Show of Strength

'Birthday Girl' Mallika Kagzi lis lost in the midst of friends and well-wishers

It was Mallika Kagzi’s birthday today. She not only had the 30-odd members who took part in the exercises to join the celebration, but also a dozen others from the Garden (read ‘non-members’) to descend on the Club and felicitate her on the occasion.

Mallika cuts her birthday cake

On a rough count, there were at least 50 revelers celebrating with her and gorging on home-made keema-pao and the works.
Never before had the Garden witnessed such a huge outburst of joy and spontaneous demonstration goodwill for a president of the Club. It was simply phenomenal by all standards.
Not just that.

Serving the guests

Mallika had her sister over for the first time in the Garden to be part of today’s do. Bihari Milwani came in late, but had not forgotten to bring along a beautiful one-of-a-kind memento with Mallika’s photograph prominently propped.

Milwani presents birthday memento

Banoo Apa and Razia Khan separately presented her with personal gifts while some others pitched in with the birthday cake. As per custom we raised the fourth laughter, sang the birthday song and with some ceremony,

Dilip Babani distributes Sai Baba's prasad

presented the birthday calendar to the birthday girl.
If this should all appear mere formality, what can be said of the special attention given to the gastronomic preferences of some people

Mallika receives her birthday calendar

– to the extent, Mallika had prepared separate portions for those with rebellious tummies and/or allergies? She had discreetly checked on this in advance so that nobody may feel left out.
All through the morning she fussed around like an anxious Mother Hen, lest anyone should have anything to complain about. That was what made today’s bash all the more eventful.
Amid all the feasting and merrymaking, Dilip and Kajal Babani distributed prasad from a visit to the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi last weekend. It was also the birthday of their daughter, Juhi today and we got to have chocolates too.
That they had deliberately kept their celebration low-key and not steal the show over Mallika’s big day, speaks volumes of the natural grace and camaraderie the Babanis share with members of the Club. Juhi, a very happy birthday to you as well.
Bihari Milwani:
It was a very big and beautiful party; but unfortunately, for the next three years, Mallika will not be able to celebrate her birthday as it will fall during the Ramzaan month.
Bhaswati Bose:
What a grand celebration, Mallika-ji! Juhi, you missed it. It would have been nice had you joined us in the Garden this morning. Still, a very happy birthday to you as well. Have a blast!!!
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
We are unnecessarily downplaying the Woman Power by celebrating only one day in the year as MOTHER'S DAY. Here, in our Club, 2016 is proving to be the 'Year of Woman Power'. Be it laughter exercises, free-hand exercises, birthday celebrations or in the daily munching, WOMAN POWER is visible throughout the Garden. Keep enjoying and be happy.
Siba Prasad Maitra:
Happy Birthday, Mallika-ji. I missed such a beautiful treat and your special tea. I pray to God for your good health and long life.
Dilip Babani:
Happy Birthday, Mallika-ji. God bless you. The full Big Laaf family loves you!