Goonj 2010 Its Here

Life is funny and I am a firm believer of that fact. Today has always had a long story set in yesterday. I am going to get a little personal and candid this time :) . 3 years ago, I did not as much as know where Gujarati Samaj exactly was in Delhi. I had very few Gujarati friends, that too all being from my colony – Gujarat Vihar. Most of the Gujarati folk seemed somewhat alien, since I wasn’t sure if I could ever gel with anyone. While I understood bits of the language, speaking was next to impossible, and you will have a good laugh if you stand beside me when I still utter few sentences.

But times, they change without warning. One fine day I got a call and was invited to attend a ‘meeting’ at Gujarati Samaj. To add to drama, I can fairly say that one call changed my ‘Social Life’ forever. We(a bunch of gujju youngsters) met up to discuss details about organizing a fest. Every subsequent week, we met and met some more ending up organizing Delhi’s first Gujarati Fest ‘GOONJ 2007’. While the fest was a success, there was a bigger success that happened behind the scenes. I got connected with a lot of gujjus, and suddenly they became my immediate friend circle. The bonding between everyone grew so strong, that I am as of today a ‘Muh Bola Bhai’ to a generous population in Delhi :) .  We all ate so many thalis and had so many chaach’s and spent time around so many uncle and aunties who lived Gujarati, Slept Gujarati and most importantly ate Gujarati, that my ‘Gujaratification’ process started!

3 years down the line and after 3 annual fests, many other events, whole lot of thali, tea-samosa outings at Samaj, I hereby happily declare, “I am Proud to be a Gujarati”! and I am glad to have found and met some of the most awesome people in my life in my own city and community.

“Ab zara mudde ki baat pea ate hain”

G O O N J 2 0 1 0 is here and is here with a bang! Meetings with participation from corners of the city are on in full swing! And we are thrilled to announce that this year’s fest is on 31^st October 2010 at Shah Auditorium, Gujarati Samaj.

Auditions for various events like Dancing, Fashion Show, Singing, Gujju’s got Talent shall be held on Sunday, 10^th October and Thursday, 14^th October. To register yourself and participate, please call up our coordinators at 99680 51034, 98680 69690 .

To give you a feeling of what Goonj is and what it has been like to be a part of it, following pages have articles from Goonj 2007 and Goonj 2008. Read and enjoy :)

Request you to join Delhi Gujarati community on Facebook to get updates – 

www.facebook.com/DelhiGujaratis

Regards,

Prateek Raja Shah

www.facebook.com/PrateekShah

On the web : http://youthkigoonj/blogspot.com

Mail feedback to youthkigoonj@gmail.com , or sms to 98106 20791

I am Sorry

Unusual title to the article? Yes, I guess so too. But that was the most relevant topic I could think of writing on for this issue. As many would know, Jains all over the world are celebrating Paryushan Parv and on the day of Samvatsari, people say Micchami Dukdam to each other, which requests forgiveness from everybody we know if we have hurt them in any form whatsoever knowingly or unknowingly.

Sorry as per me is one of the strongest words that is grossly underused especially in the present day world. We commit more mistakes than we ever used to, be it at home, in the office, the college or even as we go somewhere on the street and confront strangers. But none of that results in an increase in the apologies. Why? Because something else has taken over us, its called EGO. Yes, wrote in caps because it is that big. Ego, a term largely associated with snobbish individuals who would throw around attitude for no reason is now a common trait available in abundance amongst kids, youngsters, middle aged and the elderly. Why? No reason whatsoever, just the feeling of being (read feeling) important. You have people get into arguments at the drop of a hat, and then continuing to argue till the other person gives up. Rarely would you find people owning up to faults, or even accepting part fault and apologizing to others to sort matters out. They feel insanely proud of ‘winning’ arguments and making the other person be looked down upon.

What does it take? I ask, to say the three magical words “I am Sorry.”.  Seems simple as simple could be, but I guess man finds it way too tough to say something that simple or bow down in front of somebody, even if they know that somebody is right and they are wrong.  Funny, very funny. While apologizing too much in life can make others think you are always on the defensive and never right, everybody must make an effort to ensure they apologies when required.

Religion has always meant to show us the larger picture which we all very conveniently forget. By saying Micchami Dukdam one day, you don’t really cover all the sins you have committed over the year, but it is supposed to be a reminder to not sin again. We should think twice if not thrice before speaking ill of others, we should contemplate multiple times before doing wrong things that may harm others and we must never ever deliberately bring upon harm on to others.

