The Jodhpur One World Retreat returns for its second edition

by  Dharm Patel Business Events | April 2, 2015 | News

Jodhpur One World Retreat Showtime Group

The second edition of the Jodhpur One World Retreat, a biennial 3-day fund-raising gala in aid of the Indian Head Injury Foundation, was held from March 20 to 22. A property of Showtime, the objective of the event is to create awareness and generate resources for India Head Injury Foundation, founded by His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur.

The event once again saw a stellar gathering of eminent minds and great hearts in the historic city of Jodhpur. Participants included Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and corporate stalwarts like Pawan Munjal of Hero Motocorp, Sangita and Sajan Jindal of JSW, Philipp von Sahr of BMW India, Deepa Harris and Renu Basu of the Taj Group and image guru Suhel Seth amongst several others who joined the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Maharaja Gaj Singh II at the event.

A host of medical dignitaries and social activists helped give a new meaning to the thought sessions. The Jodhpur Art Summit added a whole, new dimension to the retreat and its inauguration kicked off the proceedings on the opening night that also saw some riveting fashion theatre on the ramparts of the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort by the two sons of Jodhpur, Raghu and JJ.

Renowned contemporary dance exponent, Astad Deboo added a magic of his own to the proceedings and the Eton Choir who had flown in all the way from the UK did a touching tribute performance to the Maharaja and his son, Yuvraj Shivraj who were both Old Etonians.

Further educative sessions on head injury and brain trauma by an eminent panel of speakers and culminated with a deep and thought-provoking spiritual session by Sadhguru. A delightful auction of priceless experiences was conducted by Nick Martineau of Christies who along with Suhel Seth helped raise around Rs 80 lakhs for the foundation.

The finale saw Bollywood legend, Amitabh Bachchan add his voice to the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and the Shillong Choir led by its founder, Neil Nonkyrnih by reciting some truly memorable lines on the themes of ‘Celebration and Giving’ and then joining in a special rendition of the Vande Mataram. The choir then added its own bit by creating a magical finale for the night.

On the last morning, the Eton Choir did a special tribute to Yuvraj Shivraj who was seen joining in the Etonian boat song as the Maharaja and his wife Hemlata Rajye hosted all the guests for a farewell brunch at their private gardens.

Commenting on the property, Maharaja Gaj Singh II, said: “This was a truly magical and meaningful three days for people who had gathered at Jodhpur to show their solidarity and support for the cause and I could only hope that the foundation will continue to receive their support to help save lives of millions of people across the country. I would like to specially thank BMW and Taj for their continued support and Mr. Bachchan and Sadhguru for coming all the way to Jodhpur to help take the retreat to a new level. ”

Michael Menezes (MD, Showtime Group) who conceived and owns the property, commented: “It was extremely satisfying to be able to contribute in our own little way to supporting what is a truly memorable cause that does not get the same attention as causes like cancer or AIDS. I only hope that this retreat will continue to inspire people to open their minds and hearts to this cause.”