for seniors

a delightful lineup of Hindi and English songs, and a variety of dances. Well-known community singer Vinod Rajput had graciously helped the kids in arranging their music. (The program itself had started off with some of his bhajans).

Bollywood dances by Amita, Sonia, Mehar, Aachal and Shobhana brought the house down. Niharika’s classical dance in the Kathak style was just as impressive. Shashank’s songs, in Hindi and English, showed off his versatility.

Besides performances by the children with Indian heritage, an Irish tap dance, performed by Anya Brinka, was a refreshing change.

Children who participated on the occasion took home some wonderful prizes, presented to them by chief guest and community leader Raj Natarajan.

In an articulate speech, Mira Raheja explained the importance of this event in Indian society and its roots with the first Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who saw children as the future of the nation.

An excellent cake was arranged for the occasion. Towards the end there were refreshments for all persons present.

Also on the occasion, an essay writing competition was conducted on the topic “Our children are our assets”. A number of interesting views on the role of the children in the society and nation building were put forward by the participants.

Consul General of India Amit Dasgupta provided a number of books to be distributed amongst the children. He himself could not come because of his prior commitment, but sent his best wishes. Councilor Dilip Chopra (Hornsby shire) supported the event in his capacity as a representative of the local council. The event was supported by a local business Travel Hut.

In an event that put everyone in a happy frame of mind, both kids as well as seniors became aware of each other as important members of society. The variety show, similarly, showcased our community’s tendency to uphold aspects of our own culture while being immersed in that of the mainstream.

Throughout it all, the esteem with which our elders are regarded, as well as the elders’ unconditional love for the children, shone through.

Kishore Singhal