“Forget about all other deities and worship only one that is Bharata Mata!” Swami Vivekananda
Friday saw the launch of a new forum to enthuse Indians living in the UK - a reminder of how we are a part of India’s rich heritage, a unique blend of harmonious cultures encompassing myriad languages and faiths.
The event was the brainchild of Asma Suterwala, Kalindi Chandaria and Bharati Sethia. It was fittingly launched at The Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi used to pray in the old church building.
After some ad hoc comedic entertainment, sublime dances by Parvati Nair, Arti Bhandari and Shivani Sethia, the evening was formally commenced with the lighting of the inaugural diya by Lady Bagri and CB Patel.
The star of the event was six year old Ishwar Vishvanath, who recited slokas for universal peace and brotherhood from the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. Asma Suterwala also recited beautiful extracts from the Koran.
Everyone was then transported to India through a superb blend of popular and moving patriotic songs, by great poets such as Iqbal and Pradeep. The singing was led by Bharati Sethia and ably supported by talented musicians and an enthusiastic chorus. The audience participated wholeheartedly, singing and waving their Indian flags in unison. This vision was made sweeter by the presence of young ‘mascots’ Ishwar, Sophie and Jasmine Azhar on stage. A separate verse, composed by Bharati Sethia, was added to ‘Aao Bachchon Tumhe Dikhayen’, to recognise the significant contribution of Gujarat to modern day India, and was much applauded.
There were moving speeches from special guests, including Lalita Ahmed Chatterjee, for whom the singing evoked nostalgia, pride and inspiration.
Chief Guest CB Patel exhorted participants to remember that from a small seed much can grow, and that the ideals behind the ‘Vande Mataram Group’ should be fully explored and utilised across community centres, schools and cultures.
The auditorium was filled with over 200 people - everyone left glowing with national pride, making it a truly memorable evening. It is hoped that the group will continue to harness the transformative power of music to foster harmony and unity, inspiring us to serve India and the UK, our adoptive country.
The next group singing session, is on Monday, 9th May 2016 at 3:00 to 4:30 pm, at The Bhavan, London.All our welcome.
Please contact Bharati Sethia ([email protected]) to register your interest and for further details on how to get involved in this exciting, new group!
