India Post News Service
SANTA CLARA, CA: The 25th International Sindhi Sammelan organized by the Sindhi community of Northern California concluded at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Santa Clara on Sunday, July 8.
The event began with celebrations of the centenary birthday of Dada Jashan Vaswani on Thursday, July 5. Ms. Lisa M. Gillmor, Mayor of Santa Clara, lighted the lamp with Sammelan President Chandru Bhambhra and AGSA President Ramola Motwani along with Board Members of Sammelan and AGSA. Many community leaders of Bay Area joined the festivities. The lighting of lamp ceremony was followed by message from Dada Jashan and a brief overview of Dada’s contributions to humanity.
A few children played music and sang spiritual songs and spoke a few messages in Sindhi. Professional singers Kajal Chandiramani, Jatin Udasi and Drshika Advani, sang some soul songs in praise of Dada Jashan. Songs were followed by “Chhej (Typical Sindhi Group Dance)”, where all participants are encouraged to dance together.
On July 6, the Sindhi Sammelan was inaugurated by Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok, Consul General of India – San Francisco along with Assembly member Ash Kalra, District 27 San Jose, Council Member Savita Vaidyanathan, City of Cupertino and Council Member Raj Salwan, City of Fremont and all Board Members. After formal introduction of the Ambassador by President Chandru Bhambhra, the Ambassador congratulated the assembled audience of around 700 Sindhis from all over the world.
The following three days were spent in a flurry of activities starting with 6 a.m. “Asa Ki Vaar” Sindhi prayers. For the first time, the Sammelan had some special millennial activities. The younger generation, made the most of it by organizing discussion groups, Mixers, Speed dating and DJ/Dance till late night etc.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the 3 professional singers from India, Kajal Chandiramani, Jatin Udasi and Drshika Advani mesmerized the audience by their soulful singing. The Fashion show by Pooja Motwani was liked by the audience. The two Sindhi plays “Bela Ka Jhamela” and “ Lila Chanesar” became the talk of the Sammelan. Manju Mirchandani was the Director of the Play Lila Chanesar. Comedian Nitin Mirani from India made the crowd burst into laughter.
The Sammelan ended on Sunday July 8 after Chandru Bhambhra passed on the baton to Satish Raisinghani, President of the next International Sindhi Sammelan 2019 to be held at Barcelona, Spain, congratulatory remarks by Council Member Rishi Kumar, City of Saratoga and Bahirano.
