I could write a long article about convention-2003 and expression of many delegates about it, but let the following story tell you all what I saw, felt and experienced:  Chittaranjan Jyotishi

There was a little boy who wanted to meet God.  He knew it was a long trip to where God lived.  So he packed his lunch bag with a thermos of lemonade and a pack of Dhebra (spicy rotis) and started on his journey.

When he walked about half a mile, he saw an elderly woman sitting on a park bench watching the doves.  The boy sat down next to her and opened his lunch bag.  He was about to take a drink of lemonade when he noticed the old laky looked hungry, so he offered her a Dhebru.  She gratefully accepted and smiled at him.  Her smile was so wonderful that he wanted to see it again, so he offered a cup of lemonade as well.  Once again she smiled at him.  The boy was delighted.

They sat there whole afternoon, eating and smiling without saying a word.  As it began to grow dark, the boy realized how tired he was and wanted to go home.  He got up to leave but before he had gone no more than few steps, he turned around and ran back to the old woman, giving her a big hug.  She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy arrived home his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face.  She asked "What has made you so happy today?"  He replied, "I had lunch with God."  Before his mother could respond he added, "you know what? She has gotten the most beautiful smile in the whole world."

Meanwhile, the old woman also radiant with joy, returned to her home.  Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face.  He asked, "Mother, what has made you so happy today?"  She replied, "I ate Dhebra in park with God."  And before her son could reply, she added, "you know, he is much younger than I expected.

Too often we underestimate the power of touch, a smile, a kind world, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring; all of which have a potential to turn a life around.  I felt all these in the convention.  I saw that smile, heard a kind word, and a touch of the unseen.

People come in our lives for a reason, a season or a life time.  The PEOPLE are most important than anything in the world we have or own.  The people make a difference in our lives.

We did not take no one for granted and embrace all equally with joy.  However, in the course of respect, duty and responsibility, if we greeted, attended or served you less than you expected, please excuse my team and me.  We will strive to do better continuously and promptly.

Glimpses of Convention by Chittaranjan Jyotishi