Honored.
Last night, after work, Wambui (a friend of mine with whom I work) and I headed to the Indian Consulate for an evening way more intellectual than we had anticipated. The pair of us and about 150 other people were adressed by former Indian Ambassador Alan Nazareth, Professor Akeel Bilgrami (Philosophy, Columbia Uni) and Professor Dennis Dalton (Poli Sci, Barnard College), and then there was a Q&A session with the three of them acting as panelists. The talks were not about Gandhi so much as his influence and some of his ideas. I'll do a crappy job of describing this, so I defer to the summary in the thank you email I got this morning:
It was certainly something for the intellectual: the panelists offered detailed analyses of Gandhi's philosophy of religious inclusion, economics and his sphere of influence; something for the cultural enthusiast: a performance of "Lotus" which featured Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Manipuri, Middle Eastern, Burmese and Flamenco dancers; something for the gourmand: a full buffet of traditional Indian cuisine...
I feel like I've reached my cultural quota for the month. At least. ;) It was really really very cool.
When we were on our way out, I got a text from Mat, who has been my best friend since early high school: "Ryan and I are thinking of having a commitment ceremony this fall... Will you officiate?"
There are not words to describe the honor I feel. I am overwhelmed. And so very happy.
So, all of you who are reading this: Have any of you officiated weddings or commitment ceremonies or anything like that? Any tips? Advice? I really want to do this right.
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Congratulations to Mat and Ryan!
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Beth Ballingall
food lover : world traveller : gamer : New Yorker : twenty-something : former Londoner : handbag lover : erstwhile soprano : geek
I've done it for several years now, for friends and for strangers, and I have loads of advice ... but I don't know where to start. :) Catch me on IM sometime?