Ritual Huddles

In spite of all the disputes, discussions, debate and dissension, we are ONE FAMILY in the Club. Nothing exemplifies this better than the number of ‘huddles’ we have every day before and after the exercises – clearly establishing our eagerness to be together for better and for worse.
The first of this daily ritual is held as a prelude to the exercises – a clear half-hour pit stop on three specific benches close to the garden gate. This is where even those who might not exercise (like Sunita Jajodia) would congregate, if only to catch up with the rest and shoot the breeze. No one else dare occupy these benches.
Then after the exercises, the one-and-half minute walk to the gate is extended to a 15- minute journey with at least three stops in between. The first is soon after Shekhawat’s ‘announcement of the day’ when everyone is all ears and in their best behaviour. This false decorum is dropped at the very second stop close to the Gate (top pic) when everyone would want to talk and be heard at the same time. One step outside the Gate -- the third stop – they’d all go berserk like a pack of scatterbrains on the loose. And by the time, the Badmaash group gravitates towards the chai shop, away from polite company, they’d be in their true colours, letting it all hang out!
This is the life we have invited upon ourselves every morning – through hell, high water and sunshine. We fight, make up, laugh and celebrate... just as we did today on Prakash Motwani’s 66th birthday (bottom pic). Lovely luddoos he had brought, which were much appreciated. As always, we wish him all happiness and the very best in life.
P.S.: Please don't ask what is discussed in the huddles... because nobody really knows!
Jagmohan Papneja:
* Look for the best and leave behind the rest. Happy Birthday Motwani-ji.
* Of course, I am not going to ask what is discussed in the huddles. But this has become our area of strength.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Many happy returns of the day, Motwani-ji. As usual, I missed the luddoo, but Kajal-ji gave me a small portion of her share.
* On second thoughts, thank you Kajal-ji for sharing the luddoo. You are holding one in the first pic and the camera caught you red-handed in the second pic too (on a lighter note please)! But I was fortunate to get at least a bite and then it did not matter if it was second, third, fourth or...

Exercise in Futility

A little boy, Ayush joined us today for the exercises. No more than two feet tall, he stood in the middle of the circle, sizing us up while we laughed and growled and made monkey faces at him. After some time, he concluded that we were abnormal people and merrily toddled away in search of more intelligent life in the Garden.
This was the only bright moment on a morning marked by low turnout. Apparently most members were tired of all the petty bickering and quarrel in the past two days (see posts) and had taken the day off. Nevertheless, what got many worked up was a certain lady member who reportedly made phone calls yesterday, mobilising opposition towards the Rs50 collections for the Club kitty. Such retrograde attitude (though shared by some others as well) in the run-up to the meeting of February 2 has upset those who had stuck their necks out for the Club's growth. They now realise that whatever initiative they might take in the long-term interests of members would be a thankless task and an exercise in futility. It is not worth the time and effort. Clearly, the outcome of the February 2 meeting is a foregone conclusion.
Jagmohan Papneja:
We need to do a lot more for the laughing group and the measures required for it to grow must be put in place. Besides, we should request existing members to participate at least.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Ayush remains cool with all the monkey faces around him. He must have realised soon that he is better off without these big kids making faces as they exercise! LOL
* Arora-ji, aap kahan they aaj? Missed you at tea!

Too Many Cooks...

The weather may continue to play foul, but there was enough heat generated this morning in the Garden to offset its 'chill' effects. Mumtaz Jahan's famous pachaas ka panga (yesterday’s post) is turning out to be a real bee in the Club’s bonnet with everyone, once again, pretending to be a know-all and holding forth authoritatively on its desirability. After much hair-splitting and finger wagging, it took some plainspeaking from Monthi Serrao (in pic, right) to restore a semblance of order and call for a general body meeting this Saturday, February 2 to discuss the issue threadbare.
Significantly, there is not so much of a divergence of views as a sense of ignorance and confusion – stemming largely out of insufficient information, miscommunication and ambivalence on the part of certain members. So it is imperative to provide a degree of clarity on the issue in order to enable everyone take an informed decision on the three options available: one, whether to consolidate and carry forward activities for the Club’s growth with the common fund created for this purpose; two, refund the moneys collected so far and disband all activities, effectively reverting to the status quo prevailing nine years back; and three, adopt a middle path, e.g. making all contributions voluntary, rather than an imposition on anyone. The right to participate in the daily exercises will, of course, continue, as always. Whatever the majority decides will hold good for all time.
As a happy diversion from the ongoing hullabaloo, we reproduce here a picture Monthi wants us to share (above, left). Exactly a month back, she was with her daughter in Sri Lanka – far, far from the madding crowd. Anybody would run for dear life from these elephants... but strangely, both mother and daughter seem to be completely at peace with them. Wonderful!
Jagmohan Papneja:
"My mother belongs to a group called Big Laaf. She finds everything alarming and believes that AGM is the only effective instrument for settling issues."
Anonymous:
I am a regular reader of your blog. Your club is at an interesting juncture. Change is always resisted, especially by old people. Whether it can be brought about or remains stagnant, I shall keenly follow.
Harish Wadhwa:
Monthi-ji, a nice pic of you and your daughter. Who were more scared -- the elephants or the two of you? You people look very much at ease. So I guess it must have been the elephants!

