Matheran Deferred

Srichand Arora raises a point of order

The picnic to Matheran has been pushed to November 23, 2013. Making the announcement this morning, Hari Singh Shekhawat said that the decision was taken keeping in view the wishes of members, an overwhelming majority of who had found November 9 to be an inconvenient date.
“We must remember that Muharram would begin on November 3 and the first ten days are regarded very significant with many of our Muslim friends fasting at that time,” Shekhawat explained. “It would be unfair to schedule our picnic during that period and deprive them the opportunity to join us.”
Arun Patil has accordingly been directed to make all arrangements at Matheran for boarding and lodging.

Muthu the Maverick

In Shekhawat’s view, we would eventually form a contingent of 30-odd which would require at least 15 room reservations right now. Transport booking will be made separately by him.
Subsequently, Srichand Arora raised a point of order over some members habitually walking away from the exercises mid-way or ‘resting’ on one pretext or the other. He requested them to stay put in their places till the very end even if they were tired or not interested in doing a particular exercise. “You cannot walk in and walk out at your pleasure while the exercises are on,” he said. “This is insulting. It betrays contempt towards discipline and the very idea of exercising.”
Meanwhile, Arun got into an altercation with Muthu, the maverick ‘ungli master’. The latter was, as usual, raising a ruckus with his cronies in another part of the Garden, which disturbed Arun’s concentration while exercising. He snapped at them, only to be rewarded with a mouthful from Muthu. A brief but inconclusive slanging match followed, one challenging the other and issuing ultimatums.
Later, at the gate, Arun was gheraoed by Muthu’s friends who wanted to know why he was interfering in their business. Arun’s explanation that they were “disturbing the peace of the Garden” was unconvincing. “When you people raise hell by laughing loudly every morning it’s fine, but when we have a little fun among ourselves, you have a problem,” argued a burly middle-aged man who runs an agency of security guards. It was a veiled threat. But he had a point. And Arun had no answer.
Jagmohan Papneja:
At an advance stage of life, senior citizens should have the liberty to choose their own ways rather than impose alternatives. They are mature enough to maintain self-discipline and carry out their daily routine. Even if there are shortcomings, that can easily be excused as this is concomitant of advance age and one should be supportive.
Srichand Arora replies:
I just disagree with the comment. At every stage of AGE, we must have some discipline. No one has said at any time that a senior citizen has the liberty to avoid or forgo discipline. No one will be supportive of such acts by any member.
Jagmohan Papneja retorts:
It has been seen in the past that everybody is supportive towards senior citizens when the need arises. As and when circumstances warrant, they withdraw for rest for a fraction of minute to recoup themselves and this cannot be construed as a violation of discipline. Any suggestion coming from any quarter should be viewed in the right spirit and one should not be touchy. The basic objective is to spread happiness and wellness among ourselves. Needless to say, the only discipline that lasts is self-discipline.
Srichand Arora relents:
I think this is an argument which will never end. If I put some words here then again I might get some more comments. My belief is better to surrender in an argument and win friends.