Leuva Connection Issue 25

LEUVA
CONNECTION
Leuva Patidar Samaj of USA
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
716 Sweet Water Circle, Old Hickory, TN 37138
Phone# 615-656-3313, Fax# 615-526-6024
Board of Directors
President
Kirti Patidar
(904) 571 9241
1st Vice President
Samir Patel
(832) 567 8484
2nd Vice President
Sunil Patel
(615) 479 0581
Secretary
Harshad Patel
(562) 716 6615
Joint Secretary
Shailesh Patel
(918) 361 5955
Treasurer
Deepak Patel
(912) 655 8842
Joint Treasurer
Mahendra Patel
(956) 572 6101
Publication Editorial Officer
Manish Desai
(713) 410 5109
Publication Distributor
Jayesh Lallu
(870) 250 1718
Publication Revenue
Jimmy Patel
(704) 224 3625
Youth Officer West
Hitesh Patel
(580) 618 6500
Youth East
Dipesh Patel
(941) 456 2888
Ex Officio
Hasu D Patel
(281) 236 6200
Member Relations Officer
Satish Hari
(901) 210 8222
Dipak Patel
(352) 266 2011
Gaam Ambassador Relations
Dipak Patel
(323) 868 8199
Ashok Patel
(318) 402 8609
IT Officer - Database
Kiran Patel
(512) 587 4000
IT Officer - Website
Suresh Patel
(904) 501 7739
Vendor Relations Officer
Milan Jariwala
(817) 300 3535
Rajan Patel
(214) 493 8144
Womens Officer: East
Lina Patel
(513) 257 6700
Women Office: West
Nancy Patel
(404) 886 9179
Jai Shri Krishna!
Send editorial submissions to info@lpsofusa.com
• More recognition of our Members and Lifetime members at conventions and regionals.
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.
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Tel: ++ 1 770 263 7728
Fax: ++1 770 263 8617
email: usa@gg2.net
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© Garavi Gujarat Publications (USA) Inc. 2012
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.
It is an honor and great privilege to have been elected as your current new President for the LPS of USA.
As your president, I would like our members to understand that my style of leadership is as a Visionary
Leader with a mix of transformational leadership.
Visionary leaders are the builders of a new dawn, working with imagination, insight, and boldness.
They present a challenge that calls forth the best in people and brings them together around a shared
sense of purpose. They work with the power of intentionality and alignment with a higher purpose. Their
eyes are on the horizon, not just on the near at hand. They are social innovators and change agents, seeing
the big picture and thinking strategically.
There is a profound interconnectedness between the leader and the whole, and true visionary leaders
serve for the good of the whole.
As a visionary leader, I recognize that there is some truth on both sides of most polarized issues in
our society today. I will search for solutions that transcend the usual adversarial approaches and address
the causal level of problems. I will try to find a higher synthesis of the best on both sides of an issue and
address the systemic root causes of problems to create real breakthroughs with deeper, more relevant
transformational issues, such as how to better work as a team and overcome political and community
boundaries to productively benefit our membership.
As your leader, I know it requires courage, risk taking, and a tolerance for the messy and ambiguous
nature of change. It’s not a matter of political inclination, as leaders are found on both sides of the aisle.
A change in leadership not only requires outside-the-box thinking, but a basic redefinition of the
nature and purpose of the box. My vision of change this year entails my promise to do everything possible, by spending long days and nights, to further the reach of our community and to deliver the needs
of the membership.
As your LPS President, I want to harness all the great values and beliefs of our organization and to move
it to the next level by exemplary performance from myself and my board. In order to take the organization
to the next level, I would like to share some of the goals put forth for this year:
• Completion of the LPS Directory.
• Launch of a state-of-the-art LPS Website with a magnitude of functionalities.
• Mentor Program for our Youth.
• Implementation of a solid Governance Model to run our organization properly and professionally.
• Accountability and transparency including the Election Process & minutes posted on the website.
• Increase in the usage of Social Media such as Facebook to reach our membership through instant updates,
community roundups, obituaries, news, weddings, etc….
All are great ideas and all ideas that we agree upon, but we need to take out the obstacles to make
these things happen. As the president I will transmit energy to my board giving them a new sense of hope
and confidence in achieving the vision I have set forth. I promise you, I along with my board, will try my
hardest to remove these obstacles and make this samaj work for you.
However, we also need to take personal responsibility. We can’t just delegate change in leadership
to our elected representatives. We all have the opportunity to be transformational leaders in our families
and communities. As transformational parents, it can be as simple as changing the status quo from the
home as an unregulated place of leisure, to a learning environment. This would involve periods of turning
off the TV, eliminating texting, and actually talking to our kids and, if age-appropriate, reading to them.
It would involve the self-discipline to walk our talk and function as role models.
In times of stability and prosperity, families and communities need a balance of transactional and
transformational leadership. For better or worse, we don’t live in those times and if we are to thrive and
grow, transformational leadership is the currency of the realm. We need to personally embrace it and
insist our elected representatives display it.
