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Brent Indian Association discusses Modi's UK visit AsianVoiceNews
Asian Voice | 26th December 2015
The Brent Indian Association had organised a discussion on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's UK visit on 12-13-14 November and, the relations between India and Britain, at the BIA hall in North West London, Ealing Road. Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice Editor, CB Patel was invited as the chief speaker on the occasion. He, along with other speakers, put forth their view on Narendra Modi's visit, bilateral relations between India and Britain, amongst other topics. CB said, “Modiji in his speech, mentioned two great nations. Our India and Britain has similar virtues. India has until now invested over £ 20 billion and in return, Britain has invested just as much. Today, the Economist has published an article on the growth of the Gujaratis. Be it Prime Minister Cameron or the Economist, everybody sings praises for us Indians. Time will tell how far India has come. The country is currently safe and strong. Prime Minister Narendra Modi can look eye to eye with other global leaders. The world praises the prime minister. Modi is not arrogant, but assertive, which is why India is being heard.”
From left: Sureshbhai Kansagara, Dhirubhai Vadera (Secretary-BIA), Sumantrai Desai (Treasurer-BIA), Anitaben Ruparelia, CB Patel, Kokilaben Patel, Navinbhai Shah, and Mohammad Batt Putting light on the performance of local social organisations, CB said, “Most of our organisations are on papers. Anitaben has been appointed the chairperson of the BIA and I am pretty sure she will do justice. So many of our leaders are active only for Facebook's sake. Our future generation needs to have self-confidence. The kids should learn about our language, history and religion.” Brent Council leader Mohammad Batten said, “CB has a genuine link with India. We have to keep in mind our culture, identity and history, passing it on to the new generation. I am
proud that Modiji's address on 13th November, at Wembley stadium brought thousands of people to Brent. Modiji has opened new doors for India, and by keeping good terms with the neighbouring countries, he has built a path towards success.” BIA chairperson Anitaben Rupareliya said, “Narendrabhai Modi has bestowed a gift to all his sisters in Britain by being present in Brent on 13th November, on the occasion of Bhaibeej. The very next day BIA celebrated its 50 anniversary. BIA stands tall on its own feet today. We don't get any grants but
we have strong backers. From welfare benefit to immigration, OCI, we provide help to everybody without any caste or religious barriers. Today, I thank all those present.” Vinubhai Sachaniya, who has long been associated with the BJP, said, “Narendrabhai Modi has worked his magic on people across the world. He said that if the Muslims had followed the principles of Sufi, there would not have been guns in so many hands. Nothing can be done without empathy. NaMo truly said that he had no other option but to start the direct flight as CB
kept holding me by my throat. CB does a lot for his fellow Gujaratis. Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice are the only newspapers who do not take adverts on black magic.” Ashish Goyal who works as a portfolio manager at hedge fund company Bluecrest said, “Because of Modi the entire world celebrated yoga day. Obama to Putin, Merkel to Jinping, all the leaders want to meet Modi. From opening to bank accounts, to Swachch Bharat, from building toilets to Make in India, Modi has started so many initiatives. Today there is a 100 per cent increase in foreign direct investment, and over $ 40 billion as investment.” “Narendrabhai Modi is a visionary person. During his tenure in Gujarat, he had changed the state, and now, he will do that with the whole of India. The city of London is powerful and our business link is of foremost importance. London's links with different cities of India will produce good results,” said Brent and Harrow, London assembly member Navinbhai Shah. Brent's Conservative group leader Sureshbhai Kansagara said, “BIA functions smoothly and I am grateful to all those who have supported it. Indians
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in Mauritius and Fiji have lost a lot owing to less connections with their home country. I am grateful to CB for organising such a programme.” During the event, questions on topics such as child sex grooming, cleanliness and the construction of toilets, OCI, court cases and others, were asked to Jasuben Mistry (Prajapati Association, London), Shri Bhatt, Bhartiben Trivedi, Prabhubhai Shah (Axbridge), Pravinbhai G Patel (SPMS), Jayrambhai Patel, Gopalbhai Vyas (Dunstable), Subhashbhai Sampat (Harrow), Dileepbhai Chaubal (Harrow), Geetaben (Wembley), Smitaben Patel, Ramniklal Jasaani, Praffulbhai Patel (Wembley), and others. Managing Editor, Gujarat Samachar, Kokilaben Patel presented an outline of the programme. Well-known artist Harinbhai Gadhvi presented beautiful prayer, along with a self written composition on Narendra Modi. Gujarat Samachar News Editor Kamal Rao introduced all the speakers present, and, gave special thanks to Anitaben. Food for the evening was sponsored by Bhavnaben Patel of Oriental Foods.
Warm welcome to passengers at Ahmedabad airport After years of hard work and petitioning, direct flight took off from Heathrow Airport in London to reach Ahmedabad at 6:45 am on 16 December, aapnu amdavad duly welcomed it and its passengers with pomp, fervour and affability. As the feeling of celebration ran in the air, the 180 travellers got off the plane with smiles and glow on their faces despite the long journey. Present at the terminal were State Civil Aviation Minister Jasabhai Barad, Minister of the NRI department, Pradipsinh Jadeja, Ahmedabad's recently elected Mayor Gautam Shah, Deputy Mayor Pramoda Sutaria, and, buzzing media reporters who effectively stepped up the excitement. Also present was All Party
From left: State Civil Aviation Minister Jasabhai Barad, CB Patel, Manoj Ladwa, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Additional Secretary (NRI) NP Lavingiya Committee for Direct Flight's India Co-ordinator Bhupatrai Parekh.
Amongst those welcomed were London solicitor Manoj Ladwa and APBL
Publisher/ Editor CB Patel. Tourism Department Commissioner N
Srivastava, Additional Secretary NRI department NP Lavingiya, Gujarat state NRG Foundation Director PV Antani, Captain Ashok Chauhan, airport officials, Gujarat Tourism department officials and, Gujarat Samachar (UK) and Asian Voice was made their attendance in greeting the first direct flight in 14 years. Speaking after the arrival of the direct flight, Pradipsinh Jadeja said, “I am overjoyed with the fact that our Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave in to our demand for a direct air connectivity from Britain to Gujarat. Earlier passengers used to get air connectivity either from Mumbai or Dubai which wasn't really convenient. Gujaratis living across the world and those in Britain can now directly reach Ahmedabad
Pradeepsinh Jadeja and, Ahmedabad Mayor Gautam Shah welcome passengers
airport, which is not only handy but also saves them time.” Expressing her delight, passenger Anilaben said, “We are very happy that the direct flight has finally resumed after a lot of time. It helps make it easy for people like us to reach our country. Before this we had to get down at Mumbai or Dubai which prolonged our travel and it took us a lot of time to reach Gujarat. The direct flight saves our time.” Another passenger Kshama Parekh said, “The direct flight from London to Ahmedabad saved me a lot of time, and, it didn't get dreary!” She also added, “The flight did stop over in Mumbai but no time was wasted. If the plane provides us with a direct air connectivity to Ahmedabad, a short stopover is no big deal.”