In the spirit of giving, the India Association of New Hampshire (IANH) celebrated yet another annual Dawat event on Saturday, April 2, 2016.  This year’s beneficiaries of the fundraiser were Learn to Love Inc., the Tamil Nadu flood victims via Udavam Karrangal, and IANH Public Service.

Learn to Love (LTL) is to support and assist underprivileged children by promoting their health, education, and overall well-being.  LTL partners with S.E.C. (The Society for the Education of the Crippled) to provide the tools its students need to succeed. These schools serve over 400 students of varied capabilities.  LTL began renovating the bathrooms at the SEC schools as it faced a sanitation problem with schools only having squatting toilets in narrow stalls that were not handicap-accessible.  IANH has joined hands with LTL to help address this matter by donating to help build safe and hygienic bathrooms accessible for physically challenged students.

The recent flooding in Tamil Nadu has still left many poor families homeless.  Udavum Karangal has been one of the organizations helping the affected poor families in the region of Thiruverkadu.  Due to financial constraints it was decided that the initial distribution of the relief supplies will be sufficient only to cover 500 flood affected poor families.  IANH will be donating funds to help other affected families in the region of Thiruverkadu who still await assistance.

Apart from the above earmarked contributions, IANH will continue its support in donation and volunteer services towards activities which includes but not limited to the Soup Kitchens in Nashua (monthly lunch service) and Manchester (bimonthly dinner service), Nashua Children’s Home.

As may be expected, the groundwork for Dawat 2016 started months in advance, with the selection of venue, dates, caterers, menu, auction items, entertainment, followed by heavy promotion. All of this is achieved through the volunteers who make up the executive committee, as well as extended members of the IANH family. All the hard work culminated with an exceptional affair on April 2, 2016.  Dawat 2016 is proud to have raised approximately USD 15,000.   

Alpine Grove were elegantly decorated, with table settings in a peacock theme, thanks to the creative acumen of Indofasionz’s Ambika Mangtani, who’s donated center pieces, were each unique and lovely. The silent auction tables were well lit and ornately decked out, with the items laid out clearly and systematically for easy access and perusal.  The evening started with a social hour, where delicious appetizers were served as members milled about chatting and examining the auction items on display. The glamour shots photo session made a repeat appearance this year due to last year’s success and thanks to S. Meyappan of Kolam Media Creations, many were able to get their pictures taken all dressed to the nines. The event featured DJ Rishi Sher Bawa of DJ Silk Events who was a fantastic support to the MC of the evening, Sweta Mepani; the duo kept the occasion alive and the program flowing smoothly.  Photographer Manoj Nair of MRK Visuals covered the event, happily clicking away and artistically capturing all aspects of the evening.

This year NH Senator Kelly Ayotte graced our event taking time out of her very busy schedule and becoming one with the guests taking pictures with them and dancing to some Bollywood tunes. The entertainment for the evening included dance performances by Sheetal Kelkar, current runner-up Mrs. India USA, Namita Dodwadkar 2014 Mrs. India USA, and students of Bollywood Dance Academy. There was soulful and melodious singing by Anuradha Palakurthi, and the final piece to the entertainment segment of the evening was a grand fashion show presented by Ambika Mangtani of IndoFashionz, choreographed by Jasmine Shah of Angikam Acadamy, and make up by Vidhi Dalia of Flawless Creations. Miss India New England pageant winners Radhika Treon, Shreya P. Ranganarayan and Aishwarya Balaji made gorgeous show stopper, anchor and show opener, and it was truly amazing to see how confident and trained the first timers appeared on the catwalk. 

The dinner was an elaborate spread of authentic Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes accompanied by mouthwatering desserts, courtesy of Udupi Vegetarian Cuisine and Chettinad Indian Grill.

The live auction of various items, generously donated by community members, was yet another exciting and key segment of the evening.  Winners took home large items such as Apple Ipad Air 2, Michael Kors bag, Patriots tickets among many other exciting items.

And of course it goes without saying that an event of this magnitude cannot be put together without the assistance and generous support of sponsors, donors, and many volunteers. Dawat Team wishes to sincerely thank each and every one who took part in our event. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their time, support and energy and being there for us always.

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