As your president, I am willing to take the initiative and stand for something I believe in passionately,
which is the betterment for our samaj. I am not afraid of the criticism. Many of us avoid the responsibility
of leadership primarily because we are too sensitive to criticism. But when we know who we truly are
and we live from an inner core of values, criticism can be filtered to take in only what is true and helpful
to our growth.
I humbly thank all of you for allowing me to make this vital change for our association and hope you
join me in this journey with your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me any time.
Respects,
Kirit Patidar (Gaam-Afva)
Jacksonville, FL
President
LPS of USA 2012-13
October 2012
3
LEUVA
LEUVA Executive Board of Directors
CONNECTION
President
Kirit Patidar (Afva)
1st Vice President
Samir T. Patel (Dhaman)
2nd Vice President
Sunil Patel (Kharvasa)
Secretary
Harshad Patel (Saroli)
Joint Secretary
Shailesh Patel (Isroli)
Treasurer
Deepak Patel (Kantali)
Joint Treasurer
Mahendra Patel (Ruva)
Editorial Officer
Manish Desai (Digas)
Publications Distribution
Jayesh Lallu (Ambheti)
Publications Revenue
Jay ‘Jimmy’ Patel (Nogama)
Youth Office West
Hitesh Patel (Bajipura)
Youth East
Dipesh Patel (Pardi/Pata)
Ex Officio
Hasu D. Patel (Bajipura)
Member Relations
Satish Hari (Pata Pardi)
Member Relations
Dipak Patel (Kharvasa)
Gaam Ambassador
Dipak Patel (Mota)
Gaam Ambassador
Ashok Patel (Khoj)
IT Office - Database
Kiran Patel (Kuched)
IT Officer - Website
Suresh Patel (Puna)
Vendor Relations
Milan Jariwala (Surat)
Vendor Relations
Rajan ‘Ronnie’ Patel (Valsad)
Women Officer East
Lina Patel (Chikhli)
4
October 2012
Womens West & Jt Editor
Nayana ‘Nancy’ Patel (Soyani)
LEUVA
LEUVA Letter from Publisher’s Desk
CONNECTION
Letter from the desk of the Publications Team
Manish Desai
(Editor)
Nayana ‘Nancy’ Patel
(Womens West/Jt. Editor)
Jai Shri Krishna and a warm welcome to our
Leuva Connection!
Jay ‘Jimmy’ Patel
(Publication-Revenue)
perous and financially healthy.
As a member of this association, we
Jayesh ‘Lallu’ Patel
(Publication-Distribution)
complaints and concerns for not receiving
the LC magazine. We are working diligently
on taking care of this issue and we will try
As summer vacations have ended and
learn from each other, share ideas, and try
the new school year has begun, we can re-
to stay open-minded to new ways of doing
member that feeling all too well: the antici-
business. We don’t always have hours to ex-
pation of a new year ahead, checking our
ercise every day. Our houses aren’t perfect.
Furthermore, please let us know which
class schedule, loading up on supplies, and
We stay informed and eat as healthy as we
issue you may have missed, so we can look
maybe even getting new clothes, especially
can, but we are also realistic and flexible.
into the reason why and in the meanwhile,
in those years when our mother used to say
We try to be great examples to our kids, but
you can retrieve any missed LC Magazines
we’d grown a foot taller. :-)
we sometimes forget to appreciate every
off our Website in PDF format for you to
moment. Most of our practices, policies,
read and enjoy.
It’s hard to say what was most exciting:
the fall reunion of sorts with school friends
not seen all summer; a new year of extracurricular activities, such as sports and music; or, of course, the challenge of new academic studies. Like most kids, we all loved
going to school—most of the time, at least!
Excitement aside, it’s easy to say that
learning is what’s most important in school.
We’ve always had a desire to learn, and we
loved the variety of classes that offered
unique insights into new worldviews, cultures and places. That constant desire for
knowledge has never left us, and we take
every opportunity we can to learn new
things, read new books, and study the
world around us.
LPS has that same philosophy as an organization. Driven by a strong desire to constantly improve, we have learned, grown,
and evolved over the years. We strive to be
the best place for our members to connect
with their fellow community members. We
want to operate the best association, offering the best cultural values. In doing those
things, we believe we will keep LPS pros-
and procedures have come directly from
our members, who are experts at their jobs
and at the same time, we also learn from
our members by continually gathering
their feedback and insights. We love to hear
directly from our members about how we
can meet their needs and improve the experience.
So here’s the deal - We want feedback
– please give it to us! We want the good,
the bad, and ugly, but be nice! This is a family magazine and one we hope you choose
to read. Most of you know where to find
us. This is the first issue of a new term and
while this may look like a magazine, there’s
a lot of work to be done before it REALLY
becomes a magazine.
Fall also means going “back to school”
for us at LPS. That’s when we kick off planning for the following year. We can feel the
excitement already, as we contemplate
fresh ideas for 2012-13. We want to personally thank everyone who worked with us to
get this magazine done.
And lastly, we have listened to your
our best to resolve this matter soon. We appreciate your patience.
