Summer Delight

Jagmohan Papneja

Summertime is holiday time. Schools are closed and children, fresh from classroom cramming and tests, tumble out in the open. So every year, at this time, the Garden turns into a beautiful fairy ground with colorful kids of all shapes and sizes, screaming and running around the place – a welcome relief from the dull monotony of glum-faced geriatrics and of course, the oppressive heat and humidity.
This summer is no different.

Kids having a ball in our midst

For the past few days we have been observing scores of tiny tots, many with their ‘handlers’, scampering about and playing funny games – often to the annoyance of Jagmohan Papneja. He does not like them doing aerial tennis, chucking missiles (or whatever game they might improvise) and being the custodian of the Garden, his writ runs large.
So it came as no surprise that in his absence today, a bunch of kids ventured into our space and kept us company through the exercises. Srichand Arora was particularly taken in by the little ‘guests’ and engaged them in a friendly snarling session during the laughter round.

Shekhawat weighs his options for the next picnic

Whether the kids were amused or we were to be more entertained by them is inconsequential. Any departure from the routine has to be delightful.
Separately, Shekhawat got cracking on another outstation trip – this time not-too-far, with a possible overnight stay. After consulting his regular travel companions, he has narrowed his options down to three predictable destinations:
(a) Alibaug
(b) Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani
(c) Matheran
Ideally, he would like to make the most of the extended week-end between May 1 and 3, but that seems unlikely. This is peak holiday season and most hotels at the three places (as well as in other popular picnic resorts) have been booked months in advance. He will have to settle for some other dates (even venue), possibly mid-week. An announcement is expected soon.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Grown-ups should feel happy and relaxed in the company of kids. Their innocence itself is sufficient to amuse us. Arora-ji is doing good at keeping these children engaged and enjoying.
Bihari Milwani:
Hum bhi agar bacche hote, naam hamara hota Babloo-Dabloo, aur khane ko milte laddoo...