Manteca Indians — an organization whose members can trace family ties back to India — conducted an essay contest last month to celebrate the third anniversary of the group’s founding.
The subject was “Radiate — Share Smiles, Spread Positivity.”
The winner is the Gundawar family whose son wrote a beautiful poem about Manteca. They are Amruta, Samir and their 12 year-old son Shourya Gundawar.
The Gundawar family moved to Manteca from Sunnyvale just one year ago and said they are already in love with the Family City.
The judge was Shim Lacy, founder and CEO of Manteca Youth Focus.
The winning entry is as follows:
“On a world often shadowed by negativity and strife, the power of a smile is immeasurable. A smile is more than just a facial expression, it is a beacon of light, gesture for kindness, and a catalyst for positivity. When we choose to radiate smiles and spread positivity we not only uplift ourselves, but also illuminate the lives of those around us. I wrote a little poem for Manteca and how awesome it is.
“ In the heart of California’s Central Valley,
“Lies a city, Manteca, a gem quite really.
“With its parks so green and skies so blue,
Every day in Manteca feels fresh and new.
“From the murals downtown that tell its tale,
“To the farmers market with goods for sale.
“The smiles of its people, warm and bright,
“Make the city shine with a radiant light. T
“he joy of community in every street,
“Makes living in Manteca a treat so sweet.
“So here’s to Manteca, in all its glory,
“A city that’s more than just a story. So share a smile, spread some cheer,
“For Manteca, a city we hold dear.
“So, let us make it our mission to radiate smiles and spread positivity wherever we go. Together, let us create a world where smiles abound, positivity flourishes, and kindness reigns supreme.”
About Manteca Indians
Founded on March 24, 2021, “Manteca Indians” was initiated by a group of local community members.
These members identified the particular needs of newly moved Indian families and thought to form a group where similar individuals can support one another. Therein was formed a group named “Manteca Indians.”
Manteca Indians has experienced significant growth since its initiation. This expansion has been fueled by the influx of individuals relocating from the Bay Area and other states in search of more spacious and affordable housing options, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Serving as a unifying force, Manteca Indians has effectively brought together this diverse PAN-Indian population under one umbrella. This group has emerged as one of the leading providers of community support services in the region. Manteca Indians’ goal has always been to create a welcoming and supportive space where members can connect, share, and thrive together.
They are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging positive interactions, and facilitating the exchange of information and resources.
This Manteca Indians community is built on the principles of mutual respect and support, aiming to assist each other in various aspects of life. This group has recently celebrated their 3rd anniversary on March 24, 2024.
To celebrate this milestone, Manteca Indians launched a contest among its members to write a paragraph or two to tell everyone what they like or love about Manteca.
“Radiate — Share Smiles, Spread Positivity” was the theme of the contest.
Every entry was posted on the Manteca Indians Facebook page to be shared with the larger community. The Facebook entry posts received likes, loves, and positive comments which served as yet another way to further unite and spread positivity and highlight everyone who did an entry.
