Inside this edition

Events of 1996

Your Child 's Education

Glossary of A.I. Terms

The Great Teacher

Gold Village

Choices

Around the World

Recipe

A Little of America, A Little of India

Oral History Project

Late Breaking News

The 1995 Winter Edition of the Anglo-Indian Voice received a rousing response from Canada, India and the U.S. Merv Gaynor of Toronto said, "Congratulations on a wonderful newsletter!" Dolores Chew of Montreal had nice words. We received congratulations from Calcutta with these words, "The Anglo Indian and Melvyn Brown are happy to welcome the birth of The Anglo-Indian Voice, a newsletter of The Anglo-Indian Association of the USA." Ron Aviet, the world famous Anglo-Indian artist from California, congratulated us. So did Cheryl Perreira and Claire Clarke from California. Our goal is to continue to publish our newsletter and let the world know more about us - The Anglo-Indians in the U.S.A.

Our efforts to expand nationwide in the U.S. is taking-off! The North Easi Chapter, with help from, Cariton Petersen, Tony Decolyse and Darryl Draper is in the planning stage. Cheryl Perreira informed us they are meeting in California on June 29, 1996 and moving full steam ahead. She assures us with our help there will be a chapter in the West by the end of 1996.

The Anglo-Indian Association of the USA

President: John Whittle (301-770-6087)

Vice-President: Gordon Paniker (202-9664901)

General Secretary: Rex D'Costa (301-540-5828) (aivoice96@aol.com)

Assistant Secretary: Montrose D'Souza (301-9164569)

Treasurer: Ron Micado (301-949-3520)

Committee Members: Entertainment: Brenda D'Costa (301-946-5012)

Social Services: Faustina Archer (301-869-7221 )

Membership:

Youth: Lloyd D'Costa (301-577-7320)

To further the common welfare and well-being of the Anglo-Indian Community worldwide. This newsletter is edited by the esident board the Board of Comminee Members.

On Saturday, August 31, 1996 a dance is scheduled to be held to mark the end of Summer 1996. Place and time will be announced at a later date.

December 3 J., 1996. There wi 11 be a New Year's Eve Extravaganza at Cherry Hill Community Park. Limited tickets are available. Members Nation- wide are cordially invited to attend.

On March 26 and 27, 1996 at IBM's world headquarters center in Pailsades, New York, an education summit was held. The summit set tough academic standards in every U.S. state. The nation's Governors attended the summit. President Clin- ton in his keynote address said stu- dents, teachers and schools need to be more accountable and the gover- nors promised to set up, within the next two years, tests that will assess whether students are meeting higher standards in their states. First, the president told the governors that stu- dent advancement should not be based solely on IQ or family's social setting. Effort, he said, should be as important.

"Our country still has an attitude problem about education that I think we should resolve.... Too many people in the U.S. think that the primary deterrninant of success and learning is either IQ or family cir- cumstances instead of effort,/' he said.

The six point plan passed by the Governors are:

Test standards should be uni- form, although not set by the federal government, and tests should be required of students before they move from elemen- tary to middle schools and then to high schools.

Bad teachers, or those "burned out," should be easy to fire.

Schools should be held account- able for good or bad results.

Parents should be provided with education options such as char- ter schools where educators and parents set up schools and join to manage them.

Schools should be free of drugs and violence.

Every classroom should be hooked up to the internet.

Every child, in our association should accomplish these academi standards. As parents we have the primary responsibility to be aware there will be rigorous tests given to our children at the elementary level, middle school level and high school level, and if they do not pass these tests they will not move up to the nex grade level. Therefore, it becomes th parent's responsibility and the school's responsibility to help you child accomplish the high academi standards. Work closely with you child's teacher and school early in the school year if there are problems. Be aware, if you don't work with th teacher and school your son o daughter could remain in the sam grade for another year.

By Dolores Chew of Montreal, Canada

Right through my childhood mak- ing Christmas cake was a ritual in my famiiy. Unlike many others, in our home it was the men of the family who were intrinsic to its preparation."

The above excerpt is taken from Christmas memories of Dolores Chew. Dolores was born and raised in Calcutta, now living in Montreal, Canada

Dolores is preparing a book of memories of Christmas that are Anglo-Indian. What memories do you have of Christmas, such as, activi- ties, rituals, foods, home-made wines, games, decorations, clothes, songs, etc. Do you have photographs?. Send your memories with pho- tographs, if available to Dolores Chew. Include your biography and the region in India of your memories. Confidentiality and anonymity will be used, unless permission is given.

Send articles to Dolores Chew, 4046 Wilson, Montreal, QC, Canada H4A 2T9. Phone: 514485-9192.

