Often people say childhood friends are the best, for this reason or that. When I look at the ex-cadets in their middle ages bonding instantly with a long-lost friend from his/her time in Cadet College, I have to admit, I kind of see some truth in that. Perhaps the wonderful and often adventurous experiences of growing up together with a bunch of kids into the adulthood in a relatively closed environment of top quality public boarding schools are the most precious memories there can be.
Few years back when an email group was first floated to bring all ex-cadets who are currently living in Canada, it generated immense interest. The simple email group since then evolved into an organization (ECC – Ex-Cadets in Canada) that has given an entity to the Alma matter crazy local ex-cadets, despite age and gender. While ECC has successfully organized various large scale programs to celebrate summer, winter and cadet college days over the last few years, this is our first attempt to a publication with the goal to celebrate and share our colourful background and announce our deep interest to make a difference in our society and country.
Creating a magazine is not easy. First thing that hits you is, Oh God! Why did I agree to do this? There are so many things to do that it practically eats up all the available hours after the day job, often forcing you to hit the shack in the wee hours. Of course, the joy of creating something beautiful and creative supersedes every bit of pain, possibly the same way a mother feels during a pregnancy. Anyway, with the successful landing of this first ever ECC magazine we have only taken the first step toward a future when we as a group will increasingly focus on to express the opinions of ours and also of the people who live around us through periodical publications. In addition, an online version of this printed effort will continue to exist in the virtual world.
It is my hope and expectation that the readers, regardless of their background, will continue to contribute in making this magazine a strong platform for brave opinions and independent thinking. Finally, a hearty thanks to all the people who have worked hard in making this project a success. Without their enthusiasm and selfless help this magazine won’t be possible. Wishing all the members and readers a great Canadian winter that is about to romp through our lives, like it or not. Find things to do to make it fun, like ice fishing, visiting winter resorts, skiing, tubing. If none of those look interesting, just go to a winter festival. Have a happy and prosperous 2017. All the best.
