On the occasion of World Heritage Day, Shilp Aarambh Heritage Walk 2023 was held in Ahmedabad, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. The event was curated and organised by Sneh Shilp Foundation. The walk was attended by around 1000 people from the city, who came together to show their support for the cause.
Following the massive success of Shilp Aarambh GIFT City Run 2023, the mission of our foundation is to create awareness and inspire pride in our rich cultural heritage. We aim to showcase its beauty and significance and highlight the importance of preserving it for future generations. By inspiring the youth to appreciate and embrace our culture, we hope to steer them away from vices like the drug menace, and towards a greater sense of national pride and identity. Youth play a critical role in preserving cultural heritage because they are the inheritors and custodians of the traditions, knowledge, and artifacts that have been passed down from previous generations. It is essential for young people to learn about and appreciate their cultural roots because it helps them develop a sense of identity, belonging, and pride in their heritage. Furthermore, by understanding their cultural heritage, young people can better appreciate the diversity and richness of human culture, and develop a sense of empathy and respect for other cultures. This can help promote social cohesion and prevent cultural conflicts.
The Heritage Walk started off at 6am from Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur and ended at Jama Masjid. There were guides all throughout the route who busily engaged the participants by educating them about each monument on the way along with its history and significance. A lot of facts shared by the guides were a true discovery for the participants and they were totally thrilled to gain that knowledge about their own heritage. This wasn’t just a walk around the older part of the city. We had arranged performances that talk about our rich culture, its diversity and its importance. There were enthusiasts who performed yoga, bharatnatyam, kushti, mallakhamba and mugdar. These performances showcased the diverse cultural heritage of India and Gujarat and were a hit among the participants.
The organizers also wanted to encourage artists to join the movement against drug abuse, and to promote their art as a means of expression. Hence, they invited photographers, illustrators, painters, sketch artists, interior designers, architects as well as writers and authors to participate in the event. Later, an exhibition was also organized to showcase the pieces of art that were created during the event.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Tejendra Prasad Swamiji of Kalupur Swaminarayan Mandir, Shri Kirit Kumar Parmar, Mayor of Gujarat, Shri Rajkumar, Chief Secretary of Gujarat, Shri Sanjay Shrivastava, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, Shri Yash Brahmbhatt, Founder and CEO of Shilp and Mrs. Snehal Brahmbhatt, COO of Shilp Group. Their presence added to the glory of the event and encouraged the participants. The city was buzzing with the event, and it was heartening to see so many people come together for a noble cause.
This was the second big initiative of Sneh Shilp Foundation for the purpose of creating awareness about drug abuse. The Foundation plans to conduct many more such awareness campaigns. Drug addiction among youth is considered a significant societal problem for several reasons. It is a disease that requires professional help, and education, resources, and support are key to preventing it, as well as help young people who are struggling with addiction to overcome it. Our aim is to help the youth realize their true potential and become productive members of society.
In conclusion, the heritage walk was a huge success, and it helped to create a sense of pride and ownership among the youth of the nation towards their cultural heritage. The organizers are committed to continue with such initiatives in the future, and we hope that more people will join the movement to preserve our cultural heritage.
Every great achievement starts with a simple thought. For me, it was the thought of doing something good for the society. Drug abuse is a growing menace in today’s society, and it affects people of all ages and backgrounds. As concerned citizens, we were deeply troubled by the impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and society as a whole. I knew that something needed to be done to address this issue, but I was not sure where to start. That’s when we had a thought – what if we could do something to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a drug-free society?
We began researching and brainstorming ideas. We spoke to experts, did our research and talked to people who had been affected by drug abuse. We knew we needed to do something big, something that could reach out to a large number of people and create an impact. And that’s how the idea of a marathon came about. Our goal was simple – to create an event that would bring people together for a cause greater than themselves. We wanted to use the power of a marathon to spread the message of drug abuse prevention and create a community of people who believed in the cause. And with the support of our dedicated team, we were able to do just that.
Planning
The planning process for the marathon was an enormous undertaking, requiring a meticulous and detail-oriented approach. We started from scratch, with the goal of creating an unforgettable experience for all the participants. The first step was to secure the perfect venue, and after much consideration, we decided on the stunning GIFT City in Gandhinagar.We then had to plan out the route for the different race categories, ensuring that it would be challenging yet achievable for the runners. The race director played a crucial role in this process, using their expertise to create a route that would showcase the beauty of the surroundings while also providing an exciting challenge for the participants.