Kindly help us keep the database information accurate when you move or otherwise, alter your contact information. Please
free to contact any of our publications team
members to update your contact information and for any questions and concerns.
Here’s to an exciting fall, and we hope you
all enjoy this issue, also found at www.lpsofusa.com.
Thank you & God Bless!
Manish Desai (Editor)
Houston, TX / Gaam – Digas
Email: symphony@sbcglobal.net
Nayana ‘Nancy’ Patel (Jt. Editor)
Mt. Pleasant, TX / Gaam – Soyani
Email: nancypatel1015@gmail.com
Jayesh Lallu (Publication Distribution)
Little Rock, AR / Gaam – Ambheti
Email: jlallu@yahoo.com
Jay ‘Jimmy’ Patel (Publication Revenue)
Statesville, NC / Gaam – Nogama
Email: jaypatel0730@yahoo.com
October 2012
5
LEUVA
LEUVA Memory
CONNECTION
In memory of our loved ones
No
Name
Gaam
Date of Demise
City/State
1
Valiben Hargovindbhai Patel
Rampura
1/25/2012
Houston, TX
2
Hirabhai Morarbhai Patel
Asta
1/26/2012
Lewisville, TX
3
Somabhai Parbhubhai Desai
Digas
2/2/2012
Houston, TX
4
Nanubhai Govanbhai Patel
Nadida
2/3/2012
Centerville, TX
5
Natubhai V. Patel
Lakhanpor
2/4/2012
Atlanta, GA
6
Lalitaben Maganbhai Patel
Mota
2/29/2012
Montgomery, TX
7
Nareshbhai Dahyabhai Patel
Bajipura
3/3/2012
Los Angeles, CA
8
Bhuliben Manubhai Patel
Sisodra-Arak
5/19/2012
Houston, TX
9
Parvatiben Maganbhai Patel
Umrakh
5/20/2012
Jonesboro, LA
10
Pankajbhai Natvarbhai Patel
Sevni
5/24/2012
Clarksville, TN
11
Bhikhiben Maganbhai Patel
Vaghech
7/26/2012
Humble, TX
12
Nileshbhai Hasmukhbhai Patel
Sevni
8/29/2012
Delano, CA
13
Paliben Chhotubhai Patel
Barasadi
9/4/2012
Houston, TX
14
Jigar Maganbhai Patel
Vadhvania
10/6/2012
Port Lucie, FL
EXPERIENCE KAILASH – MANSAROVAR YATRA
Journey Continues in 2013…
Please join us in celebrating life at the “roof of the world”
where the solitude, clean air, and spiritually is at its peak. We will truly appreciate the life of peace and meditation
in the Himalayas! Visit our website for more details: www.kailash.himalayanglacier.com
Lina Patel
6
October 2012
Cell: 513-257-6700
Email: linapatel@fuse.net
LEUVA
LEUVA Ex-President’s Letter
CONNECTION
‘I am humbled by what we’ve accomplished’
As he steps down from the post of LPS president, Hasu Patel is pleased with his achievements for the
association while holding ‘the best nonpaying job’ ever...
Jai Shree Krishna!
I am writing to you as my term as president of LPS of USA has officially ended
– a position that I have been honored to hold for the past one year. I remember how excited I was when I wrote to you back in 2011. Now I am humbled
– humbled by what we have accomplished, by all that we represent, and by
everything that we are. The world sees us as the arbiters of excellence in our
community. We are also the guardians of their history, a voice that gives direction and shape to their future, and a resource for anyone with a passion for
our Leuva community.
I often say that being the president of this association is the best nonpaying
job one can ever have. But not being paid doesn’t mean that I haven’t been
rewarded. The trust and friendship of our members and board members have
only deepened my love for the association.
I have always tried to support and protect our wonderful organization, as I
hope you will, too - just as I hope you will always seek out opportunities to get involved -- because there are many, and because you
will always get more of it than you put in.
I leave office, confident that the future of our association is bright. Yes, challenges await us - and as leaders in the community, we have
anticipated and begun to address a number of them. We are making the necessary changes that will help the association become the
more modern, nimble and responsive organization that the future demands it to be - all the while maintaining the mission and the
high standards that have always defined us.
Of course, the truth is that I did not just do it my way. I did it our way - making the advancement of our mission, a part of every undertaking. This principle helped me stay focused during my tenure, as I know it will help the next president and the many who follow,
into perpetuity.
By remaining faithful to this idea, we can be as excited about our future as we are proud of our past. Thank you for giving me the privilege of looking after our association for the most meaningful year of my career. My heartfelt appreciation goes to all the LPS board
members, volunteers and sponsors for the success of the following projects and programs during my term of service:
• Leadership & Unity Conference in Houston, TX
• Volleyball Tournament with SLPS (Bardoli) & LPS of USA
• Greensboro (NC) Tri-State Regional Meeting
• LPS of USA Youth Cruise Trip to Bahamas
• LPS of USA Bylaws & PNP Change
• LPS Website Redesign & Development (Thanks to Rama family for their generous contribution)
• LPS of USA Call Center in Mumbai, India
• LPS of USA - Upcoming Membership Directory
• LPS of USA Annual Convention - San Antonio, TX
Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity! Jai Shri Krishna & God Bless!