Teething Problems?

Prakash Motwani came in after a month, looking upbeat – having recovered from a nasty bout of bronchial flu. He could barely catch his breath after the exercises when Shekhawat cornered him (pic left). Will he pay Rs 50 to the club or not? Visibly taken aback, he promptly melded in the crowd. He is yet to figure out why he should be ‘taxed’ for showing up at the Garden today.
Then there was Srichand Arora who came in sniffling – his eyes and nose watering. He could not decide whether he was feeling cold or if it was really cold this morning. So he excused himself and went home. Within half an hour, he was back in the Garden after a cup of tea -- only to be cornered by Mumtaz Jahan over what she described as “pachaas rupya ka panga”. Now, like Motwani, he too is regretting turning up at the Garden – that too for a second time!
Quite clearly, what was considered to be ‘teething problems’ for the Club, has developed into a major ‘root canal issue’ (bottom pic)! Two groups have emerged and they refuse to see eye to eye. On the one hand there are those opposed to any change and would rather languish at where they were nine years ago when the Club was founded. On the other hand are the progressive-minded who, with an eye on the future, are resisting all inertia and are desperately trying to infuse a degree of dynamism among members -- all for common good.
With no consensus in sight, a general body meeting will have to be called to drive home a compromise – if possible.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Some persons were taken by surprise when asked to pay Rs50 per month. It is therefore important to explain the rationale behind the move so that one can adapt to changes.

Day 899

Pic of the Week

Last evening, at a select gathering in the White House to celebrate the Indian Republic Day, President Obama introduces “two special friends” from Lokhandwala Garden No 4, Mumbai.
Kishor Babani:
"They are the future ambassadors from our friendly country, INDIA!"
Bhaswati Bose:
"Let us invite the two gentlemen to Washington D.C. to further Indo-U.S. relations."
Harish Wadhwa:
Coincidentally, both are shaayers in their own right. May the two of you really add to the decor of the White House some day!
Dilip Babani:
Two great writers from India!

Republic Day 2013

Many do it by force of habit. Some do it for fun. Some others do it because they have to. And then there are those who do it because they like to. Whatever the reason, raising the national tricolour on Republic Day is a special moment for every Indian. It fills the heart with a sudden surge of patriotism It’s magical. Euphoric. Contagious. Regardless of age, gender, caste, faith, political leaning or community feeling, we are united as one – as PROUD INDIANS.
Today’s Republic Day celebration at the Club captured this spirit of oneness. Everyone in the Garden was part of it. Yesterday, Srichand Arora had urged all members to pick up paper flags on their way to the Garden this morning. Little did he expect that there would be so many flags that Nahid Khan’s grandchildren, Eeram and Alviya (left pic) would have to go around distributing them to all and sundry -- on the walking track, those relaxing on the garden benches and even bystanders.
Naturally, they all invited themselves when the call for singing the national anthem was given (lead pic) and partook in the luddoos Arora had specially arranged for the occasion. Suresh Samel, an ex-sales tax commissioner (right pic) also took the opportunity to deliver a soul stirring speech to whip up nationalistic sentiments – but it was in chaste Marathi.
Along the sidelines, Ved Prakash Grover became the victim of some mischievous rubber-band stinging with Harish Wadhwa subsequently taking over to turn the tables on Arora. Mumtaz Jahan (left pic) pranced about with a flag stuck to the back of her head like an antenna. Little Alviya also kept everyone amused with her pranks -- starting with correcting Shekhawat and Bose while conducting the exercises with her grandmother. In fact, as the picture above shows, we had as many as three ‘instructors’ to take us through the free-hand exercises today.
Meanwhile, Razia Khan has e-mailed us this lovely message: "Ye Baat Hawaaon Ko Bataye Rakhna/ Roshni Hogi Charagon Ko Jalaaye Rakhna,/ Lahu Dekar Jis Tirange Ki Hifaazat Hamne Ki, Iss Tirange Ko Sada Dil Mein Basaaye Rakhna!” Happy Republic Day!
Jagmohan Papneja:
The Indian family celebrating Republic Day in Garden No 4. The pics reflect 'unity in diversity' and our cultural heritage. May our dream of a new tomorrow come true. Happy REPUBLIC DAY.
Harish Wadhwa:
The Republic Day pics are really nice -- as good or better than professionals. Good work Blog Monster!

