By chance, wandering thru Clementi central trying to buy new clothes (a rather futile endeavor; when will I ever wear these things?), we happened upon the hawker centre in there, and one prata stall in particular. This prata stall where I have only ever eaten once, and that too with 5 other guys. And it struck me rite there, that memory of sitting there eating prata and sugar while we waited for the last few members of the group so we could go rehearse our dance. Althotta Bhoopathy, anyone?

Right from the start, the unexpected SARS break that threw our plans awry. All those countless hours talking and arguing in the Speaker's corner and ghim moh hammering out details. Then bringing them to the teachers and arguing somemore. Dealing with all the prodigious talent we had, but having to deal with all the prodigious egos that came along. Settling costumes, arguing vehemently with my co director of dance. Settling partners, and being rather scared of my partner's temper (some things never change haha). Gathering the dudes and choreographing steps, while trying vainly not to allow the batch dance to sneak in. Then 1 week before the show begging for help from the nus dancers and relearning the whole dance. Sneaking out of school right after assembly, after attendance taking, and meeting the tamil teacher trying to sneak in. That awkward moment of silence, then the laugh that made us co-conspirators for a day. All the mind numbing rehearsals and stress and everything that somehow forged closer bonds of friendship that politics usually allows in cultural clubs...

And finally the night itself, the sheer magic of having 400 people pay just to watch us go; from the orchestra to the comedy to the drama to the fashion show. Guys and gals transforming; becoming stars and starlets for that one night. The comedy, both intended and unintended (varun's doing what he does best at performances hahaha) and the kind of corny powerpoint and song that ended up bringing tears to many. Right at the end, the dance we poured so much blood sweat and tears into bringing the crowd to its feet. That moment of bliss when we, the RJC ILDCS joined together as one, united for the first and probably the only time. Very few things could compare to that wonderful wonderful night 3 years ago; a fact made all the more painful watching our legacy now crumble to dust as juniors forget what we and thoes before us worked so hard to make. Sigh... Kalashatvam 2003; probably the last good one before it deteriorated...

Where the hell are u guys now? haha...

Hey guys!

Let me start by thanking Sunder for the effort in setting up this blog. I think it is a very good idea that might go a long way in keeping ourselves in contact with each other. Especially now that alot of us are all over the place. Already with our friends in Singapore, it is difficult to meet up and catch up given our crazily busy schedules. So I don't have to say anything about catching up with the foreign dudes. And given the time difference factor as Sunder rightly pointed out, this blog might be the perfect solution! But of course, it takes effort on all our parts to read this space from time to time and contribute. I mean we don't have to go post-crazy, but we could always spam on the tag-board and I am sure Varun would love doing that! Anyway, as a start, it would be nice to hear from the foreign dudes how they're doing right now. So come on guys! Either a post or a tag would do lovely!

Anyway, I just want to pay homage to those times when we had such carefree fun in the build-up to our Kalashatvam. Wonderful memories fill my mind when I think of those times mann! Who can forget the Varun-Sharmala booboo and Rajiv looking dandy in his dhoti for the fashion parade! And of course, the rest of us spanking up the goods in the finale dance! It was fantastic, wasn't it?

Well, we are each on our own separate paths of life right now but let's not forget that we once shared as common road ya? I am glad to have met you guys although I came from the 'dark side'! Haha! But hey, I get the best of both worlds mann! Haha! Hope to hear from you guys soon!

Hamid