Rite of Induction

Yusuf Rassiwala (l) welcomes Karun Sharma (in glasses) to the Club

The suspense behind yesterday's huddle (see photo in the post) of the Managing Committee was lifted this morning with Yusuf Rassiwala formally introducing Karun Sharma as a new member of the Club.
"Even as he has paid the joining fees, his membership shall be effective from January 1, 2017,” Yusuf R clarified. “I have told him also that for all intent and purposes, he is already a part of the Big Laaf family and is as much entitled to all the rights and privileges of members as any one of us. On January 2, we shall have his coronation ceremony with the Club cap as per our custom.”
A qualified chemical engineer, 63-year-old Karun has been a regular to our daily exercises for the past month or so. These days he conducts workshops and gives talks as a life coach,

Happy Birthday, Bihari Milwani

a subject that is alien to most of our members (ref post of December 21) and sparked instant curiosity all around. “Be careful, he is also a trained face reader and palmist,” Bijoy Gupta added in jest. "Shekhawat should keep his distance from him!"
While many contemplated unburdening their life’s woes on him in private, the mischievous ones threatened to extract a “party” for his induction into the Club. Some ladies demanded that he subject himself to ragging also, as they do in colleges. “Don’t worry, there are no such compulsions,” Yusuf R assuaged him. “These are just unwritten rules at worst.”
Apparently Karun had already been subjected to intensive grilling by the Managing Committee yesterday when he was questioned on his professional background, family, reasons for wanting to join Big Laaf, who introduced him to us, etc. He also volunteered information about himself, which was highly appreciated. Such healthy interaction has become necessary of late in order to deter potential trouble makers and riff-raffs from joining the Club.
Meanwhile, here’s wishing Bihari Milwani many happy returns of the day. The man who has unfailingly been gifting us keepsake birthday mementos is today, celebrating his big day with wife and daughter in distant San Fransisco. We wish him once again, a wonderful time – a great life ahead filled with lots of joy, love and happiness. We missed him today!
Kiran Prakash:
I wish you a very happy birthday, Bihari-ji. Many happy returns of the day. Banke Bihari Lal ki Jai.
Bihari Milwani:
THANKS all Big Laaf members for your blessings, good wishes and greetings on my birthday.
Siba Prasad Maitra:
Dear Mr Milwani: Wish you many, many happy returns of the day. Stay blessed. We are missing you here. When you are coming back to India?
Geeta Latte:
Happy Birthday, dear Uncle. Baake Bihari Lal ki jai!!!
Dilip Babani:
Happy Birthday, Bihari-ji. God bless you!