Diversity Day Recap, by Supriya Mamidi

On Sunday, May 21 from 2 pm - 4 pm, the Human Relations Council held their “Diversity Day, Tea and Conversation” event in the Grover Middle School Cafeteria.

Melinda Rubenstein and Khyati Rajput were the hosts for the event. Jyotima Prasad and Andrea Mandel kicked off the festivities when they spoke to the crowd about Diversity. Jyotima said,“No countries, no caste, no creed, no nationality, nothing matters here, only love, generosity, and support matters here and that is what it’s all about.” Andrea spoke about how she had engaged in multiple experiences from different religious groups. Khyati recited a poem about diversity.

Afterwards, the guests had a choice of numerous worldly teas and could visit any of the tables to learn about the country’s culture. Indian, Turkish, Scottish, and Japanese tea were served. At the table for Japan, guests could try on a Kimono and make origami.

Another table celebrated Israel. There were palm shaped pieces of craft paper, called “Hamsa” that guests decorated. One can put it on their door to ward off evil. This is a tradition followed in the Middle East. There were also strings and beads to make bracelets or necklaces. 

Another table had Mehendi and Sari Draping. Indian women like to decorate themselves by wearing bindis and jewelry.

There were various performances such as a Bollywood group dance, Turkish music, dance, tabla (with and without singing), poetry, and other types of music. The first Bollywood group dance by Let’s Dance Academy with Babita Negi and the group was a medley of different forms of Bollywood dance. It started with Ganesh Vandana, an auspicious way to start an event, according to one of the attendees. Then, kids from several age groups perform the Bollywood dance.

Photo by Elliot Gordon

Photo by Elliot Gordon

The second performance was tabla by Reanna Patel. She played two compositions from Delhi Gharana. One of the compositions is “Dhagena Dhagena Dhage Tete Tete Dha Dha Gena Dha Dha Gena Dhage Dhinagena.” The other one is “Kast Tete Teté Tete Kastan Dhage Tete.”

The third performance was by David Fenster. He sang “Blowin’ In The Wind” by Bob Dylan, “Don’t Let Us Get Sick" by Warren Zevon, and “Paradise in a Cloud” played these songs on his guitar. The lyricist for “Paradise in a Cloud” is Phish. “Paradise in a Cloud” can be listened to on the following music platforms, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Pandora. Wade Alan played an original song called “The Saint” which is about brotherhood. Akshay Tiwari played Turkish music pieces Cókertme, Fidayda, and Safar (original). 

Photo by Elliot Gordon