Indisposed

Razia Khan is well on the road to recovery (January 23 post). But all is not well with others in the Club. Shekhawat created a mild scare this morning when he came in wheezing and complaining of chest congestion. He could hardly speak. Before entering the Garden, he stopped at the gate for a few minutes to catch his breath. “Saans chadh gaya” was all he could say.
Shekhawat is the latest victim of the exceptionally high levels of nitrogen oxide and SPM (suspended particulate matter) in the morning air. Barring two 'young men' known for showing up in summery cottons and shorts, nobody has been spared by the winter chill and pollution. From Nahid Khan to Ram Shankar Shukla to Harish Wadhwa to Nafisa Sayyad to Sushma Gupta... everyone has been down with fever, cough and cold, sore throat and/ or breathing problems.
Prakash Motwani has altogether stopped coming (January 9 post) to the Garden, lest his bronchial asthma gets aggravated by the cold. Even Sitaram Hivarkar (pic top right) is down. An ex-serviceman with a rigid temperament, he too has had to take an indefinite break because of a sprained leg muscle which refuses to heal in the winter. He was last seen about a fortnight back with a crepe bandage on his left leg.
But the worst affected is Najma Sayyad (top left pic) who continues to be in deep agony because of body weight and orthopedic issues. For the last two months, she has been under the care of Dr Ram Chaddha of Lilawati Hospital, Bandra but nothing has come of it. She appeals tearfully to everyone through this blog to suggest some cure/ therapist... someone who can somehow provide some relief from the unrelenting pain.
Today being Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Prophet Mohammad’s birthday, let us pray for her well-being and expeditious relief. Let us also wish of each other the blessings of the Almighty, abundant love and happiness and the strength to follow the teachings of the Prophet. Mawlid Mubarak!
Harish Wadhwa:
* By the grace of God, I am now fine, healthy, but not wealthy and yet wise. I am finding the morning chill the best time to sleep. But I try not to miss the Badmaash Company chai sessions.
* It is a divine experience to tuck oneself into a light blanket and dose off in the morning.
* Mawlid Mubarak to my fellow bretheren. Good wishes to Najma-ji, especially. You will be fine. Don't worry.
Jagmohan Papneja:
* Fever coupled with joints pain and respiratory distress has become widespread. People suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder(COPD) are worst hit. Do not turn on fans and ACs in full blast -- particularly when entering the room sweating. Children and seniors should be kept away from fans and ACs.
* Aap sab ko Jashan-e-Milad un nabi Mubarak ho!
Srichand Arora:
* Eid Mubarak mere sub pyare doston ko!
* Razia-ji, we are all very happy to know of your progress. Come on, recover fast and attend your Big Laaf!!!

Invitation Revived

Kiran Sajjan came in today (left pic) to remind us of the invitation to her son’s wedding in Lonavala this week-end. As mentioned in our post of January 18, the wedding is slated for Monday, January 28 – to be preceded by a Sangeet Ceremony on Sunday, January 27. The invitation is to both events.
Kiran’s visit assumes significance as the initial enthusiasm on attending the wedding had fizzled out following indications of “space constraints” at the venue, especially for those who wanted to stay the night over on Sunday. Shekhawat had informed that he had “got to know” of problems of accommodation and rather than be an imposition on the hosts, he felt we should call off the trip.
This morning though, Kiran came up with a completely different story. She assured us that there would be ample accommodation for everyone so long as we inform her in advance. She even offered to take care of our return trip from Lonavala as there will be no dearth of transport heading towards Mumbai after the wedding.
Now this puts us in a fix. Since the invitation is addressed to the Club in general, a joint call will have to be taken on organizing ourselves, should we be going. Time is short and there are issues of booking a bus (if required), the gift to be purchased, individual contribution, etc. Or should each be left to his/her own devices…
Meanwhile, the fund collection drive has become an everyday ritual (bottom pic) in the Garden. Shekhawat calls for the cash, Arora enters it against individual names in a register, Monthi Serrao collects the amount to be deposited in the bank… This is the daily drill being followed religiously, post-exercise, since last week.
Jagmohan Papneja:
We usually don't see any mention of gifts in a wedding invitation. But in Sajjan's invite, they had indicated "no gifts" -- so as to let people know that all they want is to share their joy with family and friends. We may still give them something on a voluntary contribution basis.

