A warm thank you to all who were able to participate in the annual TRF Diwali celebration dinner at the London Hilton Metropole on Saturday 27th October.  
 
The event scaled two benchmarks: it attracted in excess of 450 attendees - which is the highest number for any TRF event so far - and it raised in the region of £15,000 for charity. More details of the event will be published on the TRF web site in due course.

Highlights of the event were recorded and broadcast by pioTV, an internet TV channel for persons of Indian origin. See below for more information and links to all three broadcasts.

pioTV coverage of the TRF Diwali 2007 event 

PioTV, the first digitally integrated media platform for people of Indian origin around the world, attended and recorded the event - three clips have now been placed on their web site.  More information and links to teh broadcasts are below.  

Video: The Rajasthani Foundation

"Bright and colourful, the Hilton Metropole at London was home to glitterati of the Asian community in London. Occasion – The Rajasthani Foundation of UK was hosting their Annual Diwali Dinner and Cultural Programme in London, UK, on October 27, 2007.

The function was a 6 hour long event with a grand reception, cultural programme from the young members of TRF, auction and a musical programme by Pt Dinesh and Bollywood singer Richa Sharma.

PIO TV brings to you a series of reports on this grand function from today beginning with the origins and aims of the Rajasthani Foundation.

As Poonam Singhania, (Media Relations, TRF) pointed out, “The Rajasthani Foundation was formed 4 years ago to advocate networking among Rajasthanis in UK. It also raises funds for significant charity organizations in Rajasthan. “

The event was attended by some prominent members of the Asian Community in UK. Lord Bagri and Lady Bagri were the Chief Guests at the event and were warmly received by the Chairperson of The Rajasthani Foundation, Mr Vishwa Nath Singhania. Ms Monika Mohta, Director of the Nehru Centre, also graced the occasion with her presence. PIO TV brings to you a look into the base and objectives of The Rajasthani Foundation. Click here for the broadcast.

Video: TRF – The Youth Programme

The Youth Programme from the community members of TRF was the high point of the function at Hilton Metropole last Saturday. It showcased the 50 years of Bollywood and dancers ranged from ages of 5 to 50. The programme began with songs from the Black and White era of Bollywood and performers danced to the tunes of Suraiya and Geeta Dutt. Moving onto the rocking 1960s, the songs reminded us of the glitzy Shammi Kapoor dances from Teesri Manzil.

Crowds gave jubilant applause to the tiny members of the Rajasthani Foundation who danced to Rock n Roll and Jawani Jaanemann. Elegant performances came from a few senior members who performed on the golden Umrao Jaan melodies. The teenage members of the foundation presented a medley of songs from hits of 2007 including Partner, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and the high point was the finale in the form of Chak De! India where all the participants came together to thank the audience for their encouraging response. Click here for the broadcast .
 

Video: TRF – The Music Concert

The Rajasthani Foundation of UK organized a music concert to mark the end of its Diwali Celebrations this year at Hilton Metropole, London on 28th October, 2007. The concert featured the legendary singer Pandit Dinesh and Bollywood singer Richa Sharma. Popular urban musician Kishon Khan also participated as part of the troupe.

Pandit Dinesh set the tone for the evening with a beautiful rendition of Mahatma Gandhi’s Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram which was followed by a soulful “Padharo Mhare Desh” by Richa Sharma. The crowds danced to Richa’s tune and had a good time on the dance floor. Richa sang many of her hit Bollywood numbers like Aaja Mahi and Mahi Ve.

PIO TV takes you on a trip on that beautiful evening that it was. Click here for the broadcast .