Are you flying from California?

[drona]

To IV members who are within driving distance of DC and are not committing to attending the rally, please have a look at this poll and see that there are people flying thousands of miles to attend this rally all the way west from California.

Please take a day off and attend the DC rally. There are many major world issues and US issues at the forefront of discussions in Washington. We have one tiny slot to make our voices heard. This is our chance. If you are taking one day off, it is only one day. Work extra hours on the other four working days in the week. Act now, take this one important day off and join the rally in DC.

Join us on September 18th in Washington DC.

CA Members voting NO in this Poll, we are going to CALL, EMAIL, PM you to change your mind.

CA Members voting YES, you are all superstars! Please remember to edit your profiles and select "YES" - I am attending the DC Rally. This will enable you to receive the latest updates on the rally from IV Core.

[ThinkTwice]

Effort in any form - physical, financial, mental or emotional is welcome and needed for this effort.
I am certain you can contribute in atleast one if not more than one of these ways.
This is OUR effort, we are not doing this for charity here .. we are doing this for our own selfish selves... so please participate.

[abhijitp]

Very good effort Drona.... go IV, go California!

All other states, raise to the occasion... show that you can beat us!

If you need assistance with logistics, help yourself by going here:
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12441

[drona]

There are thousands of IV members in CA. Please book your tickets now. Yes, it is thousands of miles to DC and on a work day too but as I said we have one chance to voice our concerns. We are not going to get another chance like this anytime soon. It looks like we might have to fly in a few hundred people because DC appears to be sleeping.

Come on California. Submit your vacation requests now. Book your tickets. Fly on Monday night and fly back on Tuesday night if need be. There are a few people already doing this. Make your contribution. Act now.

[dante1271]

thank you for the effort of finding me a sponsor...:)


There are thousands of IV members in CA. Please book your tickets now. Yes, it is thousands of miles to DC and on a work day too but as I said we have one chance to voice our concerns. We are not going to get another chance like this anytime soon. It looks like we might have to fly in a few hundred people because DC appears to be sleeping.

Come on California. Submit your vacation requests now. Book your tickets. Fly on Monday night and fly back on Tuesday night if need be. There are a few people already doing this. Make your contribution. Act now.

[venkygct]

for starting this poll. i already know that two of my friends are planning to book their tickets from CA today !

[venkygct]

^^^^^

[53885]

If you are taking one day off, it is only one day. Work extra hours on the other four working days in the week.

My wife and I will be flying from Los Angeles. I am already working extra hours to take 2 days off. It will be once in a lifetime opportunity to raise our voice in DC and meet lawmakers.

[needhelp!]

My wife and I will be flying from Los Angeles. I am already working extra hours to take 2 days off. It will be once in a lifetime opportunity to raise our voice in DC and meet lawmakers.

Buck up other states..

[rkotamurthy]

I am going to DC to participate in the Rally and meet Lawmakers. I know atleast half a dozen others from California who are going to DC. I think is your only chance to get your voice heard in the corridors of power.

[zoozee]

Me and my my spouse are attending DC rally flying from San Jose.We did even attend San Jose rally.

If everyone makes a sensible effort this time together we will be very strong in our voice.

WE ENCOURAGE EACH ONE SHOULD PARTICIPATE WITH STRONG HOPE AND WILL.

Regards.

[waiting_4_gc]

I didn’t want to go to DC rally due to my surgery appointment (September 6th) because I can not fly for three weeks after the surgery.

Guess what?, I have postponed my surgery appointment date, booked tickets and going to DC rally on Monday evening and flying back on Tuesday night.

I also urge people to take a day off and attend the rally.

[waiting_4_gc]

Zoozee,
Even I'm flying from San Jose airport on Monday evening.My flight is at 6:30 pm (AA airlines). Can you tell me about your flight schedule?

Me and my my spouse are attending DC rally flying from San Jose.We did even attend San Jose rally.

[gdhiren]

Folks, really great. I am around DC and coordinating the Pickups/Dropoffs. Please PM me your flight details if you need to be picked up from the airport or dropped off to the airport, don't be shy, we will make every efforts to accomodate your needs. There is also a separate thread if you need accomodation (we have several hosts).

Thank you guys for flying all the way from west coast.
Dhiren

PS: Waiting_4_GC, I have your flight info.

