Wow...what a weekend I have to say. As it was my first time
coming to the YSA Retreat, I came without any expectations. However
I did know from friends who have been to previous retreats that it's
unlike any other sammellan/convention/retreat you've been to. What
I gained from this past weekend was the love, warmth, kindness, and
viewpoints and opinions of every sindhi person who attended the
retreat. I came to the retreat just like many of you...to find out
more about our culture...our heritage..and to salvage as much as we
can.
Being at the retreat this past weekend, I've learned so much
about being who I am - a Sindhi. I've met people who shared their
emotions and laughter with me. You can say that I've become
emotionally and mentally drained...because like I said
before...words can't describe the experience you feel coming to
something like this.
Thank you Anil, Amar, and all the Washingtonani's for making this
possible. And thank you to all those people I met this weekend for
making this one of the best experiences of my life.
See ya next year...until then...take care...JHULELAL..BERA HEE
PAAR!!
Lalit
As I was driving into work today, I couldn't help but
reflect on my weekend,... the keen anticipation with
which I had been looking forward to it up until Thurs.
night when we arrived...and the memories that linger
after my last good bye yesterday evening :(
*Sigh*......Impressions?
Having attended both the Atlanta 2002 & the Vancouver
2003 Retreats, it was kinda hard not to compare. But
in a nutshell,
- This year's turnout was phenomenal! May YSA and its
purpose continue to touch & inspire each and every one
of us!
- Time was short - shorter than "usual" - but I think
we each tried to make the most of it in our own way
(anyone got more than six hours sleep in total this
weekend?? ;)
- The Cultural Show rocked! The DC Host Committee were
amazing! Such dedication & hardwork has always been
consistent throughout each Retreat. Our standards &
expectations continue to be outdone. Way to go guys!
- The afterparty on the hotel rooftop at 5.30am. Some
say it reminded them of a Sammelan party. Never having
attended a Sammelan, I could not respond. For those
who have, your thoughts?
For the first time Retreat attendees, were your
expectations met?
- The sessions were very deep - not sure what I missed
more? The fun game sessions like Sindhi Taboo, the
cooking sessions (no saii bhaaji & tayreen this time
round?), or just random singing in the lobby at 6am?!
- On the flip side, the topics discussed were each so
relevant. The memories of Partition, the admiration of
our heritage at V&A, the revitalisation of our need to
learn our language, the appreciation of our diverse
religious practices, the list is endless...
- And finally, the energy, the vibration, the
heartbeat that IS YSA... that feeling in the room on
Saturday afternoon at the end of Shilpa & David's
session...words simply cannot describe.
I hope you were there to witness it and would love to
hear your opinions, your thoughts, your impressions of
DC Retreat 2004.
Regards,
Anjali Nagrani
(One of the 6 Anjali's at the Retreat this year! :)
In the preceeding months, weeks and days, Washingtanis spent hours and
hours meeting and planning, listening and debating, practicing and shooting,
sprinting and negotiating -- every ounce of energy expended returned to us
tenfold and more.... the atmosphere at Retreat III this past weekend was
electric, the participants were energetic, the presenters were spectacular,
the
plan was executed flawlessly, and that what is 'Sindhi' in us definitely felt
the
love.
Thank you, Washingtanis for giving of yourselves so selflessly and so
affectionately. You've set a new standard for YSA events, opened everyone's
heart and forever impacted the life of every Retreat III participant. You've
reminded us how infinitely cool it is to be Sindhi, shown us how incredibly
much we can accomplish when funtioning as ONE with one heart and one
love and for those things, mere words will never be enough...
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THE WASHINGTANI LOVE!
Anil Vaswani
For those that attended, you may know what I am about to say. For
those who did not, don't make the mistake of missing next year's
retreat. Terms that come to my mind are as follows and in no
particular order:
Life changing
Transforming
Educational
Inspiring
Amazing
This is just a few quick thoughts as my brain is still a bit fuzzy.
I feel physically drained, but emotionally and mentally charged. As
I grow older ever year, I take more and more out of YSA. The first
year was partying, meeting people, etc... The second year, was still
partying, more intimate, learning about dynamics, etc... This past
year, was yet still, partying, but gaining a better understanding of
what this is all about and how great this group is.
