A grassroots organisation of locals of Indian descent has been meeting, socialising and thriving on the Island unbeknown to many Bermudians.

It was not until the May 24 Parade on Front Street -- and a popular elephant float -- that many realised that Bermuda had a thriving and growing Indian community.

Sharmini Gonsalves told The Royal Gazette the Indian association began meeting 15 years ago to organise small gatherings for the Indian community in Bermuda.

Today the group organises several functions for the Island's Indian community like the Festival of Lights which is held annually between October and November.

"The Festival of Lights is a public holiday for Indians,'' Mrs. Gonsalves said. "It is the beginning of our New Year in addition to a public festival.'' This year the organisation took part in the May 24 Heritage Day Parade by entering a float featuring an elephant with a moving head.

"This was the first year we took part in the parade,'' she said. "My husband, son, myself and a local Bermudian did it.'' She said the frame of the elephant was made of plywood, wire and paper. The bark of palm trees were used to cover it.

"It took about 24 hours,'' Mrs. Gonsalves said, "within the space of about two weeks to build. And about 30 people participated on it.'' Last year the association held it's first Cultural dance at Clay House Inn in Devonshire.

"A girl from India came to Bermuda to perform for the show,'' she said. "We also had a local dancer, Linna Dillas, come in and perform. She was born in Trinidad and came here (Bermuda) to live when she was young, but she has managed to retain her heritage.'' In September, Mrs. Gonsalves added, the association was trying to bring in someone to perform some classical Indian dances and instrumental music.

Mrs. Gonsalves, who was also born in Trinidad but has spent most of her life in Bermuda, said the group hoped to become an "official'' association in the near future.

"We have started nominating people for different position,'' she said. "We have a treasurer but we haven't labelled anybody as a president yet.'' She added that the "financial part'' of the association was the most difficult aspect.

"It is difficult getting people to dig into their pockets and make a contribution to the association,'' she confessed.

Aside from becoming an official association, Mrs. Gonsalves said increased membership and growth were the other goals of the organisation.

Although she did not know the present size of the membership, she said that membership was limited only to those of Indian descent as people from various cultural backgrounds were involved in the association.

"A lot of Bermudians are involved,'' Mrs. Gonsalves said. "We even have a Scottish man involved.'' "There is so much to learn about the Indian culture and it has so much to offer, like our religion and traditions,'' she explained. "People often find that they can't turn a blind eye to it, especially if you have travelled to India.'' Recently locals had a chance to sample some Indian culture first hand -- children aged four to seven performing traditional Indian dances -- during the Bank of Butterfield's Concert in the Park's, An Ethnic Celebration.

The children, Mrs. Gonsalves pointed out, were involved "as much as possible'' when the association has home gatherings.

"It's important to involve the kids in the culture so they have something to identify with,'' she explained. "It is the reason why I try to keep our heritage alive.'' Mrs. Gonsalves did admit that it had been hard to keep her culture alive in Bermuda.

"It's hard to keep it (heritage) up in Bermuda because you can't find the Indian clothes, furniture or food,'' she explained. "In my home for example we cook all Indian dishes and I've even managed to get Indian furniture. I get the spices and stuff from away and stockpile them. Everyday it's just like we were home and it's not until we step out the door that it's Bermuda.'' Mrs. Gonsalves said her greatest wish for the association was to see it grow and become a professional organisation.

"I'd like to see us hold shows and get involved in community activities like Harbour Nights and Heritage month.'' TRUMPET CALL -- This popular elephant float, entered into the May 24 Parade by the Indian Association, issued a wake-up call to many Bermudians who did not realise there was a thriving and growing Indian community on the Island.