Soixante-neuf

Shekhawat's 'gud-gud boley' with til luddoos 

Yesterday Sunita Jajodia rang in Makar Sankranti with revdis early morning (see post). Today it was Shekhawat’s turn. Apparently there’s some confusion over the exact date of the festival. Nobody is quite sure when the sun had sneaked into the zodiac sign of makar rashi (Capricorn), kick starting the festivities this year.
Shekhawat had brought along soft, crunchy til luddoos like last year – something that his wife makes so well and is much sought after, especially by the dentally challenged. But more than that, what took the cake (and the bakery with it) was Jagmohan Papneja’s exceptional birthday treat – fresh hot samosas with spongy cupcakes to be downed with chilled elaichi-flavoured homogenized milk. This is one man who knows how to celebrate in style and he does it every time with rare class and panache.
Jagmohan turned 69 today, but in blue fitted jeans and red-‘n’-black striped white T-shirt he looked not a day older than 49.

Jagmohan's birthday bash: Don't miss the No 69 pasted on his chest

And yet for the benefit of those in doubt, he displayed prominently on his chest a large sticker stating the number, ‘69’ in red. Now you could interpret that any way. But knowing Jagmohan and his penchant for tongue-in-cheek humour, this was his way of announcing that he is indeed young at heart and very much raring to go!
Lest anybody gets some naughty ideas, 69 is an “angel number” by the Book of Spiritual Laws. It is a combination of the vibrations of 6 (signifying love, grace, dignity and responsibility) and 9 (denoting intuition, leadership, humility and inner strength) and together, they signify awakening, light working and enlightenment. With these attributes in abundance, Jagmohan should well be ready to receive from his “angels” all that he deserves for a major upgrade in life.
In case all this sounds like jiggery-pokery, simply take the BEST bus on Route No 69 between Museum (opposite Regal Cinema) and Sewree. It cuts across some very colorful and interesting parts of Mumbai and then the significance of that sticker ‘69’ will be clear. Keep smiling, Jagmohan-ji!
Srichand Arora:
Wow, Jagmohan-ji tussi great ho yara! Wish you a very Happy Birthday. Ek maa ke dodh ka doosara Jagmohan-ji ke dodh ka karj utarana mushkil hi nahin, namumkin hai!!!
Kiran Prakash:
Jagmohan-ji, I wish you a very Happy Birthday and many happy returns of the day. I pray to God that He showers His choicest blessings and you continue to grow in your personal and professional life. Though it is unbelievable, for sure, that you are 69, may you continue to keep yourself in the pink of health. And thanks for the treat.
BIG LAAF keeps on surprising new members like me. Thank you Shekhawat-ji for the delicious til laddus. I must add, the outstanding level of reporting in BIG LAAF is highly commendable.
Jagmohan Papneja:
I am extremely grateful to God for giving me wonderful friends like Arora-ji, Kiran Prakash and a lovely group -- particularly Bose Babu whose writing style is simple, direct, unadorned and personal which not only fills my heart but his words flow into my whole body and soul. Because he is a master at transmitting emotions, the effect is far more telling. Really you all made my birthday happier and complete. I feel very blessed to have each and every one of you as my friend. Thanks for your wishes. God bless you all.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Dear Jagmohan-ji, I wish you a very happy and healthy year to come. God bless you with good health and keep smiling and make others also cheerful. It was a very enjoyable celebration. Shekhawat-ji, thanks for the ladoos of Makar Sankranti. The reporting of the blog is not only highly commendable, but also highly appreciable. Please keep it up.