It has exactly been a week since we had our first meeting, and I wanted to wait this time to see the reaction (or plain action) following this meeting, before I commented on it.

First of all, let me thank all who had shown support by way of registering for this meeting and then finally turning up to attend it on a rather cold day. I had just thrown an idea, and frankly, never expected such a wonderful response. The only thing I regret about it was that we had a capacity of 70 and in trying not to break condo laws, I requested GG to stop registering after 75, not realising that for such voluntary events, there can be a large no of cancellations (with or without information). We had received registrations of over 150 and I wish we had acted like an airline company by overbooking so that more people could attend it. Anyway, a lesson to be learned for next time.

Like it happens on many such occasions, we almost had to cancel the meeting on Thursday due to problems relating to booking of hall – and believe me I couldn’t sleep all night just with the thought of cancellation. However, a good cause is always rewarded, and we got alternative hall booking only with the restrictions that we could not serve snacks in that room. So guys sorry – We could not serve High Tea what we had originally prepared for (we ate all the stuff in next three days!!!)

As Garvo and Jake have written, we got a very good mix of crowd and great support from all of them. We are now working on various things like arranging for volunteers for helping new immigrants in areas like airport pickups, initial accommodation, and necessary formalities for various applications and various issues relating to settling down. Similarly, we are planning to help existing immigrants in networking, learning from others’ experiences, professional advice on voluntary basis, free educational classes/information sessions relating to various issues like insurance, taxes, banking, mortgage – and YES OFCOURSE, JOBS. Intending immigrants will continue to be served thru web. It was exhilarating to note that there were many people who were willing to devote time and energy to give help in physical form and not only thru posting and advice.

In the past six days I have seen a sudden change – more people are active and discussing a variety of issues and giving fantastic views and advice. While quite a few have started posting more often, I would like to specially mention the name of Pramod Chopra. He has written a great article on mortgage and has given detailed explanations on questions related to tax, RRSP etc, which are not only full of material information, but also written in a language that is easy for everyone to understand and digest too. And let me tell you, by this he is not only helping the other desis, but also helping himself since he is creating a very good image about his capacity to handle things of his professional field. I am sure if other members take a cue from him, we will have more information about Canada on this site than any other site and then we will have more time to do charcha in our living rooms with other members, due to the new relationships emerging out of future meetings.

All work and no play makes Chandresh a dull boy – so I have some ideas for fun too.

First is – are there guys and gals interested in music – or should I say – singing ‘Bindas’. People who not only like listening to music, but getting together in living room or a hall and just singing – solo, duets or chorus with tables as tablas, thali chammach as drums, and jahadu as violen ! If you are, write in to me, and I will organise something very very fast.

How about a get together on (or around) Holi??? Ofcourse we cannot play holi in such cold weather, but we can all get together, greet each other and have food and fun?? And some talented event organisers can put together this thing on contributory basis.

And yes, as I announced in the meeting – guys and gals – let’s have a taash session! Teen patti, Rammi, Paplu……….I have a big cards room in my condo, so an ideal place.

There are soooooooo many things that we can do as a group – to bring happiness and ‘inner peace’ for ourselves so as to start liking Canada more and more.

LET’S START IT.

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Chandresh

Advice is free – lessons I charge for!!

Chandresh,
Count me in for that event!

Let me know If I can help in any way.
Thanks and regards.
Biomed

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"Change before you have to" : Jack Welch

I am in (not trinity's dialogue!)

seriously, i will do what ever I can.

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I am not Bossy! I just have better ideas!!

Thanks for your support happyji, biomed and suryau.

However, I had suggested three things to start with - which one are you in for - 1st, 2nd or 3rd, or all of them??? Or is it volunteering you are talking about?

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Chandresh

Advice is free – lessons I charge for!!

Well if this materializes then i guess i will again miss it... But then i hope someday i will be in position to help and attend..

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Manjeet Singh

i am in for 1, 2

1. i enjoy music .. like antyakshari games etc.,

2. i never celebrated holi. only have bollywood knowledge of this festival. hope will be fun to watch!!

3. i dunno cards games not interested in learning also.

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I am not Bossy! I just have better ideas!!