India Post News Service
COPPELL, Texas: Royal ethnic costumes, authentic Rajasthani cuisine, pulsating folk music and enchanting Ghoomar dances, as popularized by the Bollywood movie “Padmaavat”, took center stage at the 2nd annual Mél Conference organized by the Rajputana Rawla of America at the Four Points Sheraton in Coppell, Texas, October 12-13.
In an effort to unite the Rajput families of Rajasthan living all over the US, the weekend celebration allowed the community to stay in touch with their rich cultural heritage, while supporting the common goal of educating girl children back in India, a press release stated.
“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.
Rajputs of Rajasthan have long been known for their bravery, valor and pride in ancestry, so another objective of the event was to instill the same values and principles in the next generation of royals growing up in America.
“Mel was hosted in the traditional manner to bring Rajputs together to network, celebrate and nurture the high values of Rajputana life for the next generation, as well as to help under-privileged girls in our communities back home receive the financial support they need to achieve progress,” said Narendra Singh Rathore, one of the organizers of the Dallas event.
The event comprised a dinner cruise, a traditional welcome, live folk music, colorful cultural programs, youth forum, panel discussions about the Rawla initiatives, and a Texas cowboy style lunch.
The new executive committee was also announced during the event to carry forward the organization’s mission: president Surender Singh Chauhan; vice president Tikendra Pratap Singh Deo; general secretary Himmat Singh Rathore; treasurer Sunaina Shekhawat Bhati; membership secretary Kuldeep Singh Shekhawat; cultural secretary Meenakshi Sarangdevot Jadoun; community secretary Vinod Khangarot; and IT secretary Sandeep Singh Shekhawat.
The next conference will be held in Virginia in 2021.
For more information about the Rajputana Rawla of America organization, please visit www.rajputanarawla.com.