Having said all of that, I personally know that I speak a lot of ill of a lot of people mockingly or otherwise. I therefore extend my apology to all of them and you the readers through this medium. May you forgive me for mistakes that I commit, correct where required and help in making me a better writer and thus individual.

Sorry! :)

Prateek Raja Shah

On the web : http://youthkigoonj/blogspot.com

Mail feedback to youthkigoonj@gmail.com , or sms to 98106 20791

Delhi Dhul Gayi

Delhi Dhul Gayi

Aa gayi bearish, ho gayi chhutti.

With the rains just round the corner, all Delhiites look for that one column in the newspaper  which is authored by the met department. Breezy, 39 C, chances of RAIN! Drizzles, drizzles and more drizzles before it finally starts raining one fine day(much after the predictions) .

The mood suddenly changes, the frowns become smirks, the dull faces become lively smileys and the pale yellow trees also suddenly start looking greener. The kids enjoy getting drenched in rain, the females put their umbrellas to more use than just getting protecting themselves from the sun and the bike riders get to use their wind cheaters which have been lying unused in the trunks at home. Office goers look outside the window , thinking how it would feel to be out there and the ones who are out there keep thinking of places to take shelter and dry themselves up.

After reaching its peak, slowly and steadily it recedes till finally leaving you with drops falling off leaves and railings which could manage to store some of the water that came their way. The real story begins now. The sun comes out, beaming infra red rays from up there. The roads get water logged as if they were originally supposed to be man-made lakes and had gone dry due to some reason. The clothes get wet like they would if kept in a washing machine and forgotten about. Cold spreads like it was the worst trojan virus to ever set foot on this planet.

Since Delhi experiences the extremes of all weathers, we manage. We manage to get our vehicles stuck in rain water. We manage to make the place under bridges our safe temporary haven when riding a bike. We manage to not react too badly to scolding received due to late coming to school/college/office. We manage to dry up our clothes and not make it look like the non ironed cramped clothes are the same as were dressed in yesterday. We manage to lead simple lives without internet because the wires are messed up with the rain and humidity.

We love the rain. We hate the rain. We reign the rain or the rain reigns us, that is the question.

Rain rain come again?

After the sun makes everything way too dry,

we crave for drops which will fall from the sky,

and fill our hearts with vigour and joy,

soon enough, the monsoon does come by.

Then its time for jalebi, pakodas, tea and coffee,

not to miss the the love birds that roam the locality,

or the pleasant weather with breezy velocity,

which engulfes the city with scenic beauty.

So far so good, but then the troubles begin,

water logged roads, jams and drenched skin,

to be followed with a lot of sneezing and coughing,

and conked off phones which suddenly stop ringing.

To love it or not is entirely your say,

after all, things are balanced both the ways,

all i can think of is "rain rain go away,

come again another day, little Johnny wants to play"

Time Nathi maari paase!!

Time nathi maari paase!!! Arre jaldi maa chu!!! Ohhoo, late thaaye che!!!

are some of the words and phrases we use commonly each day. Why? Have we been given the task to run a country? Have we turned into actors and actresses overnight? Is the time you and I get lesser than other people in the world?

No, obviously not. Then why do people keep cribbing and complaining about the lack of ‘time’ in their lives, how they don’t get ‘time’ to do things they like, why nobody else in the entire company/friend circle/society is as busy as they are? All for a simple reason, we don’t know how to use our ‘time’. I know suddenly you will ask the 10 year old in your home to come and read this article, but the harsh reality is that this is meant for you and you sitting besides watching TV and even the ones whom you will tell later about the same. Youngsters or elders, working professionals or housewives, we all love to waste time in things that have less or no importance at all and this small write up is a small attempt to try and evoke the feeling of managing time better.

Let me be honest, I am pretty bad at this myself, which is why I m writing this in the first place. When asked to submit this edition’s Youth ki Goonj, I thought for a moment, let me skip it and not write but then realized how important it was and decided to push other things rescheduling them. So what do we do when an important task is given to us. We do it if we like it, and procrastinate if we don’t. That’s how the entire world works. But then there are the people who do well in life. The achievers, the stars, the famous ones and more who may not have necessarily known more than when they were born nor might they have had better circumstances than you did as they grew up, but they just turned out to be better, through appropriate management of ‘time’.

