Mega Bonanza

When it rains, it pours. Or so it seemed this morning when food flowed in abundance at the Garden, literally taking everyone by surprise. For one, Santosh Tyagi (pic below) had come with gajaks and til-gud luddoos – sweets of sesame seeds associated with the Makar Sankranti festival yesterday. For another, there was Mohan Kanwar Shekhawat dressed in traditional finery, (bottom pic) matching her with equally delectable home-made til-gud luddoos. It was a rare pleasure having her back in our midst.
And then there was Jagmohan Papneja loaded with Camy’s boxes containing a variety of salties and crispies... And if those were not enough, there was a separate box of rich milk cakes to be devoured on the spot. It was a celebration like never before and why not? It was Papneja's birthday today and clearly, he wanted to make it big. We cheered and sang the usual 'Happy Birthday' song (lead pic)... when suddenly someone broke into a parody of his name -- ‘Jaago, Mohan Pyare!’ with Hari Singh Shekhawat lustily leading the chorus amidst rousing laughter.
Among those who missed out on this unprecedented bonanza were some prime casualties from the Sports Day last week-end – Monthi Serrao, Dilip Babani, Mumtaz Jahan, Khatoon Baig... On that day they all behaved fit and fine, little realising they had over-exerted themselves. Now they are paying the price for it. The irony is that people like Papneja and Santosh who had crash-landed and hurt themselves accidentally on that day have been regularly attending the exercises since.
Dilip Babani:
Wishing you a very happy birthday, dear Papneja-ji. May God bless you with good health, happiness and laughter, always.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Thank you all for your wishes. I regard you very highly for the wonderful feeling you gave me and made my birthday all the more special. May God bless you all!