Support a child program, fund raiser held in Boston

Lamp lighting ceremony by honorable guests
Lamp lighting ceremony by honorable guests

GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: A Support-A-Child (SAC) project was organized by the Boston chapter of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) August 24 at Chinmaya Missions Auditorium, Andover, Massachusetts.

This project provides a gift of education (up to high school), boarding, lodging, medical care and samskara (values) to the children of under privileged background from different parts of India. The majority of the victims of social ill are from lower income group families and are girls. So, sponsors are also given an opportunity to strengthen girls through support a daughter option.

The chief guests of the program, Dr Gokul Dwaraknath, Dr Shashi Dwaraknath and Dr Manju Sheth lighted the ceremonial lamp and addressed the gathering. Jaya Asthana welcomed the gathering and gave a brief introduction of the theme of the show. Later, Manasvini Pujar carried on the event as the emcee.

Dhaatu Puppet Theater from Bengaluru, India, presented a puppet and dance musical show – a Broadway style entertaining performance – “MalaviKagniMitram” a famous play by the renowned playwright Kalidas. The play involves the romantic relationship of King Agnimitra of the Vidisha kingdom of the Shunga dynasty in the second century with Malavika, who is an unheard humble maid in the royal palace. Play depicts harem jealousies and court intrigues mingle to raise romantic situations of love, amusing scenes of confrontation.

Puppet show by Dhaatu Puppet Theater, Bengaluru
Puppet show by Dhaatu Puppet Theater, Bengaluru

This show was directed by Anupama Hoskere with commentary in English for each scene. Divya Hoskere is a stunning dancer, her beautifully expressive face clearly announced a character’s feelings or intent while her body easily shifts through complicated rhythms and balances cleverly. All in the audience enjoyed this mesmerizing show and gave a standing ovation to the artists.

Sanjay Kaul, national vice president, World Hindu Council of America proposed a vote of thanks to all the performers, VHPA’s team members, SAC program director, and other SAC members.