GOD BLESS AMERICA

September 11, 2001 was the darkest day in the history of this great nation - our freedom was disturbed, our home turf was invaded and our hearts were broken. We at Gujarati Samaj are deeply saddened and express our heartfelt condolences to all those who were affected by this tragic event. We offer our thanks to the firefighters, police officers, rescue workers and all those who continue to make a difference.

Supporting the relief efforts is a priority throughout the nation. To help immediately and in anyway we can, Samaj joined hands with MAPI (Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) and various Michigan organizations of Indian origin. It took only a few telephone calls and emails to get the entire indian community mobilized. Samaj pleged $1,000 during the Geetmala radio program hosted by Mr. Narendra Sheth on September 15th. Several organizations of Indian origin also responded to the appeal made on the radio and in less than two hours, the donations from Indian community reached well over $40,000. In response to our overwhelming support in such a short time, the following special message was delivered to Indian community from our Senator Carl Levin:
"I am fully aware of the strong support of the Indian communities in the Detroit Metropolitan area, in Michigan and throughout the United States, and of your commitment to both the ideals and the practices of democracies in our country and to the present American tragedy. We thank you, the peace loving people from India, for standing with us as one, for standing with those who lost their families and loved ones, and for standing by our values which define us as Americans, our love for liberty and our respect for all people."

We pray for peace and tranquillity to all. God bless America.

Bhushan C. Modi
President - EC

Ramesh S. Patel
Chairman - BOT