22nd Sept 2014 – 28th Sept 2014 [Welcome Diwali]

 

Wed:  Recently Lali and Myself have logged few hundred kilo meters run in Xylo, roaming around Pune, exploring the hinterland and unexplored shyadari mountains, selling land chunks to Xrbia & Landson. I have a view that one has to go to Himalyas to enjoy greenery and heavy jungle atmosphere. But I am wrong. After monsoon, our nearby mountain range is flush with vibrant greenery, heavy fogs, waterfalls and  deep jungles. And maybe animals deep inside the Jungle. Three areas which we have explored recently are Back Waters of Mulshi Damn, Pen – Karjat Area, Tawve – Vadgaon area.  Each one of them is filled with natural beauty, so soothing and calming. Soon I am going to tick one of items on my Bucket List. Take Enfield and Tiffin along with camera, and just wander. An excellent day out in natures lap is assured along with good possibility of Adventure. And yes, if someone who understands animal is along, he/she can make this trip enchanting and unforgettable.

Fri: Mobile Mania is growing day by day, and reaching new heights. Recently Apple once again made history during launching of iPhone 6. The kind of options and varieties in market are mind boggling. Just 2 days back, three different e-business sites had put front page advertisement for  similar cells with same range of price. I am told that one company in USA is selling phones by sending invites! No invite, no buy! Every day, Times pushes more mobile models then anything else. And if one goes through the pain of deep research, like Kashyap does, cell similar in features to iPhone 6 can be had at one third of its prices, with Apple Tag. 

Sat:  Muskan was with me, at 5.15 pm. Both of us were walking down towards Sacred Heart. She felt in the air, there is feeling of the arrival of Diwali, and accordingly made her comment. 

But, I remarked, all around us the scene was same, as in routine. Varsha Bhel was doing usual brisk business, all fruit vendors have lined up with Apples and Banana, with two Veges vendors, evening was pleasant with sun setting to our right side. Shops have not started putting extra lights on display. Why this feeling? Muskan enlightened me. She said, in morning we had planned to dispose off unwanted material, then ‘Mata Darshan’ discussion was done. And in office, leaking wall was scraped for touch up. All this cleaning, 'mandir' visit etc is giving us feeling of Diwali arrival. Anyone willing to challenge this logic? I fully agree with her.

 Dad used to have this insecurity during Diwali. He had fear that Diwali brings more pain for him than pleasure. Because of this unproved fear he never enjoyed Diwali Festivity, fully. He agreed that it was unfounded fear, but still it was always there. Dhwani, any comment?

Sun: Avi & Family, Mummy, Akshay & Muskan are visiting ‘Vashnavi Devi Mandir’ at Pimpri. Muskan had made this a tradition. Every year she visits this 'mandir' with Akshay during Navratra’s. Why people develop such tradition? Year after year they continue this process, lasting for decades. Though in Lokram Dodeja and his family [exception being Prahlad Uncle] does not have such compulsion, but lot of people around us have. Few examples are:

One of My Massi            Bindravan every Janmashtimi for decades

Visnhu Munyal               Shree Paramanand Bhandar Kankhal Haridwar for 5 decades!

Madon Dodeja                Lunch every year on Ganesh Chaturthi for last few decades!

Hiralal Bajaj                    Hanuman Mandir near Dawa Bazar,  every Saturday for decades!

Prahlad Dodeja               Hanuman Mandir in Central street, Pune, every Saturday for decades!

Ramesh Munyal             Trupati Balaji, in April for Decades!

Nandas                           Starting from Muskan’s Grandfather, till today, her brother  Continues Navratra’s Celebration for ten days of ‘Upvas’, 4 hour daily pooja etc.
Mona & Geeta             ‘Sewa’ for ‘Radha Swami Satsung’ during December in Dahisar, for decades. 

by P G Dodeja

15th Sept 2014 – 21st Sept 2014 [Waiting for end of Shradhs]

 

Mon: Dr Lekhwani, of Deccan College still continues to work for Sindhi Language. He is real ‘Karm Yogi’. When you see his pace of working, you feel and think, what will he do? So slow. But I have seen him completing impossible project with high quality contents, a Landmark work, which otherwise would have never seen the light of the day. Be it Dictionary, Scholarly observations on Language, collection of Stories, How to teach language etc. His objective, Quality and Value is always fulfilled. He has patience of a Yogi. It was in early 70’s, he was invited by Grand Father for dinner.  He had just joined Deccan College as linguistic expert. In our ‘Ambi’, with Bansi Uncle driving we had gone to Deccan College to drop him. I had my first chat with him. I remember becoming aware of Dad’s love for language through this person’s statement. That drive opened my mind to the vast field of Sind-Sindhi-Sindyat.

