Queens of India aim high with High Tea and support ”˜Aasra’

By Rekha Rajvanshi

Queens of India charity High Tea. Pics courtesy Mitcy Photography

On Sunday, May 19, 2019, a unique High Tea was organised by Mansi Khanna Bhatia and the team at Galston Community Centre. High Tea with an Indian twist and an objective to raise funds for Aasra Trust, an NGO working for the street children in India was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Aasra trust was established in 2009 with the focus on educating underprivileged children. Aasra started Project Street Smart in 2011 with a group of 5 street children. The objective was to keep children off the street and provide them with basic literacy through art, craft, music and audio visual medium. Today, Aasra Trust works towards empowering 1400 street and slum children through education, vocational training, nutrition, medical care and providing medical care and providing shelter homes.

Organiser Mansi Khanna Bhatia

Said Mansi, “Inspiration to choose this charity came from my ten years old son Jai, who saw kids begging, performing and doing odd jobs on the street. He asked one of the kids begging, “Why do you do this? Don’t you go to the school?” and he answered “My parents don’t have money”. Jai then asked me if we could help these kids. Keeping his wish in mind I decided to choose Aasra Trust because my school ”˜Welham Girls’ in Dehradun has been supporting children through this trust. Actually if we all start putting something small for such a cause, it can make a career for that one child and slowly poverty can be eradicated. Let’s make the world a better place to live.”

Women dressed in beautiful silk and satin attire, decked out in gold and pearl jewellery entered into an open green lawn where they were welcomed with catchy musical notes and sumptuous mango lassi.  Classy flower décor on the stage of Galston Community hall caught everyone’s eyes upon entering. High tea was elegantly served in floral Royal Albert tea pots, sweet treats and savoury bites were displayed delightfully on 3 tier display. Women chitchatted as they sipped different flavoured tea donated by Neeru Nanda of Golden Teas. High tea tradition is a British concept and stems back to the 1700s, Mansi of Mash Accessories added Indian spices to it.

Aanchal Bagga with her sketch that she donated for raffle

Another attraction of High Tea was fashion show organized by four Indian designers. All the models looked stunning in their designer outfits as they walked like queens on the stage. Maha Rajgopal gracefully emceed the program. Raffle and Tambola was enjoyed by all at the end. Many businesses and sponsors supported this worthy cause including 14 years old Anchal Banga, who very fondly drew a beautiful sketch and donated for the raffle.

Everyone had a great afternoon with fabulous entertainment, amazing food of Taj, and quality shopping from small Indian businesses.

All for a good cause as $2500 were raised for Aasra Trust. How true is the saying ”˜Many a little, make a mickle’. 

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