[zoozee]

Waiting_4_gc,

I m flying to Pittsburgh on Saturday 15th Sept and will drive to Wa-DC on 17th Monday - and will schedule to meet lawmaker on Monday.

Enjoy and see you in the rally


Zoozee,
Even I'm flying from San Jose airport on Monday evening.My flight is at 6:30 pm (AA airlines). Can you tell me about your flight schedule?

[zoozee]

Gdhiren:Can you please send me your email id mine is zoozee4@hotmail.com
I am flying from San Jose to Dc for the rally.Can you please post me the threads for the hosts for accomodation in DC.



Folks, really great. I am around DC and coordinating the Pickups/Dropoffs. Please PM me your flight details if you need to be picked up from the airport or dropped off to the airport, don't be shy, we will make every efforts to accomodate your needs. There is also a separate thread if you need accomodation (we have several hosts).

Thank you guys for flying all the way from west coast.
Dhiren

PS: Waiting_4_GC, I have your flight info.

[zoozee]

where are you planning to stay?


Zoozee,
Even I'm flying from San Jose airport on Monday evening.My flight is at 6:30 pm (AA airlines). Can you tell me about your flight schedule?

[punjabi]

hey guys...

I read this amazing thread and I am feeling terrible guilty of not going to DC for Rally. I thought contributing $100 was enough.

YES, I GOTTA GO TO RALLY AND BE A PART OF THIS EFFORT. AND I WILL GO.

Guys: If IV wins and we are able to change the law.....and then someone comes across you and ask:

"Did You help?"

What will be your reaction? Will you pump your chest out and scream "YESSSS..."?

I know, I will. How about you?

[drona]

Glad to have you on board! Please spread the word. Let's all make an extra effort for this rally.

[gdhiren]

Gdhiren:Can you please send me your email id mine is zoozee4@hotmail.com
I am flying from San Jose to Dc for the rally.Can you please post me the threads for the hosts for accomodation in DC.

Here is the thread where you can request accomodation.

http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12565

I'll shoot you an email.

[texanmom]

I know this is not the right place..but I didn't know where else to post this. Sorry about that.

Has the congresswoman been contacted for this rally? She would be a powerful voice to have on our side.

I am sure the IV core team has thought about this...but I didnt read about it anywhere on the forums. If there is something, please point me to it.

[drona]

I have sent you a PM.

[abhijitp]

Here is the thread where you can request accomodation.

http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12565

I'll shoot you an email.

I too am receiving a lot of these questions on about pick-ups/ drop-offs. Can you please start a thread for that purpose?

Some people will be arriving on the day of rally and returning right after the rally. If something can be done to pick them up/ drop them off, please let us know. Thanks!

[waiting_4_gc]

where are you planning to stay?

I'm reaching there on Tuesday morning and flying back in the
evening (same day).

[apb]

Bumping

[gjoe]

I didn’t want to go to DC rally due to my surgery appointment (September 6th) because I can not fly for three weeks after the surgery.

Guess what?, I have postponed my surgery appointment date, booked tickets and going to DC rally on Monday evening and flying back on Tuesday night.

I also urge people to take a day off and attend the rally.

You are the man !!. You are leading by setting an example for others to follow. My prayers and good wishes for your travel and your surgery later on.

[gdhiren]

I too am receiving a lot of these questions on about pick-ups/ drop-offs. Can you please start a thread for that purpose?

Some people will be arriving on the day of rally and returning right after the rally. If something can be done to pick them up/ drop them off, please let us know. Thanks!

Ok, the thread title has been changed to include the transportation as well.

http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12565

[venkygct]

^^^^^

[KanME]

Members planning to attend the meetings Please email your details asap to lobbyday@immigrationvoice.org . Thanks to those who have already done that...

[venkygct]

^^^^

[drona]

We can do better than this. Let's book tickets and fly to DC. We must participate in this event. Please take two days off and be in DC, and if you do not have enough vacation time, take one day off. Please contribute to this event.

[venkygct]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[swadeshi]

We can do better than this. Let's book tickets and fly to DC. We must participate in this event. Please take two days off and be in DC, and if you do not have enough vacation time, take one day off. Please contribute to this event.

