Dates Deferred

Attendance has dropped drastically because of the intense summer heat

The three-day Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani excursion has been deferred by a week. Responding to reservations expressed by a section of the Club, Shekhawat today announced that instead of May 13 – 15, we would be making the trip between May 19 and 21, 2015. All other details (ref post of April 25) remain the same.
“We need to respect the religious sentiments of everyone,” said Shekhawat, explaining that the dates fixed earlier would clash with Shab-e-Meraaj, one of the three holy nights on the Islamic calendar.
Shekhawat also urged those joining the trip to pay up immediately so that hotel accommodation and other arrangements can be confirmed earliest. He has reasons to worry because this is peak tourism season in Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani and the longer the delay, he loses the early mover advantage. Besides, there are not many good, affordable hotels or resorts in the twin hill stations to house 30 people at one go, unless booked well in advance.
In putting together the number, Shekhawat’s biggest problem is the absenteeism these days.

Banoo Apa treats us to light refreshments

Many of his ‘loyal’ travel companions have stopped coming to the Garden because of the stifling heat and humidity in the mornings. Telephone calls aren’t of much help because there’s always a difference between making a commitment and actually paying. “Most of the people who have committed aren’t showing up in the Garden,” he complained.

Laxmi Hadimani pays for Mahabaleshwar trip

“Now, I can’t possibly land up at everyone's doorstep and demand payment!”
Still, he made a scene today when a long-time ‘loyalist’, Laxmi Hadimani turned up after the exercises and tried to explain that she isn’t quite sure if she would be able to accompany the group this time around. Shekhawat would have nothing of it and in the scuffle that followed, effectively extorted the money out of her. Even while paying, she maintained that there was every chance of her withdrawing if she would be away in Karnataka on May 19. She cannot say for sure now.
What remains unsaid is that the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani trip appears to be jinxed. This the third attempt Shekhawat is making in as many years and should he fail to rustle up the requisite numbers, he might as well dump the idea for good. But being a diehard optimist, he isn’t going to give up easily.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Travel plans and picnics are never jinxed. If you are not comfortable with one venue, another venue can be selected.
Bihari Milwani:
Dear Shekhawat-ji, to attract a crowd for your Mahabaleshwar trip, I suggest you announce the coronation of a new saali and invite everyone for a party.