The Gujarati Samaj of St. Louis, Missouri, hosted a gala Diwali dinner with a live musical concert at St. Ann Community Center, Nov. 1. More than 500 members and guests attended the event, the group said in a press release.
The evening began with a social hour, followed by dinner and entertainment by Panorama Musical Orchestra. President Sanjay Patel greeted attendees with Diwali and New Year wishes and listed the activities that the Samaj undertook during his leadership.
Thanking his committee, volunteers and members for their support, he pitched for the younger generation of members to come forward and give their time for the Samaj to carry on the good work for the benefit of the community.
“It is important that we here in our adopted country preserve and promote our Gujarati heritage and culture for upcoming generations,” the press release quoted him as saying.
Dr. Sharad Parikh provided details about the community center being built by the Samaj in association with the Hindu Temple of St. Louis. The Samaj will be holding fund raising event in near the near future, Dr. Parikh said.