At the age of 18 he published a volume of poems. The most talked about poem he wrote was the "Fakir of Jungheera." Henry con- tributed to a number of journalistic articles and he established a news- paper called The East Indian.

While a teacher at Hindu Col- lege he was accused of propagating atheism and encouraging disobedi- ence. He lost his teaching job, but the charges brought against him were never proved. Henry Derozio still continued to exercise great in- fluence over his former students, many of whom became distin- guished men in India.

His name is still revered in our community as The Great Teacher. Henry Derozio died at an early age on December23, 1831 of Cholera.

The first Portuguese settlers landed at a small port along the Malabar Coast, Kerala in 1500. These Portuguese settlers have been known to trade in gold from whence came the name "Tungam" meaning gold and "Sseri" means village. As a resuit the port got the name "Tangasseri" - Gold Village.

In 1661 the Dutch captured the port from the Portuguese. In 1795 Tangasseri was surrendered to the British where it remained till India gained Independence.

The mixed race created by the inter marriages of the Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers with the Indians formed an Anglo-Indian community. This rich blend is unique to the Anglo-Indian commu- nity of Tangasseri. In 1675 the Christian population numbered slightly over 1800 people. The procathedral still standing was built in 1789. Today within Tangasseri are two churches, one Anglo-Indian boy's high school and one Anglo- Indian girl's school. The religious influence was and still is strong in the daily life of the community. Church bells chime on Sundays through the towns. Yearly religious processions pass through all main streets, which are decorated by the residents for the occasion.

British culture and influence are dominant. Victorian style architec- ture became extremely popular in the 1900's. The entrance arch, the lighthouse, the remains of the fort, the Dutch and British graveyards are historic monuments which are standing to this day.

The community is friendly and courteous. Many from the commu- nity in Tangasseri have migrated to other states and countries, keeping their Anglo-Indian culture alive and serving their communities.

The Anglo-Indian Association of the USA welcomes membership worldwide. Membership fees are US $25 for a family and US $15 for a single person. Please contact: Rex D'Costa 8633 Tarragon Way Germantown, MD 20874 USA

No one chooses a course for us. It is for us to choose to follow or set the course for our lives ourselves. If we decide to let others choose for us, that is our choice. We know that it is far more valuable to decide for ourselves.

We are responsible for the conse- quences of our choices. Every choice we make contributes to the type of person we become. The person that we are, is made up of the outcome of a series of choices. It is, therefore, extremely impor- tant that we choose wisely, and accept the outcome as our responsibility.

In every aspect of our lives, we can choose to be the best by striving for the best. Or, we can choose not to commit ourselves to excellence. Excellence is for those who rise to the challenge and choose to join an elite group through doing hard work and perseverance, not those who choose to speak about big things and do nothing.

Everyday we have the opportunity to take an "I Can" attitude or one that con- vinces us that "I Can't". We can go through our day deciding to overcome challenges and strive for excellence, or we can decide to settle for whatever happens and place the blame outside of ourselves. We are not victims of circum- stance, but the sum of our choices.

The Choice is Yours....

15 Important Choices:

1 Who you spend most time with.

2 How much or how little you smile.

3 How much you exercise.

4 How well you listen to others.

5 Are you a leader or a follower.

6 The time you spend with your kids.

7 How you show your emotions.

8 What your attitude will be.

9 How you react to negative people.

10 How much you worry.

11 How many compliments you give.

12 How happy you are.

13 How much you respect yourself.

14 How much encouragement you give others.

15 What you think about just before you go to sleep.

Bangalore, India: Joss Fernandez, President of the Anglo-Indian Guild of Bangalore has confirmed that Reunion IV will be held some time in 1998. The tentative program is:

Day 1 Meet & Greet; Inaugural cul- tural program.

Day 2 Conference & Business Ses- sions.

Day 3 Fiesta & Food Festival; honor- ing distinguished Anglo- Indians.

Day 4 Visit to Mysore.

Day 5 Visit local residents.

Day 6 Day of Sport & Recreation. and

Day 7 Farewell Ball.

We will keep you posted.

Given below is a recipe taken from aThe Anglo-Indian Cook Book by Dorothy Green. The cook book sells for $10.00 and carries some favorite Anglo-Indian dishes.

Fish Moolee:

Ingredients:

2 Ibs Fish (Redsnapper recommended)

1/2 cup finely sliced onion

1/2 tsp. turmeric powder

6 whole green chilies slit to the stem

1 cup coconut milk

1/4 cup vinegar

Salt to taste

Method:

Cut fish into 4-inch steaks and keep aside. On medium heat cook coconut milk, turmeric, green chilies and onions for about 5 minutes. Reduce temperature to low, add salt and-stir. The gravy should be medium thick. Add the fish steaks, now add the vinegar, swivel around the saucepan and simmer to cook the fish. Ready to serve.

