And the winner is…

Ved Prakash Grover. The diminutive and amiable, yet hugely disciplined and much admired Club veteran was declared winner for correctly identifying the “mystery lady” featured in the Pic of the Week of December 4, 2011 (don't miss the post). The lady in question, Santosh Tyagi handed him the prize, thereby putting to rest all speculation and suspense that had been building up around this amusing guessing-game over the past ten days.
Earlier in the morning, Srichand Arora took time out of his family engagements (he has overseas guests at home) to be present at the Garden and officiate over the announcement of results. Like a seasoned ‘master of ceremonies’, he kept the excitement alive till the end – first by reading out the names of members whose guesses went off-the-mark and then listing the 13 entries which were spot on. Only later, did he settle down to conducting a draw of lots (above, right) among the correct entries while Santosh picked the lucky winner. Grover was the man of that moment, lustily cheered (above left) as he stepped up to receive his prize.
On behalf of this blog, the Club’s senior-most member, Tara Chand Seth, presented (above) Santosh a momento – a framed pencil sketch of her portrait. Neelam Garg too had a surprise present (left) for Big Laaf, for keeping this blog going through 500 days. And all others received boxes of gift-packed luddoos as tokens of appreciation for their support and encouragement.
Almost every participant in this guessing-game was present at the Garden this morning – but for two important members. Both Geeta Sardhana and Dilip Babani, winners of the last contest in July, were conspicuous by their absence. This time also they had guessed correctly but for reasons best known to them, they did not show up for the results. They were sorely missed.
The blog also wishes to place on record its gratitude to Yusuf Rassiwala for sponsoring the entire event today.
Harish Wadhwa:
Congratulations to Big Laaf for the 500th day of blogging. Kudos to Blog Monster for delivering this responsibility so well. Does anyone realise that he has the maximum attendance, as he is there each day punctually to relax and blog his observations? Thanks Neelam-ji for that special gift. He deserves to be acknowledged. Today’s quiz on the beautiful 19-year-young woman, who had got the picture clicked just after two months of her marriage, was appreciated so much. Santosh-ji was seen blushing, as the picture was identified as hers, bringing all speculation to rest. Thank you Yusuf-bhai, a senior and “over” disciplined member, for sponsoring the day. It was indeed a pleasure to see Bhaswati-ji, who showed up at the Garden, despite intense pain in her back. It seems Bose Babu’s patni-seva did wonders. She braved all the walking and Kishor-da was kind and considerate to drop her home, as a gentleman’s gesture. Renu-ji was also seen comforting her, as someone from her own family. While exercising, Nafisa-ji, made a nice statement: Jo aa kar chali jai, woh jawani hai, Aur jo aa kar theher jai, woh budhapa! Her words, said innocently, articulated the pain she was going through, since the last few months.
Bhaswati Bose:
Congratulations to BIG LAAF on completing 500 episodes. I am glad I somehow managed to make it to the Garden. It was a fun-filled morning. Everybody present made it enjoyable and memorable. Special thanks to (a) Arora-ji for conducting the proceedings in such an interesting and entertaining manner; (b) Harish-bhai for the wonderful photographs he has taken; and (c) Yusuf-bhai for sponsoring the event. May he sponsor more such events in the future. We are not complaining!
Dilip Babani:
Congratulations to Big Laaf and to all members of Laughing Club. Thanks to Yusuf-bhai also. It feels nice to be part of this lovely Laughing Club. Thanks to all members also for participating in the guessing game. I got a luddoo. Thanks for remembering me.