RANG TARANG-2003- Another feather in cap for Asha for Education - DC chapter
Friday, 14 November, 2003, 11:30
Story by Asha team member Aviral Singh


Members of Asha for Education - DC chapter succeeded in weaving a musical web around the audience from the DC metropolitan area during Asha's last mega-event for 2003 - 'RANG TARANG' - on Saturday, 8 November. The crowd, gathered at the Rockville/Northwood High School, swayed, cheered and danced to some sensational music provided by the young and talented band 'SPANDAN'. Like the case for most successful events, the planning for this Asha event commenced several months ago. Chapter coordinator Gagan Kanjlia and program manager Madhav Acharya spearheaded a team of more than 35 volunteers in the planning stages and kept the tempo up at all times. Credit is due to all volunteers who provided the Asha team with constructive inputs throughout the pre-event stages and worked hard to make Rang Tarang a success.

The enthusiastic team of Asha volunteers arrived at the school's auditorium at 1:30 pm on the day of the event. The atmosphere was tense but electric while everyone worked hard to set things up for the event. It was quite inspiring to see all volunteers going the extra mile to get things done, and even Mr. Tony Taneja, one of our gracious sponsors, joined the team in its efforts. The auditorium decorated with an Indian theme had a refreshing look, and the band was raring to go as the first few guests started to arrive at twilight.

Asha team members greeted the arriving audience and the auditorium filled up fairly quickly. The musical evening took off with MC's Mona Sehgal and Shyam Kannan, dressed in splendid Indian costumes, who introduced Asha's mission, and encouraging people to pledge more support to the noble cause. 'Spandan' took it away from there and the band artists got in to the groove really early. A smile of satisfaction could be seen on most faces as the clapping and foot tapping started accompanying the melodious tunes being churned out by the band. The band was clearly well received, and time flew by before the band took a break. The catering team scored a home run when a huge crowd converged at the snack table during the intermission. The music resumed after the short break, and several members of the audience broke in to a jig. 'Spandan' continued to enthrall the audience with their acumen by performing a mix of peppy numbers carefully selected from a long list of all time hits. After a few final words from Asha representatives, the band coursed to the conclusion of the evening with the crowd enjoying every moment of the program.

The Asha fund raising effort was received very well. Asha received 24 pledges for the 'Support A Child' program that was inaugurated at the program. It had been a crazy day for everyone involved with the event, but what mattered at the end was the Asha team work and the fact that it was a roaring success. Jai Hind.