Thank you all for allowing me to represent the Assam Association of Alberta for the third time in the 2021 – 22 year. It’s really impressive to see that we are again back on track after a complete lockdown for two years for the pandemic. At the beginning of 2020, we all were panicked, unsure about the situation, and realized the value of life in this materialistic world. Forgetting is a part of life; surprisingly, people forget fast, and it will be history soon. History reveals that a major pandemic happens every 100 years. In my opinion, God reminds us to pause our fast-moving daily life to fulfill worldly desires and realize the value of life, friendship, and solidarity with humanity.

It is incredible to see an Association with about 25 families on the other side of the world completing so far from home 12 years on July 7th 2021. I got the privilege to be the first president and now, for the 3rd time to lead the team to serve the organization. I am sure every member and associate feels that this is not just an Association but our second home away from home. This is the forum where people who share the same heritage meet and revive our lost musical tunes, observe our festivals, and keep up with the taste of food from our homeland. Moreover, with this platform, we could educate and open the door to our socio-cultural heritage to the next generation of Assamese Canadians. In these years, the Assam Association of Alberta has demonstrated and shown the socio-cultural heritage of Assam within the group and in various other events in Alberta, contributing to Canada’s multiculturalism.

Apart from the last two years, when we celebrated Bihu and conducted a few spiritual discussions via Zoom meeting, we have hosted our annual events like Bihu, Picnic, Family Night, supporting the hosting of Assam Convention, running the Assamese school, participation in Global Fest, volunteering in Calgary Drop-in Centre, joining in Canada’s 150th Birthday celebration for last ten years.

Rongali Bihu, 2017 in Calgary was a unique celebration. The event’s highlight was the attendance of the High Commission of India, Ottawa, who came forward to promote the “Rongali Bihu” celebration in Calgary and showcase the cultural heritage of Assam amongst the Canadians in Calgary. The event was very well- received with performances not just from the Assam Association of Alberta but also from various other communities in Calgary like local Scottish, Colombian, Chinese, and Peru Group.

Our annual Table Tennis competition gained huge popularity amongst the members in the last few years, especially young children. Participation of the Marathi TT group for friendly competition added verity to it. We have done two Casino volunteering and are due for the third one at the end of this year and trying to fulfill our long term goal to have a facility of our own, where we will be able to nurture our socio-cultural heritage and elevate our society to a level which will be well recognized among the other organizations in Alberta and Canada as a whole. This facility will be the epicenter for the children and youth and future generations of the organization to keep themselves in touch with their cultural heritage.

I would like to thank all the executives, volunteers, and members of the association for their dedicated effort and services towards running the organization in full swing after the pandemic situation for the last two years.

Everybody’s initiative and participation become very important for society’s effective running. Even a single person’s contribution makes a significant difference in society’s performance. So, my humble request to all the members, prospective members, and associates to come forward to work towards the common goal of our society. Please remember the common saying – “five fingers of your hand are not similar”. Similarly, we cannot expect every member of society to have the same outlook; yet we can work together toward the common goal, keep aside our ego, conflicts and personal gains to be a successful and progressive society.

Long Live Assam Association of Alberta.

ARUP GOSWAMI,
President of Assam Association of Alberta.