I write this in the cold light of day a week after the fourth YSA
retreat in Toronto. I'm no way near that high that I felt on
Sunday
at the close of the event. You have read the comments people from
the active YSAer's. People who did not attend surely know they
missed
out on the Niagara-esque energy wave of the year!
I've been to previous retreats. I don't think you could have
imagined
a better-organised event by such a group of committed individuals as
the Toronto Host Committee. I admire such individuals. They had to be
experts! I admire a true team, which can work together without want
of hierarchy. The way they interacted with the massive group of
delegates was with selfless love and respect. Manoj and team –
you
are a force to be beaten!
And the delegates – this event attracted greater European
participation than ever before let that be said! A meeting of
continents is always an interesting affair. We all have different
stories and viewpoints to share & cultural influences from our local
communities. Some people live closer to Sindh or have had greater
contact with Sindh than others. Most people do not realise how much
valuable knowledge they have to share that is evident from the
Toronto get together. Unassuming individuals came out with words of
wisdom and articulated thoughts perfectly. Where have you been hiding?
I urge everyone to become more active in YSA and share his or her
thoughts, experience and expertise. Indeed, I think we have a duty
to do this in order for the Sindhi community of today and tomorrow to
progress and evolve the way we all should want it to be. It's all
down to us!
Getting to grips with the Sindhi language remains top of the agenda.
I am hoping that we drive some change during the rest of 2005 and the
earlier part of 2006 prior to holding the next retreat. Sabina
Shahani had information about Dr. Cole's language course which I know
she will share when the time is right.
Catching up with individuals in such a concentrated space of time is
always pressurising. However, those I managed to meet and chat with
I hold very dear to my heart! Thank you for sharing laughter and
tears.
Until next time,
xox Sandhya xox
Sandhya Panjwani
London, England
**************************************************************************************************************
Hi All. My name is Julie Ramchandani and I live in Kingston, Jamaica. I
attended the YSA Retreat for the first time this year in Toronto, and I had
a
fantastic time. I got together a few of my thoughts on paper and a dear friend
told me it was something that I should share with my fellow YSA members, not
just as an expression of my thoughts, but pretty much a universal expression
by
all who were there. Hats off to the Toronto YSA Host Commitee.
Hope you enjoy.
Here goes....
The YSA Retreat IV - Julie
Ramchandani
Registration took place, everyone got their goody bag
A t-shirt, a cap, a keychain and a name tag
The agenda was set, cocktails were to start at eight
The weekend of fun, a change in all attendees’ fate
Beautifully decorated with a mix of elegance and style
Everyone greeted everyone with a kiss, a hug or just a smile
Acquaintances were made and friendships were formed
Men dressed GQ, and the ladies beautifully adorned
There were people from the Caribbean, India and USA
So close they all came from so many miles away
Meeting and greeting, family cousin or friend
Making new friendships that will last till the very end
A sindhi game played brought people together
Lots of laughs, fun and memories to last us all forever
The dancing began as everyone got to their feet
The dancefloor was full, noone left to their seat
Good food, good music, good friends, a night full of glee
But the party wasn’t over, it went to room 513(five one three)
The morning began with an invigorating workout
Carrying through with knowing what our sindhi identity was about
Learning about languages came right after
Then talk about marriages brought on some laughter
The chai break then came continuing with the day
Then the sex session started hearing what we had to say
The evening led on to a night on the town
T dot baby…you didn’t let us down
Drinking, dancing and drinking some more
Everyone up and at it, on the dancefloor
Drunkards singing on the bus ride
Offkey tunes, rocking from side to side
Friendships starting to grow into something great
In we drive to the hotel’s gate
The party continued in the lobby downstairs
Everyone having a good time forgetting their doubts and fears
Singing and dancing, just having a good time
A casual after party, just a lyme
The morning workout started the next day
Off to gurmandir, the bus set out on its way
We did Aarti asking God for happiness and health
Some for good marriages and some even for wealth
We learned to make karon parshad which tickled our tastebuds
Spoke with our elders about our culture and our gods
We went back to the hotel, some got some rest
Others went out, or got ready to look their best
The host committee was busy preparing for the night
Doing their best to make everything just right
The gala event, the night to end it all
What better way to do it than a bhandini ball
Entertaining it was with our anthems being sang
A dance item performed which was surely a bang
A wedding proposal made sharing a vibe of romance
Now all matters done with, the time to dance
The party got started with everyone off their seats
Dancing the night away to the hot sindhi beats
The time then did come for us all to leave
It was over so soon, kinda hard to believe
The weekend was over, all in a flash
The end to one big party bash
Many of us have never before walked common roads
And now we have our memories of our special episodes
The pictures, the memories, we leave with these little things
Looking forward to what these friendships will bring
We don’t know what the future holds or if our lives will blend
But as the days go by we know we’ve found some lifelong friends
We’ve learnt that distance never separates two hearts that really care
For memory spans the miles and in seconds we are there
We hear the voice, we see the smile and deep inside we know
The friends like these will be a part of us wherever we may go
We parted with sadness but good memories in our way
From a fantastic weekend, ALL THANKS TO YSA!!!!
****************************************************************************************************************
For a couple of years now, I have sat on the forum, truly on the fringe,
watching and reading all of the postings that came through. Rarely did I
participate in the discussions. I was happy to be a sponge, soaking up all
of the information and debate that flew back and forth.
