33rd Assam Convention of North America

Somewhere, a wall of mountains, frames the western horizon, where mighty waters follow their inevitable course, where crisp clean air rolls in from thick alpine forests, where tall prairie grasses bend gently in the breeze, there is a spirit, there is a welcome, there is a place called "Calgary" . It is the heart of the new west in North America. A fast growing city in the province of Alberta, Canada. On July 30th & July 1st 2012 more than 200 people came from different parts of the world including all over Canada, US¸ New Zealand and India. This convention at hotel Sheraton Cavalier was an International affair, the 33rd major social event of the Assamese community living in North America.

During the convention, ladies flaunted their gorgeous mekhela-sadors, gents with kurta- pajamas, even some small children with muga dresses. The tea-breaks became the meeting and greeting grounds for all. Everyone relished the pitha, narikolor-laru, sira-badam bhoja, cake and many other things prepared by the Calgarians served with other Indian snacks.

Some of the highlights from our agenda were the "Assam Forum" which consisted presentations on developing issues related to Assam and its people. It was a platform of open discussions that led to generation of very fruitful ideas and options. There was exchange of information on projects and initiatives on various aspects like social, health and wellness, tourism, communication, and community projects.

There was then the inauguration of the convention by retd IAS officer from Shillong, Mr Pritish Chakravarty who declared the convention open. The lighting of the lamp was done by Honorable Minister of Services Alberta Mr. M. Bhullar and the gathering was addressed by ANNA and host committee presidents. A borgeet presented by our guest artist from India Bornali Kalita.

A tribute to the legend Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and his life achievements by his son Tez Hazarika, his sister from Edmonton Stuti Patel and other friends and family members namely Mr Proskow, Enajori, Arati Baruah, Ruma Barua, Arpita Gogoi . Then there was the release of Souvenir Magazine "Pragya" by the host committee and "Luitor pora missisippi loi" by Assam Association of North America ( ANNA ).

After the inauguration, the cultural show started with Chorus Competition dedicated to Canada's beloved Assamese singer "Late Anima Chakraborty". The evening shows items like assamese and indian songs, bihu, modern, western, bollywood, satriya dances, recitations. Calgarian children delivered an outstanding performance through a assamese skit "Bilati Pitha", later the popular item "Fashion Show" provided lot of entertainment and fun. There was also the screening of the Kamal Rajat winning assamese film by Manju Bora "Akashi Torar Kotha". Students and teachers of Assamese School of Language and Performing Arts, Calgary thrilled the audience with a comedy drama "Calgarir Kolaguri".

Visiting guest singers and artists from Assam stole the hearts of all the people with their brilliant and remarkable performance. Bornali Kalita with her captivating, fresh voice brought the crowd to feet with her assamese, hindi and english songs. Another loved, promising singer from Assam, Dikshu proved his talent with his popular numbers. The crowd applauded the energy and confidence of both these young artist and thanked them for the memorable moments.

Every aspect of the Convention was splendid the food, the decor, the attitude the event needs special mention and the involvement and participation of the local youth was just amiable.
This Assam Convention 2012, in Calgary made every Assamese proud and proved that our rich culture, tradition is here to stay and its spirit is sure to spread all over the world.

Abhishruti Dutta Boruah
Convenor, Publicity and Welfare
Assam Convention 2012