Another Enjoyable Srishti Day (2015)

Every action has a reaction. If you give a sterling performance one year, it becomes a standard and you will be required to do better next time. Last year a few items attracted a lot of applause. The skit by the middle-aged guys, Mere Samnewale Kidiki Mein… To a lesser degree, the senior couples attempting running-around-the-trees numbers a la Dev Anand. Or, the haunting dance number performed by a group of young Srishti mothers. Thus  it was a challenge for the organisers to come up with something better this time. Truth be told, I was a bit sceptical, going by the lacklustre preparatory work. I wished I was wrong. And I was.

First and foremost, I liked the lavish (and deserved) praise of the wonderful job being done by our Manager Beliappa, the handymen, the team of upkeep ladies, and the security staff. These unsung heros (and heroines?) often get tagged to the ‘also ran’ category. 

The pandal contractor stuck to the same set of shamiana that he erected last year. Hence, in later years, the shamiana  per se in a video clipping cannot help one to identify which year’s programme one is viewing. The mike chap did his homework well this time before he set out for work. 

The young boy Gaurav, and Aditi, ably assisted Ms Geeta, who compered the show. (Aditi disappeared after a while to the backstage to get dressed for her own Bharatanatyam dance number). Gaurav took charge of the mike for most of the time and interspersed the programme-announcements with riddle, as the performers got ready. Well done, the team.

Gandhi’s Swatch Bharat was well presented, and it conveyed a pertinent message.  The number where children in deep sleep wrapped under a cosy blanket woke up to a song suddenly and started dancing merrily was enjoyable. But when they remained wrapped a little too long before the backstage guy could start the song, I got worried that they might really go to sleep. That was bedtime already.  

The tiny-tots, all dressed in white kurta doing a patriotic number filled one’s heart. I enjoyed more their stare at their concerned mothers in front for instructions and prompting. The Kathak dance, a difficult one, was performed with near professionalism. The maiden Bharatanatyam attempt by the mother-daughter duo (Bhagya and Aditi) deserve compliments considering that they associated themselves with the art for the first time during the rehearsals.  

Then there was a dance number with teenage boys lined up to the full length of the stage. I can’t recall the song, but I did spot Sriranjini’s son, Sumita’s son, Sarika Kothari’s son, and some more in it. These boys played with verve. Equally spirited was the performance of a dance number by Praveen’s (B-301) daughter, Jyoti Singh’s daughter and two more. Well done girls.

I liked especially the RD Burman song (a difficult one at that to play) which Sreevasta picked to play on keyboard. He did full justice to it. The second one, with Sudha giving him vocal support, was also a haunting old number.

The Rajasthani group dance featuring Sujatha, Ruchi, Sarika, Sumita, Ritika, Poonam, Dr Smita et al, was well rehearsed and executed. Kudos. And the final item of the show by Jyoti Singh, Neodita and Vanitha was a befitting finale.

Mentioned in passing, but arresting in performance, include the violin recital, the skit in English, the Cinderella story with umbrella, the rendition of a song in the Harivarasanam style (the song that is sung before closure of the Sabarimala temple every night), the opening prayer, the individual rendition by Sujata, Ruchi and Sarika’s daughters with their teacher playing background music on keyboard, and a few other items. 

And the food? Unfortunately, I am unable to comment on it. I am still reeling under a resolve (the sixth since New Year) after my family re-union when we visited restaurants left, right and centre. Even at that time we had engaged this very caterer to serve food to about 40 family members. We were quite happy. 

My only regret, as I conclude this piece, is that I wish that my children and grandchildren were here these days (rather than last month) so that they could have taken part in some of the programmes. One grandson is shaping up as an accomplished pianist, taking lessons from Mozart’s great grand daughter’s daughter (subject to correction), while our younger son’s son is good at oratory. He enacted in his school, with accompanying body language and actions, a condensed version of Steve Job’s famous presentation at Stanford, and walked with a prize. The third is good at sports.

V V Sundaram, B-703

16 Aug 2015

A BEEHIVE THAT SRISHTI IS

Migration to greener pastures seems to be the name of the game in Srishti. In the not too distant past Sulochana and her family, the Srinivasans, and the Harihara Sarmas have all moved out. The DeSouzas’ too are to follow suit.

