Summary of Matiya World Convention 2007 - Los Angeles:

The first International Matiya World Convention was a great success!!! There was definitely communication, connection and community present. There were over 1200 participants from all over the world and it was a fun filled, educational, busy two days. Definitely a step in to positive direction for Matiya World.

First day, July 14 2007: began with opening ceremonies, which included Prayer, singing of national anthem of both India and America and welcome speech by Tusharbhai (New Mexico), followed by keynote speakers Chris Howard. Some of the other speakers were David Harrison (Estate planning), Ashwinbhai Patel (Yahoo), and Anilbhai Patel (UL). Followed with Matiya World election process guidelines. There was a Toastmasters communication session. In between the children and youth had their own separate sessions that included a comedy show and survivor game. During the Social hour there was a Bingo session followed by dinner.

The evening entertainment was awesome; talented Matiya dancers from different states, great lighting and beautiful backdrops gave a perfect ending to a perfect day. We ended the day at about 10:30 p.m.

Feedback on first day: The most impressive part was that the full day was on schedule thanks to the support of all the participants. People enjoyed the positive energy Christopher brought and Ashwinbhai and Anilbhai really got the audiences attention as their speeches were catered to Matiya audience. For some people there was too much English. Some speeches in Gujarati would have been useful. Also, a number of people would have liked to have some choice on which session they attended. People enjoyed the fact that place was big and yet atmosphere was cozy so if they were not interested in seminars they can comfortably mingle.

The youth session was for 15-30 year (married and single). This was not very productive for the activity. Singles should have had a separate group with the age being over 21 and the 13-20 should have had their own activity. People enjoyed the dating game and Icebreakers activity was great as they all got to know each other.

Second day, July 15, 2007:  With the late night and out-of-state participants being jet-lagged the day started an hour later than schedule, but that was the only relaxing part of the whole day. The day started with yoga session by Bhupendraji, nutrition presentation by Nayanbhai Patel which had audience riveted the Ziba story by Sumita Bhadra was very informative and Sahara on domestic violence was a eye opener. Then moved on to the Trivia game (which had the audience surfing the net to answer the questions), fashion show and then the Mission Impossible segment before the most wonderful show performed by a music lovers group from Baroda.

Feedback on second day: Even with the delay people enjoyed second day schedule more.  Speakers in the morning and more interactive session in the afternoon was a perfect combination. Mission Impossible C3 was the highlight of the convention - very productive according to the audience much needed. Some people complained about Gujarati speech being too long and they had hard time under standing it. They loved the Trivia Game. Speakers in the morning and interactive sessions in the after noon was a perfect mix.

Mission Impossible C3 (connection, communication, community) - It was a three-part segment in which a panel of 27 men/women from all age groups participated in discussing issues concerning our community. The audience was given paper to give their feedback.

1. The first segment was a clip from movie Baghban (scene where Amitabh gives speech at release of his book). This led to discussion of issues between caring for seniors/responsibility of parents to their adult children and communication. Some points brought forward were
   • Talking to the children, spending time with them, eating meals together will instill the values in the children.
   • Setting an example for the kids by your actions and not words
   • Parents want their freedom too
   • Encourage the development of senior housing and activities.
   • Most people felt that they had an open relationship with their parents/children.
   • Open communication and acceptance is key ingredients for happier environment.
2. The next one was a clip from movie Vivah where Anupam Kher explains to his son why he would like him to get married at around age 24 – topic of arranged marriage
   • Everyone agreed the name “arranged marriage” should be changed. It is not like the old days.
   • The younger members brought out the fact that it was more like fast dating with the advantage that the parents had already done most of the homework.
   • Parents should understand what their children are looking for in a life partner.
   • Have realistic expectations.
   • Look at yourself in the mirror and be honest about who you are.
   • Children should respect the wisdom of the elders. Elders should respect the needs of younger generation.
   • Marriage does not just involve the two people getting married. You are marrying into a family and so looking at the family is important.
   • A number of married professional women in their late 30’s-early 40’s felt that it was good for girls to get married around 23-25 age.  Mainly because it is much easier to adjust at the early age, you grow together and professionally your responsibilities increase much more after 7-10 years of career and that way children are already in school.
   • Parents should spend time with their kids and talk to them. Get to know your child and communicate with them.
   • The young adults need to be honest, trust their partner and learn patience and compromise.
3. The last segment was from Swades where Shahrukh Khan talks about American culture vs. Indian culture. Some items brought out were:
   • Preserve good from our culture.
   • Take best of other culture as we grow and evolve for the better.
   • More events encouraging youth participation
   • Gujarati should be encouraged specially in community events
   • Treat Samaj as your family.
   • Volunteer. Don’t wait to be asked. Help our where necessary.
   • Community leaders/Committee members need to enforce rules. Non-paying members should not be allowed entry. Just as you would scold your child for doing something wrong you should have the courage to stick to the rules without worrying about “Khotu lagi jase”.   Set an example for the future generation. Allowing dishonesty implies you are promoting it.
   • Respect time of volunteers and support them by at least coming to the event if you can't help.
   • Religion is not the same as culture same as traditions. Some traditions that don’t really serve us should be removed.
   • What are core values?  The youths have come up with three (Unity, Evolution & Dedication)

Suggestions from the audience:

1. Professional Help line – groups where people can post questions.
2. Send out second package with more details so people are aware of what's taking place - more people would have come if they had the details.
3. Multiple sessions’ open to all where people can pick the one to attend based on their interest.
4. More fun/interactive activities – break up session with even 5 min of jokes or some talent item
5. Career fair – booths with different careers where participants can go to ask questions, College fair.
6. Variety in the show – plays.
7. Food was excellent but the menu selection was not the best. First day items were less varied while second day there was too much choice.  Also dinner items didn't’t really go together.
8. More of panel (like Mission Impossible C3) type of sessions with even why do we of our culture and other topics.
9. More time for people to mingle.
10. Youth activities should be broken up for different age groups.

Emails from participants: