One of the biggest community events of Gujaratis living abroad — ‘Chaalo Gujarat - World Gujarati Conclave’ — organised in the USA every two years will be held in New Jersey from July 31 to August 2 this year. The biennial event came into limelight right from its first edition in March 2005 following denial of diplomatic visa to then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the backdrop of Gujarat riots in 2002. Modi was to attend the event as the chief guest at Madison Square Garden (MSG) that year. Following the development, Modi addressed the event using technology and addressed the Gujarati Diaspora via video conferencing.
Since then Modi addressed two more editions of Chaalo Gujarat in a similar manner. After becoming the Prime Minister of India, when Modi visited the USA on official invitation of the American Government, he made it a point to address the Indian diaspora at MSG only. With no restrictions on Modi's entry to the USA, the Prime Minister will decides whether to attend the event personally or address it via video conferencing.
"This is the 4th edition of 'Chaalo Gujarat'. Just like every year, we will invite Narendrabhai. We understand he has been given a bigger role by the people of India. If he will attend the event in person or even address via video conference, it will be the matter of pride for every Indian origin person residing in the US," said Sunil Nayak, president of AIANA. According to Nayak, Chaalo Gujarat is a three-day fun-filled, thought provoking, entertaining, informative and an exhilarating event. "Overseas Gujaratis from all the continents, except Antarctica will attend the event. It is a unique opportunity to meet and reconnect with the community," he added.
He further said that current Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, leading Gujarati industrialists Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani and other renowned members of Gujarati community are being invited for the grand event. "The conclave is an effort to inspire global Gujaratis to reconnect with their roots through a dynamic forum of industrial, cultural, political, academic and social leaders. AIANA aims to bring Gujaratis from all walks of life under one roof, on one platform. leading Gujaratis from various fields will attend the conference and share their vision and experience," he said, adding that like in the earlier editions, this time too, religious leaders, industrialists, businesspersons, professionals, politicians and celebrities from the Indian television and film industry will grace the event.
The central theme of this three-day extravaganza will be "Atra Tatra Sarvatra", reminiscing of the fact that Gujaratis are here, there and everywhere, said Nayak. The idea is to exhibit the success, contributions and talents of the Gujaratis of Gujarat, Gujaratis settled elsewhere in India and Gujaratis around the globe, he said, adding that it will be an amalgamation of traditional values and modern outlook.