We live in NJ and my husband was not ready to take a day off initially, I was going to come with friends and now after bugging him for days together I finally showed him this message about people flying in from CA and well he is motivated to come, he plans to work remotely on the 17th the lobby day, we are bringing some friends visiting from India too;)

[gdhiren]

We live in NJ and my husband was not ready to take a day off initially, I was going to come with friends and now after bugging him for days together I finally showed him this message about people flying in from CA and well he is motivated to come, he plans to work remotely on the 17th the lobby day, we are bringing some friends visiting from India too;)

Congratulations! Though I don't know why it took you so many days, I could understand if it was the other way around (him explaining you). You should meet my wife and get some lessons. :) just kidding. Thanks for bringing in the whole team, great spirit.

[venkygct]

^^^^

[drona]

We need more members like you!

[swadeshi]

Congratulations! Though I don't know why it took you so many days, I could understand if it was the other way around (him explaining you). You should meet my wife and get some lessons. :) just kidding. Thanks for bringing in the whole team, great spirit.

If you are getting your wife along, I would like to meet her for a cup of coffee (after the rally) and well mebbe I can get some pointers of wisdom or a quick course on " How to make ones husband listen"!! Just kidding!!;)

I will PM you my contact details, lets do meet up at DC.

[gsc999]

Wear the Gear:
California, thanks for showing your support! If you are on the fence and still deciding to attend the rally or not. Do what the sheep did, jump the fence and put the issue to rest or sleep :)

I ordered my IV T-shirt, it looks cool, with California printed on the back. It takes a couple of days in the mail so order now. I am excited about the event, it would be fun.

Flaunt that Flag:
We are ordering American flags and California state flag for the rally.
Who wants to carry the California state flag at the rally:)? This is an honor so who ever volunteer's first gets to hold it and probably get on TV. You will represent the Silicon valley.

Guys in Nor. Cal. Can you help me carry some stuff to DC? I have some T-shirts I need to get to DC.

[franklin]

I can help take some stuff - how much is there?

I would offer to carry the flag, but I have Carpal Tunnel, so it might not be a great idea :)

[venkygct]

Today many folks from CA showed interest in joining the rally. They are yet to submit their vote.

Folks who are on the fence, decide and act FAST. This is going to be a historic event..Don't miss it !

[drona]

We are happy to report that certain members that initially voted NO in this poll, have had a change of heart and are now flying to DC! Let's hope more CA members will join in! Ticket prices are still reasonable, please reconsider folks!

[venkygct]

^^^^^^^

[venkygct]

- Folks who decided to join the rally from CA, please vote here.

- Folks who is yet decide, please act FAST and book the tickets...

- Folks who wont be able to make it for the rally for sure, Please sponsor someone for the rally and vote @
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12441

[drona]

Please update your profiles in the User CP to "Yes - I will attend the rally in DC". This will enable you to receive the latest updates on the rally from IV Core.

[arc]

I am interested if there is anyone sponsoring tickets/miles/acco? Wanna fly from SJC to DC and back, I can afford to take a couple days off.

[arc]

Guys what airline could one fly from San Jose? Which one have best connecting times so one can reach and leave at decent time? which airport is close?

Is there a Motel nearby at the relly start point, what time does the rally end, and what flight have people from CA booked for getting back?

:confused:

[JazzByTheBay]

- best place to stay, hopefully in proximity to the rally start point
- best return flight time to get back
- do I need to rent a car?

Guys what airline could one fly from San Jose? Which one have best connecting times so one can reach and leave at decent time? which airport is close?

Is there a Motel nearby at the relly start point, what time does the rally end, and what flight have people from CA booked for getting back?

:confused:

[venkygct]

Myself and Abhijit booked the flight in United from OAKLAND airport. As we are going to be in DC on Tuesday morning, this is the pretty decent flight with no-stop...We booked this thru www.kayak.com...
Mon, Sep 17, 2007 11:10 PM - OAK to IAD
Tue, Sep 18, 2007 6:52 PM - IAD to OAK

The price came ~$280

Guys what airline could one fly from San Jose? Which one have best connecting times so one can reach and leave at decent time? which airport is close?

Is there a Motel nearby at the relly start point, what time does the rally end, and what flight have people from CA booked for getting back?

:confused:

[gdhiren]

- best place to stay, hopefully in proximity to the rally start point
- do I need to rent a car?

