The Rising Stars and Guests

Champions do not become champions when they win an event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their character as champions.

The Rising Stars felicitation ceremony organised by the Palanpur Samaj Kendra is an annual event to award this spirit of excellence in our achievers year after year. This tme it was held on 18th February, a Sunday at the Rangaswar Hall of Y.B. Chavan Prathisthan, Nariman Point, Mumbai. 

Among the incredible achievers were six students who received more than 95% in the 10th standard exams and five who qualified as Chartered Accountants. Dr Sheela Butala and Dr Neomee Shah obtained their PhDs. Mrs Rajul Mehta shone on the art circuit as she was nominated for a Global Art award. Mrs Nishrin Parikh's dedication to fitness secured her a place at the Asian Body Building and Physique competition. Mr Hitesh Parikh's prowess was reflected in his achieving a fourth BlackBelt in Karate. Fifteen year old Veer Shah's win at the U-16 National level Spanish Lawn Tennis Tournament was outstanding. And one more inspriation was 86 year old Mr Sureshbhai Mehta who won the Super Senior Golfer award from the Addicts Golfing Association. There were many more achievers and each one had a story worth celebrating.  

 Chief Guest Mrs Shikha Uberoi Bajpai

The ceremony began with a sweet song by Sakshmi Bhansali, a soulful medley of old songs by Utsav Shah and a fitness demonstration by Nishrin Parikh.

The student comperes, Tejvir Jogani, Anaaya Shah and Niomi Shah conducted the felicitation ceremony through well-timed and detailed presentation on the achievements of each of the ‘Rising Stars'. Aryan Mehta spoke about the Reservation and Quota system in colleges and Tejvir Jogani 's speech was about the computer game he had designed himself.

The Chief Guest for the event was Mrs Shikha Uberoi Bajpai, a former professional tennis player who was a winner at the Asian Games and became an icon in India. She is now the founder of indi.com and Impact Media 360.

 Expressing support to the NextGen achievers

Mrs Uberoi gave an extremely inspirational speech. She highlighted the importance of the role of the mother in shaping each individual and then further spoke about the role of the father, grandparents, family and well wishers. She also stressed the importance of the community in the identity of each individual and how good it was to see that the Palanpuri community come togethter to felicitate the budding youngsters for their achievements and sporting excellence.

Towards the end of her speech, the entire audience could not stop applauding her as her words created a magical aura in the auditorium leaving a smile on every face and a feeling of pride amongst all that the community is so well knitted by a common thread of belonging to Palanpur.

Amazing achievers, good speakers and a motivating chief guest - it all added upto a well attended and enjoyable event.

Those felicitated at the event include:

 
Click here to view more photos.