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