Playing Safe

Hari Singh Shekhawat may appear to be a man in an incredible hurry. He has about three months still to go to finalise all arrangements for the Kashmir trip. But he wants everything wrapped up here and now (and in any case, before end-June) in spite of repeated advice from everyone to take it easy. It goes to Shekhawat’s credit, his foresight and understanding of the people travelling with him that he is leaving nothing to chance. He has not just booked tickets for all the 36 of them, allotted everybody seats and berth numbers on the train and paired them suitably for sharing hotel rooms. More significantly, he has obtained an undertaking from Mumtaz Jahan (who is overseeing the accommodation and travel at the Srinagar end) on an itinerary for the week-long tour of Kashmir's scenic spots.
Still, certain things are beyond anybody’s control, no matter how hard Shekhawat might try to play safe. For instance, Mrs Harbans Singh today (in pic) complained of having to leave Srinagar “one day in advance” (vis-à-vis those returning by air) for the bus journey to Jammu, in time for boarding the train to Mumbai. In effect, she felt shortchanged by a day, whereas all those travelling back by air would enjoy the benefit of full seven days and six nights stay at Srinagar. Nobody had an answer to this.
On a happy note, Sitaram Hivarkar (left pic) ushered in his 74th birthday at the Garden with all of us collectively and individually wishing him the best. Srichand Arora, Shekhawat and other close friends hugged him in a spontaneous gesture of warmth and bonhomie. Sitaram has a dinner party lined up at a banquet hall this evening, though ostensibly it is to celebrate the birthday of his granddaughter, Anaya. Check here tomorrow for further details.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "I can copy you and do the breathing exercise as well. Standing yoga exercise is it?"
* "I may have turned a year older today, but rest assured, I feel as young as a 30-year-old!"