‘Comeback Man’

Mouths open in unison for Motwani's pedas... But he is unmoved.

Now he is here, now he is not. That has been an abiding story of Prakash Motwani’s association with the Club. Nobody can ever be certain when he would be sighted next. Probably, he too isn’t sure. But on January 31, he can surely be expected at the Garden. For, it’s his birthday.
Motwani kept his appointment upon turning 66 today. Looking half his age, he came nattily dressed in dark-blue T-shirt and grey trousers with slip-on suedes to match, carrying a box of pedas… to be lustily greeted with a chorus of 'happy birthday’ wishes, hugs and hand pumping. Everybody clapped and sang for him and raised the customary fourth laughter. For a change, Srichand Arora addressed him affectionately by his first name and did not insist that he wear the Club cap.

The pedas come finally

Motwani stood quietly by the side, clearly embarrassed by all the attention directed at him.
However, for all the uncertainties surrounding Motwani’s appearances, it must be said in all fairness that he has been keeping indifferent health for the past two-and-half years. He suffers from an acute bronchial problem that tends to worsen during the monsoons and in the winter smog. Besides, he has been complaining of his ears ringing (tinnitus) and even worse, there’s been an undiagnosed issue of weight loss.

Arora distributes R-Day pictures to all members

Motwani is therefore a very worried man. On his birthday we can only wish him quick recovery -- that he overcomes his problems and self-doubts and enjoys a happy, healthy and fulsome life ahead.
The other happy occasion of the morning was when Arora gave away photo prints of the pictures on the Republic Day celebrations in the Garden (see post of January 26). He has spent a bomb out of his pocket on making these prints for the benefit of members who do not have access to a PC at home. But the gesture was more of a labour of love – essentially at sharing and cherishing memories of a happy event gone by. No wonder, Arora ran out of his 40 prints within minutes. Whoever got a chance confiscated a copy of the keepsake pic.

Personalised Jokes

Santosh Tyagi at her wittiest best!

Santosh Tyagi came today prepared with a joke, specifically for Shekhawat. She said that one evening, before sitting for his sundowner, Shekhawat decided to toss a coin. He told himself that if it dropped to his left, he would drink whiskey. If it dropped to his right, he would open a rum bottle. If it fell on the ground, he would settle for a beer. And if it did not fall at all, he would give up drinking for life!
That, according to Santosh, explains why Shekhawat cannot give up drinking. The coin always falls down. But Shekhawat’s reasoning has been that alcohol is the only cure he knows for all human ailments.

Ved Prakash Grover

So much so, he considers it "social work" when he prescribes alcohol even to strangers. Above all, he derives major kicks from inviting people home, just to share a peg or two with him. Today, for instance, he targeted Razia Khan for the way she kept coughing through the exercises and gave her his tried-and-tested prescription:

Tara Chand Seth

“Saari bimari ki ek hi ilaaz: doh peg chup-chaap maarne ka…”
Significantly, Santosh had a ready joke for Razia also. It seems Razia was in a bus and kept coughing, much to the annoyance of co-passengers. A kind old man gave her a tablet to swallow for instant relief. The coughing stopped. Grateful, Razia turned to the old man and asked what the pill was about. Straight faced, the man replied, “It was my shirt button!”
Sadly Ved Prakash Grover, who is a big one for Santosh’s jokes, was a little off-colour this morning. One member, who is invariably the first to arrive at the Garden and is the very heart and soul of the Club, he kept to himself, aloof and detached. It was unusual of him to be sitting all alone early morning, clutching a shoulder. Obviously, it was bothering him. But he soldiered through the exercises and in the end, admitted to getting some relief – though not complete.
Tara Chand Seth too was visibly under the weather. For the past three days (and nights), he has been continuously on the road between Pune, Mumbai and Surat without sleep. “More than sleep deprivation, my legs are giving way,” mumbled the 84-year-old. And yet, he had to show up early morning, lest he missed out on the ‘hansi-mazaak’ (fun and games) in the Garden.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Peena, lekin kam/ Khushi ho ya gam... No, no dear -- Khoob pienge ham/ Whisky ho ya rum/ Kyun ki jeene ka maza kuch toh aana chaahie/ Peene vaalo ko peene ka nasha chahiye!

