OUR FIRST 25 YEARS

 COMPILED BY: Mr. LAXMANBHAI B. PATEL (BARIA)

Introduction

India has connections with the African continent from immemorial times. The    contribution, which the Indian settlers have made to the economic development of East African countries, needs no elaboration. The Indian traders, even at the risk of their lives, had travelled to the furthest comers of East Africa before any roads were built or railways were constructed. Some of them made outstanding contributions to the growth of those countries. They had made notable contribution to the development of East Africa in the economic and social spheres.

This could be summed up in the words of Sir Winston Churchill:

It is the Indian trader, who penetrating himself in all sorts of places which no white man would or in which no white man could earn any living, has more than anyone else developed in the early beginning of trade and opened up the first slender means of communications. It was by Indian labour that the one vital railway on which everything else depends was constructed. (My African Journey 1905,pg. 53).

Comparatively, our community Kadwa Patidar is very small, even in India. However, though small in number, they were not less enterprising. Kadwa Patidars, too, established their presence in these countries as back as in 19th century. Though names of all these old pioneers are not remembered now, a few names still remembered are:

1.   Shri Madhavji Trikamji Adodra from Bhavnagar Saurashtra.

    Settled in Kenya in 1892, then moved in Uganda. He established a sugar can farm at Kakira, near Jinja. Later on this farm became a part of Madhavani Sugar Plantation;

2.    Shri VashrambhaiMuljibhaiSaparia from Kolki Saurashtra.

           Settled at Kabete near Nairobi, Kenya, in 1895;

3.   Shri Devjibhai Ladhabhai Aghera from Ranavav Saurashtra.

    Settled at Nairobi, Kenya, around 1895. He is still remembered as a pioneer in printing business who established a well known firm, D.L. Patel Press;

4.   Shri Hirajibhai Gangajibhai Nagaria from Kolki Saurashtra.

    Settled at Petermerizburg, South Africa, in 1890;

5.   Shri Laljibhai Juthabhai Jalavadia from Vansjalia Saurashtra.

    Settled at Nairobi, Kenya, in 1896.

Following the footsteps of these and other bold pioneers many hundreds went to these countries in the early 20th century and settled down in various parts of these countries in different vocation, trade and small industries.
All these pioneers contributed to economic development of these countries out of proportion to their number. They played their role in fostering trade and industries and social awakening in deep interiors of these countries.
The new upsurge of nationalistic forces and the change in political wind, which swept so fast in these countries in the 1960s posed enormous problems and pain for the settlers.
Many had to leave their adopted lands. Most of them arrived in the United Kingdom in the late 1960s and early 1970s. For most of them they had not seen this country before. For them this was a new country new environment; weather and climate unknown before. They had to start a new life again from scratch.
After arriving in this country, for a few years they all had to struggle to  settle down in this new land. Communication and interconnection amongst themselves and social life  enjoyed in African countries was lost. Everyone was eager and anxious to rebuild the  pattern of social life and feeling of brotherhood and intimacy among Gnati member enjoyed in African countries They were all settled in different parts of the country and in different locations, and had no contact among themselves.
The first generation inevitably endure the most difficulties but, in spite of problems and pains, our first quarter oft he century in this country is most appropriately attribute to  the  achievements of the pioneering spirit of our community.
During the late 1950’s and early 1960s a few young members of the community from East African countries came into Britain for further studies: but settled down in UK after completion of their studies. These included:
Dr. Maganlal Popatlal Ardeshna, who arrived in the UK in 1953 and Mr. Narayandas Vashrambhai Sapana, who arrived in 1959.
These energetic and enthusiastic youths occasionally met and kept K.P. Gnati spirit alive They and elderly experienced members, newly arrived in this country from African countries Joined hands to set up a link between all the members of the community The Late Mr. Govindbhai Haribhai Garala did much of the groundwork which deserves our special appreciation

  HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST 25 YEARS

1st June 1974

 At a wedding in the community on this date at St. Mary Virgin Parish Church Hall Kenton members assembled felt the need to form a community organisation. They all agreed to form an organisation for all Kadwa Patidars residing all over the UK. A working  committee  Adhoc Committee under the chairmanship of Mr.Harilal Becharbhai Kansagra was appointed to do further necessary groundwork.
Because of these members vision and foresight, our Samaj as we know today came into being.

