|
|
|
|
|
BANA 2007 Announcement |
 |
|
| |
||||
|
Email us at banaboston2007@gmail.com to view the beautiful BANA pictures taken by Dr.Prabhakar Shetty and BANA 2007 Entertainment videos . |
||||
|
It
was the event that held the weekend for many of us. A big thank you to
everyone; our unsung heroes in particular, who carefully brought some
of the most hectic stages of this event to order. We never realize how
much goes into something until it is time to partake in it
ourselves. BANA commenced on Thursday morning with the excitement of the
4th of July celebrations still with us from the night
before. We had all waited in eager anticipation for friends and
relatives whom we had not seen since the cruise to come and join us.
Every get together is also a great chance to meet new people from our
big “family”. With an early morning of golf for some, it was a laid back
day with everyone mingling and meeting up with others. Finding that
special connection is always the highlight; meeting that Aunty, Uncle,
friend or cousin and realizing how much you have in common. Following a fun hour of cocktails, preparation for the first
big night began with the entrance of the Boston ladies, all clad in
festive red, to carry out the Puja ceremony welcoming the guests and to
bless the events. After, people excitedly listened as introductions
were made and the weekend was unfolded to them. The hall was
beautifully lit with tables displaying a vivid array of floating
flowers and candles. While soft music played in the background,
everyone excitedly conversed with both old and new faces; very often
connecting immediately with the person who sat next to them. Guests were then entertained by professional salsa dancers;
soon after, joining them for some lessons as well on the dance floor.
People stayed on for a long time; only hours later retiring to their
rooms to ready themselves for an early morning on the ferry bound for
Thompson Island. The buses pulled in promptly at 8, and it was a crisp cool
day as we all piled in. Everyone was still excitedly chatting away as
we reached Boston Harbor and proceeded to board the ferry for the
island. As the ferry left the harbor, one could see the Boston skyline
in the distance; beautifully glistening in the early morning
sunlight. On the island there was something for everyone; whether a
shade or a sun worshiper. There were rain rafts with attached pools for
the kids along with paint sessions and other types of entertainment,
some played cricket, others got into beach volleyball and other sports,
while still others sat and sunned themselves or sat in the shade of one
of the two large canopies where people were entertained by a DJ as well
as a cocktail bar. Guests enjoyed the assortment of succulent dishes; together
with clam and lobster – definitely a welcome to New England treat.
There were a number of mouthwatering desserts to choose from, and while
many relaxed and played Bingo in the canopies, still others caught up
with family, played dodge ball or took part in the tug of war of
American Bunt Ladies vs. the Indian Bunt Ladies – and I shall not tell
you the outcome! ; ) The return trip left everyone tired but happy. It was a
relaxing day in the sun with good food and all fun and games. By the
time people were back at the hotel, everyone was again rejuvenated
enough to join in the festivities that the evening would offer. The evening was the first chance for the regional Bunts to
show off their talent. This was done in an impressive display of skits,
singing and dancing, with Rahul Rai from New York and Roshini Hegde
from California standing out from the crowd in particular. Then there
was more entertainment with raffle prizes being given out, as well as
bhangra dancing, while the guests partied into the night. With an early morning of tennis for some, the last day began
in a more relaxed fashion for others. There were a good number of
people at the ISKCON session. This was succeeded by the Youth Forum
which met with a surprising turnout and went on till 1:30. Following
brunch, the General Body meeting went very smoothly with all the
details and expenses noted from the past two years, along with
recognition given for a job well-done. Afterward a few questions and
doubts regarding BANA´s present and future were raised by Mr. Sakaram
Shetty among others, along with a few points and suggestions made
toward betterment. The next BANA will be in New Jersey with Mr.
Shubhakar Hegde as President. More details will follow over time. With the meeting’s completion, guests headed out to view
Boston on private Duck Tours ending up in an exciting “Splashdown” into
the Charles River, while some of the younger crowd opted for a crazy
and fun session of Paintballing. The last and formal night was Boston’s turn with the talent
show. Mrs. Sucharitha Hegde & Mrs. Shalini Shetty mesmerized the
crowd with their voices, and later a variety of good dance performances
took place; all the painstaking choreography of Mrs. Devika Shetty, who
was supported by Mrs. Sapna Shetty. There was a fine bit of individual
stand up comedy from Mr. Ashish Shetty and Mr. Tharun Shetty whose
talented observations certainly held the crowd’s attention. Mrs. Kalpana Shetty and the Executive team absolutely wowed
the crowd with a stunning dance performance. The Kanjeevaram
saree fashion show was very classy with a real touch of
“buntness” or ”nija buntedhinagul” as my dodda would put it. The
chiffon sarees in rainbow colors fashion show was a dance spiral
number; a real crowd pleaser to be sure. And not to forget our own
Drummer boy Shawn Shetty, who definitely set the beat for this event.
We are all so relieved to have him safe and sound with us
again. The winner of SAT Award was Mr.Neil Shetty, son of
Ravi and Naya Shetty from Illinois and Neil Shohan Shetty, son of Dr.
Sunderam and Gita Shetty of Florida. At the end of the show an introduction to the host families
was made, and each family walked on stage. Then, following dinner, the
final night of dancing took place, while everyone promised to stay in
touch and meet again soon. How true the saying “Time flies when you’re
having fun”. People stayed on for a long time; yet the night still
seemed too short! To sum it up, Boston BANA was a true success in every sense
of the word. The host families worked meticulously together; taking
pains to organize and assure that even the tiniest details were not
overlooked. A heartfelt note of appreciation to all of you who could
make it, and a sincere note of thanks to Mrs. Kalpana Shetty and the
entire team for making this BANA such a memorable weekend for so many
of us.
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
| |
Copyright © BANA
[2003, 2004, 2005, 2006]
|
||
|
|
|||
