Santosh is Winner!

SANTOSH TYAGI: The Winner  

Santosh Tyagi ought to pick up a lottery ticket immediately; better still, go to the races. She is on an incredible winning streak, having just been voted by the club as Woman of the Year (see post of March 8). And today, against stiff competition, she was declared the indisputable winner of the ninth edition of the Pehchaan Kaun contest. All she needs is to land a jackpot.

Razia Khan: THEN

The closest anyone could get to Santosh this morning was Monthi Serrao. Both were found to be correct in identifying the little girl in the photograph alongside as Razia Khan. But while Monthi erred on the age and location, Santosh was absolutely spot-on in placing her at 8 years and from Mumbai.
That is what makes her winning so sweet. For the first time in Club history, we did not have to resort to a draw of lots or flip a coin to decide the winner among the all-correct entries.

Razia Khan: TODAY

Santosh Tyagi won hands down!
What’s even more significant is that Santosh went against the tide, which was overwhelmingly drifting towards Nahid Khan. As Dilip Babani, the master of today’s ceremonies pointed out, every second entry indicated the possibility of Nahid being THE girl.

Dilip Babani announces the results of Pehchaan Kaun -9

(As proof, Razia had brought a bromide print of the photograph clicked in a Dadar studio over 50 years ago.) Some ladies like Bhaswati Bose, Kajal Babani, Geeta Sardhana and Nafisa Sayyad emerged as red herrings. While everybody was unsure and kept taking random chances, Santosh remained steadfast in her choice right from the very beginning. That shows the true mettle of a winner.
The biggest reward we got from this exercise was when a visibly shy and unbelieving Santosh raised her voice above the euphoria of congratulatory hugs and handshakes and said movingly: “Never before have I felt so happy in life.” As a club eager to spread joy and happiness, what more could we have asked for?
Santosh’s two trophies – one for Pehchaan Kaun and the other, for Woman of the Year – will be presented in the Garden just before the MADNESS of Holi festivities breaks out on March 17.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Winning two trophies within a week... This leaves no doubt that Santosh-ji is the best. Please accept my heartiest congratulations on this glorious achievement.