Chicago IL: The Federation of Gujarati Associations of North America (FOGANA) recently held the 36th Midwest Regional Cultural event of Raas, Garba, and Folk dance competition on Saturday, July 9th, 2016 at Copernicus Center (Gateway Theater) located at 5216 W Lawrence Ave in Chicago. The event was hosted by Gujarati Samaj Chicago and featured performances by over 266 participants. The program was attended by over 1000 including Chief Guest Shri Chhotabhai Patel and Guests of Honor Dr. Bharat Barai and Dr. Umang Patel.

FOGANA was founded in 1980 with the goal of bringing all Gujarati people living in North America closer together by promoting a common platform to sustain and perpetuate the cultural heritage of Gujarat, India. The primary activity of FOGANA has been focused on preserving and enhancing Gujarati Raas-Garba-Folk Dances while engaging the younger generation in efforts to preserving and spreading their heritage.

In opening remarks, Nirisha Shah, Joint Cultural Secretary of Gujarati Samaj Chicago welcomed the sponsors, judges, choreographers, managers, participants and volunteers. She further added that this was a day of great anticipation and wonderful dreams, and a day to celebrate Gujarat\'s rich heritage and culture. She also reviewed the basic rules and guidelines for the attendees to ensure the event went smoothly and efficiently. She further remarked that the goal was to make the program a successful experience that will stay in our memories forever.

FOGANA Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the third time was Bharti Desai who has previously won awards in the FOGANA competition. As MC, she kept the crowd both engaged and excited throughout almost seven hours of the non-stop entertainment. Bharti performed masterfully and was deeply enjoyed by all.

The event began with the traditional Mangal Deep lighting ceremony by Chhotabhai Patel, Dr. Bharat Barai, and Suryakant Patel, each with their respective families. A prayer dance by Nrutya Kalashree Dance Academy followed with the song title Mangalastakam, choreographed by Guru Smt. Toral Chaudhari. Smt. Toral Chaudhari was also one of the performers of the prayer dance. The second prayer dance was performed by Mudra Dance Academy with the song title Shree Ganeshay Dheemahi, choreographed by Guru Smt. Kshama Shah.

In the welcoming speech that followed Mr. Suryakant Patel, GSC President gave a brief history and highlight of Gujarati Samaj Chicago, founded in 1976 by Jayantilal Mashar. This marked the sixth time Gujarati Samaj Chicago had the honor of hosting this event. He thanked all the past presidents, Board of Trustees, volunteers, generous donors and current and past sponsors. In closing he wished all the participants, choreographers and their managers the best of luck.

A message from Midwest Regional FOGANA Chairman Mukesh Shah remarked adoption of the FOGANA constitution thirty-six years ago. He added that despite traveling a remarkable distance, we still have miles to go to reach our goal. He went on to emphasize that activities like the Raas-Garba folk dances are the best possible medium to engage the younger generation in our culture and heritage in this foreign land. Our heritage will always survive with the miracle medicine of FOGANA. Our background and our land of origin are within us.

The message from the FOGANA Steering Committee was performed by Chairperson Urvashi Patel and Vice- Chairperson Sandhya Shah. Introduction of Guests Shri Chhotabhai Patel, Dr. Bharat Barai and Dr. Umang Patel was performed by Suryakant Patel & Jayesh Parikh (GSC General Secretary and FOGANA Chief Coordinator). Introduction of Judges Bhartiben Jobanputra (Canada), Alka Patel (NJ), Geetaben Shah (VA), Pranjal Katwala (Washington DC), Payalben Jariwala (MA) was performed by Mukesh Shah, Midwest FOGANA Chairman.

In total 18 dances were performed as part of the FOGANA dance completion. Participants were from Illinois, Michigan and Texas. Overall 266 participants competed in Raas, Garba, and Folk dance within four different categories which included Minor, Junior, Senior and Adult. The following were the teams in these four categories:

Minor Raas by Srujan Dance (Illinois) and Sur Sangam (Texas); Minor Garba by Gurjari of Chicago (Illinois); Minor Folk Dance by Gunjan Group of Chicago (Illinois), Nartan Group of Detroit (Michigan) and Gujarati Samaj Chicago (Illinois); Junior Raas by Srujan Dance (Illinois) and Sur Sangam (Texas); Junior Garba by Gurjari of Chicago (Illinois); Junior Folk Dance by Sur Sangam (Texas); Senior Garba by Sur Sangam (Texas); Senior Folk Dance by Nartan Group of Detroit (Michigan); Adult Raas by Gujarati Samaj Chicago (Illinois) and Sur Sangam (Texas); Adult Garba by Gurjari of Chicago (Illinois); and Adult Folk Dance by Nartan Group of Detroit (Michigan) and Sur Sangam (Texas).

The event winning teams in the four categories were as follows:

Minor Garba Gurjari of Chicago (Illinois) First Prize, Minor Raas Srujan Dance (Illinois) Second Prize, Minor Raas Sur Sangam (Texas) First Prize, Minor Folk Dance Gunjan Group Chicago Third Prize, Minor Folk Dance Gujarati Samaj Chicago (Illinois) Second Prize, Minor Folk Dance Nartan Group of Detroit (Michigan) First Prize and Minor Best Choreographer Raksha Dave.

Junior Garba Gurjari of Chicago (Illinois) First Prize, Junior Raas Srujan Dance (Illinois) Second Prize, Junior Raas Sur Sangam (Texas) First Prize, Junior Folk Dance Sur Sangam (Texas) Second Prize, Junior Folk Dance Nartan Group of Detroit (Michigan) First Prize, Junior Best Choreographer Induben Mongrola and Sunita Narayana and Minor Best costume Raksha Dave.

