Kal Ke Rang: ‘Colors of Tomorrow’
A Spectacular Show in New York City
Put Together by: Brian Fernandes
Prepared by: Dr. Tara Singh
At a brilliant and glittering cultural event, “Kal Ke Rang” on Saturday March 18, 2017 at Public School (PS) 268 in Queens, New York City, the National Children Cultural Foundation Inc. (NCCF), a non-profit organization, was launched amidst a height of great expectations and a remarkable display of soul-searching songs, riveting dances, captivating drama, talent and youth recognition. With this type of extraordinary performance, one should not be surprised as to who is the spiritual and cultural leader of this dynamic force! Yes, you are correct! It’s Pandit Narayan Latchana, a man who has done immense work to elevate the cultural standing of our community.
The objectives of NCCF are to educate, motivate, enhance and secure our youth, who are our future leaders. The NCCF Inc. is not confined to any specific mandir or group, but rather it’s a broad-based organization, reaching out to the entire community.
This March 18th program featured many promising and talented youths drawn from various community-based groups, including Mandirs in myriad activities such as prayers, singing, dancing, acting, and playing musical instruments. “Just as there are many colors in the universe, each youth represents his/her own hue.” Needless to say, the audience was ecstatic with the performances of the youth.
This fascinating program was put together by members of the NCCF, under the leadership of Pdt. Narayan Latchana, with assistance from the Treasurer, Pdt. Devanand Das (who coordinated the program) and Pdt. Rishi Latchana (Member of Board of Directors). The youth team that made this program a reality are: Sharas Shankar, Brian Fernandes, Priyanka Phagoo, Movina Seepersaud, Shen Rajcooar, Chandani Singh, amongst others. What an amazing job by these youth! Their performance gives our community hope that the future would be promising!
The young pandits and the youth of the NCCF INC opened Kal Ke Rang with a prayer. 11-year Athena Ramsami gave the welcome remarks and Pdt. Devanand Das and his Co-MCEE Bhai ji Durvasa popularly known as Imran Ahmed, kept the audience fully engaged and attentive. In this grand extravaganza, 100 plus youth performed with excellence. The A-Z Medley, which was the main focus of the show made its re-debut, as 26 singers from the community graced the stage, singing songs from A-Z.
A number of youth (17) were identified to receive plaques for their contribution to Culture and Community awareness from the NCCF Inc. A short bio on each awardee was read by prominent individuals in the community, like Lakshmee Singh Ji, Son Son Ji, Mataji Sylvie Sobhraj, Young Pdt. Prakaash Ji, Imran Ahmed Ji, Mata ji Misri Devi, Devi Latchana and Pitaji Surendra, amongst others. The President of the corporation, Pdt. Narayan Latchana presented the plaques, with great honor.
Special presentations included the 25+ Dholak players who displayed their talent in accompanying the members of the audience as they chanted the Hanuman Chalisa. The dholak players were awarded a medal each by mothers and fathers on behalf of the NCCF Inc. An objective of the show was to seek unity and togetherness.
The skit “Dosti” was one of the highlights of the program. This spectacular skit was put together by members of the Kal Ki Roshni Team, directed by Pdt. Devanand Das. This brought the audience back to memory lane as Ramu (Matthew Mohan) and Mohan (Kevin Gayadin) with the team of youth reenacted the famous Bollywood hit movie with a twist.
NCCF’s sincere gratitude goes out to all those who contributed to make the program very special. The financial sponsors include but are not limited to Balram Rambrich, Dhanmattie Shiwprashad, Inderdas, Sonny, Tan Singh, Durgapasad, Pdt. Narayan Latchana, Pdt. Devanand Das, Ishwar Das, Chandini Boodram, Kaloutie David, Jack Mangra, Ena Persaud from PanAmerican Travels, Anand Rambharose from Windsor Electrical Construction Company, Dave from Central Auto, Kali from Kali Travel Service & Jay Sobhraj from Zara Realty.
Devendra Dilchand helped with the backdrop, while Roshney Gayadin and Theresa Deepan helped with plaques, bios & certificates. Priya Narain aided the NCCF in the school arrangements. Chandra Mohan, Sugam Indian Store, Sanskriti and Saree Couture provided raffle Prizes that the Organizers are grateful for. Thanks to many sponsors and Jimtex for providing their plaque services for this Program. NCCF express their appreciation for all those who donated food, sold tickets, and / or contributed financially or morally. The organization email is nccfinc@gmail.com. Or you can follow them on Facebook at “National Children Cultural Foundation Inc.” Fantabulous program! Congratulations to everyone involved. You make us proud! Let your colors continue to brighten the lives of others!
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Profile of Pandit Narayan Latchana
The NCCF’s leader Pandit Narayan Latchana is a man with a vision, particularly for our youth. His cumulative experience dates back to 1982 where he established the 1st Youth Group at Yakusari Mandir, Black Bush Polder Corentyne Berbice. In 1983, he instituted the “1st Bacho Ka Satsangh,” group with over 85 children.
From the Bacho Ka Satsangh, he produced many young pandits, chairpersons, children capable of conducting Havan, youth reading from the Hindu scriptures, youth dholak players and youth singers. In 1990, Acharya had his first experience with Pdt. Rishiram and Pdt. Besram Sewdat, training in Trinidad to conduct camps. He was able to accomplish 40 summer camps in Guyana and Trinidad. In 2004, he was selected by the late Pdt. Shri Prakash Gossai to join the Bhuvaneshwar Mandir in their first youth camp. Following this, he hosted 2 year camps at the NY Hindu Milan Mandir, then one in 2007 at the Maha Lakshmi Mandir.
From 2008 – 2014, a two-week summer camp was hosted at the Prem Bhakti Mandir. In 2015 and 2016, he continued his great work with kids at the Shree Sundar Gopal Mandir. He established the first youth group in Prem Bhakti Mandir in 2007, that was active in hosting fundraisers and Youth Talent shows. Under the leadership of Pdt. Latchana, the youth started the “Prem Bhakti Ki Awaaz” in 2013. The program still airs every Saturday on Time Warner Cable, Channel 96, 7:30 – 8:00 pm under the revised program name “Kal Ki Roshni”. Pdt. Latchana initiated, 108 Hanuman Chalisas, on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Over 55 youth received awards under the Prem Bhakti Youth Educational Program.
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Pandit Latchana chairs the Yakusari Humanitarian Foundation, that has performed many charitable acts for the 4 schools in the Yakusari area. The next Project for Pdt. Latchana is to establish the 1st Hindu School in the USA. The Executives of National Children Cultural Foundation Inc, Pdt. Narayan Latchana, Pdt. Devanand Das & Pdt. Rishi Latchana hopes that through the support of all Mandirs and NGOs this dream can become a reality for Hindus.
