Long Overdue

Shekhawat 's briefing on his picnic plans 

The much-deferred and long-overdue day picnic from the Club now seems to be materializing finally. For Shekhawat today announced February 10 (Saturday) as the date we should be setting out for a resort in the north-western suburbs of Mumbai – Kalyani Village, near Virar.
“It would take us about two hours by bus to reach the spot,” he informed. “I spoke to the resort management and they

Tara Chand distributes gajak from Delhi

have assured me a handsome discount on group booking, provided we are a minimum of 30. Both veg and non-veg dishes will be served at the resort for lunch.”
Significantly, this would be the

When we were there eight years back (file pic)

first picnic in over a year – the last outing being to Saina Resort, Malad on November 26, 2016. It was at the persistence of people like Bijoy Gupta, Banoo Apa and others that this Kalyani Village picnic is firming up.
“Until and unless we have 30 people on board, we cannot go,” Shekhawat reiterated. “Less than that number will not be financially viable. So please make up your minds and book your place at the earliest. I shall be collecting money from tomorrow.”
Getting the numbers is unlikely to be a problem, as many are indeed ‘starved’ of going out on a picnic. That apart, Shekhawat is blessed with special powers in coaxing money out of the most reluctant of people in the Club.
For the record though, this would be our second visit to the Kalyani Village resort. The last we had been there was eight years back – on Sunday, June 20, 2010 (see post). A picture from that outing is reproduced above.
How time flies!

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Picnics are occasions to celebrate the company of one another, away from the hustle and bustle of our daily routine. It is a welcome and healthy way to relax and enjoy.