Sulochana, Hari (Ramanathan for most) and his family shifted with a heavy heart to Sahakar Nagar a few months ago. They had to, for administrative convenience, as both Hari and Rashmi go for work. By nature the family moves about quite unnoticed, but hats off to them for what they could be if one is friends with them. During our sporadic, prolonged absences from Srishti in the past few years, they took excellent care of B-703. Not just that, each time we landed at an unearthly hour, the fridge was filled with milk and unadulterated coffee decoction; mail stayed sorted out between junk and the useful ones; and the house as such cleaned. Worth taking a cue from them on what relationship is all about. We miss the family.

Srinivasan ji and Vijaya (A-305) moved to Chennai to be with their son and daughter, preparatory to trying out in their own apartment that is getting ready in Chennai. They will then take a call whether to settle down in Chennai for its music festivals, or return to Bangalore for its salubrious weather. In short, Bangalore’s loss will be Chennai’s gain - or vice versa. Anyway, for the interim we miss them.  Vijaya knows that many Srishti ladies will miss her more than she will miss them. Srinivasan did a creditable job as President of Srishti Association. He had clear-cut views on any issue. 

Harihara Sarma and Padma  (A107) finally succumbed to the pressure of their son that they should ideally move permanently to ‘White House’ to his independent ground-floor apartment which he since got vacated for them. That will grant them their space and Ramesh’s closer presence on the first floor. Harihara Sarma has probably served on the maximum number of sub-committees in Srishti, unless the distinction belongs to Shri V.N. Radhakrishnan. I  don’t have a count. Padma Aunty, as she is popularly known, has been a lead figure in Srishti’s religious activities. Fortunately, we will not miss them altogether; just won’t get to see them that often. We wish them both a comfortable stay in the new environment.

The DeSouzas, of B-403, too are slated to move to Thanisandra, to a villa. If reports are to be believed, it is a fabulous one. The senior DeSouzas are of an amiable disposition. And, as I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, their movements in the compound are calculated to attract the minimum of attention. We wish them a pleasant stay in the new villa - notwithstanding that Mr DeSouza defeated me hands down in a Srishti Day carrom semi-final tournament.

The only silver lining amidst this exodus is the return to the fold by a few, with a renewed Home Sweet Home enthusiasm. Yes, Dr Satpathy (A-306) moved to a place near Esteem Mall, only to make a hasty retreat to Srishti sooner than later. Mr Ajay Choksey (A-104) gave up the pleasurable life in a villa built in a 5000 sft. area to be with old friends.

  

Kudos Srishti children. It seems some of them acquitted themselves ably in the public examinations and made their parents feel proud of them. They have now branched off into their chosen streams in the best or the next best college. We wish them well in their academic pursuit. Yet others whom we saw a few years ago participating in kids programmes on Srishti Day, have now completed professional degree courses.  One is flying off to USA later this month to pursue Master’s in Biomedical Engineering. One more was to leave for US for higher studies. Either because of parental persuasion or on her own accord, she  decided to give it a try for a year to an offer from a top Consultancy firm in Bangalore while keeping her US admission option open. All the best both.

Srishti atmosphere is fully energised these days with positive vibrations thanks to a host of religious activities.  Sarasa/Narayan (B-001) performed Bhagawat Seva (Devi puja) which is customarily done in the Tamil month of Adi (mid-July to mid-Aug). Sudha/Srikant (B-508) too held one a week later - an annual event in their home. These two helped the atmosphere reverberate with religious chants. No less, Uma/Bajaj (B-202) provided a delightful evening to an overflowing gathering of devotees at their annual bhajan. The hymns, accompanied by Dholak beats and cymbals, elevated the mood, compelling even the stiff-upper-lip variety to sing and swing. 

I now hear the bugle sound, with band playing rhythm for steps. Probably it is from Kuppuraja School near Anand Nagar Park. The students must be doing their final rehearsal for the Independence Day parade. Yes, we too have a flag hoisting ceremony, freedom songs, children’s programme, and probably some impromptu soul-stirring speech by elders for tomorrow morning. Also, let’s get ready for the Srishti Day in the evening. Happy Independence Day -  and Srishti Day too. 