Pajama Jokes

Now that the cold wave has begun to recede, people are looking more cheerful and letting their hair down. Santosh Tyagi got in the mood of narrating jokes (left pic) and was soon joined by Harbans Singh with some equally funny ones. Out of the blue, Monthi Serrao (below, right) ‘discovered’ a mother in Santosh and bowing her head in reverence, she exclaimed “Meri amma!” She refused to budge till the latter blessed her with an upraised hand.
Coincidentally, it was just yesterday that Srichand Arora accosted her in like manner and with folded hands, asked her to bless him. “Aapki ashirwad chahiye!” he pleaded. Clearly taken aback, Santosh did not know which way to look – more so, since Arora is senior to her and then, it was his birthday yesterday. She mumbled gamely, “Sir pe haath pher doon toh chalega?” before raising her palm over his head.
This, from a lady who already has an issue going with Shekhawat for overstating her age in the railway reservations for the Himachal Tour in March. So today, when Shekhawat entered the Garden, padded from top to toe, she promptly asked him for the tour papers. Pat came the answer: “When I wear my knickers, the papers will come with them!” And when will he wear those knickers? No answer.
The real pajama joke, quite literally, came with Geeta Sardhana. As usual Shekhawat greeted her in Gujarati, “Kem chho, naniben!” Tired of replying “Maje mein” she said “Moje mein” for a change. Shekhawat heard “Pajame mein” and that set off a series of hilarious alliterations which only a madcap group like ours can manufacture!
But the best news of the day was that Razia Khan has come good from the surgery for the removal of her kidney stone. It was a procedure involving ureteroscopy undertaken last evening at Pooja Nursing Home, Jogeshwari. The family, it seems, has preserved the offensive stone that put her to grief for so many weeks. Thankfully, the worst is over for her.
Jagmohan Papneja:
It is indeed good to learn about Razia's health. I hope this is her last trip to the hospital. Wishing her the best.
Zaiyan Khan
Dear BIG LAAF family, Razia Khan is now back home as the operation was successful by the grace of Almighty and all your prayers. Thanks a lot.

Red Letter Day

After 72 eventful years, Srichand Arora today stepped into a golden dawn with a spring in his step and a song on his lips. The Garden greeted him with a rousing applause, a medley of good wishes, vigorous handshakes and warm bear hugs – not to mention phapda-imrati and floral tributes. Above all, his loving wife, Kiran presented him a red rose to usher in this important day (pic right) of his life.
Yes, it was Arora’s birthday today.
The celebration befitted a man who is held in high regard by all – not so much for being the secretary of the Club but for his large-heartedness, sporting nature, a natural sense of humour and his unwavering stand on enforcing discipline. Few people command the kind of love and fear (‘admiration’ is a better word) in equal measure as he does. And so, it came as no surprise that many members, normally not expected to brave the early morning cold, turned up to wish him well.
Mumtaz Jahan confessed that she remembered “rather late that it was an important day” and rushed to the Garden instantly. Santosh Tyagi too was not supposed to come, but came in at the end of the exercises to wish Arora. Geeta Sardhana was there before-time for a change. Mr Behari (better known as 'Happy Sunday') was also present to rejoice with the rest. And there, in the middle was our birthday boy in an aquamarine T-shirt and grey half-pants, looking every inch a gleeful kid in an amusement park.
Significantly, marigold petals never looked better on any other day!
Jagmohan Papneja:
Imrati and Phapda / Flower and Garland / Celebration and Joy / With Family and Friends / This is all I wish for you, my dear friend Arora-ji, on your birthday... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Bhaswati Bose:
To the 'Bigg Boss' of BIG LAAF -- Many Happy Returns of the Day!
Harish Wadhwa:
* Happy Birthday Arora-ji. Aaap jiyo hazaron saal / Saal ke din ho pachaas hazaar! It was nice to see you doing the waltz on your birthday!!!
* It was indeed 'Bigg Boss Season 73' Bhaswati-ji. Enjoyed the fafda-imarti after a long break.
Srichand Arora:
I AM REALLY VERY THANKFUL TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR WARM GREETINGS. BUT I AM ONE LIKE YOU. SO DEAR FRIENDS chane ke jhaarh par toh mat chadao yaron. Baki raha phapde-imrati... It was long overdue and I just seized the opportunity. Thank you very much once again.

Cold Comfort

The cold spell has abated a little with the morning temperature today climbing a couple of degrees. Moreover the bone-chilling breeze that had made life miserable in the Garden (see post of January 19) has subsided. Nevertheless, nobody was taking chances. Almost everyone came heavily padded in woollens for the exercises.
Being the beginning of a week, the air was swirling with to-dos in the next few days. Srichand Arora repeatedly requested everyone’s presence tomorrow with the promise of phaphda-jalebi after the exercises. It is his birthday and he steps into his 73rd year. Plans are also afoot for undertaking a trip to Lonavala this weekend for Kiran Sajjan’s son’s wedding. Meanwhile, Ram Shankar Shukla (of ‘jada lage’ fame) scored a first by making an annual subscription of Rs600 towards the Cub’s funds. And then there was Shekhawat (left pic) making an announcement on giving up drinks on February 1 – if only for a day!
In order to relive some of the memorable moments during the Sports Day (post of January 13) at Borivali National Park, participants were given prints of their pictures on request (lead pic). Those who missed last Saturday’s deadline may please place their requisition with Shekhawat by this week-end.
Harish Wadhwa:
Shekhawat-ji, nau soh chuhey kha kar billi haj ko chali?!! Anyway, this is a welcome step -- that you are giving up your daily pahua, at least for some time.

