May / June 2005
Volume 23, Number 3

On Sunday, April 10th, 2005, approximately 175 people gathered in the Linda Norris Auditorium at the WAMC Performing Arts Studio to enjoy an interesting, entertaining afternoon featuring self-advocate and musician-extraordinaire, Sujeet Desai.  The crowd not only witnessed a wonderful performance, but a marriage proposal as well!

    “Suj” came to Albany, the city where he was born, at the invitation of Down Syndrome Aim High.  Aim High members were aware of the numerous awards he has received, his many talents as a musician (Sujeet plays six instruments!), and his successes as a self-advocate.  The organization wanted to recognize the accomplishments of this native son – and it was a great excuse to get together and enjoy some wonderful music!

    The audience was certainly not disappointed – Sujeet immediately won them over with Mozart’s Adagio from Concerto for Clarinet, k. 622; the Edelweiss sing-along, sung to the sweet sound of Sujeet’s violin, was a moving piece; and In the Mood, on the piano, was a real crowd-pleaser.  When Suj invited his “best friend”, Carrie Bergeron (who, by the way, is a wonderful self-advocate and much-loved member of Aim High), up to the stage to sing My Heart Will Go On from the movie Titanic, the warm, caring relationship the two obviously shared made the song a stand-out moment. No one, however, was prepared for what would happen next…

    As the stage darkened, the dramatic theme song from Phantom of the Opera filled the auditorium and a masked character appeared.  The Phantom, a.k.a. Sujeet, was looking for his Christine, a.k.a. Carrie, and soon found her in the audience.  Taking his lady-love by the hand, he led her up on the stage, where the slightly confused looking Carrie good naturedly danced with the mysterious madman.  Suddenly the music stopped, Sujeet dropped to his knee, and, pulling a diamond ring from out of a red rose, spoke the touching words, “Carrie Bergeron, I love you so much – will you marry me?”  A look of disbelief, and then a tearful “yes” was drowned out by the crowd’s standing ovation.  Surrounded by family, friends, and admirers – it was truly an amazing moment for everyone.

    Carrie and Sujeet plan to get married in 2006.  We wish them a long, healthy, happy life together!

    Note: To learn more about Sujeet and Carrie, check out www.sujeet.com for stories, photos, music and even videos!