Gate Meetings

Badmaash Company corners Shekhawat on Kerala 

Tabassum and Gulzar talk Kerala with Nafisa and Razia

Time was when we had one pit stop on our way to the exercises – the bench closest to the Garden gate. All those who arrived early hovered around that spot and on the dot of 7.00, when Sardar Teja Singh would arrive, we stood up and obediently walked up to start the day’s exercises.
We still follow this practice, but things are moving in reverse gear also. The stops have increased on our way out. People are simply loathe to leave the Garden. So when Harish Wadhwa commented on arguments over “some thought-provoking political issues” yesterday (see post), he was referring to the post-exercise session – which starts at the Garden gate and extends to the chai shop.
Not just the Badmaash Company. The ladies have their everyday frustrations to vent and this is the only chance they get during the day. Some like to show off, many love to gossip, some must crib about something, a few may seek help. Shekhawat has money to collect, Arora must get signatures, Ram Shankar Shukla requires a sounding board… and all their sentiments and emotions have to converge at the great Garden Gate.
What started as a hangout for smokers and then a meet-and-greet area for Garden regulars is now the centrifugal point for heated discussions on everything under the sun – from the BSE sensex to buying and selling motorcars to the latest in mobile phones to hazards of health food to airline discounts and of course, Aam Aadmi Party. These days, with the date of the Kerala tour drawing close, the gate meetings tend to revolve around 'Alibaba and his 40-member gang' and their idiosyncrasies.
The fun part is that everybody has an opinion, everybody wants to be heard and nobody likes to listen and nobody wants to concede an argument. Inevitably, the discussions extend to the next day – same time, same place – like a never-ending, soap opera LIVE.
Harish Wadhwa:
These gossip addas are ideal for unwinding and sharing opinions on any current issue. It is different that everyone wants to speak and assert his point of view -- naturally so, because that is a democratic right given to all by the Constitution. We may end up doing aisi-ki-taisi on many topics, but that is also our janam-sidh-adhikar, the right to speech and expression. So just go on and on... Ladies can do that non-stop, while men have to settle it over chai and then move on to catch up with work.

Location Change

Pushed to a corner... by garbage in the Garden

We had to shift location today for the exercises. Our old corner in the Garden was littered with mounds of rubbish, thanks to the Republic Day celebrations by members of the local Multani community who had forgotten to clean up behind them. The place was stinking to high heavens, attracting hordes of scavengers and low-flying crows.
We relocated at a distance – knowing well that we were precariously close to an apartment block that housed people hostile towards us. They had once raised hell and complained to the cops, in turn accusing us of raising hell every morning. Still, we took our chances this morning.
While on the Republic Day, Srichand Arora did

Sitaram's pic being circulated

something that warmed the cockles of many hearts. Knowing that Sitaram Hivarkar does not have access to a PC at home, he obtained a colour print-out of the picture from this blog (see post of January 26) where he is seen dancing in wild abandon in the China Hut. After everybody had a look at the pic, Arora casually gifted Sitaram the copy.
Nobody does this. What’s more, Arora said that left to himself, he would have made 40 prints of the group photo showing the national anthem being sung in chorus on Republic Day and distributed them to all members. The thought striking him was by itself highly commendable. A selfless gesture like this, however insignificant it might seem to others, explains how we have bonded together and survived as a cohesive group through thick and thin over the years.
Harish Wadhwa:
Well, the badmaash wing of the Club had a good time today arguing over some thought provoking political issues. Had it not been for paucity of time, the discussion could have got hot and sizzling.
Jagmohan Papneja:
First thing I did in the morning was to convey the horrible condition of the Garden to Celebration Club. They assured me on getting the area cleaned thoroughly by tomorrow and make it worthy for our exercise session.

Daily Grind

Nahid Khan takes us through today's routine

After a hectic, action-packed weekend, we were back to the grind this morning. A majority of those who attended the Republic Day celebrations in the Garden yesterday, stayed away today. The few who showed up were more anxious to relive the event as attention was drawn to its many high points – the way the entire Garden was drawn into the march, the medley of patriotic songs played on Harish Wadhwa's amplifier, the sumptuous samosas and luddoos served along with hot-hot tea, Sitaram Hivarkar breaking into an impromptu jig… “We should have recorded the event on video,” quipped Monthi Serrao.
“Who would have imagined that the entire celebration could have been wrapped up in 1,000 rupees only?” commented Arun Patil. “And there was no shortage of anything. Even the watchmen, milkman, juice wallah and the banana sellers outside the Garden got a share. Nobody was turned back.”
While pictures on the blog (yesterday’s post) serve as a reminder to all the fun and frolic, many demanded that we have more such events in future. Otherwise, life tends to fall into a rut – as today’s exercise routine proved. We labored through the motions and hurriedly called it a day.
Harish Wadhwa:
Too much planning often 'spoils' the mood while impromptu programs are a 'success' due to the surprise and curiosity factor. January 26 was one such day. Everyone enjoyed as it was informal -- oceans away from the formal and quotidian ways.
Jagmohan Papneja:
A sense of duty towards the nation emanates from the enthusiastic celebration of the Republic Day. It brought people from different walks of life to rejoice together and thereby, foster brotherhood. Other national festivals should be celebrated similarly.

Day 1183

Pic of the Week

Republic Day 2014

Jagmohan Papneja:
Today is the day to remember all those heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of India.
Aayo jhuk kar salaam kare unko / Jinke hissye mei yeh mukaam aata hai / Khush naseeb hota hai wo khun / Jo desh kay kaam aata hai! Happy Republic Day.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Lovely collage of pics indeed, Blog Monster -- especially the one where the small girl is leading the crowd. Superb timing and angle!
* Patriotism and the feelings behind it shows. I salute the spirit. God bless my motherland and our armed forces who guard the borders, braving all difficulties. Vande Mataram!

