The celebration was to be a simple cake-cutting ceremony. But it turned out unexpectedly lavish, well attended and totally enjoyable.
Guru Rajee turned a youthful 76. She is back where she belongs, centrestage with her students, composing, choreographing, teaching. And what's most important, inspiring every student, far and near, to do her best. She had decided to give the students a break from practice for Vidyaramba Puja and decided it would be a good idea to watch her 75th birthday celebration instead.
We started the Amrutotsav DVD at 9.45 am sharp. The students, children and seniors, were there on time, many mothers were present, of those students who were miles away., but only physically ! It was good walking down memory lane, the children especially enjoyed seeing themselves on screen !
After the dances were over, the DVD was paused, for the cake-cutting. By then everyone had done their Namaskaram to Aunty. There were 3 cakes, R-shaped & N-shaped Dutch Truffles & heart-shaped Black Forest ! Aunty fed the first piece to a new child, who has just joined the dance class. And then to Shyam and as many students and mothers as she could ! There was 2-year old Meher, daughter of old student, Savita Nambiar and youngest aspirant of Nritya Geethanjali ! She is a little moppet who captivated many hearts.
The Mumbai Tamil Times, a popular Tamil daily newspaper in Mumbai celebrates its 11th Anniversary this year. Their team of sub-editor and photographer came in at 10.30 am. They covered the cake-cutting, took some interviews and lots of photographs of Aunty and the students. This will appear in detail on the 24th of August. The photo session were great fun as always.
The DVD was continued, as the working committee of seniors, that's Hema, Shailaja, Bibna, Jenna, Kritika, Maya, Aishwarya, distributed plates of cake, samosas, potato chips and Frooti / Appy. Whilst stuffing themselves too ! The DVD was stopped at 11.30 am.
Some of the senior students read out messages from the students who are abroad. Aunty then gave a short and touching speech. She said she was so happy and lucky to receive the love and affection of so many students. That's all she desired... Many of the kids had made her cards. There were many bouquets. There were other well-wishers to wish Aunty. There were parents like Mrudula's, who came from so far to attend. The hall was filled with chatter and laughter; Aunty sat and smiled through it all. She looked peaceful and happy.
By noon, it was over. The kids lingered on... thinking there was more to come ! Everyone had gorged on 4 kilos of cake ! Despite sudden showers that morning, the event was a success.
- Jaishree Rao
