 The turnout of our members and their relatives was less than expected but much more than last year, at the Diwali celebrations programme held at our normal venue in Croydon. Those who attended had a warm welcome from two of our prominent founder members of VCSL and were directed towards the dinning area.
The dinner was served with curtsey and enjoyed by all. We wish to express our gratitude to Shree Narshibhai Valji Parmar and his family for sponsoring the entire food expenses on the day.
In the main hall, the procession of young ladies with ‘Divas’ assembled near the stage with the back-up from senior ladies, to greet all a very happy Diwali and a New Year at the start of the programme, followed by two wonderful contrasting dances by the two sisters: Poonam and Hareena, daughters of Harish Amratlal Parmar. Then followed the musical programme performed by a live group, Shalimar, and also a dance item by a pair of young ladies which included Minal Dinesh Samant, until it was time for the Raffle Draw.
In between, the Chairman had the opportunity of formally welcoming and thanking all the guests and members present and wishing them well for the New Year. VCSL’s Secretary opened the long awaited ‘Honours List’ and all those included therein were individually honoured with presentation by Ranjanben Tank, of an ‘Appreciation Certificate’ and a Parker pen to each. The respective academic and artistic achievements of the individuals were described by the Secretary and appreciated by all with response of rounds of loud applause. We take pride on being aware of the remarkable achievements by our young Vanzas and congratulate the parents supporting their children in these fields.
VCSL also honoured three distinguished members of our community:
| 1. |
Shree Vallabhbhai Vasram Nandha for his contributions towards his literary work in Gujarati for last 50 years – presentation of an inscribed plaque by the Chairman, Arunbhai Tank, on behalf of VCSL. |
| 2. |
Shree Parshottambhai Arjan Jethwa for his devoted community work for many years – presentation of an inscribed plaque by the Secretary, Suchetaben Samant, on behalf of VCSL. |
| 3. |
Shree Umedbhai Devram Vaghela for his devoted community work for the years since the formation of our organisation in South London – presentation by the Treasurer, Rameshbhai Bharkhada, on behalf of VCSL. |
We were also very delighted to give the honour of leading our main Hingraj Mataji’s Aarti to the two prominent Vanza families: Narbadaben Nathalal Gohil and Narshibhai Valji Parmar. May Hingraj Maa and Guru Gopal Lalji bless them and their respective families with happiness in future.
To celebrate the above honouring, Ice Cream was served to all.
The presentations of token gifts were made to all the participators by Narbadaben and her family members whereas the raffle ticket winners were presented with the winning prizes by Narshibhai and his wife, Nirmalaben.
Last but not least, may we extend our appreciation and gratification to all our donors and sponsors whose list is attached herewith. We trust that they will continue their eternal support at all our functions.
Diwali 2009 Donors and Sponsors |