Love-Hate Banter

Razia Khan

The incessant love-hate banter between club president Srichand Arora and committee member Razia Khan hit a hilarious high this morning when the former revived his standard spiel on the need to maintain club discipline. He was particularly upset about Razia and her friend, Nafisa Sayyad going round and round the walking track even as the exercises had begun and the laughter session was almost over. So while taking charge in the middle, he first picked on another lady, Ruksana Khan for showing up late and before she could reply, turned to Razia. “At least YOU, as a committee member, should not be coming in late.

Purushottam Sharma

You should be setting an example by reporting before time,” he reprimanded her.
Razia made an attempt to explain that she was merely taking a walk, when Nafisa prompted her not to get into an argument. Arora overheard her and shot back advising them not to join the exercises if they were so keen on walking. “So we will stop coming for the exercises from now on,” chirped Razia and Nafisa. But Arora was not giving up: “Do you think I am a fool standing here while you people continue with your walk?”

Mysore paak from Monthi Serrao

“Does that require saying?” interjected Nahid Khan, raising a volley of laughter.
Nafisa noticed that for a change, Arora was quick on the uptake and responding to every oblique comment being made. She peered close into his ear and detected a skin-coloured hearing aid tucked in discreetly. “Dekho dekho!” she exclaimed. “He has a machine fitted into his ears. He can hear us. Be careful what you say!!!” This time Arora pretended not to hear her but Nafisa had her last laugh.
Witness to these playful jibes and free-flowing banter was our old friend, Puroshottam Sharma. He is back from Delhi, but briefly and seemed to enjoy being in the midst of our crazy antics. After all, he is one of the founding fathers of the Club. And in his honour, Monthi Serrao had a box of sinfully tempting mysore-paak ready – a fitting finale to a joyous and entertaining morning.

R-Day Preparation

Arora makes Republic Day announcement

Scramble for Tara Chand's 'sweets from U.P.'

Over the past couple of years, national day celebrations have come to assume great importance in the Club’s calendar. What began with the cursory waving of paper flags and singing of the national anthem had turned into a full-fledged celebration on August 15 last year with Monthi Serrao, tricolor held aloft, proudly leading the Independence Day march around the Garden (see post). This year, the same patriotic fervor is being drummed up for the day-after-tomorrow – Republic Day.
Making the announcement this morning, Srichand Arora appealed to all members to assemble for the celebration early morning even as it is a Sunday. He said that we shall raise the Indian tricolor and circumambulate the walking track, following which there would be a brief ceremony of singing the national anthem. Light refreshments and tea would be served to all participants.
Most importantly, he urged that this tradition should never be broken and is carried forward diligently, year after year, by the Club.
As expected, curiosity mounted on what the “light refreshments” would constitute with some members requesting Arora to kindly spell out what he had in mind. Many cheekily asked if they should get their wine and champagne glasses also to celebrate. When Arora replied that he was “bound by a budget sanctioned by the treasurer of the Club”, the pranksters offered to bring their own soda if some kind soul agreed to foot the bill for the rest. Nobody volunteered.
Instead, Tara Chand Seth offered some jaggery-coated “mithai from U.P.” he had picked up on a recent trip to Lucknow. He was there on his way back from Delhi to attend a family wedding – and had thought of us. He could not remember what the sweets were called, but that did not matter. The soft crunchy delicacy was completely out of this world -- something none of us had ever tasted earlier.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Consumption of alcohol in a public place is prohibited. If the police catch you drunk in a public place, they might arrest or place you in custody if it is necessary for your safety. Please be careful in this matter.

Exercise or Excuse

Hari Singh Shekhawat

There is a reason why we report to the Garden every morning. It is to exercise. But for much of the time we are there, we do everything but exercise. We listen to music, gossip, play the fool, stuff ourselves with food, make plans for the future, commiserate, celebrate… No wonder a majority of members drop in at the fag-end of the exercises – just to be part of this action.
The best example of one who takes exercising so seriously is Hari Singh Shekhawat. Forever restless, it is hard to find this man ever with both feet on the ground. If he isn’t dancing to music in the exercise circle, he could be away accosting someone on the walking track, or hailing a long-lost friend at a distance or counting currency notes for some Club program.
As leader of a gang of 40 (see post of January 20) to Kerala, Shekhawat is exceptionally busy these days. The latest is that he must collect an extra Rs800 from everybody in the next few days.

What are they talking about?

And he must exercise also and do his yoga as well. But the funniest part is the way he walks out of the yoga session nonchalantly whenever a small crowd gathers outside the China Hut. For, he must also know everything happening around.
Curiosity drew him out today, the moment he saw some ladies chatting with Srichand Arora. He hung around, figured they were discussing the Republic Day, realized it was none of his business and withdrew. Within minutes, he came bounding out, this time to check why the ladies were laughing over Monthi Serrao’s mobile phone. Again he realized it was none of his business. Quietly he retreated and resumed his yoga.
Amid all the fun and frolic, it was gratifying to see a smile light up Santosh Tyagi’s face after a long time. We all knew she was keen to join the Kerala tour but could not, because her son required constant medical attention at home. She looked incredibly worried. Before long, the issue blew over and much to everybody’s delight, Santosh declared one morning that she would be able to join the Kerala tour.

