behalf of our entire publications team we would like to thank all of you for making this magazine a success and all the great comments we have received: without all of you this success would not be possible. If you have any questions, May 2011 7 LEUVA LEUVA Regional meet CONNECTION A commitment to success Regionals That Motivate The New Orleans Convention on July 28th thru 31st… Your board has been busy not only planning for a spectacular New Orleans convention; but also motivating members by doing spur of the moment regionals in Baton Rouge, Memphis, Jackson, Little Rock, and Oklahoma City and many more to be announced for May and June. Bhupen Patel rallied the troops in Baton Rouge which showed a huge community support of 300 plus people. This was the same amazing support shown in the first Lafayette meeting. GO Louisiana! With the level of local support and very enspiring local speakers sending battle cries as they prepare to bear the burden of hosting the upcoming convention in Louisiana you can tell convention preparations are well under way. At the meetings we held before the regionals there were concerns/fears from local members whether this burden could be bore; however, they have risen to the challenge and with Houston and Board members in full support we will have a successful convention in NEW ORLEANS! All should know that the New Orleans convention will truly be an Olympic style event. After the volunteering into all convention committees and heart felt welcome that Louisiana displayed; the board started holding regionals across the country to make sure no one has cause to miss the New Orleans convention on July 28th thru 31st. So a regional road trip was held in Memphis, Jackson and Little Rock and finished in Oklahoma City/Tulsa. Little Rock proved to be the leader in new Life members and Coming in close second was Oklahoma City. At each of these regionals the turnout was well planned and people showed up. I was in Okahoma City (my area) along with Area Rep. Hitesh Patel (Bajipura) and young gun Priyesh Patel (Jamania). I want to close by noting that Priyesh Patel was key to the 200 plus turnout in Oklahoma City. He handled the organization, notification, and preperations needed to make this regional a success. He also had the local children organize a well executed prathna, and dance. Pictures are provided in this issue. Lot of us on the board have been doing this a while and the reason I note Priyesh’s work is because he represents Generation 3 or 4 of Leuva Patidar Samaj of USA. It is truly amazing to see that even his generation of Leuva’s are wanting to continue the legacy of LPS of USA well into the future. Seeing this level of commitment by people like him makes me believe that we will curb and eliminate our tendancies toward alcohol, tobacco, late marriages, and etc…. Shailesh Patel (Jt Editor), Tulsa, OK. (Isroli) May 2011 9 ü In Loving Memory ü ÎÎ …› …·Îfl΋ ÎÎ ÎÎ …› lÌ¿Ú W HÎ ÂflH΋ ÎÎ Date of Birth Date of Death June 2, 1924 (Ambheti, India) April 1, 2011 (Nashville, TN) Late Vallabhbhai Ratanji Patel (AMBHETI) Whenever one gets a call that a loved one is in the hospital, a sense of reality seems to hit us. When you find out that the loved one is not going to make it, the emotional roller coaster of fear, helplessness, rejoicing, and gratitude commences. At least this is what our family has felt and is going through. My grandfather, Vallabhbhai R Patel was admitted into Williamson Medical Center on March 21, 2011 while visiting one of his four sons, DV Patel and family in Nashville, TN. He suffered from kidney failure issues along with a number of other ailments. As family members, we did not think the end was coming for our loved one, until the doctor said, ‘He is not going to live much longer.’ These few words out of an expert’s mouth are enough to silence even the most outgoing of persons. Even before the outcome became evident, all of his sons and daughters along with his grandchildren, other family members, and close friends, flew or drove to Nashville to be by his bedside in Room 629. Our daily ritual was to talk to him, sing, and pray. Sure, there was a lot of crying by all of us also. My grandfather told us some stories to keep his and our minds off of the inevitable. He reminisced about his younger days and how he first saw our grandma. We told him that he will be with her very soon. He smiled. It is this smile that will be ever ingrained in me. It was a smile of a human being who felt in peace. It was a smile of gratitude and sincerity at the highest level. It was a smile that helped all of us get through his last days together as a family. On March 27th, we all cut a cake celebrating his life and our family unity and took photos with him in the hospital. Not knowing that this would be the last day that he would be able to verbally communicate with us, he asked all of his children to look after their children and he asked all of his grandchildren to look after their parents. His ultimate wish was that we all live ‘HAPPY’ lives. I just remember thinking how unselfish of him to worry about us on his final days on this earth. We told him that he is not going anywhere but just leaving his body to join others that have gone before him like our grandmother, Laxmiben and his own father, the great Ratanjibhai Patel. The next four days after this cake cutting day were spent sleeping as he moved into a semi-coma state. During this time, his three daughters led the bhajan singing daily at his bedside. We all took turns staying day and night with him. The hospital staff was amazed to see 60 odd people take over the entire waiting room day in and day out. Some of the nurses got so attached to our grandfather due to the love they witnessed that they came and visited him on their days off. On April 1, 2011 around 7:00am, my grandfather took his last breath in that body aged 86. By this point, we were as prepared as a family could be. Our grandfather made sure of that! He will be remembered always for the courage he had to send his sons and daughters to America so that they and his grandchildren and his great grandchildren could lead better lives than he did. He will also be remembered for the real ‘endurance’ that he possessed in raising seven children in a small house in Ambheti, with floors made of cow dung and money that was extremely scarce; that curtailed the pain of his wife’s demise at an early age. He took on both parental roles and decided not to remarry for his family’s sake. My grandfather, Vallabhbhai R Patel, is in God’s hands now. What better hands can a loving family ask for! Until we all see him one day, may he be in peace. We love you! Written by grandson: Bharat (Bruce) Patel, Irving, TX on behalf of the entire Vallabhbhai Ratanji family. Surviving Family: Sons: Amritbhai (AV)– Irving, TX Ramanbhai (RV) – Irving, TX Dahyabhai (DV) – Nashville, TN Rameshbhai - Houston, TX Daughters: Chandanben – Arlington, TX Urmilaben- Memphis, TN Vinaben- Arlington, TX PLUS DOZENS of Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and other Family Members….. LEUVA CONNECTION LEUVA Convention LPS 2011 NATIONAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW TENTATIVE SCHEDULE July 28 –31, 2011 New Orleans Marriott Thursday, July 28, 2011 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Volleyball Tournament 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Exhibitor Registration/Setup 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Attendee Registration 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Welcome Reception and Entertainment Friday, July 29, 2011 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Exhibitor Registration/Setup 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Attendee Registration 7:00 a.m.