Report by,
Adv. Ashraf Ahmed Shaikh
Hon. Secretary,
Maharashtra United Nations Association (MUNA) and
President of (Maharashtra United Nations Youth Association).

The Indian Federation of United Nations Associations (IFUNA), at New Delhi observed and celebrated the 74th anniversary of United Nations this year at the land of our beloved father of nation Shri M.K. Gandhi, on the theme “UN Ideals and Mahatma Gandhi”, the magnificent hall of YMCA Club at Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Wednesday, the 23rd October, 2019.

The event was kicked off with the prayer “Vaishnav Jan to tene Re Kahiye…….” Followed by a skit on Mahatma Gandhi depicting sacrifice, honor, dedication and love for the nation during the turmoil days nearing independence of India and the struggle faced by Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Gandhiji. A cultural programme in the form Gujarati Folk dance “Garbo” was presented by the students of J.J. School of arts, which was mesmerizing and admirable. Traditional lighting of the lamp was done to formally begin the programme by the dignitaries and organisers and a ceremonial felicitation of guests was done with flowers and with replica of famous statue of unity as a respect and tribute to the iron man of India Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India.

Dr. Mayuri Pandya gave welcome address and introduced the audience about the programme and theme. Prof. Payal Mehta compered the later part of the function.

The later part of the event was flagged off by induction ceremony and inauguration of United Nations Association of Gujarat by Shri Deepak Parvatiyar, the Media Advisor of Indian Federation of United Nations Association and one of the key persons behind the installation and building of United Nations Association Gujarat (UNAG). Shri Deepak Parvatiyar first began his speech by reading Message of UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres, which reads as follows:

“United Nations Day highlights the enduring ideals of the Charter, which entered into force on this date 74 years ago. Amid stormy global seas, the Charter remains our shared moral anchor. At this time of turbo-charged change, the United Nations remains focused on the real problems of real people. We are working for a fair globalization and bold climate action. We are pushing for human rights and gender equality -- and saying “no” to hatred of any kind. And we are striving to maintain peace – while bringing life-saving aid to millions caught up in armed conflict. The United Nations itself is becoming ever more agile and accountable as we enhance support to countries. Next year marks the Organization’s 75th anniversary. This milestone is a critical moment to shape our future, together. I invite you to join the conversation. Together, let us advance the well-being of “we the peoples”.

Shri Deepak Parvatiyar further explained the aims, objectives and activities of Indian Federation of United Nations Associations (IFUNA) since its inception and then began with the installation ceremony of United Nations Association of Gujarat (UNAG).

Former legislator and Gujarat BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya was appointed as the President of United Nations Association of Gujarat and Dhanraj Nathwani, the head of the Reliance Group and Mr. Jayesh Desai were appointed as the Vice President of UNAG. Dr. Parimal Desai, Dr.M.P.Chandran, Vaibhaviben Nanavati, Dr. Hemant Bhatt, Chiranjeev Patel and Dr. Mayuriben Pandya. Were designated as member of Executive Committee of the United Nations Association of Gujarat (UNAG). While Laxman bhai Patel, national General Secretary of Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers, Dr Bilal Hidayat, eminent cardiologist from Surat, and Khushbu Pujara , an educationist from Ahmedabad were inducted as "friends of UNA Gujarat". In recognition of the efforts of Shri Deepak Parvatiyar, the newly formed UNA Gujarat invited him to join its executive committee member as Advisor, which he graciously accepted.

Adv. Ashraf Ahmed Shaikh, Hon. Secretary of Maharashtra United Nations Association, founder President of its youth wing and Executive Committee member of IFUNA, warmly congratulated the organisers and audience, he applauded the efforts rendered by Shri Deepak Parvatiyar for being instrumental in getting the installation of United Nations Association of Gujarat (UNAG). In his address Adv. Ashraf Ahmed Shaikh said, “The soil of Gujarat is very fertile, Gujarat has given many leaders and prominent personalities not only to India but also to the entire world e.g. Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Present PM Shri Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shri Amit Shah.” Adv. Ashraf Ahmed Shaikh further added that, “today is a historical day for the people of Gujarat as with the celebration of Birth of United Nations, the United Nations Association of Gujarat is also being formed and installed, which generations will remember for years and every one present in this hall will be witness of this historical moment.”

Shri Bharat Pandya, former MLA and the present Gujarat State spokesperson of BJP gave special address at this occasion, Mr. Pandya said, “the United Nations is working to connect people and nations. From Gujarat Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel had worked together to advance ideas and actions of UN.” He further added that, “Gujarat has always been the leader in the battle of Swarajya, whether in the country or in the state. Sardar Patel made a concerted effort to unite 562 princely states of the country. At that time, Kashmir was not fully integrated into India as it had sections 370 and 35-A. Two Gujaratis have done the task of fully integrating Kashmir into India. The UN has always been neutral and helped India on the Kashmir issue. Narendra Bhai has endorsed the fight against terrorism and allowed Indian culture to celebrate yoga as World Yoga Day on June 21” Shri Pandya Congratulated the United Nations on proclaiming 21 June as International yoga Day.

