I-Day Preparations

Shekhawat invokes danda for finalising I-Day arrangements

The Club today received a jolt from a ‘danda’ for the Independence Day celebrations, just one week away. Srichand Arora brought the steel rod meant for pitching the national tricolor and in effect, remind us to get cracking with the preparations. “As I may not be able to come to the Garden on August 15, I am leaving this danda and the jhanda (flag) behind with Shekhawat,” he informed.
Chances are that Arora would be away at Hinduja Hospital where his wife is due for a knee surgery on August 11. “In case she is discharged by the 15th, I will be present here for sure,” he clarified.

Ajmer prasad from Nasir Shah

“But I want it to be a grand celebration this year with no holds barred. And let the full expenses be billed on me, even if I am not present.”
Members however, felt that it would be unfair to do so and that we should rather go ahead like every year with the Club bearing all expenses of the celebration.

Mallika Kagzi treats us to tea... for no particular reason

Jagmohan Papneja however, suggested keeping it a low key affair in the Garden and directing all members to some other place where ‘naashta’ would be served on a grand scale.
This was found to be incredibly offensive with all the members – from Yusuf Rassiwala to Kiran Prakash and Mallika Kagzi and Banoo Khan – raising an uproar. “Whatever we do, will be done here in this Garden,” was the common plea. Even Arora took offense. “When we are talking about this Garden, why are you bringing up some other place?” he questioned Papneja. The latter however, found a lone supporter in Mumtaz Jahan who argued that we would regret missing all the “good food and big officers…” No one paid any heed.
As things stand, Shekhawat will finalise the menu of the snacks/ refreshments in consultation with Mallika, Monthi Serrao and others. Depending on where these would be sourced from, arrangements will have to be made to transport the stuff to the Garden. And Harish Wadhwa will be in charge of the sound system as usual.
Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
It is always enjoyable to celebrate the important event in your 'home' with whatever facilities you have, rather than go anywhere else for the eats. You adore your near and dear ones and feel happy with them. I am missing the company of all my friends.