The 10th annual Christmas program organized and managed by the youth wing of GCSofUSA.
“Gujarati Catholic Samaj of U.S.A” a not-for-profit organization established in 2010 had a grand and a highly successful celebration of “Christmas Garba / Dance Night 2019” planned and organized by Youth wing of Gujarati Catholic Samaj of USA.
GCS of USA’s vision is to bring our community together to unite, preserve and propagate and grow the rich cultural heritage of Gujarati Catholics from around the world. We organize various Programs, Events, Educational Fund-Raising Activities, and Education Developmental Projects for the community, Social Events; Various yearly Celebrations, Entertainments, Various Seminars on Social Awareness, Religious Awareness in Regards of Gujarati Speaking Catholics Residing in Unites States of America. To stay connected to families, relatives and friends back home to Gujarat, India.
On December 28th, 2019, Youth Wing of GCS of USA organized an annual Christmas program/Garba/Dance night. Fellow Gujarati Christians and friends from various Christian denominations were invited for the program. Key difference this year was newly formed Youth Wing of GCS of USA. The program was organized and managed by Youth wing from start to finish under guidance of the elders of the community. It was a great success.
To encourage people to arrive on time, early bird surprise was announced. Professional photographs and framed prints were presented to all early bird guests. Thank you Mr. Ketan Christian.
At 7 pm the evening many dressed in typical and colorful Indian costumes created a distinctive and homely environment that many Indians miss in USA.
Youth Wing made this event very interactive, connecting with the crowd such an enthusiasm and created a family get-together environment. Thank you Mr. Augustin Macwan for handling the photography and Mr. Ketan Christian for Videography.
Program commenced with a short speech by Mr. Shantilal Parmar (President of GCS of USA) followed by candle lighting ceremony. Ceremony included lightning of five candles resembling hope, joy, love, unity and peace.
Rev Fr. John Alvarado-Pastor of Church of the Sacred Heart concluded ceremony with powerful prayer. All members and guests together prayed “Our Father, who art in heaven” in Gujarati.
We welcomed our guests from all Christian denominations.
- Gujarati Christian Fellowship of Philadelphia
- VK Makwana
- Pastor Dinkerrao Taylor
- Gujarat Christian Federation of America, New York
- Stevenson Borsada
- Sapna Gandhi
- Royal Merchant
Our special guest was Rev Fr. John Alvarado- Pastor of Church of the Sacred Heart and rev. Fr. Pervaiz Indrias Parochial Vicar of Church of the Sacred Heart. Thank you, Rev Fr. John Alvarado, for allowing us to use hall and cafeteria.
We also honored sisters from Sr. Chandrika’s Congregation (Cenacle Sisters of Sacred Heart) Sr. Chetna and Sr. Anjana. They have various houses in India like in Chandigarh, Punjab , Patna, Chhattisgarh. Recently open house is Fairview in New Jersey on 1st September 2019.
Among the others who were honored included the following – Founder of Gujarati Catholic Samaj of USA- Dada (Mr. Joseph Parmer), President of GCS of USA, Mr. Shantilal Parmer, Chairman of GCS of USA Mr. Jagadish Christian ,Treasurer Eric Leo, GCS of USA committee members Amit Macwan, Deepak Parmer, Kokila Russell, Anita Parmer, Raj Macwan, Alex Rathod, tireless supporter Ketan Christian.
Despite Garba being the highlight of the event, talented youth wing also added fabulous performances including a group dance, solo dance and melodious solo singing.
Delicious full course dinner was served accompanied with an open floor karaoke.Catering from Kokila Russell. Also Thank you for Mango Lassi and Tea.
As Prakash Parmar, the Lead singer and all the musicians were making sure that the atmosphere stayed energetic and everyone was enjoying Garba. Mrs. Sapna Gandhi and Mrs. Neela Leo, as a designated judge were busy observing carefully to choose a male and a female winner best Garba players. Sejal, Sage, and Liza were declared winners in the female Garba category and 3 best male performers. Joy Christian, Eric Christian and Amit Macwan won the prizes. Female Winners were presented with $25.00 gift certificates and Male winners were presented with $25.00.
As the end was approaching, the energy level was at the pick and “Sanedo” and “ Punjabi” style was being enjoyed by everyone there. There were few who sat on the side watched this amazing display of celebrations.
TV Asia is a supporter of GCS of USA always cover our annual Christmas program. Mr. Madan Pal Singh of TV Asia covered the whole event. This year there was an addition of ITV Gold. Mr. Bhupendra Raja Bhaatty of ITV Gold also covered this event and a 10 minutes long segment was aired on “Vision of Asia – Voice of community on ITV Gold channel on December 31, 2019 and January 05, 2020.
Everyone left with joyful hearts and suggesting continuing this type of celebrations!
May God bless all and see you all next year for another entertaining Christmas event.
- Report by Angelina the youth coordinator.
Please click here to read the article from News India Times in PDF format.
Please click here to read the article from Gujarat Times in PDF format.
Pictures of the event- Photographer Augustine Macwan and Sagar Macwan. Thank you very much for your services.