LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bombay Jayashri’s special event for special needs kids

The eminent Carnatic vocalist Bombay Jayashri was in Sydney recently to perform at the Sydney Opera House.

During her visit, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an invite from Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) stating that Bombay Jayashri would be presenting a concert solely for special needs children. Being the mother of one such beautiful child, I had the privilege of the invite. I decided to go even though I had other commitments that evening, as a gesture of appreciating the artiste and the time she was devoting to the privileged children (‘God’s special children’ as Bombay Jayashri preferred to call them).

Logistics planned for commuting fell apart on that day as luck would have it, and, my going became a question mark with time ticking away. With the foremost thought of paying my respect to the organisation (especially Akila Ramarathinam of the VHP) and the singer, somehow the whole thing was managed and there we were just in the nick of time at Ermington Hall where the event was organised. There were only about 40-50 of us with about 15 special kids. I thought to myself that this lady who was going to perform at the Opera House the next day in all its grandeur, will probably want to save her voice and sing about two or three songs perhaps. Wrong. She sang no less than 10 songs!

Chairman of Buddhist Council of NSW) and Talk by Pravrajika Gayatriprana. Offering and distribution of sweets and savouries. Both at: Vedanta Hall, 15 Liverpool Road, Croydon. Details: 02 9745 4320 or www.saradavedanta.org

Sydney Sakhi Sangam’s Teej function

14 July 11am-onwards

This is their 15th year commemorating Indian Women and their friendships. Details: Nandini 0423 684 340, Sushma 0411 967 374.

F ILM

The Taj Foundation hosting The Great Gatsby movie night Fri May 31 6:30pm (screening starts at 7pm) A night of drama, mingling and fun. Stay on for drinks after the movie.

Tickets: $25 Feel free to dress 1920s style Hoyts Cinema Paris, Entertainment Quarter, 38 Driver Avenue, Moore Park. Details: www.tajfoundation.org.au

MISC

Hindu Council of Australia Opportunities Available Hindu Council of Australia invites expression of interests from anyone who wishes to expand their horizons and get involved with one of the biggest community events of Sydney. These are voluntary positions.

Details: Raman Bhalla 0401 057 224 or www.hinducouncil.com.au

Apply: info@deepavali.com.au

The performance opened with a beautiful rendition of Shuklam bharatharam from one of the kids bringing tears to our eyes. They continued to flow on hearing Ms Bombay Jayashri say, “Allow these kids to be - don’t restrict them should they make a noise or run around”.

With all her songs centred around the theme of motherhood, my tears did not stop flowing, such was the sincerity with which Jayashri sang for us that evening.

Madhava maamava deva Krishna and Enna dhavam seidhanai were so very special to me as my son’s name is Krishna. Each song had me dance with pure joy in my mind with my son...

Afterwards, the star singer stayed on to mingle with the crowd. She was a picture of grace and sincerity as she took time to pose for photographs with each child, and to speak to the parents in her soft and gentle voice.

Now, I have no idea what her take from the event was, but mine and speaking for all of us who were there - it was a garland of tears etched with gratitude and joy from the bottom of our hearts not just for her time but for the “dignity” she gave our kids and us parents.

It was an evening we will all savour for a long time. Suchie Vijaykumar Roselands NSW

I have recently moved to Australia. I came across Indian Link and read your section. It’s totally amazing, and you must be too. I don’t have anything to ask but couldn’t stop myself from writing to you. It’s fun reading your section. Keep up the good work!

Deepika Marwaha Homebush NSW

info@indianlink.com.au

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