Ahmedabad, 1st October, 2018, Vechaar Foundation : To mark the 149th Birth Anniversary of Shri Mahatma Gandhi, Vechaar trust, Vishalla has organized the 7th Edition of “GANDHI MITRA AWARDS – 2018” award program with the guidance of Visionary managing trustee – Shri Surendrabhai Patel and in the auspicious presence of His Excellency, Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat State – Shri O.P.Kohliji and Chief Guest – Dr. Sonal Mansingh (Padma Vibhushan awardee – 2004, Noted social worker from Gujarat and an Indian classical dancer and Guru – Bharatanatyam and Odissi dancing style. She has also been nominated for the Rajya Sabha). The Award function was held on 1st October, 2018 at Vechaar foundation from 11.00 Am onwards.
The award ceremony witnessed His Excellency, Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat – Shri Om Prakash Kohli, Dr. Sonal Mansingh – Padma Vibhushan awardee – 2004, Shri Surendrabhai Patel, Managing Trustee, Vechaar Foundation, Smt. Smitaben Patel, Trustee, Vechaar Foundation and Shri Ramesh Tanna, eminent journalist on the dias alongwith the distinguished Jury members of Gandhi Mitra awards committee Dr. Anamikbhai Shah, Dr. Rajendrabhai Khimani and Shri Hasmukhbhai Patel.
“GANDHI MITRA Awards – 2018 were conferred to Mr. Hasmukhbhai Devmurari of Lok Bharathi Gramvidyapeeth – Sanosara, Bhavnagar District , Mr. Vinayak Dave – South Gujarat and Mr. Suresh Punadiya of Patan who received their felicitations from Hon’ble O.P.Kohli ji . It is heartening so see that even in this modern times, there are such social activists who follow the philosophies of Shri Mahatma Gandhiji and who have dedicated their lives for the betterment and upliftment of the society. Vechaar foundation’s initiative of Gandhi Mitra Award function is just a humble effort to honour such great lives and I thank His excellency, Hon’ble O.P Kohliji , Dr. Sonal Mansingh and all the distinguished, renowned committee of our jury panelists who made tremendous coordination efforts and contributions towards this year’s Gandhi Mitra Awards – 2018,” shared Mr. Patel.
Shri Surendrabhai Patel, Managing trustee of Vechaar Foundation added, “Every year we organize Gandhi Mitra Awards to search for and to give recognition to at least 3 such individuals or a team of Social activists who have dedicated their lives towards following the Gandhian Philosophy and helping the society in a Philanthropic manner. These are those set of unsung heroes who work for the society in smallest of district areas with very less resources or infrastructural support but they have dedicated their lives to the cause of humanity. With the support of a very renowned committee comprising of Gandhian Philosophers like Dr. Anamik Shah (Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapeeth), Dr. Rajendra Khimani (Registrar of Gujarat Vidyapeeth), Shri Ramesh Tanna, Shri Hasmukh Patel (Karmasheel), we have shortlisted this year’s worthy candidates from over 50 nominations and applications and we are happy that like every year His Excellency , our respected Governor Sir, Shri O.P.Kohli ji is with us again to bless and motivate these social activities in their journey ahead. I also thank Dr. Sonal Mansinghji for her gracious presence at this function to motivate the awardees.”
Program also witnessed a Live Painting show by eight artists on the theme of Gandhi ji and Dance performance by International Dance Artists – Shri Bharat Baria and team
