7th Sept 2015 - 13th Sept 2015 [ Big Bang Week]

Mon: ManGaon Project: Week started with a bang. My blog is censored on this account due to confidentiality clause. All I can say is this project is go and will start bearing fruit in4-6 months time.

Tue: ENGLISH LEARNING: Again same above mentioned reason for not elaborating. 

Wed:  PLOT SALE 609: Again same above mentioned reason for not elaborating.This project will take three months time to show results.

Fri: 200 Flats Project: Again same above mentioned reason for not elaborating. 75% deal is done. Until and unless no sign on dotted lines, time frame is not possible to predict.

Sun: Chakan Deal: Again same above mentioned reason for not elaborating. Ready 90% from our end, 75% from buyer end.

Thu: Maya B Dodeja dies in Sleep: One more sudden and unexpected incident.

Maya Bhagwandas Dodeja

Daughter of richest sindhi family in 40’s and 50’s. Balchand Pamnani was the pioneer in biscuit manufacturing in India. He was short and looked like Lal Bahadur Shastri in his Dhoti. I still remember him as LBS.  They had excellent bungalow near Shophia College. I learned cycling there only, when I was just 7 years old. This was during Maya’s engagement days. Dad used to pick her up for shopping and for visiting us in Ghatkopar during her engagement period. While waiting of her, I will take one of bikes lying around and glide down the slop, which would touch Peddar road.

I visited Menghraj Bhavan her residence, few times. I will be fascinated by Gangeshwar Maharaj, who was blind by birth, a scholar and running Ghangeshwar Dham Mandir, in Mumbai and big Dharamshala in Haridwar. He lived in one separate area for himself in Bungalow. Pamnani’s were big followers and devotees.

Our Chachi's life was influenced by these two factors in big way. She had limitless stories of her childhood days in Shukkar home and then early days in Mumbai. And she was devoted to Ghangeshwar Mandir also. Pamnani family’s influence had stayed with Ghangeshwar Maharaj’s followers also. We 40 peoples during 1992 trip had stayed in their Dharamshala in Delhi and Haridwar  and had excellent treatment all due to her.

Dad had soft corner for Bhagwan and Maya. His very first original drama was based on them only. It was not flattering presentation, but still Maya liked the attention it generated and used to love his books.  Bhagwan uncle and Maya shifted to Ahmadabad, taking charge of NPM office. Our uncle was most handsome and his friends used to call him 'Prince', more so, his attitude towards life was also like prince. So, one can say that this was 'Prince and Princess' story of our family.

It is credit to Maya that she was able to run home on her own. In ‘miaka’, she had never entered kitchen, and here she was, doing cooking, shopping and taking general care of house. During 70’s decade, I took fathers place in visiting Ahmadabad for office work. I remember, she would thrive on those visits, asking about each and every social activity taking place in Mumbai and Pune. She missed that very much. Ahmadabad was kind of ‘Banwas of 37 years’ for her. Finally after death of Dada and Bhabhi, they shifted to Pune in 2000. And irony of life is, the social activity in Pune had taken downward plunge by then. Lokram Dodeja family had scattered and had very limited connection with each other, some property issues had soured relationships.

We would spend 10-15 days of vacation in Pune during good old days of 60's and 70's. BLD family will always be there during those vacations. My earliest recollection of her in Pune house, is of her in Puja room, working on sewing machine, making pillows, stitching small garments etc. Our granny would keep aside all sewing jobs for her. Maya aunt was very friendly with Bal and Mummy. They would enjoy each others company. I had never seen them even arguing or debating much. They had such clear understanding.  

In early years of her life, it was Bhabhi or Mummy, who would guide her, whenever asked for advice. After Narendra’s marriage it was her DIL who took over home charge and making decision. She just flourished as princess and enjoyed reminiscing. During my last visit, just 10 days back, she told me all about her home in Sukhar, which was purchased from ‘ex-King’. How this was shared by three brothers and their family of 50 members. She even remembered rooms arrangements etc. She was just 7 years old, when she last saw that place! 