Everybody around us stresses a lot on studying, getting degrees, good marks and a whole lot of other things. They forgot to add the all important lesson of time in our course books. By prioritizing right, and by ensuring the right things happen at the right time, the rest of byproducts in life (marks, money, mental peace) will automatically be taken care of. Sounds tough to believe right? That’s the whole thing, the biggest secrets in this life are toughest to digest, yet they are true.

How do we change? In fact do we want to change? What do I do if I want to change? That I am afraid are questions we need to ask ourselves. And here’s another secret. The answer lies with us as well J We just need to spend time with ourselves and sort this out. Once done, I can guarantee your life to have become far more productive in all respects. And the lack of time will soon be converted into so much of time that you will start wondering what to do with it.

Start writing for a magazine I say, it’s a good ‘time’ pass J

Feedback appreciated as always, we are overwhelmed to receive good reactions and responses through email, phone and sms. Thank you all for the love J

Regards,

Prateek Shah (Raja)

For previous articles – Log on to http://youthkigoonj.blogspot.com

Feedback - youthkigoonj@gmail.com or

SMS YKG followed by feedback to 98106 20791

Haalo South India!

Ae Haaalo re halo, amey farwa chaliye! Been on this trip to South India over the past few days, and think there’s no better topic to write on than the experience. Presenting now, Travelogue South India!

So my first stop was Chennai. No matter how much you may have supported or loved the super kings for winning the IPL, being to Chennai and hanging around town is a different feeling altogether. So what is different there? If you truly ask me, I think practically EVERYTHING is different there. For a Gujarati born and brought up in Delhi who has never been anywhere down south, the feeling is just all new. So what do we people have for food through the day – thepla, dhokla, khandvi, fafda, mathiya, mamra, undhiyu, and on and on and on(ya I just know these many names). What do people there have for breakfast, lunch, dinner?  Sambhar Chutney, Sambhar Chutney more Sambhar Chutney with idli, dosa, uthhapam and a few other varieties. It’s not just love, it’s a passion. I mean I fail to understand how somebody can have a similar meal each day, and in some cases all the time. For the one and a half day that I was there, I saw as much South Indian food to fill up the kitchens of Sagar Ratna(which by the way is continuously deteriorating as I hear from sources). Moving over to the language, I think, I am rather sure that had I gone to Germany, France, Japan or any other place instead of Chennai, it would have just been the same. I did not understand a single word, A SINGLE WORD of whatever the locals there were uttering. I felt so lost and out of place in the city when I was by my own, that u can only see it to believe it! J I must admit that I was warned by a ‘Young Man’ from our community before I went there, but I was least bothered to pay any heed. Now I can only say, yes you were right Chemical Man!

Next morning, I was at Bangalore(sorry Bengaluru). Oh the weather, immediately brings a smile on your face J Brazil is supposed to be the coffee capital of the world. If there is a city that can probably give it some competition, it has to be this one! A coffee shop here, one there and one there, and oh there’s another one. They are everywhere! As a friend there told me, at some points you can actually see multiple Café Coffee Day outlets standing at the same point. Phew! No wonder MNCs and other IT companies have ensured that youngsters turn coffeeholics! Thank fully, there are good places where you get good North Indian food which made way for me having a sumptuous meal after a couple of days(gluttonous eater I am). Evening sets in, and suddenly, out of the blue it starts raining! No sign of a rain earlier, and there it was, making the city look even beautiful. As I later was told, it pours in Bangalore every now and then, without warning for any amount of time. It’s another thing that all of this leads to an even higher number of traffic snarls across the city, which already are very high by the way! In simple words, I can say it’s a small city made to seem big thanks to its traffic jams. Lovely place in totality, must visit whenever u happen to go down south.

Let us move to Hyderabad. Much unlike the Nawabi feeling I had in mind, the new city is developed like any other regular urban center. The food joints are nice and the weather which is supposed to be hot happened to be pleasant because of the looming cyclone back then. Something interesting about the autos there -  they run on half meter after a particular time in the night. When told so, my friend had to call somebody up just to check how this works? So the amount that it shows on the meter is multiplied by 1.5 to get to your final amount. Thought we Gujaratis ought to know this J

All in all, it was lots of fun going down under! I Must recommend all these places to those who haven’t been there so far. As I am beginning to realize in life, it is quite important to explore the world around you in order to grow.

Wish you a Happy Journey, and in case you need any advice, any contacts, any information about these places, their hotels, how to go and where to enjoy, please mujhe phone mat karna :D J I will be the last person who can help with you any of these things after this one trip J

Aaujo, read on!

Happy 50th Birthday Gujarat Vihar

Kem cho!

