"M. Hazarika" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: To: "Assamonline" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
From: "M. Hazarika" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Sat, 7 Jul 2007 09:25:34 -0500
Subject: [asom] Assam Convention 2007 - Boston : Comments
Notes on Assam Convention 2007
---------------------------------
Congratulations to Boston Host Committee
Kabita Das
Congratulations to Boston Host Committee on a job extremely well done!
Below are two write-ups that I received Rahul kalita and Aabir das. I also
agree with the e-mail that Mr. Sharma received which he summarized in his
e-mail about the highlights and the first-evers. In addition to everything, I
personally was impressed by the high tech stage, can not imagine the efforts it
took to synchronize the live performances with the backdrop - for example
Anirbaan Das' song on rain (barasun) with raindrops streaming down a window,
Star Spangled Banner on the electric guiter with the US flag and fire works
display, the resounding welcome for the cultural program with the ensemble of
Indian classical instruments and for the fashion show - just amazing! It was
like being in an IMAX theater topped by live performances in the foreground.
These types of shows may happen when Amitabh Bacchan performs but the credit
goes to you for making it happen for the Assamese community.
A friend told me that most Indian newspapers Times of India, Hindustan Times
and a couple more mention CM's visit to NY and Boston.
---------------------------------
>From Aabir Das
We arrived at the Boston Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, MA on Friday, June 30th,
2007 and upon entering the lobby, we suddenly became immersed into a mini
Assam. The sights and sounds reminded us of the home we left behind. The
official duration of the convention was from Saturday July 1st to Sunday July
2nd, 2007. However, most of the guests from out of state came to Cambridge on
Friday night.
Saturday morning began with tea, coffee, and various Assamese sweets provided
by the Boston Host Committee which we all thoroughly enjoyed. That was
followed by an Indian lunch and an afternoon filled with catching up with old
friends and making new ones. The setting for Saturday nights dinner was
served in the rooftop ballroom overlooking the scenic Charles River and the
historic baseball stadium Fenway Park. Saturday nights scrumptious meal
consisted of a traditional North Indian meal. The cultural program on Sat.
night was mainly devoted to the children of our community and was held in the
same roof top ballroom. The night concluded with melodious Bihu-huria geets
sung by Malabika Bora, one of our featured guest artists from Assam.
Sunday morning began with a wholesome breakfast, followed by the general body
meetings of the three sponsoring organization of the convention, the Assam
Association of North America (AANA), the Asom Sayita Sabha of North America
(ASSNA) and the Assam Foundation of North America (AFNA). The AFNA meeting was
graced by the Hon. Congressman. McGovern whose constituency includes the city
of Cambridge, MA, the site of this years convention.
Following the meetings, a very tasty vegetarian South Indian lunch (idli, dosa,
vera, tamarind rice, lemon rice) was served on the patio outside the hotel
inside of a white roofed tent.
The early afternoon on Sunday was filled with people laughing and having a good
time amid family and friends and this time also allowed new members of the
community to mingle and become acquainted with the existing Assamese community
in North America.
At 4PM, a Fashion show displaying ladies wearing traditional Assamese silk
(mugha, ari and pat) along with traditional jewelry (gam karu, etc.) along with
the gentlemen wearing dhoti and panjabi was organized by Jupitora Das of
Harrisburg, PA. The Fashion show was fully enjoyed by all.
The Fashion show was followed by a wonderful dinner which consisted of goat
curry, puri, salad, muri gonto and masor tenga which was one of the best meals
ever served at any convention.
After dinner, the entire community was treated to the adult cultural program
which took place on the evening of Sunday, July 2nd. We were enthralled by the
amazing voice of Anirbaan Das, who is a world-renowned ghazal singer who wowed
the British House of Lords with his melodious voice. In addition, the talent
of our North American community was fully showcased on Saturday night. The
night ended at 1:30 AM early Monday morning with everyone thoroughly satisfied
with the Assam Convention 2008.
---------------------------------
The Assam Convention: A Youth's Perspective
Rahul Kalita
Coming to my twelfth or so Assamese convention was a particularly memorable
experience. As usual, the convention provided time to reconnect with friends
and family, explore Cambridge and Boston, and dine with 300+ people with a
great view of the Charles river. Most importantly though, it was a chance to
embrace my culture through music, dance, and this year, politics. The Chief
Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi and other key members of the Assamese government
held a panel discussion about investment in Assam. From the perspective of an
American-born Assamese, I saw this as the culmination of our cultural strength
in America. To have such a key member of our state come to the US
significantly increased the legitimacy of our organization. Assamese, both
young and old, asked questions about Assam's current and future state to the
CM. (I need a sentence here about the CM answering our questions candidly).
Transition:
Other highlights of the convention included the children's cultural show, with
both 2nd and 3rd generation participants doing Bihu and Bhangra dances, playing
musical instruments, and singing Assamese songs. The fashion show made its
return and provided entertainment for all those in house. As usual, the adult
cultural show was top notch, and with an Indian style buffet that included
Masor Tenga and Muri Ghanta, who could complain? I come to the Assamese
conventions for the people, the culture, and the Masor Tenga, but I also come
so that for one weekend I don't say I am Indian; rather I say I am Assamese.
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Umesh Sharma
Washington D.C.
1-202-215-4328 [Cell]
Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005
http://www.uknow.gse.harvard.edu/index.html (Edu info)
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/ (Management Info)
www.gse.harvard.edu/iep (where the above 2 are used )
http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
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