A bite of hostel life: Indian YMCA, London

For several years I’ve heard so much about hostel life – some bragging about the fun episodes while others emphasising on the nightmarish ones! Fun or nightmare I think depends to a large extent on the people contributing to your experience.

I’ve lived in London for almost two years before moving to the Indian YMCA. I must acknowledge that I’ve never felt more at home in London than in the last 4 months since my move to ‘the Y’, as it’s fondly called by its residents. There certainly is a buzz in the air @ 41 Fitzroy Square!

I remember our Independence Day celebrations on 15^th Aug '14; we had cultural programs – music and dance rendered by the residents which kept the audience enthralled. I was so excited that I’d volunteered to be the host for the evening. I’m glad I did not end up embarrassing myself! :)

Soon after followed the Diwali celebrations at the Y (Oct '14)! The Residence Committee, chosen a few weeks ago by the management on the 'Annual Induction Day' of residents, was certainly an enthusiastic bunch. The group closely engaged with and was mentored by Mr. Anil Kumar Charles, the Assistant General Secretary who more than mirrored the group’s excitement. A special thanks to him for his guidance and continued support! 

Diwali coincided with the annual day and was celebrated in all grandeur. The celebrations spanned 3 days – on the day of Diwali we had special dinner for all residents and guests; on the second day had the annual day felicitation function and cultural programs – music and dance performance rendered by residents of YMCA with Prajish & Rhythm delivering short speeches on the significance of Diwali and experience @ YMCA respectively, followed by another special dinner; and on the third day we had fireworks by residents after yet another special meal. Karan and Shanmugam were the hosts for the function on the second day.

Karan and Shanmugam hosting the show!

Rhythm sharing her experience at YMCA

Prajish speaking on the significance of Diwali

I was part of the dance team – it was fun all through. We had practice sessions every single day starting from two weeks in advance running up to the ‘D’ Day. Most of the practice sessions were after dinner until almost midnight! Words fail me in my attempt to reminisce such moments as those during the practice sessions that were interspersed with dessert treats and spooky episodes of ghost appearances! This might sound modest, but I’m quite positive that I was one of the least gifted dancers out there. Nevertheless, I’m sure nobody would have had more fun than me – I was generally moving it and giggling away to glory. One awesome team that was! Dance was choreographed by Samidha (masterji 1) and Sharmila (masterji 2) while music was co-ordinated by Krishna.

'THE FUNKY DANCE TEAM'
Praneti Kulkarni, Nimya Anil, Vaishali Enos, Riya Thomas, Gayathrisai Chandrasekaran, Prajish Vinayak, Ashwin Balaji Anandkumar, Karan, Shanmugam Palaniappan, Samidha Kowli, Sharmila Kamalakkannan, Sandheep El, Bala Murugan,Nazneen Sherif and Ishita Kulkarni

To sum up, YMCA has been a home away from home. The staff and management are very kind, caring and helpful. This is a place where you make lifetime associations and frienships! I'm glad my journey in London brought me here :)