Sincerely,
Hasu D. Patel (Gaam - Bajipura)
Houston, TX
Ex-President
LPS of USA 2011-12
October 2012
7
GOOD BUSINESS STARTS WITH
A GREAT CONVENTION
George R. Brown Convention Center
Hilton Americas – Houston
2013 AAHOA
Annual Convention & Trade Show
GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER  HOUSTON, TX
MARCH 26-29, 2013
Join us to learn, to network – and to succeed
Visit the AAHOA website
www.aahoa.com/convention
for the Early Registration Discount
DIWALI WISHES
May the divine blessings of Diwali brighten
life and the year ahead for you and your family.
Just as the flame of Diwali burns steadily, we
will ensure that the flame of progress continues
to burn steadily at AAHOA.
From the 2012-2013 AAHOA Board of Directors
Alkesh R. Patel, CHO Fred Schwartz
Chairman
President
LEUVA
LEUVA Convention commences
CONNECTION
Convention gets off to enthusiastic start
Welcoming Leuvas...
Members arrives...
Security team...
Networking begins...
All smiles...
LPS S.W.A.T team...
Meeting & greeting...
Registration time...
Craving for food...
October 2012
11
LEUVA
LEUVA San Antonio Convention Highlights
CONNECTION
A celebration of our cultural heritage
Dedicated hardworking team...
San Antonio beauties...
hardworking volunteers...
Starting our convention with cultural ritual..
Hasu Pastel launches the preview of the upcoming Directory cover..
Lightning of deva by incoming
president Kirit Patidar..
Raffle Prize Drawings during the Gala night and
the lucky winner is...
Secretary help raised donation for breast cancer...
Gita & Trusha introduce a performance...
A young leuva shows confident during her
performance...
Our LPS Youth Chairs updating our members...
Moments of fun...
October 2012
13
LEUVA
LEUVA San Antonio Convention Highlights
CONNECTION
Singing the national anthem with love & respect...
Mesmerizing performances by talented leuvas...
Beautiful young leuvas finishing stunning performances...
LPS ladies got talent...
Spectacular Garba performance..
LPS Heroes...
Backbone of our president..
Sarlaben (wife) & Sawan Patel...
14
October 2012
Beautiful talented young leuvas...
Our president on a move...
LEUVA
CONNECTION
LEUVA San Antonio Convention Highlights
Ending the Cultural Program with respect Kirit
Patidar Nancy Patel and Hasubhai Patel
A sweet performance...
Ending in style...
Gorgeous leuva ladies...
Beauty & Talent a winning combination
by Julie Patel...
This is how you do it...
Cruise security team gets recognize...
Young ladies on their groove...
President recognizing convention co-chairs
October 2012
15
LEUVA
LEUVA San Antonio Convention Highlights
CONNECTION
LPS kodak moment...
Watching & enjoying... The memories in creation...
Members having a great time...
Bollywood Entertainment...
October 2012
17
LEUVA
LEUVA Wise words
CONNECTION
Leuva leaders share pearls of wisdom
Top 7 standing tall...
A proud LPS Founding sponsor...
Generational gap panel...
AAHOA’s words of wisdom..
Motivational Speaker Greg Blake...
A proud LPS Founding sponsor...
Hasu Patel Welcomes congressman Francisco “Quico”
Canseco...
LPS women speaks up...
In gratitude...
October 2012
19
LEUVA Affirmation
LEUVA
CONNECTION
Women power...
LPS members voiced their concerns & suggestions...
20
October 2012
LEUVA
CONNECTION
LEUVA Youth Power
The legacy continues...
October 2012
21
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LEUVA
CONNECTION
LEUVA Seniors & Youth
October 2012
23
LEUVA
CONNECTION
LEUVA Board Meeting
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October 2012
25
LEUVA Trade Show
LEUVA
CONNECTION
‘Heartfelt Appreciation to our Vendors & Sponsors’
26
October 2012
LEUVA
CONNECTION
LEUVA
Trade Show
October 2012
27
LEUVA
LEUVA President Awards
CONNECTION
Significant contributors to community rewarded
Presidents Family: Sharlaben (wife), Sawan, (son) and Hasubhai
Nayana “Nancy” Patel
Rajbhog – Sachin Modi
Dhoom Productions – Vishal Dave
Jan Darpan – Ravi Shekar
Manish Desai
Dhansukh “Dan” Patel
Mukesh Mowji
D.V. Patel & C.M. Patel
Sunil Patel
28
October 2012
LEUVA
CONNECTION
LEUVA Women’s Retreat
A little learning, a lot of fun
Successful Women’s Retreat
During the Labor Day Youth camping retreat the Women’s Retreat was
a great success lead by Nancy Patel (WOMENS West) and Lina Patel
(Women’s East). The morning started off with a fun and energizing refreshing session of Zumba lead by Nila Patel from Ohio. The ladies broke
out quite a sweat but enjoyed every moment of a group exercise. After
Zumba Nancy Patel enlightened the women of how to build confidence,
exchange what each individual enjoyed in life, learn to network, reaching goals, believe in one’s own self first and touch someone’s life in a
positive way. Furthermore, Lina Patel talked on spirituality and how to
balance all aspects in life as Indian women wear many hats. Nila ended
the retreat with health awareness.
