"Consulates Conclave" followed by Felicitations Nothing Like Lear – A Fundraiser

FICCI Ladies Organisation, Chennai Chapter organised the Annual Fundraiser event – ‘Nothing Like Lear’, an English play ,written and directed by Rajat Kapoor ,starring Vinay Pathak. The proceeds of the Fundraiser were given to Women’s Indian Association (WIA )for the cause of training under privileged women as Nurse Aids, in adherence to the 3 year pledge taken in 2012. The event was co-sponsored by Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers & Real Value Promoters Private Ltd.

The programme started with the introduction of FLO, Rajat Kapoor Team and the sponsors by Ms. Arthi Bagdy followed by welcome address of Chairperson Ms.Mrinalini Maher. The cheque was also handed over to WIA by the Chairperson.

With over 200 members and guests attending the Event, the evening started off with cocktails and starters and the anticipation of a Shakespearean adaption in the hands of Kapoor, so one could imagine the buzz around the room as the hall lights dimmed and the spot light came on. Once the introduction and the speeches were over, Pathak emerged on the stage with white mime make up on his face and a hat, it was only then that audience realised that Pathak was essaying the part of a clown and not necessarily King Lear.

But it was King Lear, however unorthodox and different, Pathak had the audience captivated with his monologue .Peppered with funny moments that made the audience laugh out loud and had several intense monologues that had the audience sitting at the edge of their seats in a silence that could have heard a pin drop silence, it was truly an evening to be remembered.

The powerful narration of the story of the clown left the audience mesmerised and leaving the spectators shocked, the guest present at the event applauded the performance put up by Rajat Kapoor and his Team.

The evening was concluded by thanking the sponsors Real Value Promoters Pvt ltd , Sheraton Park Hotel And Towers ,and Mr. Lucky Singh for the lights and the arrangements to make the show a grand success. Cocktails and a lavish Dinner followed
@ Hyatt Regency, between 10:00am to 12:30pm

A need to maintain a continuous relationship with Consulate Offices located in Chennai gave birth to this meeting. As a first step the US Consulate and the Malaysian Consulate were invited. And as envisioned, the meeting showed the multitude of opportunities available and how ready and willing the officers are to help.

The first Speaker was Mr.James Golsen, Principal Commercial Officer for South India, U.S. Consulate and he spoke on “Doing Business in the U.S.” He spoke about the various services offered by the Consulate including match making the right trade partnership with a local vendor. And how they hope to improve the position of India from being the 13th largest Trading Partner of USA to the top 5. He also shared with us the upcoming programs, trade delegations visiting the Country.

The next Speaker was Ms. Monica Sledjeski, Political/Economic Officer on U.S. Consulate’s Women Empowerment Engagement who elaborated on Student Education opportunities the various scholarships available. She also promised to work with FLO for joint meetings with visiting Speakers.

From the Malaysian Consulate Mr.Kunaseelan, Labour Attache briefed about the history of Indo- Malay ties and present economic collaborations taking place. He encouraged more people to visit Malaysia and also brought several brochures, content on the various schools and colleges of repute with international affiliation which could be a credible option for Indian students.

The session with the Consulates was followed by Felicitation of the 5 Women Achievers who were awarded during the Inter State at Delhi. After the introduction of the Awardees, each Awardee was called on stage and presented a gift by Ms.Usha Krishna. They all then thanked FLO and everybody involved for having made their dream come true.

The Consulates who were present during the felicitations were very impressed with the Awardees and expressed a desire to visit some of them and their projects. They also spoke of the Awards that they conduct and that FLO nominees can also participate in them.