No Laughter

Hari Singh Shekhawat

There was no laughter today. A pall of gloom hung over the Garden this morning as members silently went through the motions of free-hand exercises, their minds away at Kokilaben Hospital where Hari Singh Shekhawat had been admitted following a cardiac arrest yesterday.
At the time of writing (1410 hrs) he was in the ICU (5th floor, Bed No 12) attached to a ventilator – yet to regain consciousness.
According to family sources, it was late afternoon yesterday when Shekhawat felt a strong vomiting sensation and would have thrown up his lunch, were it not for the glassfuls of water he gulped down involuntarily. It seems he choked on his vomit, the water entering his lungs and he was soon rendered breathless. Gasping for air, he was rushed to the hospital by his wife and son, but became unconscious on the way. This was around 1600 hours yesterday.

Arora briefing members on the hospitalisation

Teja Singh leads the special prayers for Shekhawat

Doctors at the Emergency Ward described his condition as “unresponsive” during admission and following an ECG and later, a CT Scan surmised that Shekhawat had suffered a cardiac arrest (not a stroke).
By 2100 hrs, his condition turned to “critical but stable” with the BP dropping from 140/110 to a close-to-normal 110-90.
And at 2200 hrs, he was shifted to the ICU with ventilator support. From then to now, there has been no perceptible difference in his condition – though doctors attending on him are hopeful that by the evening today, he should turn around and be able to breathe on his own. They are also considering an angiography/ angioplasty procedure once he is in a better physical state.
Srichand Arora, was the first to reach the hospital late evening, followed by the Bose couple and Harish Wadhwa. So it was from them that members were today apprised of the situation and by common consensus, it was decided to forgo the laughter sessions as a mark of respect and concern for Shekhawat. And before dispersing for the day, Teja Singh Bhambra offered special prayers (ardaas) for the early recovery of our dear friend. We all miss him.
Kishor Babani:
You fill the world with happiness with your lovely voice and lively presence. Now that you are sick the world has become a gloomy place. Please get well soon.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Our thoughts and prayers are with Shekhawat-ji at this difficult time. Good to note that he is responding to treatment and recovering in the ICU. Full recovery looks promising. So please hurry up and get well soon.
POST SCRIPT: At around 1800 hrs today, Shekhawat regained consciousness and could breathe on his own. He has since been taken off the ventilator and is said to be 'out of danger' now. He will however, remain in the ICU, under observation, for another day.
Srichand Arora:
The entire BIG LAAF is very happy to hear this. Shekhawat-ji, we all pray for your early recovery.