Timeless Bonds Reunited: A Shillong Gathering to Remember

Surprise Guest of National Fame Elevates the Reunion!

The Shillong Rotaract Past Members Reunion on Saturday, August 10th, 2024, at the historic 

Sanchita Closeup

Shillong Club, was more than just a plan—it became a reality. Former members, now spread across the US, major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Assam's capital, Guwahati, along with Shillong, came together to create new memories after more than three decades. The evening was filled with laughter, joy, and a series of exciting activities, all set against a backdrop of relaxed, semi-casual fashion. The night’s highlight? A surprise guest of national fame—Shillong’s very own Sanchita Dey, now Sanchita Nagaraj, who was recently crowned first runner-up at the Ms. Senior India 2024 pageant in Mumbai. Sanchita, a former Air India/Indian Airlines air hostess and past Shillong Rotaracter, added a touch of glamour to an already unforgettable evening.

Before diving into the details, let's take a moment to reflect on how this Reunion came to be.

It all started on July 17, 2023, when Michael Ashkenazy, based in New York, created a WhatsApp group named ‘Shillong Rotaract.’ Within weeks, the group buzzed with excitement as past members from the US and India joined in, turning the platform into a lively hub despite the different time zones. Stories of all kinds—good, bad, sad, and triumphant—flowed freely, with humour and nostalgia for the old Shillong Rotaract days becoming the norm. Thanks to the wonders of IT (Information Technology), long-lost members were able to reconnect.

The momentum grew when Pranta Das, based in San Francisco, came to India for a three-

Emily, Pranta, Kausar

week vacation starting November 27, 2023. His visit to Shillong  sparked a mini-reunion with past members Dora Rynjah, George Chacko, Swarup Choudhury, and Rajiv Nath on December 6 at the Pinewood Hotel. A few days later, on December 8, he met up with Emily Singha and Kausar Jamin Hilaly in Guwahati. These gatherings and the real-time photos shared in the group gave the WhatsApp members the push they needed to start planning even more meet-ups. 

Fast forward to July 2024: On Saturday, July 6, 2024, Michael shared some vibrant photos and video clips from a picnic he attended at Bronte Park, Burlington, near Toronto, Canada. The picnic was a gathering of folks with Shillong connections, many of whom live in the Toronto suburbs. Michael and George Joseph, who flew in from New York and Alabama, respectively, made the trip to join in the fun.

Michael and George 

The picnic had a unique theme displayed on a banner in a Google-like font: ‘Shillong Bamkhana,’ which means ‘have Shillong food’ in Khasi. The menu featured a spread of Khasi and Northeast Indian delicacies, and to top it off, the day was marked by servings of the traditional Shillong betel nut and leaf (kwai pan), along with guitar playing and classic melodies.

The photos and videos from this event, shared by Michael,
created a buzz among the Shillong Rotaract WhatsApp group members. The finesse and fun of the picnic left everyone thrilled, with comments and emoticons pouring in like rain. Nostalgia for Shillong days was palpable, and Michael floated the idea of having similar fun in Shillong. He mentioned that he might visit Shillong in the second week of August if others were up for it. The response was swift and enthusiastic, with members giving a thumbs-up. Michael then suggested holding the event on Saturday, August 10, at the heritage venue—The Shillong Club.

NE Delicacies

As the days dwindled, the excitement only grew more tangible. The countdown to the grand reunion had begun, and all eyes were on Michael, the magnetic force pulling everyone together. The core members busied themselves with booking the venue, finalising the food menu, and planning the event's activities. Meanwhile, members across India and the US were juggling schedules, trying to see if they could make it to this much-anticipated gathering.

In her meticulous way, Wansalan Passah, affectionately known as Wancy, took charge of organising the attendees. She created an Excel sheet listing the names of confirmed past members and shared it in the WhatsApp group, allowing everyone to update their final statuses. Just as everything seemed to be falling into place, the mood was suddenly dampened by unsettling news. A prominent Shillong pressure group allegedly assaulted non-tribal labourers, stirring tensions in the state capital. This incident, along with a US advisory warning its citizens against visiting Shillong and Northeast India, made headlines, painting a grim picture of the region.

