BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
WHITTIER, CA – The Los Angeles Ratna Awards were awarded for the first time to deserving candidates whose prolific philanthropic, humanitarian, social and cultural renderings in Southern California have been outstanding, at an event held at The Ritz Gardens Banquet here on July 9. The event was organized and hosted by...
WHITTIER, CA – The Los Angeles Ratna Awards were awarded for the first time to deserving candidates whose prolific philanthropic, humanitarian, social and cultural renderings in Southern California have been outstanding, at an event held at The Ritz Gardens Banquet here on July 9. The event was organized and hosted by...
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Suru and Arti Manek in conjunction with Arvind Joshi, who commenced the program with the national anthems of the US and India. A classical dance act by Arti Manek’s Shankara Dance Academy students, filled the hall with vigor and enthusiasm. Manek dedicated the performance to her renowned Kathak Guruji, Abhay Shankar Mishra, her students’ and their parents.
The Los Angeles Ratna recipients named were: Ganpatbhai Patel, Manubhai Shah, Bhikhubhai Patel, Bhupeshbhai Parikh, Ukabhai Solanki, Govindbhai Vaghasia, Ushakant Thakkar, Pravinbhai Patel and Arti Manek.
Each recipient spoke for about five minutes highlighting their humble beginnings, journey through life in the US and how today they are significant contributors in philanthropy, health and education, humanitarian aid, culture and social enhancements through their various charitable trusts and institutions. They shared their life stories in brief which were full of dynamic inspiration to a houseful audience. All the awardees emphasized on their responsibilities to their motherland India and equally to their ‘karmaland’, America. The speeches shed light on how each one of them had spent time not just accumulating wealth, but engaging in charity work, over time, with their commitment, God’s blessings, hard work and staying focused.
As Suru Manek said, “Today, these honorees have reached the status of multi million dollar funding for various charities or enhancing health, education, culture to give back to the society.”
Later, he displayed his collection of various antique museum quality pieces including the Apollo 11 US flag to moon; the license plate carried to the moon on Apollo 11;Mahatma Karamchand Gandhi’s unpublished letters; father of aviation Orville Wright’s custom made shoes after the world’s first air crash; and more. In between, Gandhi was also fondly remembered by the song, “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram..” The evening ended with a sumptuous Italian-Mexican dinner and each guest was given an `OM’ pendant.
The Los Angeles Ratna recipients named were: Ganpatbhai Patel, Manubhai Shah, Bhikhubhai Patel, Bhupeshbhai Parikh, Ukabhai Solanki, Govindbhai Vaghasia, Ushakant Thakkar, Pravinbhai Patel and Arti Manek.
Each recipient spoke for about five minutes highlighting their humble beginnings, journey through life in the US and how today they are significant contributors in philanthropy, health and education, humanitarian aid, culture and social enhancements through their various charitable trusts and institutions. They shared their life stories in brief which were full of dynamic inspiration to a houseful audience. All the awardees emphasized on their responsibilities to their motherland India and equally to their ‘karmaland’, America. The speeches shed light on how each one of them had spent time not just accumulating wealth, but engaging in charity work, over time, with their commitment, God’s blessings, hard work and staying focused.
As Suru Manek said, “Today, these honorees have reached the status of multi million dollar funding for various charities or enhancing health, education, culture to give back to the society.”
Later, he displayed his collection of various antique museum quality pieces including the Apollo 11 US flag to moon; the license plate carried to the moon on Apollo 11;Mahatma Karamchand Gandhi’s unpublished letters; father of aviation Orville Wright’s custom made shoes after the world’s first air crash; and more. In between, Gandhi was also fondly remembered by the song, “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram..” The evening ended with a sumptuous Italian-Mexican dinner and each guest was given an `OM’ pendant.
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