I am in touch with my emotional side, but would never say that I am
an emotional guy. However, for the last day and a half, I find
myself welling up every time I think about this weekend. Each year
Anil and I cry on my departure and this year was no different, except
I kept crying.
I sit here trying to fathom what we would be like without YSA. YSA
has single handely transformed people forever. Whether you had
expectations, desires, needs or no thought at all, everyone took
something away from this weekend. The question and challenge I ask
each and everyone of you, is what are you going to do about it? Are
you going to stand on the sideline, talk a game and not do much about
things or are you going to empower yourself and others, share that
light, motivate and place that effort to be that?
At the last seminar I attended, the presenter stated that 'there is a
fine line between being good and great,' This is great. YSA, Anil
and Amar Vaswani, Washingtonanis and all of you are just that.
Great. Thanks for everyone who I came into contact with. You have
enriched my life in many ways. For those I did not meet, I hope
there is a time that our lives cross and I, too, can thank you.
Life is about choices. Remember that every event in life has no
meaning until one perceives it as such. Everything is life can be
good, if we choose to perceive it as such.
Till the next time, but please make it sooner than later.
Humbly,
Vijay
Dear Diary,Still on my feet in standing ovation mode. Merriam-Webster wouldn't have
the
words, nor would any language. All I am and all of me is thankful for the
grace of God. Nothing in life is forever, nothing, not the British Empire,
nor the
Roman Empire, the Ming Dynasty, or Moenjodaro but legacies live on. Isn't
that why we're here; to preserve, to build new ones, to pass on.
Moenjodaro, the cradle of civilization far advanced than any other and rich
in every aspect with no fortifications or basic military weapons. This unheard
of in its time, today, tomorrow as our world struggles to recreate the
peaceful way of life enjoyed by our Sindhi ancestors in 2600 B.C.
I am thankful to the DC Host Committee. Like the YSA Retreat, their
dedication, hard work, passion, countless hours of meetings and late nights,
the
pouring of their hearts and souls is beyond words. Sometimes I wish I had
the
power
to press the rewind button and let those who missed it come back to enjoy
it
but I know better. I know that one has to miss something before it can be
appreciated. That said, desire arises not from the power of persuasion but
from
within.
Not only do I not want to try to put in words, but I refuse to. The best
memories are those captured in my mind not by any futuristic, state of the
art
gadget. I can still close my eyes and oh.... the sounds, the scent of freshness,
the tears of joy, the education, the most beautiful image of a classic
yogistic stretch, the reclaiming of a fabric ripped from my mothers and fathers
that
I never knew but its shredded threads lasso me back no matter how much I
run,
the beauty of Sindhi women, the beauty of all women, the tranquility in the
sound of silence, the clanking of glasses... Cheers YSA !
Spirit lasts forever. This one never started and will never end, like the
word 'OM', is OMnipotent and here to stay.
Now I can sleep.
AmAr
All,I speak from my heart when I extend a sincere "thanks"
to all those who attended the YSA retreat. As a
member of the DC host committee, I can't begin to tell
you how rewarding it is to have seen such an
impressive turn out and response.
In the weeks approaching the event, Anil would always
mention his idea of "One" - how all of us collectively
represent "one" powerful voice and "one" powerful
movement. While his concept sounded great in theory,
this past weekend we witnessed what Anil knew was true
in his heart.
Back in my daily routine today I stand witness to how
different our everyday lives are from that of being a
collective "one". In our everyday lives we lay
isolated from each other and consumed with our
individual concerns. While this is a sad truth, I
find comfort in knowing that we can continue to be
"one" through communication vehicles like this forum.
This is my first time posting anything to this email
forum but in an effort to continue being "one" – I can
promise you this will not be my last.
Kind Regards,
Vipin Motwani
Where do I begin? To put it simply, this weekend was AMAZING!!!
Congratulations goes to the Washington Host Commitee on an
OUTSTANDING job done!!!! Thank you for your committement, dedication
and for putting your heart into the Retreat! KUDOS to you all!!
