Winter is back. Wow. Temperatures are hovering around 10-12 degrees. Very pleasant and lovely. Just enjoy it.

WINTER MORNINGS

In Jammu when Shyamuncle was posted as RBI manager, they used to shift their office tables etc on terrace of building during sever winter months. RBI Office used to work from terrace, staff sitting under open sky but under glittering sun, with files scattered on floor, peon rushing constantly from original office to terrace office. It must be a scene.
Middle aged men in full suit, head covered in woolen cap or thick scarf, drinking numerous cups of piping hot tea, huddled over some file in group discussing how to arrange delivery of cash in Srinagar! Or any other matter.

And in Pune, here is Kabir and Muskan enjoying morning milk, tea under open sky, with sun sending warm blessings. Priceless.

I take my first cup of tea along with Bindiya around 6.45. The tea is made by me with exact measurements, two spoons of 'chai pati' two spoons of 'sugar' two spoons extra sugar for Bindiya, Adhrak and Three leaves of tulsi. Second cup is repeat of first. Then I wait for newspaper.

Before newspaper arrives, Dhwani comes down in rush-rush mood. Her pick up office bus comes around 7.10. In 24 hours of day this is best time to catch her and talk. She loves to talk, and her cell phone is constantly busy. During day, phone, kabir and school keeps her fully occupied.

 During these 5—15 minutes in morning, kabir is sleeping, she keeps cell phone free so that she can keep track of Bus arrival. Her friend keeps her informed about the route of bus and expected time of arrival at Parmar park gate. In this brief time, I come to know about her program, or say what is happening in Tanvi or Tini's life. What are plans, fun activities arranged for 23rd engagement party of her cousin Harsh. If we have time, we discuss Jan 2019, Bunty wedding in Goa. Though she is not going, but she is fully aware of all programs etc. And finally there is always some student's serious issue to discuss.

Thankfully she does not like to complain or play politics and raise some family member issue. Mostly we discuss upcoming event or party. Like new year party is round the corner, so plans and oprions are discussed. Ofcourse she sometimes loves to gossip also, but for that Muskan presence is required. 😊

By 7.30, news paper drops on door. Most of the news is stale as per current standard. TV channels, Goggle news, Whatapp messages have already passed on all news upto last one hour. But old habits are very difficult to kill. And add to it, this joy of reading paper with grand son. Kabir looks out for Animal pictures or super hero (spiderman, captain America) pics. Once he finds that, he takes the control of paper and makes stories based on his hero. Muskan only knows how to divert him from his obsession.

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26th Nov — 2nd Dec 2018

خوشنما آھساس Khushnima Ahsas

This is typical sindhi word, whose English equivalent, i am not able to trace. And I find it very appropriate for above picture as well as for my following story.

When Mummy is around, i feel this “Khushnima Ahsas” in our atmosphere. And this feeling gets enhanced when Mummy makes or rather helps in making her old dishes. Here is brief tour of this week menu.

On Monday night, we had great pleasure of enjoying her Karela made in onions with ti-Daal. This dish took me back to Ghatkopar in late 60`s when we would over eat, or say binge eat. Lali, Sanji, Myself will sit on floor of kitchen with our plates, as mummy will roll chapatis and keep feeding us. Because rotis will be hot, I would always end up one-two roti more than my hunger’s demand. After long time same feeling is back. In last two weeks I must have put on some extra weight. Instead of on eating one roti, I am eating 2/3 roties.

Someone from Muskan office asked her to make ‘bea-aaloo’. Wow, what a demand. With Mummy’s help and her recipe she made ‘tairi and bea-aaloo’ the way we used to enjoy. I eat lunch and dinner to fullfill craving, which ofcourse never get fulfilled. And everyone in planeti enjoyed it. Muskan is getting famous there for her culinary skills. She is popular for Kali daal, now bea-aaloo.

