FISCA AGM ends with song

Fijian Indian Citizens Association (FISCA) held its Annual General Meeting on August 1, in which the outgoing President Liladhar Jerry Jeraj highlighted the achievements for the year that included 10th anniversary celebrations, two bus trips to Geelong and FlindersHastings region, joint social function with Ballarat Indians Association at Ballarat, Deepawli, Christmas and Holi festival celebrations, celebration of Prophet Mohammed’s birthday and Buddha Jayanti, etc. In the exercise program at Knox Leisure Centre, 20 seniors attended a 12 week program that was subsidized by the association. 17 of these twenty elected to renewed membership until January 2011.

Jerry commented that FISCA probably is the only Seniors group that took pride in celebrating festivals pertaining to four largest religions in the world, namely Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. He also noted that more Caucasians attended Hindu festivals, just as more non-Christians attended Christmas festivals and more non-Muslims attended Prophet Mohammad’s birthday celebrations. This is FISCA’s contribution at promoting multi-religious/multi-cultural activities and the Association will continue to celebrate these festivals in the future. followed by a sumptuous lunch for $15.00 per financial member and $ 20.00 for non members. For tickets, call President Phakey on 9560-9607. On September 11, ISCA will hold its AGM at Gaylords Indian Restaurant in the city. A special musical and dance extravaganza is planned for October 9 and on November 13 the ISCA family will celebrate Diwali. The end of the year party and Christmas will come early on December 11. A rather busy cultural calendar coming up!

The new Committee includes dedicated and experienced members such as Liladhar Jerry Jeraj, President; Mrs. Satwati Nath, Vice President; Indra Chandra Akhil, Secretary; Ram Vilash, Treasurer; and Nabi Buksh and Brji Bhan Singh, Committee Members.

Once the AGM ended, Brij Bhan Singh was symbolically ‘punished’ for being elected Committee Member and ordered to provide the first item of entertainment. He duly complied with a beautiful bhajan, which was followed by a bhajan by veteran Amar Singh.

George Thakur

Next, the FISCA ladies took over and sang several bhajans, conveniently outdoing their male counterparts. Lila Nambiar sang Chaahe Raam Kaho, Chaahe Shyaam kaho, followed by Krishna Pyaare Sanwre, Bansi Bajaate Kyon Naheen by Kamla Jeraj. Daya Sharma, Indu Lal, Kamla Maharaj, Kamla Naidu, Satwati Nath, and Mrs Puran Lal also sang Bollywood songs. Puran Lal and Ram Vilash beautifully rendered ghazals. Jerry ended up with a Shiv bhajan while Chandra Akhil and Ram Kumar threw in a couple of jokes. The day ended with afternoon tea.

The next FISCA meeting will be on August 29 at 2pm at Bayswater Primary School. Since the meeting will coincide with the festival of Janamasthmi, members have been requested to prepare associated discourses and Krishna bhajans. For more information, please contact President Jerry Jeraj on 98491023.

George Thakur