Santosh Tyagi

Within a day she reversed her decision as her grand-daughter had taken ill. Tearfully, she excused herself even as everyone consoled her that it was only a temporary setback and by February 10, the child would be hale and hearty and that Santosh should proceed with her bookings. Distraught, she simply walked away, refusing to listen to anyone.
That was when, without her knowledge, a train ticket was booked for her – just in case she changes her mind again. Since it was wait-listed, it could always be cancelled. But more importantly, she would be saved from booking an air ticket at an exorbitant price at the eleventh hour. Besides, she wouldn’t feel pushed about Kerala and could focus on her grandchild because she was unaware of the train booking.
Sure enough, Santosh changed her mind again and this morning, informed that the child was recovering. She wondered if a ticket could be booked now, even if it were wait-listed. Her look of surprise and relief when told that a ticket had already been booked for her secretly was what we were waiting to see. It made our day.

Stepping Into 74…

"Will you still love me when I am 104?"

Srichand Arora became a year older today. He turned 73 and much as he clarified that he was stepping into his 74th year, everyone decided to treat him as a toddler. Many, in fact, insisted he was “yet to be born” -- at least, till such time he gave us a “royal treat”. He did his best, even driving all the way up to his favorite phapda-jalebi joint near Andheri Railway Station, but drew a blank. The shop was closed.
That gave members all the more reason to take digs at him. Razia Khan was at her mischievous best, repeatedly rubbing in the yet-to-be-born line, while Nafisa Sayyad settled for Arora being no more than a one year old.

Tara Chand Seth

Either way this meant ignoring his presence and taking the cue, the chatterboxes broke loose, continuously joking and laughing during the exercises. Arora picked on Khatoon Baig and was told in no uncertain terms to clam up. “You cannot scold us today,” she reminded him.
Indeed, today was a special. Not only did we have a full house, but many non-members like G.R.Garg, who are scarcely seen these days, showed up especially to felicitate Arora.

Bihari Milwani wishes Arora in style

His good old friend, Bihari Milwani brought him a beautiful laminated card with lines like “We Wish A Wish For You, The Wish We Wish For You Is The Wish We Wish For…” emblazoned in large type. Significantly, the notice board at the Garden gate this morning also carried a philosophical birthday quote, befitting the occasion.
With so many well-wishers around and their expectations mounting, Arora could not obviously leave everyone high and dry. Jagmohan Papneja suggested he postpone the celebration by a day (or perhaps, to the week-end) by which time, the phapda-jalebi shop should re-open. Garg advised making daily morning trips before the exercises to check if the shop had opened. “We will wait till then,” he joked.
But Arora, needed something for moonh meetha today, even if it were to be stop-gap arrangement. He tried getting srikhand, but supplies were inadequate. Ultimately, he ended up with a box of pedas from Vyanjan and when his wife, Kiran gave him the first bite (and he reciprocated in like manner), the celebrations began. It was truly well worth the wait.
The other happy occasion of the day was Tara Chand’s return – after three months – from Delhi. Age appears to have caught up with him, but he was in high spirits and was overjoyed to be part of Arora’s birthday bash. “I have come back on the right day,” he kept telling everyone gleefully.
Jagmohan Papneja:
I hope today marks the beginning of another wonderful year for you. Happy Birthday Arora-ji.

'A-1 Weather!'

Surya Namaskar... but still the sun did not come out in the morning

The sun did not come up this morning. The skies remained overcast and for the first time in a winter, we were treated to a light drizzle. It was god-sent and nobody ran anywhere for shelter.
When we can enjoy such weather here in Mumbai, why should anyone visit Europe? In fact, it was more like pre-monsoon London – the early morning haze, droplets in the air, a wet temperate chill, the faint aroma of the soft earth that comes with the season’s first showers…
As the Garden watchman remarked, this was “A-1 mausam”!
Somehow, Sunita Jajodia felt nervous and insisted we shift to the China Hut lest we get drenched and catch a cold. She found some support in Arun Patil, but when reminded that nobody in Mumbai catches pneumonia, both kept quiet. Nahid Khan, as usual, poked fun at those who were worried about “dissolving in rain water”. But if anybody missed wearing the Club cap, it was Santosh Tyagi. She wrapped a dupatta snugly around her head and soon many others like Geeta Sardhana, Nafisa Sayyad and Khatoon Baig followed suit. But by and large, it was wonderful to see people celebrating the unseasonal rain by getting wet in their colorful woolens.
Such a morning comes but rarely in our lives.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Clouds come floating into our life, no longer to carry rain, but to add color to our sunset sky.

