Gujarati Society of Southern California (GSSC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting Gujarati culture, heritage, and community service across Southern California. It unites Gujaratis of all backgrounds and welcomes anyone interested in Gujarati traditions.
Mission & Vision
GSSC’s mission is to pool diverse skills and resources to deliver a better future for its communities and the generations ahead. Key focus areas include:
- Promoting Gujarati heritage and culture through community projects
- Becoming a resource hub for all community members
- Creating interdependent relationships within the diverse Gujarati community
- Organizing fundraising for disaster relief and aid nationally and internationally
- Serving youth, women, and senior citizens with targeted programs
- Creating networking opportunities for business owners and young professionals
- Raising funds to build a Sports Complex and Social Club
- Organizing health and political awareness programs
Learn more on the GSSC information & objectives page.
Events & Activities
The Events section includes:
- Signature Events – marquee cultural programs and community gatherings.
- Community Events – temples, local centers, and charities can submit events to reach GSSC members.
- Past Events – highlights include Dandiya Dhoom (2022), Mera Kuch Samaan (2020), Holi Hai 2020, and charity concerts.
Regular programs feature Holi & Diwali celebrations, Navratri Garba, Gujarat Day, medical/yoga camps, drama and music events, appreciation dinners, movie nights, and the vibrant Uttarayan (kite festival).
Membership Framework
Join via the online membership application. Options include:
- General Membership – Free
- Life Membership (Individual) – $150
- Life Membership (Family) – $250
- Donor – $1,000
Member Benefits
- Event ticket discounts
- Newsletter updates featuring GSSC & community events
- Volunteer opportunities via the volunteer page
- Future access to an online business directory, job board, and discussion forum
See the full list on the Membership Benefits page.
Volunteer Committees
GSSC is volunteer-run, with specialized committees such as:
- Entertainment – concerts, Diwali dinners, Navratri & Holi celebrations
- Sports – sports activities and Sports Complex fundraising
- Medical Camp – annual health fairs and healthy lifestyle awareness
- Short Trip Planner – weekend to 10-day trips in CA, across the US, and abroad
- Political Action – non-partisan voter education and legislative awareness
- Women Empowerment – vocational training, financial skills, confidence building
- Entrepreneur & Small Business – growth education and networking
- Tech Support – website, email marketing, and IT
- Legal Services – nonprofit compliance, contract review, attorney referrals
- Youth Activities – leadership, networking, career development, mentorship
- Seniors Activities – cultural events and support for 65+
Youth Committee Initiatives
The Youth Committee (ages 18–45) runs energetic, community-building programs:
- Hiking in Orange County & Los Angeles
- Motivational speakers & networking mixers (“Samosa & Mimosa”)
- Comedy shows and professional sports outings (LA Dodgers, Angels)
- Bollywood dance parties, Garba, and Uttarayan
- Career fairs, mentorship, picnics, dinner parties, and summer concerts
Communication & Outreach
- Newsletters covering events and achievements
- Media Gallery with photos from Diwali, Navratri, Unity Festivals, etc.
- Get in touch via the contact page or email info@gujaratisocal.org
- Support GSSC projects through the secure donation page
Leadership
GSSC operates under an active leadership framework with an Executive Board, Trustees, and Youth leadership. Key executive roles include:
- Pushpaben Patel – President
- G J Zala – Vice President / Treasurer
- B U Patel – Chairman
- Lataben Ahir – Secretary
- Jawahar Shah – Event Director / Joint Secretary
See the full leadership list on the Leadership page.