Atithi Devo Bhava
 

Atithi Devo Bhava Unnat Nagindas Pattni (Challa) welcomed at Pranbhai’s residence Unnat Pattni, committee member and a youth coordinator of Pattni Brotherhood Nairobi was in London a fortnight ago. It was my pleasure to warmly welcome him with his mama, Mukundbhai Anandji Jeram Ghaghada who lives in London, at my residence. Unnat had also served as the Hon. Secretary for London Parajiya Pattni Association from 2000 to 2004 when Hasmukhlal Bhimjibhai Ratanshi Dhanak was the PPA London President.   It was during his tenure as the secretary when the Internet use grew rapidly in the West. The Internet saw massive growth, the like of which had not been seen with any preceding technology.   The committee at the time decided to take advantage of the Internet and started collecting e-mail addresses of the London members. So for the first time in the history of our community, secretary Unnat undertook the task and started sending out messages and announcements to our community by e-mail.   Unnat is always interested in people and had an underlying desire to serve our community. As a youth coordinator of Nairobi Pattni Brotherhood he tries to bring Nairobi youths together by organising shows of Bollywood movies,  sports, outings and other activities.   Discussion with Unnat We discussed a wide range of important issues facing our Samaj. Youth of Today Unnat expressed concern that young people today are drifting away and not taking much active role in our community activities.   The new generation will prefer to stick to their small circle of friends and not interested in the Pattni Samaj activities. They need to be encouraged by organising events especially for the youths.   Support for Pattni Connection website Unnat urged not to give up as the webmaster of Pattni Connection. Pattni Connection is a global brand and is playing vital role in connecting our community worldwide, especially today’s youths.   He reiterated “the whole of Nairobi Pattni community is right behind Pattni Connection and supporting you as our webmaster."

Sharing Memories of the Good Old Days with Mukund Unnat - Mukundbhai - Pranbhai Mukund Anandjibhai Jeram coming along with Unnat gave us an opportunity of recalling our childhood memories.   In Mombasa, our shops were right next to each other. Thus we grew up together and played together. They were the unrestrained, carefree days that we had enjoyed.   Formation of the First Ever Pattni Youth Social Club Mombasa Pattni community in those times was like one big family. Not only our parents met regularly, but we the children too used to get together often. Although we were still children, we used to attend Samaj meetings. This was the time when Gopalji Ranchodbhai Dhanak was the President and Anandjibhai Jeram Ghaghada serving as the Secretary. Getting inspiration from these leaders and elders gave us an idea to form a Youth Social club.   In 1963, a meeting of all Mombasa youths was held at the Samaj building and decided to form the first ever Pattni Social Club. Following office bearers were elected:   President - Pravin Dahyabhai Narshibhai Challa Secretary - Pranlal Chhaganbhai Arjan Dhanak Treasurer - Mukund Anandjibhai Jeram Ghaghada   We then went about collecting donations by visiting all Parajiya shops and their contributions helped us buy sports equipments.   The club had a successful beginning and youths used get together at Samaj regularly to play games.   Unfortunately a year later in 1964, it was our last year at high school. As there were no facilities in Mombasa for higher education it was time for us to go abroad for further education.   Since there were no one left to carry on, it was time to wind-up the club. All monies that we had collected were then used by buying utensils that we donated to the Samaj.   We then all drifted away to either India or UK for our further education.   We now look back and say - Those were the good old days!   Pranlal Chhaganbhai Arjan (Dhanak) Editor / Webmaster