The Gujarati Literary Academy of North America (GLAONA) hosted its 13th Biennial Convention starting Friday, September 5, and ending September 7, at the Sheraton Edison Hotel. The three-day event brought together hundreds of community members, writers, artists, and dignitaries who celebrated Gujarati literature and culture in the diaspora, a press release from organizers said.
The convention commenced September 5, with a prayer by Darshana Zala, followed by a warm welcome from President of GLAONA Ashish Desai, and Gini Malavia, and a guest introduction by Babu Suthar.
The inaugural session featured an inspiring keynote address by Chief Guest Dr. Khevana Desai from Mumbai.
An awards ceremony was also held the same day conducted by Apexa Dave, where:
ADVERTISEMENT
- The Shri Chunilal Velji Mehta Award 2025 was conferred upon Kishor Desai,
- The Shri Ramesh Parekh Award 2025 was presented to Navin Shah, and
- The very first Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 was bestowed upon eminent diaspora poet Panna Naik.
The concluding session attended by some 175 people was “An Evening with Poet, Speaker, Storyteller, multitalented Dr. Raeesh Maniar,” moderated by Gini Malavia.
Saturday began with a thought-provoking session “Hu ane Maru Sarjan” (Me and My Creation), moderated by Natwar Gandhi, featuring diaspora and Gujarat-based authors including Madhu “Rye” Thaker, Dr. Nimitt Oza, Jayesh Bhogayata, Nilesh Rana, Ashok Vidvas, and Suchi Vyas.
This was followed by a Granth Vimochan (Book Release) session, led by Gini Malavia, with contributions from Manilal H. Patel, Panna Naik, Madhu Rye, Prarthana Jha, Rekha Sindhal, Jayshree Merchant, Arvind Amin, along with the announcement of numerous other diaspora authors’ recent publications.
In the afternoon, the convention hosted “21st Century Challenges in Literature,” chaired by Dr. Khevana Desai, with speakers including Dr. Nimitt Oza, Jayesh Bhogayata, Babu Suthar, Arpan Yagnik, and Manilal H. Patel.
The poetry session “Mari Kavita, Mari Olakh” (My Poetry, My Identity), was moderated by Jayesh Bhogayata, and featured recitations by Raeesh Maniar, Krushna Dave, Anil Chavda, Jayshree Merchant, Asharaf Dabawala, and Madhumati Mehta.
The evening concluded with Vachikam (dramatic readings), coordinated by Prarthana Jha Bhatt, including “Chatushkon” (an adaptation of A. R. Gurney’s play by Madhu Rye) performed by Vijay Thakkar and Durga Bhatt, and “Clean Bold” written and performed by Dr. Khevana Desai.
On Sunday, the final day, began with a Reflections session, moderated by Babu Suthar, with insightful contributions from Rambhai and Bhanuben Gadhavi, Manilal H. Patel, Dr. Nimitt Oza, Jayesh Bhogayata, Raeesh Maniar, Krushna Dave, and Durga Bhatt.
This was followed by a lively Diaspora Poetry Reading, led by Raeesh Maniar, featuring Mona Nayak, Anil Chavda, Prarthana Jha, Asharaf Dabawala, Jayshree Merchant, Nilesh Rana, and Madhumati Mehta.
Cultural & Community Highlights
In addition to literary sessions, the convention also showcased Gujarati Sugam Sangeet performances by Krushanu and Diti Majmundar from Washington, D.C.
Attendees praised the convention for its diverse programming, warm hospitality, and seamless organization, the press release said. “This convention is not just about literature—it’s about celebrating our roots, building bridges across generations, and keeping Gujarati alive in our hearts,” said Ashish Desai, President of GLAONA.
GLAONA extended its gratitude to all partners, including ITV Gold (Parikh Worldwide Media), sponsors, volunteers, authors, poets, and community who together made the 13th Convention a success.