Birthdays are special, oh yes they are, and the occasion becomes extra special when you are celebrating it for the 50^th time! Gujarat Vihar Swarnim Jayanti Mahotsav was conducted with much fanfare and a lot of excitement and enthusiasm that was infused into the program by the society’s many ardent fans who we know as its residents. You may feel that it is unfair to talk about a society because the author belongs to it, but no, we are in fact encouraging you to send in your own account of things happening in the locality so that it can be shared with everybody.

For now, here’s a run through of what happened on an exciting weekend!

Date : Saturday, 24^th April

Time : 7:00 pm

With the evening setting in and the members of the colony returning home from their work, it had never looked so beautiful. With multi coloured lights flooding the streets and many shades of tent adorning the green lawns, it would only be apt to say that the colony was dressed up like a bride about to get married! People started coming in and soon enough the place became abuzz with activity. It was now time to begin the show which kids, youngsters and adults alike had been preparing for many days putting in all the efforts for the colony they all love to call their own ‘Gujarat Vihar’.

A colony is made up by its people, and therefore the first program on the cards was Q&A session with the residents of the colony who had gathered there. The old generation, the newly weds, the youngsters and the uncle aunties, they all shared their experiences of growing up with the colony, of saying what they miss and suggesting what changes they want. It was a lot of fun hearing everybody talk at a public forum in the society premises about things close to their heart. Kids, especially tiny toddlers are the jaan and shaan ofevery place! Similar was the case here, and immediately after the Q&A, we had the cutest fancy dress competition for kids aged under 10 with Lakshman ji, Elephant, Dietician, Ranbir Kapoor and many more characters gracing us with their presence. The audience loved every bit of it, wish we could have some more J . If you happen to cut the veins of any person from the 110 plots we house, you will definitely find dance flowing in it! 3 little angel like creatures stole everybody’s heart with their performance on Pappu can’t Dance.

Every place has its own unique characteristics, features and people. Taking on the mammoth task of imitating all sorts of people were young kids again who presented a skit on ‘A day in Gujarat Vihar’ . They held their stomachs, tears came out of their eyes, they went up and down on their chairs, they all had the time of their life. People laughed like they had never laughed before, the skit turned out to be a laugh riot and actors performed brilliantly.

Dayra is close to every Gujarati’s heart, and the night of 24^th April was to relive all the moments listening to wonderful rendition by some of the finest singers who had come all the way from Gujarat. And thus late in the night ended day 1 of Swarnim Mahotsav, with everybody going back to have a peaceful sleep only to be ready for an even more action packed day two!

Date : Sunday, 25^th April

Time : 5:30 pm

With the IPL final set to begin at 8 pm, the stage was set for an early evening start to the proceedings. The kids were at it again! Short skit depicting the plight of animals with a hunter being reprimanded for his doings served as an ideal start point to showcase the sensible generation that is growing up. Sania Mirza along with the Pandit Ji who apparently got her married next turned up on stage! While a lot of discussions with the colony members happened last day, there was so much more that still needed to be talked about. So the floor was once more thrown open to the audience and what came out were beautiful memories from the past which were not yet known to many of us. It was then time for the adolescents to show their Jalwa! Dance upon Dance, applause upon applause, the people kept grooving to the beats of the peppy numbers and the dancers danced like they owned the stage. All in all, a rocking dhamakedaar performance! The skit about members of the colony was liked so much by everyone that it was repeated on day two to have gathered not just as many, but more laughs, appreciation and love from the audience.

When the guests for the day arrived, it was time for the official lamp lighting ceremony with senior office bearers from the society welcoming them. Everybody shared their thoughts about the growth of the colony and wished that it only grows further from here. The official souvenir commemorating the 50 years of existence of the colony was then released by the guest of honour amidst thunderous applause.

To culminate, we moved towards the even that everybody had been waiting for. Never seen before, never conceived before, one of its kind Fashion Show including members of all age groups between 16 and 60! Lights, Camera , Action! They walked like they were from the fashion industry, they were dressed like they came straight out of their own weddings, they exuded confidence like they have been doing this for ages! They all rocked, they all rocked big time!

And thus we came to the end of this 2 day marathon extravaganza with all participants up on the stage dancing and chanting AR Rahman’s Jay Ho! Fun filled days laden with excitement, energy and vigour were enjoyed by one and all, and they will love on to be in the memories of all those who attended. Wishing Gujarat Vihar a very Happy 50^th Birthday, may the colony live on to be many centuries old.

