SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Members of the newly-formed Rajputana Rawla of America turned out in large numbers to attend historic celebration of Rajputana culture of Rajasthan, which was held in California’s San Francisco Bay Area from April 26-28.
Various venues in Dublin, San Ramon, and Danville, provided idyllic setting for the three-day long convention called ‘Mél 2018,’ which brought together Rajputs of Rajasthan from across the United States.
The event not only served as a platform to unify the community spread across several cities and states and give them an avenue to remain in touch with their rich cultural heritage, but also gave a unique opportunity to the like-minded attendees to align with a common cause: supporting the education of the girl child.
“We understand the health and economic benefits of supporting education for girls. If you educate a girl, you educate an entire family,” said Dr. Harnath Singh Rathore, one of the patrons.
From dressing in vibrant royal costumes to savoring delectable Rajasthani cuisine to enjoying music by folk musicians from Rajasthan to participating in the ‘Ghoomar’ dance, guests – who ranged from doctors, engineers, professors, entrepreneurs, students, etc. – immersed themselves in this festive celebration.
While the women looked resplendent in colorful traditional ‘poshaks’ replete with an equally impressive jewelry, men looked handsome in ‘jodhpuri suits,’ breeches and ‘safas.’
Rajputs of Rajasthan have long been known for their bravery, valor, and their pride in their ancestry, so another objective of the event was to instill the same values and principles in the next generation that is growing up in America.
“Me’l was celebrated in traditional manner to bring Rajputs together to network, celebrate and nurture high values standards of Rajputana life in the next generation, and help under privileged societies to get guidance and financial help to achieve path for progress,” said Raj Nathawat, the event’s convener.
At the beginning of the event, every guest was given a grand traditional welcome as the mangianars sang in the background.
Several events were organized for the guests, including a visit to the Livermore wineries, career counselling sessions, cultural performances, a presentation on the history of Rajputs, and an elaborate photo session – by Prakash Sharma of PC Sharma Photography – to take home the incredible memories.
Jaivardhan Singh Bhati of planning and logistics and Sandeep Singh Shekhawat from welcome committee played key roles in the smooth running of the event.
Shantanu Shekhawat took care of the transportation, while Prachi Rathore and Sunita Rathore headed the cultural committee, responsible for execution of all programs, including a special performance, “Dance of the Desert,” by Antara Bhardwaj, disciple of renowned Kathak master Pandit Chitresh Das.
California state Assembly member Kansen Chu presented a certificate of appreciation to Rajputana Rawla of America for “their outstanding contributions to the 25th State Assembly District and the State of California through their dedicated work to preserve and promote the rich culture, heritage and music of Rajasthan with special appreciation for all that they do to build unity in our community.”
An executive committee was announced during the event to carry forward the organization’s mission: president – Narendra Rathore; general secretary- Dr. Jaivir Rathore; treasurer – Sunaina Shekhawat Bhati; cultural secretary-Vinod Khangarot Rathore; membership secretary (west) Sunita Bika Shekhawat; membership secretary (east) Suman Khangarot; media secretary-Reena Rathore; community relationship secretary- Prachi Rathore; and IT Secretary-Abhinay Rathore.
The event would not have been possible without the patronage of Arizona-based Dr. Harnath Singh Rathore, Chatar Singh Tanwar and Narendra Singh Rathore from Texas, Raj Singh Nathawat from California, and Pennsylvania’s Dr. Daleep Singh Rathore.
The convention was a grand success and plans are already underway for ‘Mél 2019,’ which will be held in Texas, during the Thanksgiving weekend.
India Post News Service
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