- 9:15 a.m. Continental Breakfast 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Opening General Session 12:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. Lunch in Exhibit Hall 12:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Trade Show 2:30 p.m.- 4:45 p.m. Concurrent Educational Seminars 5:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Social Hour 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Dinner 8:00 p.m.- 11:59 p.m. Entertainment Saturday, July 30, 2011 7:00 a.m.- 9:15 a.m. Continental Breakfast 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Closing General Session 12:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. Lunch in Exhibit Hall 12:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Trade Show 2:30 p. m.- 4:45 p.m. Concurrent Educational Seminars 5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Gala Night Cocktail Reception 7:00 p.m.- 11:59 p.m. Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony & Entertainment HOTEL INFORMATION Following is information on hotel and room rates for the LPS 2011 National Convention & Trade Show: New Orleans Marriott 555 Canal Street • New Orleans, LA 70130 Phone: 504-553-5522 FAX: 504-581-5749 Rates: Single/Double: $ 109.00 Please ask for the LPS of USA National Convention rate. The cutoff date for these rates is Thur . sday, June 30, 2011 Please visit www.lpsofusa.com for reservation link For toll free reservations please call: 1-800-266-9432 May 2011 13 LEUVA LEUVA Cultural Program Entry Form CONNECTION Cultural & Variety Program Friday, July 29th, 2011 ENTRY FORM 8th National LPS of USA Convention New Orleans, LA FAX FORMS TO (877)519-7468 PARTICIPANTS FULL NAME AGE PARENTS NAME GAAM CHOREOGRAPHER (CONTACT): Address: Phone (Home): Phone (Cell): Email: Fax: NAME OF PERFORMANCE: TYPE: (CIRLCE ONE) *RAAS* *GARBA* *FOLK DANCE* *BOLLYWOOD* *MEDLEY (LIST ALL SONGS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)* Rules To Participate: • No Solo Entry Will be accepted... We encourage large group performances • Appropriate Attire is required based on traditional clothing • All entries will be on first come first serve basis, Duplicate songs will be rejected • All Performance, except Medley and Drama, must not exceed 6 minutes • All Participants must be a member of LPS and registered for Convention • Priorities will be given to Raas, Garba, Religion, and Folk Dances • Deadline to Register is May 30th, 2011. Fax the participant forms to (877) 519 - 7468 • Contact Person will be notified by June 7th, 2011 CONTACT: Suresh Patel (FL) Kay Surati (OH) Hina Patel (TN) Shailesh Patel (OK) 14 May 2011 (904) 501 - 7739 (419) 283 - 4989 (615) 496 - 4628 (918) 361 - 5955 Lina Patel (OH) Reena Patel (TN) Manishbhai (TX) Samir Patel (TX) (513) 257 - 6700 (615) 414 - 3030 (713) 410 - 5109 (832) 567 - 8484 LEUVA LEUVA Convention Registration Form CONNECTION 8th NATIONAL LPS OF USA “CONVENTION” REGISTRATION FORM Marriott Hotel Downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, July 28, 29, 30, 2011 (Thurs, Fri and Sat) www.leuvapatidarsamaj.com Mail To: LPS of USA, Inc., 716 Sweetwater Circle, Old Hickory, TN 37138 or FAX TO (662) 280 2311 First Name M.I. Last Name Address: City State Zip Ph (H) Village Ph (C) Email Life Member Annual Member Attendees 18 & Over Non-Member (Leuva) $AMT AGE Email Address $AMT AGE Email Address Age 9 & Under (Free) AGE Subtotal B Ages 10-17 Subtotal B C.) LPS Membership is $60.00(1 yr) or $100.00 (2 yr) D.) Lifetime Membership $1001.00 E.) I wish to donate towards this convention $ F.) I wish to donate towards the LPS Scholarship Foundation $ TOTAL (A) + (B) +(C or D ) + (E) + (F) = $ Pmt Options: Ck# MC VI Credit Card# Exp. AX DS Name on CC CVV# (Card ID) Amount $ Signature Membership Status: Early Registration Fee Deadline 06/15/2011 OnSite Registration After 06/15/2011 2011 LPS Member (18 & Over) $129.00 per person $199.00 per person Lifetime Member $99.00 per person $129.00 per person $79.00 per person $99.00 per person Senior Citizen (65 and above) $99.00 per person $99.00 per person Non-Member (Leuva Only) $189.00 per person $199.00 per person Children Age 10-15 NOTE: * Unmarried children 18 & above of Lifetime Members will be charged $99.00 for early registration. ** Married children of a Lifetime Member will be considered as a regular annual member. *** All family membership must have current valid membership or will be charged the non-member (Leuva) fee. May 2011 15 Negative Reviews Are Killing Your Reputation Fight Negative Reviews on Tripadvisor.com*# We will monitor & alert you about negative reviews on tripadvisor. We will write a powerful management response to the guest's negative review and post it on Tripadvisor DID SOMEONE STICK A KNIFE IN YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION ? Guest's review and our management response both will be displayed on tripadvisor.com. We will give management response to total 30 Negative Reviews in a year. Positive Reviews on Google*, Yahoo* and other sites*# We will assist you to get positive reviews on Google, Yahoo and other travel sites. For your guest's convenience, we will send you content for some common form of reviews to express satisfaction with your hotel. You should just get a confirmation from your guests to have these reviews posted on various websites. We will provide assistance to get 10 positive reviews. Software Control Panel to monitor and manage reviews : We will provide you with feature-rich software "GuestXpressions" to manage reviews DIRECTLY ON your website. GuestXpressions software will give you the ability to delete the negative reviews on your panel and also encourage guests to post more positive reviews. Cyberwebhotels LLC, Special Offer For Hotel Vikas Subscribers. Regular "ReviewPlus" package price US $2450. Special price for LPS Readers – US $ 750 . Contact Us At : 501 Silverside Road, Suite 105 WiLmington, DE 19809 USA, Call : 888-335-5991 / 302-351-2434, [email