Senior Garba Sur Sangam (Texas) First Prize, Senior Folk Dance Nartan Group of Detroit (Michigan) First Prize, Senior Best Choreographer Raksha Dave and Minor Best costume Induben Mongrola.

Adult Garba Gurjari of Chicago (Illinois) First Prize, Adult Raas Gujarati Samaj Chicago (Illinois) Second Prize

Adult Raas Sur Sangam (Texas) First Prize, Adult Folk Dance Sur Sangam (Texas) Second Prize, Adult Folk Dance - 2 Nartan Group of Detroit (Michigan) First Prize, Adult Best Choreographer Raksha Dave, Adult Best costume Neha Patel, New Choreographer Sunita Narayana and New Choreographer Vrushank Shah and Sonam Mehta.

At the end of all performances, Chief Coordinator Jayesh Parikh remarked \'FOGANA fosters dreams to help take its performers to new heights. FOGANA gives its participants self-confidence, motivation, a life time of friendships, and a spirit of comradeship by creating a huge network of friends. We hope to continue to foster the dreams that FOGANA can nurture. For sure, we would like to see many more individuals and teams participating in this competition in order to help keep the roots of our culture deeper and stronger.\'

\'These initial years witnessed FOGANA progress steadily, but today our goals are expanding to meet our changing needs. Not only do we wish to combine the dynamic ability of the Gujarati\'s with the practicality of today\'s life, but make it relevant to the changing face of the community. Gujarati community is perceived by America as an asset and a model, dynamic ethnic group. The end result, we all feel that a whole new generation of secure, informed and authoritative ambassadors where Gujarati heritage and its values are concerned.\'

In remarks by Dr. Bharat Barai, he stated that in his personal communications with last 4 American Presidents, he learned that they all highly value India as successful diaspora primarily due to rich family value, hard work and the importance of education. This type of cultural program infuses values of tradition and culture. He wished success to all participants now and in their future endeavors.

Chhotabhai Patel prominent community leader emphasized family value and importance of all generation of household to bind together and communicate for betterment of family unit. He congratulated entire organization of Gujrat Samaj for working diligently to put together such a mammoth event. He also congratulated entire group of participants and their mentors for taking part in such a cultural show and wished everyone a best of luck.

\'Most of us are aware of the hard work and struggle faced by Indians who came to USA for a better life and economic progress. It was due to our urge to forge a social and emotional linkage amongst people of Indian origin and to keep our traditions alive. FOGANA provides a platform for interactions amongst the persons of Indian origin. To keep up our culture in the generations, the feeling of oneness and go along with the community. Thanks to Gujrat Samaj for preparing such a magnanimous competition and best wishes to all organizers and participant\' Said by Dr. Umang Patel, prominent community leader.

As part of the program, the following community leaders and event guests were presented with appreciation awards:

[1] Mr Chhotabhai Patel: Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Award This award was initiated by Gujarati Samaj Chicago and is awarded at an event like FOGANA once or twice every decade

[2] Dr. Bharat Barai, M.D.: Appreciation award for his long outstanding support and service to the Gujarati community.

[3] Dr. Umang Patel, M.D.: Appreciation award for his long outstanding support and service to the Gujarati community.

[4] All Past president was awarded for the pillars in the formation and growth of Gujarati Samaj Chicago, Appreciation for their outstanding and dedicated work Mr. Jayantilal Mashar, Mr. Babubhai Contractor, Mr. Arvind Modi, Mr. Bhupen Shah, Mr. Sharad Patel, Mr. Jashwant Sheth, Mr. Jawahar Sheth, Mr. Chandrakant Patel, Mr. Deven Parikh, Mr. Manu Shah, Mr. Bharat Acharya, Mrs. Vanleela Amin, Mr. Avinash Desai, Mr. Nikunj Baxi, Mr. Girish Kothari, Mr. Mukesh Shah, Mr. Suryakant Patel and Mrs. Urvashi Patel.

In addition to the above individuals, Mr. Suryakant Patel, Mr. Amit Desai (Past GSC Board Member) and Mrs. Bharti Desai (Program MC) were also presented with awards in appreciation for their outstanding and dedicated work for flawless execution of the 36th Midwest Regional Fogana Raas, Garba and Folk Dance Competition.

Sponsors of event were Chhotabhai Patel Grand Sponsor, Dr. Bharat Barai Diamond Sponsor and Dr. Umang Patel and Avinash Desai Gold Sponsor.

Serving on the FOGANA Midwest regional council are Mukesh N. Shah, Chicago (Chairman), Kanu Patel, Cleveland (Vice Chairman), Devanshu Dave, Detroit (Secretary), Dhaval Ghiya, Cleveland (Treasurer) and Dolat Desai (Trustee).

Kamlesh Shah, GSC Vice President was also instrumental in smooth execution of the FOGONA event by undertaking the responsibility of hospitality for all of the out-of-state team participants and their guests; organizing the welcome party at Best Western Hotel; and handling of the auditorium that included sound, lighting and the coordination of various teams. His previous FOGANA experience was a guiding tool for the rest of the board members and the volunteers.

The program closing remarks were performed by Dr. Manish Pandya, GSC Cultural Secretary who thanked all participants acknowledging the time and dedication require to prepare for the FOGANA competition. He also personally thanked FOGANA for providing a platform for the younger generation to continue support of the Indian culture and heritage. Finally, Dr. Pandya initiated a round of applause to thank the committee members of the Gujarati Samaj of Chicago for their efforts in making the show possible closing with the phrase \'we will we will raas you\'.

Gujarati Samaj presents 36th Midwest region dance competition in Chicago