Alarming Turn

Hari Singh Shekhawat

Hari Singh Shekhawat is very ill. Major blockages have been detected in both his carotid arteries – the principal blood vessels that supply blood to the neck, brain and face. “One is 60% blocked and the other is 100% blocked,” he informed, quoting doctors at INHS Ashwini, the military hospital in Colaba.
Shekhawat was carrying three independent reports of reputed cardiac surgeons in Mumbai (including one from the Asian Heart Institute) before seeking a final opinion from the military hospital. “They were shocked to find me still alive,” he said.

Srichand Arora announces postponement of Annual Day function

“A naval doctor has been specially deputed to monitor my condition round the clock for the next three days.”
During this period, Shekhawat will undergo a battery of tests daily at certain designated pathological centres in the city. On Monday, following a CT scan, he would immediately report back to the military hospital and thereafter, the doctors will take a call on surgery.
Shekhawat is 76 now and had undergone a bypass surgery in mid-2013.

Razia Khan had come with sweets to
celebrate the purchase of a new house in Pune

He was critical even then. The carotid blockages had also shown up, but they were not as life-threatening at that time and he was advised to deal with them later.
Things have obviously deteriorated since and last month, at Brindavan Gardens, Mysore, Shekhawat suffered a “mild stroke”. He felt alright after popping in a sorbitrate and did not talk about the incident much. Little did he expect his condition to take such an alarming turn.
In view of this unprecedented situation, it was unanimously decided this morning that the Annual Day function (scheduled for January 16) should be kept in abeyance for the present. “The rehearsals will be resumed once we hear that Shekhawat is in the clear,” suggested Razia Khan. “As things stand, none of us has the heart to proceed with the preparations.”
This has no doubt come as a big setback for those keyed up for the event, particularly Kiran Prakash. Over the past fortnight, he has left no stone unturned at mobilizing members and infusing fresh excitement every morning during the rehearsals. But then, life comes first. Let us keep our fingers crossed and wish Shekhawat all luck and a speedy recovery.
Lt Col Angad Singh:
We are sure that the surgical intervention will be good for Shekhawat and nothing will go wrong. We are quite confident that he will be as fit and agile as he is today. We wish him good health and a joyful life.