By Tarika Kumar
e-mail:Â Tarikak@yahoo.com
The Maharashtra Mandal of Pittsburgh, Overseas Volunteers for a Better India, and the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) organized an evening of Bollywood Jeopardy at the Indian Community Center in Carnegie on December 6, 2016.
Over 240 people participated in the event organized to involve the Indian community here with the American mainstream and to raise funds for our troops and first responders in the USA and India. This was an attempt to recognize their importance and the effect they have on our lives.
The event had a great start with a warm welcome from Ameeta Ambe followed by singing of the national anthems of both countries representing our love and respect for the country we came from and the nation that has accepted us, granting even citizenship.
A short presentation in the program gave the context and purpose of the event, organizations involved and the great need for us to intertwine with the mainstream, and give back to the community something tangible. Organizers felicitated Mr. Ray Costain and Mr. Dan Ruscitto, members of the Carnegie EMS department.
An entertaining Bollywood Jeopardy program led by Pradeep Fulay followed, with a collection of questions based on popular Hindi songs and movie clips. Interesting Jeopardy-like questions followed. A highlight of the evening was a raffle draw ticket at the end. The event had a good balance of excitement, good citizenship, fun, camaraderie, and was a well-run evening program.
The event raised slightly over $3000, and was donated to Military Connections, Pittsburgh; Officer Down Memorial, Canonsburg PA; Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Carnegie PA; and Lakshya Foundation, Pune.  ♣