Chandaal Chaukdi 2

Whatever the men do, women can do better – even when it comes to holding a Chandaal Chaukdi in the Garden and pfaffing about till everybody else gathers for the exercises. Ironically, it was Sunita Jajodia who used to curse this odd grouping of gents (see post of December 27, 2010) for delaying the exercises every morning. And now she, along with Santosh Tyagi, have become the fulcrum around whom the ladies gather (above) to form what has become a female version of the infamous Chandaal Chaukdi.
Earlier these ladies had their own corner in the Garden, close to where we exercise. They relocated to their present position, close to the entrance of the Chinese Hut, ostensibly to beat the summer heat under a ceiling fan. But their message was loud and clear: It was no longer the prerogative of the men to delay the exercises while women were kept waiting. With others like Nahid Khan and Bhaswati Bose joining forces, they have succeeded to a major extent. What’s more, they have mercilessly presided over the disintegration of the original Chandaal Chaukdi.
The good news this morning was the little celebration for Khatoon Baig’s birthday. Better known as "Teacher-ji" (because of her academic background), she was taken by surprise when Srichand Arora, towards the end of the exercises, announced that we must raise an extra laugh in her honour. She was so overwhelmed (right) by the sudden attention and with everybody singing for her and individually wishing her turn by turn, that while thanking us she said we had effectively prolonged her life by many years.
But that’s exactly what we want!
Dilip Babani says:
* Teacher-ji, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and GOD BLESS YOU!
* Chandaal Chaukdi Ki Jai Ho!
--Dilip