To help those who need to walk a few steps to a table is a gesture of service; but to assist those who need to walk a mile, is indeed is an act of proactive, prosocial behaviour.
Inspired by the desire to provide programs of quality to the Jamat residing in small centres, the Local Council for Hyderabad, under the jurisdiction of the Southern India Council, organised an event titled "Sunday Funday" at the Parbhani Jamatkhana on 26th August, 2018. The Jamats of Parbhani and Nanded did indeed have a “fun-day” on Sunday through a coalition, where all boards jointly and actively organized and participated.
The resident Jamati members worked their hearts out over a week-long preparation to welcome the leadership, facilitators and the travelling Jamati members. The final day was filled with warmth, camaraderie and togetherness. The atmosphere was one of learning and sharing, joy and knowledge, set throughout—right from the breakfast table.
The programs through the day focused on life and living skills which not only aimed to provide tips to increase longevity, but also improve the quality of life of individuals. The day started off with programmes titled "Hum Saath Saath Hai" (We are together!) and "Parivaar on Ravivaar". (With Family on Sunday)
'Dukh Sukh tha ek sabka, apna ho ya begaana, ek ye bhi tha zamana, ek woh bhi tha zamana'
With cues from this famous ghazal, the programs reflected on family life in the yesteryears and life at present, bringing forth ideas on a ‘quality’ family life.
This was followed by an understanding on qualitative and planned investments and lessons about handling social media through programmes titled "Nirmaan Bhavishya" (Creating the future) and the "Digital Patshala” (The digital school).
"Groom and Grow" was program that catered to the women, reinforcing their social etiquette, while children explored creative thinking through the "Library Session”. One-on-one counseling through the "Career Patshala" was designed for teenagers, and senior citizens reminisced their journeys through the "Bachpann se Pachpann tak" event. (From Childhood to Fifty five)
After separate group interactions, the entire Jamat then came together to work towards learning how to deal with emotional stress and depression. The closing session for the day was "Ek Nayi Subha” (a new beginning). Celebrations with the garba and dandiya raas followed!
Although multiple programs were held on a single day, the sessions left long-lasting imprints on the members of the jamat. Attendees showered the organizers and volunteers with dua aashish, taking with them priceless thoughts of learning. They shared their delight and appreciated the councils for coming together in arranging such thought-provoking programs. ‘Lifestyle change,’ the central link for all the programs, was well-communicated and reached the members of the Jamat.
All-in-all, the synergy of the boards, the hardwork from organizers and members, and the love and affection of the Jamats, weaved historic memories of a day that could be carved in golden words in the history of the Hyderabad Council.