1975-1976

In the first General Meeting held on 27.07.75 the first Executive Committee was elected and the present name - Shree Kadwa Patidar Samaj UK was approved unanimously The present constitution prepared by a subcommittee headed by Mr. Purshottanbhai  V. Dalsania was approved by this Executive Committee in its meeting held on 23 11 75 and by all the members present in the following Annual General Meeting held on 30th May 1976.

FIRST DECADE

DR. Maganlal Popatlal Ardeshna who was the first president elected under the constitution served the Samaj continuously for nearly a decade. He nourished the organisation very ably and lovingly in its infancy, during the period of transition. Our members caught  between two ways of life, culture and tradition, needed help and guidance and our social environment which only right type of leadership could provide.

The popular trio of Dr. Maganlal P. Ardeshna, Mr. Purshottambhai V. Dalsania and Late Mr. Pursottambhai Ghodasara has been instrumental in bringing up and nourishing the infant Samaj like a mother that does to her infant child.

The aim being to instil in our members our cultural and religious values which are the strength behind our integrity and success, hoping our children will carry on these values for their future generation in spite of the various distractions of the Western way of life.

To keep our social and cultural traditions alive among members particularly in the new   generation of the Samaj from the year of its formation holds several functions during the  year. Some of these are described below.

DIWALI/ NEW YEAR DAY

Full day celebrations are held to celebrate Diwali / New Year Day. Members from all   places attend this function in large numbers. Knowing of each other and closeness  amongst members is thus maintained. Traditional Rangoli Competition, Cooker  Competition, Gujarati Handwriting Competition, Dance, Music etc are held Members  enjoy traditional Samooh Bhojan meal with all members as if they are members of one  family, sons and daughters of one mother - MA UMIYAJI.

NAVRATRI FESTIVAL

The most worshiped goddess is Parvati - Mother Umiyaji - as we all know, has many  names and manifestations. Durga is one of these. Hence, our members, old and young all participate and enjoy this nine days festival with utter devotion, great enthusiasm and joy, attend the festival in large numbers.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS

Festivals such as Rama Navami, Janmashtami and Shivaratri are also organised and  prayers and bhajans are held on these days to promote the basic religious understanding among the new generation. The Samaj thus maintains cultural awareness among the younger generation generated through such activities of immense value.

28th August 1985 - Annual Sports Day

To encourage our youths - boys and girls - in various sports, the Samaj started holding an Annual Sports Day. The first annual Sports Day was organised on 28th August 1985 at Dunstable, with competitions held for various games. Since then this has become a regular yearly event.  Our youths participate in large numbers.  Various trophies are awarded to the winners. Last year this was held for two days because of increased participation in various competitions.

1987 Cultural Variety Show

To promote interest in our traditional cultural activities, the first Cultural Variety Show was organised in 1987. This proved to be very successful. This too has become an annual  event in which our youths - boys and girls - show their excellent cultural talent in  traditional dance, music and drama, and keep their love for our cultural values.  To promote and encourage our young boys and girls for higher education, the Samaj   presents Special Awards on this day and honour all those who graduate in various fields  in the year. Today, there are a large number of Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, Chemists and Technicians and other professionals in various fields of Computing and Information Technology,  in our community.

PUBLICATIONS

To provide members with information, regarding the Samaj, and general knowledge the  Samaj publishes publications occasionally.  To encourage members to read and write and to present their vivid experiences in life the  Sama] started publishing a Bilingual - in English and Gujarati - literary magazine (and  not merely self- praising mouthpiece) Pragati in 1987;

Pragati made enormous progress for the next six/seven years under the editorship of Mr. Laxmanbhai B. Patel. Bumper issues with interesting and informative articles of high  literary standard from members only are published. It is freely distributed among  members and well wishers;   A beautiful Souvenir giving interesting information on our Samaj and our newly built  Kadwa Patidar Centre, edited by Mr. Laxmanbhai B. Patel, was published on the  Inauguration of our Kadwa Patidar Centre on 17th October 1993;

To facilitate members to communicate with each other, the Samaj published its first  Directory of Members in 1975; The Late Mr. Vithalbhai M. Aghera travelled from place to place, from house to house to collect the required data for this first Directory. His tremendous contribution to the services of the Samaj deserves a special appreciation. Since then over half a dozen revised Editions were published at regular intervals to provide up to date information; though revising and updating the Directory is very time-consuming and tedious work. The latest Edition is being published today along with this

Souvenir. Dedicated services provided by Mr. Nathalal H. Dadhania, as the Registrar of the Samaj for all these years and in compiling these revised issues of the Directory Deserves lots of praise.