 What a life. She lived 7 years in 'Mahlat' of Sukhar with 40-45 family members, 16 years in Poshest Bungalow on Peddar Road with maybe 20 members family, 37 years in Simple flat in Ahmadabad making her family of two into 10 members family over the period of 37 years, and final 15 years in Huge Bungalow in Pune from where she left for final journey, very peacefully in night!

 

by P G Dodeja

31st Aug – 6th Sept 2015 [Mkhan Chor Week]

 

30^th Sunday: Kashyap’s birthday is normally a unique day. It is kind of ‘Vidhi Ka Vidhan’. However, for last two three years I have tried to keep it low key from my end, as I feel he has grown up. He is no more youngest kid also. So this year I thought it will not be unique as Dhwani – Kabir were in Matunga, and our life has being hectic in last week. Lali and family were also in Mumbai. Kashyap treated all active family members with a light movie. And before the day’s end, this day also turned into a unique day. How, why, will be told some other time with love and in detail.

2^nd Wednesday: Manohar Dodeja was blessed with second grandson. This new addition is 21^st great grandson of Lokram Dodeja. In morning I was counting and added Kabir in this list, but then I realized Kabir along with three girls are great-great grand-children of Lokram Dodeja, i.e. 5^th generation. In this list, Kabir is first Dodeja kid [Pota], whereas, three girls of two Dodeja daughters, both named Neha, one Lali’s and other Sudha’s are Dodeja ‘Dhoeuties’.

 

3^rd Thursday: This was second delivery in Inamdahar Hospital, Wanwadi by Dodeja Khandan. Baby was sleeping peacefully, his skin glowing. Manu told his name will be kept on letter ‘Chi’. There are very few sindhi names on this letter, so I asked Muskan for Punjabi suggestion. And instantly she gave an excellent option. “Chikna”. It is Apt and proper Punjabi name. If this pet name becomes popular, he will look for opposite of fair and lovely cream! After long time I heard smile in Manu’s voice. He sounded very happy.

Babies do bring lot of happiness, so why ladies are shrinking, and running away from producing more babies? World is becoming self centric, sorry to say, but today, woman are more concerned about their looks, figures, free time, less responsibility, career etc. They question, why we should sacrifices for family happiness. Today, it is norm and fashion to have one child and after decade or so, it will be no child culture. And, that generation will never be able to understand the happiness, joy, thrill of seeing one’s child growing up. How sad.   

5^th Saturday: ‘Janmashtami’ My earliest memory is of going to Nij Thawn, Khar, with my Nani for evening of ‘Bhajan’s’ and Radha - Krishna dance performance. I must be around 10 years old. Punjabis celebrate by decking up baby of house as Krishna. This concept has seeped into other communities, for example, Sindhi family has decked their baby as Radha and here is Guju mum, looking for Krishan in her son. For proof, I present three pictures, taken last night. Enjoy. 

by P G Dodeja

24th Aug – 30rd Aug 2015 [Birthday week]

Sun:  Sleeping time. Akshay is busy watching Pro-Kabadi, it is in second year of its inception. After Cricket, it is turn of Kabadi to catch eye balls of Indian Public. Actors, Industrialist are all promoting and buying teams and participating in competition, Star Channel is gathering huge TRP’s by airing the matches on prime time. Few weeks event takes place leading to final match. Owners, TV Channel, players, advertisers all make big bucks in this process and get good publicity. So like lakhs of Indians, Akshay has also taken to this game. As I am getting ready to sleep as it is past 10.15 pm, Akshay shouts in his booming voice, Papa, Mussu, come soon.

As his tone is not panic filled, I think, he wants to show us some action replay scene, so I take my time. But, again his shouts piercer the peaceful home, ‘come fast’. Muskan, who has reached hall and saw TV, is now more excited than Akshay. She keeps shouting, ‘Papa, come see this.’

I reach and see on TV a crowd scene being zoomed out. ‘What is great about this crowd scene? This is what you made me run?’

Turns out the youngest Dodeja was selected in the crowd and shown on TV. LP [Kosha's husband] is involved with Star TV’s team in organizing this event. So he had invited all Shah’s and Kashyap Dodeja with family for final match. And commentator trained camera on Kabir and family, and commented on national TV, ‘See the popularity of Pro-Kabadi, two month old kid to 80 years old are in the audience!’ So, unknowingly and luck by chance, Kabir created history by making first Dodeja boy appearance on TV at such a tender age. Non of male members have ever appeared on TV. Whereas Pinky and Vibha had participated in some TV game show, many years back. Kashyap's name was flashed way back on TV as sub-editor.

Wed: I set my feet in Mumbai after many months. We seven were on Office – Training – Social – Personal visit. This was Dad type trip. Xylo was fully occupied with three staff members and four family members, Dad would never allow us to take Car to Pune without minimum of four members, dickey filled with Books – Paper – Press material. And keeping the old ways in mind, we had brief ‘Nasta’ halts at Duta Wada while going and at Kamat’s while returning.

After dropping staff for training at Sanapada, we reached CB office for marathon four meetings. Meeting were good and we made some commitments. What will be net result? Only time will tell. This can turn into a major game changer.

Guarav Raheja  yesterday was blessed with baby girl. And as we were just few buildings away, Muskan insisted on flying visit. I said no way, we will get very late. She finally promised, ‘I will push you all out in five minutes.’ With this assurance, we made a visit to hospital. Meena’s MIL was happy to see us all, asked for Mummy [she is her first cousin] and she forced me take Mithai packet. Just few hours back, Muskan had wished for Elco Market Pani Puri and I for Tharu’s ‘Singar ji Mithai’ and here my wish was being full filled.

At hospital entrance we met Mona – Gulu – Amar and Sharda. Said hi and bye, and rushed out to Xylo.

Visit to Santacruze – Sindhu wadi – Matunga were cancelled, as it was 6 in evening and we were already running late by one hour, we reached home by 11.30 after simple but tasty dinner at Kamat, with ‘Batata Wada’ included.

Sat: And in total contrast to our Wednesday Mumbai trip, was Akshay's Mumbai trip on Sat. 

Akshay – Muskan – Mummy left for Mumbai round trip for Rakhi at 9.0 am, whereas Lali – Manju – Sharat left for one day over night trip to Mumbai at 6.30 am. One more example of high handedness of Mumbai traffic is like this. Akshay returned at 2.0 am on Sunday. That is 17 hours trip. And in this 17 hour trip, he spent 1 hour with his sisters in Bandra, 1 hour Muskan spent time with her brother and family in Mira Road, and 1 hour they spent in Santacruze with Mummy’s brothers. Rest of the time was in Xylo, pushing car from 1^st to 2^nd gear in Mumbai traffic.

Thankfully, there was no land slide, so expressway was open. 
by P G Dodeja

17th Aug – 23rd Aug 2015 [Kabir’s Mumbai Trip]

Kabir is keeping Mumbai crowd very busy. Just in last 15 days, he has been active so active that I am devoting this week blog to his visits and meetings!

Mona – Amar Narang invited her daughters as well as Kabir, his Mum and Nani, at Narang Manor, Bandra for lunch. She called this event as a "introduction party" . Trust Mona to convert a simple Lunch invite into a party and trust Pashu to make it funky party.

Kabir is already moving into performing artists circle. Kashyap’s dear friend Akash, who is painter also, invited them at his Andheri Rented flat, where Kashyap has spent few months with him. Then Gautam Kudu, the singing sensation, whose one man show is very popular, held him during a brief pause in his performance to get some inspiration and energy from Kabir.

I am told that residents of Bhuta Nivas have staggered visits to oversee welfare of Kabir. One will come at time of feeding, then next will following during malish. Evening stroll is responsibility of some other guy. In between, school going kids will just peek in and say him hello. He has started responding to sounds made to him. Soon his confusion is going to grow when he tries to segregate them into 7-8 languages sounds being bombarded on him. Hope he becomes expert in one language.

