Joke of Season

Yusuf Rassiwala lists out the items on agenda for Saturday meeting

On a morning marked by hectic activity, what emerged ultimately was the biggest joke of the season: the Royal Hills picnic has been put off once again – from April 3 to April 9. This is the fourth time (ref post of March 26) that Shekhawat has been forced to call a postponement, much as he is determined to take the Club there by hook or by crook.
But of that, later.
Yusuf Rassiwala reminded everyone about the first meeting of the newly-elected managing committee scheduled this Saturday and duly read out the agenda. President-elect Mallika Kagzi pretended to get the jitters, as this would be her maiden attempt at convening a meeting. And Bihari Milwani, in good humor, dictated the text of how she must make her presidential remarks. Mallika eagerly noted down every word and (jokingly) promised to memorise “the speech” by Saturday!
Meanwhile, in a touching gesture, Kiran Prakash gifted Shekhawat a photograph taken during the Holi celebrations last week.

Shekhawat shows off Prakash's gift

Milwani(r) dictates 'script' to Mallika

(Prakash had actually taken out two prints, one of which he had thoughtfully framed). So overjoyed was Shekhawat that like a kid, he proudly passed around the photo showing his face splattered in all colors of the spectrum.
And then there were the Babanis, Kajal and Dilip adding to the merriment by treating us to dark, sublime chocolates.

Dilip Babani treats us to chocolates

What was the ‘because’ of their celebration nobody asked and they did not say. Let’s just hope there are glad tidings coming their way and be grateful to them for sharing their happiness with us. More important, we should get more of those chocolates.
As for the Royal Hills picnic, Ved Prakash Grover threw a spanner in the works by mentioning that the ICC World T20 final is scheduled on Sunday, April 3. “How can you go when there’s a cricket match that day?” he asked.
That did it. Given the number of cricket fans in the Club (ref yesterday’s post), Shekhawat was suddenly looking at a no-show for the picnic. No amount of explaining that the match would only be in the evening, long after we’d be back home safe, could change anybody’s mind. There is also the very real possibility of India losing the semis against West Indies on March 31 (Thursday) and not reaching the final. But nobody wants to hear of that either. In sum, Shekhawat is coming around to the fact that the more he proposes, the more the goddamn, godforsaken Royal Hills resort disposes.
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
The putting off of the visit to Royal Hills Resort shows how important cricket is to everyone. Now Bhaswati Bose should be prepared to share chocolates with everyone. Be positive and the next match should result in mini celebrations, Bhaswati Bose to note. The maiden meeting of the all-powerful Managing Committee should be sending jitters around the Club. But we all know it will end in healthy and delicious cups of tea prepared by Mallika. I certainly miss the good days when Mallika Kagzi showered us with endless cups of tea. Looking forward to enjoy!

Cricket Fever

Bhaswati Bose

Whoever knew that cricket mania was a common affliction in the Club? Every time India won a match in the ongoing ICC World T20 series (and even earlier), Bhaswati Bose would be the only one to celebrate -- usually with a toffee for Ved Prakash Grover and also Vijay-bhai and Suresh Samel (both non-members). Apparently, they were the only ones to share her passion towards the game and claimed to have watched the match the previous day.
Today, Bhaswati ran out of toffees. From Shekhawat to Arun Patil to Kajal Babani, Bijoy Gupta, Mallika Kagzi and Yusuf Rassiwala, everybody claimed to have watched last night’s encounter at Mohali to the last ball leading to India defeating Australia by six wickets.

Harbans Kaur

This came after another nail-biting finish last week at Chennai where India sneaked past Bangladesh by just one run.
The common element in both the matches was the swashbuckling knock by Virat Kohli, hailed as India’s match-winner -- outclassing even skipper M.S.Dhoni. “What batting!” exclaimed Yusuf R, echoing the sentiments of all present this morning. “That boy is like a one-man army!”
“But for how long can we depend on just one player?” questioned Grover.
Swati Punjabi pointed out that “our opening batsmen were complete flops” while Kiran Prakash drew comparisons with the sterling performance of the Australian openers. Tara Chand Seth was particularly upset over Yuvraj Singh “wasting so many balls when he knew he could bat no more with a twisted ankle”.

