A Taste of India

West Kent Federation organised a TASTE OF INDIA evening in Sevenoaks.

Four of us enjoyed a fantastic evening where our speaker was Sir Nicholas Fenn who was  British High Commissioner for India from 1991 - 1996. The essence of his talk was that India is larger than the European Union and three times the population.  It is easy to recognise, but difficulty to define.  It has Millions of people in poverty and yet a larger middle class than the USA.  Although illiteracy is at 50%, and 5% are crippled or blind - there ARE glories in India.  The Supreme Court is uncorrupt, The Indian Commission for human rights, the contempt of the public for corrupt politicians and the army, which stands aside from politics.   

With the help of colourful slides Sir Nicholas explained the kaleidoscope that is India.

He was no bumbling civil servant - he knew exactly what his job was and how he should do it.  He had worked in the Diplomatic Service for 37 years in Rangoon, Algiers, New York, Peking, Rhodesia and Dublin.  During the break he chatted to the audience and reminisced with our Jane Deaves who had lived longer in India that he had . (She was born and lived there for 10 years )   He also chatted to Val Williams about Algiers where they had both worked  and the many factions that were represented at that time.

We were entertained by three whirling Indian dancers - we rather fancied ourselves in the  trousers with bells on,  but could not have kept up with the speed they achieved.

Savoury Indian Food was served - Tasty bhaji, samosa and pakora -  but  anxious to taste them,  I  ate mine up quickly forgetting to photograph them  - When I went to look for more these were all that was left.

A thoroughly good evening - well worth going.