26th May 2014 – 31th May 2014

 

Wishes for Chinky on her success

26^th May: Modi has achieved impossible. This is a perfect example of determination, hard work, focus and desire to achieve impossible. Modi has already earned a small chapter in India History, and if my judgment is of any value, I feel this is just the start. What we are seeing is making of history, making of world leader and start of Asia’s century. Move over USA, India is coming in its place as number one country in world. Just one decade away. Today is swearing in ceremony, with all India’s neighbor’s country heads, being in guest list for the first time.

27^th May: Tue: We are in our office, deep down in basement, surrounded by artificial lights and conditioned air. Be if 9 in morning of 5 in evening, same situation. “Balla Ho,Muskan Ka”, she called and informed us to move out of our fox whole, and enjoy gushing rains and thundering breeze. The monsoon has arrived! Akshay kept point out to the huge tree in front of our entrance, ‘This is going to fall,,,’ But of course, it kept swaying vigorously. Welcome ‘Boondo Ki Bahar’, well not exactly, this is pre monsoon shower. In difference to arrival of ‘megh Malhar’ ka mousam, a movie show at Sacred Heart was planned. All free family members gathers and watched ‘Queen’, a great show, based on a excellent script and par excellent acting by new girl Kangana Raut, bravo.

 29^th May: Lali & Myself were in Mahableshwar. Manu was missing. Our usual reason was also missing. i.e. holidays. For last two decades I had no desire to visit this place, because of its crowded Lake, jostling shoppers in Bazar, spending time on roads in serpentine car line, breathing fumes. However, this business trip to Mahableshwar opened my eyes to the beauty of Mahableshwar once again. Yes, we have commercialized it and spoiled its certain sections, but one can hunt out the odd area, which are not corrupted by commercialization. The tree with radiant greenery and pleasant aroma are still there, red earth smells wonderful, distant mountains are still beautiful, birds are chirping their heart, calling their mates, rain has still the same attraction, changing the atmosphere from stuffy hot afternoon into lovely, chilly, misty evening, the town has many curves, slops and turns. Yes, Mahableshwar has its charm intact; all we need is to change our cynical glasses. Why go to game parlor to play? Why do shopping in crowded evening, why not do shopping in slow afternoon? Viva Mahableshwar, it was like falling in love, once again.

31st May: This is AAM story. No, not about 'AAM' admi Party of Mr Kejriwal. This is about Mango people loving 'aam'. Aam Ras [Mango Juice] is liked by Mummy, Lali, Avi and Myself mostly in family. Akshay - Kashyap has joined the group, I expect Rinky also to join us soon. This is fall out of effect of Ahemdabad Culture during late 50's when Mummy & Dad lived in Gujrat capital. Then we shifted to Ghatkopar, again a Guju area in Mumbai, after Dhoklas, it is Aam Rus and Puri which is their favorite, so maybe we picked up this tase from them. My earliest memory of hogging food is Puri - aalo with 'Aam Rus'. Be it in Ghatkopar or Apsara Hotel in Mahableshwar. We would extend our stay by day just to enjoy unlimited Aamras served by Apsara Hotel on Sunday Evening. 

After light dinner of dosa and idli, we gathered in kitchen and prepared heavy duty Aam Rus made of high quality 'Hapoos' mixed sugar and vanilla ice cream with small peaces of sliced mango as topping. Akshay who is on strict dieting, finally succumbed to temptation and joined us in gulping down the calories filled 'aam rus'. "Wow, to hell with diet." Akshay's remark. Dhwani whose intake is limited to small 'Vati' also gulped down the full glass, and proudly showed us empty glass. Keeping such huge calories intake and our weights in mind, I only pray we do not indulge in such crimes for next 15 days. Only person whom I was not able to lure even for spoonful for taste was Muskan. She is firm and adamant of not even tasting things which she has banned from her life reason, unknown. This indeed needs a serious investigation. 

