Sinhgad 2009

Nandni & Kunal Nanda, our family's new member, Muskan Akshay Dodeja's brother and sister had come for overnight stay. 26th being republic day holiday, we decided to have early morning picnic at sinhgad fort. It being an before sunrise outing, many dropped. But Akshay - Muskan - Kashyap - Myself - Sharat - Nandani - Kunal and Ramu, all made up a good company.
Early morning drive was pleasant, fast and smooth. Van and Ramu's Karisma bike.


Reached before sunrise, and watched with awe, sun coming out gently from the womb of the earth, slowly, throwing its glow and warmth all around, bathing everything in its beauty. As it made its journey to heavens, birds welcomed it with its chatter, trees swayed, swished and we all marvelled at natures beauty.

Clicked plenty of photographs. Our new bahu gets very much excited in front of the camera. Also I had all other young good looking boys and girls ready to pose. So it was click time and fun time. After plenty of focusing and shooting, we took tea, had local food as lunch.

Normally it is very excellent, this time I found food, dull and not attractive. Why? No inkling. By 1.0 pm we were all tired. So trekked back to our vehicles. As we walked down, we acknowledged our wisdom of coming early. The parking lot, entrance, the whole place was crowded and jam packed! We thanked our stars and returned with pleasant memories.
by P G Dodeja

Jai Jhulelal

Jhulelal Mandir in Wanwadi, Pune

This mandir has taken a place of honour for the Sindhi's of Wanwadi, Pune. The grand temple has along with huge Jhulelal morti, has morti's of Radhe-Kishen, Shiv Parvati, Ram-Sita, Gautam Budh, Sai Baba and Ganpatiji. Also there is additional shiv lingam installed.
More then this, this mandir has become a social activity place also. Bahrana - Art of living discourses - Yoga classes - Cheti Chand Mela etc are also celebrated in big way. Not only old, but young genertion participates in all functions.
For this Sindhi's will always be greatful to Thakur Family of Bangkok. They shifted from Pune way back in 70's, but still are in touch and have created this place of worship for Pune.
by P G Dodeja

20 Months In Pune

This is the world of 20 - 20, so keeping this in mind here is my say on 20 months in Pune. A this is my first blog under The Week That was! Hope this will grow into full blooming flower.

On 10th of this month we completed 20 months stay in Pune. Wow!!!

Dad used to say, 'If you have donated diamonds in your previous birth, then only you get the chance to live in Pune.'  After many attempts in last 20 years, I finally gave up the thought of shifting to Pune, from Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Curing my last incarnation, not donating diamonds! But suddenly, without any indication the miracle happened. Akshay, managed somehow and convinced Bindiya for shifting. Imediatly we planned and executed shifting, just within 15 days flat !!!!
How this happened? It is still big mystery for me. But "Aam Khane se Matlab, Peadh Ginke kya Karna."

Outwardly, this shifting looks like a compromise, submission to situations, and this in itself is very accurate judgement, but this step in itself brought about the major positive shift in my mind and soul. Till now I was struggling to survive, now I knew that our struggling will continue, but we will enjoy every day of this struggle and be happy. This positive attitude is major benefit. And in endorsement of this I can claim that 20 months have being great.

Compare to Mumbai, Pune life is in many ways different. People carry impression that life in Pune is very laid-back. Things move at snails space, you get bored all the time, you have time but nothing to do etc...

Well, how wrong those opinions can be. Here, we can work and enjoy life at the same step. To keep yourself busy is not city centric, but person centric attribute. And to enjoy life, one should get opportunity to do so, not mere possibility is sufficient.

Yes, Mumbai makes every one 'appear' very much busy. All are rushing to catch a deadline. Be it, 9.23 local or 9.15 bus. That thrill of being in time is not there in Pune. Delay of 30 minutes is very normal and expected in all matter, be it appointment, be it start of function.