Concern spread among the group, with many questioning whether it was wise to proceed with their plans. But Jaideep Majumdar, a senior journalist with a national media outlet, stepped in to calm the waters. He reassured everyone that the advisory was just that—an advisory, not a travel ban. He pointed out that such incidents happen in other cities too, and in fact, many US cities are far more dangerous by comparison. Citing a few news sources, he confidently declared Shillong safe for travel, rekindling the group's enthusiasm. His reassurance was echoed by Dora, Niloufer, Eva, Alarisha, Wancy, and many others, who were determined not to let this setback derail their plans.

Initially, the Excel sheet showed that nearly thirty members had confirmed their attendance for the reunion. But as the date drew closer, a few had to drop out due to work commitments, health issues, or other last-minute hurdles, promising they would definitely make it to the next event. Emily, who had been eagerly anticipating the gathering, was forced to cancel after fracturing her femur just a week before the reunion, requiring a major operation.

The Champs

The coordination between Michael, Parambir Singh Sehdave, popularly known as Param, and Wancy was nothing short of stellar, ensuring that the reunion was a grand success and an event everyone would remember for a lifetime. While Michael and Parambir initially handled the venue booking, snacks, and dinner arrangements, they were soon joined by Kausar, Jaideep, Abhijit Choudhury, and Bikash Saha in covering the costs. When word got out, other members were eager to chip in, but the necessary funds had already been secured. 

One of the highlights of the evening was the impeccable flex banner, which served as the backdrop for countless photo and video shoots, preserving the memories of this special night. Credit for this goes to Wancy, whose meticulous work shone through. Meanwhile, Christopher Lawlor, also known as Bobby, and based in Aizawl, crafted a brilliant memento that captured the enchanting essence of Meghalaya's landscapes.

And let's not forget Akash Deep Jain, who generously sponsored the evening's "spirits"—Scotch, whiskey, and more—raising everyone's glasses in a toast to the reunion. To set the mood, I created a special 30-minute nonstop audio file titled "ShillongRotaractGrooves," featuring a mix of deep house, trance, and remixes from the '80s to early 2000s, complete with special audio effects that kept the energy high.

By Thursday evening, August 8th, 2024, outstation members began trickling into the

Nazina, Imo, Siddiq

salubrious and picturesque hill capital of Meghalaya, Shillong. Among them was the renowned hot air balloon pilot and past Rotaract member, Imochaoba Singh, who had made the journey to join the gathering. On Friday evening, August 9th, Michael, Akash, Abhijit, Alarisha, Wancy, and Ela convened for a warm-up pre-event, an informal meet that set the tone for the weekend ahead.

True to its nature, Shillong's weather decided to put on a show, cycling through all four seasons—summer, winter, autumn, and spring—in just 24 hours. Meanwhile, down in Guwahati, a torrential downpour on the 8th of August flooded the city, raising concerns. Members flying in from distant cities, who had safely landed at the airport, were anxious about whether they could brave the flooded roads to make the journey to Shillong. But as if in answer to their prayers, the weather gods relented, clearing the skies just in time for a safe passage along the NH-40 Guwahati-Shillong Road, paving the way for a grand reunion.

On Saturday, August 10th, starting from 5:00 pm, members began streaming into the beautifully arranged hall of The Shillong Club. Anikadora Thankhiew and her husband, Rev.

J. S. Muskiar, were among the first to arrive, bringing along a large, beautifully decorated cake with a special message icing, marking the occasion. Meanwhile, George Chacko, driving in from Guwahati, sent a quick WhatsApp update—he was stuck in a traffic jam near Polo Grounds and advised others heading in from Guwahati to avoid that route once they reached Shillong. Rahul Sharma and Ashish Sabhrewal had already made it to the venue, while Kausar messaged that he might be delayed due to heavy traffic on the NH40.

Requests and alerts flooded in from our US and India-based members who couldn’t attend, eager to see photos and videos from the reunion. Their impatience was understandable.

The hall buzzed with excitement as members exchanged greetings, handshakes, and hugs. It was almost surreal—meeting after more than 35 years. Cellphone cameras lit up the room as everyone eagerly captured the moment, taking photos and recording short video clips to remember this special evening.