Jai Gujarat Jai Hind Jai Ho!

Compliments and Happiness :)

Hello people!

You know compliments can be very good for health! That’s exactly what I experienced over the past few days. When you go to someplace and suddenly somebody comes up to you and says “I like reading your articles!” and I go “What?! You do? That’s great!” And there it is; that small line just gave me enough smiles and happiness for the rest of the day J

So coming to the point then, why is it that we find it hard to appreciate somebody? Why do we like something and still not give due credit to the person behind it? Instead of being happy for other people’s success, why have we made it a habit to become jealous of their achievements? Come on people, we can do better than this!

If we send out joy, it spreads love and when happiness goes around, smiles come back to you. There is a great saying which goes “Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise”. Try it once and see the difference. It will do no harm if we start not thinking negatively about things around us and act positive. Think about it, today you may not praise your friend’s son when he topped the class because your daughter didn’t do so well, but tomorrow if the tables are turned and there is reason for joy at your home, that friend will also not be there to give you a pat on the back.

It’s important as we grow to realize the importance of people, else all that we achieve will have no meaning. What good is a birthday if there is nobody wishing you? What good is buying a new house if there are not enough friends to come for the house warming? What good is a marriage in the family if there are not too many people attending it? It is therefore important to genuinely feel happy for others, be a part of their joy, appreciate and compliment when required and always be present when they are in need. By doing this, on one hand you selfishly prepare yourself for the future, and even if things don’t come back to you, so what? Don’t we remember the Bhagwad Geeta’s saying “Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana” J

Read interesting interview answers this time in ‘THINK OUT OF THE BOX’ and see beautiful paintings by Swati Godboley, daughter of Shri Jugal Desai. Request everyone to feel free to contribute articles/photographs that ought to be shared with everyone at our e mail id.

Happy Reading, and don’t forget to pass a smile!

Prateek Shah(Raja)

youthkigoonj@gmail.com

http://youthkigoonj.blogspot.com

SMS YKG followed by feedback to 98106 20791

Chuski, Summers and IPL

"Chuski..Chuski Chuski Chuski! Lovely lovely chuski..Khatti meethi chuski.. Chuski Chuski Chuski"

No wonder you must be wondering that either the writer has gone crazy or this is a gross typo. It’s none of the two but just the sound that’s reverberating in my ears from the recent trip to India Gate by the night. You have these 3-4 ‘Chuski Wallahs’ vendors selling their product in a truly outstanding fashion.  A sharp pitch announcing the availability of ‘lovely lovely chuski’ attracts everybody towards it and you are bound to buy one even if you don’t like eating it. If all of us had half the dedication shown by these people, completely committed to the job, we would all do really well in life.

Moving on, Summers are here; which reminds me of another important thing. When you are in a conversation and have nothing to say, start off with discussing the weather, it is practically the best ice breaker since everybody has a view point on it. Going back to the rising temperature, it really has changed quite rapidly. A little difficult to surmise when they turned off the natural air conditioning and people turned on the ones in their homes and cars. Blame it on Global Warming I say. There was a time when everything was a resultant of the involvement of ‘foreign hand’ and now it’s ‘Global Warming’.

Finally the IPL, I don’t quite understand the hoopla around it. Do you? I mean why are people going berserk over this marketing extravaganza where no matter who loses, India wins. The club culture is quite famous in the football leagues of Europe and the same seems to have caught the craze of cricket fans in India, but you feel bad for other sports which are not given any support whatsoever. Even if the funds of one IPL match were used in any other sport in the country, it would definitely end up sustaining the complete team for at least a month.

Prateek Shah(Raja)

Mumbai Ahoy!

Dated : March 2010

Kasakai Dilli!

That just happens to be my hangover from a recent trip to Mumbai. After few fortnights of philosophy laden articles, it’s time for some masti this time! Brief travelogue from Mumbai follows.

I reach Mumbai. Hire a taxi. Act smart. In trying to not let the driver con me, I make myself look like a Mumbaikar and start giving directions. Time passes, some more time passes and then I realize we are not going in the right direction! With much apprehension I tell the driver how I don’t think this is where I want to go to. We discuss the address I have on a visiting card and realize we have a come a long way further from where I was supposed to go to. We take a u turn and go back many kilometers. Whosover said being smart is an asset! Learning number  1 – Don’t act too smart when you go to a new city.

