Celebrations

Monthi Serrao presents the winner's trophy

Harbans Kaur presents Papneja's trophy

The 13th isn’t unlucky at all. Celebrations were in order today as it was Harish Wadhwa’s birthday. And congratulations were in store for Hari Singh Shekhawat who, as winner of the latest edition of the Pehchaan Kaun contest, was awarded a glittering crystal trophy at a brief but charming ceremony outside the China Hut this morning.
The results of Pehchaan Kaun-10 were declared last Saturday (ref post of September 6) when, from a field of 11 all-correct entries, six were short-listed for the final round. A spot question was thrown at them by Jagmohan Papneja, who, till then, was hiding behind a black-and-white photograph of a 14-year-old school boy. Two got it almost correct – Shekhawat and Yusuf Rassiwala.

Happy Birthday, Harish Wadhwa!

Finally, a toss of the coin determined the winner.
The highlight of today’s presentation ceremony was a quaint little drama enacted by Shekhawat. When his name was called out, he responded by taking two brisk steps backward and stood, arms by his side, ramrod straight. Then he marched towards Monthi Serrao swinging his arms, stopped, clicked his heels and lifted his right hand in a smart naval salute. Horrified, Monthi held on to the trophy for dear life, but soon regained her composure and wonder of wonders, executed an equally smart (but NCC) salute. She presented Shekhawat his trophy, shook hands and the ceremony was over amid a round of applause.
The presentation to Papneja (for all his support and cooperation) was more civil with Harbans Kaur doing the honors. She greeted him warmly, exchanged pleasantries and before we realized it, they were through. The short and sweet ceremony was concluded by a round of soft, sublime pedas, courtesy Harish Wadhwa. It was his birthday treat.
Many happy returns of the day, Harish!
Jagmohan Papneja:
* Pehchaan Kaun is an interesting contest. It makes the members of Big Laaf very curious and stay engrossed for a number of days to find out the correct answer. Thereafter, the winner is declared. I convey my compliments to Shekhawat-ji for winning the Pehchaan Kaun-10 contest.
* On the occasion of Harish-ji's birthday, I hope today is the beginning of a great year for him. Many, many happy returns of the day, Harish-ji.
Harish Wadhwa:
Thank you, all my dear members for your good wishes.