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