‘Alibaba & 40…’

Kerala Trip: Arun Patil wants to hire a bus

Nafisa Sayyad is unsparing towards Arora (in shorts)

With exactly 20 days to go, Bijoy Gupta and his wife today formally cancelled their reservations for the Kerala trip next month. Razia Khan had opted out earlier citing domestic compulsions. And her good friend and neighbor, Nafisa Sayyad declared that she cannot go without Razia. In effect, she too has withdrawn from the tour.
This leaves Shekhawat with his 40-member band of merry men and women headed for 'Gods own country’ on February 10. Funnily, by rustling up this distinctive number, Shekhawat has willy-nilly earned himself a new name -- Alibaba. The rest of course, is left unsaid – though many insist on teasing him and the group in half-sentences: “Alibaba and his 40…”
Not that it matters really. But Santosh Tyagi seems to have taken this too close to heart and in a bid to save the troupe from any further ignominy, has offered to join them and thereby, raise Shekhawat’s score to 41. Even a Tatkal railway reservation will do for her.
And then, there’s Tara Chand Seth (expected the day after) also who is supposed to be "interested" in going to Kerala. Besides, there is a likelihood of Shekhawat’s relative(s) from Jaipur joining the group directly at Kochi. So chances are Shekhawat will not have to live with the Alibaba appellation for too long and all the leg-pulling associated with it will subside eventually.
Meanwhile, Arun Patil has come up with the proposal of hiring a bus to ferry group members to LTT Terminus on February 10 so that everyone can board the Netravati Express on time. He says that the station is located at the back of beyond and many would have a hard time reaching there. But hiring a bus would mean everyone shall have to pool in additional money – something both Shekhawat and Arora are reluctant about. Arun insists on taking a common consensus and organize things by himself.
Amid all these serious discussions on Kerala, Nafisa provided some comic relief by picking on Arora again (see post of January 18). Clapping ecstatically, she observed that Arora had come wearing his shorts and cap. And for added effect, she pointed out: “He has covered his top but left his trousers behind”!
Now, how was Arora supposed to respond to this? Guess.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Santosh-ji's decision to join the tour, though late, is a welcome step. So is the case of Tara Chand Seth. A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving.
Harish Wadhwa:
It appears 'blue' is favorite colour for many in this group.

Day 1176

Pic of the Week

ACTION REPLAY... LIFE GOES ON!

Jagmohan Papneja:
I have learnt that sometimes, all that a person needs is a hand to hold and the heart to understand. Keep smiling... Life goes on.
Harish Wadhwa:
It takes two kind-hearted men to jive in sync like this. Wow, what a lovely pic and what lovely expressions. Well-captured moment, Blog Monster.

Ladies Only!

Ladies gherao Teja Singh... after taking their boxes

Now we know why there are more women in the Club than men. It pays to be a woman. And it pays even more when Sardar Teja Singh Bhambra gets in the mood to celebrate – as it happened today. He took us all by surprise declaring that “only ladies” would be entitled to the breakfast boxes he had brought as an extended celebration to his birthday. (He had given us two-two boxes barely five days back.) The move was greeted with stunned silence, leaving the males with little else but to quietly suck their thumbs.
Srichand Arora however, was not one to give up easily. While all the men withdrew meekly from the scene, he made a brave, last ditch attempt to claim a box of the goodies.

Nafisa Sayyad

He announced that he was willing to go home and quickly change into women’s clothes if that would be acceptable to Sardarji.
The proposal was rejected outright.
Clearly, it was not Arora’s day. He came in late, dressed in grey track pants (instead of his regulation shorts) to beat the bitter morning cold, only to be greeted by an over-excited Nafisa Sayyad in the midst of the exercises.

Srichand Arora

She observed that not only had Arora left his half-pants behind, he was without his cap as well. “He is all dressed up below, but has left his top empty!” she remarked. Arora pretended not to have heard and walked up to hear her correctly. She responded by vividly demonstrating in sign language how a man takes the trouble to wear trousers only to forget covering his head. Arora understood. Then, in order to console him, she added: “It must have been very tiresome for you to wear full pants today!”
As for Teja Singh, there is a back story to the extended treat today. Some ladies had complained (in light vein, of course) that they had been deprived of his fabulous birthday treat on January 13 as they had not come to the Garden that morning. Unaware of their mischievous nature, Sardarji took them seriously. He promised to make amends and today, instead of being selective, gave an additional box even to the ladies who had taken their share of double boxes earlier.
This became hugely embarrassing for all and as Sunita Jajodia put it, it left everyone with “a guilty feeling”. Sardarji dismissed it by gamely blaming his son for bringing the boxes. Harbans Kaur had a long session educating Sardarji on never to take anybody (or anything) in the Garden seriously. “We are mad people, you have to accept that!” added Razia Khan, who led the gherao around Sardarji. But the best piece of advice was to come from Monthi Serrao: “We will take this as an advance treat. Next year on your birthday, you need not treat us.”
Pat came the reply: “On the contrary, I’ll give a double treat. I shall be completing 75 then!”
Harish Wadhwa:
* Sadde Sardar Shri Teja Singh-ji da dil 'double' wadda hai. Is liye, woh jo vhee karde ne, sachhe dil to(n) te, sabnu double khushiyaan den wastey karden nein. Jug-jug jiyo dar-ji. Twanu saari khushiyaan Rab deve.