And then the notion of YSA Retreat IV in Toronto came up...and I realized
that if the retreat was going to be in my backyard, I no longer had any
excuses, I had to participate.
I was truly unaware of what being part of a YSA Retreat (esp as part of the
Host Committee) would do to me. I am forever changed...Gandhiji said that
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of
others." For many of us amongst the Host Committee and amongst the
delegates, nothing could be truer.
It was a spectacular experience...By now you've seen some of the thank yous
from other YSAers and from the Host Committee. I second all of their
sentiments wholeheartedly and I wanted to add that while many emails have
said that the Host Committee did an amazing job, I think its important to
recognize that in actual fact WE ALL did an amazing job....from Anil and
Amar for starting YSA and keeping it alive for almost 5 years, to the Host
Committee for the effort, to finally last but most certainly not least to
you, the delegates...without you there would be no retreat.
To the rest of the Host Committee, and Anil, and Amar ...any time, anywhere,
again...in a heartbeat...
I am reminded of another quotation from Gandhiji which I actually didn't
understand fully, until this last weekend...He said "Live as if you were
to
die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." I hope that you
feel,
as I do, that this past weekend embodies that sentiment.
I find myself almost not looking forward to this coming weekend because I
know it won't top the last one...that is unless all 200 of you are willing
to join us again in the T. on Sunday night to tear it up "Sindhi-style"
to
Damadam Mast Qalandar!"...any takers?
Take care everyone and stay in touch...Be Proud, Be Sindhi,
Celebrate...Indrani
My mind's eye keeps replaying it like a videotape on an endless loop....
the
crowd of 200 jumping up and down, chanting 'Sindhi! Sindhi!'... Priceless!
Not
one video camera around to catch it, not one needed because the scene's been
permanently etched in my heart, my mind, my soul, replaying over and over
what
to me, became the crystalising moment of Retreat IV.
What started in Toronto on Thursday evening with a pre-Retreat Social ended
early Monday morning with weary, tired YSAers grudgingly heading home after
a
spectacular Retreat. This was indeed, the most international one of them all,
featuring delegates from 28 cities around the globe.
My mind's eye keeps replaying it like a videotape on an endless loop....
the
crowd of 200 jumping up and down, chanting 'Jeko chawndo Jhulelal, tenja
thinda berai paar!"... Priceless! Not one video camera around to catch
it, not
one
needed because the scene's been permanently etched in my heart, my mind, my
soul, replaying over and over what to me, became the crystalising moment of
Retreat IV.
If you were there, you know exactly how it went. If you weren't... well,
mere
words simply won't do Retreat IV any justice.
My mind's eye keeps replaying it like a videotape on an endless loop....
the
crowd of 200 jumping up and down, alternately chanting 'Sindhi! Sindhi!' and
'Jeko chawndo Jhulelal, tenja thinda berai paar!"... Priceless! Not one
video
camera around to catch it, not one needed because the scene's been permanently
etched in my heart, my mind, my soul, replaying over and over what to me,
became the crystalising moment of Retreat IV.
The slogan "Be proud, be Sindhi, and Celebrate!" could not have
been more
appropriate....
Anil Vaswani
******************************************************************************************************************
Cha Chavaan? This past weekend was FABULOUS! I can't believe how well
planned and smoothly run the retreat was. I'm also still trying to
understand how Dirk sweet talked that guy into giving us the Niagara
room on Sunday night. haha, way to go man!
I have so much to say about this past weekend! The funny part is that
I can't find a single word to do it justice. So keeping it simple, I'd
just like to say Thank You to the host comittee, to Anil and Amar, and
to all the Sindhis and non-Sindhis that showed up to make the event a
blast.
******************************************************************************************************************
Thanks to all of you who attended and to all of you who were with us in mind
and
spirit. Thank you
for giving Toronto the opportunity to have you and most of all thank you for
being there with us
and making it happen!
It truly was an unforgettable event. Having 200 Sindhis on a floor bringing
the
roof down to ‘Aayo
Lal, Jhulelal' leaves me speechless! No where outside of an YSA event will
anyone ever the see the
spirit of being Sindhi, being proud and celebrating the way we do.
Being as it was my first YSA event I met new people and learned a lot about
my
people, my history
and my culture. I made new friends and even though it was only a couple of
days
some of you seemed
like I had known you forever – your friendliness, openness and the ability
for
each one us to
relate with one another in such a short time simply amazes me.
As I came down to the lobby of the hotel on Monday morning still sore and
perhaps even hung-over I
met people leaving, back to their lives and as I bid them good byes and thank
yous, I asked myself:
Cho?
And it suddenly struck me that it was all over – the event that we at
the host
committee had been
anxiously waiting for and working toward for months was over… in awe
I stood
there thinking:
Cha??
I was left in distraught and soon it was time for me to leave. As I left
the
hotel on Monday
afternoon and drove home saddened by the fact that it had all come to an end
I
found myself
fighting an emotion that just didn’t seem real:
Chaje laye???
This weekend got me out of my usual life and in a zone that seemed just like
a
joyride. Still trying
to get back to it and struggling out of this zone I have to say that there
was a
tremendous amount
of spirit in our attendees and I am sure the rest of the host committee would
agree with me in
saying that it was you that kept us going through the weekend. You came to
us
with the spirit and
provided us the motivation to work even harder together and put up an event
that
has left
impressions on our hearts for a life time.
Rohit Makhijani
T. Host Committee
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
