With love from Sydney

When a group of people share the same dream, it becomes a premonition of reality. This is exactly what happened when four young families in Sydney shared the dream of doing something for their homeland. Rima and Divesh, Soma and Dibyendu, Aditi and Indranil, and Varshalee and Debraj: four young couples, one big dream.

They did it in the form of Kali Puja. In West Bengal, Kali Puja falls on the same day as Diwali. And just as Diwali brings a promise of hope and light where there was none before, Kali Puja does the same for scores of Bengalis. So it is through this unique medium these young men and women have chosen to raise funds for those in need.

They named their group Iti Sydney, which in English translates to “With love from

Sydney.” Because these families had the courage to dream together four years ago, a handful of children have the option of pursuing a higher education. Iti Sydney has sponsored the education of a young girl in West Bengal – she is currently at medical college. The charity has also helped in setting up a mental asylum in West Bengal to help those in need.

Not just restricted to projects in India, Iti Sydney has raised money for several local projects including the Cancer Council.

Every year Iti Sydney hosts a Kali Puja festival. The organising members all wear the same uniform of traditional Bengali colours of white and red. The focus of the event is the cultural program consisting of Bengali song and dance. This year the theme was “Bengali Folk and Modern.” Bengal has a diverse culture of music and is often lost in lieu of greats like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul.

Following the traditional Kali Puja and cultural programme all guests were invited to share in a delicious dinner including Bengali favourites of green mango chutney and kheer. There was also a pani puri stall which remained crowded for most of the evening. All donations were voluntary and it is through the continued love and dedication of volunteers and support of the community that they can continue their good work.

More pictures at www.indianlink.com.au

“Every little bit counts,” notes Soma. “Some lend their hand at chopping vegetables and cooking in the morning;, others help set up the stage and decorate the hall, and many help welcome the guests – we couldn’t have done it without the help of each of these individuals”.

This year Iti Sydney raised $5,500 from the Kali Puja Cultural Program.

For me, the highlight of the evening was to see the young children on stage – some as young as 2 years old! Iti Sydney not only sends a bit of Sydney to Bengal, but instils a bit of Bengal in the Sydney kids. For these are the children who we hope will one day carry the torch so lovingly lit by their parents and continue the work that brings hopes to so many.

Raka Mitra