Booking Closed

Harbans Kaur pays her share for the Kerala tour

The booking window for the Kerala trip is closed. With Harbans Kaur paying her share of the expenses, Shekhawat today declared that he will no longer be entertaining any request for inclusion in the troupe nor will he be “phoning defaulters” who have failed to pay up so far. He said he was content with a contingent of 40 and anybody who may still be interested to join, will have to make his/her arrangements.
This marks the culmination of a tedious month-long exercise that began with block reservations of rail and air tickets for the 44 members who had expressed interest initially. By and large, everyone would be travelling by train from Mumbai on February 10 and on the return journey, a dozen-odd are booked by air. Arrangements for local travel and stay have been entrusted to a Kochi-based tour operator brought in by Naseem Khan of the yoga group. The seven-day itinerary would cover Kochi – Munnar – Thekkady – Allepey – Kumarakom – Kochi.
Significantly, most of the biggies of the Club, including Srichand Arora, Shekhawat, Yusuf Rassiwala, Nahid Khan and Monthi Serrao would be on this trip. Jagmohan Papneja would be away to Chandigarh around that time. Santosh Tyagi will be unable to go as she has to attend to her son who has just undergone a major surgery.

Shekhawat is done with the Kerala bookings

Likewise, Razia Khan has withdrawn from the tour because her husband too has undergone an operation recently. Nafisa Sayyad has pleaded she’d be unable to go in the absence of Razia Khan.
On the other hand, there’s Tara Chand Seth who wants to join, but is unable to commit till he returns to Mumbai (from Lucknow) on January 21. He is prepared to undertake the journey to-and-fro by air. There is also a group of five ladies who frequent the Garden and are interested to join in – just that they don’t have the “confidence” without their menfolk. Shekhawat has now summarily closed the door on them – unless of course, they make their own arrangements.
That leaves the Gupta couple, who had earlier been to Kashmir, Amritsar, Vaishno Devi etc. with the Club. Bijoy Gupta has paid for the train tickets but has since been playing hide-and-seek on paying for the hotel bookings. Shekhawat is at his wit’s end phoning him because Gupta neither takes his call nor does he return his calls. “I'll make one final call to him when I board the train,” says Shekhawat exasperatedly. “I'll tell him 'ta-ta bye-bye'!”
Jagmohan Papneja:
If anyone of you has not received your ticket, please check the status. If your ticket is reserved and confirmed, kindly reach the venue on time. Else you may miss the trip.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Organising a trip is no joke and requires good planning and management. I appreciate 'Big Boss' Shekhawat-ji shouldering the responsibility with his trusted aides. Start dreaming of 'Karela' -- back waters boating, tea gardens, banana chips, appam, Chinese nets... I can bet you people will have a real good and memorable trip.
* By the way, aaj kisi ka janam-din ya koi aur celebration nahin tha kya?

Too Much Too Soon

A proud mother celebrates her son's birthday

In keeping with the unbroken train of morning treats, today Khatoon Baig celebrated her son, Naved’s birthday with pedas and salties. We had a full house as people had come expecting the goodies. Khatoon had made the announcement in advance – just that Jagmohan Papneja beat her to the ‘slot’ for January 15 (yesterday’s post) which was the day Naved was born. So, belated though it was, we raised an extra laaf for him and through his mother, conveyed our blessings and good wishes on the occasion. Indeed, the Club shares Khatoon’s pride on seeing the boy progress so rapidly in life – both on a personal level and professionally. And we all know, he will do still better.
But then, if truth be told, these unending back-to-back treats are no longer fun. We started with Qadeer Bano’s birthday on January 1 and since then there has been a series of celebrations on one pretext or the other -- courtesy Srichand Arora, Bhaswati Bose, Mumtaz Jahan, Dilip Babani, Teja Singh Bhambra (twice), Sunita Jajodia, Mohan Kanwar Shekhawat, Sitaram Hivarkar, Jagmohan Papneja, and now Khatoon Baig. People get out in the morning to exercise and burn calories and here we are accumulating calories. We exercise by laughing and now people laugh at us as we hungrily wolf down whatever is offered every morning. Anybody reading this blog would also imagine that we have nothing better to do than eat, eat... and eat.
It’s time we put a check on our greed. And take a break from these breakfast treats -- however well-intended they might be.
Bhaswati Bose:
Treats are always welcome. Those who feel they are putting on weight should exercise for an additional hour. But the yummmmmy treats must continue. The more the merrier!
Jagmohan Papneja:
I am not a specialist, but from my personal experience I can say that eating after an exercise is good. Of course, a lot depends on what you eat. Good food helps replenish the glycogen used up during exercises.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Hungama hai kyuon barpa / Thodi si jo KHA li hai!!!
* Looking at the raining treats and celebrations, I am tempted to join the exercises at the Garden again (LOL). Look at all the eyes gazing sharply at the pedas! The pic would have been excellent with a wide-angle view of the full crowd. I am sure it would carry no different expressions.