Day 892

Pic of the Week

Here’s a familiar face. Doesn’t he resemble someone we know?

Kishor Babani:
What a cute couple! Are they standing with this statue in Ahmedabad or Surat?
Jagmohan Papneja:
Woh ped kya jis mein dali na ho
Woh baag kya jis mein mali na ho
Woh ghar kya jis mein ghar-wali na ho
Aur wo mard kya, jis ki bahar-wali na ho
Harish Wadhwa:
Nice pic of Mr Pratap Bhatt from Australia. Looks like he is having a great time there.

Wind Chill

Ram Shankar Shukla exemplified our state of mind today. Normally we troop into the Garden around 7 a.m. for the exercises. But there he was, at 7 a.m. coming out – all huddled up, his 6 feet-plus frame reduced to 5 feet-odd, hands clasped together and shivering. “Bahut jada lag raha hai!” he complained and walked away.
It was cold – freeeeezing cold. The morning temperatures had suddenly dropped by three degrees, taking everyone by surprise. While the newspapers attributed this to hailstorms and continuing weather disturbances in northern India, nothing had quite prepared us for the ferocious wind chill. Pullovers, mufflers and shawls, which are usually adequate for Mumbai’s winters, today felt useless (see pic). Only a couple of men could be seen in their trademark shorts and T-shirts. As Nafisa Sayyad pointed out, our only consolation was that we did not have to brave rain or snowfall as those in the northern parts of the country.
Yet another relief, we may add, is that tomorrow is Sunday. We get a day’s respite from this horrible refrigerating torture.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Strange phenomenon! Shukla-ji hails from a place where the maximum temperature during winter remains well below the minimum temperature of Mumbai. So winter in Mumbai should be comfortable for the north Indian. Instead Shukla-ji went back to the pavilion!!!
Harish Wadhwa:
It was nice to see members in woollens, cardigans and shawls. But there were some like Bose Babu and Arora-ji who still come in short pants and T-shirts. Wah kya baat hai, thand hee nahi lagti unhe... Cold-blooded creatures!

Lonavala Invite

After countless unsuccessful attempts over the past one year, a trip to Lonavala now looks likely – thanks to Kiran Sajjan’s invite to her son’s wedding. It is fixed for January 28 at Treasure Island Resort, Lonavala – but there will be a Sangeet Ceremony the day before (Sunday) at the same venue. The well-crafted invitation card was addressed to the Club in general and accompanied by three jumbo boxes of barfee.
All of a sudden, Kiran became the cynosure of all eyes (lead pic) with the ladies especially eager to confirm an overnight stay for themselves at the wedding venue. Monthi Serrao, Bhaswati Bose and Santosh Tyagi appear to have already swung things in their favour. Shekhawat too has some plans in mind since he kept inquiring about whether there would be spare rooms at the resort to spend the night. Only a handful of men agreed to make the trip on their own and return by night, rather than impose themselves unfairly on the host.
Meanwhile, the Rs50 collection drive (see yesterday’s post) has taken off successfully with more than Rs5,000 deposited with Shekhawat today. Members were happy that this would not only strengthen the sense of belongingness in the Club, but also weed out those who take their membership for granted. When Srichand Arora apologized for having to bring "monetary dealings" in the Club, many like Nafisa Sayyad, Arun Patil and Bose Babu argued that this was unavoidable with changing times. Jagmohan Papneja (pic above right) argued further that the Club at Garden No 2 also charges Rs50 per month and is going great guns with a 450-plus membership.
Incidentally, Papneja was spot on with that sarky comment (see yesterday’s post) about Hem Chand Jain "surprising" us. Well, true to reputation, the latter has wriggled out of his commitment at the eleventh hour. Indeed, it is time we dispense with this “indispensable” character.
Jagmohan Papneja:
For those willing to attend the marriage of Mrs Kiran Sajjan's son, Mr Shekhawat is trying for complete enjoyment, apart from the marriage party entertainment at Lonavala.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Must appreciate the beautiful card and warmth with which Kiran-ji invited everyone to her son's wedding. We wish her great time and fun as she prepares for the grand wedding.
* Kiran-ji was also generous with the barfees and to say it bluntly, many of us pounced on more than one... Sorry for being such bhukkads Kiran-ji!

