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.