Two-some Treat

Many happy returns of the day, Jagmohan Papneja

It was Jagmohan Papneja’s turn today to feed us in the morning. He was born exactly 68 years to the day and to celebrate the occasion, he treated us to kaju barfi laced with rose-flavored milk and an exotic mix of spicy lentil shreds, nuts, raisin, rice and corn flakes, peas, sesame and watermelon seeds. In return, we clapped and sang paens of praise to the Creator for having sent such a kind and generous gentleman to earth and wished him many happy returns of the day.
We also raised an extra round of laughter in Papneja’s honour. Years later, when the history of mankind is written, future generations will learn about this noble soul who had walked the lanes of

Yusuf R puts his autograph

Lokhandwala, herded the old and infirm to Kokilaben Hospital (as also to many health camps), served on the committees of Lions’ Club, Rotary, Senior Citizens’ Brotherhood and Big Laaf and actually, used to exercise with us in Garden No 4. Long live Jagmohan Papneja and once again, a Hap-Hap Happy Birthday!

Scramble for Sitaram Hivarkar's tilgul luddoos

If that treat was not enough, there was Sitaram Hivarkar who remembered about the tilgul luddoos he was supposed to bring yesterday (on Makar Sankranti). Every year he has been bringing us this divine home-made sweetball and for once, he was late by a day. In fact, many were missing those luddoos and had even asked him for their “share” yesterday. And so, when he appeared this morning carrying a bulky polythene bag to the exercises, Arun Patil announced jubilantly, “Maal aa gaya!” Shekhawat also jumped with joy and waited for Sitaram to distribute the luddoos before leaving for his medical check-up at Colaba.
Away from all the hoopla over this double treat, Srichand Arora sat at a distance, a worried man. He had wrapped up the formalities for the Club registration, but for one signature on the papers – Yusuf Rassiwala’s. Repeated phone calls to his place yielded no response. Ultimately, at the post-exercise session of Badmaash Company, he got through with Harish Wadhwa’s phone and summoned Rassiwala to the chai shop for his autograph. The latter had just woken up, but came running in his bed clothes and did the needful by the roadside, much to Arora’s relief.
The papers will be submitted to the Registrar/ Charity Commissioner tomorrow.
Jagmohan Papneja:
I would like to thank all of you and confess how wonderful it feels to have friends who can join in my birthday. The blog's appreciation and kind words (whether I deserve that much) made my day really special.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Happy Birthday once again, Papneja-ji. I liked the way the blog talked of the "next generation" and "history of mankind be re-written" etc. and how a "noble soul" will be remembered. Wow, I am sure Mrs Papneja is convinced by this blog that she married the best man in town then! Well you deserve it, as you indeed are a noble soul.
* By the way, are you likely to celebrate your birthday again sometime again this year? I will make sure that I am present then.

Overlapping Festivals

Today was Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the day that commemorates the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad and celebrates his teachings. It was also Makar Sankranti, the day that marks the transition of the sun into Makara or the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It was also Pongal for the Tamilians. And Bhogali Bihu for the Assamese. And Uttarayan for the Gujaratis. And Shishur Saenkraat for the Kashmiris…
But Srichand Arora, in his infinite wisdom, decided to turn the calendar ahead and designated the day as Cheti Chand (which actually falls on April 1 this year). With so many tongue-twisting festivals colliding on the same day, who were we to dispute, least of all, the president of the Club? And so we willingly allowed ourselves to be 'April fooled' before time and obediently clapped and chanted “Cheti Chand-Cheti Chand Waah!”

Digging in Mrs Shekhawat's bag for tilgul luddoos

Our willing suspension of disbelief was well worth it. For, we were soon rewarded with the most sought after delicacy of the season, tilgul laddoos prepared by Mrs Shekhawat. The soft, crunchy confection (made of sesame seeds and molasses) is a must-have on Makar Sankranti. But more than that, meeting Mrs Mohan Kanwar Shekhawat after a long time was by itself a blessing. The gentle, soft-spoken lady has been keeping a low profile because of indifferent health and an undiagnosed problem akin to vertigo -- except that the giddiness seizes her even when she is not at any height.
Meanwhile, Khatoon Baig has raised a pertinent issue. For long, she has been wanting to give us a treat to celebrate her son, Naved’s birthday. She says it is overdue and that she owes it to us. But she is unable to find a suitable “slot” because the daily morning treats have been scheduled almost back-to-back since the New Year’s.
After great difficulty, Khatoon managed to reserve January 15, i.e. tomorrow for her son’s treat. But now, as it turns out, it is Jagmohan Papneja’s birthday tomorrow. He says he has “already made preparations” and cannot possibly shift his treat to any other date. Nobody wants two treats to clash and so Khatoon will now have to look out for another “slot” for herself. Tentatively, she has settled for January 16 – provided nobody now gets in her way.
Harish Wadhwa:
Til-gul dhya/ Gad-Bad bola!(corrupted deliberately)
Jagmohan Papneja:
TIL hum hai aur gul aap/ MITHAI hum hai aur mithas aap... SAAL ke pahale tyohar se ho aaj SHURUWAT, Aap ko hamari taraf se "Happy Makar Sankranti". ALSO Eid Milad-ul-Nabi... sab ko mubarak ho.