'Creamy Layer'

Hari Singh Shekhawat has unwittingly got himself a new job. Every month, beginning today, he would be collecting Rs50 from every member, which will go into augmenting the common kitty. Of course, members have the option of paying in advance – for a year, six months or on a quarterly basis.
The spot decision taken this morning (right pic) was triggered by Monthi Serrao who expressed her concern over the Club’s finances and reiterated her suggestion of having a Housie Session every second Saturday – if only to generate some funds for the Club. While this was endorsed in principle by all present, the practicality of ensuring regular attendance every month raised doubts in some quarters. A few pointed out that “there were too many Housie sessions being held in the vicinity by assorted groups” to hold members’ interest for long.
Comparatively, the 50-rupee idea sounded more practical because not only will it serve the desired purpose, members would scarcely feel the pinch. Above all, it would sift the chaff from the grain because only those serious about the Club would be paying up. As Harbans Singh pointed out, we would be “left with the creamy layer” and all riff-raffs and absentees would be eliminated.
Another spin-off from this impromptu meeting was the registration of the Club. A much-needed formality, which has been kept in abeyance for long, was revived this morning with Hem Chand Jain showing up. He had been promising to use his influence and get it done for us free of cost. Srichand Arora jumped at the opportunity and the two (above left) have scheduled a visit to the registrar’s office today itself to initiate the process.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Mr H C Jain is truly indispensable and he will be able to get BIG LAAF registered with the competent authority. Soon everyone will be surprised to see the outcome of his influence.

Alibaug Next?

Basking in the success of last weekend’s Sports Day (see posts), Hari Singh Shekhawat already has his sights fixed on Alibaug. He has even decided on February 2 or 9 as the likely date of the trip, much to the consternation of people like Srichand Arora who feel it would be “too much too soon”. Ved Prakash Grover (pic below) too advised against it: “We have just had an outing at Borivali National Park, in February you want us to go to Alibaug, in March we will have to go on the Himachal tour… Won’t this be too much of a strain?”
But Shekhawat is undeterred. He says he has already got the consent of seven members and even if he has to settle for a smaller group this time, go he must! Clearly, he has the support of the likes of Nafisa Sayyad who keep reminding him on Alibaug every other day. The only deterrent, if any, is the dilemma of undertaking the trip by road or boat. Alibaug is a coastal township, about 30 km from Mumbai (as the crow flies), in Raigarh district of the Konkan region.
Meanwhile, members are still savoring the hangover of the Sports Day – Bhaswati Bose today bringing her laptop to the Garden to share photographs of the event’s main highlights (lead pic). Some of the images have also been mounted in the ‘slideshow’ appearing in the sidebar of this page. Please feel free to place your requisition for prints at the earliest -- and not later than this Saturday.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Too much tourism is bad. Sightseeing should be good enough.
Harish Wadhwa:
The pics of Sports Day have come really good. All-in-all, it was a good day.

Mega Bonanza

When it rains, it pours. Or so it seemed this morning when food flowed in abundance at the Garden, literally taking everyone by surprise. For one, Santosh Tyagi (pic below) had come with gajaks and til-gud luddoos – sweets of sesame seeds associated with the Makar Sankranti festival yesterday. For another, there was Mohan Kanwar Shekhawat dressed in traditional finery, (bottom pic) matching her with equally delectable home-made til-gud luddoos. It was a rare pleasure having her back in our midst.
And then there was Jagmohan Papneja loaded with Camy’s boxes containing a variety of salties and crispies... And if those were not enough, there was a separate box of rich milk cakes to be devoured on the spot. It was a celebration like never before and why not? It was Papneja's birthday today and clearly, he wanted to make it big. We cheered and sang the usual 'Happy Birthday' song (lead pic)... when suddenly someone broke into a parody of his name -- ‘Jaago, Mohan Pyare!’ with Hari Singh Shekhawat lustily leading the chorus amidst rousing laughter.
Among those who missed out on this unprecedented bonanza were some prime casualties from the Sports Day last week-end – Monthi Serrao, Dilip Babani, Mumtaz Jahan, Khatoon Baig... On that day they all behaved fit and fine, little realising they had over-exerted themselves. Now they are paying the price for it. The irony is that people like Papneja and Santosh who had crash-landed and hurt themselves accidentally on that day have been regularly attending the exercises since.
Dilip Babani:
Wishing you a very happy birthday, dear Papneja-ji. May God bless you with good health, happiness and laughter, always.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Thank you all for your wishes. I regard you very highly for the wonderful feeling you gave me and made my birthday all the more special. May God bless you all!