Then in 90’s Dad invited him for Lunch at Ghatkopar, in Mumbai. He had very friendly relationship with Dad. We are his printers for last few decades and continue to work for him. I wish to undertake AV project of Sindhi learning with him. He has expertise and love for language. He had along with Madan Jhumani  and others had started work on AV script also, however it has not progressed much.

On Monday he kick started three printing projects, which he was working on for last six months, he had specially come to give us. And Akshay was privileged to meet him, hear stories from him about his great grandfather and grandfather. A person who is connected with four generations, purely because of love for language!

One more couple turned into parents this week . Ankit Nagpal and Palavi were blessed with Baby boy. Ankit is ‘Langotya Yaar’ of Sharat. Just like Pinakin, Naresh, Dhiraj, Nanu are of Akshay. Akshay’s friends are all already parents twice over. I think, non of the  Kashyap’s friend has raised the family.  

  Thu: Even in 21^st century, lots of new ventures are held up, simply because of ‘Shradh’ month. The 24^th is last day and we will be activating few projects on 25^th. In this waiting process for next 7 days most of office work is just on hold. And I would like to believe like Lali believes this, that this waiting end will be over in more then one way!   

Fri: Akshay received his 2^nd Birthday Gift from Kashyap. A Mobile, china product called M1. So what is great about it? For one thing it is not one of the popular brand’s product. Secondly, it was purchased on net. Thirdly, for its features and metal finish, it is cheap at least by 50%! It Is great value for money, considering its finish, features, sound clarity etc. Though we call it mobile, but it is used as, music system, game console, net browser, camera, sound recorder, GPS system etc.

And Simply I find this irresistible. Just two pictures, in gap of 90 years!!! The Shaniwar Wada in 1922 and second picture also has Shaniwar Wada in 2012 as backdrop.

  
by P G Dodeja

8th Sept 2014 – 14th Sept 2014 [Visarjan Weeek]

 

Mon: The old world charm of 'Visarjan' is still active and kicking. The excitement, the charm, the fun, the 'Mela feel', the crowd impression, all is alive and impressive. It is difficult to relate and put it in words the experience, one can only feel it. This year, we three brothers, plus Akshay & Muskan made a program to participate in Visarjan with huge Pune crowd at Alka, which is main submersion point. Roads were blocked 2 km away. 

We walked down and by the time we reached Alka, celebration effect was full on. Balloons, Totaries, Bhuta Wala, Wadawala, Coffee/Tea stall, Mask vendors, all dotted the road. Everyone seemed to be using cell phone more as a camera here. I also joined them with Chinky;s Canon on Mono Pod. "Visarjan' process has started around 12 O'clcok from Mandai and reached Alka by evening. There are five ‘Manacha Ganpati’, the first one has reached submersion site, at  4.30 pm, rest will follow in line on Laxmi Road. I enjoyed taking movie clips. Muskan was in her elements and if given opportunity, she would have done ‘Ghati’ jig in middle of the road. Lali went nostalgic, as usual, whenever he is in peth area.

Thu:  Palli Arora just barged in at Mira Flat in 1979, when we first opened the door of 5/75 flat after getting the possession of flat. She introduced herself and welcomed us to Mira Society. Very friendly and ‘Vachal’. In those days, Bindiya used to come with me, so soon she developed a lifelong friendship with her.  In Ghatkopar, it was Illa and in Pune, Pali. Both have only one thing in common, they do not allow others to speak! Pali had 3 daughter and a son. Eldest is Sheetal, Calm, composed, sober and mature. As mostly all the eldest kids are. Second one is Payal. Like Payal, she enters with ‘Chan – Chan’ and exits with ‘Chan – Chan’. Typical Punjabi bubble person. Youngest is called Anchal.  She comes in lightly like a gentle breeze, swings around swiftly, floating and moving around, hence the name ‘Anchal’ is perfect for her. And yes, she is good chatter box also.

