Kudos to Rajee, Sreedhar et
al, for completing 10 years in Srishti. I wish I were in this elite club. But
alas it will take me a couple of years by ownership, and a little more by
physical presence. By then they will be on the threshold of another
milestone. Anyway, it is time they
did a SWOT analysis on their decade-long stay - Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats. Given the floor, with my in-and-out record in
Srishti, I would venture the extended family spirit as our Strength, or USP. The
Weakness? I can’t guess, but may
be the lacklustre response to Association’s calls on a few aesthetic measures.
As for Opportunities, perhaps sky is the limit. Threats? The building being
surrounded by garbage on the North, South and West might stay atop. While all
three sides serve liberally as urinal as well, the South has an edge - of being
used for open defecation.
On a lighter note, it is back
to school now. Once again vibrant ambience makes up for the monotonous morning
walk. Children hurry to the bus stop as mothers catch up carrying heavy-duty
backpacks, and fathers rush to hand them lunchbox or homework-notebook left
behind. One extra-cautious father accompanies his son to the gate with car-key
ready in his pocket, should he miss the bus. If you find the lift gets stuck at
one floor at this time, it is not a display of the lift’s resentment for
delaying its retirement plans. Some thoughtful parent has held it up for his
offspring to enjoy his last breakfast bite before rushing out of home.
Speaking of lifts, yes, these
are being replaced. A Block, with its sheer alphabetic superiority, gets its
turn first on everything. Work on dismantling one of its lifts began two days
back without much fanfare. B Block believes in ‘count your blessings’. It basks
on being able to wait and watch.
By design or otherwise, two of
my senior friends in A and B blocks head for UK and US this month to spend
quality time with sons and grandchildren. No names please, just a clue. Both
are Asthana Vidwans (accredited artists) of Srishti in their own musical
instruments. While we will miss them, they will have the last laugh, that they liberate
themselves from the lift-replacement ordeal. A pair of new lifts to choose
from, hopefully with new tunes, will usher them into their Home Sweet Home on return.
V.V. Sundaram
B-703
06 June 2014