Mumbai and Delhi despite being metro cities are starkly different in the way they operate. The transportation, people, eating habits and places to visit, they are just all different. Cycle Rikshaws are nowhere to be seen in the city. The basic mode of movement is not taxis or buses or autos but walking. People walk like there is a marathon they are preparing for. They walk like there is an unseen race they are participating in and you happen to be obstructing their way standing in the way. They walk with a certain determination which is only to be seen in the eyes of a student when he is writing an exam he is well prepared for. The walk is by all means a super walk. If we all follow the trend, we could well stay very fit and save all the money spent on slimming centers.  Learning number 2 – Walk, walk more.

Local Train, the lifeline of Mumbai is a fascinating object which attracts everybody’s attention. Young and old, upper class and the middle man, jeweller and cobbler, they all use it. The egos and the pride come crashing down, man feels at ease with fellow men, irrespective of their social backgrounds. Something which can only happen in a well controlled mode of public transport. Not only does it help save time, but helps one get back to roots and humanity, something we all tend to forget travelling in swanky cars and eating out at fancy restaurants.  Learning number 3 – Use public transport (at times if not all the time).

Taxis operating by the meter, traffic policemen across the city, subways that are heavily used, sea, beaches, vada pav and many more big and small things separate Mumbai and Delhi, but the one strong binding factor is Gujaratis! Its hard analyzing if you are in Gujarat or Maharashtra. Good to see them there J

So ensure you get the real feel of Mumbai when you next go there. If you haven’t been there, then you must plan your next trip to the Indian city that never sleeps. Get back in touch with some long lost relatives, make stay accommodation and enjoy!

Prateek Shah(Raja)

Youth Ki Goonj

Exams Exams Exams!

Dated : March

“Don’t waste your time reading a magazine! Go back and study!”

Is that how your parents shout at you during the final exams? If yes, first read this yourself and then make them read it too (vice versa for the parents).

A five letter word that spells doom for kids everywhere – EXAMS(It’s funny how playing with the words makes it XMAS). How important are they? Very. Make that very, very important. The problem begins when the seniors at home escalate the degree of ‘very’ to inexplicable levels. Exams are not the end of the world and life and death does not depend on it. No, not even board exams. Even if you fail and fail again, even then they are not everything there is to this life. Rank 1, Rank 2, 90%, sorry 95%, distinction, my kid topped the colony; just where will people stop? Do you really think when a child grows up and is 30 years old, it matters how many marks he scored in Maths back in class 7^th? If you really think it matters, then I am sorry to say but you need a reality check in life. So why are we really crazy after kids and driving them crazy as well? Because society looks up and down upon people basis scoring good and bad marks respectively. Isn’t it too high a price a young mind has to pay for keeping some strangers that he doesn’t even know happy? All the tension trauma he is put through, which by the way also makes him/her hate you.

Yes, it is important to study, it is important to clear exams and get a basic amount of education. But if you start expecting the world out of your kid, just because your neighbour’s daughter/son is scoring well, then it is just so unfair. It’s like saying you take your Bajaj Chetak scooter and race it against a swift and swanky Ferrari. Not will the Chetak just lose, but it will also wear out before time. Everybody has their own abilities, and studies are not everything in life. There’s music, sports, entertainment and a host of other fields where people can do well without being an engineer, doctor or an architect. What is required in any field at any point in time is to be hard working. Without the sincerity and hard work, doing well in any field is difficult. So while kids are being pushed hard to study more, more and more, they should ideally be taught how to concentrate, develop a passion and nurture it.

If all this still doesn’t make sense, then buy a DVD of ‘Taare Zameen Par’ and watch it with the family. Mothers are advised to keep a heap of tissue paper ready. Ok, moving back to the other sections, we have focus on International Women’s Day, Samsung’s new phone and Ford Figo. Since we are recommending you to go easy on studies, therefore no Course Study section this time!

 It has been heartening to receive feedback from so many of you, and to be honest a lot of it has been unexpected. We understand you want some topics to be raised through this medium and e mails are not easy to send for everyone. So here’s introducing, Youth ki Goonj feedback on SMS. Just open your message box, type in “YKG” followed by your comment and name(preferably with area) and send to 98106 20791. Shall soon try and feature some of the feedback in these 4 pages.

All the best for your exams! But remember, ‘tension nai leneka’ JAnd yes, hope you had a wonderful colourful Holi!

My Name is Khan

Sabhi ko Salam,

“My Name is Khan and I am not a Terrorist.”