protected] www.cyberwebhotels.com, * - Brand name is owned by respective brand owners. # - Subject to Terms of Use and Acceptable Use Policies of respective brand owners Call: 888-335-5991 / 302-351-2434 Fax: 302 351 6292 LEUVA LEUVA Weekend Retreat CONNECTION A ski-liciously good time! The LPS Youth Activity Ski Retreat Weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a whopping success, attended by hundreds of Leuvas. Some of the participants wrote in to you to share their highlights of this amazing event... Kirti Surati of Toledo, OH writes… Our family resides in Toledo, OH where our Samaj and activities are very limited. I was raised in Nashville, TN where there is a large Samaj and numerous cultural activities. My husband and I would like our children to play an active part in the Leuva Patidar Samaj. We think the best way to achieve this goal is to be active ourselves. I think a lot of people would not normally attempt skiing, but with their family and friends accompanying them on the slopes, they were stepping outside their norms. The LPS Ski Retreat was a success due to the variety of ages coming together to make new friends, have laughs, and make new memories. The word is spreading and everyone is looking for announcements of the next LPS youth event. Don’t miss it again! Nayan Patel, Youth Chairman, Nashville, TN writes... I, along with my family attended the LPS Youth Ski Retreat. The Family Ski Weekend was fun as well as educational. We all enjoyed the bus ride from Nashville to Cincinnati and back. The Ski resort had several activities for all ages, ranging from Skiing, Tubing, Snow Boarding, to hanging out beside fireplace in the lodge. As most of us were first time skiers, the beginner lessons helped all the kids and adults too. Everyone enjoyed the weekend and was extremely satisfied with the organization as well as the food and activities. I first got on my skis and fell a couple of times, however, after ski lessons, I felt much comfortable. I’m sure the kids had the most fun, because some of them had the experience before. My family and I sincerely thank the local volunteers as well as the Youth Team of LPS for making this event a great success! As a Youth Team member myself, we will together arrange such fun filled activities for our children in the years to come… Leuva mothers write… We are all mothers of children aging from two to 10 years. Obviously, we knew our children would not learn to ski on their first attempt; however, we wanted to expose them to a new challenge. All of our children had a ‘blast’, only coming in to eat something and running back out to the slopes for more fun. They made new friends, learned new things on the slopes, fell a lot, and made their own memories. We all were very happy with the outcome and accommodations provided. We will definitely be looking forward to the next LPS event. May 2011 17 LEUVA LEUVA Weekend Retreat Viren Patel of Nashville, TN writes… It was quite intimidating as the peaks of the slopes lurked through the trees as we approached our destination. I could feel my adrenaline pumping as I watched the lifts circling from afar. The sun was blinding whilst the snow glistened like a strobe light from the rays of light. As I stepped off the bus I stood there for a few seconds and took a deep breath soaking in the cool and crisp air. It was at that moment I realized where I was, as a big smile stretched across my face. Not just being at Perfect Slopes, it was being with LPS and the community that brought us together. The wonderful LPS crew of Cincinnati and its surrounding area met me after I stepped off the bus. As we all stood together, a group picture was taken and then I was on my way to the chalet for my equipment. I signed in, collected a pair of boots and skis and poles and within a few moments I was outside, inching ever so closer. I threw my skis down and locked my boots in place and I was gone, only to realize the entire day had passed. Would I do this again? In a heartbeat and this time I would want to help every LPS member learn to ski. I am not a professional, but I want everyone to experience the warmth that I felt that day. Not so much ‘Perfect Slopes’ but being LPS! To the organizers of the LPS ski retreat and everyone that participated, my family and I thank you sincerely! Youth from Toledo, OH write… CONNECTION Overall, LPS was fun and a great experience. The best part about the trip was the ability to meet and interact with fellow Leauva Patidar Samaj members. The trip was also very organized, and it was a trip that people of all ages could enjoy. We are looking forward to the announcement of the next LPS event. Shila Patel of Troy, OH writes… We participated in the ski weekend so our children could form relationships with other kids from neighboring states. They learned about the many things they all have in common. We wanted them to see that LPS has many levels and the stereotypes are changing. We also wanted to teach them that the manner in which we represent ourselves in activities like these represents our entire community. Lina Patel of Cincinnati, OH writes… What an amazing Youth Ski weekend we had with over 350 LPS of USA members in attendance! Thank you to a great team of volunteers…Together, we made this ordinary moment, Extra-Ordinary! It started four months ago with a conference call to offer an ‘out of the norm’ event to our members. With immediate support and approval from the Board of LPS, we started planning. The event was a great success with all ages, youth and parents, enjoying the day in the snow. Today, with Jayesh and his team’s event planning experience; Bhavesh, Arun, and Sital’s meals preparation; and Kirti and my registration, marketing, and logistics handlings; together, we’ve accomplished! Most crucially, the humble nature and great spirit of all the volunteers and attendees created a positive environment throughout the event! