Those two overlong speeches created a domino effect; even so, the next item went over by a full hour and guest of honour Amte’s interview was unceremoniously shifted to the evening. Worse, the convention’s convenor asked the interviewer to "keep it short" so her own mother would have more time for her musical item! Bad taste is not unusual at NRI events—everyone wants a piece of the action before a mike and captive audience. The convention’s saving grace? Amte’s interview led people to support his work with donations. And Tendulkar’s speech on generosity, sacrifice and selfishness was philosophical and thought-provoking. Many were moved to ask for copies to take away—needless to say, there were none.