Ahmedabad 30th December 2024: Gordhan D. Patel of Kota, Rajasthan, has been elected as the President of Vishwa Gujarat Sammy, a global organisation dedicated to uniting Gujaratis worldwide and preserving the Gujarati language, culture and identity since 1990. He was declared elected unopposed by election officers Dr. Praful Thakar and Abrar Ali Saiyed, as CK Patel, the current President, was found ineligible to contest as per the organisation’s constitution and election rules. The announcement has brought joy to members and supporters of GD Patel across India and abroad.
The election for the post of President and general committee of the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj was declared during the Executive Committee meeting on October 6. Subsequently, the election officers announced the detailed programme on October 14, inviting nominations and proposals from members globally. This call received an enthusiastic response.
Earlier, senior members of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj requested former Gujarat Chief Secretary PK Laheri to take on the President’s role. GD Patel was among those who supported the move. However, Mr. Laheri declined due to prior commitments. He subsequently endorsed GD Patel for the post. His proposal was supported by Padma Shri Zoravar Sinh Jadav. Gujaratis from various states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Kerala, and countries including the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, Dubai and Oman backed GD Patel’s candidature.
Known for his humble and affable nature, GD Patel has been associated with the Vishwa Gujarati Samaj for over 30 years. He presently serves as the vice president. His deep connection with Gujarati communities across India sets him apart. He has tirelessly worked on initiatives such as providing school uniforms, educational materials and financial aid to children, promoting self-defence programmes for girls, and organising activities like environmental conservation, blood donation camps and recognition of talented individuals, through various organisations. GD Patel has been in close contact with Vishwa Gujarati Samaj members and their families in India and overseas, many of who requested him to take up the responsibility and take the organisation to new heights.
Reacting to his victory, GD Patel said, “This victory belongs to every member of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj and their families. As we usher in the New Year, we will move forward with new resolutions, hopes, and enthusiasm to fulfil the organization’s objectives. We aim to present the talents and achievements of Gujaratis worldwide on a unified platform, spreading the fragrance of Gujarati pride globally.”
Upon becoming president, GD Patel announced appointments to four key positions. Senior advocate of Gujarat High Court, Yogesh Lakhani, was named as the Senior Vice President of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj, senior journalist and columnist Sudhir Raval was named as General Secretary, former chief secretary PK Laheri was named as Advisory Board Chairman, while noted social worker Mahendra Shah was named as Consultative Committee Chairman.
Yogesh Lakhani, Sudhir Raval, Manish Sharma, Bipin Soni, Kirit Shah, Jaiprakash Vachhani, Jitendra Brahmbhatt, Tushar Gandhi, Himanshu Vyas, Dr. Yogesh Dave, Savji Vekariya, Hitesh Patel and other prominent members played key roles in ensuring GD Patel’s victory through strategic efforts. Despite facing challenges like negative campaigning, his supporters maintained decorum throughout the campaign, leading to the decisive win.
Since the number of valid nominations was below 250, all nominees were declared elected unopposed to the general committee by the election officers.
The entire election process was conducted transparently, adhering to the organisation’s constitution and election rules, culminating peacefully with the new president and general committee in place for the next five years.
