Small Is Beautiful

Our members are hardly great ones for punctuality. But today, there was something in the air that brought Kishor Babani to the Garden, 15 minutes ahead of time. So also was Pratap Bhatt seen well before the exercises were to start. He was followed by other traditional ‘late birds’ like Razia Khan and Nafisa Sayed. And wonder of wonders, Harish Wadhwa was also there on the dot!
With Nafisa’s “Taakte rehte tujhko…” cue, Kishor switched on the music on his mobile and the morning session of laughter and games began.
Razia, (below) however, looked a little disturbed. A few days back, soon after the Ramzan break, she had wanted to organize an Eid party on a “big scale” for members. It now appears that many of her friends do not share the same level of enthusiasm, thereby putting an enormous financial burden on her and the few contributing to the bash. Undeterred, she declared this morning that she would keep her promise and even if it were to be a “small party”, she shall have it any way.
Word has also come in of Monthi Serrao enquiring if the proposed party of September-borns is being held up because of her. She has just been discharged from hospital and is recuperating at home (post of September 17). Still, she is prepared to come to the Garden once a call in taken on the date for the joint-bash. All we can say is that there's no need to hurry; she should first recover fully and only when she feels up to it, must she come to the Garden. Thereafter the party can be worked out.
We might further add that hosting a party should neither be an obligation nor formality for anybody. It kills the very spirit of a celebration. We have passed that stage in life when we looked forward to parties. Party or no-party, it makes no difference now. If anything, members are increasingly complaining about “wasting money” and the “snob value” attached to such indulgence. Still, should anybody be deriving an emotional high by treating friends at the Garden, try to keep it small. Set a precedent so that others may never feel the financial pinch when their turn comes. After all, small is always beautiful.
Renu Babani:
I am in total agreement in regards to birthday or any other celebration. I believe to each his/her own. Everyone is entitled to celebrate how he/she likes. Celebrating in a big or small scale is entirely upto the individual. Other members should never feel that it has to be competitive. The intention is to share in the happiness of others. So why does there have to be the feeling of a burden to also celebrate at par with others or more? I am certain no one compares his/her celebration to others. What is the use of celebrating with the group if one has to hear disturbing remarks the next day? We are all grown-ups here and such things are too petty. Live and Let Live!