4 Servings.

The advent of summer makes us think of lazy drives in the countryside or mean- dering among inlets and coves with un- crowded shorelines. If this is how you feel consider going to the Maryland Coun- ties of Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's in Southern Maryland, just an hour's drive from the Washinrton. D.C. area.

A small town such as St. Mary's and sites like the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd planta- tion home, where John Wilkes Booth had his broken leg set after he shot President Lincoln, showcase the region's historical sign if icance.

Three rivers, the Chesapeake Bay, and unspoiled natural vistas provide a myriad of adventures and relief from urban stress. Anytime of the year a slower pace awaits you here.

If fishing is your pleasure Southern Maryland has hundreds of miles of banks from which to cast a line or launch a boating excursion. Bass fishing is big sport, particularly in Charles County be- tween Waldorf and La Plata where excel- lent boat launching facilities, restaurants and boat accessible hotels abound.

If you'd rather eat seafood that some- one else has caught, Southern Maryland communities along the Patuxent, Potomac and Wicomico rivers offer waterfront restaurants. In towns such as Benedict and Cobb Island, you can tie up at a local dock or a park nearby, then enjoy a meal of local crabs, oysters, and fresh fish.

To enter the region, just 18 miles south of Washington, D.C., take exit 7A (Route 5/301) of the Capital Beltway and head south towards La Plata in Charles County.

To the west off Rte. 6, you will find natural diversions in Doncaster Forest and Smallwood State Park. A 630 acre recreation area, Small- wood State Park is the site of Small- wood's Retreat, the restored planta- tion home of early Maryland gover- nor and Revolutionary War com- mander General Wi I I iam Smal I- wood.

Along Mallows Bay you will find the largest graveyard of ships in North America. About 235 en- tombed vessels. Many have be- come islands with their own mini- ecosystems, making the bay one of the most unique nature areas in the state.

There is plenty to see and to do in the upcounty: The upper part of Montgomery County offers every- thing from mountain terrain, rolling countrysides, peaceful rivers and historic iandmarks for those wanting to venture outside of life's daily rou- tine.

White's Ferry is one of up county's most popular spots for summertime fun. It's located west of Poolesville, on the Potomac River. Hiking, bik- ing, boating, fishing, picnicking and summer bathing are featured. The Potomac River's onIy ferry boat crosses daily. A short four-minute ride on the ferry, puts you minutes outside historic Leesburg, Va.

For those wishing to remain on the Maryland side, the C & O Canal towpath is only steps away, offering miles and miles- 182 to be exact- of scenery along the river. Hikers and bikers with lots of energy can end up in Georgetown, about 30 miles south of White's Ferry, or Harper's Ferry, W.Va., and eventually into the moun- tains of Cumberland, Maryland, when heading north. The ferry's staff is also prepared for those who come unprepared, renting boats, bikes and picnic tables. A snack shop offers ready-to-order meals with a Shomemade" taste. For more infor- mation about White's Ferry, call 301- 349-5200.

For hikers and bikers who like a little incline with their workout, a short drive over the Frederick line to Sugarloaf Mountain offers plenty of trails leading to the top of its 12,000 foot high peak. Trails are open year round, between 8 a.m. and sunset daily. Information about Sugarloaf can be obtained by calling the Freder- ick County Department of Parks and Recreation at 301 -694-1646.

Mysore - Karnataka State is noted for silks, sandalwood, handi- craft of ivory, metal, wood, fantasy gardens and is famous for its fairytale palaces. The architecture is a splen- did blend of Hindu and Muslim.

These fairytale structures have been built in 1912 to replace the old one which was completely burned down. The oldest palace was built as early as 14th Century AD.

Mysore was founded in the 16th century and served as the dynastic capital until 1610, when the capital was moved to Seringapatam. Mysore was again the capi- tal from 1799 to 1831, when Bangalore was made the administrative center. of interest is the ivory throne inlaid with silver and go,d.

All parts of the palace are put together harmoniously to create a spectacular effect.

The star attraction of Mysore Palace is the traditional ceremonial golden throne. This golden throne is regarded as a symbol of power and authority all over India.

The palace is built around an open courtyard called "Thotti", open to the sky. To the south is the Kalayana Mantapa or marriage pavilion. To the east is the main entrance to the courtyard guarded by an impressive elephant gate which is made of brass. During the time of the Maharajas the royal elephants passed through this gate on fes- tive occasions. In the Ma- haraja's Palace

This palace is illuminated on all Sundays and holidays giving it a fairytale look.

So, there you have it, a little of America and a little of India.

The Anglo-Indian Oral History Project is a part of the Anglo- Indian Association of the USA. Cheryl Perreira and Claire Clarke want fellow Anglo-Indians to help them. They say, "join us! and be part of the history of the interna- tional Anglo-Indian community!"