Turi is a humble vegetable. When muskan makes it, that is ‘turi-daal ki sabji’, it is bright and properly cooked, delicious. And when Mummy cooks, it is dark, very tasty and superb. And along with this comes long past experiences of enjoyment memory.

And when I thought, week is over, mummy has supervised lot of cooking, so do not expect more, but she came out with one more item. It was blast from the past. Dahi wade! Muskan loves to make softest possible dahi wade, whereas mummy makes bit hard but high in masala etc.

I had kept ‘Changu – Mangu’ pet name of ‘Akki – Kash.’ They used to love it specially when we went out for drive. I told Kabir that you are son of Mangu, so he should be named Mangulal. Our Kabir dislikes to be called anything else. He is very much rigid in that sense. You speak with him only in English, no Hindi or Sindhi words. Call him Kabir only. Now, I have few pet names for Kabir. So whenever I call him, ‘Chutki ke bhai’, ‘Mangulal’, ‘Mungerilal’, ‘Khushiram’, ‘Captain America’ etc he ignores it, waiting for me to call him Kabir.

But when he is in mood, he calls his father ‘Mangu’ as loud as he can. Then he gives his mischievous smile.
Now what should we make of this?

19th Nov — 25th Nov 2018

Monday: It was marriage day of Tulsi! Let me clear that Tulsi is not name of a person or iconic poet 'Tulsidas'. No sir. It is Tulsi plant! Now what is science behind this age old custom, beats me. No twist and turns of my creative mind brings me close to logical explanation. It is there, period.
Red chuni is used to cover plant, symbolic gesture of head covered with palu. Then some bangles, tilak, haldi etc is applied, to various branches, as सिंगार. Our bride is ready. I dared and asked where is groom? With brief silence, I was ignored.
A big 'diya' of 365 'vat' is made and lighted. Alexa or Goggle baba is used to play Tulsi aarti. We do the pheras of plant. That is it.
Mummy, Pinky, Muskan do this with honesty and dedication, rest of us just support them, lightly, sometimes playfully.
Looks like Rinky will follow her mother's steps. She kept reminding us, telling us to concentrate on proceedings, make no jokes, take the pooja seriously. Kabir only took her word seriously and did what he was told to do!

Technically this was last day of Diwali or is the 'Dev-Diwali' last day of Diwali? Now lights will be removed, for few days no sweets also. But is it possible?
Akshay's office executives who go to Rajasthan during Diwali will start returning, bring Mithai from home town. Rajasthan sweets are really good. So our sweet diwali can continue for some time.
24/11/18.
It is one decade of Akshay-Muskan marriage anniversary.
Few pic to refresh memories.


24th November 2008, Fountain Hotel, Mahableshwar



अमृतसर 2008



College days. Mumbai.



Sacred Heart town, Pune



Kashyap Roka, Ghatkopar, Mumbai.



Pataka pole 2011, panchgani.


Karva Chouth, 2018. Parmar Park.


Pinakin is celebrating his twins 5th birthday with big party. Kashyap and Kabir are in Mumbai to attend it. Rest are too busy to attend, such is today's world!


Whenever I see Akshay - Kashyap - Pinakin together, I just get this feeling of 'smiling for nothing'. It is wonderful and priceless, something which one cannot describe in words. So here we go.

12th Nov — 18th Nov 2018

Kabir is growing very fast. I have tried to capture and hold into memory of his growing up era in numerous clips. But still it takes away your breath when a baby who was tiny enough to manage to sleep in your two palms has grown up to your heart level ! Why I am surprised? I have seen 8 family kids growing up like that. Frankly, I have no clue.

And this english boy loves to use heavy english words, properly pronounced and said with corrent accent. For example, he says, 'I am irritated.' when actually he is! We only knew 'good / bad' general words and their meaning, and this boy uses words / phrases like donot disturb me, let's enjoy, deal done!
Then he has also started singing songs. From d'mart to Parmar park he kept singing 🎶 one word, 'दुनिया'. Muskan finally revealed the secret. It is song by Guarav Kadu, which Dhwani plays.
Goggle has developed 'Alexa'. A song player connected vai net to unlimited number of songs. So if I say, 'Alexa play hojmaloo'. It will play sindhi 'Hojmaloo' song. Our kabir keeps playing his favorite songs. Among them is 'Kabira naa ja'. So I think this singing habit is cumulative effect of Alexa.

