AVIS and Vaani Anand never fail to inspire me and Raghu. We have been lucky to be part of their 'Happyness Conversations' way back in Feb 2020, where for the first time, Raghu opened up before a gathering and shared his thoughts in a very touching way. Life can never be just a bed of roses... and AVIS and Vaani's life teaches us to be smiling irrespective of the odds of life.
Stay blessed and count the blessings despite of a very sad financial bankruptcy. AVIS strongly says that they are rich both emotionally and mentally and stay grounded and not to get crippled by the financial bankruptcy they are dealing with the last 16 years.
Despite of the terrible personal circumstances, they went ahead with spreading happiness through their 'Happyness Conversations' and Bliss Catchers and staying positive in life-disturbing crisis. The worklessness, pennilessness and imponderables for such a long time is not easy in life. AVIS and Vaani have lived through all these without forgetting the purpose of life spreading happiness and positivity
Remember God so much that you are forgotten - AVIS goes on to mention the quotes from Rumi as he takes us through several other meaningful quotes and songs from the yesteryears film music. The lyrics that unwind and make us think through the evening, soaked in poetry and music, both Hindi and Tamil, relentlessly making you see beyond the song and stories around. He points to many in the audiences whose stories have brought out the human courage, resilience and firm thinking to struggle through and emerge successful and here the success denote the human peace and passion than the materialistic accomplishments
"When there are ruins, be sure there is a hope of treasure" - RUMI vibrates in the hall. The reference to the song "Yeddayum Thangum Idhyam Irundhal, Kadaisi Varukum Amaidi Irukum'' translating 'If you have a brave heart to embrace anything, you will have peace of mind till the end" - However, we feel like questioning the reason to endure, how long and how far, but AVIS strongly puts together the fact that "If you follow your passion, You will be at peace" no matter whether it brings you material wealth or emotional health.
AVIS and Vaani brings out very prominent references - especially AVIS when he says that 'Life is No Meaning" according to OSHO, while Joseph Campbell says 'Give Life a meaning and follow your bliss and the doors will open"
Sometimes, you just feel like going and giving them a tight hug, for the strong message of being happy despite of the circumstances is not an easy thing to do. AVIS and Vaani reiterates the fact that "Happiness is the ability to be non-worrying, non-suffering and non-frustrated", Vaani goes on to tell that if you have a solution to a worry, why worry? If you do not have a solution, then also why worry? " As by worrying the problem is not going to go. "The pain is inevitable but suffering is optional" according to Lord Gautham Buddha.
Ability to deal with life is happiness. The art of going with the flow of life is not easy, but not impossible. Vaani is all smiles, when she says 'Life is a kambath jezz hai', the mischievous fellow. Their faith in the Divine blessings of the universe, all gurus and Gods, especially Sai Baba who reaffirms the fact that 'Faith is the basic of Life". The concept that 'marthaye vechavan thani uthuvan' meaning, the one who sow the seed of the tree will water the same too;
Acceptance is the first step to resolve problems. The reference to the Rotta Fortune wheel was a eye-opening scenario. You have to stand in midst of all the battles and chaos of life and fine your centre - Says Swami Vivekananda. Vanni and AVIS requests the audience to soak in gratitute and stop having the complaining attitute.
STAY in STILLNESS and you will find answers, solutions and clarifications. They speak about miracles and refer to Mary Oliver who says "Being alive amidst the broken world and every morning is a miracle"
Be Happy to this moment. Life will flow in its own charming way
The evening ended with loads of songs, meaningful lyrics, welcome note from Garima of Feathers Hotel to enjoy their hospitality and buffet dinner matching with Cheryl and team from Sula Wines pouring the best of wine in India for the audience to soak in wine and cherish to dine through the evening.
Raghu and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, meeting several of our friends, associates and also meeting new people. Enjoyed the music that accompanied the lavish dinner buffet and lots of sparkling wine. The day ended with the memorable pictures with our friends and the hosts. Thank you AVIS and Vaani for the invite and amazing hospitality and spreading happiness as usual. Three Cheers to you both for the toasts of life!!! God bless!!!
Pictures from the event:-)