Monthi Serrao (l) treats us to Easter cake

“I watched the match till the end even as my eyes just refused to stay open during the last two overs,” said Mallika Kagzi. Some like Arun Patil and Vijay-bhai said that they remained awake till well past midnight, switching channels to catch the celebrations across India. So fixated was everybody with the match that many even raised slogans hailing Virat Kohli, something unprecedented in the Club.
Meanwhile, news comes in explaining Harbans Kaur’s continued absence since last week. Her husband has taken ill with a bad back. “They have called their son over from Australia,” informed Monthi Serrao this morning. “As it is, he had been suffering from a serious kidney problem. But the back ache seems to be much more severe. Let us hope and pray he recovers soon.”
Monthi had come with an Easter cake – a treat she unfailingly lavishes on us every year.
Bihari Milwani:
Bhaswati has given toffees to ensure India's victory in the next match. If India loses, everyone will have to return the toffees.
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
Cricket mania is throughout India. Everywhere people were glued to the TV. As soon as India won the match, people came out of their houses and celebrated the win by bursting fire crackers. It was a scene to be watched. We wish good luck to the Indian team in fixtures ahead.
Kiran Prakash:
It is difficult to say whether Bhaswati is breathing air or cricket these days. Apparently she has infected everybody with this fever. Of course, she has had to invest on a few toffees for those who claimed to have watched the match. Honestly, I now watch the matches for her toffees -- just in case she asks me something about a match. Hope India wins and we get something bigger from her.

Day 1937

Pic of the Week

BEFORE the festivity

AFTER the festivity

HOLI HAI!!!

Holi, or no Holi, she does not change color... unlike many of us. --Kiran Prakash

She is immune to color, caste, religion... sign of a good president. --Bihari Milwani

Promised Land

Shekhawat pitches for Royal Hills again

The more Royal Hills eludes us (ref post of February 4), the more Shekhawat is determined to lead us there. So hell bent is he on making this picnic happen that he has turned totally deaf to protests from a section of the Club which sees no merit on “wasting a day” at the water resort barely a half-hour drive away.
Shekhawat has already failed on three previous attempts at making it to Royal Hills. The first time a group of 70 Nigerians gave him the heebie-jeebies by booking the resort for the same day we were to be there. On his second attempt, he discovered that 300 school children would invade the place, potentially edging us out. And on the third occasion, his health let him down as he had to be hospitalized for a critical neck surgery.
The picnic plans have since been kept in abeyance.
This time around, Shekhawat has fixed Sunday, April 3 for our rendezvous at Royal Hills. He realizes it is jinxed, but will not give up just yet.

We had a little guest, Yug, exercising with us

Significantly, he had collected money for the picnic in February and those who later lost interest had even been refunded their cash. But now, he is dangling a carrot, lest there be any further dropout. “For once, the picnic will be heavily subsidized by the Club,” he announced today, hoping that should be incentive enough for some so-called fence sitters to join in. On the contrary, he had a new detractor in Zarina Khan declaring that even if she were to be taken there free, she would not go. With her, there are others like Bijoy Gupta, Nahid Khan and Swati Punjabi who are equally reluctant on “going to the same picnic spot” again.
Fact is, Shekhawat took the Club to Royal Hills in August last year and the experience has been positive all-round. It is a neat, compact place – essentially a water park comprising a swimming pool with a spacious air-conditioned dining hall alongside. Being a tiny resort, it does not attract large hordes of unruly picnickers and is able to maintain fairly decent hygienic standards. The food served is wholesome – absolute value for money, both in terms of quantity and quality.
Small wonder, Shekhawat cannot see any place beyond this resort.

Happiness Abounds

Shekhawat holds forth on picnic plans

Yusuf Rassiwala today made a perceptive comment while exercising. “Not only has attendance gone up during the past few days, everyone looks so much more relaxed and happy than earlier,” he said.
“This is peculiar,” agreed Tara Chand Seth, dressed in an unusual kurta-pajama-sneakers combo. “It is so hot and humid and yet we have so many people coming every morning for the exercises.”
On a rough count, there were 34 members sweating it out at that point – something that is unusual when the weather turns muggy. At times like this, people tend to oversleep and refuse to stir out of the cool comfort of their bedrooms.
But more than the numbers, what has become increasingly evident is the level of enjoyment and participative spirit among the members, not seen earlier. As Dilip Babani put it, “There is an obvious light-heartedness, a certain glow in everyone’s face when they leave the Garden.”
Many may like to put this to the shared optimism over the all-women’s group assuming charge soon.

Kajal Babani displays yesterday's slide-show on her phone

Although some like the president-elect Mallika Kagzi have already become over-assertive, none of their blandishments or reprimand is ever taken to heart. At the same time, everyone is bound by a sense of mutual respect and responsible behavior.
Tara Chand spoke of a friend he had invited to the Holi celebrations yesterday: “He was amazed at how close and informal we were towards one another. He had never seen such lutf (happiness) among members in any other Club. I told him we were one happy family.”
Meanwhile, Kajal Babani showed Shekhawat the slide-show of Holi celebrations (ref yesterday’s blog) on her smart phone. While Kiran Prakash wanted to gift him an unusual photo of his face smeared in vibrant hues, he remained hung up on one pic: he holding two ta’i chi girls on either side with his arms. He wants that picture also to be in the desk calendar due to him on his birthday. Indeed, from such small pleasures do we derive our daily dose of happiness.
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
The Big Laaf early morning session brings a big dose of positive energy which keeps everyone positive through the day. It is a healthy tonic which has to be relished by all.
Kiran Prakash:
Today's attendance made me think. In Big Laaf nobody is indispensable. We welcome people who are cordial and humble. And we have no appetite for those who are disrespectful.

Holi 2016

Riot of Colours

These are snapshots from the festival we celebrate every year, but has left lasting memories of unprecedented boisterousness and revelry – of Siba Prasad Maitra and Kiran Prakash shedding their inhibitions and showing their true colors; of Shekhawat going berserk with Swati Punjabi and Fahmida Khan; of Bhaswati Bose looking (and behaving) a painted witch, matched only by Kajal Babani; of Sitaram Hivarkar belting out Rang Barse in wild abandon; of Bijoy Gupta seeking a moment’s respite in the sun only to be drenched with freezing water; of the ta’i chi girls joining in and distributing Chinese sweets… of thandai consumed by gallons with kilo-kilo samosa-jalebis. Cherish these moments.
Thank you Mallika Kagzi, Razia Khan, Banoo Apa and Naseem Khan for your time and helping out with the refreshments. And of course, there’s Dilip Babani without whose initiative and involvement none of this could have happened.

Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
It is quite encouraging to see my brothers and sisters enjoying the 'festival of colors'. May the vibrant colors of Holi fill everyone's home with more joy and happiness.

Bhaswati Bose:
Happy Holi Angad Singh-ji. We missed you. We would have made you look as colorful as Maitra-ji and Kiran Prakash-ji!

Getting Set For Holi

Photo-op at Banoo Apa's big bash

From a jinxed picnic to the Woman of the Year contest to the managing committee elections, the Club has constantly been moving on from one event to another. And now comes the ‘festival of colors’ – Holi 2016.
With less than 48 hours to go, preparations for our annual jamboree in the Garden gathered momentum this morning. As chief organizer, Dilip Babani has taken on the responsibility of ensuring that the event gets off smoothly and everyone has a swell time. He is arranging for the colors and refreshments and has marshaled his forces directing all to chip in, in any manner they can. Even getting ice cubes from home and lugging along bottles of drinking water would do.
Banoo Apa offered to get large vessels from home to mix the thandai in while Arun Patil would be providing light entertainment with recorded ‘Holi songs’ to dance on. Efforts are also on to persuade Sitaram Hivarkar to get his dholak along on Thursday morning if that should inspire Siba Prasad Maitra to let his hair down and belt out some invigorating numbers suited to the occasion.

Gita Latte distributes prasad from
Siddhi Vinayak Temple

Maitra looks around helplessly as
two ladies terrorise him

“I will take part (bhaag loonga) and run away (bhaag jaaoonga),” promised the genial Bengali gent, arguably the only competent singer in our midst. What he did not divulge was how a couple of ladies had been terrorising him all morning. Apparently, their “sole agenda” was to color him red and green from top to toe on the 24th morning.
Meanwhile, in a surprise move, Banoo Apa landed with a load of eats which many described as a “monster’s brunch”. Indeed, this is one lady who believes in making it large every time she treats us, even as we try telling her not to bother and to please, keep it small. It seemed that she wanted to celebrate her election as Club secretary, a post she will be holding till April 2018.
Gita Latte too had good reasons to celebrate. Her brother has just become a proud owner of the iconic Royal Enfield Thunderbird motorbike and she wanted to share her happiness with luddoos from Siddhi Vinayak Temple. We are also happy for the young man, but still, would advise him to drive carefully and safely.
Lt Col Angad Singh from Mohali:
It is good to know that Holi is being celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm by all members. It is in the right spirit of Big Laaf. Kudos to everyone. Keep enjoying!
Bhaswati Bose:
Angad Singh-ji, are you in the stadium at Mohali watching the NZ-Pak T20 match today? I am trying to spot you on TV.