Last time when we had taken him to d'mart, he was small enough to carry him in 'godhi'. However on this Thursday I found it difficult to do so. He rejected trolley ride. So option was, allow him to wander around. He kept running 🏃 in various lanes with Muskan shouting behind him, 'kabir.. Come sit in trolly. Where are you.' She kept threatening him. 'तू गया. आज मैं छोड़ूंगी नहीं' And he kept ignoring her.
There is one section in D'mart where there are many open bins for Grains, Daals, Sugar etc.
From open bins of sugar, he will taste sugar and say, "it is sweet." And to divert him from sampling activity I said.
'kabir help me putting wheat in this bag.' It was blunder, asking his help. Once he filled bag, i have to get it sealed. So leave him for few minutes near those various grains, wheat, rice bin. And this boy continues his task of pouring various items from one bin to other. He ended up putting massur ki daal in tur ki daal bin. 53 rupees wheat in 38 rupees wheat bin. Before i get confronted by staff, i rush out of that section of d'mart and relax. Now, after Chinky, Kabir is second person who is no-no as shopping companion.
Dhwani and Muskan voluntarily spent hour or so, running after Kabir, to make eat his paratha, or to finish his 'haldi wala dhood'. One day Kashyap decided that it is time to make kabir sit on chair and finish his food. It took him only two days! Now he eats or drinks his milk, sitting on his special chair.

Saturday was a sad day. We had library of books collected by three generations. Grandfather, father and myself. Starting from 50's, my grandfather had this sitting room was covered with shelfs filled with magazines and religious books, (national geography, kalyan magazine, Ramayan, Bhagwats etc) in 1306 home. Dad earnestly started accumulating books in 60`s. He used living room wall for books storage in flat 7, Ghatkopar. His topic was Sind and crime fiction. Than in 80's I started adding books to that library. Photography, Crime fiction etc was my main subject. When space shortage was noticed we moved big chunk of books in a storage room in flat 5/75 mira society.
Dad purchased a Sindhi Library of 5000 books from a relative living in Lamington Road, Mumbai. These were given the pride of place in Shivganga flat on first floor. It was Library plus accounts plus DTP section. After sixty years or so, all these books were shifted to fursinghi godown in pune, when we shifted to Wanwadi. After gathering dust for few years, I started to dispose of major chunks of books. First to go were English fiction, Hindi trash, Sindhi satsangh, poetry and prose. Once we sold three tempos filled with books.
We kept some selected books, (100 years old, on sind, Grandfather, Dad published books etc) in small room in Krshna Kunj. However this room had other surplus home products also, so storage in this 6x3 rooms was limited. So I asked Ravi to keep them in corner of his 2500 sqr feet godown, which he did. Few months back Narendra took over the possession of Godown.
On Saturday he filled a tempo and returned those few books. After long struggle and with heavy heart I called kabadiwalla and disposed off all the remaining books.
Sad, we were not able to hold on, on this heritage.

Winter has set in. It is very pleasant in morning. Very pleasant. A great gift from creator.
And here is Dad hand written post, I stumbled on recently. Enjoy.

5th Nov — 11th Nov 2018

Diwali week....
Dhwani, our daughter in law from USA, still carries the hangover of USA. So during this Diwali week celebrations, we celebrated for the first time a western tradition of "Howleen". In this celebration idea is to dress up in most scary way. Do make up, paint your face with red blood color, mess up hair, look like zombie.

