New Delhi: The small village of Dharmaj in the Anand district of Gujarat is a home away from home once a year when the residents of Dharmaj and those who moved away engage in warm reunion, cultural pride and emotional home coming. Marked on January 12 annually, Dharmaj Day is not so much an occasion as it is a reminder of the extent to which people are still tied to their roots despite how far life may have taken them.
Dharmaj is the NRI village known throughout Gujarat. Many of its people have been living in foreign countries over the decades establishing successful lives in other parts of the world. But they have never lost the feeling of belonging to the village. The inception of Dharmaj Day had a very basic notion of uniting these families (at least, temporarily) and, as the years passed, it has become a source of pride that is now being looked forward to by both the residents of villages and foreigners alike.
Dharmaj has a party appearance on this special occasion. The streets are adorned, community places are packed and the air is filled with greeting, smiling and old names being called out. Families that do not see each other more than once a year hug each other, with tales of the adventures, efforts, and achievements. Older people repractize the past, and young people are avid listeners who gradually comprehend their origins.
There is a more behind the scene that the celebration is associated with the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, which gives a message about values and self-belief in addition to serving the society. Gujarat and Charotar culture programmes, traditional music and performances are an expression of the spirit of the Gujarat and the Charotar region that should always be reminded of the richness of their heritage.
Another important event of Dharmaj Day is the honouring of those people who have contributed to the society in great ways. Professionals, businesspersons, social workers, women success stories, and young people are identified as a source of encouragement since people aspire to be big and remain small. These identities enhance the feeling of group pride among villagers.
In addition to the festivities, the Dharmaj Day is also a discussion board. The foreigners are also participating actively in the activities of the local leaders and villagers discussing the development, education, healthcare, and social welfare. This common vision has created many activities in the village and this proves that development is most powerful when the sense of emotional attachment and responsibility are united.
The day is a personal one to those who come back home after being abroad. Taking a stroll in the old streets, going to old houses of the parents, and seeing old childhood friends cannot be substituted by any contemporary city. In the case of children born abroad, it turns into a culture, language and belonging lesson.