Baby’s day out was with Mamma – Papa group of friends. All the guys in this picture belong to very close friend circle, most of them have stayed in Pune on various occasions. I am pleased to see that three arms are filled, soon, most of the couples will be holding one each.

Normally, Punjabi – Sikhs are considered as very energetic and active people, here one can see the other side of story. LP, [i.e. Love Preet] enjoying his siesta and taking care of Kabir. On enquiry it was revealed that Kabir influenced him and put him in sleep by yawning and taking naps on his comfortable tummy. He had no option, but to go to sleep.

Ratna Aunty was convalescing after brief illness. She forced Dhwani to come and visit her at Sindhuwadi as it was not possible to visit Matunga. So made her program with Kashyap and stepped in 21-A Sindhuwadi, with Kabir in her arms. This 5^th generation visit by Dodeja clan can be record of its kind. 

Lokram – Girdharilal – Prakash – Kashyap and then Kabir. All have being to 21-A, Sindhuwadi, not once, but many times, from 1960’s onward.

And how can I miss this opportunity to display my favorite picture. This is my corner of office, where I feel the presence of my three preceding generations. On my desk, one can see the Pessumal – Lokram – Girdharilal picture with next three generations posing for rare picture of Six Generations.

Few more stories of his visit to Chacha, Great Nani, Mamma’s Mama, Phoofi House etc are kept pending for next time.

 

by P G Dodeja

10th Aug – 16th Aug 2015 [Independence Day Week]

Sunday & Monday was sick leave days for me. Muskan has brought ‘Viral Fever’ with her, from Mumbai, which she passed on to Akshay, who passed this to Kashyap. Bindiya and I also received this gift. Luckily, Bindiya had mild attack so was able to weather it. Whereas, I was down, sleeping continuously for 24 hours to ward off fever. With help of sleep and Dr Manish Pawar medicine I am back in working condition.

Tue: Meeting with Dheeraj Kochar was set on Saturday then postponed to Sunday and finally on Tuesday. Xrbia has made very expensive and attractive experience center in Sanapada. Basically this is to cater to Mumbai clients. Huge plans are being made for launching of new projects. The new office is totally 21^st century office with mini auditorium, inter active display, automated registration and what not. Xrbia has this innovative knack of taking things forward. They think big, work big, ignoring all the negative publicity, working ruthlessly, crushing small players or taking advantage of them, keep correcting the course.

Wed: Muskan has learned to be innovative in cooking. Recently she has gone to Baroda for the wedding. There they had great food options and had enjoyed the food most, she keeps praising it and today proved also. Among that, she loved the roti’s made using ‘moong dal’. So today for nasta she made a ‘moong dal roti’ stuffed with paneer and boiled mutter, topped with freshly made chatni. Yummi…. 

10 out of 10 marks for Muskan. For innovation, for simplicity, for taste, for healthy food.  

In latest video of Kabir, he looked as if he has grown older. Hope he returns to Pune, where 15 members of family are missing him, soon.

Thu: First Akshay and then Mummy told me do some Pooja/Havan. You need a gentle push of good luck, blessing, positive energy or whatever you may call it. But they both have put a caveat. That should be done by proper person. Well who is that proper person? And what guarantee one can give?

Sat: 15th August. Our leaders have spent 15 days in parliament, stall the work, congress has started flexing it's muscles and disrupting the working of government. Now, how BJP is going to counter that? This will be seen the next few weeks. Meanwhile GST bill, One Rank One Pension issues are on hold. 

And tell me what is similarity between those two pictures. One picture is of “Kabir” and other is “Phodne Ka Pauda”.

 

Both has Parmar Park, Ash Court 510 flat as their first residence address. Both were born here and are growing up there. Both bring freshness in life.Both are very easy to love. Both are low maintenance happiness machinery. 

by P G Dodeja

3nd Aug – 9th Aug 2015 [Late Latif]

[Note: Due to viral fever, net-connection I had not posted this blog on this sunday, so I dropped the idea. But few unlikely calls from readers, made me change my mind, 'Dher se hi, per Chiti jhani chaih'. So I am posting this today.]