Rare Resurgence

Bijoy Kumar Gupta

After the rather unseemly fracas towards the end of Saturday’s meeting (ref post), the Club today witnessed a rare resurgence of women’s power brimming with joyfulness and optimism. Never before have so many women been elected to positions of authority and if there was one man who seemed to be overjoyed by this development, it was Bijoy Kumar Gupta.
“The old committee members have been driven away,” he announced, jubilantly jumping up and down like the classical asura of folk theatre. “Now the ladies shall rule the Club for two years.”
The newly-elected members would assume office not before April 1; but many of them are behaving as though they have already taken charge.

Shekhawat herds the elected members to his side of the circle

“Try to come in time every morning,” president-elect Mallika Kagzi startled Dilip Babani in a conspiratorial whisper. Later, she was to take up cudgels with Arun Patil over a seemingly irrelevant matter, but it was meant to send a warning, loud and clear, as to who would be calling the shots from now on.
Meanwhile, Razia Khan declared that for once, every committee member should be assigned specific duties – ranging from ensuring smooth conduct of the daily exercises and enforcing discipline to monitoring attendance, conducting cultural programmes as well as recommending admissions and expulsions. Effectively, she was talking of setting up small sub-committees which would be reporting to the President, Secretary and Treasurer. There was also talk of doing away with dress codes, subject to the approval of all members.
These and many other issues are likely to come up in the meeting scheduled for April 2 – a legal formality that is to be met within 15 days of the election of a new managing committee.
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
The new team has to exhibit love and affection to encourage members come in time. They have to remember that life is not a bed of roses. According to an Urdu poet, "Ya to deewana hansey ya too jisey taufeeq dey/ Varna iss duniya mein reh kar muskura sakta hai kaun." The new team should be ready to face all trials and tribulations cheerfully and carry all members with them with affection.

Day 1931

Pic of the Week

CRADLED IN THE ARMS OF CRAZY FRIENDS

That's Big Laaf for you. Offers bundles of JOY, unlimited HAPPINESS, abundant LAUGHTER and just one requirement. Keep your MIND open. --Kiran Prakash

Vive La Femme!

Razia Khan felicitates new president Mallika Kagzi (l), treasurer Kajal Babani (c) and secretary Banoo Apa (r)

Big Laaf today entrusted its fate in the hands of three sterling women led by Mallika Kagzi as president. With Shaher Banoo Khan (appropriately 'Banoo Apa' to us) as secretary and Kajal Babani as treasurer, the trio would steer the Club through thick and thin for the next two years. They assume charge on April 1, 2016, replacing the three earlier office bearers – Srichand Arora (president),

Yusuf Rassiwala (standing) conducts the meeting in the China Hut

Jagmohan Papneja (secretary) and Monthi Serrao (treasurer).
At the general body meeting in the China Hut, four more women were elected to the managing committee of the Club: Razia Khan, Gita Latte, Nahid Khan and Bhaswati Bose. The only male presence in the nine-member committee would be that of Bijoy Kumar Gupta and Kiran Prakash. All nine, without exception, have been elected unopposed.
On record, 35 members registered their presence at this crucial general body meeting, notice for which was given more than a fortnight back (ref post of March 3). Both the chairmen (emeritus), Yusuf Rassiwala and Hari Singh Shekhawat were also present with the former conducting the meeting as per agenda – starting with the 'welcome address' to raising a 'vote of thanks' in conclusion.
Two other important decisions were taken by the general body. One, the proposal to hike the membership subscription was struck down by majority vote; and two, the Holi festival falling next week on March 24 (Thursday) will be observed as usual with the Club defraying all expenses. Dilip Babani very kindly agreed to organize the celebrations.
Kiran Prakash:
* Congratulations Mallika, Banoo and Kajal for taking up the responsibility of running the Club for the next two years. I am sure, the trio has the skill and energy to rediscover and capitalise on the strengths of Big Laaf and its members. Let this be the beginning of a new era when we value punctuality, discipline and respect for each other. I love you all.
* It was very unfortunate that the former president of the club, Mr S. V. Arora, who claimed to have resigned three months back, came to the meeting just to disrupt it and insult senior members. How long will our club continue to tolerate such unruly elements and not get rid of them permanently?
Big Laaf:
Indeed, this was unfortunate. But such potty-mouthed miscreants always reveal themselves for what they are worth. Nobody supported the Arora couple. Kudos to Yusuf Rassiwala for handling the situation with enormous restraint and grace.
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
A big hand and lots of congratulations to the newly elected committee members. This is real 'woman power' in the Big Laaf Club. Hope the infusion of new blood brings more creative enjoyment, thrill and enthusiasm. All good wishes and best of luck to the team.