Launch of the New LPS Women’ Ambassador Program
This year Nancy Patel introduced the New LPS Women’s Ambassador
Program during the Board meeting in Gatlinburg, TN and with an overwhelmingly 100% board approval the program has been approved by
the current gracious board to implement. The purpose of the program
is to bring women across from the country as a special interest group
where we can have a forum for review and exchange of ideas and
suggestion for the association and events that take place throughout
the year. We will be also looking into forming some sort of a women’s
mentorship program within this program. As women are the foundation of our LPS Samaj this will help better our association and take it
to the next level as women are powerful, mulitasker’s, intelligent, and
when it comes to ideas well they are naturally very interesting and
quite brilliant. Please look for further details regarding this program
in a future Leuva Connection Magazine, LPS Facebook page and our
website. If you have any questions regarding this program or would
like to be a part of this program please contact :
Nancy Patel at nancypatel1015@gmail.com or call at 404-886-9179
Lina Patel at linapatel@fuse.net
October 2012
29
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LEUVA
LEUVA
CONNECTION
awareness for the cause. He serves on the
U.S. history. He is a frequent analyst and
Miami Children's Young Ambassadors
source for both FOX and ABC News
board and is dedicated to raising $1
affiliates, and he has authored guest
million for the hospital as a personal
columns for a number of hospitality,
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travel, tourism and retail publications. In
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recognized for his contributions and
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where he has logged over 1,500 hours in
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has opened offices in Houston, New Orleans
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the Miami Children’s Young Ambassadors
As an attorney
with a flair for fashion, Mr.
Platinum Founding MemberHorizon
of the
Asian
and Tampa to facilitate the reconciliation
explosion in the Gulf of Mexico,
board and is dedicated to raising $1 million
and accounting
of thoseHotel
damages inOwners
order
andAssociation
he has been featured on multiple
news was
for the
hospital as aselected
personal lifetime
Patel
recently
by goal.
Brickell
American
to file claims against BP in a timely mannetworks for his perspective and opinions
Furthermore, Mr. Patel provides pro-bono
as services
a 2012
for Success”
(AAHOA).
Heas we
has
been instrumental
intort case in U.S. Magazine
ner. It’s
been a long fight
continually
on the largest mass
history.
legal
for“Dressed
a number of causes
and
pursue what’s right.
He is a frequent analyst and source for both
non-profits, including The Immigration
winner. Clinic for refugees and asylum seekers, and
educating minority business FOX
owners
about
and ABC News affiliates, and he has
The
oil spill
process
requires a and
authored
guest led
columns for a number of
Violence Against Women.
the
Gulfclaims
coast
disaster,
he has
tremendous amount of documentation and
hospitality, travel, tourism and retail publiHewasholds aAsB.A./B.S.
from
Town
Hallsuccessful
meetings
the
Southeast
I’ve found
the most
results across
occur
cations.
In 2010—and again in 2011—he
an attorney with
a flairFlorida
for fashion,State
when our clients are fully engaged in the
recognized for his contributions and comMr. Patel was recently selected by Brickell
University
where his primary academic
to explain the recovery process
and advise
evolving case and remain in-tune with the
mitments to both the c-store and lodging
Magazine as a 2012 “Dressed for Success”
court’s
requirements.
focus waswinner.
genocide prevention. He earned
potential
claim holders. Mr.industries.
Patel Through
is an Mr. Patel’s long-term
involvement in the hospitality sector, his
his J.D. from
School
advocate
forAmerican
the lost
voicefirm
in has
thebeen
Asian
The
Asian Indian
culture
recognized as a Platinum
He St.
holdsThomas
a B.A./B.S. University
from Florida State
is based on family values and working
Founding Member of the Asian American
University where his primary academic
of Law and
currently serves on the Board
American Indian community
and is
together as a unit to meet the needs of our
Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). He
focus was genocide prevention. He earned
businesses.
As such,
recent BP
case on
has
been instrumental
minorhis J.D. from St. Thomas University School
Trustees.
devoted
to the
seeking
justice
their
behalf. in educatingof
requires the full involvement of the entire
ity business owners about the Gulf coast
of Law and currently serves on the Board
He
recentlytherecognized
by and
AAHOA
family
unit,was
most especially
women,
disaster,
he has led Town Hall meetof Trustees.
who are often relied on as executives to run
ings across the Southeast to explain the
with its Chairman's Award for
his ongoing
hotels while their spouse runs other family
recovery process and advise potential claim
businesses.
The
women
of
the
hospitality
holders.
