Interview with Gujarati Society Glasgow

Gujarati Society Glasgow(GSG) is a Non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers with an aim to celebrate cultural and religious festivals and bring people of the Gujarati community closer together. The society is not just for Gujaratis but open for all interested in learning more about Gujarati culture and participating in the events. GSG are a great opportunity to socialise with your friends and family as well as make new friends.It is a great way to learn about Gujarati culture, festivals and possibly enjoy Gujarati delicacies at the cultural events.

Interview follows as below

Q.: When and how was the seed of Gujarati Society Glasgow(GSG) planted? Who were there at the root to inspire to begin GSG?

Ans.: Gujarati Society Glasgow was first created in 2013 by a group of 8 volunteers (4 couples). Many years ago there was a Gujarati committee who were dedicated to providing cultural events for all to enjoy, to help celebrate and mark key festivals. The old committee was in place many many years ago and have not been running for quite a while. The foundation of the GSG was to start up another committee which would work to provide these cultural festivals again.

Committee members of Gujarati Society Glasgow

Q.: What are the different activities of Gujarati Society Glasgow?

Ans.: We have held Dandiya celebration events in Glasgow for the past 5 years. At these events we have a full live band who perform live music to dance to the whole night. These events allow people to celebrate the festival by coming together and worshiping. During the event we have Garba, Dandiya and Aarti. As well as this, amazing prizes are given out to the best male and female dancers and well as prizes for best dressed kids. We also hold a raffle and give out raffle prizes to add to the enjoyment of the night. The events are family friendly and are a big hit with the kids who love to join in on classics like Sanedo. Overall the events organised by GSG are a great way to come together and celebrate the festival of Navratri.

GSG Navratri Celebration

GSG Navratri Celebration

GSG Navratri Celebration

Q.: How it is essential in terms of cultural activities? What are the benefits of it?

Ans.: The events organised by GSG allow for a great cultural celebration. It is an amazing way for people to come together with friends and family and celebrate the occasion. The events take place in community halls in Glasgow which helps to raise awareness for the cultural events happening in the community. This also helps attract all people from the community to come along and witness something new as it is open to all. The events are advertised throughout Glasgow to help spread the celebration to as many people as possible.

Q.: How does GSG operate? Who are committee members of GSG and what are their roles and responsibility?

Ans.: The GSG is made up of 8 members (4 couples). These members include Piush Patel, Bhautesh Jani, Vinit Shah, Kalpesh Shah. Pinal Patel, Megha Patel, Jiya Vinit Shah and Deepali Shah. Everyone within the committee has various roles and tasks to help bring the event together. These roles include setting up and managing ticket sales online, organizing the hire of the hall and band including equipment, spreading the word of the event online through facebook and various other sites, organizing raffle prizes and competition prizes, making prashad and many more tasks. Everyone in the group takes on has a different responsibility to add to the smooth running of the event.

Q.: Most memorable memories of GSG so far.

Ans.: The most memorable memory is just seeing everyone having a great time and enjoying themselves. It is great to see all the children enjoying themselves and dancing throughout the night. It is great to see everyone out dancing and expressing themselves for the night.