Club Makeover

Shekhawat invites nominations for Club election

The Club is gearing up for a major makeover. As chairman (emeritus), Shekhawat today invited nominations from all members for elections to the managing committee scheduled the day-after-tomorrow (March 19). He announced that every member is entitled to stand for election and it would be in the best interests of the Club that fresh blood is inducted.
“No member should feel left out from the election process,” he emphasized. “At the same time, everybody’s participation should be voluntary.

Bonus Treat: Bite of goodness

There is no compulsion on anybody to join the managing committee. But once elected, there must be no excuse for any lapse or for not being able to devote enough time to the Club.

Kiran Prakash cuts his birthday cake

Of course, we are all there to help in times of crisis.”
“The idea is to open up the running of the Club to every member,” added Yusuf Rassiwala, the second chairman (emeritus). “Whoever wants to participate is most welcome. Later on, I do not want to hear that anybody has been kept out or that s/he was forced into the committee against his/ her wishes. So think about it. We have one more day to go before you make up your mind.”
Meanwhile, yesterday’s birthday bash spilled over into a bonus treat today as Kiran Prakash saved a cake for the Club from his family celebrations at home. It seems he was swamped with cakes all day, but being extremely health conscious (and consequently, a man of limited consumption) he thought of sharing one unopened box with us – of course, after taking everybody's consent. This was one offer nobody could refuse.
Dilip Babani:
Kiran Prakash-ji. that was a lovely "padarth" you brought. Belated Happy Birthday!
Siba Prasad Maitra:
Dear Kiran-ji, I missed your party yesterday, but today's cake was superb. Belated Happy Birthday. May God bless you.
Lt Col Angad Singh:
It is nice that the birthday celebrations by Kiran Prakash have spilled into two days. Similarly our good wishes are twice as much with him and the family. Wishing him all good health and enjoyment.
Kiran Prakash:
Thank you very much Dilip Bhai, Maitra-ji and Col Angad Singh-ji for your greetings and good wishes on my birthday. I deeply value my association with each of you.

Jolly Good Fellow

Happy Birthday, Kiran Prakash

The youngest looking male in the Club turned a year older today. Kiran Prakash celebrated the occasion with a generous treat of food packets from Vyanjan, while the rest of us danced and rejoiced, invoking the powers above to bless him with long life, good health and everlasting happiness.

B'day boy with bag of goodies

And as usual, there was Mallika Kagzi’s famous home-brewed tea also to lift our spirits.
For a change, the birthday calendar was not presented by the senior-most member present this time, but the youngest, Gita Latte. In a heart-warming gesture, she touched Kiran Prakash’s feet as a mark of respect after presenting the Club’s ‘return gift’ to a round of applause from all present.
However, what took our breath away was when Prakash suddenly dropped to the ground and prostrated full-length, performing the classical sashtanga namaskara amid a crowd of undeserving legs surrounding him.

Gita Latte seeks Prakash's blessings

The provocation behind this act shall never be known to us. Pity, it could not be captured on camera as everything happened so fast and unexpectedly that many (including the photographer) jumped out of their skin.
With such unpredictable behavior and appearance belying his age, Prakash has come to be the toast of Big Laaf in a short time.

Checking the birthday calendar

He joined the Club one-and-half years back and already the seniors (many of whom have been around for 15 long years) take him to confidence in crucial matters, just as the juniors like to take liberties and treat him as a jolly good fellow. Just the other day (ref post of February 28), he sprung a surprise on Mallika when he went down on his knee and almost started serenading her to a film song in the middle of the exercises.
But then, to be fair, Kiran Prakash is not the only one to be the life force of Big Laaf today. A number of relative newcomers – right from Mallika to Gita Latte to Siba Prasad Maitra, Bijoy Gupta and even Mohar Singh – are regarded as co-conspirators in all the fun and games while brightening our mornings and making life so much merrier and cheerful. As they say, the old must make way for the new.
Kiran Prakash:
I thank one and all present for their blessings and good wishes on my birthday. I am touched. Where else on earth can we get so much love and affection from people I had not even known 18 months back. I am indeed blessed. There was no motive for dropping on the ground. It was just a spontaneous expression of a feeling of gratitude. Long live BIG LAAF!
Lt Co Angad Singh (from Mohali):
Kiran Prakash has a large vocabulary for doing the unexpected, whether impromptu or planned. He is full of ideas. One thing I wish to share with you all is that BIG LAAF is a big, cashless, silent and unknown tonic for good health. Those who are regular in joining the sessions relish the spirit and benefits of the tonic. Wishing Kiran Prakash a very happy and healthy life.
Bhaswati Bose:
Thank you, Kiran Prakash-ji for the wonderful treat and entertainment. We wish you the very best in life and many happy returns of the day.
Kiran Prakash adds:
Thank you very much, Col Angad Singh-ji and Bhaswati-ji. Your greetings and good wishes mean a lot to me.
Dilip Babani:
Happy Birthday, Kiran Prakash-ji. May God bless you!