On my trek back home,I had alot of time to reflect on the weekend
that was just over. I realized it really was not over..but this was
just the beginning. The weekend brought more knowledge about our
history, knowledge about our artifacts, language, culture, to name a
few. The weekend was just the beginning of many new friendships. Each
and everyone of us left the Retreat richer as individuals, richer as
Sindhis and proud of our heritage. It is events like the Retreat that
give comfort to our parents, grandparents, and family no longer with
us that their Sindhi Legacy continues in each and everyone of us.
Thank You Anil, Amar and all YSA Moderators who have taken on the
role of keeping the Sindhi Spirit alive.
For those of you who have not been to a YSA RETREAT, plan for it next
year. You owe it to yourself. To those of you whom I met last year
at the Retreat in Vancouver and attended the Washington Retreat, it
was truly heart warming to see you all. It was like meeting up with
family. And to those of you that I had the priviledge of meeting for
the first time, let it not be the last. See you all next year at the
retreat or during one of your visits to Vancouver!! Stay in touch!
Drop me an email!
Best of Luck to all the cities bidding for YSA Retreat IV!!
Lavina Dani
Vancouver, Canada
As I look back and reflect on my own life I have
noticed a big gap that needs to be filled. As I was
sitting through the sessions this weekend I realized
how little I knew about our culture. This has ignited
a fire in me to grow on a more spiritual basis. I'm
sure many of you have similar feelings as we leave DC
and go back to our normal lives. During one of the
sessions a presenter stated, "that there is a fine
line between being good and great" which is so true.
Which would you like to be?
To plan an event such as this requires countless hours
of preparation & dedication by the many people
involved. First off, Anil & Amar must get the proper
recognition for all the work they do to run this
forum, which has brought us all together. Plus we
can't forget the Washingtonanis for the long hours of
dedication & preparation to run an event so large.
This my friends is the definition of greatness when
everyone pulls together to form the vision of "ONE".
I am looking forward to talking to you all.
Until next time,
John Daswani
Yes, unfortunately we are all back to real life....I just wanted to say that
I had an amazing time in DC. It was my first YSA retreat and it will not be
my last. It was nice to catch up with old friends and to meet new friends.
The forums were very fulfilling and at points intense, particularly the
partition forum. I know my brother and I especially enjoyed the diaspora
forum. The culture show was awesome and it was obvious how much time
and
dedication went into it.
I just wanted to say thanks to all the Washingtanis, Amar and Anil, and
everyone else who helped make this retreat such a special experience for
me.
It is depressing to think about how quickly the time passed by. And
finally, looking forward to seeing all of you in the future....
Take care,
Anita Chindiani (Daryanani) =)
Hey YSA,
I'm not an active member in the forum, and usually shy away from
what I would like to say, but after such an INSPIRING, FULLFILLING,
EDUCATIONAL, INSPIRATIONAL, FUNFILLED weekend, there's something I
have to say.
I live in Paramaribo, Suriname. I was one of the last ones to
register to the YSA retreat. I mailed Anil asking "Is it still too
late?", he said "No, deadline is on the 30th, you can still
register."
It was the 27th of May. Oh, but the flights from Suriname to
Miami...only 2 flights a week to Miami, always full, hmmm...would I
get on the next flight?
I called, and yes , there was something available....then I booked
Miami - DC.
*phew*, I better register, and I did....and like you said Anil, it
was just destiny. I had to be there. I've never planned any trip
this last minute, but I had to be there.
Anil, Amar & the YSA team, you all are simply amazing. I've been
reading the archives in the past, and I have been impressed with all
the work that has put into this. But there's so much much more to
than what's written on the archives. It has to experienced!
Anyone who hasn't experienced the YSA retreat should be there for
the next one.
I come from a very small community of sindhis in Paramaribo,
Suriname. Not many young sindhi adults. Anil had asked me "Try to
encourage other young sindhi adults in your community to come", I
said " Anil, you're looking at all of it!"
And you know what Anil, Suriname is gonna make sure it's gonna be
there for the future retreats to come. Although it was last minute,
I'm so glad I came. It was destiny!
The host committee of YSA didn't miss out on anything, it was too
impressive!
I've never felt more welcome and more at home than I did in DC. I do
not have many sindhis friends but after this retreat, I didn't have
to worry about that anymore. It only inspires you to do more as a
community, as a sindhi, as one family! That's what YSA is.