So this Diwali celebration started with this item. Mid-night activities were captured by camera, just one glimpse.
The very first birthday in November comes of Daddy on 4th, followed by Neha's. Monday was creative day. Kash - Dhwani returned from Mumbai and straight plunged into 'Kandeel and Diya competition'.

Rest of the week passed in a flash. This year Deepak and Deepika have also joined us after gap of few years.

Under the management of Dhwani we had foto hunt games repeat after few years. This is second edition of this game. You have to click 40 pictures in certain conditions. For that we have to request strangers for selfie or search for locations like Well - Police station - Tabela - Specific shop etc. Very few pics, out of few hundred clicked by four teams.
Chat - Show.
Deepa thought she can beat Karan Johar in chat show. So we were celebrities whom she interviewed. Except for few gems from Muskan, this turned into a so so shot. Our annual skit program is still subject to editing.
Dhwani and Tarula (kash mil) were not so excited in celebration of 'saal mubarak'. A guju custom where on next day of Diwali, they dress up very early in morning and visit relatives. Wishing them happy new year. Lali and Myself being Ghatkopar born, carry the hangover of this Gujrati custom. I greeted them in morning so did Lali on afternoon.
Happy anniversary and Diwali Aarti.
A routine affair.
Yes, this year we missed on our family pic. Actually i have yet to print last few pics clicked. So let's finish those and than restart new lot.
I missed Dad simply because his birthday was in Diwali week, 4th Nov. And Ratna Aunty also, because like mum, she also always was a good participant in every activity. She would never say, this is boring, dull or not possible. Always ready to support. And such attitude makes our celebration lively and fun.
As usual we filled two cars and went for Pre-Diwali Mahalaxmi temple visit to offer Sarees to deities. This tradition has being started by Muskan and we have religiously followed for last 10 years. Mummy nearly got involved in accident. As she was getting from Ola, idiot driver started to move on. Luckily I was holding mummy so she did not fall. Muskan screemed and in reaction driver applied instant breaks. But this effected mummy blood pressure. However, some tablets and good night brought it under control.

In our family Kashyap and Dhwani like to drink, but till this day they kept in under loose wrap. This year new trend was started but kids(?). Drinking. The drinkers population has grown in our family. Kash - Dhwani - Moni - Pinky - Shyam uncle - Manju - Umesh. You have to pursue Sharat and Akshay. Otherwise they avoid or do not like to drink. So evening turned into late night drinking session.
Friday was set aside for 'brunch' party at souleat at NIBM. Most of the family members were present and had great time. All in picture.

8th Oct — 14th Oct 2018

 Wed: Few sparks flew around at early morning in electric meter chamber. One health fanatic lady in our building (flat 110) uses five storey starcase for exercise. She climbs  at least 25 times. As her routine at 6.30 in morning she was starting her exercise, she noticed those sparks. She paniced. Ran to main gate to get help of security. By the time they raced back, small fire has started. Lucky for building residents, an antique fire extinguisher just lying on floor near lift was in working condition and the security person was able to operate it. Fire was brought under control. But meter board was totally destroyed. In this short span of time one other resident noticed and called fire brigade. And to credit of Fire brigade it reached within 7 minutes. This had full potential of big tragedy, but was averted by grace of God.

People carry their grudges for long period. How? Parmar park is  build like long 6 story wall for Vikas Nagar residents, blocking their fresh air on West side. This was done twenty years back. One of the residents of Vikas Nagar who visited us as concerned neighbour said, "I had cursed Juggilal (builder) for blocking our sun light and air. He made good profit and left you with this cursed society. This 🔥 fire is result of that curse🤔." Something worth noting.

We stayed without power for four days. Wednesday was the day when Parmar park management just discussed the issue. Day one was spent on debate. Electrician was fixed and budget fixed. They planned to issued a circular, give some time to members for payment and than start the job. One IBM software engineer and I told manager, nothing doing you start work now, collection is our responsibility. You will get funds before job is over. All you have to do is announce. 'No connection without payment.' Every came and paid 8k in cash. Except for Kachare, original landlord of Parmar park.

