By our senior correspondent

Anandians of NSW/ACT held their “Maroon & Gold Gala Night – 2011” on Saturday, 8th October 2011 at the Cherrybrook Community Centre. This year’s event is of particular significance to Ananda as it is the 125th Anniversary of our alma mater. This event, like the ones from the recent past is one that will be fondly remembered by Anandians, their families and friends.

Masters of Ceremony of the event were Udara Bandara and Dasni Fonseka who are the children of past Anandians. As tradition dictates, the night got underway with past Ananadians singing the college anthem. 

Following a warm welcome to all present by the president of the association, Nalin Medagoda, gave an excellent presentation of the history of Ananada College. This was followed by the evening of fun and laughter got going in earnest. 

Live band, Heartbeatz, led by Bonnie Fernando, kept the tempo up with a mix of golden oldies, pop and baila. 

The Bollywood dance performance by young artist Aneesha mesmerised everybody in the audience. 

Perhaps, no Anandian event is complete without a few letting their hair down.  It was a sight to see few past Anandian and friends, who could benefit from more than a few lessons in Bollywood dancing, trying to match the elegance and skill of Bollywood Diva, who brought colour to the evening with some exquisite steps, shakes and wiggles. 
Mahinda Balalle put on a buffet dinner that was a gastronomic treat worth writing home about.  Number of lucky raffle prize winners could be seen sporting smiles normally only winners sport.

As the final act of the official proceedings, Secretary of the Association, Sathyawadi Rajapakse, thanked every-one who supported and attended the event. This was followed by singing of the school song of Ananda.

The evening was capped off by one of the longest baila sessions that we can remember, which meant that most wanted to stay and shake their booties until the curtain come down closer to 12:15AM.

Following countless number of good bye hugs, embraces and commitments to catch-up soon, everyone walked out the Cherrybrook Community Hall, with a great sense of fulfilment.  Can’t wait for the next one....

Click here to enjoy an album of photos presented by Ranjith Wijayasekara