Mon: Ashvin, Son in Law of Deepa and Dunesh is critically ill, on ventilator for last 6 weeks. I asked Lali what is his status? As it keeps changing, day to day. Sometimes, he is responding, sometimes he is sinking. His lungs have being infected and doctors are not able to identify the infection type, hence not able to cure him. So they have given him all known cure for infections. By law of elimination, they are in process of diagnosing disease.

Lali informed me in very sad tone, just now I received the news, he is no more.

Very sad. He leaves behind a 4-5 month old baby. Dayani family had being spared till now the harsh reality of life. Humans have ‘Life’ received in loaned from death, it is inevitable that loan we have to return, without exception. Our family faced first death episode in 1988 with Dada’s death, followed regularly with Rani – Bansi – Daddy – Prahlad – Daya – Bhagwan – Raji etc. Our intro to death was gentle, expected and bearable. On Chawla side, three sudden young deaths have left deep scars, whose impact and negative effects are still lingering in close quarters of family even after 10 years.

Dunesh – Deepa and other Dayani family members face a very uphill task of handling this biggest shock of life. 

‘Missing Kabir – Khusiram – Ladoo’ chant has started already. It is not even a week.

7^th Nov is my wedding anniversary and 7^th June is KhushiRams birthday. And Muskan celebrates every 7^th of month, her ‘ladoos’ birthday. This gave me an idea. I am going to post one picture of myself with Bindiya in a week having 7^thdate. So this is our 1^st Honey moon picture in Hotel room, Nainital, a good beginning, must say.       

 

by P G Dodeja

27th July – 2nd Aug 2015 [Kabir goes to Mumbai ]

 

26th July Sun: Officially Kabir stepped out of the house for first time on social call. He along with his mother and Nani, visited his great grandmother at Krshna Kunj. On Rinky’s demand, mummy has set her base again at Krshna Kunj. Rinky is good at emotional blackmail, she had 'pattooed' mummy for long stay in KK. 

Soon, Kabir will take his mother and Nani to Mumbai for few days. Lot of Dhwani’s relatives and friends want to meet and greet her and have a first look of KhushiRam. And she wants the change of scene, so next week, Kabir will also be available in Matunga.

Meanwhile he has learned to give wide range of expressions. Just to see if he can identify different sounds, I made variety of sounds. And to my surprise, he had good range of expressions to give me, which I named like, single eye, dimple one, toothless, not here etc. 

 And on popular demand I am uploading one picture of KhushiRam. Any good caption for this?

Is this picture connected with sounds, or he just went on in his happy mood? No clue. But one thing is sure, he has started responding to our communication with grunts or moans or buzz. And new thing which I taught him to do was how to push oneself up. 

Sat: Dhwani brought Kabir to office for the first time. And he was asleep in his mother's arm. So, I feel he is not going to follow his father with regard to work. Nor his grandfather and Great - Chachu battalion. Muskan and Akshay have returned from a very happy, enjoyable and relaxing wedding in Baroda. Full chawla gang of 40 'baratis' had a gala time over there, I missed this opportunity, specially, great photos chances. They made a sensible short and sweet trip of three days, including travel. All were together in Rajdhani, both times. Wow. 

Sun: Early morning Kashyap & Family left for Mumbai. There has being fresh land slide on Ghats, and expressway was closed from 10 to 5 am, so heavy traffic was expected. But by 7.15 they had crossed Ghats. This lucky strike is due to Kabir, as this was his first trip. And I am happy to note that he has also got traveling bug, because a> he is Dodeja, b> in spite of odd against smooth trip, his first trip to Matunga was very smooth and economical. Kashyap has investigated options like Taxi - Zoom Cab - Self Driven Car etc, but Akshay managed to arrange for Kamal Khetan's Innova for him. He gracefully gave free run for his car. So this made the trip very economical and smooth. Door to door within 3.5  hours and at cost of diesel, which is cheaper by Rs: 3.5, since last night!

And we are in month of August, traditionally the picnic/outing month. Need to wake up 'Chillam Chilli' group. It has being very long time. 

 

 

 

by P G Dodeja