On management side no one came forward to handle the issue. They only instructed the manager Om Dubey, buy material from "my recommendation." Obviously, reason was to make some money. During this 100 hour ordeal, secretary of society did not turn up once nor any other member. Chairman had no choice as he lives in next building and has to pass by it.

Manager Dubey made a very revealing comment on how he selected electrician. Deepak the electrician was selected because, 'he was first Maharashtrian,' according to manager who said, 'we will work round the clock.' And they really worked. Main work started on Friday afternoon and finished on Saturday night. Work Continued for 35 hours. Two members will always be on job, while one of them would take hour nap in some corner.

During these totally black out days, Bindiya got bored without TV. Hot star or live TV on mobile or on Laptop was not accepted by her, though she tried. Muskan was finding it had become extremely, unbearably hot. Dhwani was able to sleep and finding it good experience without AC. Akshay would drag Muskan and Kabir to Parmar Garden for sweet and peaceful sleep. And Kabir had two days holiday from school. He will not budge from Parmar Garden and cry for 'bou'. Muskan had to drag him in morning this process making them very for school. Kashyap spent most of his time in office.

During evening Kabir even hesitate to go in my room alone. During this black out period he enjoyed, playing with friend Anirudh. For us during these dark nights he was our live TV channel.


Speaking of him, also this is his cute slide show. Enjoy.

1st Oct - 7th Oct 18

Hello everyone.

That time of year has come when you do not need any reason to celebrate. Just pick your choice and celebrate. Plenty of options.

Starting with shopping. Muskan - Dhwani went for Mummy's shopping to Laxmi road. Muskan called from there and was very pleased with atmosphere there. The Navratri - Dassera - Diwali period has arrived. So local shops freshen up there stock, put bright lights, clean there presentations and of course decorate.
I need to film the Tulsi baug, Laxmi road, Mandai area now. How long are these treasures, going to survive. There is ever growing onslaught of Malls, eShopping etc.

One more major change was at 1306. After more than 60 years, our grandfather's office saw change. His both grandsons, after years of negotiations finally arrived at even ground and settled the matter. I had played major part in it.
Narendra took the possession from Ravi of BKB gowdown. And as Gopal wants to start a cafe there, they removed Dada table, wall unit etc. Ravi had not touched anything. As he was using the place as godown, there was no need. Whenever we went there our childhood of 60-70 will flash before our eyes. Dada had put "Hare Ram Hare Ram" cutout above cubboards, huge heavy desk was immovable with wooden panels with wooden ceiling. Even his assistant table to his right, was still there enacted. We (maa-manu-lali) would occupy that table, perpare paper sample envelopes under grandpa"s instructions. One person will write customer's addresses. Which will be posted from gpo to all over Maharashtra.

Finally all gone after decades. Now exterior shape, color and wooden staircase are  living reminders of that era, surviving and keeping our memories ever green!

"Lets Celebrate  birthdays every year till age of 10. Thereafter one should celebrate every fifth year. And after age of 100, one can celebrate every month." I suggested this idea on Akshay birthday. And what was response from everyone?

Muskan wants to celebrate birthday twice a year. Dhwani wants every year in proper American style. So does Dhwani mum. Akshay and myself like this idea.


Akshay 's cake 🎂 cutting score for the day was four! And of course to reduce the effect of eating so many cakes, Muskan and Akshay for first time cycled from FC road to MG road.

24th sept — 30th sept 2018

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Race is on….

One of Kashyap client invited him for evening at race course. We have spent half decade in Pune and have not set foot in race course. And here Kashyap took his MIL and kabir for treat at race course.

And Kabir’s intution Appears to be very strong. He came down from his room fully dresses as gentleman and ready for event with right attitude. And proof is here.

For some time we have being planning to produce clips for you tube. What – How – When questions are being bombarded with no satisfactory answer. So, blindly we are jumping into this youtube madness. Hope we can sustain it, keep publishing content.

