“Chaalo Gujarat: Embrace the Past, Explore the Present, Create the Future”

With the initiative of “Chaalo Gujarat: Embrace the Past, Explore the Present, Create the Future,” AIANA (Association of Indian Americans in North America) has tried to embrace problems, explore our abilities, and develop world-renowned communities to invoke the Gujarati-speaking community to once again articulate their aspirations and common interests in their traditional language. It was a three-day conference that began at 4:00 P.M. on Aug 29, 2008, at the Raritan Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, New Jersey, 08837. This event addressed not only business and education but also cultural, social, spiritual, health, entertainment, and population issues. Many distinguished personalities were present such as Pankaj Udhas, Praful Patel (Chairman of India’s Civil Aviation Center), Dr. Sam Pitroda (Chairman of India's National Knowledge Commission), Bharat Solanki (President of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee), Siddharth Patel, and many more.

Once again, AIANA emerges with the mission to unite the Gujarati community on one platform in order to help young Gujarati’s born abroad feel proud of their heritage and roots. It was a beautiful blend of traditional values with modern perspectives. More then 50,000 people attended this community event: History of Indian Diaspora ‘Chaalo Gujarat’ – World Gujarati Conference. The past met the present to create an exceptional future in these three days of historical importance.