Makar Sankranti 2013

Our beautifully landscaped and manicured Garden today became a cause of acute embarrassment, even shame to all of us. Early morning, we were greeted by hordes of low-flying crows and scavengers feasting on piles of refuse from last evening’s Lohri celebrations. The entire Garden was littered with biscuits, half-eaten potato chips and fries, empty whiskey bottles, bones of roasted chicken, not to mention plastic bottles, wrappers and soiled tissue. Never before had the Garden looked so dirty -- like a sprawling garbage dump. Whoever was responsible for this, knew well that today happens to be another important festival, Makar Sankranti and still did not bothered to clean up.
On this auspicious occasion that marks the ‘ascendance of the Sun God over the northern hemisphere’ Razia Khan has e-mailed us her well-meaning wishes: “Pal pal sunahre phool khile/ Kabhi na ho kaanto ka saamna/ Zindagi aapki khushiyo se bhari rahe/ Sankranti par hamari yahi shubhkamna… Happy Makar Sankranti.” She has also attached the greeting card above, which speaks volumes of her feeling towards us, even as she is still on the sick bed.
Happily also, Sunita Jajodia showed up with a box of sweets (pic above right) to celebrate son Jatin turning a father. He has been blessed with a daughter, who Sunita lovingly calls ‘Gudiya’ for the present. The day-before-yesterday, she had brought her bahu to the Garden and upon being introduced to us (as Santosh Tyagi never fails to joke about) the young lady delivered a baby girl the very same evening!
Nahid Khan too had a somewhat similar piece of news to share – her son having fathered a son three days back. But on the flip side, we had Ramila Mistry (left pic) informing that she had lost her mother yesterday. The latter was nearing 90 years and was suffering from a terminal case of intestinal collapse. In deference to the memory of the departed, we suspended the customary ‘three laughs’ after the exercises.
May her soul rest in peace.
Jagmohan Papneja;
A new beginning. A new destination with happiness and sorrow. Happy Makar Sankranti!
Life is a complex mix of joy and sorrow. But the proportion of joy and sorrow is in our hands. Overcome sorrow and live life happily.
Srichand Arora:
* This is what we call KANHI KHUSHI TOH KAHIN GHAM. SUNITA-JI DADI BAN GAI HUM ISKI KHUSHIYAN MANAYEIN, YA RAMILA MISTRY KI MATA-JI KE DEHANT KA GHAM? JAHAN HUM SUB SUNITA-JI KI KHUSHIYON MAIN SHAMIL HAIN, WAHIN RAMILA-JI KE DUKH MAIN BHI. GOD BLESS ALL!
* I really like those two lines of happiness and sorrow described by our Jagmohan-ji. Well said!

Day 885

Pic of the Week

ANNUAL SPORTS DAY at Borivali National Park, Mumbai

Dilip Babani:
All the members enjoyed very nice Sports Day. The biryani was nice and all the games were also enjoyable. But the weather was very warm. And yet, it was great fun. Red Rose aagey badho!

Onyamarks, Get Set…

The sports bug has got us nice and propah. With less than 24 hours to go, the Garden was witness to hectic preparations for the big do (yesterday’s post) at Borivali National Park tomorrow. Many were seen testing their stamina and doing body stretches even after the exercises. A group of ladies got together (lead pic) and did short sprints across a section of the Garden. They wanted to run a relay race also, but settled for a brisk walk instead – again Geeta Sardhana beating the rest to it.
A problem arose on procuring an appropriately strong, yet soft rope for the tug-of-war event. Despite his best efforts, Harish Wadhwa could not find a suitable one – even with the tent wallahs of Oshiwara. We were about to abandon the idea when Arun Patil, out of the blue, produced a 50-feet long bundle used for bungee jumping. That did it. Geeta and Harish got into testing their strength in a tug-of-war with Srichand Arora playing referee. Somehow Arun got entangled in the middle and soon we had a delightful reenactment of the amrit manthan (primordial churning), much to the amusement of passersby (bottom pic). In all this, the competitive streak of some of our members has come to the fore. Many are actually weighing their chances of winning all the prizes – to the extent of questioning the participation of a few non-members and guests who appear to be physically more fit and could even have an edge over us. That the Sports Day is all about fun, somehow escapes them. At the same time, these are the people who, with the proverbial fire in their belly, can set off some major fireworks tomorrow. That will also be fun!
Jagmohan Papneja:
"On your marks": Big Laaf is calling us to the starting line!
"Get set": Big Laaf commandos prepare for what is to come tomorrow!!
"Go": Big Laaf is about to fire the starting gun for a glorious event!!!
Bhaswati Bose:
I am on the 'injured list'. But I will be the 12th man, bringing in the drinks, motivating and encouraging the participants and helping them. When they fall down, I may not be able to pull them up, but I can certainly give them a push!

