THE NORTHERN AFFAIR - DECEMBER, 2000.

Around 50% of the 'Selandians' come from the northern half of India and it would not be wise of us to ignore this fact is we are to continue to remain in their good books.

We get the opportunity to meet them in Mumbai when they are joining / offsigning from the ships or when they are attending College / Training courses, but that still leaves their betterhalves out of the picture, which for obvious reasons, is not an acceptable situation.

To ensure our common well being, we have made it a point to have regular get-togethers in New Delhi and in keeping with this tradition, closed Y2K with a party organized by our team from Selandia in New Delhi.

A 100 loyal 'Selandians' (which includes the wives) made the effort to be there, some from New Delhi and others from Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Kashmir, Lucknow and further afield. Old friends met, new friends were made, fond memories were revived, news and gossip was exchanged, the present and future were dwelt upon, spirits were imbibed, the DJ was good, the dance floor was occupied, the food was delicious (those who ate while it was still warm say so), some of the ladies and gents used the mike to express their feelings about 'Selandia' (all good, fortunately) and then, the lights went out (the hotel staff had to get home).

As we ran short of time, we will have to wait until the next opportunity in 2001, when we can carry on from where we were interrupted. Somehow, the rumours of what happens at these get-togethers, have spread to the other 'Selandians'. To keep things on an equal footing, we shall now start our 'Southern Affair'.

Going to be a busy year.