The moment Ms. Senior India 2024 first runner-up, Sanchita, made her entrance, all eyes—and

Ladies Circle

cameras—turned towards her. Her warm and gracious demeanour made it irresistible for members to pose with her, both in solo and group photos. Sporting her crown and sash that highlighted her winning title, Sanchita looked absolutely stunning in an overlap skirt paired with a metallic halter low-neck top, perfectly complemented by matching kitten heel stilettos.

I have recorded a short video from Instagram on the Ms. Senior Pageant India 2024 and uploaded it to YouTube to provide wider accessibility and appreciation. Please note, the video is not my original content. You can find the link to it towards the end of this blog post.

Star Moment

A quick mention—the first season of Senior Pageant India 2024, celebrating women aged 55 and above, made waves at Mumbai’s iconic Mukesh Patel Auditorium on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Over 200 contestants from across India competed, judged by luminaries like Bollywood’s Padmini Kolhapure, Sanjay Chhel, Dr. Cherag Bamboat, Gwen Athaide, and Bhuvneshwari. The pageant was the brainchild of Rekha Desai, who turned her dream into reality, presenting India’s first-ever senior citizen beauty contest. Hosted by Aman Verma, the event was filled with engaging Q&A sessions, captivating dance performances, and a beautiful tribute to timeless elegance.

The Rotaract Reunion revived our collective history, turning the occasion into a celebration of lasting memories. The evening began with a moving rendition of the national anthem, followed by a candlelight tribute and a moment of silence to honor the memories of three departed Rotaract members—Twiltina, Maggie, and Marquis—who had passed away in the last year. This tribute set a thoughtful and reflective tone for the gathering.

After a short break for coffee, tea, and snacks, Rotaracters moved on to a circle discussion where each member introduced themselves, sharing their stories and experiences. This was followed by a lively game of Bingo, which saw everyone brainstorming and competing for a unique prize—a wrinkle remover cream, generously sponsored by George and won by Akash.

Game On

As the evening transitioned into a cocktail party, the energy was palpable. The dance floor was alive with activity, and the joyous atmosphere was felt even by those who couldn’t attend, thanks to the continuous flow of photos and videos shared online. The enthusiasm was evident from messages pouring in from those who couldn’t be there in person.

 Sanjay Kshatriya from California expressed his joy, saying, “Damn!! Wonderful reunion. So glad to see everyone in one place. Thanks for the videos and pictures. Time has been really

Bingo Fun

kind; y’all look great.” Probal Tahbildar from New Jersey echoed the sentiment, reminiscing about past meetings and expressing regret over missing members. Pranta from San Francisco set up a virtual meeting to include those who couldn’t make it, ensuring they were part of the celebration.

Standing Together

Dinner was a feast of traditional dishes, rich curries, and indulgent treats, paired with crisp appetisers and drinks. As the evening drew to a close, mementos were presented, and there was a profound sense of bittersweet nostalgia. The reunion was such a success that members decided to make it an annual event.


The heartfelt messages from attendees captured the essence of the evening. Sanchita Nagaraj

Focussed Discussion

from Bangalore shared, “What a great feeling I am taking back with me. The organisers did an amazing job, and meeting all of you was a high.” Ashis Sabhrewal expressed his gratitude for the unforgettable evening, while Kausar praised the organisers and expressed his joy at meeting everyone in person.
Eva, Dora Rynjah, Siddiq, Alarisa, Imochaoba, Rajiv, Naz, and George all shared their appreciation for the event, celebrating the connections rekindled and the memories made. Even those who couldn’t attend, like Sapu, shared their regrets and anticipation for next year’s gathering.

Wancy summed it up beautifully, “A big thank you to all of you. Celebrating memories and making new ones last evening was truly special. I’m sincerely grateful to each one of you. Take care, and remember, the future belongs to those who never give up. God bless us all.”

The reunion in Shillong was more than just a meeting; it was a heartfelt celebration of lasting bonds and collective memories. As we all look forward to next year’s event, the memories from this gathering will surely stay with us for years to come. While writing this blog post and editing images and video clips, I felt so immersed that it almost felt like I was present in person at the Reunion—maybe next time, I’ll find a way to teleport myself there!

