“Amid the pleasing atmosphere displaying Indian culture and tradition, Gandhinagar chapter members cordially and lovingly welcomed Annika from USA, Noemie from Canada and Johnty from Germany along with their families. Being true to what we Indians believe “Atithi devo bhava “, all the three students were welcomed by applying tilak, offering garlands and ‘aarti’. They were blessed and wished well for their stay in India.
Hardi and Dhruv excelled in anchoring the program with enthusiasm and energy. Prachi and Saloni performed Rajasthani dance, puppet dance and garba to welcome the exchange students. The president of Gandhinagar Chapter, Dr. Varsha Parekh briefed everyone about the ongoing activities of the chapter. She and the Vice President of the Gandhinagar Chapter, Mr. Keval Gajjar, by presenting flowers, welcomed the Principals of the host schools, M B Patel English Medium Secondary and Higher Secondary School and Vado School respectively. She also welcomed and introduced the new volunteers of the chapter and motivated all the volunteers to develop the chapter in the true spirit of AFS. Chapter office bearers were introduced to the exchange students and new volunteers. Everyone was briefed about the future activities of the chapter and all were asked to participate in them with dedication. The exchange student from Gandhinagar, Isha Bhatt was bid farewell for her one-year exchange journey to USA.
Hardi and Dhruv had prepared a quiz on AFS and thus by participating in it all the members got a good knowledge about the history and ongoing activities of AFS.
The meet was then followed by traditional dinner. Gujarati sweet Kansaar was offered to everyone and later on everyone departed on a happy and hopeful note.
The event took place smoothly and successfully. This was credited to the event organizers Utpal Patel, Dhaval Khatana and Megh Buch. Abhinna Shah captured the memories of the event to cherish for a long period of time.”
(Photo Below: Big AFS Family during welcome party)