by P G Dodeja

19th May 2014 – 25th May 2014 [Results: Chinky & Kashyap]

 

Haresh Dodeja 1974, Grade 1

Dhwani Dodeja 2002, 65%

21^st May: Dad never woke us up in routine day. Only when we have to catch a train, he will worry and wake us up in advance. However, One day, Dad woke me up and said, “Today your result will be out, take bath, get ready, go to Mandir before paper comes in, and then check result in paper.” This was in May, 1972, this story shows our attitude towards education, carefree, tension free, devil may care. Be it Lali – Sanji – Avi – Akshay – Sharat (?) or Kashyap, the story was similar for all male members of family during SSC result day. And in case of Ladies, whereas Muskan was in high tension as per her recollection, and is in high tension for others also during SSC results week, Chinky on other hand is just opposite of that, totally relaxed on her SSC result day. Considering her relaxed attitude and mood, I thought 75-80% will be the range of marks she can get, whereas Muskan was saying around 80%, we both decided to celebrate if her result was in that range. This year, Sanjay Nichani's daughter, Narendra Dodeja's daughter, Savita Kukreja's son, Ashish Bajaj's son, along with Chinky are awaiting results.

Around 3.30 first call was received on hot line, “90%” Wow, unbelievable. Within 3 minutes, this figure was changed to 91%. Again this improved as more result came out. 93.1%. Maybe Chinky was trying to save us from major shock, so gradual disclosure. It was difficult to digest, but when chinky herself shouted the % from her new cell, I believed the result. Way to go, Chinky.  

 Nowadays, we are getting pleasantly surprising results, BJP got thumping majority and Chinky hit mid 90’s, a record in itself for Dodeja family!

So, party to banti hai. And that night was party night.

24^th May: Cut It Studio, uploaded their latest wedding teaser of a Maharashtrian & Gujurati couple. 

Before you move ahead with this blog, click and have look at it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us4w7C957F0&feature=youtu.be

 I am having the peek preview of Vinit – Ayushi wedding in Bada Gaon, which are also mind boggling like 'Skip the beat'. I can proudly say now after watching these two creations, CIS has matured enough to tackle a Movie Production and come out with flying colors. Other then production and scripting department, they are ready in all sections of movie making. They do get good ideas and implement those very effectively.

So time has come to start donning Producers cap and start looking for a good script writer!  Maybe, he is there in family, in shape of Sharat, maybe? 

Anyway this is some time ahead in future, meanwhile, keep it up Kash-Dhwani, make us Dodeja's proud.

 


by P G Dodeja

12th May14 – 18th May14 [ Nandani Wedding - Narender Winning]

Power of Word

 A careless word may kindle strife.

A cruel word may wreck a life.

A timely word may level stress.

A Guruji’s word may uplift a life.

But a loving word may heal and bless.

11-12^th Midnight: Lali – Manju – Rinky – Palak – Mahek & Myself. We were supposed to start for Pune at 8.30, as soon as Nandini Roka gets over at Khar Gym. However, Roka itself started at 8.30. Aditya, kept pushing Akshay to finish this ceremony fast so that the Skit & Dancing can be started. He kept saying, lets jump to dance part of the function, now. I saw his excitement and thought they have planned good skit. His father, sister are invovled in film and theater. 

We also got to see Arnav Nanda for the first time, he is a cute kid, not crying even when he was passed around! Myself - Manju - Dhwani mother, Tarulla all turn by turn carried him around! Muskan was happy to see that Ankit – Palavi – Tarulla – Neha with kids along with Dodeja’s were present. She was more, happy to see our extended family of Bajaj’s and Bathija next day at reception.   Savitri Aunty and Rajni have developed serious health issues, Jyoti had come down, so Mummy was also staying in Santacruz and as she wanted to attend wedding, they also joined her.

