Politically Surcharged

Jagmohan Papneja celebrates with sweets

It was a day of celebration for some. It was a day of sorrow for others. However hard anybody would try to look neutral, it was tough being indifferent, given the nature of the just-declared election results which has gone overwhelmingly in favour of the Narendra Modi-led NDA combine. You had to be either on the winning side or on the losing side.
In this politically surcharged atmosphere, when Jagmohan Papneja harped on his “India has won” catchphrase – however misplaced it might be – we understood that he was merely echoing the sentiments of the winning camp. But what he probably did not understand was that there were many in the Club who had not voted for the winning party and nursed grave misgivings about the new regime.

Mrs Shekhawat

This, despite protests from many quarters yesterday (see post) on attempts to politicize the Club.
So today, hackles went up the moment Papneja began his spiel after the exercises -- “India has won… today is a historic day… I want to celebrate with sweets…” It amounted to not just cocking a snook, but adding insult to injury for those who do not toe the Modi line – something that was totally unnecessary and avoidable.
Bose Babu had to put his foot down and remind Papneja not to bring party politics into the Club. But when Papneja declared that there was another reason for celebrating – today also being his marriage anniversary – it was enough to diffuse all tension and everyone happily joined in the celebration, wishing Papneja many more years of togetherness.
On an unrelated note, Shekhawat has sent word that his wife is quite unwell and he will not be able to attend the Club regularly for some more time. Today he had taken her to the Colaba navy hospital after she started having bouts of vomiting. He was to take her for a CT scan because of her fainting fits and now it seems she is losing the strength of her legs. Our sympathies go to her and we can only hope and pray she recovers soon.
Jagmohan Papneja:
I am truly grateful to all for having shared my happiness on the occasion of my 40th marriage anniversary (May 17, 2014).
Harish Wadhwa:
* All our good wishes are with Mrs Shekhawat for a quick recovery. May God give her the strength and courage to overcome the health issues and return stronger.
* Many happy returns of the day, Papneja-ji on your marriage anniversary.
Srichand Arora:
Mrs Shekhawat, we all from Big Laaf wish you an early and complete recovery. Our dear Shekhawat loves you so much that he will not leave a single chance to bring you back to your normal life. Of-course, you also know that. God bless you!