No need to rent a car.

http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12565

[ArunAntonio]

Please think about the amount of effort that is going on to plan for this rally.

- The mental effort required to plan the logistics of such a huge event
- The physical energy required to make all this a possibility
- The amount of time the members working on this are sacrificing.. time that they could have spent with family or other gainful things
- The financial impact this is causing to the invloved members

and all just not for themselves but for all of US.

What is your contribution to this effort?
Please show up.
Think ..
I am sure you can DO IT.

[arc]

- best place to stay, hopefully in proximity to the rally start point
- best return flight time to get back
- do I need to rent a car?


Which Airport are you planning to fly from?

Anyone from San Jose?

[arc]

Myself and Abhijit booked the flight in United from OAKLAND airport. As we are going to be in DC on Tuesday morning, this is the pretty decent flight with no-stop...We booked this thru www.kayak.com...
Mon, Sep 17, 2007 11:10 PM - OAK to IAD
Tue, Sep 18, 2007 6:52 PM - IAD to OAK

The price came ~$280

Venkey

I sent you a PM, can we team up? I need some more info!

[venkygct]

Sanjay,
We have added you to the queue. We will look for the sponsor and get back you asap. Can you go ahead change your profile setting with "yes" option for the rally poll?

Thanks
--Venky

[apb]

Venkey

I sent you a PM, can we team up? I need some more info!

Please book through our website on my signature.

[arc]

- best place to stay, hopefully in proximity to the rally start point
- best return flight time to get back
- do I need to rent a car?

Get in touch with Abhijeet or Venky they can help you with your questions, I sent you a PM pls. check your private messages...Thanks!

[Kushal]

- best place to stay, hopefully in proximity to the rally start point
- best return flight time to get back
- do I need to rent a car?

Jetblue direct flight to Oakland.
Hotel harrington-- closure to the location.

[venkygct]

Folks who are yet to decide, ACT FAST and book your tickets. More than 100's of folks are joining from Northern CA itself. Its going to be a historic event. Dont miss it !!!

If you need financial assistance to join the rally, please vote your requirement in the following poll
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12441

I request all the folks who have booked their tickets from CA to vote in this poll....

Thanks
--Venky

[gsc999]

I am taking Jetblue from Oakland to Dulles Airport in DC reaching on Sunday (09/16)morning

I will be staying at http://hotel-harrington.com/aboutus.htm
A couple other folks from California will be staying at this Hotel. if you want we may be able to get a group discount.

[venkygct]

^^^^^^^^^^^

[venkygct]

^^^^^

[guyfromsg]

I am taking Jetblue from Oakland to Dulles Airport in DC reaching on Sunday (09/16)morning

I will be staying at http://hotel-harrington.com/aboutus.htm
A couple other folks from California will be staying at this Hotel. if you want we may be able to get a group discount.

It's sold out now..I'm flying from GA and have booked in Quality inn in Arlington. I would like to stay where you guys are staying..but it's not longer there :(

[gsc999]

It's sold out now..I'm flying from GA and have booked in Quality inn in Arlington. I would like to stay where you guys are staying..but it's not longer there :(
----
I booked it real early, like a month ahead. No worries. I am sure there are a tons of places still around.

See you in DC

[gsc999]

Guys and Gals flying out of Northern California, please pm me. I need some of your luggage space. Nothing sensitive just banners etc. We can meet up near your place and I can hand-over the stuff to you

Also, don't forget to pack a formal suit for the lobby day. We will need it for sure.

Cheers!
g

[santb1975]

If you can try down to Southern Cal. to hand me over the stuff

[venkygct]

^^^^^

[vandanaverdia]

My husband & me are flying from Seattle to DC. We have also signed up for volunteering on Sunday & Lobby Day on Monday.Look forward to seeing everyone in DC.

DC.... here we come....!!!!

[arc]

I can help in carrying stuff!

[guyfromsg]

----
I booked it real early, like a month ahead. No worries. I am sure there are a tons of places still around.

See you in DC

Though the website says sold out, I called just now and got a queen room for 109+tax for one night 17th. Thanks for the help.

[gsc999]

Though the website says sold out, I called just now and got a queen room for 109+tax for one night 17th. Thanks for the help.
-
Sure, I modified my booking from one bed to two incase some one still needs a place to stay. You ar always welcome.