Bronte Park Picnic: Moments from Burlington to Bamkhana

Melodies in the Park: Members sing and strum

Michael & Yasmeen: A Burlington moment with Shillong's own

Old Friends, New Stories: Bankit Buron Rani and George Joseph catch up

Kwai Time: Betel nut, the true taste of Shillong

Tradition Meets Friendship: George Joseph with a Khasi lady in jainsem

Rotaract Reunion: Capturing the Spirit of Shillong

Reunion Moments: Capturing the heart of our gathering

Grace & Elegance: A glimpse of Ms. Senior India 2024

Non-stop Pulsating Music: Specially created for the grand Shillong Rotaract Reunion meet. Please note, this video may be partially blocked in some countries due to copyrights issues on certain tracks, despite my requests and explanations to YouTube

Roundtable Reflections: Members sharing introductions

Rotasia ’92 Nostalgia: Akash holds a piece of history

Friendly Exchange: Sanchita with Michael

Strike a Pose: Sanchita with the Rotaract crew

A Trio of Bonds: Michael with Rahul and Bikash

Engaging Moments: Members immersed in a lively bingo game

Ladies at Play: Brainstorming the Bingo game

Game On: Members deep in Bingo strategy

Names & Faces: A group photo with all members named

Shillong's Songbird: Niloufer in centre with fellow members Eva, Ela, Liza (Left)/ Alarisha, and Wancy (Right)

United in Memories: Group photo with Sanchita at the center

Candid Catch-Up: Jaideep, Param, Kausar, and Eva with George

A Regal Moment: Sanchita, Ms. Senior India 2024, with the ladies

Michael's Journey: Farewell Moments from Shillong to Delhi

Old Friends Reconnect: Michael, Lambok, and Jaideep relax post-Reunion on the sofa. Lambok couldn't make it to the Reunion meet. (Left) / Rekindled Bonds: Michael and George share smiles, enjoying an exclusive evening in Shillong. (Right)

Farewell Snapshot: Michael with members before departing Shillong

Members' Farewell Feast: Enjoying a memorable lunch at one of Shillong’s finest restaurants on the eve of Michael’s departure

Parting Moments: (Left) Michael with Emily in Guwahati, visiting her after she had to miss the Reunion due to a femur fracture. (Middle) Airport Trio: Michael, Moitreyee (ex-NEHU), and Maushumi (George's spouse) share a moment before Michael's departure, with George Chacko humorously dubbing him “Mikey, the ladies’ man.” (Right) Reconnecting in Delhi: Michael meets Manjuli Sharma, a prominent Shillong Rotaracter from the ’70s and ’80s, after landing in New Delhi.

Soaring High: Michael with hot air balloon pilot Imochaoba, capturing the surreal experience of flying over India’s landscape

Sky-High Moment: Michael captures a selfie while floating on a hot air balloon

December 6, 2023: A memorable mini gathering in Shillong during Pranta's visit

Timeless Memories: Restored Rotaract Stills from the '80s and '90s

Iconic 1984 Group Photo: A timeless memory with Usha Uthup and Rotaract members at her 1984 show in Shillong, held at Anjali Cinema Hall under the aegis of Shillong Rotary Club. This was part of a series of musical nights, with Usha’s debut in the city dating back to 1982, also organised by Rotary and Rotaract clubs.

 

Nostalgic Trio: While indulging in some good old nostalgia, I couldn’t resist a bit of digital detective work within our group’s treasure trove. There, I stumbled upon this iconic DP that just begged for some tender loving enhancement. In this delightful blast from the past, you’ll find the fabulous trio - Nightingale Niloufer, Maggie, looking as fantastic as ever, and the ever-charming Teacher Manjuli. All three sport radiant smiles, and the event badge proudly worn by Manjuli hints that this snapshot was taken during one of the memorable club conferences, way back either in 1982 or 1984.

