The Swagat Team received everyone at the decorated swagat dwaar with "maan-samaan ." The guests were greeted as "a ao sa, padharo sa ", with t ilak , rakhi, itar , and were handed beautifully decorated registration folders with agenda, convention message and souvenir.

Light refreshments were provided by the Food Team including awesome Kanji Wada dinner followed with mouthwatering Keri-Launji and aloo sabji cooked on site by Sakha Arvindji Maheshwari from North Carolina. The Convention began with lamp lighting ceremony by the most senior of our MMNA pariwar Drupadiji Rathi. She was joined by the lovely voices of our Sakhis who sang the Ganesh Vandana. She and her husband Prabhulalji Rathi (Director, MMNA BOD) joined by Jagdishji Mundhra (Chairman, MMNA BOD) blessed the convention and introduced the President of MMNA, Dr. Seemaji Rathi who introduced MMNA's women's subcommittee to the entire present pariwar. Dr. Rathi explained MMNA-MS goals and purpose, and gave a wonderful speech to inspire the event.

Then the official kick-off of the "Buddy Program" was conducted by Amita Ajmera (MS Database Co-Chair) and Rachita Chandak (MS Yahoogroup Coordinator), assisted by a number of children who helped in the drawing buddy matches. This gave Sakhis a chance to bond with their buddy throughout the weekend and after the Convention as well. While Buddies became acquainted, all enjoyed mehndi and a hilarious, marwadi skit " Mharo Husband Gum Gayo" as well as a few hours of Anthakshari. We wrapped up Friday night with a pleasant surprise birthday celebration for one of our Sakhas and a baby shower celebration for one of our Sakhis.

Saturday morning began early with an energizing Yoga/meditation session lead by senior Ashaji Chandak, followed by Arti in the Mandir and group Ramayan Manka Recital by Santoshji Jajoo, MS Spiritual Co-chair

After delicious jalebi breakfast, Saturday morning's program began with Mahesh Vandana followed by Dr. Seema Rathi's laudatory introduction of MMNA-MS Lead Chair Anita Ajmera, her hard work and that of her team in the execution of the convention. Anita Ajmera addressed the Sakhis and Maheshwari Pariwar in an excellent welcome speech highlighting the MS vision and objectives and on-going activities. She also introduced the Quilt project, which was conceptualized by Dr. Mona Khaitan (General Secretary, MMNA NEC) in an on-going effort of an inter-faith community project in the continuing aftermath of 9-11 to bring various different types of Americans (including Hindu Americans) together on a common ground. The idea was taken to fruition in design and delivery by Anita Ajmera and a team of volunteers including NY, Houston, and Illinois Sakhis.

We were then enlightened by the guiding speech our guest speaker, Dr. Uma Mysorekar, the founder of the Hindu Temple in Queens. She discussed several important concepts such as seeing the divinity in others, the place of the "mandir" in our worship, the evils of denigrating our own or other religions, and most importantly the very significant role of women in bringing world peace. She spoke at length about the nature of women and our overwhelming need to look out for the interests of our children and to be less interested in aggressive tendencies and territorialism that tend to cause war. She herself being an ob-gyn and incredibly active member in the community is a wonderful role model for women for how we can empower ourselves to can achieve it all. She gracefully accepted to join us our Honorary Maheshwari Sakhi.

Immediately following Dr. Mysorekar's speech, Rachita Chandak (MS Advisor) lead the Sakhis in a moderated professional discussion session. This provided a great opportunity for ALL sakhis to introduce themselves and provide few tips from their individual professions or other endeavors. The highlights of medical professionals and alternative health experts -- chiming in with pediatric advice from Dr. Rachana Sureka, as well as eye-care related and gynecological, post-partum depression, menopause, osteoporosis related advice, and yoga and pranayam related information. Education/child-care related tips and discussions were offered by preschool teachers including Renu Tusnial and Chetna Maheshwari. Great financial and business related tips were shared by CPAs and budding businesswomen such as Lata Maheshwari, Priti Parwal, and Neha Iyer. EACH Sakhi contributed to the discussion! Finally, the session ended with a brief legal discussion by Rachita Chandak regarding the importance especially for parents of minor children to create a will and appoint a guardian to secure the future of their children in case the inevitable occurs early. Overall, the discussion was a great ice-breaker and spurred continued discussions during the delicious lunch that followed.

Meanwhile, Shrinarayanji Chandak (MMNA, Past President and BOD) and Padam Maheshwari (RBA member) led a meeting and discussion of MMNA subcommittee Rajasthani Business Association, which is currently coordinated by Neha Iyer (RBA Advisor). The group engaged in a lively discussion about the members' interests and plans for future activities. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for the Sakhas to network and exchange ideas.

In parallel, children enjoyed a fun trip to the Crayola Factory, organized by Alok Ajmera. This was followed by volleyball and outdoors fun with RAYS members Maneesh Khaitan and Jay Gattani keeping the Sakhas and children busy so that their wives/moms remained relaxed.

After lunch and a great sari wearing demonstration, Sakhis and Sakhas enjoyed the magnificent site of all the Sakhis with s olah shringar , sitting in a semi-circle and doing Gangaur Pooja with much enthusiasm and faith. There was a beautiful puja set-up and each Sakhi received a Gangaur photo frame in her registration folder which was essential to the puja. After puja, Seema Saboo sang to ghumar dancing on traditional marwadi favorites such as " mhari ghumar che nakharli.ghumar ramva" and "lad lumba re.mharo gor-band nakhraalo." The Kalash Parade that followed made this truly one spectacular event and an awesome site.

Light refreshments ensued including thandayi, hot pakodas and fresh fruits. Then, sessions continued as Anju Rathi provided a children's hour session on Sanskar, at which ch ildren were guided on topics related to Hinduism , the origin of Maheshwaris, Ramayana, Ganesh Mantra , and Gayatri Mantra . They enjoyed a matching game created to match gods/goddesses with their consorts, mantras, scriptures and associated gods. Anu Taparia lead adults in moderated discussions of three social topics: language in the home, addressing elders, and the transition from home to work. There was much diversity of opinion and discussions were insightful and meaningful. Finally, our seniors lead by Sarlaji Kalantry met to discuss retirement options, government benefits and public service opportunities - they had very enjoyable discussions, all veterans at discussing and solving problems!

After a scrumptious dinner of marwadi daal-baati, churma, we were all entertained by NJ Sakhi Seema Saboo and her beautifully trained voice in Marwadi geet. We played an inspiring game of "Name the Mystery Women." This was followed by testing our knowledge of fellow sakhis by a Who's Who game. And we ended Saturday night with plenty of dandiya-dancing fun to the DJ magic of talented RAYS member Abhinav Somani, especially needed to burn off those calories gained from dinner!

Additionally, MMNA Directors, National Executive Committee, Chapter Presidents represented by Rekhaji Palriwal and various subcommittees took this time to meet for important policy and purpose related discussions and to discuss the kick-off of a new MMNA subcommittee geared towards the needs of Seniors. A final break-out session was also lead by Suman Maheshwari on "This I Believe." Sakhis spoke about their deepest convictions and what inspires them. It was a wonderful way to keep the inspiration alive long after the convention. Finally, all were given a very pleasant vidaii accompanied by "puja thali" gift by the Ajmera family. Packed lunch and snacks for the way was provided for all attendees. The entire experience ended on a very positive note, with much inspiration triggered from all our discussions, many memories resurfaced from our Gangaur puja, and much bonding and affection created in the singing, planning, execution and attendance of the Convention.