Gujarati Samaj of Houston, Inc. is a non profit tax-exempt organization [IRS 501-C-3].

Established: 1978

Background

In the late 1970's, Houston experienced the rapid growth of Indian immigrants in all professions. Gradually, the need to meet with their fellow countrymen and celebrate religious festivals became very evident. Gujaratis, being the largest group of Indian immigrants in Houston, became the leading community to start meeting informally to celebrate Diwali and Navratri. In 1978, with very few members, Gujarati Samaj took formal birth in Houston.

Later in 1980, it was incorporated in The State of Texas, as Gujarati Samaj Of Houston, Inc. (aka GSH). On the principle of broader basis of Hindu religion coupled with educational and cultural activities to promote Indian heritage, Non-Profit status under 501 (C) (3) was granted by the U.S. Internal Revenue Services.

Objectives

To promote Indian heritage on the principle and broader basis of Hindu religion coupled with educational and cultural activities.

Membership

Today, with 1500 strong membership, GSH is the largest Indian Organization in Houston. Its complete operation is managed by a group of unpaid volunteers. Officers are elected annually for one-year term under the democratic process.

Activities

Year around, Samaj hold cultural and religious activities catering the need of Children, adult and our senior citizen. GSH publishes monthly literary magazine "Darpan", operates library, which is open to all community members, invites artists and literary figures from India, and arranges religious discourses by learned saints. Additionally, organize national & regional folk dance competition, offers scholarship; conducts sport activities, language, music, folk dance and cooking classes. Major festival celebrated by GSH are Independence day, annual picnic, makersakranti( kite flying ), Holi/Dhuleti, Diwali, Christmas for kid's and new year's eve,etc.. Our ten day Navratri celebration is unique, and it witnesses of about 5000 to 6000 peoples, young, adults and seniors alike.

Our Property

• Mahatma Gandhi Community Center (MGCC)
  6220 Elm Street, Houston, TX 77081
  (713) 776-2379
• Sardar Patel Community Park (SPCP/10 Acre land)
  18700 Madden Road, Richmond, Texas
  lease to Cricket Club (HICC)

Contact

President (E-mail: president@GujaratiSamajOfHouston.org
Mahatma Gandhi Community Center (MGCC) Ph. (713) 776-2379, Fax: 713-776-2378
Web page: www.GujaratiSamajOfHouston.org