"So how was the New Year eve celebrated in Srishti? I didn't see your write-up. I couldn't participate myself as I was away from Bangalore," said my morning-walk friend of the day. In confidence, it was my New Year resolve that in 2015 I will spare Srishti-ites of my event posts. Reason? Well, those interested will participate. And those who are not, couldn't care less. So why force-feed them?
Much to my dismay, resolve is not my cup of tea. Here is a jam-packed list of events that marked Dec-Jan to justify my wish that this period stayed so through the year.
First it was the Sports Day, It started on an afternoon, strangely with events for seniors, which in Srishti 's parlance are those above just 50. Men and women in enviable numbers took part in all the events: speed-walk balancing a pillow on head; musical chair, pick and wear a tie and a hat as you speed-walk to your winning point, and a few others. The star attraction however was the walking race. In men's group, we had the current champion, Radhakrishan, the previous one, Narayan, Prabhakar Sheth (who for the past 40 years has been walking 5 km in the morning and another in the evening), and I, having been a champion on a solitary occasion when there were literally no contestants. And guess, who came first this time? None of these stalwarts. It was a dark horse. Ravi (Jyoti Singh's father). In an interview, holding out an imaginary microphone, I asked him: "So, sir is this the first time that you are trying your hand at this?" "Who says so?" he shot back. "You know i am a three-star holder." 'No Sir, I don't. I have heard of a three-star hotel but not of a holder. Could you please elaborate?" "Well, like the 'walkathon' that you hear these days, this is held with thousands participating, and there is police 'bandobasth' all through the route. And you get a three-star only if you come first in four out of the five sports events." "Congrats Ravi," I said as I turned to update myself on women's walking race where on a welcome note Auntie hit the ribbon first. The next morning's session was devoted to the rest of the activities. Unfortunately I had a religious function to attend, and hence am unable to report on it.
The New Year eve celebration was on a slightly lower key than usual. Nonetheless, small is beautiful, and everyone present enjoyed the evening, including the outside caterer's dinner. There was a slight chill and the less prepared had to go back to get warm clothes.Those who chose to hit the bed before it struck 12, were woken up by the fireworks to usher the New Year.
This January, the ladies' group celebrated a decade of its weekly Vishnu Sahasranamam chantings. Sanjay's father (late Srivatsa), Hari and Kartik's father (late Ramaswamy), Harihara Sarma, Narayan (and the likes of me, later), along with ladies, started it ten years ago, initially at someone's house by turn. Later it was decided to have it in the 'Yoga' room. Gradually it became an all-ladies show. Bharti (Sanjay's mother) wanted to sponsor the ten-year celebrations with a variety of prasadams to constitute a brunch.. Unfortunately there was some bereavement in her family at the last minute. The ladies' group however took over and celebrated it with the same gusto. The group did invite the original men-folk participants to the function. And we all had a divine blast, if I am allowed to use that expression.
The B Block second lift (and the last of the lot) became operational technically on 15 January. The ladies organized a puja to augur well, and quite a few attended. Visweswaran and Kalyani took the inaugural flight to check if it takes them to their floor. Yes it did. And that was all. Later in the day a technical snag rendered it out of service, which it still is. Let's hope it will be attended to soon, and someone will try it out before I do myself.
Dec-Jan witnessed many arrivals and departures too. The latest is the impending departure of Sarada Krishnan and her son Prasanth (B-808). Mr Krishnan has taken up a more challenging job in Delhi and Sarada and Prasanth will join him soon. Today Shyamala Lakshmipathi (B-806) organized a farewell High Tea for them inviting a small gathering but with a big menu around - a variety of dry fruits and juices for a starter followed by Dahi vada, mixed pakodas, dhokla, poli, mouth-watering rasagulla, badam kheer, followed by three kinds of digestive 'golis'. There was an 'army' touch the way Shyamala had organized the whole thing, with everything being served spic and span, well laid out on the table with no more and no less than 6-1/2 inches distance from one dish to the other. Only a band was not in attendance. Thanks Shyamala. It was an enjoyable evening. And Sarada, wish you all the best in life. Of course your sister's Lakshmi Nursing home will miss an able administrator in you, but then life has to go on. And Prasanth, wish you success in getting a right opening to set foot on your career.
V.V. Sundaram
B-703
24 Jan 2015