Sporting Spirit

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Fed up of repeated postponements, Shekhawat took a determined stand earlier this week to have the Sports Day at Borivali National Park on January 13 (Sunday) come what may. Those unwilling to join may stay away. But there will be no more change of date (see post of January 7), he declared. Period.
The announcement has worked wonders. From a point when there were not enough numbers to fill a small 30-seater bus, plans are now afoot (pic alongside) to book a bigger bus and take along at least 40 participants, if not more. Arun Patil has already ordered 40 food packets for lunch while Harish Wadhwa is working on the games to be played and prizes for the winners. Srichand Arora is taking care of medical emergencies and Shekhawat, as usual, will be looking after finances and lining up the bus to ferry us to and fro.
Basically, the drill worked out is as follows: The reporting time at the Garden on Sunday is 8:30 a.m. and the bus would leave by 9.00 a.m. Between 9:30 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. we should be in the National Park, after which the group will be split into two teams. There shall be two captains (appointed by common consensus) and each would select a member for his/her team by turn so that both teams are evenly balanced. Nobody shall be excluded, regardless of whether s/he participates. Each member will be identified by a red or yellow arm band, depending on the team s/he belongs to.
Effectively, with everything now falling into place, the enthusiasm of members has become contagious. Everyone wants a “favourite childhood game” to be included while some are intent upon taking along their families and friends as spectators. Many who were non-committal till yesterday, suddenly changed their minds today. A few are contemplating driving to Borivali on their own, should there be no place in the bus. Such is the overall excitement that a visibly ill Nahid Khan (pic above ), running high temperature, turned up at the Garden – all wrapped up and sniffling – lest she misses out on some of the 'action'. That’s what sporting spirit is all about.
Jagmohan Papneja:
* Sports encourage many things, one of them being team-work. Together Everyone Achieves More. That's what TEAM stands for!
* HASNA will do wonders on Sunday: H=Harish, A=Arora, S=Shekhawat, N=Nahid, A=Arun!!!

Touching Gesture

We must count ourselves incredibly blessed to have Mrs Harbans Singh in our midst. Who else could have thought of sharing a tray of piping hot prasad from a prabhat pheri in the early morning chill? She could easily have bypassed the Garden and deposited the tray at home like anyone would. But no, she came rushing in and hurriedly urged us to interrupt our exercises and partake of the prasad before it turned cold (pic alongside).
It was indeed god-sent. Not so much for the halwa, potato fries and pao-bhaji but the thought behind this gesture. It spoke of her loving nature, spiritual temperament, benevolence and caring spirit – values all religions preach but few practice. And only at the end, after everyone had had their fill, did Mrs Singh take a bite from the leftovers. She surely made our day.
Dilip Babani too had reasons to share some goodies today. It was his birthday. Again, it was not so much for the packets of digestive biscuits he distributed (middle pic) but the fact he kept his appointment with the Club. He had been absconding for long, little knowing how much we missed his presence. We had almost given up on him and today, out of the morning haze, he emerged, beaming ear to ear, spreading cheer and happiness around. This man deserves all the world's goodness, a great life ahead and lasting joy. Many happy returns of the day, Dilip.
In keeping with the mood of things, the ladies did a little rehearsal of the traditional Lohri chant, ahead of the festival this week-end. Led by Santosh Tyagi (bottom pic), they went on giggling and rattling ‘Sundri Mundri – Ho/ Tera Kaun Bechara – Ho/ Dullah Bhatti wala – Ho/ Dullah Di Dhi viyahi – Ho…’ and so on, suddenly ending with ‘Hukka bhai Hukkaa - Ai ghar bhukka’!
It was a treat watching them revisit their childhood.
Srichand Arora:
Dear Dilip -- Wish you a very happy birthday and many, many happy returns of the day!
Bhaswati Bose:
* Happy Birthday, Dilip-bhai! May your spirits soar with your stocks -- higher and higher... And thank you for the treat.
* Blog Monster, those were delicious butter cookies by the way; not digestive biscuits.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Happy Birthday, Dilip-bhai and thank you for the cookies. Glad to know from you that you finally turned 18! Welcome to adulthood.
* Each one of us has a child within waiting to be unleashed. So don't miss the Sports Day at Borivali. Special request to to those who are still in a double-mind!
Jagmohan Papneja:
* Mrs Harbans Kaur is filled with the love of God. She is not content with blessing her family alone but also anxious to bless us with Guru da prasad. This was a great reflection of her love and affection.
* Live your life and forget your age, Mr Dilip... Happy Birthday!

Winter Toll

Today Hari Singh Shekhawat (left) sprung a surprise by not turning up at the Garden. He is one of the few regulars in the Club who makes his presence count when he is absent – just that it was entirely unintentional this time. The unusual freeze early morning over the past few days had got the better of him and put him out of commission. Over the phone, he complained of high fever and weakness which had rendered him bedridden.
Shekhawat is not the only one to be under the weather. Prakash Motwani (above right) has not been showing up for quite some time because of a severe bout of lung congestion and wheezing since the onset of winter. Nafisa Sayyad has become another casualty of late and she too is under medication. But the good news is that her friend (some say, ‘better half’), Razia Khan has been discharged from hospital (see post of January 5) last evening after her kidney infection was brought under control. Nevertheless she will have to be under intensive care at home before she is able to regain the strength to be up on her feet.
The other good news of the day was that Ramila Mistry has returned from a pilgrimage of Baidyanath Dham and brought back pedas, as prasad (pic above). The shrine of Lord Shiva, located in Deogarh, near Ranchi, is said to house one of the 12 jyotirlings, besides being counted among the 51 shakti peeths in India. Ramila informed she had offered prayers for the peace and well-being of all our members.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Someone once wisely observed: "When all is said and done, the weather and love are two elements about which no one can ever be sure." So play safe always!