It was great pleasure to board the Seattle Maharashtra Mandal as Vice president in 2005, that was the first time even standing for the board of the Maharashtra Mandal, brought many new concepts and things (right from Shwass movie). Besides this, being editor (designer, writer) for the annual magazine (Sarathi) and monthly newsletter for two years (05/06) gave immense pleasure and connection with many individuals. It really showed the different / kind of unknown aspect of their personality. There was strong email bonding with many. When you still go through their emails written specifically to you its such a joyous moment. The links to magazines initially were there even for monthly newsletter but seems like available only for 2006 magazine Sarathi 2006Sarathi, rest all from 2005 magazine and others disappeared seems like.
2007 was great year having Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal convention in Seattle and apart from being on the programming committee leadership did participating in drama, mc'ing on main stage, going for representing talent transfer initiative to Chicago Talent transfer ( well it was their greatness to allow me to share stage with so many accomplished people) and many more things. Interactions with lot of great people, lot of learning from them. Had really nice time doing this.
People usually get confused when they read your name, R u this or R U that??? Never had this question growing up even in my school or college. Though my ancestors came from far part of Gujarat our education was in Marathi school and everyone in the community spoke the same language. Yes,indeed there is influence of both the cultures and happy we get to enjoy both at the same time. What matters is everyone is human and if they are doing good work let them.
