Members of Our Lady of Assumption Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission in Norwalk CT went around houses across the southern Connecticut, singing Christmas carols and bringing in the joy of Christmas and sharing blessings with members and families and friends of the newly formed Catholic Church in Fairfield County during the weekend of December 18-20, 2015.
The Asian Indian Ministries organized a community Christmas celebration in Edison, NJ last week. Attended, among others was Dr. Sudhir Parikh, publisher of Desi Talk and Padma Shri award winner, who was also the chief guest. The program began with welcoming of guests and visitors by Sunil Roberts, an emcee, followed by opening prayer done both in Hindi and English, and the carol, ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’
One of the highlights of the event was a violin duet recital by sisters, Ava and Mia Decore, a Christmas medley of carols: ‘Joy to the World and Sing We Now of Christmas.’ Faith Guan, a child piano prodigy was a big hit with his recital.
The Christmas pageant was done by the children of Asian Indian Christian Church under the direction of Joy Victor and Selina Moses and the props by Sunil Mamidi. The story of Christmas was well-received by the audience.
Later a message was brought by Ashish Singh as to how one can seek ‘The Way’. There were Hindi bhajans as well as Telugu and Malayalam carols as well, according to David Chigurupati, one of the key organizers of the event.
In his brief remarks Dr. Parikh talked about the current worldwide tension and violence and urged everybody to seek joy and peace on earth, especially during Christmas. Dr. Parikh, who was accompanied by his wife Dr. Sudha Parikh, greeted everybody in attendance. Dr. Parikh was honored by the organizers for his “philanthropy, entrepreneurial service, and community leadership” both in India and the United States. While he was presented with a Bible and a plaque of honor, a shawl and a flower bouquet were presented to Dr. Sudha Parikh. A closing benediction was rendered by Rev. B.B.C. Kumar, reciting from St. Francis of Assisi – to serve and not to be served.
Meanwhile, Trumbull Party Timers, a group of families in the Trumbull region shared the joyous Christmas blessings with children leading the Carol singing in each house in the region. “It was fun and while we had a good time we are glad we are able to share with one another the spirit of Christmas; Love, Joy, Peace, and Sharing,” said, Archana Ajay, a 15-yr-old who was among the lead carolers of the group.