She is Rakhi sister of Akshay-Kash-Sharat, and on every Rakhi she visits us for dinner. She along with Guarav, her husband, and Simran her two years old daughter were invited for dinner. A small kid kept all nine people present engrossed for 4 hours, by her innocent antics. The home was filled with what Manu used to say ‘Bachan Ki Kilkariyan’. This included adult wow, ohh.. etc. Such is child power.

Last such baby in our family which kept us smiling was in start of this century, in form of Rinky. Her statement, ‘Dhimag’ pointing figure on her template, still brings smile on my face. Palak – Mehak give us rare appearance, hence you cannot count them in this category.  Time flows…..

Fri: ‘Finding Fanny’ director Homi Adajania is a mad person. As his film is releasing today, Times has published his story. Here is quote which put me in deep thought, and brought big knowing smile on my face.

 “If you are broke and you are happy, you will never be happier.”

 Every soul in this world be it beggar on street or King of Saudi, has one or other nagging worry, tension, problem always with him/her. There is no running away from it. But the task is not to run away from it, but to handle it. You learn to handle or sort out such things in positive manner, when you think was are finished, but then you still survive. This teaches you a big lesson of the life, ‘Sirji, Upperwale ki yeh nagri hai, hamara kuch nahi chalta’ You understand and learn to handle life’s mini crisis in happy manner or die. And this ‘funda’ works more when your pocket has only one Gandhi.

Sat:  Mona – Kunal – Aarti came down for lunch at Coffee House. Bindiya readily agreed just on phone to go out for Mona, whereas we have to ‘Patao’ her a lot for such activity. She even climbed one floor, though was very exhausted by end of it. In early 80’s Coffee house was our main eating out place, till Ram Krishna came along to replace it. In recent times this is second time we went for Lunch with Mona there. They have still maintained the quality and service. Wow. Mona took all kids to Lonavala for overnight stay!   

 

by P G Dodeja

1st Sept 2014 – 7th Sept 2014 [Ganpati Visarjan Week]

 

Drama on Sunday: We all had gala time on Sunday evening. We played current obsession, ‘Stock Exchange’ board game after Lunch and brief siesta, even Shyam Uncle enjoyed it. We all seven players got totally engrossed and for those four hours  we were big players of stockmarket, bigger then Harshad Mehta.

Tired and contended, early dinner was planned, so that we can start Monday on right note, a good sign of maturity and responsibility. By 8.30 dinner was done with, and before we start hitting the bed, suddenly our maid, ‘Namita’ collapsed. She clinched her fist, pressed her head very hard with both hands and kept arching backward. Dhwani held her, fearing she may hurt herself. Muskan was in panic and very much worried. Namita mother was called and all she said was do not panic, this will go, this is repeat of what had happed some time ago. When I saw her, I remembered Raji’s fit. Maybe it was fit. As it continued for 15 minutes, we decided to take her to Inamdhar Hospital. One injection, some rest and she returned home. This whole business lasted 45 minutes. Moni – Chinky played Dr House and meanwhile, Avi – Akshay – Sharat & Kashyap took care of hospitalization and her return. A mini crisis was handled well. Kashyap took upon himself the charge of getting this kid diagnosed properly. It turns out, she has multiple problems. Vision – Snake Fear - Age – Exhaustion.  

Shyam Uncle is 80 years young.  At this age also he is more energetic then us. On Saturday he played along with us till 1.30 am and he was back to attain ‘Aarti’ in morning. After Lunch, he went out to crome to buy new TV for his bedroom and after brief nap, was back again on floor, sitting with us, playing board game. His jovial, deep sense of humor is, thank god, still intact and keeps tingling and smiling us. An inspiration to handle life in gentle and peaceful way. And just to prove his energetic stamina, is this picture of him, blowing ‘Shankh’ to full glory.

This year Nanda’s, Narang’s & Shah’s had planned a Pune visit during Ganpati, and co- incidentally all three families have newly - wed couples. Nandani Nanda – Aditya, Kunal Narang – Aarti, Meet Shah - Aska. Our family has very good relationships with those families as well as with couples. Meet – Aska had just visited Pune, I was not expecting them.