Well, back to Roka of Aditya -Nandini. This Punjabi Maharaj who was master of ceremony,seemed to enjoy the rituals and was hell bend to draw maximum mileage. With mike in one hand, he kept the running commentary along with recitation of ‘Pooja Shalok’. Aditya shouting in his mind, hurry up, maharajji. As soon as Roka ceremony got over, cake cutting was performed, a delicious huge cake was cut and distributed fast. It was 10.30 after major part of skit was over, Lali said, lets go and willingly gave me the i20 keys for return drive to Pune. It was one of the best drive for me in recent past. Palakh – Mehak – Rinky – Manju kept chatting away, their noise acted as background music and traffic was right enough to do zigzag driving. I must have touched 120 or more speed on many long stretch, because we reached home by 1.30 am! The new flyover which helps in avoiding Kurla (W) traffic had just opened after 10 years in making, also helped in reducing travel time.

15^th May : There is a skin specialist in Pune, who has waiting period of 2 hours minimum, even after prior appointment! Dhwani visited him for her infection below her left eye. Medicine was not able to cure her, and it was spreading around her face. Doctor undertook a minor surgery. Her face was numbed and very thin needle was poked in infected area, and infection was removed physically. I had never heard of such thing. I wanted to post her picture, but kids will get scared. Now her face is filled with tiny marks, which we are told will vanish along with infection. Now she is off beauty parlor at least for six months. Muskan bet that on Meeth’s wedding, she will go to parlor, I say no, she will not. Lets see who wins.

16^th May : This is going to be the Historical Day in modern Indian History. Unheard of, undreamt of verdict was given to BJP's Modi. 335 seats of its own! This is first time in last 30 years a single party has received such mandate! Now a huge responsibility lies on shoulders of Narendra Modi.

City has this deserted look. Only place where you can find crowd is at outside BJP offices. Many people are hot in debate, spewing theories and stories, telling anecdotes, gaffing at congress's defeat. The common thread is total surprise. New slogan is doing rounds. "Abb ache din aayenge", in place of "Abb ki bar,Modi Sarkar".

BJP on itself will be able to form the government. For the first time Congress will be at the level of regional party, sitting in opposition, not even at level of opposition leader, as to sit as opposition leader you need more then 50 seats. The joke going around is, ‘BJP+,  Please stop cornering seats, do you also want to sit in opposition?’

“AB KI BAR, MODI SARKAR” slogan was super hit and prophetic. On the one side, congress dug its grave by allowing rampant corruption, with very weak and silent PM, Mr Manmohan Singh, remote controlled by Sonia Gandhi. Then they tried to project Rahul Gandhi as congress PM prospect. In interviews and election speech, he gave the impression of an immature person, being put there because of his surname. His heart was not in politics, he was there due to some compulsion.  He tried to do some ‘dramabazi’ also. On the other hand, Modi spearheaded a well planned campaign, first cleared his opposition in BJP one year in advance, by asking BJP to announce him as PM prospect of BJP, talked with NDA allies well in advance to alliances. He kept few options open in case of shortfall of seats. BJP also kept its poll program to minimum.  Development and Governance. They kept reminding media to ask question on Scams, Corruption etc.    

  

TV is spinning shows 24X7 on 12-15 channels based totally on elections, so much so that this year IPL has got lowest TRP. In last two months no major movie was released. Winning of BJP was forgone conclusion as per exit polls. The TV was giving breaking news importance to a ‘Halwai’ also, who was preparing 4500 kg laddoos since last night! One can understand if Akshay and others asked questions on politics. Youngest member of our family, Mehak who is just four year old, asked Lali about ‘Hand’ symbol of congress and ‘Lotus’ symbol of Modi! She also can identify that ‘Ab ki Bar Modi Sarkar wala modi ‘Kamal’ walla modi hai!’ After Rajnikant Jokes, net is now filled with Modi jokes!

Har Har Modi……

Let the new era begin, all the best to all Indians, let’s work hard and rule the world! Amen.

