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Founder and Chairman of Federation of Indian Associations, NY, NJ & CT, Ramesh J Patel passed away

New York, June 09, 2020
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh/ Paresh Gandhi

Founder and Chairman of Federation of Indian Associations, NY, NJ & CT, Ramesh J Patel passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 6th, 2020 from Covid-19 complications.  A veteran a community leader in the USA for over 50 years, Patel served the Indian diaspora selflessly and wholeheartedly through FIA, NFIA and other regional, cultural organizations by serving at various positions during the past 5 decades. Under his uncanny wisdom, statesmanship, and intelligence as an outstanding, bold and honest community leader; FIA elevated to unprecedented heights of success and global recognition.

End of an Era - Shree Ramesh J Patel FIA Chairman concludes his over 50 years of community service journey and begin another.. we thank you and as Ramesh kaka would say;

Shankar dada ki Jai... Om Shanti.. our beloved Chairman; a beloved friend, husband, father and grand father; you will forever be with us in our prayers and thoughts �

During his 5-decade long community service, Patel also touched the community with his visionary and distinguished skills in organizing the celebrations of the motherland India, the very popular celebration of India's Independence Day Parade in New York City.  The parade held for the past 40 years is the largest India Day parade celebration outside India in the World as well as cultural activities such as Republic Day Cultural Dance Competition that has been held for over three decades has seen participation from thousands of community children.  In addition, among the highlights in his numerous community serving contributions include

● Community assistance for Consular services thru Visa assistance camps that served over 8000 community members in 6 states 2014 thru 2019
● S-744 Immigration Reform Bill Appeal in DC 2013
● Organizing Committee Member -PM Modi Visit Madison Sq. Garden NY -2014
● Kearny Fire Victims Assistance 2017
● Hurricane Sandy Red Cross Interpretation Services 2012
● Retaining Family reunification bill in 1984
● Successful fight against Dot-Busters in 1988
● Successful and huge rally in Washington DC to stop Pakistan getting advanced military equipment .He was also honored with  the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2013.

Over the course of his long-tenured selfless community serving journey, Ramesh Patel has received numerous national and international recognitions including honor of being a part of President Clinton's delegation to India as well as being a formally invited guest for the inauguration of late PM Atal Behari Vajpayee.  During this tenure Patel contributed and positively impacted the welfare of multiple trade and professional associations such as AAHOA, AAPI, IAFPE, NFIA among other diaspora centric trade, professional community, and regional organizations. His life’s goal and the dedication was contributed to the betterment of the motherland India and selflessly helping the Indian diaspora in the USA.

Born in Gamdi village near Anand in Gujarat, he came to the USA in 1966 to further his education and completed his Masters from Stevens Institute NJ; Patel proudly served the New York Police Department as a supervisor, in forensics Department until retirement.

Ramesh J Patel is survived by his wife Sucheta, daughters Manisha and Kunjal and Son Suhash along with his 3 sisters, one brother and his very large FIA family and friend circle.

FIA, conveys its heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family. FIA also expresses heartfelt gratitude to  all of the FIA family, supporters, media and community leaders for their trust and continued support to Ramesh Patel and FIA.

FIA also extends its gratitude to the Indian Embassy and Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty and all other Indian Foreign Service Community, Local , International Govt. Officials. We are also thankful for condolence messages from distinguished community leaders, performers, and actors who have associated with the nonprofit organization during Ramesh Patel’s tenure. As Ramesh Patel would say, we conclude with the same, Shankar dada ki Jai!