When I got a call from the IACRF (Indo American Cultural and Religious Foundation) for me and my wife to join them at a Seniors’ Get Together, I was as exuberant as my grandson at the prospect of a day out - only a shade less expressive.
But everything has a price. And the price I pay for my indecision whether to settle down in America or India is that my mind is less receptive to learn the routes to far off places, muster courage to drive at 65 miles along the highway, or use the GPS to find my way. Consequently I write off ventures that involve more than 15 minutes drive. More often thus it is my d-i-l or son who goads me to accept such invitations, offering to be the chauffeur. We felt glad we made it yesterday. It was delight to meet about 70 persons in their mid-60s to the late-80s under one roof and exchange pleasantries. We met many for the first time. Somehow, for some inexplicable reason it appeared as though after ages we were meeting our long lost relative, friend or a class fellow – or a Ram-Bharat milap. Nothing works on an empty stomach, more so after a 40-minute drive. So, on arrival we were served appetizer – Upma, palak pakodas, and bhujia, to be washed down with hot masala chai. I still can’t figure out how they call it an appetizer, and not breakfast. Tracing the history of the cultural centre, we were told it was constructed in 1989 on a sprawling area mobilizing donations from the Indian community. On an average, two functions take place every month. Also the hall is rented out at subsidized rates for various functions. After enjoying a brief respite on completion, the organizers embarked on their magnum opus project – Ekta Mandir – which was completed in 2007 at double the area of the cultural centre. Exquisite finish is the word for Ekta Mandir. At the present day real estate downslide one estimates the cost of these two complexes at USD 5 million. Full compliments to those who were behind the mammoth effort. Their names should be inscribed in gold. The floor was then given to the only special-invitee youngster for a few warm-up songs to set the stage for a musical extravaganza by the seniors. Yes, their hands shaking while holding the mike, but their spirit remained undaunted, rendering some Pankaj Mullick and K.L Sehgal numbers – a fitting reminder that it is Seniors day out and their favourite numbers will reverberate the hall. At no time did any singer fail to synchronize with Karoke. Hearing such songs as Tere Mere Sapne Ab Ek Rang Hai; Phoolon Ke Rang Se Dil Ki Kalam Se, and Baar Baar Dekho Hazar Bar Dekho, one wondered if this gathering was to pay tributes to the two recently departed legendaries - Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor. A senior lady regaled the audience with jokes at the end of each song. Unfortunately she couldn’t continue for long because she had just recovered from an asthmatic attack and did not want to subject herself to a relapse. See the spirit again. The audience enjoyed the few that she shared. We learn that the city accounts for about 4500 seniors of Indian origin, and if the organizers could get some of them together and offer them an opportunity to pray at Ekta Mandir prior to the programme, an unadulterated entertainment from 10.30 am to 2 pm, and a sumptuous lunch sponsored by a lady, one can only say kudos to the organizers. V.V. Sundaram 23 December 2011
