Pedas or Samosas

Jagmohan Papneja reads out the items on his agenda

Heated discussions on the menu for Independence Day

We have a long week-end ahead. Tomorrow is August 15, Independence Day. Saturday and Sunday follow. Then there’s Janam Ashtami on Monday, another public holiday. Taking advantage of the four back-to-back holidays, Santosh Tyagi and Mallika Kagzi among others are heading out of Mumbai with their families for an extended vacation. The weather is fine and any break from the routine should be exciting.
But what happens to the rest of us in the Garden?
Well, to keep us suitably engaged, Jagmohan Papneja today formally gave notice for the AGM (annual general body meeting) at China Hut on August 16, Saturday. This is a procedural requirement we must abide by and from the looks of it, everyone was in agreement with the agenda he read out this morning.
On the Independence Day celebrations, Srichand Arora briefed us on the drill to be followed tomorrow -- which is largely like last year’s (see post of August 15, 2013), except that Geeta Sardana would lead the march around the Garden this time. Arora would bring the tricolor from home, Arun would arrange for the music, Harish will get his amplifier, Bose will get the danda for the jhanda…
And now for the fun part: What will we eat?
Here are the many voices which constituted the main discussion this morning –
“We will have luddoos like last year.” “No, let’s get samosas for a change.” “We had samosas the other day, remember?" "So let’s settle for pedas then.” “Yes, pedas are fine and they come cheaper than luddoos and samosas!” “Let’s not talk money yaar…” “Why not? There’ll be outsiders and you cannot refuse anybody.” “But why do you want anything sweet early morning?” “Phaphda-jalebi is besht.” “Yes, phapda-jalebi is besht!” “But I don’t like phapda-jalebi.” “Then you decide.” “We will have samosas.” "No, better to have luddoos." “Do you know how much it will cost?” “We will have to provide for at least 50 people!” “Don’t talk money yaar…”
The inconclusive debate was finally brought to a head by Arora: “Let’s give everybody one-one Eclair. What's wrong with a toffee?” “Great idea, we’ll have toffee tomorrow!” Settled. Talk of an anti-climax!
Jagmohan Papneja:
Nearby, at Garden No 4, the flag hoisting ceremony by the Lokhandwala Residents' Association will be at 8:00 am. At the Celebration Club, it will be at 9:00 am. At both these places, the ceremony would be followed by a variety of delicious Indian snacks, including the items mentioned in this Blog. Entry is free and open to all.