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who helped make this a success! Dylan Patel of Rincon, GA writes… My trip to Ohio was great! The flights weren’t that bad, I had a lot of fun, and I met some new people. I gained some experience in skiing and it was really fun going on all the different slopes. I would like to go again one day. It just happened to be my birthday 18 May 2011 weekend and it was a good one! If you didn’t go on this trip, you missed out....big time! If there happens to be a next trip, you should really consider going on it. It will be worth it. It was definitely an agglomeration of fun and a trip I’ll remember! Aakash Patel of GA writes… The LPS Ohio Ski Trip was such a blast! It was my third time flying to somewhere and let me just say the flights were pretty cool. I had so much fun once we got to Ohio. I met lots of new faces and a couple of people I already knew. This was my fifth Ski trip and by far I learned and gained a lot of experience at skiing. Where we previously went there were maybe only six or seven slopes, here there were over 20 slopes to choose from! I skied for a super long time and right after skiing we went to the LPS Party. The party featured a lot of good music, dancing, food, and drinks for all! It was sad heading back home, but I would love to do it all over again! This was just one of the most c ski trips that I will always remember! Dejay Patel of Rincon, GA writes… The Ohio LPS ski trip was fun and exciting. I have been skiing many times before but it was nothing like the one in Ohio. There were plenty of different slopes. I hung out with my friends and met a couple of new people. Some of the slopes were really fun to go on. I really enjoyed the LPS trip in Ohio. Can’t wait to go to next LPS ski trip! LEUVA LEUVA Weekend Retreat CONNECTION Rajendra Patel, Youth Chairman, Murfreesboro, TN writes… After months of planning, the time finally arrived for our Leuva Youth Activity Ski Retreat Weekend in Cincinnati. Our group from Tennessee arrived on Friday night via bus and was greeted warmly by all our volunteers who worked hard to make the event a success. On Saturday, the skiing began. Our family as well as many others had a very enjoyable time with over 350 attendees from across the region. Everyone that I spoke with commented how they’d enjoyed this event so much that they want to repeat it again year after year. As this has been my first year as Youth chair, having well over three hundred attendees at this event was very good. We can hope for more attendees for future events of the same scope and entertainment values. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many individuals who volunteered to make this event the success that it was, without their help and leadership; it could not have been possible. It is people like this that aid our cause in these matters. Thank you all so much and let us all work to having an even better year. May 2011 19 LEUVA LEUVA Head to Head CONNECTION ‘Living one life with two cultures’ Use your culture as a leverage to succeed, not just in business, but in personal life too... overwhelmed by mistakes. 4. Do you believe our traditional customs will continue with the newer generation? Definitely! Our culture is how we are, how we live, and has value that every generation realizes and thrives to preserve! 5. Have you ever lived in India? If so, for how long, and how long have you lived in the US? I have been to India on numerous occasions and it is my favorite place in the world. The hospitality that everyone receives when visiting India is unmatched in any other country in the world. I have enjoyed the relationships that I have created in India, and those relationships will always keep me going back! Name: Pratik ‘Prat’ Patel, MBA, MSIS, CHA, CHO Education: MBA Finance, Baylor University; Masters of Science in Information Systems; Bachelors in Management and Marketing Occupation: Hospitality Industry Birth Country: USA Family: Wife, Akta Patel Segva; Kids, Jayna 5 and Misha 3; Parents, Ravibhai D Patel (Syadla) and Lilaben R Patel (Ruva) Gaam: Syadla Residence in USA: San Antonio Texas Age: 34 1. What, in your opinion, are the primary differences between the American culture and Indian culture? The one difference that stands out in our Leuva Culture is importance of extended family and our very intense social culture. This social culture has been passed from the first generation to the second, and these relationships are priceless. 2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of our Indian Leuva community? The strength of the Leuva community is the ability to unite at all times whether it is for a joyous occasion or a time of need. One of the weaknesses of our community is the ability to forgive a member of the community has made a mistake, our reputations are valuable at all levels. 3. How are you able to balance both cultures as an individual in the USA ? The balance in my life comes from the support that I rely on from the Leuva Community when it comes to the social arena and in business. It is our nature to help everyone and we never turn away anyone who needs help. This has made life easier when everyone of us can go to some in our community to ask advice (personal and business) and prevent us from becoming 6. Do you think that our Indian culture has some flaws that need to be addressed? There are some inherited flaws of our culture, but those are by products of the best aspects of our culture. When we weigh the good versus the bad, the good aspects always win and we will have to live with the few flaws. 7. What gives you the most pride as a Leuva Indian living one life two cultures? I feel the proudest when I think about the relationships and connections that I have inside the Leuva community. These are the strongest friendships that I have and those relationships will carry on to my children. 9. If you had to describe the Leuva community in one word what would it be? Unity 10. Do you believe India will be one of the leading countries in the near future? Yes it is almost there. When I was an IT Consultant a few years ago, I helped create a support center in Mumbai for the company I was with. One of the partners in charge of creating the center explained that India will become a powerhouse because the ‘outside’ recognizes the power of community and hospitality in India. Relationships are built on hard work and very strong ethics and those will continue because of the culture! 11. What is the most important thing that your parents taught you about living one life with two cultures in another country? To have a focus on the future and what you want to accomplish, you have to recognize where you came from and channel the most important parts of both cultures to succeed. 12. As a parent yourself do you think you have been successful in teaching your children the moral values and importance of our very vibrant Indian culture? Yes, my children spend most of their free time with dada and ba, and the love and attention that our culture gives their grandchildren is unmatched by any other. My parents live next door to us, and that is the best decision that we made. 8. Do you recognize any challenges or disadvantages related to our culture being outside the ‘norm’? The challenge that most consider prevalent and focus on is the preservation of our culture to future generations. 9. How do you respond to those challenges? My best answer is, to keep doing what we have done for the last 50 years, because the normal activities that the Leuva Culture has and will continue to carry out, will be reason enough for the next generations to preserve our culture and take pride in it. May 2011 21 LEUVA LEUVA Scholarship Applicaton Form CONNECTION Leuva Patidar Samaj Foundation Inc. