This Too Shall Pass

Our chairman, Hari Singh Shekhawat does not know to fight. He flares up easily, gets emotional and willy nilly plays into the hands of the opposition. This is exactly what happened in the morning when a group of belligerent ladies, spearheaded by Geeta Sardana, Bhaswati Bose and Ramila Mistry, levelled charges of rigging in the April 2 voting (see post). Ideally he should have turned a deaf ear. At best, he could have silenced all argument by telling the ladies to respect the majority verdict. Period.
Instead, in all his simplicity and straight-forwardness, he turned defensive and engaged the ladies in an endless diatribe (lead pic) over the rights and wrongs of the issue, thereby giving them additional ammunition to corner him further. Things were bound to reach flash point. Shekhawat lost his temper and walked away in a huff, threatening to resign.
All this while, Srichand Arora (left) stood his ground, cool as a cucumber. Fully composed, he tried to make sense of the cause of agitation while reasoning with all that dissent is always welcome in a democratic set-up. He had almost won everybody’s confidence when from nowhere, Shekhawat showed up again and started another round of emotional slugfest. By then, silent observers like Pratap Bhatt and Ram Shankar Shukla felt fortified enough to also raise their voices and add fuel to fire.
An issue, which could well have been nipped in the bud, was thus blown out of proportion today. Sitaram Hivarkar (right) tried to drive a compromise by suggesting a “three month period of observation” – effectively indicating that a daily attendance register be maintained and for absenting members, look-out notices be posted! The suggestion miraculously found favour with all present, despite the impracticality of it all.
Well, this too shall pass.
Ramila Mistry:
I favour Sitaram-ji's suggestion. I am sure Arora-ji will help to take proper decision and find a solution. The Club members are both men and women. They should give respect to each other. Now that the Club is registered, its name should not be spoiled. Be careful.
Harish Wadhwa:
Temperature was soaring this morning and was felt by all observers and Garden folk -- which could have been avoided. While the Managing Committee was fair in its approach, intent and action, the objections must have come as a surprise. Come on, this is a simple issue and could have been resolved easily by a simple dialogue.
Bhaswati Bose:
The charges levelled against the Managing Committee are genuine. The last few days there was a lot of discontent amongst us. Only a gutsy lady like Geeta-ji could bring up the issue in front of everybody. Others joined in the protest after that. Yes, our Chairman did lose his temper and how! But all credit to our Secretary who not only patiently and politely heard our grievances, but also promised to make amends. I think Sitaram-ji’s suggestion is sensible and just and can surely be implemented. All said and done, today’s agitation was a revelation:
1. It revealed Arora-ji as the right person for the highly responsible job he holds.
2. It revealed the hidden side of some members who reacted like wounded tigers.
3. It revealed a sense of belonging amongst all the members who protested, argued, quarreled, fought or threatened to resign. The Club does matter to us!
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "What is going on here? Why doesn't anyone understand me? I give up!!!"
* "We need to arrive at a solution right away before any further issues."
* "Everyone has a right of speech. So let's give all a chance!"
Kishor Babani:
Neutral. No comments.
Geeta Sardana:
Sitaram-ji has given a good suggestion. Arora-ji's response was good. We should be careful that such things do not happen in future.
Monthi Serrao:
Rules and regulations should be followed to avoid problems and misunderstanding in future. Sitaram-ji's suggestion can be considered.
Srichand Arora:
* After long discussions between Managing Committee members (except Ms Monthi, who is busy with some religious functions), Shri Shekahwat admitted his mistake for being loud. I feel if someone admits a mistake, it is our duty and binding to forgive and forget. Hence, we decided no more fuss on this issue and no sorry or thank you to anyone by anyone. Cheer up all and join us for the morning laughter and exercise. We all agree that whatever happened was not good. But after all, we are a family and such things happen. Be assured it will not be repeated hereafter.
* Dear friends, no more comments on this issue. Thanks!