This week moonsoon retreated and autumn setting in. This year transition was very fast and rude. One day it was cool, rainy and comfortable and very next sunny, hot and uncomfortable.

Diwali season is just round the corner and this is going to be grand diwali year. I hope. Well at the end of this week I may be able to confirm it.

A simple slide of some pics, enjoy.

Last night I passed this remark, “kabir you are growing very fast.”

His both mothers, started repeating my words. “yes papa, he is growing very fast.” But then who can stop flow of time. One thing can be done. I said. Bring “chutki” in this world to replace ‘baby kabir’ with ‘Kabir ki bahen,’ “chutki”. But times have changed, every one is so busy, has taken big responsibility, that to raise one child becomes a major task, irrespective of happiness and joy in doing so. So one gets postponing “The event.”

Is this what we want?

Palak Valecha, Neha’s daughter who is now confirmed teenager of fourteen, is sensitive and creative person, this can be judged from this painting by her. Ganpati in crayons.

Her selection of colors, her lines suggest a great budding artist in family. According to me, this painting is in itself a professional job.

You decide and post few words. She is on twitter and facebook.

Zoom cars have started a new service called ‘Pedal’. During our school days in 70’s we used to call Pune ‘cycle city’. We could hire cycles at 25 paise per hour. Gradually cycles were replaced by two wheeler. Now, after gap of 40 years this new concept is taking shape.

Zoom app will tell you where one can find cycle 🚴 stands. You pay by Paytm. Only three rupees. Use your mobile to open 🔒, by scanning bar code. Today, Akshay took cycle 🚴 at FC road stand, and at MG road he parked and locked it again by scanning bar code. These cycles are tracked using GPS. 

Any one can repeat this process again by paying vai Paytm and getting permission to open any one cycle lock! 

AuthorP"24th sept — 30th sept 201

20th Aug-26th Aug 2018

21st August : Kabir had no inkling why his grandfather was excited. He kept telling him, sit on window seat and do bye-bye when you fly over Parmar park. His first flight ticket was booked for chennai. He was going there to attend with his parents, his favorite chachi 'Kaira' s' sister marriage.

Reporting time for their flight was 9.15 pm, and Kash-Dhwani were at Parmar park till 9.30! I tried to create panic by giving them wrong information that it will take 1.3 hours to reach airport. Finally they rushed and left with Kabir in tow.

Kabir loved the bright lights, vast waiting rooms, glittering floor. He kept running around, Dhwani after him and Kashyap behind them with camera! And what about actual flight?

He slept peacefully!

Keeping tradion of "एक पंथ दो कारज", Kashyap, Dhwani and Kabir visited sublime and peaceful Pondechary for a day. The wedding activities started on 23rd evening.

रक्षा बनधन. Rakhi.

It is on Sunday. But Prakash Chawla along with Meena and Nanda came to Pune on Wednesday.
by P G Dodeja

12th September – 18th September 2016

This week issue, I am dictating this post specially for Kabir. Others, while reading  keep this in mind.
The 'Shradha' started on 16th and they will continue for 15 days. We are expected to remember our departed elders. So, Kabir here is brief intro for you to the older generation of Dodeja Khandan. Get ready to get confused with family pictures of our elders who were born in 19th Century! Here we go.
Above two pictures are very rare, because these are only pics of both. They are your 'Grandfather's, Great Grand Nani and Great Grand Dadi.'
To simplify, Lady on left is 'Nani' of Girdharilal Dodeja, your great grandfather.She must have being born in 19th century. She is the only one whom I have seen in original Shikarpuri dress of 'Rao-Paro and Nath'. One can see the 'Nath' a nose ring, having two pearls and one brown colored gem. She used to live in Sion and in our school days Mummy used to visit her regularly. I had seen her using 'Nass' a strong brown powder, something like 'Tambacco'. She was unique in that sense. Dad had told me that women even smoked 'Bidis' in Shikarpur! Her home in second floor of Laxmi Nivas was focal point of Munyal family. She ruled her flock firmly. I still remember her home fully crowded with coming and going of family members.
And Lady on right is 'Nona' granny of again Girdharilal Dodeja!! This picture was retrieved from a very old family photo by her son, Karamchand Dodeja. She has died in 1920's. So factoring in the five kids, one can assume she was born around 1880's!! We hardly know anything about her.
Next is my Grandfather and Grand mother. Lokram and Kamla Dodeja. Both are in Mahableshwar, enjoying the vacation.