Lucky 13

HAPPY LOHRI!

Who says '13' is an unlucky number?
Well, all those who bunked the exercises today will have reasons to say so. And all those who left the warmth of their homes early morning and braved the freezing cold outside will never regret coming to the Garden today. Indeed, February 13 turned out to be one of our luckier days.
Yes, it was Lohri, the harvest festival celebrated in north India (mainly by Punjabis) to mark the winter solstice and the onset of spring. A ceremonial lighting of the community bonfire had been scheduled for the evening. But on our part, we ushered in the festival at sunrise with the ritual clapping and singing of “Happy Lohri”. And Jagmohan Papneja, in a rare invocation of the Dulla Bhatti legend, rattled off “Sundar mundree ho/ Tera kaun vichara ho/ Dulla Bhatti wala ho/ Dulhe di dhee vyayhee ho!” with Ved Prakash Grover providing the sound effects at appropriate points.
But that was more of a side show. The real celebration was of Teja Singh Bhambra’s 74th birthday, which came as a big surprise. For one, his birthday was yesterday and for another, he had just celebrated his return to the Garden barely four days back (see post) with pethas from Faridabad, the taste of which is still fresh in our mouth. But the generous soul that he is, he came today carrying a huge bag, full with 'breakfast boxes' of fresh sandwiches, gulaab-jamun, salted cashew…
Clearly, he had accounted for the usual complement of 30-odd who attend the exercises regularly every morning. But since more than half the members did not turn up today (due to the cold), their loss was our gain. Sardar-ji was is no mood to take back their share and we all ended up with two boxes each!
More than receiving double our due, what struck us most about this genial Sikh gent was his large-heartedness. Obviously, to him, lavishing a treat is not a formality (as it is for some of us), but a gesture that is sincere and loaded with love. Much as he appears silent and self-effacing for the most part, his actions speak louder than words. We have a lot to learn from him.
May our dear Sardar-ji be showered with all the goodness of the universe and enjoy good health and abundant happiness in life. That’s the least we wish for him on his birthday.
Harish Wadhwa:
Oye, inni soni pag te sweater pa ke sade aziz te saheb, Shri Teja Singh-ji, bahoon vadiya te jawan lag rahe ene. Janam din dee te Lohri dee, twanu lakh lakh vadhayiyan! Jug-jug jiyo, te ral-mil ke khushiyon naal jiyo, bas yehi upar wale da ashirwad hove.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Though the Lohri festival has no religious significance, it holds great social relevance. And Sardar Teja Singh-ji has celebrated it as a day of imparting love to one and all. Gulaab-jamun di mithaas, salted cashew di darkar dil di khushi, te sardar-ji da pyar... Mubarak hove tuhanu LOHRI da tyohaar!

Day 1169

Pic of the Week

TWO PEOPLE BORN TODAY, BUT SEPARATED BY SEVEN DECADES ... 

Happy Birthday SARDAR TEJA SINGH and BABY JIYA JAJODIA!!!

Jagmohan Papneja:
May God bless both of you on your birthday and every day in every way!
Harish Wadhwa:
* Janam-din di twanu dher sari shubkamnayen Daar-ji. Babaji-ji te Rab twanu lambi umar, khushiyan te changi sehat bhakshe.
* Thanks also for the lovely goodies tomorrow morning.

Riproarious Morning

Gran'ma and Jiya

Baby between two teddies

Yet another riproarious morning of hysterical laughter, crazy music, lip-smacking pedas, piping hot tea… but it was a celebration with a difference. One-year-old Jiya Jajodia was there. Grand-ma Sunita Jajodia had brought the child to the Garden to celebrate her first birthday with us. Her mother was also there. And that was what made all the difference.
Santosh Tyagi had also brought her five-year-old grand-daughter, Krutika for the first time – evidently to show her what a wild bunch we can be. And she was not disappointed. For, in the presence of kids, we tend to go berserk... eager to outdo them at their game. Last Saturday, Tian Serrao (see post) was witness to how we only need an excuse to re-enact our childhood.

A bewildered Kruttika

Mother and child

Today, it was the turn of two more muppets.
But before that, Srichand Arora, in his capacity as president of the Club, gifted Jiya a yellow teddy her size. Sunita opened her box of pedas and with the chai-wallah on call, it was one long session of photo-ops with the baby moving from lap to lap and posing for pics. In the biting cold of the morning, nothing could be any better to charge us up.
Finally, we got to extract a promise from Sunita to bring the baby back on her next birthday, same time same place. What's more, Jiya has been admitted as 'honorary' life-member of the Club -- like Tian was, four years back.