(A conversation with Jayanti Adhikari)
1. When did you come to Halifax and how was Halifax at that time?
Ans: I came to Canada in 1973. I used to live in Annapolis Valley. Halifax was different at that time. There were a few Bengali families in Halifax at that time.
2. How was the Bengali Community at that time?
Ans: At that time the Bengali community was just like a family. When I came here, the community people welcomed me open-heartedly. They were very helpful. Irrespective of age they welcomed people. The bonding of relationships was so strong at that time that till today it is the same with those people.
3. What are the changes of community you find today from the time you came.
Ans: The changes are huge. Earlier we used to know each other as there were only a few Bengali families. Now it is very hard to know everyone personally as now there are many Bengali families here. Now the number of Bengali people has increased so much that we have to do the same festivals in two groups.From 1976 until 2021 we celebrated only one Durga Puja. Now the community is so big that people need to celebrate Durga Puja in two groups.
4. What are the things you wish you had before?
Ans: Well, according to me everything was good at that time. We did not face any difficulty in the early days.
5.One suggestion you want to give to our present-day community people.
Ans: Unity is very important in a community. Good understanding and unity should always be there in our community.