Taking Stock

March is a good time for stocktaking. Or so would the government, banks and corporate bodies have us believe. Thus, it was well in the fitness of things that Hari Singh Shekhawat should be also convening a “review meeting” for the Club, if only to silence some members who have made a habit of being critical of others.
Without naming names, he took exception to the uncooperative attitude of these members during the picnic last Sunday – right from the time they boarded the bus and refused to occupy the seats allotted to them. He explained that even one such disruption upsets the entire seating plan in the bus, as a result of which, he was left without a seat this time and had to undertake the three-hour journey each way, standing.
“I did not mind the standing, but what I do object to is intemperate language... words like chhichhorapan used by some members, which were uncalled for,” Shekhawat said, clearly suggesting that his was a thankless job. “After all, why do we go for picnics, if not for some enjoyment? I tried my best to ensure everybody had a good time, because this is my Club. We are one family. But some members here think differently.”
Sitaram Hivarkar (right) assured Shekhawat that there was no khot in the way the picnic was organised, only that a view has to be taken about inviting “outsiders” in future. As guests, they take advantage of our hospitality and occupy all the prime seats in the bus, thereby inconveniencing all members. Shekhawat’s solution to this was to allot seat numbers on a ‘first-come first-serve’ basis in future and if necessary, put a sticker on every seat indicating the name of the bona fide passenger.
The other two items on the agenda were only incidental. On the question of admitting members, the names of two individuals came up, which were promptly shot down. It was decided that membership be kept frozen for the time being and anybody seeking admission will have to be “under observation” for two-to-four months.
On the vexatious issue of inviting guests to parties, it was held that this was solely the prerogative of the person hosting a party. But if one such guest wants to host a party for members, discretion will have to be exercised. Throwing a party must not automatically entitle the person to gain admission to all parties of the Club. As Yusuf Rassiwala (left) put it: “We are only too happy to eat at everybody’s party, but everybody cannot eat at our party!”
Renu Babani says:
Mr Shekawat made his point loud and clear. The comments in between were of course, no match as everyone was trying to outsmart the other. After all the laughter everyone dispersed, knowing that during the next picnic, something else will turn up. I guess, as a family, there are bound to be issues of various sorts. However, we tend to sideline everything and get back to our normal selves. This is what our Club members are all about -- live and let live. Life is too short to keep grudges and besides, there are better things to think about. So let's move on with our lives and ensure that as always, we come out stronger!
--Renu
Anonymous says:
Simply awesome. And here I thought my generation was the first to master dry wit. Seems I was wrong. Regards,
--A
Much appreciated. It would've been nicer had you given your name and location in Russia. Still, please continue posting your comments. We do value them.