Internet Humour

Bhaswati Bose (back to camera) reads out phone forwards

From quick repartees to sharp witticisms cracked extempore to tepid readings from little scraps of paper… we have now graduated to sourcing humour from the Internet. Smartphones have made this easy. Not only does the device enable us to access an inexhaustible repository of jokes, there is more variety in the gags and most important, a certain freshness that cannot be matched.
As usual, Siba Prasad Maitra set the ball rolling this morning by reading out a composition by Gulzar (the lyricist) saved in his mobile. It was brilliant. Bhaswati Bose took the cue, but rattled out three side-splitting phone forwards – one more devastating than the other. Taking off on how stinginess can get the better of hospitality, she moved on to describing how a mango on the tree had turned ripe (‘pak gaya’) and dropped to the ground out of sheer boredom. Finally, she recounted how two nutcases go about checking a bomb on the specious assurance that should it explode by chance on their face, there is another bomb kept aside as a stand-by!

Shekhawat (rt) mulls over next picnic destination

Maitra took over from there with another hilarious number… and on and on the narrations ran, thus paving the way for more of such digitised comedy in future.
Meanwhile, Shekhawat was to bring up the question of a Club picnic and offered to return the cash he had collected for the trip to Royal Hills resort last month (ref post of February 17). Since that did not materialize due to his ill-health, he suggested we either drop the idea entirely, or else, explore the possibility of some other destination.
Banoo Apa suggested going to some place far, even if it were to be Lonavala and involved an overnight stay. Monthi Serrao chipped in, proposing a train trip to Aurangabad, which would automatically extend to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Some mention was also made of Matheran and other hill stations where the climate would be more pleasant and welcoming. These are early days though and a lot of groundwork remains to be done before the Club takes a final call.
Kiran Prakash:
Bhaswati had created a 'laaf tsunami'. I could not have imagined myself in this avtaar. I hardly smile. Good for my health. Bhaswati-ji, we will now have five minutes of your session every day. Please come digitally prepared.

Day 1926

Pic of the Week

THE NEW

FEVICOL

CAMPAIGN

March 10, 2016: HOLDING ON FOR 56 YEARS... AND BEYOND!

Pyaar ke iss roop ki tareef karta hun / Shaadi ke saal girah ki badhayii deta hun... --Kiran Prakash

Tomorrow Mr and Mrs Shekhawat can say "AB TAK CHHAPAN" i.e. 56 glorious years of love life. --Bihari Milwani

Shekhawat-ji, badhai ho shadi ki salgirah... Kya hassi hai, kya jodi hai! God bless both of you. --Dilip Babani

It is post-youth when one enjoys being a couple and married. It is then that we become two wheels in the chariot of life. Wish you, Shekhawat-ji, a long, very happy and enjoyable life. -- Lt Col Angad Singh

Cutting the Flab

Pruning in progress

In the run-up to the Club’s biennial elections on March 19, 2016 the initial groundwork of firming up on the membership rolls was undertaken today soon after the exercises. Being a Saturday (when attendance is higher than most other days) it was decided to take into confidence the maximum number of members in this pruning exercise. The outcome is subject to ratification at the general body meeting scheduled next Saturday.
In his capacity as Chairman (emeritus), Yusuf Rassiwala piloted the membership review, taking into account majority opinion before arriving at a common consensus. Every name was called out and deliberated upon in detail on the basis of (a) regularity for the exercises; (b) disciplined/ responsible behavior; and of course, (c) keenness to continue with membership.

Tara Chand (c) treats us today to
atta biscuits from Udaipur

Nahid Khan (c) treated us yesterday to
 revdis from Lucknow

Wherever possible, oral commitments were obtained from recalcitrant members on mending their ways and those relocating or wanting to resign, had their names dropped from the list. Altogether, eight names were eliminated for various reasons from the 50 appearing in the side panel at the left.
A new category of Honorary Members was created to protect the membership of those who find it difficult (due to compulsions of frequent travel or physical limitations) to be present for the exercises on a regular basis. Eight such members were identified who shall not be bound by rules of attendance or punctuality, but would continue to enjoy the privileges of regular members. Furthermore, four names were taken up for admission/ readmission and approved by all present.
The idea ultimately is to cut the flab and have a small, compact group of sincere, responsible, yet fun-loving, warm-hearted and motivated members who would steer the Club ahead in the next two years.
Post Script: Members are once again reminded to attend the general body meeting scheduled on Saturday, March 19, 2016 in the China Hut at 8:00 a.m., rpt 8:00 a.m. sharp.