Infact, the group rates are even cheaper. We could get two double beds for $105/night

[gsc999]

I can help in carrying stuff!

Plz pm me your ph number.

[GCNaseeb]

Though the website says sold out, I called just now and got a queen room for 109+tax for one night 17th. Thanks for the help.

I just called and the guy said he has the room ; he then started taking all my information and finally asked when I would arrive. I told him on 17th, 7:30am and he said " oh sorry we don't have any room, I thought you wanted it tomorrow"

So check it up again.

Also, if your room has 2 beds, can you share the room with me? We can split the bills and I needed a company too. I am trying to book a room but so far no luck. I still need to book a flight too. I am flying from Oakland on 16th night. Thanks

[guyfromsg]

I just called and the guy said he has the room ; he then started taking all my information and finally asked when I would arrive. I told him on 17th, 7:30am and he said " oh sorry we don't have any room, I thought you wanted it tomorrow"

So check it up again.

Also, if your room has 2 beds, can you share the room with me? We can split the bills and I needed a company too. I am trying to book a room but so far no luck. I still need to book a flight too. I am flying from Oakland on 16th night. Thanks

Yes, it's for 17th.. check your PM..

[GCNaseeb]

Yes, it's for 17th.. check your PM..

Hi guyfromsg

I sent you a PM. Please reply. Thanks :)

[drona]

Thanks for playing your folk tunes, and singing and reciting poetry on stage at the rally! Please let us know the IV handle of the other guitarist and singer. Thanks for inviting me to join you but I am way too shy to sing on stage :o 3 cheers to abhijitp, you make CA proud!

[gsc999]

Thanks for playing your folk tunes, and singing and reciting poetry on stage at the rally! Please let us know the IV handle of the other guitarist and singer. Thanks for inviting me to join you but I am way too shy to sing on stage :o 3 cheers to abhijitp, you make CA proud!
---
Did you guys know that Drona had a sprained ankle and she was on crutches when she landed at Dulles airport. Can you imagine the amount of commitment it takes to do this? Just amazing.

[h12gc]

Hello Dear IV california members,

First I want to congratulate all you guys for the success of the rally.I have recently joined this group and contributed $100 towards the rally.Now on wards i want to be active member of this group.I live in Sunnyvale,CA.I will give my best for this cause.I want to be part of California chapter activities.As i said i'm a new member i'm not aware of all the activities involved in chapter.If any one can message me their contact no.i will call you guys and discuss future course of action.

Thanks,
h12gc

[gbarquero]

Good to have you, thank you for your support.

[franklin]

Great to have you on board.

I encourage you to join into our state chapter (see my signature for the link). Good to have another NoCaler around :)

[abhijitp]

Thanks for playing your folk tunes, and singing and reciting poetry on stage at the rally! Please let us know the IV handle of the other guitarist and singer. Thanks for inviting me to join you but I am way too shy to sing on stage :o 3 cheers to abhijitp, you make CA proud!

We guessed you were lying to us when you said you do not sing! You should have joined us... we would have then sung the song that only you and the other singer/guitarist know (besides Digital2k) know. BTW, the guitarist was Dr Saurabh although I don't know his IV handle.

It's the beginning of this weekend, but let me rewind things to the last weekend. I received a call from Paskal while I was walking into "Costco", when he told me about his idea of having me and someone else sing and keep folks entertained before the rally. He connected me to Saurabh, and it felt really nostalgic when Saurabh and I rehearsed the song over the phone... somewhat like how two friends would do it in college.

Then on the day of the rally, we knew we had to rehearse with our guitars, and we also knew we would have to, first of all, tune our guitars to one another. But to our sweet surprise, our guitars were already tuned:) We then went a few feet away from the registration booth, and began practising... but something funny happened.

One of the airfare beneficiaries came to me and said hello. We stopped playing and exchanged hellos, and chatted for 2 minutes, but guided him to Venkygct who had been very kind to take over all the "check disbursement" responsibilities. Another 2 minutes, and we have another beneficiary visiting. This time, Venky sees him and runs to us:)

But, we have only a few minutes to the rally, so we decide to go further away from the booth.... and we go really really far... and then start practising once again.