Mahableshwar has special place in our Khandan. Dada - Dadi visited many times between [1950-1980], Dad - Mum had honeymoon in Mahableshwar in 1953 and frequently visited this place, I - Bindiya went for second honeymoon in December 1979, Akshay - Muskan took the tradition more seriously and married in Mahableshwar November 2008! So it is your duty Kabir to grace this place with your visit when you get married.
I need one special blog to tell you about this couple. At this juncture I would only say one thing about my granny. Her life was her home at 1306 Shukerwar Peth. And she was living example of 'All are welcome' to her house. Dada used to invite all and sundry and many would just arrive, unannounced, for few days stay. She never grudged, never complained about hard work, never mistreated her guests, who were more then welcome in her house.   She looked after 9 rooms huge home very well. Without battalion of maids, she kept her home clean and tidy. She had good management skill. For exapmle, when she see Lali-Manu-Maa idling our time and getting bored, she would give us a task of cleaning all book racks in TV room. We would removed books, clean shelf and put them back. In this process, I would stumble upon a great book to read. This is how I came across 'Mahabharat'.

Karamchand Pessumal Dodeja. He was your Great Grandfather's, Uncle [i.e. Chacha]. He looks like typical Dodeja, hefty, strong forehead, big eyes, dashing and at same time simple person. But in other ways he was quiet different from standard Dodeja.
After Pessumal Dodeja [Who was Criminal Lawyer], his father, he was highly educated and into profession. He had worked in British government in late 30's and early 40's, supervising canal construction in north of Sind, in very isolated and hostile territories. A very brave, honest, hard working and disciplined person. After partition he made a very good name for himself in Mumbai, as honest, high quality contractor. His dedication, quality of work is reflected in many building constructed by him during post partition period in Mumbai. For example, Kamal-Lok, 1306 Shukerwar Peth, Pune is 65 year old building still standing tall, with no cracks and falling plaster. Even though it has not received fresh outer paint in last 40 years!
He had very modern outlook and it is reflected in his children. All his daughters are highly educated, [Doctor, CA, Civil Engineer etc] most of them living currently in USA.

Madhavdas Pessumal Dodeja. Youngest uncle of your Great-Grandfather. He had died at very young age in Mumbai. After partition he, with his family lived in Mankhurd and then at Tardeo. A very docile, gentleman and straight forward person. Now his son, Deepak is living in Chennai with his family.

And finally I will end this episode with picture of your Great-Grand father at the age of 21, in Pune. This picture is taken in his hostel room during his college days. Today also, we can check this hostel of engineering college, near Modern Cafe, Shivajinagar. Whenever we returned from Pune to Mumbai, we would pass this road, and Dad never failed to point out the third window of his hostel, where he enjoyed living free life among his friends.
Kabir, your great grandfather was by education, Diploma holder of Mechanical and Electrical engineering, ideal for a technical profession. Which he never used, nor applied. He used to say, on the very next day of his last exam, his father told him, what ever the exam result, join Noble Paper Mart in Mumbai, immediately!  By nature he was creative person, his passion was writing, and he did write many books in wide variety of genre. Drama - Stories - Novels - Essay - Travelogue. But life pushed him into business world, where he created a niche for himself and his company, Noble.
So... when we look into life of elders, we see reflection of it in our presence. A simple question gets easily answered. for example. Why are we living in Pune?