Another distinguished speaker Shri Sudesh Verma, National Spokesperson of BJP, who travelled all the way to Gujarat from New Delhi for this event enthusiastically thanked the orgasnisers and addressed the august gathering highlighting legacy of Indian independence and pivotal role played by Mahatma Gandhi, Shri Verma in his address said that, “Gandhi has three weapons which he used for getting independence and to resolve any kinds of conflicts, we should also follow the same path. The Gandhian strategy is the combination of truth, sacrifice, non- violence, selfless service and cooperation. According to Gandhi one should be brave and not a coward. He should present his views, suggestions and thoughts without being violent. One should fight a war with the weapons of truth and nonviolence. Gandhi said that “There is no god higher than truth.” According to Gandhi’s thoughts, non- violence is ultimate solution of every kind of problem in the world.”

Shri Sudesh Verma further added that, “the views of the late Mahatma Gandhi have been given priority by the Prime Minister of the country, Shri Narendra Modi. Moving the country in that direction which was visualized by Gandhi is always in the action plan of our PM.” Shri Verma gave a detailed information about the development works of the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi like Swachh Baharat Abhiyaan and construction of Sauchalayas in India.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Shri Rajendra S. Trivedi, MLA and the Hon’ble Speaker of Gujarat Legislative Assembly. Shri Trivedi explained few interesting incidents during his career as an Advocate and Chairman of Bar Council as well as Vice Chairman. He further said that, “150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji is being celebrated across the country, if we imbibe Mahatma Gandhi's ideas as a permanent habit, it would be considered as a true tribute to Gandhi.”

Referring to his experience during his visit to Switzerland, Shri Trivedi said, “that no local political leader was seen in Switzerland, but only one statue of Mahatma Gandhi was in Switzerland. In Switzerland, Gandhi's ideas are preferred. After Mahaveer Swami or Buddha, Gandhiji, is the priest of non-violence and peace.” He congratulated IFUNA for selecting Gujarat for observance of UN Day 2019 and also congratulated everyone for starting UNA Chapter of Gujarat on this auspicious day

Vote of thanks was given by Dr. Hemant Bhatt, he thanked all the office bearers of UNA Gujarat, IFUNA team members specially Shri Deepak Parvatiyar, Dr. Mayuri Pandya, Dr. Udita Bharatbhai Pandya and everyone who contributed for grand success of UN Day observance 2019 And successful installation of United Nations Association of Gujarat (UNAG).

The program was concluded with a National Anthem by Amitabh Bachchan in the sign language.

The event was extensively covered by the local Print, Electronic and Social Media followed by lunch at the beautiful well-manicured lawns of YMCA, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

I sincerely thank everyone at IFUNA specially our leader and guide Shri Suresh Srivastava Sir, who is Secretary General of IFUNA, for his continuous faith, encouragement and support, without him it would have not been possible.

Report by Shri Deepak Parvatiyar, Media Adviser, Indian Federation of United Nations Associations.

United Nations Associations (UNAs) are the extended arms of the United Nations Organisation with the primary mission of supporting the principles and purposes of the UN through the engagement of people who share a global mindset and support international cooperation.

On the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, I was privileged to set up the UNA chapter in the Mahatma's home state Gujarat on the eve of the 74th UN Day, on October 23, 2019.

If United Nations is all about peace, then Mahatma Gandhi is the icon of peace. The theme of the day was UN ideals and Mahatma Gandhi on which my old journalist friend Sudesh Verma (who is now enjoying his stint as National Spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party), delivered a thought provoking lecture and the ruling political outfit's perspective on UN and Gandhi.

It is rather surprising that UNA was not active in Mahatma's home state. But as our chief guest of the day, the honourable speaker of Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Rajendra S. Trivedi, said in his speech, it's better late than never.

It was a grand inauguration where I inducted the members to this new chapter, being the Media Advisor of Indian Federation of United Nations Associations. The function aptly started with the screening of newly launched video on Gandhi's signature bhajan, Vaishnav Jan, produced by ETV Bharat and I thank my friend Braj Mohan Singh , Regional Editor of ETV Bharat who conceptualised the video, for providing me the video for the function. The skit on Mahatma and thereafter the Garba dance performed by local artists were splendid and the programme ended with the screening of national anthem in sign language performed by Amitabh Bachchan and children with disabilities. For this I thank my friend Satish Kapoor and We Care Film Festival on disability issues(of which also I am the media advisor), which had produced this video.

I congratulate former two term Gujarat legislator (who was the youngest to defeat a sitting chief minister in an assembly election) Bharat Pandya but who has now decided against contesting elections, on becoming the president of UNA, Gujarat. He has pledged to build bridges not walls. Dhanraj Nathwani, a corporate honcho who is the president, corporate affairs of Reliance Industries and Mr. Jayesh Desai have been inducted at the ceremony as vice presidents of Gujarat UNA.The other members inducted during the ceremony were eminent professionals Dr. Parimal Desai, Dr.M.P.Chandran, Vaibhaviben Nanavati, Dr. Hemant Bhatt, Chiranjeev Patel and Dr. Mayuriben Pandya. While Laxman bhai Patel, national General Secretary of Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers, Dr Bilal Hidayat, eminent cardiologist from Surat, and Khushbu Pujara , an educationist from Ahmedabad were inducted as "friends of UNA Gujarat", yours truly was privileged again to be invited to the state executive as Advisor, UNA Gujarat. I thank Ifuna UN Associations and secretary general Mr. Suresh Srivastava for reposing faith in me and giving me this responsibility. A special thanks to my colleague and secretary of Maharashtra UNA, Ashraf Ahmed Shaikh for extending all support during the programme.