Re-living the Memories of Indian Classics with Geetanjali Radio

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Shoba Joshi with her family at the Geetanjali Radio Fundraiser & Gala
on February 28, at the India House.
Photos: Sudhakar Roy

 

 

Click Here to see the Photo Collage

 

 

By Vanshika Vipin

HOUSTON: Shoba Joshi, also known as Shobaji, is a popularly recognized personality in the Indian Community.  She is also a well-known radio legend in Houston as she has great experience in promoting, presenting and hosting radio broadcasts for over 23 years now at the airwaves of Houston. With so much of love and passion for music one would have always wanted her to do events related to music and sooner or later it did happen. This past weekend, on February 28, Shoba Joshi happened to come up with her very first event named Geetanjali Radio Fundraiser & Gala which was held at the India House. The night was filled with raffles, appreciation, food and most importantly the highlight of the event MUSIC.

One of the main intentions of organizing the event was to take the attendees on a musical ride, a musical journey down the memory lane while the event was truly setup and dedicated towards raising money for the Geetanjali Radio. Shoba Joshi, preferred calling the event as an Appreciation Annual Fundraiser Gala. Before the event took off guests were pouring-in in numbers. The number of attendees recorded happened to be over 275 members that truly served the purpose of the Gala night. While the guests were still arriving it was time for the Social Hour to begin. At sharp 7pm began the Social Hour where all the guests were served with drinks and snacks. Around 8pm all the guests settled down while it was time to kick off the event.

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The event was then taken further with a welcome message by Vipin Kumar, General Manger of India House. Through his speech Kumar highlighted Shoba’s signature slogan, KAL KE GEET, AAJ KE GEET, PAL PAL KE GEET, MAL MAL SE GEET. Amazingly, all the attendees started showing some energy as they started repeating Shoba’s signature slogan with Vipin Kumar. It was truly a great sight and worth experiencing. Over 275 people chanting one slogan with same love and passion seemed amazing. Followed by this was the Diya Lighting ceremony that took place when Kiran and Ramesh Bhutada, and Raj and Jugal Malani lighted the Diya. Like always Diya Lighting Ceremony appeared very pleasing to eyes and the guests seemed to enjoy it a lot.

Then came time for the much-awaited moment of the evening when Hiren Joshi and Shoba Joshi took the center stage. Continuing the tradition of Shoba’s radio program where she begins with a Bhajan, Hiren invited, Bansi Chabria, who is the older brother of Shoba on stage and he started off with a soulful Bhajan “Aye Maalik Tere Bande Hum”. After the bhajan, Hiren and Shoba began by felicitating all the event sponsors with flower bouquets for the evening that basically made everything possible. Hiren further spoke about Shoba and her musical journey. In addition, he spoke about raising funds and its importance and how it would help the cause. Followed by this was another exciting moment of the evening where a set of Bollywood Dances were performed by the young and very talented Seernani Sisters – Maya, Madhvi and Divya. After that, various sponsors were recognized namely, Sarah International, Douglas & Co (Saloon), Sunflower Enterprises and KrishaImpex who contributed towards the raffles.

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A beautiful looking FENDI Watch by Kohinoor Diamonds was the Grand Prize for the event. Then came time for dinner where the guests were served by one of the best caterers, Udipi Cafe owned by Satish Rao.  The food was so mouthwatering and delicious that none of the guests could resist complementing Satish Rao for his amazing quality and tasty food. Post dinner, the night wasn’t over yet as there were many performances still remaining. As soon as the dinnertime was over, Manisha Gandhi performed a solo song. This was followed by two more melodious songs by Suresh Shenoy, owner of Kirti Jewelers. This was not the end yet as the best was yet to be presented. Very soon Bansi Chabria took over the floor and left everyone stunned with his beautiful and pleasing voice. He went on to each table to make sure everyone felt the touch of his melodious voice. He sang some all time hit tracks by Mohammed Rafi, Hemant Kumar, Mukesh, Manna Dey and Kishore Kumar, the biggest gems of Bollywood. He continued to amaze and enthrall the audience with his soulful melodies of Kishore Kumar and Shammi Kapoor, which forced everyone to get on the dance floor.

After Bansi Chabria’s performance, Shoba Joshi took the center stage to thank various sponsors without whom the event would not have happened and also thank the guests on behalf of Rakesh & Hiren.  She Also thanked all the Leaders of various organizations who supported the cause like Shree Sita Ram Foundation, Banke Bihari Parivaar, New Santan Shiv Shakti Mandir, India Culture Center, Gujrati Samaj of Houston, Sewa International, VHP, Orrisa Culture Center, Bram Kumaris, Hindus of Greater Houston, Hindu Worship Society, Indo American Chamber of Commerce and many more. Followed by this was Special thanks to the entire team of Indo-American News and Umang Mehta from Deep Products. Because of whom, every guest was given a Bhel Box and Mango Juice. In addition, thanks to Vinod and Pragna Shah from ABC Travels. She also thanked Daughters Bridal DB Event Planners, Sudhakar Roy for photography, Darshak Thacker for providing excellent sound for the evening, and Manisha Gandhi for the TV Asia coverage.

You can reach Shoba Joshi at 832-878-4338 or listen to her live on 1320 AM, Saturdays & Sundays from 2pm to 6pm or by logging on to Shobajoshi.com.