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August 7, 2003 - L.Rebeiro -
Toronto, Canada The Conference kicked off to a grand start at 6:00pm on August 1, 2003 at the Students' Residence of Centennial College. You could literally feel the excitement of the Committee members as they set-up tables for checking-in guests, accomplishing last minute details, making sure all was ready and in place for the Meet & Greet reception, and that the books, articles, and memorabilia was prominently displayed at the "Pride of Anglo-India" section.
From beginning to end you could literally taste "Nostalgia" from all who were there. The greeting of old friends, the welcoming of new friends all added to the camaraderie that exists within our Community . The renewal of acquaintances, brought fresh memories of times forgotten. I would not have replaced this evening for anything. So many people to talk to - so many questions to ask - so many lives to catch up on, and so little time. At 7:30pm the Symposium got underway, with welcoming speeches from Daphne Gonsalves, President AIAC, and from Conrad D'Souza, Chairperson of the Symposium Committee. We had a wealth of Key Note Speakers who were truly knowledgeable about our Community. Bert Payne spoke about the "Historical Perspective of Anglo-Indians" and covered our 400 year history. Blair Williams gave us a concise statistical "View Of The Future of Anglo-Indians" and Lorrayne Anthony, spoke about the "Careers of Anglo-Indian Women Past/Present", specifically touching on the significant contribution made by our AI women inside and outside the home. Conrad D'Souza ended the evening's presentations with the "Lighter Side Of Immigration" making the audience relax with laughter. Our attendees returned to the Meet & Greet reception which ended at 11:00pm. The next day, Saturday August 2nd, "Anglo-Indian Day" dawned dull, dark and grey. Thick rain clouds and a constant drizzle made my heart sink - I began to think there would be many "no shows", but I was not counting on the tenacity of our Community. We had close to 250-maybe even 300-people attend. The heavens opened up and we had thunderstorms off and on all day. But the soccer match and the childrens' races went on just the same in the rain.
We ran from shelter to shelter talking, laughing sharing anecdotes about the Monsoon weather. Discounting the rain we all gathered under the bandstand for "Housey" the "Canadian Idol" contest, the Indian/ Canadian lunch, and thoroughly enjoyed dancing to the music of Rob Young. Wonderful fun-filled (if not so much sun-filled) day. Eventually everyone began to disperse for home after 7:00pm; damp in clothes and shoes, joyful and happy in spirit.
Sunday August 3rd the "Farewell Dinner & Dance" was held at the Oasis Banquet Hall. Attendance there was the best so far for any of the Anglo-Indian venues. I would certainly estimate the number as close to 500 people. The ladies came dressed so exotically and looking irresistibly beautiful, the quote "Orchids In Bloom" certainly came to mind as I gazed around the room. The men were all so very handsome in their tuxedos and suits. Hugs, kisses and smiles were freely exchanged between friends and relations throughout the night. Mississauga's Mayor Her Worship Hazel McCallion, and Peel Region Police Chief Noel Catney were invited guests. In fact, Mayor McCallion gave a wonderful speech thanking our Community for their contribution to Canada's prosperity. Daphne Gonsalves, also made a welcoming speech and then a delectable dinner was served. Mike Danton's Orchestra did a superb job of providing us with the Big Band Sound, while once again Rob Young's DJ service gave us that 'good ole' Rock 'n Roll". It was certainly sad to say our goodbyes that night when all the frivolity was over, to old friends and new. But, we returned home feeling enriched to have been a part of this Conference; of being a part of our great A-I Community; of being a part of this great adopted country of ours - Canada - which we now call home. I would do it all again in the twinkling of an eye. So here's a toast to the next Reunion, the next Conference, the next Dance, the next Jam Session, the next "Get-Together" .... Aren't these the moments that make us what we are Proud Anglo-Indians. * * *
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