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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JANUARY 15, 2021 | The Indian Eye 20

Pravasi Bharatiya samman

raMesH Patel

the leader who took fia to new heights

of success and global recognition

IA leadership pays trib- triotism, mobilizing diversified
ute to the man who resources to swell funds for
Fplayed a crucial role in charity and other community
the making of the largest um- beneficial projects have made
brella organizations in the Indi- him a true gallant, bold, com-
an community munity leader.
Under his dynamic leader-

ramesh Patel, chairman ship, he successfully waged war
against Dot-Busters, became
of federation of indian part of a delegation to retain

associations of new york, family reunification privileges
under Simson-Mazzoli Immi-
new jersey, and connecti- gration Bill, demonstrations

cut (fia-tri-state), passed at Capitol Hill, against giving
Hawks Fighter F-15 planes to
away peacefully surround- Pakistan, encouraging brilliant
ed by his family on june 6 student by awarding due stu-
dent recognition certificates,
due to complications from contributing substantial funds

covid-19. He was 78. to the victims of nation and in-
ternational calamities.
Highlights of Patel’s numer-
He is survived by his wife ous community serving contri-
Sucheta, two daughters Man- butions include:
isha and Kunjal, and son Dr.
Suhas, a cardiologist along with • Community assistance for
his extended family and his very consular services through visa
large FIA family and friend’s assistance camps that served
over 8000 community mem-
circle. bers in six states, from 2014
Fondly known as “kaka” through 2019.
within the FIA, Patel was a • S-744 Immigration Reform
force to reckon with. A veteran
community leader in the U.S. tel elevated FIA to unprece- other FIA flagship activities, Bill Appeal in Washington,
D.C., in 2013
for over 50 years, Patel served dented heights of success and including as well as cultural • Organizing committee mem-
the Indian diaspora selflessly global recognition. activities such as ‘Dance Pe bers during Prime Minister
and wholeheartedly through During his 50 years associ- Chance,” the annual dance Narendra Modi’s address at
FIA, one of the largest umbrel- ation with FIA, Patel has held competition held to coincide Madison Square Garden in
la organizations in the Indian various challenging positions with India’s Republic Day.
community, as well as through in FIA since 1984, including Held for over three decades, New York in 2014
the National Federation of In- president in 1988-1990. He is the competition has seen par- • Assisting victims of a fire in
Kearny, New Jersey, in 2017
dian American Associations instrumental in establishing ticipation from several dance • Providing Red Cross Interpre-
(NFIA), and other regional and several events that promote the schools in the tri-state area, as tation Services during Hurri-
cultural organizations, by serv- culture and heritage of India, well as from thousands of chil- cane Sandy in 2012
ing at various positions during including FIA’s flagship event - dren from the community. • Retaining the Family Reunifi-
the past five decades. the India Day Parade. The pa- Patel’s uncanny leadership,
Under his uncanny wisdom, rade, held for the past 40 years, political wisdom, razor-sharp cation Bill in 1984
statesmanship, and intelligence is the largest India Day parade memory, ferocious approach • Waging a successful fight
as an outstanding, bold, and celebration outside India. against injustices to communi- against Dot-Busters in 1988
honest community leader; Pa- Patel played a key role in ty, displaying remarkable pa- Continued on next page... >>

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