Smell the Roses

Birthday 'Boy' Hem Chand Jain

The morning began on a somber note with age-related issues and health concerns steering all conversation during the exercises. For once, a group known for its jokey and wayward ways was made to realize that life must not be taken for granted. The subject was obviously brewing in everyone’s mind for some time and today, it was out in the open.
Clearly, the sudden indisposition of Hari Singh Shekhawat and more immediately, Bapu Rane has come as a wake-up call. Coincidentally, both are of the same age, 72. Also in their early seventies are people like Sitaram Hivarkar and Srichand Arora.

Ram Shankar Shukla

And then there are some like Tara Chand Seth and Hari Narainai who are already in their eighties. The oldest among them, Hem Chand Jain -- whose birthday it was -- has hit 85 today.
“We are all border-line cases,” remarked Ram Shankar Shukla (79). “We are lucky to have survived so long. Today’s generation of youngsters cannot count themselves half as blessed. Poor nutrition and lifestyle-related diseases are killing them before their time.”

Pratap Bhatt

There was a contrarian view that it is pointless being over-concerned about life and living because when the “call from above comes, go we must". Nothing in life is scripted, least of all death. Everybody stands an equal risk of meeting the Maker any time, regardless of being health-conscious or a chain smoker, a saint, madman or a cricket bookie. So why worry, be happy!
Sitaram (74) and Pratap Bhatt (77) agreed that rather than brood, it was time to celebrate a life well-spent and smell the roses. “I have a lot of internal problems, but I do not even talk about them or worry at all,” Bhatt quipped. “We should be positive in our outlook. Why, I have just returned from Australia and next Monday, I am setting out on an eight-day trip of Mt Abu and Mansarovar with my family…”
While we wished Bhatt a happy journey, Jain's birthday was ushered in at the Garden with an exuberant 'fourth laugh' at the end of the exercises. He did not drop by, as we understand, he is preoccupied with his son who has been hospitalised. Our prayers and good wishes rest with him as always and for all time.
POST SCRIPT: In what has come as a major shocker, Mr Jain's son passed away late evening. He was only 55.
Jagmohan Papneja:
At our stage of life, nobody can be certain about what future holds. Life is unpredictable, but does count with age. So hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.
Srichand Arora:
We all at Big Laaf wish you a very Happy Birhtday, Jain Saab.
Renu Babani:
Life is too short. So let's celebrate each day as special and lucky. Let's live our lives to the fullest, enjoying every minute and cherishing special moments that shall become a wonderful memory tomorrow!
Harish Wadhwa:
My heart-felt condolences to Jain Saab for the untimely passing away of his son. May God bless him with the strength to bear this loss and give peace to the departed soul.