SIXTH
KISUMU GATHERING:
A sixth
Kisumu gathering was held on Sunday the 10th
September 2000 at Kadwa Patidar Centre in Harrow, Middx. Needless to say this function was
also a huge success with around 900 people
attending. The Chief Guest on this occasion was Mr. Nitin Mehta who was awarded M.B.E.
(Member of The British Empire) Medal for services rendered to the community in the fields
of education and cause of Vegetarians. Mr.
Dhanjibhai formerly of National Printing
Press has also been a recipient of the MBE
for his services to the community as well. Sadly on this occasion, Mr. Dhanjibhai has
stood down from the chairmanship of Kisumu
committee which he held for nearly 10 years.
The function
started with a Bangra dance. There were more dances and songs from charity workers at
present working in and around Kisumu. It was marvellous to see these charity volunteers
from Taiwan, Germany, Australia etc. singing Indian Film songs
which were well received by the audience consisting Hindus,
Sikhs and Muslims. But then Kisumu has always been a very united community regardless of
faith which is true of many other towns and cities in East Africa.
A grand
total of £ 1300 was raised by these Charity volunteers to go towards their work in and
around Kisumu. Many of our former teachers were present. However a notable exception was Mr. Shankardass ( 94) who could not attend due to ill health. Meeting after
so many years, it was sometimes difficult to recognise colleagues, neighbours, school
friends etc. May be in future we could organise meeting areas in the hall based on the
time at which one gave their ‘O’ level exams. Ideas are welcome on this point
which will be posted here if relevant.
There was a
raffle organised during the function to pay for the hiring, catering and future activities
with prizes being donated by Kisumuwallahs.Towards the evening, food was laid on which was
really delicious with the only complaint being the long ques!!
The function
finished at around 8 pm. It was nice to see all the friends after so many years. Our
hearty Thank You goes to all the people concerned in organising this event.