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION All Applications must be E-mailed to [email protected] Inquiry- Indubhai H. Patel 336 Heritage Isle Way, Bradenton FL 34212 PHONE: Indubhai 941-567-4594, C.M. Patel 615-293-6570 Application for the LPS Foundation Inc. Scholarship will be accepted through June 15 Year of application. Scholarship will be awarded beginning with the fall semester. The scholarship recipient must (1) demonstrate a need for this scholarship (2) has at least a 3.0 grade point average (3) be a legal resident or citizen of the USA (4) the applicant or applicant`s parents/ guardian must be current paid member of LPS of USA as of January in the year of application . The scholarship awarded will be for use at an accredited college or university. The recipient may receive the monetary award for subsequent years, provided, the recipient maintains a 3.0 grade point average each year. However the recipient is required to submit application each year. The winner of the LPS Foundation Inc. scholarship will be notified by phone or email. If the applicant is awarded the scholarship, a social security number must be provided. Full Name Last First Middle Initial Current Address City State Zip Permanent Address City State Zip Phone No Fax No Date of Birth Place of Birth Email High School Attended Graduation Date Father’s Full Name Mother’s Full Name Father’s village in India Mother’s village in India Do parents own a business? Yes No If Yes, what kind? If No, where do they work? Parents’ annual income (Approx.) $ Please write a one full page essay for each of the following questions (Please be specific) 1. What differentiates you from other students? 2. What are your short and long term goals? 3. How can this scholarship help you and the community? I have applied to the following Colleges or Universities 1. (Use additional page, if required) 2. I have been awarded the following Scholarships 1. (Use additional page, if required) 2. Please submit this application (1) Essays and cover letter (2) Most recent High School or College transcript (3) Documentation of US residency (4) Three letters of references (5) SAT, ACT, or Equivalent Score report (6) Achievements in community involvement or any other extracurricular activities (7) Two passport size photographs (8) Proof of admission to a college or university is required prior to the award. All applications must be received no later than June 15 of the Year of application. Late applications will not be entertained under any circumstances. Signature of Applicant 22 May 2011 Date LEUVA LEUVA Scholarship CONNECTION ‘A fantastic initiative for the youth’ Leuvas and scholarship recipients share how the LPS Scholarship programme has impacted their lives... After receiving the $1,000 merit scholarship from the Leuva Patidar Samaj Foundation, I want to thank the committee for this award. It means a great deal to me to know that I have the support of the Indian community as I enter college and a new road in my life. I carry pride with the ‘Patel’ name every day when I go the to UCLA, knowing that hard work and dedication will allow me to achieve academic as well as person goals. In the future, I wish to inspire the youth of our community, and attempt to encourage them to succeed in their respective lives. I want to give back to the very community that assisted me through my college experience and my life. The lofty goats and expectations that I have placed in my life push me to strive for the best and I will always be an Indian living in an American society. Once again, thank you for the scholarship.’ ‘I would like to thank the members of the scholarship committee in awarding the $1,000 merit scholarship. Keep up the good work and keep supporting education as it will bring lots of rewards for the samaj in the times to come. We as a society are wasting a lot of money on wedding expenses. Many communities in India are having mass weddings. A few suggestions: Every two years, when we hold our Leuva Convention, we can encourage our youth to get married at that time. This way we will have a successful convention and big attendance. Furthermore, divide scholarships into two groups, need-based and merit-based. Moreover, you can avoid asking for family members’ name and village. Thanks a lot.’ Jagubhai Patel (Sampura), Los Angeles, California Amar Vanmali, son of Jagubhai and Nilaben Patel ‘Thank you for awarding me a Leuva Patidar Samaj scholarship. I have worked hard throughout school in my community. My family and I are very grateful and we ensure that this money is going towards a good cause - my education. I have finished my first semester at the University Of South Carolina Honors College and it has been a success. I am majoring in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. After I graduate from the University of South Carolina, I plan to attend medical school to become a doctor. I always keep my heritage and culture in mind in all my endeavors. Our values and customs are a part of my daily life, even in college, and I plan on keeping it that way. For instance, I am a member of my university’s Indian Cultural Exchange. Moreover, once I become a settled physician, I plan on organizing trips to India so that I can offer free clinical services. In college, I have helped my community by volunteering at the local Free Medical Clinic. Additionally, I work for Habitat for Humanity. I understand the importance of giving back to the community as I volunteered on numerous occasions throughout high school. Please let me know if there are any opportunities for me to help the LPS Community in any way, shape, or form, as I plan on becoming an active member of the LPS Community as an adult.’ Aakash Patel Aakash R Patel ‘I would like to thank you for the generous scholarship donation for the pursuit of my educational goals. I truly value both the financial and moral support of the LPS community. I look forward to continue inspiring our youth to strive for higher education. Thank you, once again, for your support over the last four years of my medical training. I am very excited to graduate this year.’ Jigna Patel Kyati Patel Dharmi Patel Dharmi Patel Jasmina Patel LPS FOUNDATION INC. 2010 Scholarship Receipients 1. Rahul Magan CA $2500.00 2. Dharmi B. Patel CA $2500.00 3. Jigna A. Patel FL $2500.00 4. Jatin R. Patel FL $2000.00 5. Priyank Patel TN $2000.00 6. Jashmina Kunwerjibhai TN $2000.00 7. Akash Patel SC $2000.00 8. Shawn A. Pael FL $2000.00 9. Khyati N. Patel FL $1000.00 10.Sagar Desai FL $1000.00 --------------------------------------------------------------- Total $19500.00 May 2011 23 LEUVA LEUVA People CONNECTION In loving Memory ü Jay Ranchhod Om Namah Shivay ü ü God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle’s flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it ... Dad “You may not have given birth to ALL but those that have seen YOU as their Mother and Guru - You truely are a Father of thousands. Being a Father you have showered love, taught all how to live in life - just like a lotus - you will be missed!” My Father Sadly Passed away on 15th March 2011. To all our relatives and friends, we thank you most sincerely for your warmth and kind support during these trying times. DOD : 15th, March 2011 AUM SHANTI (London) Late Arvindbhai Lallubhai Patel DOB : 1th, Sept. 1936 (Kharvasa-India) Global Passport Services We provide services to all Indian Embassies throughout U.S.A. Passport Visa Consular Services We specialize in : • • • • • • • • Renunciation certificate of Indian Passport PIO Card (Person of Indian Origin) OCI Card (Dual citizenship) Indian Passport & Renewal and Miscellaneous Services US Passport and Renewal China Visa Brazil Visa Russia Visa Contact : Ela Patel (713) 530-2770 E-mail: [email protected] 5644 Westheimer Rd., Box #416, Houston, TX 77056-4002 24 May 2011 LEUVA CONNECTION LPS OF USA, INC ELECTION NOTIFICATION 2011 Dear Local LPS President, Area Representatives, and Members: The term for the 2010-2011 Board of Area Representatives and the 2011 Executive Committee will expire in July, 2011, To facilitate the election process, local leaders and their current area representatives must elect their respective Area Representatives and forward those names to LPS Office before the deadline of: June 15th, 2011. • Number of Nominations: The candidates may be nominated for the position of Area Representative for a particular State, as long as the nominee resides in that particular area and State. • Number of Area Representatives per State: As per LPS Bylaws, the number of Area Representatives for any particular State derives from the total number of annual membership and life membership for that particular State. Attached is an excerpt from sections 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 of the LPS Bylaws regarding pertinent election information. • Actual Election of Area Representatives: The nominees for each State must be compiled and a local election finalized on or before June 15th 2011.It is imperative that the current Area Representative of the State in co ordination with the local leaders shall conduct the meeting to elect their new Area Representative for the new term. Any dispute arising from not conducting due process of election will nullify the submitted names. • Requirements: In addition to any other requirements set forth in LPS Bylaws, persons elected must be able to travel, attend meetings, and provide various community services as required from time to time in the best interest of LPS at their own expenses. • The list of eligible number of Area Representative for each state as of April 2011 is shown in the table annexed. The number of qualifying AR for the state may change if the membership of the respective State changes before the deadline of June 15th 2011. 6.0 BY-LAWS EXCERPTS: 6.2.1 Area Representatives per lifetime members: Once a state has achieved at least twenty (20) lifetime members, that state shall be entitled to elect one Area Representative therefore. Once that state achieves an additional twenty (20) lifetime members, that state shall be entitled to elect one additional Area Representative therefore. 6.2.2 Area Representatives per regular members: Notwithstanding lifetime members already represented as set forth hereinafter, there shall be one Area Representative for the first seventy-five (75) members, or fraction thereof, with an additional Area Representative for each additional fifty (50) member increment, or fraction thereof. Where a state has fewer than seventy-five (75) members that state will be allocated one Area Representative as long as the members have a local Samaj and send the names of an elected Area Representative to the LPS office or current President. An Area representative must be a member of the LPS of USA for at least two years prior to becoming an area representative. If there is more than one local Samaj in any state, then the number of Area Representatives shall be prorated proportionate to the cumulative membership in LPS for each Samaj by local Samaj leaders, however, the total number of Area Representatives for such state still remains the same as allocated by above formula, subject to additional Area Representatives arising from the incidence of lifetime memberships as set forth hereinafter. State Total no. of qualifying AR AL AR AZ CA CO FL GA IA IL IN KY LA MA MD ME MI MO MS NC NJ NM NY OH OK OR PA SC TN TX VA WA 1 3 1 12 0 6 4 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 3 8 13 1 1 Form for Submission Nomination • State: • Name: • Address: • Telephone: Cell Phone: • Email: Please send elected AR form before June 15th, 2011 by fax or email to: LPS of USA 716 Sweetwater Cir Old Hickory TN 37138-2063 Ph: 615-739-5088, Fax: 615-739-5266 May 2011 25 LEUVA LEUVA People CONNECTION In memory of Dhirajbhai Parbhubhai Patel On February 4th, 2011, a day when my family and I usually celebrate my brother’s birthday, we received a heartbreaking phone call informing us of the demise of our grandfather, the late Dhirajbhai Parbhubhai Patel. He passed away at the age of 78 while his youngest son, my Nana, Bharatbhai Patel, was holding his hand and while his wife, my Ba, Gulabbhen Patel, was doing prathna. Upon hearing the news, my family and I immediately went to my Nana’s home where my grandfather, Bapuji, as we called him, had been spending his last few days on bed rest. After seeing his face, and his lifeless body lying there on the bed, I finally realized what it felt like to lose someone so close and who meant so much to me. Seeing my family breakdown in tears had me on the verge, but I knew I had to be the strong one for my family and I held my emotions in until I saw his face for the last time and I just could not help it. My Bapuji had been fighting a battle, a battle he put up a good fight in. He was diagnosed with rib cancer in mid-November 2010. Unfortunately, the cancer was detected too late for treatment. Our family devoted all of our time and love in taking care of him during his last few months. He spent his life taking care of our family and it was a blessing that we were able to take care of him during his final moments with us. There are not enough words to describe the man my Bapuji was. I’ve never known anyone more socially involved than him; he was a ‘people’s person.’ He was incredibly active socially in our samaj both in America and India. It’s amazing how hospitable his personality was. It did not matter to him whether you were a friend or a stranger; he was always there when you needed him. I am honoured to be the grandson of someone so special to our community. In my eyes, my Bapuji could still be with us today if he chose to. In my eyes, he chose to wait for my family to come back from India so he could say goodbye. In my eyes, he chose to hold my Nana’s hand when leaving this world. And in my eyes, he chose to give us the life he gave us before moving on. Sawan Patel Grandson LEUVA SNAPSHOTS 26 May 2011 LEUVA LEUVA Youth CONNECTION Walk the less-traveled path One of the youngest board-members of a non-profit organization in the US, Malissa Patel, shares her extraordinary journey and many learnings with us... I am Malissa. I am a simple girl, with big dreams. I’m your typical girl: I enjoy shopping, talking on the phone, and hanging out with my friends. But the not so typical thing about me is that I am the Southeast Region President for a non-profit organization called MODEL26, previously known as Bookbags with the Basics. It is an organization that aims to make sure children in need are given book bags filled with school supplies in order to do well in school. It is committed to help promote education within our youth. Our duty is to raise the necessary school supplies to fill into each book bag. Those supplies are then hand-delivered to children in need and given to Teachers for America, and organization that aims to help underprivileged children and schools. I found Bookbags with the Basics while searching online for a project to start at my school. I showed my interest to the Founder and she was enthusiastic about my eagerness to help. After seeing my interest, I was offered the position of Southeast Region President. As Southeast Region President, it is my duty to monitor all donation-drives done from Louisiana through to Virginia. It is my responsibility to make sure all donors are satisfied and helped. As Southeast President I am also responsible for making sure all supplies get to our organization promptly and successfully. Currently, the organization helps children in the states of Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, South America, Uganda, and other regions of Africa. We plan to expand and cater to more children in need. The organization has now been formed into MODEL26 to also get to the core of why poverty occurs in third-world countries, and how we can prevent it from occurring. Our organization has received great help from several organizations that have Leuva youth members. Organizations such as, Beta Kappa Gamma at Louisiana State University and Delta Phi Omega, both, donate supplies to help our cause. Both sorority and fraternity have donated several book bags worth of supplies and have made the society of Leuvas proud. Bookbags with the Basics/MODEL 26 has made me grow as a person not only in school but also within my community and friend circles. It has taught me to value all that my parents have provided for me and appreciate the life I was given. It has enlightened me in realizing that as Leuva youth, we must take action in not only making our parents proud, but also our society proud of the things that we can accomplish. I never thought I would be capable of being the Southeast President of a nonprofit organization, but I proved myself wrong. My challenge to all of the youth of LPS is to face the obstacles we all have in Young leader: Malissa plans to attend the University of Georgia this fall. She hopes to pursue a career in Government/Law. our way, head first. As a society, we should not tarnish our name and reputation by giving into the world’s temptations. We must conquer over all evils and prove the strength our parents have inset within us. Youth, do not follow the perfectly paved path; build your own path and see all the great places it will lead you. How did you become involved with Bookbags with the Basics? I was looking for an organization to start helping through my school, something that would impact students’ lives positively. I came across the then Bookbags with the Basics and showed my interest. They were impressed by my eagerness to help and offered me the position of Southeast Region President. Now, as Southeast Region President, what are your duties? It is my duty to monitor all book bag drives from the state of Louisiana through to Virginia. It is my job to make sure all organizations raising school supplies for us are satisfied and have gathered the necessary school supplies. I am the contact between the donors and the organization within the southeast. What do you like most about your job? I like the satisfaction I get out of helping others. This isn’t like giving a dollar to someone on the street: it’s like you’re literally going to a supply store, getting a bunch of supplies, and handinzg the bag to a child who can use it in the classroom. You’re helping a child to have a positive attitude at school because they have everything they could possibly want in the classroom in order to learn. How does it feel to be one of the youngest Board members for a non-profit organization in the US? It feels amazing! It feels great to know at such a young age, I have made a difference in the world. I definitely would not have been able to do it without help from the organization, Dyci Manns (the founder), and the various sororities and fraternities that help donate supplies to us. You told us that Leuva Youth are also involved in helping raise supplies? Yes! We have several Leuva Youth members in sororities and fraternities that help donate to Bookbags with the Basics/MODEL26. Beta Kappa Gamma of Louisiana State University, Delta Phi Omega, Sigma Beta Rho of the University of Georgia, and Alpha Iota Omicron are just some of the organizations that have Leuva Youth as members who help raise supplies for the organization. It makes you proud to know that no matter what, they are behind you one-hundred percent! What did your parents say when you told them you were president of a nonprofit organization? They were very surprised to say the least. At first, they were unsure of whether it would get in the way of my studies, but after I explained how I’d participated in the organization at school and stayed focused, they seemed pretty positive about it. They were especially proud of the fact that I was able to actually bring change to a group of people. They were proud to know I actually listened to them when they would tell me to always treat others, as I would want to be treated! So, will you be able to continue working for MODEL26 after graduating from high school? Definitely! MODEL26 is actually stationed out of the University of Georgia, which is the school I am attending this fall. My position will then change from Southeast President to Campus Lead. That means I will be in control of every donation that goes through the entire state of Georgia, and the through the entire UGA campus. What is your message to the LPS Youth reading this? Never think you’re not good enough to succeed. I always had these huge dreams of starting my own charity or raising enough money to open a homeless shelter in the Bardoli area, but never thought I’d be able to achieve things