SENIOR CITIZENS MANDAL

Retired members of the Samaj formed their union-Senior Citizens Mandal in September 1998 under the auspices of the Samaj. At present there are over ninety members male and Female. They meet once a week, preferably on Tuesdays, from 11:00 to 16:00 in the Samaj hall. They relax and talk to each other and discuss their age-related common problems; hold religious discussions and Bhajans; and enjoy their lunch together. Occasionally a day trip to visit interesting places is also arranged. Retired members thus enjoy part of their retirement under the roof of the Samaj.

AFFILIATION

The Samaj while serving Kadwa Patidar Community is conscious of being part of the community at large. As such the Samaj supports other organisations having similar objectives. The Samaj is a constituent member and/or an affiliated member of:

1.  Federation of Patidar Associations

2.  National Congress of Gujarati Organisations;

3.  Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants;

4.  Brent Hindu Council;

5.  Brent Indian Associations;

6.  Harrow Hindu Council.

CHARITY

The Kadwa Patidar Samaj is not merely an inward looking society. As a part of the general community at large, the Samaj undertakes various activities to raise funds to help the needy, for any good cause that benefits the community at large.

Every year Mayors Day is organised and funds raised is donated in Harrow Mayors Fund.  Nearly a decade ago when natural catastrophes like famine struck continuously for three years in Saurashtra, West Gujarat in India, the Samaj raised nearly £15,000 amongst the members. This amount was distributed under the personal supervision of one of our prominent members, for providing grass to cows and other catties in various villages hard hit by the famine. During 19971998 members raised just over £20,000 for Kadwa Patidar Kelavani Mandal's Girls School at Dhrol, District Jamnagar in India.

In 1998 the Samaj donated £800 to the National Association of Blinds at Junagadh in India.
During the last two years the Samaj raised nearly £10,000 by holding religious dramas for the new Hindu Temple being built at Wembley, Middlesex. Last year a sum of nearly £25,000 was raised among members of the Samaj for Shree Umiya Mataji's (at Sidsar) General Development and Educational Fund. To undertake more charity work the Samaj set up its own charity organisation Kadwa Patidar Samaj (UK) Ltd. in 1991, registered as a charity number, 1002523.

KADWA PATIDAR CENTRE

To undertake various activities to achieve the noble objectives of the Samaj, the Samaj needed its own premises. A building committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Babubhai Hirjibhai Makadia made  enormous efforts for many years in searching for a suitable land for the building. In 1990, Harrow Council offered this site on which our Centre stands to over 300 organisations for community use. Mr. Rajnibhai Kansagra and Mr. Satish G. Patel (Nungara) negotiated for almost two years with the Council and procured it for us against fierce competition and high odds. The project was going to cost £2 Million. To raise a large sum like this was a tremendous task for a small community like ours. It is really a divine miracle. Credit goes to our the-then President, Dr. Sushilaben D. Bhut and our current President, Mr. Rajnibhai. S Kansagra, whose determination and strong will Inspired and built our confidence in the success of this project, together with joint efforts and dedication of all our members associated with this project, and divine blessings from Mother Umiyaji, made this project a grand success. The Centre is a lasting memory of that great effort and a story of self help

27th September 1992

Shree Shantilal Nathalal Kansagra and family, who supported this project very generously, consecrated and laid the foundation stone in the presence of nearly four hundred members on 27th September 1992.

17th October 1993 - The Kadwa Patidar Centre.

The project was completed within a year. On the historical day of 17th October 1993, the Late Shree Govindbhai Virjibhai Dhulasia and family, who supported the project very wholeheartedly, officially opened the Centre in the presence of nearly twelve hundred members with great joy and festive celebrations. These celebrations are simply unforgettable and will remain forever in our memories. A detailed account of this is given in a separate article under the heading of 'The Kadwa Patidar Centre.' The Samaj is fortunate for having a number of energetic, selfless, hardworking workers dedicated to high ideals and objectives of the Samaj. It is difficult to recognise them without leaving someone out. Hence, without naming anyone, the Samaj wholeheartedly thanks all these members. On this memorable occasion we would like to remember all our members, including those who are not with us now, and pay glowing tribute for their invaluable contributions towards cherishing and cultivating the immortal values and the principle of unity and brotherhood among our community members our unique heritage - wherever we live, living as one family, as children of Mother Umiyaji.