We have volunteered to con- duct an Anglo-Indian Oral History Project for the purpose of preserv- ing the history and traditions of the international Anglo-Indian com- munity," say Cheryl and Claire. They continue, "Capturing recol- lections, thoughts and traditions in a vibrant, colorful format that will personalize and add a rich dimen- sion to the history of our commu- nity is our goal. This informa- tion will be stored in a university archive, that will catalog its con- tents, this project will be accessi- ble to scholars, researchers and the public."

Cheryl and Claire need your help to accomplish a successful Oral History of the community.

They need individuals to tape their oral histories for inclusion in the Anglo-Indian Oral History Pro- ject and they need volunteers to help with this Project. Please con- tact Cheryl Perreira at 714974 3227 in California. You may also contact Rex D'Costa at 301-540- 5828 in the Washington, D.C. area. You are assured of confi- dentiality and anonymity if you responded, unless permission is given to use your name in connec- tion with the material.

Space does not permit enough details and more information on this wonderful project. If you or someone you know are interested in this project, please call us.

Thank you

informed of the local community news. The format has changed a bit. They will continue to provide the Anglo-Indian community with infor- mation about going-ons within the community. Families and friends may subscribe if they wish to receive a copy of Anglo News from England. Please send your subscription of $10.00 to Langford Publishing Ser- vices, 1 Montgomery Crescent, Bol- beck Park, Milton Keynes, MK15 8PP, U.K.

Toronto, Canada: A General Body Meeting in Canada was sched- uled to be held on May 26, 1996. Merv Gaynor Editor of Anglo- Indians in Touch has written, "Our organization is at the very cross- roads of progress and your participa- tion can very well determine the road we wish to take into the 21st century." Merv will keep us in- formed on the future of Anglo- Indians in Touch.

Calcutta India: The May, 1996 issue of The Anglo-Indian Newsletter, published the following: "HELP MAKE YOUR PRESENCE FELT" Anglo-Indian, the Newsletter, has been edited, published, printed and founded by me, Melvyn Brown, for the last six years on free-will donations of patrons. There is no commercial advertising, no politics and no price to the Newsletter. Anglo-Indian, the Newsletter is non- profit and published as a service to the community which it represents. Views. expressed in the paper is not always that of the ed itor. The newsletter, however, over the pas- sage of these years is a platform, and surely the voice of the community worldwide.

As our patrons are few, and their offerings small it becomes a great task to keep the paper alive, and I run at a loss every month. You are welcome to meet me for details. The cost of paper and printing has been so high this past year it becomes very urgent to appeal to friends, well-wishers and institu- tions to come forward and help me to preserve, this paper which in turn helps to preserve the commu- nity and assist her people to show their presence in the mainstream of India.

Donations may be sent to Melvyn Brown, 3 Elliot Road, Cal- cutta 700 016, Check, bankdraft, Money order, or in cash. Please note it is a gift for the Newsletter, which they sorely need.

This paper is not parochial.

British Columbia: We have heard through the grapevine that the British Columbia Anglo-Indian newsletter is making excellent progress with its membership drive. A group of Vancouver Anglo-Indians recently formed the club around a quarterly newsletter. Geoff Hayes heads the club as- sisted by Phyllis McCarthy and other members.

International Federation:

The steering committee is working hard to form the constitu- tion. It is a long and drawn out process and it takes time to corre- spond with everyone around the world

The committee is organizing and working on a consensus for the formation of the International body, including membership, ad- ministration and other details.

The Anglo-Indian Association of the U.S.A. continues to keep in touch with the International Feder- ation through their representatives Maureen Holder and Rex D'Costa. As soon as we get more informa- tion from the steering committee we will pass it on to you.

Late Breaking News

May 26, 1996. The Vl Annual Picnic and General Body Meeting was held at the Parklawn Picnic Area on Veirs Mill Road. The grounds were spacious and beautiful, but it rained all day. Fun activities and games planned for that day were can- celled. To make up for the rainy day the Maryland Parks and Recreation Depart- ment gave us a rain date on Sunday, July 14, 1996 from 11.00 a.m. to sundown at the Valley Mill Picnic Area.

We conducted the Annual General Body Meeting. Some of the deliberations and issues that ensued will be published in the next edition.

At the meeting Gordon Paniker was elected as Vice President by a vote of the majority and Montrose D'Souza was unan- imously elected as Assistant Secretary. Congratulations and welcome Gord,on and Monty, we wish you success in yqur efforts to accomplish our mission and goals for the welfare and well-being of Anglo-Indians everywhere.

Please address all mail to the General Secretary: Rex D'Costa (301-540-5828) (aivoice96@aol.com)