The Chai and Chat event held in Preston was a testament to the adage “quality over quantity.” With around 40 attendees, aligning perfectly with our expected turnout of 40-50, the event was intimate yet impactful, fostering meaningful interactions.
The event commenced with a warm welcome and a prayer recited by my foy, setting a respectful and inclusive tone. Sunil then delivered an opening speech, marking the official start of the event. The proceedings exceeded our expectations in every way, running smoothly and punctually without any issues.
We began with a lively game of Antakshari, which served as an excellent ice breaker, encouraging participation and setting a relaxed atmosphere. This was followed by a PowerPoint presentation and the distribution of envelopes, during which the audience remained highly engaged and active.
The questions posed during the event struck an emotional chord with some of the elder attendees, leading to heartfelt and open sharing. It was a touching sight to witness such deep connections being formed among the participants.
Remarkably, the event was free from disruptions—there was no background chatter, which is quite rare for such gatherings. The highlight was the gift-giving ceremony for the elders, during which I performed a traditional greeting and received blessings from the two 92-year-old attendees. This gesture was greatly appreciated and noted for its rarity in contemporary times.
The games were a major success, with enthusiastic participation from everyone, adding a layer of fun and excitement to the event. Sunil’s closing speech was particularly outstanding, delivered with such eloquence and emotion that it left many attendees moved. It was a moment we wished had been recorded. Following Sunil, brief but impactful speeches from Vinu Uncle and Radhika provided a fitting conclusion to the event.
The event ended with a meal and the distribution of gifts, leaving everyone with a sense of fulfillment. We received excellent feedback, with the Preston committee expressing a keen interest in making this an annual event, albeit on a smaller scale.
Overall, the Youth Forum team’s efforts were unparalleled, and the event was deemed exceptional by all. I am extremely happy with how everything turned out, as the event was truly wholesome and fulfilling.
Compiled from a report by Nitisha Patel – Youth Forum.