All Brahmin Convention-2000 Celebrated Heritage in Chicago
Reported by Chittaranjan Jyotishi

It was Saturday 1st July, 2000, about 380 plus registered delegates checked in at Convention center Ramada Inn. at Glendale Heights, IL. Many delegates flew in from various cities of the country. Being 4th July holiday weekend, the airports were jammed and flights were delayed, canceled or switched to other destinations. However Chicago Brahma Samaj airport volunteers  brought in all the guests to the motel doing marvelous job. The cheerful welcome, hugging and respect at each other were at such a high spirit that all of us felt homely right at the arrival.

Being a first day of the convention, we had a healthy breakfast, prayer and convention program was narrated by the President Kiritbhai Dave of Chicago Brahma Samaj. He  welcome all guests, introduced the convention executive committee members and started the program with  a warm welcome message,   national song and anthem. Kiritbhai appreciated efforts of his entire team and respectfully appealed to enjoy the theme of  convention “Celebrate  Our Heritage”.

All the activities stated as planned. The goal of the convention to follow four “C” words. “Connect, Create, Celebrate and Continue”.

The activities included were educational, informative and inspirational speeches of prominent guest speakers, Dr. Pranav Pandya, Dr. Jagdish Dave,  Dr. C. L. Shastri and  Chittaranjan Jyotishi.  Very expressive and appreciating speeches from  executive members of other Brahmin Samaj consisting of Prof. Bhagwatbhai Pandya of New Jersey,  Dr. Niranjanbhai Dave of Atlanta, GA, Shri Gajendrabhai Joshi of New York and  Dr. Hitendrabhai Upadhyaya and Shri Nitinbhai Vaidya both of New Jersey and Shri Manojbhai Dave of  Toronto, Canada. Uplifting, bold and straight forward speeches of our young speakers from Chicago, Abhijana Trivedi, whose remark “America is my Mother and India is my Grandmother”  and Mayur Gor, who softly but with confidence talked about ten major Upanishads,  excelled  the event with energy and excitement.  The  filmy songs,  classical and devotional  music was played  and provided by Navinbhai Kadhiwala, Girishbhai, Rajivbhai Barot and Artiben Pandya. These talents have kept everyone continuously joyful, humming and dancing .

All the meals were very tasteful and were prepared with full devotion, dedication and care under the leadership of Gaurangbhai Trivedi. The food service and taste topped all the excitement and enjoyment. The president Kiritbhai and Convention chair Bharatbhai played  a key role of maintaining focus on the entire program. The silent, strong, singing united force of  Chicago Brahmins and guests poured in flow of  nonstop care, love and attention to all small details, which made the event a grand slam.

The next Generation group had their own liberty and enjoyment. Their program of playing interacting games, encouraging and guiding  speeches from elder brothers Dilipbhai Bhatt and Chittaranjan Jyotishi, and grand cruise at night were some of the few highlights made them feel harmonious and happy. Their collective echo was that two days cohesive living brought them new friendship and some insight of our heritage. However, as usual they expressed to have more time to enjoy. Entire credit for the successful meeting of next generation goes to outstanding next generation chair Shefaliben Trivedi and her co.-chair and brother Prasantbhai  Trivedi.

Hats off and congratulations to the entire team of Kiritbhai , Gaurangbhai, Bharatbhai, Gautambhai, Pranavbhai and Shefaliben for excellent coordination of  all planned activities and job well done.

While appreciating the respect and love of Chicago Brahma Samaj, our dedicated, dependent and determined Dr. Hitendrabhai Upadhyaya, President of  North USA Brahmin Samaj, New Jersey, announced that the third “All Brahmin Convention-2001”  will be held in New Jersey.

I must mention about the spirit and dedication of Dr. Hitendrabhai Upadhyaya. He  was the very first registrant for the convention-2000 and came to the convention very last. Coming last had reasons and  proof of  his love for Brahmins and utmost dedication. Due to airlines errors, mismanagement, chaos, confusions and cancellation,(These are understatements)  he and his better-half  Artiben  had to fly back to Newark from Pittsburgh, PA. They bought a  new ticket and flew straight to Chicago on Sunday morning just to be with all of us. Our salutes and many thanks to  both  of  you. Dr. Hitendrabhai, so long as we have leaders like you amongst us,  we are sure to succeed in the mission  of “UR-UR”,  that is Understanding and Responsibility  result in  All Unity and Respect.

The last day in  the evening, nobody wanted to part.  We must have said bye, hugged, shook hands over and over again.  Everyone expressed appreciation and affinity to our heritage, happiness and harmony to  each other. I could only say “Thank you God” for blessing us and granting us with promotion and  unity.

My honest regards and sincere thanks to all the wonderful brothers and sisters, I met at the convention.
This kind of celebration is impossible without your support and cooperation. Thanks for coming and I do hope to see all of you again next year at New Jersey convention-2001. Together we will put a map and a direction of our wisdom and wealth for our generation to come. NAMASTE.