[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 59 (Thursday, May 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING DOCTOR GUNVANTRAY B. MEHTA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2001

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize an outstanding man 
in my district, Gunvantray B. Mehta, MD. Dr. Mehta was awarded the Key 
to the Golden Door Award by Toledo's International Institute on March 
31, 2001. This award is given to a naturalized citizen who has made a 
significant contribution to the betterment of people. I join with 
people from throughout my community in congratulating Dr. Mehta on his 
receipt of this award.
  Born in Gujarat, India, Dr. Mehta first traveled to New York in 1972 
for advanced medical study in Radiology at the Nassau County Medical 
Center. He arrived in Toledo later in that decade, where he joined X-
Ray Associates in 1978. Initially drawn to Toledo to be nearer family, 
Dr. Mehta was soon immersed in its vibrant and active Indian community. 
As a strong leader in that community, Dr. Mehta has long been involved 
in its signature events including productions of Ramayan and 
shakunthla. He organized a memorable seven day celebration culminating 
in the 1989 opening of Toledo's Hindu Temple and served as its first 
president. Dr. Mehta is also a leader in the medical community, and is 
an active participant in several local, state, and national 
professional organizations. He is currently the president of X-Ray 
Associates. Married to I'la, the couple has two children, daughter Dr. 
Minal and son Sandip.
  The International Institute's tribute notes, ``When asked who was the 
one person who made the greatest impact on his life, Dr. Mehta quickly 
answers his mother. From her, he learned that helping people should 
become second nature, and without having to think about it, a way of 
life. She motivated him to strive for excellence.'' I have known Dr. 
Mehta for many years. He is a caring, generous, and deeply committed 
man. While putting the American Dream into action, he never lost touch 
with his ancestry, his faith, or his country of origin. He is an 
ambassador in the truest sense of the word. How fortunate our community 
has been to have the Mehta family a part of us.

                          ____________________