01.04.2016 ►JVBL ►Vande Mataram

Jain Vishva Bharati London

Bharatiji and Indraji, who are keen supporters of JVB, are looking to initiate Vande Mataram Group.

Please see the email below and if you are interest please get in touch with Bharatiji on 07787 745023 or .

Dear Friends, Namaste.

Over the last few weeks, I have discussed with various friends and family the germ of an idea to create love and awareness for Bharatamata. I have been thrilled with the initial response, as many like-minded souls are keen to be inspired through group singing and dancing etc.

As we are in the beginning stages, I have noted down some thoughts and ideas. I would be very grateful if you would kindly read through the attachments and provide me with some feedback and your own ideas.

Already, through talks with a Sikh friend, a Lions' club musical meeting was held, when everyone participated enthusiastically, singing at the top of their voices! The resultant contributions were then sent to the Chennai Disaster Relief.

However, whilst some funds are necessary, our main aim is not to raise funds but to generate enthusiasm and inspiration. Eventually we will have formed a tight-knit group, committed to supporting charitable projects.

We can hold these sessions any time and anywhere as long as there are enough people interested, so please let me know if you have a venue in mind. 

Most of all I would like to know how many of you can attend our launch on Friday 1 April at 6.30 to 8pm at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. I very much hope and trust that you will all be able to attend.

By the way it is not April Fools' day for us, it is new dawn of Jagriti for all NRIs!

I am really grateful for your support and I look forward to welcoming you to the Vande Mataram Club.

Warm regards,

Bharati Sethia

--
Jain Vishva Bharati London (JVBL)

Vande Mataram Group/Music Club

“Forget about all other deities and worship only one that is Bharata Mata”
(Swami Vivekananda)

India is not just the land of our origin; it is the birth place of:

• Rama, Krishna and other Avatars; the many Dharma-gurus, Rishis, Munis and other great souls;
• Many religions: Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism, Jainism etc. It is a land which always gave refuge to the oppressed or persecuted minorities e.g. Parsis, Bahais (and indeed, it is now their main worldwide centre).

It is a sacred land, a land of holy pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Bahais, Parsis, Christians and many others.

By having devotion to Bharata Mata or Indian culture, we will not only be inspired to do good deeds for India, but be better citizens of our adopted countries and the world at large. This is a culture which believes in non-violence, universal brotherhood and good for all:

“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” - the world is one family.
“Sarve bhavantu Sukhinah” – May everyone live in pure bliss.

Activities:

It is scientifically proven that when you sing, musical vibrations move through you, altering your physical and emotional landscape. Group singing, for those who have done it, is the most exhilarating and transformative of all. It takes something incredibly intimate, a sound that begins inside you, shared with a roomful of people and it comes back as something even more thrilling: harmony. So it’s not surprising that group singing is on the rise.

Not many people have the time, interest or talent to be classical singers and dancers or performers. And yet singing and dancing is a great therapy to bring joy to life, overcome stress or depression. Group singing with likeminded people is also very inspiring.

The patriotic songs from old Hindi films were an integral part of our school life in India.  You may remember being completely overcome with emotions as we sang these songs and promised yourself to do great things for India and indeed the whole world.

We hope to run groups from various venues from April to September to sing our favourite patriotic, devotional and inspirational songs (with the accompaniment of Harmonium and Tabla or on the karaoke). 

Once a year, in late August to September, we hope to hire a big hall and all the groups can get together and sing/dance.

For the time being, we will try to generate momentum through singing only. But if there is enough interest we may later think of other activities e.g.: inspirational film shows; Garba, Bhangra, any other folk dances; poetry recitals; dramas etc.

Please contact Bharati Sethia on 07787 745023 or for more information or to register your interest.

Programme:

We hope to launch this group on Friday, 1st April, 2016 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, at 18.30-20.00. This time may not suit working people but if there is enough interest, we can review the time.

The programme will consist of singing together some of the following songs:

• -Saare jahan se achcha Hindostan hamara 
  Poem by the famous Shayar Muhammad Ikbaal Music: Pt Ravi Shankar
• -Aye mere vatan ke logon
  Song written by Maha kavi Pradeep Music: C. Ramchandra
• -Aao bachchon tumhe dikhaye- Film: Jagriti,
  Song  by Pradeep, Music: Hemant Kumar
• -Mera Jota hai japani- Film Shree 420
  Song
• -Ye desh hai ver jawanon ka; Film: Naya Daur;
  Geet: Sahir; Music: O P Nayar
• -Hothon pe sachayi rahti hai; film: Jis desh mein Ganga bahti hai,
  Geet: Shailendra; Music:Shankar-Jaikishan
• -If there is enough Rajasthani people we wil sing Dharti Dhoran Ri
  Geet: Padma Bhooshan Shri  K L Sethia

To be followed by our National Anthem: Jana-Gana-Mana.

I would request you all to listen to these songs on internet to familiarise yourselves with the tunes. We will have the musicians to accompany you and will put the lyrics on the screen for you to sing along.

I hope to see you and welcome you all at Bhavan. I would request you to let me know how many of you are coming. Please forward this email to all your friends and family.

We are inviting any interested person to join us; or group or society to hold the sing along sessions in their premises. We will start with holding an event in Bhavan twice a month. I hope for this venture to become a movement and I desperately need your support.
I would be grateful if you could fill the questionnaire below:

1. Is this a concept that interests you? If yes, then would you join and how many people?
2. Which is a good time for you?
3. What are your special areas of skills, interest and hobbies? Would you like to help us with those skills?
4. Are you involved in other community or charitable activities?  Would your organisation like to host the Vande Mataram group

For any suggestions or queries, please contact:
Bharati Sethia at ;        Mob: 07787 745023