Independence Day: 2017

Long March: BIG LAAF celebrates 70 years of Independence

For the first time, a birthday was celebrated on Independence Day in the Club. Mohammad Naseer Putani Shah, a ‘midnight child’ (though not quite) today

Yusuf Rassiwala( r) present Nasir-bhai his birthday calendar 

ushered in his birthday just before the traditional flag raising ceremony in the Garden.

Holding the tricolor aloft

Yusuf Rassiwala presented him with his birthday calendar on behalf of the Club amid a round of tumultuous applause and singing of the birthday anthem.
Also, in keeping with Club tradition, Shekhawat marched up to the tricolor and to our infinite glee, performed the ceremonial salute in true naval style. He had come dressed for the occasion – in spotless white and with a row of medals glistening on his chest.

Banoo Apa was the lead flagbearer for today's march

Bijoy Gupta was so impressed that he stopped short of saluting Shekhawat in the China Hut. “Who am I to salute you?” he remarked. “Narendra Modi ought to be here saluting you!”
Fortunately the weather was kind to us and did not interfere with the march past

One for the family album

led by Banoo Apa today.
Once again, we stuck to tradition and entrusted the senior-most among us to be the flag bearer, starting out from the China Hut. (Late Teja Singh Bhambra and Tara Chand Seth had done the honors earlier on.)
On the way of course, the flag changed hands as we took the outer periphery of the Garden along the walking

Singing the national anthem

track with Bihari Milwani raising the shout, ‘Bharat Mata Ki…’ Jai!
Imbued with the spirit of patriotism, fun and festivity,

Saying it with luddoos

this I-Day celebration too had its moments, some of which have been captured in the pictures alongside. As always, there was a lavish feast laid out for all participants -- though for a change, Nasir Putani Shah offered to foot the bill this time. It was after all, his birthday also. In that sense, it was a double celebration for us today.
If there was anything we missed, it was a music system with a medley of patriotic songs playing in the background.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
August 15 is always celebrated by Big Laaf with gusto and enthusiasm. All the members come fully prepared for the event and take part in the march past. Mr Shekhawat, a veteran is always dressed with his medals. This year the event became all the more festive because of Mr Nasir Putani Shah's birthday. Wishing him a happy and healthy life ahead.

Geeta Latte:
Don't think too much. Just do what makes you happy 😊😊.