 

by P G Dodeja

5th May 2014 – 11th May 2014 - Wedding Season

 It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it,

but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

‘Aana Jana’ in Family!!!! [Continues…]

5^th May : Muskan Left for Mumbai, for Nandini’s Wedding preparations

9^th May : Akshay – Mummy left for Mumbai to visit Maikas, as Jyoti has come down from south

11^th May: Sharat – Kashyap  left for Mumbai with Ankit Nagpal

11^th May: Lali - Manju - Myself - Rinky take i20 to Mumbai...

[And in this process, Avi – Megha, Chinky made and unmade programs]

These are picture of Last week, however, as they are released on Monday, hence in this weeks blog.

Mummy with family at Kush Engagement

Dodeja with Lullas at receiption May 2014

In garb of Baratis of Kush Naresh Lulla

Akshay & Lali went to Secundrabad by road, in Xylo. The family tradion continues, we still love the road trips. It was a very pleasant, enjoyable ride, relaxed, first holiday after long time due to work load. Roads Up to Sholapur are excellent, two way, well paved, from Sholapur onwards road are bit small but still good. Akshay has started looking Uncle and specially when he is with his most favorite sister Chinky, he surely looks her uncle and not older brother. 'Hath Kangan Ko Arsi Kya.' Just have a look at the his picture, and mind you for last two months Akshay is religiously going to Gym, all thanks to his new friend. He claims loss of few kilos, which Muskan have found and kept with herself. That is why she is hiding behind Rinky.

Manu surprised us on his third shop opening on 8^th May. I thought he has planned two shops, one each for his sons. So why third? He has one shop at Sujoy Garden, Swargate,  second in Pimpri and third he opened at Clover Center [S19], M G Road. Manu and myself remembered the good old days when we were at verge on buying big shop, just opposite Clover for measly 3.0 Lakhs. Today you pay that much in rent for same shop!

In the Clover Center, Vijay Dodeja has also has two Shops. He has one in basement, looked after by his daughter Bhavini and second is at Ground floor, [S33] handled by Vijay and his wife. 

How time has changed and working has changed. Just two decades back, all children of Lokram Dodeja were in Wholesale trade, working from old firms, carrying on family tradition, mostly in Paper Trade and allied line like printing. Slowly tme changed, one by one, things changed. In late 90’s Noble (Mumbai) – Navasind (Mumbai) – Bharat (Secundrabad & Pune) incurred losses in paper trade and one by one discontinued working as Paper distributors for JK Paper Mills. Last one say good bye was Noble Enterprises, Pune in 2005. 

What was the reason for such fall? According to me, we did not adapt to changing times, we lost confidence in each other and became self centered. We did realized and identified our flaws, but were slow to change or maybe had no confidence to change. System of low volume - high margin changed to high volume and low margin, and we sure adopted it, but without knack of handling it.

All those unit’s representatives have 8 retail stores among them, which is Low volume-High margin business. And from paper we have shifted to Ready Made Cloths [Girish-Manoj-Manu-Karan-Kunal - Narendra - Vijay ], Travel Bags [Akshay-Lali], Xerox [Vinay], Printing [Avi - Ravi]  

Election has reached its climax. Normally I watch TV from 9.00 pm to 9.45 pm, jumping from one news channel to other, my favorite being Bharkha Dutt and Rahul. Arnab Goswami has become very loud and he enjoys creating fighting match between his guests. On thursday, for first time Akshay - Myself and Kashyap earnestly and without any interruption were engrossed in 1 hour 30 minutes interview taken by Arnob of Narendra Modi. It was good contest. Few weeks back, Arnob has made fun of Rahul, but with Modi, he was on defensive and was not able to put Modi in any corner. I think this election is first hand learning experience of Akshay - Kashyap, now they are not totally ignorant of Politics and Parliament working. Next week, on Friday, 16th India fate will be made. Will we move towards progress and will we have to continue struggling and wait for next election. If BJP gets good majority, all feel that progress is expected and can be achieved.  Will that happen?