Logistics were another key consideration, and we had to ensure that everything from transportation to security was taken care of. We also had to secure sponsorships to cover the costs of the event, which was no small feat. With the help of our dedicated team, we managed to secure the support of several reputable companies, ensuring that the event would be a success. Facilities for the runners were a top priority, and we had to ensure that everything from medical assistance to refreshments was provided. We wanted to create an environment where the runners could focus solely on the thrill of the run, without having to worry about any logistical concerns.
Execution
The race execution was an incredible display of passion and dedication, held at the picturesque GIFT City in Gandhinagar. The event featured a wide range of race categories, including the 5kms, 10kms, and 21kms, attracting runners from all over the country. The mastermind behind the success of the event was the renowned race director, Suri Paji, who meticulously organized every aspect of the race, ensuring that the runners could focus solely on the thrill of the run. The event was a celebration of human spirit, with every participant pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits. To add an extra touch of excitement to the event, there were RJs on the ground, energizing the runners with their exuberant commentary. Additionally, Zumba sessions were conducted, getting everyone pumped up and in the right frame of mind to take on the race. The atmosphere was electric, with a sense of camaraderie and solidarity permeating the air. The highlight of the event was the presence of Major D.P.Singh, India’s first blade runner and a Kargil war veteran, who served as the brand ambassador for the event. His inspiring story of triumph over adversity served as a beacon of hope for all the runners, who were reminded that anything is possible with dedication and hard work.
The event also had significant government support, with both state and central government representatives attending to show their support for the cause including Shri Parshottam Rupala Ji, Honourable Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India and Shri Rushikesh Patel Ji, Honourable Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Higher and Technical Education, Medical Education, Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of Gujarat
The event was truly inclusive, with a 5kms run organized especially for the specially-abled children. The media turned out in huge numbers to cover the event, capturing every moment of the race and the excitement in the air. Runners were treated to delicious and nutritious snacks after the run, and the joyous prize distribution ceremony that followed was a fitting end to an unforgettable day.
In addition to organizing the logistics and facilities for the event, we also had an extensive marketing plan in place. We recognized the importance of reaching out to as many people as possible, to ensure that the event would be a huge success. To that end, we embarked on an outdoor marketing campaign, using hoardings and leaflets to spread the word about the marathon. We also launched several social media campaigns, leveraging the power of the internet to reach a wider audience. We reached out to influential people and organizations to promote the event, highlighting the cause and the impact that it could have. This helped to generate buzz around the event and encouraged more people to sign up.
What’s Next?
The marathon turned out to be a huge success with more than 15000 runners from all over the country and we were overwhelmed by the response. It was a delight to receive testimonials from our happy runners. Despite the many challenges we faced during the planning process, we were able to pull off an incredible event, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team. It was a true testament to the power of collaboration, and we were proud to have created an event that brought people together for a worthy cause. The race execution was a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, bringing people together for a worthy cause. The energy, excitement, and enthusiasm that pervaded the event were contagious, leaving a lasting impression on all those who attended. It was an event that will be remembered for years to come, a true celebration of the human spirit.
We recognize that this is just the beginning of a long journey. There is still much work to be done to create awareness amongst the youth and to encourage healthy and positive lifestyle choices. We are committed to continuing our efforts and organizing similar events in the future, to build on the momentum that we have created. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the event and supported us in our mission. Together, we can make a positive impact on the society and create a better future for generations to come.
Ever read a fairy tale? I am sure you have and so have I. But this time I visited one. It was Lapland! First of all, a big thanks to Purva and Pristine Paige Events for the extensive planning and specially the reiki that she did for the trip. It’s hard to even think the way her team planned such a long and lavish stay for everyone in a place like that. A big shout to EO, Gujarat for organising such a thoughtful trip especially at Christmas time.
Lapland is known for its winter wonderland atmosphere, with snow-covered forests, mountains, and the Arctic Circle. This made for a truly magical and memorable vacation for my kids. We did skeeing, snowboarding and what not. Not to forget the big and small snowmen that we created all the way through the trip.