Keep doing what you do, Anil & Amar.
Washintonanis, you were simply amazing.
Kudos to the YSA team
Best of luck in the future YSA events. I'm sure, it will only get
better!
Until next time...
Sheetal Sujan
Paramaribo, Suriname
YSA Retreat. What was amazing is that most of us were truly interested in
attending all the forums to learn from each other and contribute what we know
and think. There seemed to be a general concern about the dissipation of our
culture through our generation and, with that, a proactive attitude towards
making sure that this does not happen. Truly inspiring. The time that the
YSA Host committee and presenters put into this event was not so apparent
because everything seemed so seamless... which is a sign of how much thought
really went into it all... as an attendee, I could not have asked for more
or even expected such a fantastic weekend! It was a great blend of learning
and fun. And, everyone came with such a friendly and open attitude which created
a flavor to the weekend - unique and memorable. I am still on a "high" from
the YSA Retreat... Sincerely look forward to staying in touch with you and
continuing the dialogue here... Take care & bye for now... --THANK YOUs--
***Thank you to the entire YSA Host Committee (Amar, Amit, Anil, Bobby, Dinesh,
Jenny, Neelu, Neetu, Paras, Sameer, Varsha, Vishal) who made sure our stay
in Atlanta was perfect. ***Thank you to everyone who presented and taught
us valuable information during the retreat (Gul Agha, Anand, Anjali, Dimple,
Jacky, Jenny, Kanchan, Kavita, Minar, Munawar Laghari, Vijay). ***Thank you
to Anupa and Anil, our amazing moderators, who initiated this forum and brought
us all together to continue our journeys through life and learning about our
roots. ***Thank you to all the new friends I/we made this past weekend - I
feel very connected to each of you. To those who were not able to attend -
thank you for continuing to be involved in the forum and we will meet the
next time around if not sooner! Natasha Alimchandani
I know its been said over and over again, but I wanted to say it once more!!!
WOW!!! This weekend was amazing!!! I was very reluctant to go to Atlanta at
first, but I'm glad I did. The whole weekend was enlightening... the different
forums and programs were very interesting and I was surprised that everyone
was so involved. I want to thank all of the individuals that made this first
YSA retreat happen and that it will go on for years to come. I just want to
tell you, got up this morning, went to work and haven't stopped talking about
my weekend experience with my co-workers, friends and family. Vijay your workout
has really killed me, my whole body is in pain (I guess I'm really out of
shape!!!!!... I better get going to the gym!!!) Bobby, I give you credit for
being at that desk for sooo many hrs andtaking all that abuse from all of
us who didn't want to take the ID pic. Simon Sindhi..I hope u have changed
ur opinion about the whole "high maintenance"comment!!!! But thanx for the
menu request!!!! Well I better end here because I could just go on and on...
Got a few good pictures will post them soon. U all take care, and if u ever
come down to Miami, please do get in touch. Meenakshi Nathurmall
Just a few words on this past weekend's retreat! AWESOME! I can't thank the
folks in Atlanta, and all of us that attended enough. You really turned it
into a true family experience. What a great group of people and an awesome
event. Cheers to everyone! I was completely blown away. I enjoyed making so
many new friends and getting back in touch with old ones! We should continue
to grow and improve our community and heritage and culture. If this is an
example of the next generation of leaders, I can't wait to see what else lies
ahead. Sumit Advani
Hey all! Its 3:15 in the morning, in London, and I can't sleep...! So I thought
I would add to the list of Thank-yous for such a great Retreat! THANK YOU
for an amazing weekend. I came with no expectations and left with great memories,
tons of thought provoking ideas, new friendships and lots of photographs!
Oh, and of course the most important - recipes for loli and sindhi curry!
Thanks to all the organizers for making the event all that it was, and of
course to everyone who attended. I have to agree, I really enjoyed meeting
and interacting with such an interesting group of YSA. The ideas and topics
that came about in the discussion groups were very valuable and I hope to
continue the debates on-line with all those who attended and share them with
those who were unable to make it. I look forward to keeping in touch with
you and keeping those memories alive... Kiran Panjabi
