Gandhi Jayanti 2013

Jagmohan Papneja

If there is anyone in the Club who truly understands Gandhi and knows exactly how to embrace the spirit of the 'Father of the Nation' on his birth anniversary, it has to be Jagmohan Papneja. He did not turn up today, busy as he was with multifarious social activities associated with the nation-wide celebration.

Business as usual

What’s more, his commitment to those causes does not end today. Yesterday, when he took leave of absence from the morning exercises, he informed he would be preoccupied for an entire week. “It’s going to be a very busy week, devoted entirely to social service,” he said.
For the rest of us who do not understand Gandhi, it was business as usual. After our irksome encounter with the mosquitoes yesterday (see post), we did not take any chances today and retreated to the comfort and safety of the concrete space outside the China Hut. Nahid Khan had resumed (after taking a day off) and kept everyone entertained with her witty one-liners. Santosh Tyagi too was in a jovial mood and came with a fresh series of Santa-Banta jokes. Sunita Jajodia sedulously pursued her new passion for plucking hibiscus from the hedges when (to her) nobody was looking. And then there was Razia Khan, irrepressible and upbeat as always.
There were a few anxious moments though, when suddenly Shekhawat was seen clutching his chest and gasping for air while the exercises wore on. Till then, he was all over the place, joking and gamboling like a mischievous schoolboy. Some of us escorted him to a chair and gave him water to recover. Still, he held on to his chest, face contorted in pain. After about 10 minutes, he was up on his feet – but treading gingerly.
That the pain occurred on the right side of his chest was of small comfort. Could be gas… hopefully.
Jagmohan Papneja:
The Lions Club International Service Week began today with floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birthday. Our Versova club, under my presidentship, is taking active part in the Service Week which will go on till October 8. Today we had distributed 50 bags of Anaj Dan, a wheelchair and other items to the needy and under-privileged. We will organise medical camps and other social activities in the coming days. Big Laaf members are welcome to avail of these benefits and give us a chance to serve them.
Srichand Arora (from Singapore):
Jagmohan-ji, we are really proud to have you in our laughter group.