Patel is an advocate for the lost
service to the membership andMr.strong
industry can be very diligent in detailing
voice in the Asian American Indian comwithin
the that
industry.
Moreover,
facts leadership
and accumulating
information
munity
and is devoted to seeking justice on
is required to settle their case against BP.
their behalf. He was recently recognized
Mr. Patel authors a monthly
column for
Most women work hand-in-hand with their
by AAHOA with its Chairman’s Award
spouses
on a daily
basis, or atmagazine,
the very
for
ongoing service
Asian
Hospitality
inhiswhich
he to the membership
least exert considerable influence during
and strong leadership within the industry.
shares
legal advice
on various
issues
dinner
table conversations.
Women have
Moreover, Mr.
Patel authors a monthly
always been the backbone of the hospitality
column for Asian Hospitality magazine,
facing Asian American hoteliers
across the
industry, and now in the wake of this crisis,
in which he shares legal advice on various
they need
to
be
recognized
for
what
their
issues
facing
Asian American hoteliers
United States. With a circulation of
10,000
work, record-keeping, and insights are doacross the United States. With a circulation
readership
55,000,
ing toand
move the
claims processexceeding
along. The
of 10,000 andAsian
readership exceeding 55,000,
women of hotelowning families can serve
Asian Hospitality is North America’s
Hospitality
is North
America's
largest
as a very
valuable resource
with a solid
largest selling
bi-lingual Asian magazine
understanding
of
the
business.
targeting
the
hospitality
selling bi-lingual Asian magazine targeting industry.
the
hospitality
industry.
My
purpose
in expressing
these opinMr. Patel is actively engaged in govern-
ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN IMPORTANT FOR
UNIFIED FRONT IN DEALING WITH BP
O
ions is to suggest that women can play an
important role as we continue to make the
best of this terrible disaster. Saroj Patel,
former director at large of Asian American
Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) has
been noted for saying, “women, perhaps
more than men, have to find a careful balance between self, family and profession.” It
is critical to bring forth a mixture of these
elements while dealing with these settlement cases. Women can be very impactful
and cogent, and should be an important
part of a unified front that we need to put
forward to bring this case to a close.
####
ment affairs, especially as they relate to the
Asian American community, serving on
the 2011-2012 Government Affairs Legislative Committee and the 2012-2013 Public
Relations & Communications Committee
for AAHOA. These committees consistently identify legislative initiatives that
support the goals of AAHOA members
by cultivating relations with government
agencies and create connections with
media sources, respectively. He served as
one of the youngest members of President
Obama’s National Finance Committee from
2010-2012, as an ambassador for President
Clinton’s Global Initiative, and he has been
admitted to the Southern District of the
Florida Federal Court.
Mr. Patel is actively engaged in
government affairs, especially as they
relate to the Asian American community,
serving on the 2011-2012 Government
Affairs Legislative Committee and the
2012-2013
Public
Relations
&
Communications Committee for AAHOA.
These committees consistently identify
legislative
that support the
About
Ricky K. Patel,initiatives
Esq. Ricky Patel
October 2012
31
LEUVA
LEUVA Ninat Gaam Convention
CONNECTION
Hundreds of Ninat Gaam natives,
families unite at Orlando convention
Jai Shri Krishna!
Close to 200 people from all over the United
States gathered at the Ninat Gaam convention
held in Orlando, Florida, this August. The main
purpose of this convention was to unite natives
of Ninat village who had immigrated to the US.
It was the perfect setting for people to meet
and greet for the first time. Most importantly,
it helped the young generation connect with
each other.
The first day of the convention began with
the gaam’s general meeting in which various
members talked about different issues related
to our gaam.
32
October 2012
It was decided by the committee members
that the three-day program would focus on
activities that involved the whole family, so
that everyone could be an active participant.
This gathering would not be like many Indian
gatherings where the men drink in one corner,
the women sit in another side of the room and
the kids are left to their own devices.
Some of the family fun -oriented activities
included Ninat Jeopardy, Minute to Win It and
karaoke. Adults as well as kids participated in
the games with enthusiasm.
Other entertaining events included a
ladies-only bus trip to the Premium Outlet
Mall, Garba night, Gokul Ratham bhajans and
a Bollywood Entertainment show featuring professional dancers.
The event also included a speech from
Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The icing on the cake was the fantastic
food served over three days – Dosas, Mexican,
Chinese, BBQ and of course, our traditional
Surti food.
We encourage more and more gaams to
participate in such events. These gatherings
benefit not only us, but our children too, by
helping them stay connected to India.
Arun Patel - Gaam Ninat
Orlando, FL.
LEUVA
LEUVA Astan Gaam Convention
CONNECTION
Getting in touch with our roots
People belonging to Astan Gaam celebrated
their second family Convention with much
enthusiasm at Vicksburg, MS on July 30 and 31
this year. The Astan Gaam Parivar Convention
was attended by over 80 people who bonded
over two days of fun-filled activities.