Hope is eternal. 

 

by P G Dodeja

28th April 2014 - 4th May 2014 [1st episode of RDBDJ Series]

   The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

Aakh Bhichaye Bahtee hai, Kisee ke Aane ka intezaar hai.

‘Aayega Aanewala Aayega’, Bhajrahi dil mein yeh Jhankar hai,

Aakein Jhuk Rahi hai, Na Jane ushe kya manzoor hai.

Phir bhi kise ka Intezaar hai, Intezaar hai.

‘Aana Jana’ in Family!!!!

27^th Sun:   Mummy – Chinky – Rinky left for Hydrabad in morning flight.

28^th Mon: Kashyap goes to Lonavala for Baloon Ride and Shooting

29^th Tue: Muskan returned from Mumbai Shopping Trip in morning.

30^th Wed: Kashyap – Dhwani left for business meeting in Xylo to Mumbai

30^th Wed: Kashyap – Dhwani Returned from Mumbai Trip at early morning around 3.30 am!

30^th Wed: Lali – Manju – Sharat – Akshay – Muskan Left for Hydrabad in morning by Xylo

30^th Wed: Kashyap leaves for Goa in AC Bus!

3^rd Sat: Mummy – Manju return from Hydrabad in flight

3^rd Sat: Lali – Akshay – Muskan – Sharat – Chinki – Rinky Return to Pune in Xylo from Hydrabad.

How time flies. I still have this tinge of feeling of excitement with me for our first Van road trip to Hydrabad. We had gone by Brand New High Roof Brown Colored Maruti Van to attain Sapna’s wedding. Bindiya & Mummy were very happy because they were able to stretch legs and as there was enough leg space. We had put small ‘gadela’ between front seat and back seat. For Akshay – Kashyap this was sleeping place, play ground, dinning place, all in one.  Of course we had no AC, tinted glasses, but had nice cassette tape player and cassette of Shobha’s Play list, an excellent collection of Dev Anand and Shami Kapoor numbers specially made for this trip.

And here is Akshay going by road again to Hydrabad to participate in Sapan’s Sons wedding. And between these two trips, there was no other road trip to Hydrabad! How times have changed. Akshay – Muskan made all shopping, preparation, packing just one days before the trip! Whereas I had along with Dad, prepared for my trip weeks in advance!

Now that we are talking about Bajaj’s here is Holi picture at Laxman Nivas, Year 1977 or 1978….

Can you identify them? 50% is passing mark. Get – Set – Go.

Late Night addition;

 

And ladies & gentlemen, ‘Dil Tham Kee Bhaitoo’, my series of “RNBDJ’ is on.

[Episode One] First Over:

         (Please Note: I have to break this news as Breaking News, but at the same time I have to ‘break’ some words. This is hardship of CENSORSHIP.)

This wedding trip to Hyderabad, finally broke the ice. Xxxxt, who was reluctant for match xxxxxx xxxxxxx, opened his batting as stumbling opener. Very first delivery was pushed to square cut by him, very nervously but cautiously, umpire twisted his very prominent mustache which was drawing huge attention, declared four, even before the ball reached boundary. Team owners were happy and gained some confidence. The crowd roared, and specially Akshay who liked the umpires mustache very much, was unstoppable. Muskan and Manju kept on chatting away. This one delivery was discussed in detailed from all angles even by Rinky - Chinky, for 3 hours, with lot of expert comments and merriment. So much so that when six was hit on 3^rd delivery, no one applauded as one should! The Match has taken its momentum and very expect some more hits before a player gets run out. Lot of deliveries are in line, so wait for a bowler to bowl maiden delivery! And as this format of cricket has no time limit, enjoy, till it lasts.

In all this I missed Neha and Kashyap very much, what a crooked sense of humor God has.

 

by P G Dodeja