'PK' Fallout

Razia Khan is all fire and brimstone

The effects of the folly in overlooking the erstwhile ‘yoga group’ for the last Pehchaan Kaun (PK) contest (ref yesterday’s post) spilled into the Garden today. Barring the winner, Monthi Serrao, none of the other contestants had taken Fehmida Khan into reckoning – just because she was from the ‘yoga group’. But instead of gracefully acknowledging the mistake, the blame was turned around conveniently as a lapse on the part of the Club management. Why were the new members (in particular Fehmida) not introduced to us?
Now, this has never happened before. No introductions have ever been required for any member, once admitted. Yet even Santosh Tyagi (who had wrongly pitched for Mallika Kagzi yesterday) was insistent: “We are not aware of any of them. We don’t know what they look like. Earlier, before admitting someone in the Club, the consent of all members used to be taken.

Shekhawat introduces Rakhi Bansi (in dark glasses)

Nothing of the sort was done for this new set from the yoga group.”
Razia Khan was even more belligerent. Taking off from her caustic comments on the blog yesterday (see post), she went hammer and tongs on why rules were being bent, if not broken for the benefit of new members. Shekhawat tried to pacify her by explaining that no rule has been broken and the permission to admit the ‘yoga group’ was duly obtained from the general body at the meeting in Chhota Kashmir almost two months back – just that Razia was not there.
Still, in order to purchase peace, Shekhawat introduced Razia to three ‘new’ members – Rakhi Bansi, Naseem Khan and Banoo Apa – who just happened to be hanging around. He had no clue where the others were. “I cannot possibly get all 11-12 of them at one time to line up for you and be introduced,” he added cheerfully.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
A new member is usually welcomed with a club cap. Similarly, for women, a senior lady member may put the cap on. This should do for the introduction of a new member.
Razia Khan:
I agree with Lt Col Angad Singh that a new member is always welcomed with a club cap. Nobody is blaming the club management. We are just trying to convey our opinion in a very healthy manner. A healthy discussion should always be welcomed by all of us. I would like to request you to please mention the names of new members on the blog. Personal introduction can be carried out as and when they make themselves available, because some members do not come to the garden regularly and some do not come at all. I would like to further request you to please explain to the members about the bye-laws. It will help all the members understand the rules and regulations which should be followed. This might be a burden to you, but I think along with all the fun, frolic and happenings in the garden if such important discussions also make news in the blog it would be fruitful for everyone. I hope you won't mind. Thanks a billion.
Big Laaf replies:
If only everybody could be as broadminded and large-hearted as Razia... Clearly, she has articulated what could also be bothering others. The practice adopted religiously is that the moment any member is admitted, the president/ secretary/ treasurer would give the green signal for the name to be put on the blog. Within 24 hours the name would show on the side bar under OUR FAMILY. It is the most authentic and updated list we have and occupies a permanent position, day after day, year after year. Fehmida Khan's name has been there as one of the earliest 'new members' to join. Please check, along with the rest. As for the bye-laws, the point has been noted and the needful will be done at the next general body meeting. Thank you once again, Razia -- for your magnanimity.