Set the Ball Rolling

Siba Prasad Maitra (second from left) conducts the meeting

A preliminary meeting to explore possibilities for the Annual Function in December was held today. Convened by Siba Prasad Maitra, it was marked by low attendance, mainly due to the untimely rain early morning. Nothing was lost though, the idea being to set the ball rolling for the event less than three months away.
At the outset, Banoo Apa registered her protest against the non-cooperative attitude of a section of the Club during the last Annual Function and the gaalis she got to hear. “I too had to take a lot of flak,” added Kiran Prakash while Bhaswati Bose complained that no one took her side when she was being repeatedly badmouthed. "That was what hurt me most," she said.
Maitra however, tried to make light of the situation saying that in every group, anybody in the forefront or taking some initiative should be prepared to face criticism. “But we must leave all that behind and look ahead,” he urged. “Otherwise we shall remain stuck in the past and there will be no progress.”
To this Banoo Apa’s suggestion was that in all fairness, everyone

Banoo Apa treats us to Muharram Sharbat after the meeting

ought to be given a chance and fresh blood be inducted to organize the function this year. “That way, we shall have the benefit of new ideas and inputs,” Bhaswati chipped in. “Left to ourselves, we shall repeat the same ghisa-pita ideas and remain stuck in the past. We would rather step aside this time.”
It was also pointed out that holding the Annual Function is meant to strengthen the bonds our members share together rather than to drive a wedge among them. Reacting to criticism would only have led to bitter altercations and even split the Club. We must therefore desist from abusing anyone as also picking up someone for selective praise. The function, after all, is the result of collective effort and nobody deserves to be slighted or unduly complimented.
In conclusion, Maitra announced that we need to invite all members who would like to volunteer their services (rather than pressurizing anyone) and out of the pool of talent available, chalk out a programme for December 8. A meeting in this regard may be convened next week-end.

Lt Col Angad Singh (rtd):
It is good that a beginning has been made by convening a preliminary meet. Surely it will fructify in a good celebration of the Annual Day. Best of luck!