OLC-3 as Asha Makhecha Saw it
Dinesh Karia
My Way to OLC 3…!
I was never sure of my participating in OLC 3 at Surat as Dr Karia had decided not to attend it due to his busy schedule. Surprisingly I heard my inner voice and made up my mind to capture the opportunity.
I started my journey by train at 7:40 a.m. I was very excited and a bit tensed because traveling by train was something unusual for me; it’s like an adventure for me. But somehow I could manage it. I got a window seat and through it I was observing elements of nature and life at the railway station. One has to struggle to reach the destination. During this journey we may/may not get all the comforts. It is either smooth or tough. But if we are sure about the pleasant meet at the end, we are certainly going to enjoy the journey.
I reached Surat at 10:15. I found it as a crowded and fast city. I gave a call to Prakash Nathwani (which I had been doing for one week) to send somebody to pick me up as I was unfamiliar to the city and am scared of huge traffic. Very soon I was picked up by Devang (a non-Lohana son-in-law) and Nikunj (an architect who was performing the role of the head of transportation department). I introduced myself as a lecturer when asked by Nikunj and his eyes rolled on. He found it to be unexpected and must have recalled his college life including ‘pass’, ‘fail’, ‘a.t.k.t’ and ‘bunking classes’. In fact both are fun loving guys although married! We were also joined by two young chaps from Mumbai.
We got down at Flora Restaurant, Surat-Kamrej Road. In an air conditioned hall we were welcomed by putting a tilak on our forehead, which gave a traditional touch to the occasion: nice gesture! As soon as I entered the hall, I could see almost forty youngsters in their ceremonious dresses, having refreshments and interacting with one other. All were very excited about meeting friends face to face and exchanging introduction. The entire environment was so friendly and informal that not for a single moment I felt like an outsider. (were you?)
After refreshments we were asked to introduce our partner (partner as per the number matching with that of the other one in the group) in public. Best introduction was rewarded a big chocolate which was won by Rajiv, a young boy with a great sense of humor. (who was that lucky person?) We had a lot of fun, frolic and masti during each introduction. People would scream, cry and applaud!
After that we were entertained by Rajan and his team through a very thoughtful drama titled Suryast pachhino Suryoday!. The drama dealt with two significant ideas: 1 The issue of thalassemia 2 Importance of a girl child. The first thematic concern is very specific as the disease is chiefly found in Lohana community (I know Asha is able to educate more on this to us, so! waiting for one article from Asha on this!!!!) whereas the second one is general in nature as in the age of female infanticide nobody thinks of adopting a female child. The script, direction and cast were very powerful. (Director? Script writer?) The title itself is full of optimism.
The program hosts-Kavita & Mehul were wearing a lovely smile on their faces throughout the program.
Next to drama, everybody rejoiced a delicious lunch. I also could feel the fragrance of delicacies. During lunch Nirav, Nikunj and his wife Meera as well as I were discussing the way the youth can explore fun even from small matters and enjoy themselves. I also got a chance to meet Mayuri & Maulik and shared our memories of OLC 1. Meanwhile the host team members were coming to us one by one and asking to feel free and enjoy the food. I really appreciate their hospitality. Hats off!!
In the post lunch session we played a game called ‘Non-Stop Non-Sense’. The coordinator was Piyush from Mumbai. It was just amazing. One is asked some question and the other one sitting on his/her right is to answer the question which is not at all relevant to the question.(This reminds me of the same game proposed by Vishwa in OLC-2! We played it in OLC-2) If one gives relevant answer, s/he is out of the game. All of us really enjoyed it. Irrelevance has its own merriment. During the game chocolate ice-cream was served, which added to our joy.
Coming to the last event, the hosts Mehul & Prakash organized one more game called ‘Housie’. Here again we had a lot of fun and excitement. Winners were encouraged with chocolates. Moving to the epilogue of the function, we were invited to present our talent and views regarding the meet. The organizers screened on an LCD screen photographs of OLC 2, Mumbai Meet & OLC 3 Local meets. That was, I suppose, the most memorable part of the meet, followed by the views of Nirav, Jignesh & others. (Detailing please!!!) During the session we were facilitated with tea/coffee.
Till departure, we captured in our cameras some beautiful moments with orkut friends. We thanked the host team and congratulated for getting everything so well-planned and wonderfully-arranged. I am sure they had put hard and smart efforts to make it a grand success! I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to Nirav and his Ahmedabadi friends to give me a ride to Anand and for being a remarkable company throughout the way. When I started the journey, I had known nobody from Surat. But when I left, I was enriched with many friends. Probably this was the agenda of the meet and it’s more convincing and comprehensive.
