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After some uncertainly in the last few weeks to the event, we had decided to go ahead with the dinner, though we were not sure about the attendance. The event however turned out very well considering the very little effort that went into it.
We started off very slow with very few saikapians reporting in time but by now we are used to it. We made an exception this time and opened the bar before our customary meeting just to keep those who arrived in time in good humor.
For me, the boys’ meeting was one of the high points of the evening because I experienced firsthand the spirit that we exemplify and celebrate. It is this spirit which keeps us organizers going.
We also agreed on a new approach to handle two of the problems which we have been grappling with at the committee. A new committee was formed that will implement the policy on raising funds and assuring participation at both our annual events. It was agreed that the annual dinner will be on the Saturday of the long weekend in February every year and a similar date will be finalized for the annual picnic.
Another great achievement of the evening was the voluntary participation of the ladies. It was amusing to see how the ladies dominated the dance floor for most of the evening with boys just trying to hang in.
Another first was the presence of one of our ex teachers Mr. Dhaliwal, who recently retired and joined his son in Windsor, Ontario. It was interesting to see how the boys controlled their natural saikapian instincts and heard him patiently. I guess we were trying to set a good example for our children.
The musical chairs for the children and ladies were fun as usual. Parmjit Hundal (1068) who demonstrates his selfless commitment to all our events, time and again, spontaneously came up with a prize for the winner child. The winner of the ladies was awarded a Champagne bottle by Mr. Param Sondhi (635) which was presented by the senior most saikapian present, Col. Vasudeva (079).
We all danced to a fair mix of Hindi and Punjabi songs but as usual the demand for Punjabi bhangra music was more than the supply. We are always trying to strike a balance but it is hard when the gathering comprises of the old timers with two digit school numbers and youngsters with school numbers over 5000.
The banquet hall was smaller this time and I think that brought a feeling of togetherness. But I assure you next time it will be larger, we need more space. The music was louder than what I would want it to be but I guess that is a given on these events. Over all I think it was a great celebration. For those few hours I was a part of my larger saikapian family and as Rajinder Rana (1523), who had joined us for the first time from Windsor said, it felt wonderful to be amongst his own. I am sure we all feel that way. Let’s keep celebrating together.
click on the picture above to view the slide show of photographs from the night.
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