Dawat is a part of our culture. It will remain as part for some time. Why not we try to use it for a better purpose in particular to donate some money for the victims of the Cyclone Sidr.
Culturally we like to spend our leisure time with friends in a family environment. This brings the concept of Dawat. We have another cultural value that we do not go empty handed when invited. We take some gifts for the host. Note the Aussi also have the similar culture- they bring a bottle.
By combining these two cultural values we can achieve some greater benefit. Attendees of a Dawat are almost known (friends/family friends). So we know who is coming.
To attend a Dawat we have to spend a few hours to buy the gift. That present invariably a duplicate because either the host has already got it in his/her garage or next attendee has bought the same gift from the same shop or from a different shop. If in doubt please check how many flower vases or how many crystal bowls you have in your home.
Now instead of bringing a present, give the amount you have decides to spend on buying a gift to the host in a envelop. The host now can use the gift effectively for his/her needs or desire. He or she can donate in his/her name to charity.
Every Dawat is returned by a palta Dawat. So we can continue this process and achieve greater socializing and donate without effecting too much in our wallet.
At this moment we need such actions to help our brother and sisters in Bangladesh who are in desperate situation. The host can donate the collected amount to the Bangladesh Australia Disaster Relief Committee, BSB:762-028 A/C: 5009269, Commonwealth Bank or to any other organization of his/her choice.
Abdul Halim Chowdhury
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Home Page Published on: 24-Nov-2007 
