"Inspiration" Art Auction

It is often sad when young people are often brushed aside and not taken seriously. However on this particular occasion the youth of Brent were given the chance to show their raw talent and were shown the respect and appreciation for their efforts as young artists.

The evening boasted of enthusiasm, excitement, joy and many bidders. The number of entries was countless and each artist proved to be a winner in their own right.

Such events reveal the importance of communities coming together, appreciating each others work and supporting one another. The Advait Sattavis Gam Centre sustains an equal opportunity ethic, and what better way to do this than by showing the next generation that we care. Of course this auction could not be possible without the help of local teachers and leaders of youth organisations and it is a great example of communal gatherings for a n important purpose.

Below are some of the entries, which were up for Auction:

Holi 2006 & 2007

The colourful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes in February and early March. The Youth Committee of SSGPS organised the Holi event both in 2006 and 2007 at the Advait Centre.

In India we can expect to find the lighting up of a bonfire on the eve of Holi and then on the actual day people rub and smear ‘gulal’ and ‘abeer’ on each other saying ‘Bura Namano Holi Hai’. In the midst of running around throwing coloured powder, the occasional dip in or spray of coloured water somewhat plays a cooling agent after all that running and chasing as well as an action of fun and games.

The celebration of Holi at the Advait Centre started with ‘Holika Dahan’ which is a small pooja. There was an elegant display of pooja and Holi makers prayed and rejoiced for the triumph of good over evil. Thereafter the youngsters and the older generation alike played Holi showing great joy and mirth in the arrival of this Spring festival. A few Indian traditions were missed, such as the human pyramid in which a pot of buttermilk is broken to express their love to their beloved. Perhaps next time we celebrate again, you might just witness everybody climbing on top of each other!

Gordon Brown Diversity Gala Dinner

The big night opened with Dhol players, welcoming media stars and professionals such as Nina Nanar (Correspondent from ITV news), Juliette Fostor (worked for BBC Radio London, Sky News and now more recently BBC World), Connie from Blue Peter, Saheed Jafferey and many more.

Ladies from different ethnic groups wearing a beautiful array of yellow saris waited on guests, and the setting, dining and stage was of pure bliss.

One of the most glamorous and beautiful events of the year was held at the Advait Centre to celebrate the remarkable success of ethnic minority communities and business. It was the beginnning of a real discussion of the challenges ahead. The guest of honour, Gordon Brown (now Prime Minister), was recognised for his efforts and success during his time as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The evening introduced a new initiative that will in effect raise awareness of diversity issues and leadership. The Next Step Diversity Mark will be a means for organisations to demonstrate its commitment to generating and supporting diversity at all levels.

The evening’s overall presentation strongly voiced that the UK’s communities are an economic opportunity and enables our regions to be unique and successful with strength and character. The messages conveyed are definitely parallel to what is believed at the Advait Sattavis Gam Centre, which is bringing people together from all paths of life. The Gordon Brown Diversity Gala Dinner ended in great success and the centre is definitely proud to have been a part of such a major event.