Surat, being the youngest city of Gujarat, holding maximum youth of the state, seemed more young, lively and jolly with the fun generated by the youngsters in the meet.
Jay ho!
Ms. Asha Makhecha
Vallabh Vidyanagar
**********
Dr. Dinesh J. Karia
Department of Mathematics
Sardar Patel University
Vallabh Vidyanagar 388120
Gujarat, INDIA
**********
--
Its God's responsibility to forgive the terrorist organizations
It's our responsibility to arrange the meeting between them and god."
- Indian Armed Forces -
Interested in discussion on Mathematics? visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ugcnetmath
"To see what is in front of one's nose needs a constant struggle." - George Orwell
Nirav Karia
Dear Shri Dineshbhai & all Members,
With inspiration of Ashaji "My way of OLC 3...!" I thought to extend with my experience as well for those who could not make to OLC 3...
My way of OLC 3... !
It was 4 o’clock in the Sunday morning I had to get up...
Brijesh and Hitesh arrived on time and I was managed to get ready in time as they
coordinated the group and trip... 
We started @ 5 o’clock from Ahmedabad... Briesh, Hitesh - His fiancée Nayana, Bhargav, Amit, Jignesh, Bhavin and Me...
During the journey discussion topic varied from academics
to businesses, marketing to finance, politics to community welfare, and of
course staggering issue like cohesiveness within community group... Here I
missed the presence of Dineshbhai… & Kaushal whose thoughts I always
admire, 
We reached by 10 o’clock at the venue... perfect... in
time and not to mention even the program started in time... by this we have set
the example… even we (lohanas) are time punctual 
There was truly an authentic welcome by SGLG (south
gujarat lohana group) Tilak, Custom made OLC-3 Key chain, Housie ticket &
Special Digit number on chit in one envelop, 
Before my imagination start about the digit… Soon Anchor
Mehul & Kavita declare we supposed to introduce one person among the group
whose digit will be declared against the digit allotted to individual… quite
unique and it worked… people took active part… quite refreshing… 
During our journey Amit wanted to know the look and taste
of “LOCHO” which is specialty of surat…
and lucky fellow got it… surprisingly it was in the breakfast, thanks to the 6th
sense of SGLG 
Followed by breakfast everybody introduced each other
(allotted companion) on stage, and few
use the chits as well, it reminded academic days 
It was perfect hohallaha… I felt it was alumni gathering
than acquaintances…
Group was quite thrilled, followed by lunch 
there were few
games like housie, nonsense & ball passing played by each member… And to
make day most memorable SGLG presented Drama on Staggering issue of Thalassemia
… It was so convincing that I have put one more criteria on my matrimonial
search 
,
wonderful script and well
executed… thorough professional lohana drama artist !!! 
Event was full of Songs, Ghazals, PJs, Jokes, Shayaris, Photo
Video presentation of OLC1, OLC2 and Making of OLC3, so on and so forth, 
At last I was asked for concluding session… My note had covered
following topic;
- Acknowledgement of the sincere efforts of SGLG
- Praised cohesiveness within the group of SGLG
- Request to all local member for regular meet
- Individual should take the initiative of their respective field / interest activity than expecting group to do it / not to wait till group formation
- Start the social / community driven activities in manageable scale
- Spread thoughtful discussion and thread on forum
- Use
the other internet based tool as well for professional networking and be cautious
about the orkut while getting in touch with totally unknown
Jignesh Pabari assured that community website initiation will
be effective soon and on OLC – 4 we will have something running for next level
and His thought was applauded by the audience, 
Finally It was a time of BIDAI… though there was no bride
and groom but as the welcome was authentic how can SGLG can be behind for
bidai… all local members danced on song of Hum Rahe Ya Na Rahe Kal Yaad Aayenge
Ye Pal !!!
While back to ahmedabad we asked Ashaji to join till V. V.
Nagar, it was strategic decision as we wanted to get few tips on English and on
communication which we managed to get it… thanks
Hatts off to all SGLG who made every one’s day special 
Truly amazing experience… Coming soon OLC 4 … which city
is waiting !!! 
Nirav Karia
Dinesh Karia
Dr. Dinesh J. Karia
Department of Mathematics
Sardar Patel University
Vallabh Vidyanagar 388120
Gujarat, INDIA
**********
--
Its God's responsibility to forgive the terrorist organizations
It's our responsibility to arrange the meeting between them and god."
- Indian Armed Forces -
Interested in discussion on Mathematics? visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ugcnetmath