Mahanta: First, I wished there was one organization. Second. I would like to see joint conventions continued in future that was started successfully in Houston in 1999. I have heard from many people that they like these joint conventions and see it continued. (A further step was taken in Saint Louis where representative from both ASA and AANA laid down the grown works for future convention site selection. I have strong faith that the executives of these organizations can work together to provide leadership. They can work out to publish one directory in future like in 1999 convention in Houston jointly by ASA and AANA and investigate if feasible to do other projects together to reduce cost. Also, start other efforts - for example, nomination of Kedar Bhuyan to AFNA's board of directors to serve 2000-2002 term).
I have respect to your talent, intelligent and also dedication to AssamNet. I was out of town this weekend to attend a meeting. I am sorry for the delay in replying to you. Since you were connected with the past unification efforts, I presumed you knew what was the result of the past efforts. For the benefit of the netters, I want to give a very brief history of unification efforts in the past. An effort was made in 90's by forming an IC (integration committee) consisting of representatives from both ASA and AANA. Among others, Rajen Barua, Satyen Das and Ashwini Choudhury were members of this committee. The committee sent out a questionnaire to Assamese residents in North America by mail and got their responses on the unification issue. Subsequently, there was a meeting in 1991 in Philadelphia where both ASA and AANA (AANA was going to have their convention in 1991 in Washington, but changed the venue to come to Philadelphia for this) members attended, but it ended almost in a fistfight. Otherwise that would have been the first successful joint convention instead of the one in Houston in 1999. And that gave birth to another organization called UAONA. Even after 5 successful joint conventions, UAONA still exists. Mahanta: since you are one of the persons involved in the creation of UAONA, for the benefit of the community, can you please explain why UAONA still exists? Do you like to share some of your success/frustration/wisdom? Now, another poll is active for unification. I am worried that it could end up adding another organization much like UAONA . I am also worried that this may impact the next joint convention. People come to convention to have fun. Mahanta: My anticipation was for you to help diffuse the situation by sharing your wisdom much like Rajen Barua from your past experience for unification. I also presumed, Ramgopal Sarangapani, who was strong proponent of plebiscite, was aware of the problems encountered in Philadelphia as Rajen Barua was trying to share his wisdom through the Assamnet as reply to Ramgopal. The other note on unification I sent was meant for Ramgopal and not to Mala; Mala was supposed to be in cc, but I messed up by putting her in as to also along with Ramgopal. I do share the philosophy of unification. But, do you want to achieve this by hurting some people? Do we not need goodwill from all? My opinion, the first priority is to continue these joint conventions and bring an atmosphere to respect and to trust each other. This is taking time and will take more time. This net is full of intelligent people. This is an appeal to the netters and community not to force the unification, let it come naturally. Mano Hazarika _______________________________________________ Assam mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam
