Who we are
About Us
Greater Richmond Gujarati Association (GRGA) was instituted in spring of 2018 to fill a void of a cohesive Gujarati organization. GRGA is set up as a non-profit 501(c)(3), non-political and non-sectarian organization.
This organization’s fundamental purpose is to promote the best of Gujarati culture, traditions, cuisines and festivals. Honorable Ardeshar Khabardar poetically expressed in early 1900s, “Jya Jya Vase Ek Gujarati, Tya Tya Sadakal Gujarat” (Wherever a Gujarati resides, there forever is Gujarat). We are confident that, Greater Richmond Gujarati diaspora carries the ethnic pride of Gujarat in their hearts. This association aspires to provide a platform to express and showcase everything Gujarat!
Gujarat is located in Central-West India. First settlers of this region can be dated back to the Indus Valley Civilization of c. 3300 – c. 1300. Gujarat is religiously diverse and boasts inclusion of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. Gujarat is the land of the revered father of India, Mahatma Gandhi who revolutionized non-violent resistance against tyrannies and revered Sardar Patel who is credited for unifying 565 self-governing princely states into the country India as we know today.
Gujarati populous forms approximately 33% of Indian diaspora outside of India. In Richmond, we are your Doctors, Engineers, hotel hosts, convenience store attendants, IT professionals and more importantly your best neighbors. Gujarati diaspora takes pride in dissolving in every community like honey in a dessert. We strive to be the best part of every community we live in. However, at the same time, we never let go our Gujarati roots. A Gujarati can be taken away from Gujarat but not Gujarat out of a Gujarati.
Mission
To provide a platform to preserve and promote Gujarati heritage by uniting the community, organizing cultural events and festivals.