“Hasyamev jayate” was epitomized on the 16th of july at the prestigious White hall at Emory University, when the Atlanta Chapter of SEWA International, a non profit organization organized, “Hansi Ke Favvare”, a unique fun and laughter filled Hasya Kavi Sammelan fund raiser.

SEWA International (http://www.sewausa.org) is the sister organization to Sewa bharati, the biggest NGO in India and committed to the upliftment and development of under privileged sections of the world at grass root levels through various development projects. Active in 17 countries, SEWA International USA launched itself in Jan 2005 on the wake of Tsunami disaster with Tsunami Cup, a volleyball tournament and raised 10,000$ for Tsunami relief victims. The second event was a fund raiser-cum-awareness musical event called “Ek Shaam SEWA ke Naam” at Mirch Masala, Decatur. The ideology of Sewa International is “Sevaji parmo Dharmah” and “Nar Sewa, Narayan Sewa” – to serve humanity is to serve God.

Making an auspicious start with Saraswati Vandana by Nimita Goel of Andaaz entertainment group and an ensuing welcome note by Srikanth Konda, the US co-coordinator of Sewa International, “Hansi Ke Favvare” attracted Hindi lovers across Atlanta. “Rajniti bhi, angare bhi, Hansi ke favvare” bhi best describes the proceedings.

The mood for laughter set in with the light conversational banter by Babaji and the audience bonded effortlessly with him. Starting at 7pm, the White hall thundered with laughter and applause till 12 in the night with the wholesome entertaining performance by the three poets: Baba Maurya, Om Vyas Om and Gajendra Solanki. Each one of the ports represented a different genre in himself: Parody, Satire, patriotism and Intellectualism, covering all walks of life.

“Chahe Mercedez chalao ya Ford, par driver nahin kar sakte afford” -Mouryaji captured everyone’s hearts with his light comparision of life in US and India. Babaji’s sharp sense of humor and satire with his artistic stroke produced a lively atmosphere.

Gajender Solanki’s forceful voice with an equally effective message left the audience spellbound and willing to listen to him to the end. His poems glorified the bravery of Shivaji Maharaj, Rani Laxmi bai, Mangal pandey and Veer Savarkar, drawing numerous applauses from the audience and conveying a message of patriotism & “Desh Bhakti”.

The mere appearance of Om Vyas - Kurta, Tilak & Choti and a face with a questioning large eyes - was enough to send ripples of laughter in audience. His poems contained a plethora of critical remarks mixed in delectable satire to make audience think about their culture and heritage. Om Vyasji presented a vivid picture of our society and poked satire at the evergreen Pati-patni relationship, leaving the audience roaring with laugher and applauses.

Mr. Jeetan Singh, CEO of icoachmath.com and the chief guest of the event, was all praises for the Kavis and also expressed his whole hearted willingness to sponsor the activities of SEWA International all over USA. Presenting the welcome bouquets to the Kavis, he said: “I sincerely thank the Kavis for coming all the way from India and waking up a proud India in us and giving us an excellent night of entertainment”. The event was also proudly sponsored by Mr. Jerry Bohers of Prudential Insurance Inc., Marietta and Mr. Vishwanath Dasari, CEO of Object Net technologies.

An informative presentation about SEWA International was presented by Sandeep Parashar, a leading volunteer, with an effort to create awareness about the contributions of SEWA to the society. The presentation covered various projects Sewa International is involved through various channels may it be funding or volunteer work like Ekal Vidyalaya (http://www.ekal.org ) -“Spread The Light By Spreading Education”

Nearing end of humorous evening the mood slowly changed to patriotism when Gajendra Solanki ji sang Vande mataram, while Baba ji etched a beautiful emotive painting of Bharat Mata, which was auctioned on the spot.

The event was concluded with a Thanks note to the involved dignitaries and a “Bharat Mata ki Jai” by Gaurav Verma.- an active Volunteer. The people loved the event in whole and wanted more of such entertaining events in the future. As Poonam Garg, a delighted attendee, put it: “Sahityaik Programs like Hindi Kavi Sammelan joined us back with our Matra Bhumi. Such events tells us that we must keep our culture alive even after coming away from our country.”