The convention, held at the Battlefield
Hotel, began with Santaben Navanjibhai Patel
and Kusumben Parbhubhai Patel lighting the
mangal deep, followed by a welcome speech
by Bhikhubhai Vanmali, Nitinbhai Amin and
Hasubhai B Patel.
Adults as well as youth enjoyed each others’
company while participating in fun-filled events
spread over two days. The older generation
shared stories about the history and heritage of
our village with the younger generation.
There was a smile on every face as we relived old memories and rejoiced over the fact
that no matter how far we have come, we are
still unified members of a single happy family
through our gaam.
The best part of the gathering was that the
youth got a chance to connect with each other
and to share and hear the success stories of the
older generation. New friendships were forged
and old ties were strengthened. The youth
interacted so well that I have faith that it will
lead to future conventions in which our village
heritage will live on.
C Patel and the volunteers of Jackson and Vicksburg, MS for their great planning and organization, as well as the excellent food arranged on
both days. The convention would not have been
a success without their efforts and hard work.
Overall, the Astan Parivar Gaam Convention was a fun-filled event and a huge success.
I believe that such gatherings will help in
continuing our legacy and in preserving our
cultural ethos as well as the bond that we all
share as villagers.
By Hasubhai B Patel
I give credit to Hemantbhai G Patel, Rajubhai
October 2012
33
LEUVA
LEUVA Youth Camping Trip
CONNECTION
Youth connect amid nature and adventure
A Humble THANK YOU to everyone that helped make this event a
success!
Recently LPS had its Youth Camp Retreat in Gatlinburg, TN. The event was
extremely successful and all of the attendees enjoyed themselves. There
were over 200 youth and 125 parents at this event. The event included
several different activities for the youth and parents to enjoy.
Saturday was kick started with the LPS Olympics where kids of all ages and
even adults competed in various activities. These included running races,
water balloon toss, volleyball, basketball, jump rope, tug of war and some
others. After dinner in the evening everyone was able to enjoy a gathering
around a large bonfire. Sunday, after a morning gathering for the youth,
everyone went to enjoy activities such as zip lining, white-water rafting,
and a ropes course! In the evening, to cap off the event, there was a medal
ceremony to award winners of the LPS Olympics and thank everyone. The
food was excellent with the help of our Food Committee which consisted
of various BOD members, local volunteers, and Parents.
The youth enjoyed the setting of the smoky mountains and various
activities and throughout the weekend but most of all the company of
having fun with other Leuva youth. Of course the event couldn’t have
been successful without the help and involvement of the parents who
attended and brought their youth. We would like to thank them for all of
their help and valued efforts in making the Camp Retreat successful. LPS
of USA would also like to sincerely thank all the sponsors and volunteers
who helped make this event successful!
Respectfully,
Hitesh Patel - Youth Officer West
Email: hiteshp1974@gmail.com
Dipesh Patel - Youth Officer East
Email: dkp.fla@gmail.com
34
October 2012
LEUVA
CONNECTION
LEUVA Youth Camp Trip
October 2012
35
LEUVA Youth Camping Trip
36
October 2012
LEUVA
CONNECTION
LEUVA
LEUVA
CCOONNNNEECCTTIIOONN
A group of 11 which included the president of the LPS of USA
Mr. Kirit Patidar along with Mahendra Patel, Kiran Jariwala,
Ronnie Patel (Texas) , B.N. Patel, Hargovin Desai, Hasubhai
Patel, Dalsukhbhai Patel, Gunvant Patel (California), Mukesh
Patel (Florida) and Jay Patel (Trini) (North Carolina) traveled to
Trinidad during August 25– 29, 2012 representing our Samaj.
The purpose of the trip was to bring together leuvas worldwide
and to foster harmony among the fellow leuvas. The goal was
to discuss the roles and responsibilities each of us have in
promoting and maintaining our culture for the generations to
come. One of the main goals of the trip was to extend the hand
of brotherhood to the other parts of leuva regions.
The delegation was warmly greeted at the airport by the
representatives of the Gujarati Samaj of Trinidad & Tobago and
later had dinner with locals at an Indian restaurant. The visiting
group was given a tour of the area which included the 85 feet
tall Hanuman statue, the temple at the sea, and the famous tar
reservoir. The group had a chance to go to a 20/20 cricket
match at the famous Queen’s Park Cricket Stadium. The
delegation also met with the Tourism minister and a head of
the Investt Trinidad. Obviously, the group exchanged ideas of
hotel and other business development opportunities in the
area.
The highlight of the entire trip was meeting an older
gentleman named Bhikhubhai Karabhai Patel(Kothamdi), who
helped more than 50 leuva families in migrating to England
LEUVA
TrinidadTrip
Trip
LEUVA Trinidad
andTrinidad. One of the fortunate was Kirit Patidar’s father who
got help of Bhikhubhai.
Our President Mr. Patidar addressed the community people
and spoke about LPS activities and what it does for the young
Leuva’s. He talked about upcoming convention in Orlando,
Florida and extended a personal invitation to all Leuva’s in
Trinidad to join the fellow Leuva’s in celebrating our culture at
the next annual convention in Orlando, Florida in July 2013.