State of Ordinariness

In full form: Shekhawat  performs the peacock dance with Razia

As the curtains came down on the International Women’s Day (ref yesterday’s post), the Club was back to its routine with Razia Khan taking charge of the free-hand exercises, followed by Kiran Prakash filling in for Gita Latte during the Chinese exercises. Attendance dropped considerably, but that was to be expected in a state of ordinariness. From Harbans Kaur and Mallika Kagzi to Sitaram Hivarkar, Bijoy Gupta and Mohar Singh, a number of regulars did not show up. Some did though, but kept their distance from the exercises. This is one stupid routine we are also getting used to.
On a happier note, Tara Chand Seth has returned from a family wedding in Udaipur and Yusuf Rassiwala is attending the exercises more often. The best part is Shekhawat fast getting back into form. He reported to the Garden after prolonged illness yesterday and remains seated on a bench for the best part of the exercises. But at critical moments like the 'peacock dance' and ‘rail gaadi’ round, he is up on his feet and displays his zest for unbridled tomfoolery and high jinks. Life goes on at the Garden, uninterrupted.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
It is good that old-timer Tara Chand Seth is back after the wedding season. The hulla bulla of the International Women's Day is over and we are back to enjoying of the 'laafter' event! Healthy sign. Keep it up.

Women’s Day 2016

WINNERS ALL: MORE POWER TO THE WOMEN OF BIG LAAF!!!

Hari Singh Shekhawat kept his word. In spite of poor health, he turned up today to take part in the International Women’s Day celebrations in the Garden and present the

Shekhawat presents Bhaswati Bose the IWD-2016 trophy

Woman of the Year Trophy - 2016. The winner, Bhaswati Bose had insisted on receiving her trophy only from the hands of Shekhawat, if that should draw him out of his self-imposed confinement at home (ref yesterday’s post). It had a salutary effect and Shekhawat returned home a happy man.
And so did the rest of us. For soon after the trophy presentation and photo ops, the fun and games began. Some lady members, who have still not come to terms with Bhaswati cornering 10 out of the 15 votes polled on February 25, began to buttonhole every man in sight on who he had voted for. (ref post).

Sweet Victory: Woman of the Year

Since it was a secret ballot, the men tried to be as vague and evasive as possible, but the numbers simply did not add up. Only Sitaram Hivarkar was honest enough to declare that he had voted for Nahid Khan – that too because he admittedly “did not know what the voting was about”.
Mallika Kagzi was convinced that the male species can never be trusted and to teach them a lesson, she decided not to get them tea ever.

Lifting the trophy to all-round of applause

Arun Patil tried to console her with the assurance he would buy her a “couple of better looking trophies” provided she gave him the shop’s name or address. “If I knew of the shop, I would have got toffees (sic) for everybody in the Garden,” she retorted. “The question is where can I get this particular toffee?”
That Bhaswati had given toffees and lozenges to the men during her campaign also became the subject of conjecture. “Those toffees must have been drugged,” surmised Swati Punjabi. “The men lost their senses and all of them voted blindly for her.” She however, refused to take tips on how to win the men over because she would “become a budhiya” by the time she learns anything. The implication was clear: The men in the Club were not worth the effort!
Meanwhile, Kiran Prakash did what only Kiran Prakash can think of. He gifted Bhaswati an inspirational book on a woman achiever – PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi. In another heart-warming gesture, Mallika presented two beautiful gifts to Banoo Apa and Razia Khan who, in her “personal opinion”, were equally deserving of Woman of the Year title.
Such acts of large-heartedness and fellow feeling shall remain etched in our collective memory for all time.

Kiran Prakash (l) presents book

Razia acknowleges gift with a kiss

Mallika (l) gifts Banoo Apa

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Yes, March 8 is the International Day of Women. They enjoy all the best things of life. Nothing moves without them. The whole world revolves around them. Is there any day for the poor man?
Kiran Prakash:
* Congratulations Bhaswati-ji. Well done. Keep aiming high.
* Dear Col Angad Singh-ji, for a poor man too, today is the Men's Silence Day. Keep quiet and be happy.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd) adds:
Aryabhatta once asked his wife, "Will you let me enjoy drinks with my friend over the week-end, once every month?" Wife said, "What is the probability of me saying 'yes', as per your calculations?" That is when Aryabhatta discovered ZERO! This is woman power. Have a nice day.