V V Sundaram, B-703

14 Aug 2015

Lest I Miss the Bus Again

Recounting missed opportunities has been my favourite pastime. “What a pity, I didn’t buy Brigade’s 2100 sft. super luxury apartment in…. It was then available for 55 lakhs; now it is quoted at 2 cr. And Sobha’s nearby? There were few takers at Rs 2200 per sft. Their rep persisted me to book one. I didn’t. Now it sells at God knows what price. Forget these, what about that Villa in …………”  The regret list goes on.

Last week I was in Coimbatore visiting my sister. Around that time a senior couple from Kochi visited her looking for a senior citizens home in Coimbatore. For the uninitiated, Coimbatore distinguishes itself as a hub for such homes. Many (including some known to me) from US, UK, and Indian metropolitan cities have settled down there - Vanaprastha, Dhyanaprastha, Nana Nanny, Soundarya, Brindavan, Swarnalaya, to name a few. In fact, you utter any name at random, and chances are there will be one home by that name, unless you try to be mischievous and ask if there is one by, say, Heavens Calling, On the Go, Departure Mode, or Then There Were None.

A brainstorming session ensued among the three of us senior couples - 82-72, 75-67, 72-70 - to pick one for a pre-investment survey. The discussions took such a turn that my sister and I, hitherto passive, also began to show signs of interest in the project. Already I had heard good reports about these homes and I didn’t want to miss the bus again. An appointment was fixed, and next morning the young rep drove us through Phase 1 (completed project) where seniors have been living for four or five years. A row of small, compact and beautiful villas, including car parking, temple, gym, recreation centre, meditation hall, and what have you. First impression is the best impression, and the rep succeeded. We all fell for it. But none available. That is called marketing - to arouse interest in the buyer and then deny him so that he grabs the next available one, feeling victorious.

He then headed to the the current project (Phase 2) where villas and apartments were being readied for delivery before year-end. After a conducted tour of the model villa and apartments he said that only a few apartments were available, no villa. An exquisite temple was taking shape, as also a club house, and a few other centres. 

Sensing that we were not unduly impressed with the left-over apartments, he was quick to add: “Now I will take you to the upcoming project (Phase 3) which is due for completion in early 2017. You can choose at free will.” It was indeed very good, and facing the Western ghats.” He even hand-picked from blue print apartments that would give us a view of the mountain every morning - 202, 302, and 402. “All of you would have the same view, and would be close to one another.”  

He took us back to Phase 1 for a taste of their lunch. They enjoy a reputation for serving good food.  We had to wait at the lounge as the lunch hall was full. A few minutes later, one by one came out after finishing their lunch and all the six of us, unknown to the other, watched them with eyes wide open to see if there were any whom we knew.  No luck. So I picked one at random, told him our purpose, and asked him, “So sir, how do you like the stay here, ambience?” “Well,” he said, “my wife likes this place, and so we live here. Basically I am a research scientist, so I keep myself busy on internet.”

As we got into our own vehicle at the drop-point, to return home, we asked the Kochi couple, “So what is your opinion?” “I wish I could see cheerful faces as they walked out of the lunch hall, radiating happiness. They had more of an ‘inmate’ look than a ‘resident’ look. Also, the promoters don’t allow any regular visitors to one’s apartment or villa. I can’t live without my hobby - astrology - and people come to me for consultation. So it is out for me.”

“And you Shanta?” I asked my sister. The present complex where I live combines senior citizens, office-going youngsters and children. And any of them, not necessarily the seniors, can visit (or order) the mass catering service the promoters run at the end of the complex for anything from breakfast to dinner. I am quite ok meeting just not the seniors over and over again and exchange notes on BP, sugar, and cholesterol, but see fresh young faces, and children playing around in the parks in the complex.

“Any about you? they both asked me simultaneously. “Jai Shriram - I mean Shriram Srishti,” I clarified. But I am no gold standard.

V.V. Sundaram

B-703

09 Aug 2015