Patidar also expressed a heartfelt gratitude to the Gujarati
community for their true colors of hospitality.
Mahendra Patel (TX) also spoke to the group who had gathered
for the dinner at the restaurant. He congratulated the people of
Trinidad and Tobago on their country’s 50th anniversary of
independence. Hasubhai (CA) congratulated the Leuva
community inTrinidad for preserving the culture.
The delegation came to know that there are lots of Leuva
families migrated from Trinidad to the United States and it
hope to make those families Life members of the LPS of USA.
According to the entire group, it was a memorable visit and
they brought back the lifelong friendship of the Leuva’s in
Trinidad &Tobago.
Jay Patel’s(Trini) (NC) efforts made a difference because he took
the time to organize the trip for the delegation. In all sincerity,
the LPS of USA expresses its gratitude for his dedication and
hard work.
October
October 2012
2012
37
LEUVA Letter from the President
38
October 2012
LEUVA
CONNECTION
LEUVA
LEUVA Letter from Publisher’s Deks
CONNECTION
ÕþÀëåÀÞí ËíÜÞù Õhë
Manish Desai
(Editor)
Nayana ‘Nancy’ Patel
(Womens West/Jt. Editor)
Jay ‘Jimmy’ Patel
(Publication-Revenue)
Jayesh ‘Lallu’ Patel
(Publication-Distribution)
October 2012
39
LEUVA
CONNECTION
LPS of USA HOTEL INSURANCE PROGRAM
40
October 2012
LEUVA
CONNECTION
VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
TRADE SHOW & CULTURAL PROGRAMS
On December 13th - 15th, 2012; SJLPS Bardoli and LPS of USA will be
organizing Volleyball Tournament, Trade Show, Lagna Geet, Cultural &
other entertainment programs. Volleyball tournament is organized
between LPS of USA and SJLPS Bardoli on Dec. 13th, 2012 at "Ram
Ratan Bhavan Sanskrutik Sanskar Kshetra" SJLPS (Bardoli). Both sides
12 teams will play this tournament. Registration for this tournament is
11:00 am and inauguration time is 12:00 pm. After tournament we will be
together for dinner. We strongly encourage LPS of USA women to
participate in Lagna Geet & Cultural programs.
- Secretary of SJLPS Bardoli
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR PARTICIPATION PLEASE CONTACT:
BHARATBHAI JIVAN (DALLAS, TX) 214.448.5369
DIPAK PATEL (OCALA, FL) 352.266.2011
41
October 2012
LEUVA
LEUVA Membership Application Form
CONNECTION
FOR ASSOCIATION USE ONLY
Leuva Patidar Samaj of USA
Date Rec’d
www.lpsofusa.com
Approved by
2012 Membership Application
Use Application For New / Life / Renewal Of Membership.
Fees: $60 1 year
Mail Checks Payable To:
LPS OF USA
$100 2 years
716 Sweetwater Circle
$1001 Life Time Membership
Old Hickory , TN 37138-2063
First
Middle
Each Married Child Must
Fill Out Separate Form
Name:
Last
Address:
First
Middle
Payment Information
Payment Option:
Cash
Last
State
Zip
Email:
Cell #:
Email:
Father’s
Name:
Father’s
Name:
Father’s
Middle Name:
First
Last
Mother’s
Name:
Village:
Mother’s
Name:
Middle
First
Last
Credit Card
AE Disc Visa MC Other
V illage:
Father’s
Middle Name:
First
Check
Amount Authorized: $
Cell #:
City
Amount $
Member: LIFE / ANNUAL /
BI-ANNUAL
Date Approved
Spouse Information
Applicant Information
Name:
APP ID:
Pmt Processed Date
Name On CC:
First
Middle
Last
Credit Card #:
Mother’s Father
Last
Mother’s Father
Name:
Name:
First
First
Middle
Last
Middle
Last
CCV No:
Mother’s Village:
Mother’s Village:
EXP:
Check here if you want LPS of USA to ĂƵƚŽŵĂƟĐĂůůLJ renew your membership dues each year using the above credit card ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͘
Children Information
Unmarried Children
First Name Only
Date of Birth
Month/Day/Y ear
1.
/
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2.
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3.
/
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4.
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Married Children First Name Only
2.
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3.
Disclaimer - Need
Your Help!
LPS of USA “LPS” reserves the right to use all information provided on this form internally and strictly to further LPS member services
and products. Further, LPS shares the information you provide in THIS SECTION ONLY with third party affiliates and vendors; hereafter
called “Vendors”. You may use the “Opt Out” check box which will ensure that this information is NOT shared with any vendors.
However, WE NEED YOUR HELP! LPS obtains revenues from Vendors who buy this information to market their products to you. This
revenue is used toward LPS goals such as Youth Activities. Therefore, we ask you not to Opt Out and instead provide information you
provide other vendors in the course of your businesses for such marketing purposes. Thank You For Your Consideration.
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42
October 2012
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