The past few days have been all about SRK’s new movie and the Shiv Sena’s agitation against it. Some people just never grow up. How can someone hold the city to ransom just because a Khan showed some empathy towards Pakistani cricketers. Why I am bringing this topic up is because we need to understand that till we change our mindsets and elect better leaders, these ‘leaders’ will keep playing their dirty politics. The problem is a little deeper actually; all of us no matter how forward we may consider ourselves differentiate people at some point or the other. Religion, caste, creed are some of the countless parameters basis which we want to segregate mankind.  Trouble brews when we imbibe these values to the children around us, who then grow up with similar feelings. Think about it, when kids go to school, do they really care whether their friend is a Hindu, Muslim, Vaishnav, Jain or a Sikh? They just like their friends and love to play along with them, period. Why is it that as we grow up the hatred against particular communities grows? Because we fall prey to what certain politicians or religious gurus tell us. Can’t we have our own ideologies? Can’t we decide what is right and wrong? Can’t we take a stand and recommend others to go by it?

Even if we are able to answer some of these questions, we will spread a lot of goodwill. And the world desperately needs positivity, happiness and joy for humans to lead their lives comfortably.

Sad thing amidst all the movie hoopla as a friend of mine pointed out is that Pune was rocked by bomb blasts because perhaps the police force was busy protecting the movie.

Patriotic feeling running high, we have talked about the National Defence Academy examination in the course study section. We tell you about the cheapest 3G phone in the country in Gadgets and Gizmos. Cars and Bikes are close to every youngster’s heart, we start looking at some of them each fortnight.

Khuda Hafiz,

Prateek Shah

Bye Bye Thandi!

Dated February 2010

Bye Bye Thandi!

Ok, it hasn’t completely withered, but it’s so much better these days with the temperature staying in double digits. If the cold wasn’t enough, then it was the fog wrecking havoc across the city. Trains, planes, cars and even Gujarat Dhara, they were all delayed (ok, there’s no correlation, don’t think too much).

Now we are in the second month of the year, and February other than being famous for being a shorter month is loved for another reason, Valentine’s Day. “What? Excuse me? How can you? This is not the place? It is not our culture? It’s a Western concept!” Does your reaction fall in any of these categories? If yes, then you could do some rethinking. The world is moving at a fast pace, and even though it’s not necessary to ape and emulate what others are doing, it is important to be aware and be able to accept what happens in the environment around you. We would be fooling ourselves if we don’t agree to the fact that there are ‘boyfriends’ and ‘girlfriends’ who exist around us. While we may not approve of it and never if they are part of our own family, but we can at least try and understand them as part of bridging the gap between generations. If you are parents, I suggest you let your kids have some harmless fun, and if you are a youngster, then always remember your values.

So close on the heels of the occasion, we thought of dedicating this issue to Marriages. With the invitation cards piling up in our homes, what better than getting some suggestions on what to wear and look our best! So our stylist Palak Doshi is back from having celebrated an important occasion and we have also kept the course study section reserved for Wedding Planners. 

Collld!! Brrr!!

Dated : January 2010


It’s so very cold!!


Brrrrrrr!!! Freezing as I write this, the weather seems to have decided to give us a feel of the hill stations sitting right here in Delhi! Layers of pullovers, mufflers, caps, gloves and jackets everywhere, at least the clothing industry is making the most of the winter.  It was good to see Lohri Bon Fires across the city a few days ago, only if we could have more such festivals in the winter season.


Moving to aapnu Gujarat, it was good to see so many of you like the information we shared on Uttarayan. The times may have changed, but it is heartening to see people flock to their native places in Gujarat just to witness and participate in the kite festival extravaganza. No matter how old one is, such moments bring back the kid inside. If you look closely, we are like a kite, with each one of us wanting to have total control of our lives, but realizing that it is actually the wind which sets the direction. So, while it is good to be in charge, it is also important to learn to let things move as they naturally do.


Due to the paucity of space in the last issue, we are including the pictures from the Christmas bonfire and Nokia’s latest gizmo in this one. Our fashion guru is out of town, so we will be skipping Style Tips this time and the focus on course study will be on counseling courses.
In case you haven’t seen 3 Idiots so far, then please don’t behave like one and go see it at the earliest. Such movies are made once in a lifetime.

Happy New Year!

Dated : January 2010


Happy New Year Everyone!  


It’s a new day, new beginning. Get off to a fresh start! Forget all the wrongs that plagued you in the last year, and look forward to all the joy, prosperity and cheer that the new one has to offer. Make lots of resolutions, and try and follow some of them as well! Ensure that make the most of the time that lies ahead, and live life to the fullest!