The place is known for its snowy winters and Christmas traditions and this was the perfect time to visit the place. We actually got to witness White Christmas! The conifers were covered with snow and whenever we looked out there was snow everywhere. And then we visited the Santa Claus Village where kids met Santa Claus in person and learnt about his home. There were elves too. Such cute creatures who were doll-like, so true to the ones we’ve only seen in books.
The frozen sea at Kemi is unique and mesmerizing. The sea ice can took on a variety of forms, ranging from smooth and mirror-like to rough and jagged. The stark white expanse of the frozen sea contrasted with the deep blue of the sky, creating a breathtaking visual effect. The sheer magnanimity of the sea sent shivers.
Visiting Ranua Wildlife Park and watching the polar bears with my daughter was truly unforgettable experience. As we approached the polar bear enclosures, we felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, wondering what it will be like to see these majestic animals up close. We were struck by their size and beauty. As we watched them roam and play, we were in awe and wonder at their grace and power.
Our visit to Lapland was an unforgettable experience filled with wonder and magic. From the breathtaking natural beauty of the snowy landscape to the snow activities, every moment was special and truly memorable. Whether it was exploring the frozen wilderness on a husky sled ride or cozying up by the fireplace in a traditional Finnish cottage, every aspect of the trip contributed to creating lasting memories. As the days passed and the trip came to an end, it was hard to say goodbye to this magical place, but the memories of the visit will stay with us forever.
This was the second time Germany welcomed us with open hands. It was 13 years back when Yash and I had been to this beautiful place and this time it was with Yash and kids. The place was as beautiful and serene as it was a decade ago, but the fun was doubled with my munchkins around. Europa park was a must visit with my daughter and after a long covid break, being 4 years elder to her last visit of a fun park, my daughter had a blast with some real heavy-duty fun rides. It gave me a peep into the current to realise that she’s grown.
Halloween added excitement to the whole trip. People had dressed creatively in their supernatural avatars and even some science fiction inspired ones. It was a sight to watch them. The cuckoo clock was a major attraction for me and my daughter. It was magnificent and we were awe-struck seeing it. We also loved seeing the BMW museum in Munich. It was fascinating.
The small self-drive road trips to France, Salzburg and several such nearby places was great family time and we loved the cozy time we spent with each other. The greenery, the waterside, the monuments, the history, everything was captivating. Any amount of time spent would be less. See you again Germany!
Whenever I think of the most powerful and empowered woman, Goddess Durga comes to my mind. She was aggressive when needed and calming and loving when required. The nine nights of Navratri are not merely about dancing to the tunes of garba, it is about invoking the Supreme power. I feel powerful these 9 days, I feel connected. My fasting is also a way of paying tribute to the Goddess. My Goddess is my only refuge, no matter what the distress may be.
I dance like crazy all the 9 nights. My garba is also my way of becoming one with Her. When I perform garba, I feel I exude my true dedication to the Supreme and that is the time when true happiness manifests within, I forget all my worries and just sway to the tunes. This 9-day period is like a sought after period for me every year. I feel positive, rejuvenated, connected to Her as well as closer to myself.
Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. – John Muir
Life is really demanding sometimes. Or should we say, we have made it like that. Social media, gadgets, internet – there’s really a lot that’s going around. Can we stop it? May be not. But can we disconnect for a while and reconnect? May be, yes.
The nature’s lap is warm and overwhelming we don’t need a ticket to. Getting connected with self is needed. Take a hike, spend some moments with yourself and listen to your heart beating. Follow the rhythm of your heart, there is no other sound that is so authentic and engrossing.
Turn off your music and listen to the gushing water, the birds’ twitter, the moving breeze. That is where true beauty lies. Reach out to your soul and breathe in freshness and soon you’ll realise how incredibly powerful it is to connect with yourself and nature.
Meditation is the best investment that can ever be. You don’t need music, you don’t need aroma, you don’t need candles, all you need is You. It’s when you feel your lungs expanding and your heart beating. You might choose to listen to your mental chatter while you meditate or to guard off all thoughts and just be silent.
Breathing, being present, disconnecting and meditating are some of the Zen habits that we can adopt. After a mindful retreat we all need to get back to the endless piles of work, but only this time you feel more connected to your work and enjoy it more.