Maha Shivaratri 2016

Usual Suspects: Playing the fool after the exercises

As expected, attendance dropped drastically today. Being Maha Shivaratri, many were said to be fasting or having pujas at home. We wish them all the very best on the occasion. May Lord Shiva bless them with good fortune, prosperity and happiness on this auspicious day.
Shekhawat’s absence though has become a cause of growing concern. The last we had seen of him was on Monday, February 22 and the following morning (ref post of February 23) he reported ill. What was then taken to be the effect of 'change in weather' has progressively turned out to be something much more serious, about which Shekhawat himself has no clue.

Hari Singh Shekhawat

“Just cannot figure out what has happened to me this time,” he spoke haltingly on phone this morning. “The doctors are also clueless. I wanted to go to the Garden today but could not summon the courage to stir out of home. I feel completely weak and helpless. This has never happened to me earlier.”
Many theories are floating around as to the cause of his infirmity. Age is of course, a factor and given that he has undergone two major surgeries (the last one, as recently as on January 20), it was imperative that he slowed down a bit. The other theory is that he had tried some self-medication, mistaking his symptoms to be of common cold.
Yet another explanation gaining ground is that being closeted 24/7 at home, he has sunk into a massive depression from which he is unable to get out. The light-hearted exuberance and sparkle, typical of his being, is no longer there. He sounds a different man now – at times, not even taking phone calls. Apparently, he wants to be left alone. Still, the one person to have been consistently in touch with him is Kiran Prakash.
Although Shekhawat has promised to turn up tomorrow, nothing can be said for certain. We are worried.
Kiran Prakash:
I spoke to Shekhawat-ji. He said he will certainly come tomorrow morning.
Srichand Arora:
65 new caps have been delivered by the party as ordered. Suggest what is to be done. Payment has been made by me 4800.00. 65 caps @ 75/=
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Age is a great factor. One must respect it and change one's lifestyle accordingly. It is no use fighting age and its impending implications. However, it does not mean to stop your activities totally. One must remain occupied doing something or the other. One must remain physically, mentally and spiritually busy. There is an old saying: "AUR KUCHH KAAM NAHIN HAI TO PAJAMA UDHER KAR SIA KAR!" It is worth following.

Day 1921

Pic of the Week

THE LONG AND LONELY JOURNEY TO RECOVERY

Rukhsana-ji, I wish and pray for your early recovery. I am sure it will not be long before you discard that quadripod. Nothing will then give us more happiness. I pray that day comes soon. --Kiran Prakash

New Life

Ruksana Khan is on her feet... and the rest, on their backside

Being the week-end, it was a day to let our hair down. Nobody is inclined to go home early on Saturdays and the mornings tend to extend indefinitely with a good deal of masti-mazaak after the exercises. Santosh Tyagi added to the light-hearted banter by narrating a couple of jokes, thus paving the way for Siba Prasad Maitra to reel out a series of uproarious Internet gags from his mobile phone.
But the more significant event of the morning was Ruksana Khan turning up, if only to reaffirm her seriousness towards the exercises.

Santosh Tyagi narrates jokes

Yesterday, when she showed up (with her daughter in tow) after more than a year, we had thought that it was a one-off visit, given the seriousness of her hip fracture (as we had heard) and the suffering she had to undergo.
It was actually a double fracture, sustained one after another, by falling down in the bathroom. Recounting her ordeal, she spoke of the multiple surgeries which (as luck would have it) went horribly wrong initially. The original splints had to be removed and replaced with steel rods and balls, which meant another round of surgery, not to mention added expenses and physical agony, she said.
“I cannot explain how excruciatingly painful it has all been,” she narrated. “I wouldn’t wish this of my worst enemies. Even for going to the toilet, taking bath, changing clothes… everything, I had to depend on somebody. I was rendered a complete cripple. Luckily, I am blessed with two capable daughters who stood solidly by me. They are my pillars of strength. I cannot thank them enough for taking me through my dark days and giving me this new life.”
If truth be told, none of us had ever given her much of a chance – least of all, having her back in the Garden. In fact, after waiting for months on end, we had dropped her name from Club membership. Today, as she hobbles about clutching an orthopaedic quadripod, we can only marvel at the extent of human endurance and her sheer courage and determination in overcoming all odds. Indeed, Ruksana has got a new lease of life.