Being Missed

Shekhawat (file photo)

It is exactly a fortnight since Shekhawat left for his annual vacation at his village in Rajasthan. And there’s another fortnight still to go before he returns to the Garden on March 19 (Monday). Yet, not a single day goes by without his name being mentioned. Clearly, his absence is turning out to be larger than his presence.
Last heard, he was riding pillion on a motorbike, charging up a hillock to pay obeisance to a family deity. “It is an exhausting ride,” said the 79-year-old, gasping for breath. “The temple is a mile up... it's a steep ride, right on top of a hill. Although I don’t have to walk it up, I cannot take this journey. After two heart operations, I do not have the stamina…”
An hour later he called back, sounding cheerful and coherent.

Karuna Waghmare (standing) announces becoming great-grandmother to a baby boy  

“I have had the devi’s darshan,” he said. “It is a family tradition to pay a visit to the temple on Holi. As it is, I could celebrate Holi in the village for the first time in 60 years. So it was important that I should seek the blessings of Mataji on this auspicious occasion.”
At the Garden, Shekhawat’s absence was felt most on Holi when not more than 15-odd people had turned up to celebrate. Every year, he has been the one to make personal phone calls to every member, ensuring that we get a full house on Holi. This has become all the more necessary as many of us, (with age catching up) are losing interest in any festival or celebration.
Today, Shekhawat’s name came up when the subject of electing a new managing committee was broached. The tenure of the present committee lapses on March 31, 2018. So it is imperative we have a newly elected group in place beforehand and the only person capable of ensuring a decent turnout for the voting is Shekhawat. In other words, we shall have to wait till he is back.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Shekhawat is a key figure in the Club's activities. He will be back before the election time. Hope the Club will have smooth transition to a new management.