Arnav with his Mother

One by one, visits got cancelled, except of Nandas. I wanted to ask Muskan, which is more exciting guest, ‘Nandani + Aditya’ or  ‘Arnav’. But I knew this question will put her in big ‘Dharam Sankat.’ So I spared her and am asking her via this Blog. [very naughty]

Arnav is a very cute rolly – polly kind of baby. ‘Gora Chitta’ and very ‘Shant.’  He was fully enjoying the attention we all gave him. Whosoever picked him, he would sit in her/his lap, happily. It was his eating time and sleeping time, still he did not cry. Very sweet child.  Hope his ‘Bou’s’ will not spoil him, specially younger one.

Ganpatiji with Arnav and his ' FAVORITE BOA?'

On 5^th day, we did ‘Visarjan’. This year, Ganpati Celebration was very enjoyable. Everything went smoothly and pleasantly. We had Pooja Seth and Bathijas with us to share this joy. It proves the saying, ‘KHUSHI BATNE SAE BADTI HAI’. One more reminder, telling you to live your life based on old traditional wisdom.

Ganpati darshan in Peth area is a must, if one wants to be ‘Puneri’. This year we visited on 5^th day. And everyone agreed that each year we will have dharshans on 5^th day only. 6^th day onward full Mumdai, Laxmi Road, Tulsi Baug etc is fully jam packed. But on 5^th we were fortunate to participate in ‘Dagadu Seth Ganpati’s’ arti also. One can walk comfortably, enjoy foolish acts, buy this and that and have road side snacks like Loni Dosa, ‘Royal Sandwich’, Kavre’s icecream and softee. Wow.

‘Ganpati Bapa Mourya, Pudhchaa Varshi Loukar Yaa’

 

by P G Dodeja

Mental Post : [Special Edition]

Mad Caper

Is madness growing in our family?

A worry some question. Last few days have forced me to think about the metal equilibrium of many members of the family. When ‘Chillam Chilly’ club members, specially Deepa was around, we will lose our balance and get involved in stupid acts. This effect, which I call ‘Lose of Balance’ will last few hours, normally. But this time around even in absence of Deepa, nuttiness lasted for days. This rabidness was even passed on to Puja [who had come from Amritsar in morning,] within hours of her arrival in our home. And to make my point, I present below few pictures. Only sober person was Akshay, who kept in check and did not allow us to cross line, and kept Yerwada Hospital at arms length.  

To start with, Shyam Uncle drew my attention to this sign. This is a Departmental Store near Dhagdo Seth Ganpati. But the few letters missing say a different story. 'H' is silent because the most sober person in our group was Haresh.

Dhwani's 'maun vrat'  starts this process of mental illness. Even though she is supposed to keep mum and meditate, for 10 days we also get carried away start communicate with each other in 'Dham Shraz Game' style. We have added sound effect of 'Hoo - Ha - Oh' and shake of heads.

During this Ganpati I kept saying no to sweets! Each and every one was shocked. Some even suggested that I need to get my head checked. Poor Dhwani, tried her best, but her sweet Bondi offer was rejected, which Rinky though was sure sign of mental deficiency on my part.

  

No after seeing this picture, do I need to say anythig? Rinky, captured the mood, the status of mental health perfectly in this picture. Thankfully, Avi did not attempt to fly, thinking himself being a bird.

 Shart is most sober, intelligent and grounded person in our family. The process of his brains getting damaged has started. For no rhyme and reason, Avi [which we understand] and Sharat kept saying Babaji Ka Thulu. Kapil Sharma must have not said so many times, which they did.

Our guest, Pooja got so carried away with our antics, that she said, we citizens of Amritsar are also capable of doing senseless activities. To prove this she played this huge drum, right in middle of the street,  next to Mandai. She was traffic stopper, no two views. A modern looking girl in jeans, playing a drum, which she is not able to carry also.

Suddenly Muskan gets possessed as we walk towards Manacha Ganpati Pandal. Dhwani tires to analysis her, but in the end gives up and accepts her defeat and keeps smiling

Finally, Akshay uses brute force and drags her out of danger zone. On close study you see the totally difference 'रूप  of Muskan. And finally, in the scary dark night, all are relieved when Muskan is her old self, specially Pooja.

by P G Dodeja