like this. I was wrong. Through Bookbags with the Basics/ MODEL26 I’ve learnt the ropes to starting a non-profit organization and the skills it takes to maintain it, and for that, I am forever grateful. Now, my dreams of starting a charity seem more possible then ever! So never think you can’t achieve something. If you set your mind to it and do good enough research, you’ll be able to achieve anything! May 2011 27 LEUVA LEUVA People CONNECTION In loving Memory II Jay Shree Shrinathi II IIJay ShreeJalaram Bapa II Prabhubhai Nathubhai was born on April 20, 1932 in Motifarod, a small village in southern Gujarat. His elementary school education was in his home town of Afva Isroli, where he was raised. He then attended B.A.B.S High School, a famous Satyagrah place, in Bardoli, Gujarat. He began his young adult life by migrating to Great Britain at the age of twenty and then to Uganda/East Africa in 1954. He was employed as an Accountant. After being forced to leave Uganda during the tyrannical regime of Idi Amin, he returned to Great Britain. He then eventually migrated to the USA and entered the hospitality industry in 1976. He made his home in Santa Cruz, California. He was an adventurous man, a compassionate, kind, caring and soft-hearted individual who was an ardent bhakta of Sai Baba. He held all human beings equal irrespective of their social or economic status. His ethical and moral values were very high and he always lived by them. He never looked down upon any person. Over the years, he became a very religious man. He prayed every morning and evening during his entire his life. His final bhakti was at the Kedareshwar Mahdev Murti Pratistha during his annual vacation to his home town. On December 10, 2010, at the end of a four day pooja ayojan he attained moksha. He departed this world at the age of seventy-eight, ending his life journey to be with God. It is said that this type of departure is awarded to but one in a million people. While his departure was sudden and unexpected, he completed his life journey by spending the day worshiping god as he did each day. In his last few weeks, he returned home to his birthplace, enjoyed his newly built home in Afva Isroli, and visited the shrine of Shirdi Sai Baba with his brother. He is survived by his wife and life partner of 56 years, Shantaben, three daughters and son in-laws, six grandchildren, three brothers, and two sisters. Om shanti, shanti, shanti. Prabhubhai Nathubhai Patel DOB : 20, April 1932 (Motifarod-India) DOD : 10, Dec 2010 (Atlanta) Shantaben P. Patel Shilaben Dailipbhai Patel Dilipbhai Bhikubhai Patel Sandhyaben Chittu Patel Chittu Nagarbhai Patel Ajitaben Anilbhai Patel Anilbhai Vinubhai Patel Jai Shri Krishna from his beloved family Hospitality Insurance since 1924 Let us help protect your hotel / motel At Pointer Insurance Agency, It is our experience and dedication that allows us to customize each client’s unique risk while also remaining highly competitive in cost. Pointer Insurance Agency, Inc. 8705 Northwest Drive #4 Southaven, MS 38671 Jon Pointer, CIC, CBIA Vice President Office : 662-342-2980 Watts : 800-628-0194 Fax : 662-342-2990 E-Mail : [email protected] 28 May 2011 LEUVA LEUVA Membership Application Form CONNECTION Create a legacy for your future generations. Become a LPS life member today. Leuva Patidar Samaj of USA (Surat, Navsari & valsad District) FIN# 20-5846705 Membership Application Form Each Married child needs to fill out separate form Change of Address Print your old Address New Member Life Member Membership Renewal Make check payable to LPS of USA Enclose $60 for one year and $100 for two years Or $1001 for Life time membership Mail to: Ravindra Dave LPS of USA 716 Sweetwater Cir, Old Hickory TN 37138-2063 Web: www.leuvapatidarsamaj.com (Ph) 615-739-5088 Fax: 615-739-5266 Emai:[email protected] APPLICANT INFORMATION SPOUSE INFORMATION Full Name Full Name Village Village Father and Grandfather’s full name Father and Grandfather’s full name Mother’s name Mother’s name Father and Grandfather’s name Father and Grandfather’s name Village Village Name of Business Profession Home Address/ Street Name Home Phone ( City ) Work Phone ( State ) Zip Fax ( ) Email Old Address: (For change of address only) Street Name Unmarried Children First name only City Date of birth Month/ Year State Zip Unmarried Children First name only Date of birth Month/Year Married Children First name only 1. 3. 5. 7. 2. 4. 6. 8. Dt: Payment Option: Check # Credit Card Type Visa Master Credit Card # Amex Discover Exp.Date Three digit CVV (Four digit for Amex) # Amt Authorized $ Name on the Credit Card Signature 30 May 2011 Date LEUVA CONNECTION LEUVA Letter from President (±fiÁ_‘Îfi ’ı… 32 ’fl) Roshni Roy was introduced toBharatanatyam, by her mother, who was also previously a Bharatanatyam dancer and has performed her Arangetram. Roshni started training with Katherine and K.P Kunhiraman at the age of 5, and has now been doing his form of dance for the last 13 years. She has performed at multiple multi-cultural events and organizations. Her passion for these extreme forms of skills has been complimentary and enables her to fuse their strengths to achieve a level of excellence in each. Roshni has graduated as a senior from Monte Vista High School in Danville, as an honor roll student, and will soon be attending the University of California Riverside this fall. May 2011 31 LEUVA LEUVA Letter from 1st Vice President CONNECTION MOUNT KAILASH - LAKE MANSAROVAR YATRA A Divine Journey… Join us in August, 2011! Om Namah Shivaya… Lina Patel, (LPS Executive Board member) is organizing an opportunity of a lifetime, Mt. Kailash Yatra! Come Celebrate Life at Mt. Kailash – Lake Mansarovar! The Kailash Yatra is organized for those who wish to experience the religious and adventurous moments while trekking through the Himalayan valleys of Tibet Land. Please contact us with questions. The deadline to register for August Yatra is May 30th, 2011. Please contact as soon as possible to make arrangements. Email : Phone : Website : [email protected] Lina Patel, Cincinnati, Ohio Kirti Surati, Toledo, Ohio Nayan Patel, Nashville, TN Rajendra Patel, Murfreesboro, TN www.kailash.himalayanglacier.com 513-257-6700 419-283-4989 931-334-6268 931-580-1419 DISCLAIMER CLAUSE The Leuva Patidar Samaj and the directors, volunteers, members and representatives are not responsible for any injury, loss or damage of any kind sustained by any person while participating in the Kailash Yatra. No medical/health insurance will be provided by LPS. In the event of a medical/health problem, the LPS accepts no responsibility for any costs associated with a medical/health problem nor will they pay for any medical/health expenses which may be incurred by the participant. 32 May 2011 LEUVA CONNECTION LEUVA Weekend Retreat May 2011 33 LEUVA Youth 34 May 2011 LEUVA CONNECTION