The tri-female powers officially launched The Canadian Gujarati Women Association (CGWA), representing our motherland, mother tongue, and mother culture. The inaugural event celebrated Gujarat Day on April 29, 2023, recognizing and honoring seven outstanding Gujarati women.
An audience of 600 community members, the Consulate General of India Toronto, Canada, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava, MPP for Mississauga-Malton, Mr. Dipak Anand, and other influential individuals from the Greater Toronto Area attended the event held at a packed hall in Toronto.
The CGWA aims to recognize and empower Gujarati women in Canada for their unique cultural contributions and help them reach their full potential.
“Some senior women contribute quietly to the community and are true leaders deserving recognition. Acknowledging their efforts and contributions to society is essential, even if they do not seek attention or acclaim,” claims Ms. Chintan Bhavsar, CWGA President.
“These senior women often have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with others. In addition, they have dedicated their lives to serving their families, engaging in volunteer work, mentoring, or simply being a friend to those in need,” added Ms. Supriya Chavda, CGWA Vice President.
“Their contributions are invaluable and profoundly impact the lives of those around them. Therefore, we must recognize their efforts and show appreciation for all they do,” concludes Ms. Aruna Narola, CGWA Secretary.
“I ask everyone to thank the senior women in their lives for their contributions to the community. Let us celebrate their leadership and honor them for all they have done to improve the world,” encouraged Mr. Tushar Unadkat, Honorary Director of Communications and the Master of the Ceremony.
The event celebrated the achievements of seven accomplished women, the majority of whom were doctors, researchers, academics, and the notable movers and shakers of the Gujarati community.
The Consul General of India, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava, and President of CGWA, Ms. Chintan Bhavsar, honored
L to R: Ms. Bindu Purohit (President, Brahmin Samaj of Ontario), Dr. Janki Shah (Researcher, Higher Education), Dr. Sonal Bhatt (Ayurvedic Physician), Ms. Neelam Kothari Panditpautra (Media Personality & Event MC), Ms. Rekha Vaishnav (Executive Director, MEHAR – Mental & Emotional Health Awareness Renaissance), Ms. Mukta Unadkat (88, Humanitarian), and Ms. Savita Patel (90, Philanthropist).
During the event, CGI Ms. Apoorva Srivastava expressed her support for the significance of CGWA and suggested granting more authority to the organization and empowering women.
CGWA’s vision is to create a world where Gujarati women in Canada are recognized for their unique cultural contributions and are empowered to reach their full potential. CGWA envisions a future where its members are leaders and change-makers in their communities, and the organization catalyzes positive social change. CGWA strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity, promotes gender equality, and fosters lifelong learning. Through collective efforts, CGWA aspires to be a powerful force for transformation within the community and beyond. The vision is to inspire, connect, and empower Gujarati women in Canada to create a brighter future for themselves and the coming generations.
At the launch, Mr. Dipak Anand, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development, delivered a message emphasizing the importance of creating such spaces to support and uplift marginalized communities.
Heartfelt gratitude goes to Mudita Shukla – Ganesh Vandana choreographer, Spandan Kala Vrund, Shraddha Vyas for Charan Kanya, Saheli Vrund, Rajput Association of North America, Gujarati Girls of Ottawa, Jankar Beats, Nritya Palette, and Shweni Parmar for their valuable contributions and support.
CGWA thanks various talented individuals, including singers Chanda Stankiya, Divya Dixit, Kirit Mistry (photography), and Harkant Patel (DJ). Atul Shah for AV, Vrajesh Shah (website), Stage Decor by Gargi Shah, Rakshesh Patel, Shilpa Patel, and Prafulbhai Bhavsar. Thanks to Dhruv Bhavsar and Kruti Desai for managing backstage.
CGWA acknowledges the vital role that community sponsors, media, vendors, and volunteers play in making the event successful. Their contributions and support are essential in bringing people together and creating memorable experiences for everyone involved. Expressing gratitude and appreciation for those who work hard behind the scenes to make events possible is always important.
The event was a resounding success, with attendees inspired and uplifted by the stories of the seven remarkable women honored. The CGWA looks forward to continuing to empower and celebrate Gujarati women in Canada and making this recognition ceremony an annual affair.
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