Rains Again

Most were seated as Nahid Khan conducts the exercises

Another dark and bleak morning. But not as wet as it was yesterday. The heavens showed some mercy and the rains came down in phases, allowing us to exercise in the open shed. Some had a problem with the dripping roof; but surely, it was better than being in the dark confines of the China Hut and having to inhale one another’s breath.
After yesterday’s maniacal downpour (see post), it did not come as any surprise that many like Geeta Sardhana and Monthi Serrao took an off today. Some others like Razia Khan, Yusuf Rassiwala and Mallika Kagzi have been keeping away from the Garden for long, not willing to take chances in the foul weather. Significantly, it is not the fear of getting wet but the very real danger of contracting water-borne diseases in the rains that is proving to be a major deterrent these days.
Apart from fever, body aches and breathing problems which intensify during the monsoons, the incidence of viral infection has been alarming this year in the Club.

Santosh Tyagi feeds a modak

Santosh Tyagi could not exercise standing for long and required a chair midway to continue. Already Ved Prakash Grover and Ruksana Khan are doing most of the exercises seated. Ram Shankar Shukla also needed a chair today. At one point, barring just three people, all the others (including Jagmohan Papneja and Sunita Jajodia) were seated while Nahid Khan was conducting the exercises.
The monsoon extracts such a heavy price in terms of fitness. It saps physical strength and brings down energy levels. The saddest part is that many of us are suddenly looking old (and tired out). The signs of ageing become all too apparent when present-day photographs are compared with those taken five years back when this blog was launched.
Meanwhile, on a happier note, Santosh Tyagi shared with us the prasad from the Ganesh Puja she had held at her place. In spite of her nagging back pain, she looked unusually happy and content for having been able to worship an idol of the deity installed in her home for the first time. And needless to mention, the modaks were marvelous!
Jagmohan Papneja:
Daily physical exercise is an important determinant of health. Yet many members choose to be absent. Heavy rains and cold and hot weather have been the main barriers for them to take part in exercise.