And then after a few minutes, we see Venky and a beneficiary running to us from 2 different directions, but Venky intercepting the missile before it got us:D

Thanks Venky for everything! You made it all sound easy. Starting from the day you postponed your India trip to make it to the rally, you had started making a positive impact on us.
(Folks, Venky even roped in a handful of his own friends to come to the rally. )

You were the God-sent help Arun and I were really missing! We had been finding it hard tracking down some of the sponsors and beneficiaries whose IV profiles had phony emails and bad phone numbers! But you came and things started moving real smooth.

Not to forget Drona's tremendous efforts in roping in dante, prp79, jiren... and in fact co-ordinating the sponsorship for one of them completely on her own!

Of course, Drona's dream to form the "Let's partner to increase resonance" band remains unfulfilled. So venky, by the next rally, do learn to play the drums:D

[write2amar]

Hello,

CONGRATULATIONS for making the rally success!!!

I just joined in this group. I want to be an active member in this chapter activities.

Thanks,
write2amar

[drona]

If you are from Northern California, please join the local chapter here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NC_Immigration_Voice/

Southern California folks, please join the group here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SC_Immigration_Voice/

We look forward to adding active members to our local chapters.

[gdhiren]

We guessed you were lying to us when you said you do not sing! You should have joined us... we would have then sung the song that only you and the other singer/guitarist know (besides Digital2k) know. BTW, the guitarist was Dr Saurabh although I don't know his IV handle.

It's the beginning of this weekend, but let me rewind things to the last weekend. I received a call from Paskal while I was walking into "Costco", when he told me about his idea of having me and someone else sing and keep folks entertained before the rally. He connected me to Saurabh, and it felt really nostalgic when Saurabh and I rehearsed the song over the phone... somewhat like how two friends would do it in college.

Then on the day of the rally, we knew we had to rehearse with our guitars, and we also knew we would have to, first of all, tune our guitars to one another. But to our sweet surprise, our guitars were already tuned:) We then went a few feet away from the registration booth, and began practising... but something funny happened.

One of the airfare beneficiaries came to me and said hello. We stopped playing and exchanged hellos, and chatted for 2 minutes, but guided him to Venkygct who had been very kind to take over all the "check disbursement" responsibilities. Another 2 minutes, and we have another beneficiary visiting. This time, Venky sees him and runs to us:)

But, we have only a few minutes to the rally, so we decide to go further away from the booth.... and we go really really far... and then start practising once again.

And then after a few minutes, we see Venky and a beneficiary running to us from 2 different directions, but Venky intercepting the missile before it got us:D

Thanks Venky for everything! You made it all sound easy. Starting from the day you postponed your India trip to make it to the rally, you had started making a positive impact on us.
(Folks, Venky even roped in a handful of his own friends to come to the rally. )

You were the God-sent help Arun and I were really missing! We had been finding it hard tracking down some of the sponsors and beneficiaries whose IV profiles had phony emails and bad phone numbers! But you came and things started moving real smooth.

Not to forget Drona's tremendous efforts in roping in dante, prp79, jiren... and in fact co-ordinating the sponsorship for one of them completely on her own!

Of course, Drona's dream to form the "Let's partner to increase resonance" band remains unfulfilled. So venky, by the next rally, do learn to play the drums:D


IV hadle of Dr Saurabh is 'drsaurabhsethi'. abhijitp, you guys rocked the stage with my favourite music. I want congratulate everyone in CA chpater for their enthusiasm and grand participation in the rally. You guys did it, what we couldn't do being local to DC. We learned a lot from CA chpater memebers from their dedication and hard work. Keep it up. Hats off to all CA members.

[abhijitp]

IV hadle of Dr Saurabh is 'drsaurabhsethi'. abhijitp, you guys rocked the stage with my favourite music. I want congratulate everyone in CA chpater for their enthusiasm and grand participation in the rally. You guys did it, what we couldn't do being local to DC. We learned a lot from CA chpater memebers from their dedication and hard work. Keep it up. Hats off to all CA members.

I want to add that it was only because of the superb guitaring by Dr Saurabh that we could do the song in the right (soul) rhythm. In my own youtube video I had played a much simpler 4 count rhythm as otherwise it was getting kind of hard to focus on the lyrics.

Also, I don't know how others from North CA feel but Aman's motivating speech during his visit to CA (the Milpitas event) was the turning point for me! Maybe before the next rally, Aman should consider visiting all 50 states:)