Cheers to Friendship: Pranta, Jonathan, Michael, Jaideep, and a few others share a moment of laughter and drinks sometime in 1983

Colloquium '86: Jonathan and other members pose on a station wagon jeep at a hillock during a winter picnic at Barapani (Umiam Lake)

Relaxing and reminiscing: Michael, Eva, and friends at the 3rd Rotaract South Asian Conference, Aurangabad, 1994

Mid-90s Group Gathering: A group photo of Rotaract members along with a Rotarian guest, capturing the spirit of the mid-1990s

Community Service at Nongpoh: A group photo sometime in the mid 1990s at the Leprosy Colony in Nongpoh, run by the Sisters of Charity of Mother Teresa. This was one of many community service projects by Shillong Rotaract

Ghazal Moments: Pankaj Udhas with Rotaractors, State Central Library, Shillong. Fashion hints this might be 1989 or early 1990s. (Rotaract Club Event)

Pulse Polio Drive: A winter camp at Smit in the early 1990s. From left: Rotarian Ajay Gupta, Rotarian Dr. Elangbam Kameswar Singh, and Rotaractors Abhijit, Ela, Wansalan, Liza, and Michael in action. (Pulse Polio Event)

Magician's Charm: Renowned P.C. Sircar (Junior) with Rotaractors at State Central Library, Shillong, 1991. (Rotary Club of Shillong Event)

Focused Leadership: Liza on the dais with Rotaract board members, Rotarian, and guest. Likely from 1994. (Undated Event)

A Glimpse into the '70s: Historic Moments with Prime Minister Morarji Desai

As we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Rotaract through the decades, a significant moment from the 1970s adds even more depth to this gallery. Featured here is a photograph capturing the historic meeting of Shillong Rotaract members with Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1977, at the prestigious Shillong Governor's House.

This event wasn't easy to organise. A small group of senior Rotaractors made numerous trips to the Deputy Commissioner's office to secure permission for the meeting. The DC Office insisted on receiving the names of the attendees, and finally, they allowed 25 members entry into the Raj Bhawan. Thanks to the efforts of Rotarian MIS Iyer, IPS, not only were the permissions granted, but an additional 5 members were also allowed to join, making it 30 Rotaractors present at the meeting.

During the interaction, Prime Minister Desai was in a jovial mood, engaging the young Rotaractors in a lively conversation. He answered questions on various topics, and when asked for autographs, he jokingly said he would only provide them if members vowed to promote Khadi traditional clothing! The lighthearted exchange left a lasting impression.

When it was time for the group photograph, the PM initially stood on the top of the stairs, but after the request from the members to come down to the lower step for a better frame, he humorously responded, "Why do you want to bring me down, let me stay at the top!" However, he obliged, stepping down and standing with the members, creating an unforgettable moment that has been cherished for decades.

Every member was impeccably dressed, reflecting the fashion trends of 1977. The men sported iconic bell-bottom trousers, block-heel shoes, boldly patterned shirts, broad lapels on coats, pointed shirt collars, and wide waist belts with large buckles. The women, meanwhile, looked stylish and elegant in their chic and tasteful outfits, perfectly capturing the era's vibe.

This iconic photograph is now available in two versions—one in its original black and white form, and a colorised version painstakingly restored, with each member identified and named. It's a treasured piece of Rotaract history that beautifully connects the past with the present.

A Moment of Honour: Rtr Nurul Laskar with Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who graciously signed the cover of the Rotaract newsletter Innovator at Nurul’s request, creating a cherished memory of the 1977 gathering

All these old photographs, I’ve carefully curated to reflect a time when the Shillong Rotaract Club was a true symbol of community service, representing unity and selflessness. From our annual visits to the Shillong Jail on Independence Day to supporting the Leprosy Colony and Orphan House at Nongpoh with essentials, toys, clothes and medicines, our efforts were tireless and full of dedication. We took pride in our vibrant projects—musical extravaganzas, walkathons, exhibitions, debates and even a fancy dress-cum-car-wash to raise funds for the less fortunate, which left a lasting impact on the community. Even during the turbulent 1980s and 1990s, when communal tensions ran high in Shillong, we stood firm, united by a shared commitment to service before self, transcending all faiths, languages, and beliefs. However, it’s deeply concerning that the club has ceased to function for over a decade. A probe gains traction, suggesting that during the IT revolution, the inability of key board members to integrate the club’s online and offline presence—failing to create a buzz with compelling projects—was a significant factor. The lack of mentoring by Rotarians only further fuelled the ‘natural death’ of the Shillong Rotaract Club. It deeply saddens us that this decline is a tragic end to what was once a dynamic and impactful group, and it certainly warrants a closer look.

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