Let’s take a quick look at what has been happening in ‘Dilwalon ki Delhi’. Christmas was celebrated with much fanfare at Shree Delhi Gujarati Samaj, with a Bon Fire party that saw youngsters from across the city turn up and revel in the celebrations. There was dumb charades, astrological predictions by ‘Young Tarot Reader’ Ankul Barar, screening of the Goonj Videos, round of introduction, music and lots of food to keep people busy. Everybody enjoyed a lot and many first comers were overwhelmed by the success of the event. Have a look at some pictures from the event inside. The party continued up to 31st with kids, youngsters and seniors getting together and enjoying on New Year ’s Eve till the clock struck 12.


Meanwhile, the ‘Style Tips’ section by Ms Palak Doshi has received widespread appreciation with requests coming in from all corners for views on certain trends and the Interview Section has also gone down well with everyone. Get to read about ‘Uttarayan’ in this issue’s ‘Look forward to’ segment and check out the features of Nokia’s latest offering in Gadgets and Gizmos.
So move out of the quilts and turn the heater down, move out of your cosy home and see what’s happening in town!

Year End

Dated : December 2009


Greetings Gujjus,  


We are nearing the end of yet another eventful year, and it is best to look back and reflect at some of the events that went by. While our scientists made us proud with Chandrayan’s successful discovery of water on moon’s surface, the cricket team emerged the best in tests. AR Rahman with his musical masterpiece got what he truly deserved – an Oscar, and made us all go Jai Ho! And many such accomplishments that leave you with fond memories from 2009.


So here we are, in the month of December, trying to think back where the twelve months went by. And no matter, how much we try to recollect, it’s difficult to realize how time flies by. But that’s the thing with time, no matter what we do, it keeps moving, it doesn’t stop for anybody. And that’s what also happens to be time’s biggest message to all of us, that we should keep doing more, keep making the most of what we have, keep trying to push ourselves to the maximum in whatever little time we have.


While youngsters and philosophy don’t go hand in hand, but the youth of today needs to be aware of what happens around them, they need to be aware of the importance of time, they need to realize life’s many responsibilities. While having fun is an integral part of growing up, youngsters must not keep themselves away from life’s worldly matters, and slowly keep imbibing the learnings that their parents and other seniors teach them.


Enough of serious talk; let’s get back to having some fun! For starters, we introduce a brand new section with this issue titled ‘Style Tips’ by Ms Palak Doshi, the CEO of men’s fashion wear brand, VAMAN. Also, we kick off the interview segment with Special Olympic silver medallist, the very talented Mr Kushal Manek.


There is a lot more that we intend to do, and we are moving step by step towards it, but for now here’s hoping that this satisfies your senses.

Second Issue

Dated : November 2009


Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much for the overwhelming response to ‘Youth Ki Goonj’! Didn’t expect so many congratulatory emails and phone calls after the first issue itself! And why just read, when you can become a part yourself by any of these means –
Mail us your

1. Profiles for each issue’s random Delhi Gujju interview
2. Thoughts on current books/topics/movies
3. Birthdays(for our upcoming Birthdays section)
4. Pictures from events/weddings/get togethers

at youthkigoonj@gmail.com or call up at 98106 20791 for details. Happy reading, and make the most of this wedding season.

The Beginning

Dated : November 2009

Dear Readers,

It was 10 years ago, in 1999, that a magazine aimed at tapping the pulse of Gujaratis in Delhi NCR was launched. Issue after issue, year after year, it has grown both in style and stature, capturing the imagination of thousands of Gujarati families in the city.

When you move to double digits, you grow up and the child in you moves from being a kid to a youngster.  Gujarat Dhara has grown as well, and it’s time to introduce you to a fresh young and vibrant side of the magazine. It gives me immense pleasure in presenting ‘Youth ki Goonj’, a brand new 4 page section dedicated to the youth, bringing stories and thoughts straight from the hearts of the gen next Gujarati(Gujju as they prefer being called). It will also feature stuff they like ‘Gadgets and Gizmos’ and new courses on offer ‘Course Study’. There will be a ‘Thought of the week’ to keep them thinking and also a list of upcoming birthdays.  Suggestions for what they should ‘Look forward to’ and a quick fire Q&A with a random Delhi Gujju every week.

Any initiative is incomplete without the ideas and suggestions of the people whom it is associated with. Requesting you all to mail the same and help in making ‘Youth ki Goonj’ a roaring success.

So then, turn the page and get ready for the buzz!

keep that smile on J