NABC 2012 Opening Ceremony (Photo: Ranajoy Ghoshal)

I had earlier promised to give daily updates on the NABC proceedings from Las Vegas, but I couldn’t and I apologize for that. First of all, I did not have any internet connection from the hotel and secondly, I was too busy to find some time to sit down and type few words. But here I am, reporting all the three days from my perspective which was quite narrow due to my pre-occupation with the literary seminar events. Nevertheless, I would not refrain from giving my opinion about the proceedings. However, before I start writing, let me put forth a disclaimer. My opinions and criticisms (if any) are targeted only to the general organization and event management as a whole and should not be considered as personal. I know, that most people who worked for NABC (committee members, conveners, volunteers etc.) did their jobs for the love of it and for the sake of the community and I applaud their efforts.  Without their tireless efforts an event of this magnitude would never have been possible. So thanks to all of them. Continue reading →

Waiting in Atlanta airport. After arriving from Newark, I tried to catch an early flight, but Delta folks disappointed me.
I am sure the Bengalis in Las Vegas have started their celebrations. Tonight NABC is hosting a special dinner in appreciation of the tireless effort by the volunteers. I won’t be able to attend the dinner but I extend my best wishes to all of them. Signing off for now.

Today I leave for Las Vegas to attend the 32nd North America Bengali Conference. NABC in Las Vegas is quite intriguing, given the fact that Las Vegas is known as Americas Playground, and Bengalis are not really the sporty kind of people. Bengalis like to have their conferences in cozy, isolated places where they can have a great time watching plays, listening to music and having heated discussions. “Adda-baj Bangali” like me prefer to have their “addas” in their own little corners and not amongst hordes of tourists ogling at their expensive kurta-dhoti-saris, as if another Vegas spectacle is on parade.

Nevertheless, Bengalis have started to arrive at the Las Vegas McCarran Airport days before the start of the convention. Facebook newsfeeds have started to clutter the screen with Vegas photo uploads. Some of the performers and celebrities are also in town. Poet Bithi Chatterjee reported from Paris (hotel) – she is well in mood to pen down some Vegas poems. Swapnomoy Chakraborti, the celebrated short story writer, have landed by now and is liket getting inundated with story ideas.

Continue reading →