Friends: Thanks to all for sending comments on Archana '07, particularly to those who made constructive suggestions.  Within the constraints of our resources and mission, we make efforts each year to respond to such suggestions.  An example is the food arrangements for Archana '07 which, we are happy to note, were quite successful. Overall, we feel that Archana '07 was very successful in achieving its goals and we want to thank all the dedicated volunteers and participants for making this possible.

Before responding to the specific points raised in this forum we would like to emphasize that IFA is not an entertainment organization. Archana is merely an instrument to get the community involved in the mission of IFA. We do not seek support on the basis of the quality of Archana but rather of the work being done in India. This is reflected in the fact that almost 70% of our funds are raised through direct donations (not through tickets purchased).

Specific points:

Program presentation (dark periods in between items, end of item recognition, poor subtitles in the video, etc.): These are errors of omission and we will try hard to improve.

Program mix:: Archana audience is highly mixed. No program will appeal to all. We try hard to create a slate that interests the maximum number of people. While "lack of entertainment" - primarily due to lack of Bollywood was noted this year, the comments last year were about too much Bollywood. Even though it is an important part of modern India and is very entertaining, Bollywood is not an ideal vehicle for conveying Indian culture and heritage which was the theme for this year. Nevertheless, we all like Bollywood and in fact there were plans to include a Bollywood dance that did not materialize because the youth group did not come through. Comedy/Drama: Comedy is important and will continue to be in the mix. However, we also see Archana as a space for some serious reflection.

Program quality: Three dance schools were represented in the program including a performance that has been staged through out India and the US. We feel that the community items are also of high quality but ultimately what we can do is limited by the talent and effort the community is prepared to put in it. We repeatedly request and invite all to join and improve the quality.

Length of the Program: The program length depends on:

We will continue to streamline the program for, after all, those sweating behind the stage are equally keen to have a shorter program. But, please note that since the items are all independent and unrelated, those who find the program long have the option of leaving early at their convenience without losing anything. But if it is made shorter for their sake then others have no option but to miss out on items they would like to see.

Noise in the hall and other logistic issues: We will continue to educate the audience and promote better viewer behavior.

Friends, high quality entertainment and good food are a reasonable expectation that is served by many other organizations. That is not what this is about.  Archana (and IFA) is about well-to-do Indians facing their own inconvenient truth of poverty in India, and being able to contribute in a small way to make a difference. It is about the belief that one must take responsibility and try to change what one finds to be wrong. There is nothing we want more than to get away from the “I-they” mentality. There is no "they and us" it is just "you" and I. Archana is a community event and its quality will depend on what the community is willing to put in it. Please note that this is an entirely voluntary effort and, unfortunately, there are only 24 hours in a day. Many of the flaws noted are simply because after weeks and months of grueling work, the volunteers simply run out of time and energy.

After last year's comments we had invited you to join and fix what you think needs fixing. We make the same request again this year. IFA is a very open organization. Join. Make it better. Make Archana better!

Thank you, IFA
(May 4, 2007, 10:00 AM PST)

We have received an extensive (5-page) review of Archana '07 in Marathi from Audumbar, a guest who came all the way from Philadelphia to participate in Archana '07. Wanting to make a difference in his own small way he has sent a copy of his review to 117 of his friends! To read his review in Marathi, please click here.
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