IITD Mech 71

GullaSpeak: OF RED HERRINGS, SHIMMERING SILK COATS AND DISAPPEARING PETKOFS . . .

2008-07-22T13:12:00.008+05:30

There are moments of great luxury in a Mech 71ers life – from the moment I land at JFK I am treated like royalty!

The time: 8 am
The date: Saturday June 28, 2008
The event: Mech ’71 North American Reunion No 9

Air India’s Flt 101 Delhi-JFK non-stop drops me into Rajive Johri’s cruising Lexus where he and Rajarshi Ganguly (Gang, trust I have the spellings correct!) receive me with bugles and handmaidens and we move to Greenwich, Connecticut - about 30 miles away – and which, as you all know, is the location of Johri Mansions. A quick shower and I explore the premises – there’s swimming pools and woodlands and trimmed hedges and an occasional deer – and some familiar noises from the adjacent bedroom as Bill Julka stirs awake – ensues a great deal of leaping about and fraternizing and then we move to the lawn for tea, breakfast and more tea – Indrani plays the perfect hostess (and that takes something, she’s got Gang, and me, and the Julkas as house-guests!). The sun moves higher, Indrani and Neeraj (that’s Mrs. Julka) leave for some shopping – Rajive gets busy on the barbeque and does us burgers and corn and beer, and jolly delicious it all is – and KC calls in from Toronto wishing us happiness, peace and complete intoxication at the reunion.

Time for a nap to remove some of the jet lag – I awake to the sound of El Gill & Livleen in the drawing room – more noises anon and in troop the Nirmal Singhs and the Thakurs. Most of you would recall Thakur was Ravindra in them days gone by – well he’s changed it now to the briefer – and probably saintlier – Ravi.

There’s a certain listlessness about host Johri – he paces around muttering “he cometh not” – I confront him and he reveals all – Sunil Petkof Gupta was to have been the surprise package of the evening and had just called canceling his participation – I sympathized – after all, Petkof would have delivered – extempore and uncensored - a long, anecdote-filled vote of thanks on behalf of all Mech ’71.

Pimp is the last to arrive and promptly starts seeking Merani – the latter’s absence comes as a bit of a jar – for how does one take the conversation to an altogether higher plane in the absence of the enlightened Swami Dada?

Was it not he who the previous year had pronounced – to the cheers of the homeless and the downtrodden - “Breathlessness is Deathlessness”? Pimp decides to go it alone and starts with – what else – the Iraq Occupation – Leave or Stay? A harangue and then a belligerent glare at his audience inviting comment – Gill comes up with a point, which Pimp promptly dismisses as a red herring. Then Julka takes up the political scenario – but then is he Democrat or Republican? So that’s another red herring. Before I know it, red herrings are flying fast and furious – it’s an Aquatic Maoist Convention! Nirmal Singh, pointing at Ravi, finally brokers peace with his intelligent and timely “yeh haath mujhko dede Thakur – nahin to kum se kum ek beer toh dede!”

Dinner is served and we troop in to a fabulous Indian repast – there are 20 dishes on the table – the prawn curry and dahi-bhallas are out of this world. Discreetly I break my record of helpings and then we retire to Rajive’s study and call some of the buddies in India. Prof King Mal is the first. A long conversation, peppered with much wit and wisdom.

And then Shorty, again with plenty wit, perhaps a mite short on wisdom. Pimp – inspired by Guvrus’s recent Himalayan pilgrimage to the Chaar Dhaams - wants to undertake this exact adventure. Extract of conversation:

“Hoi Shorty! That you? Listen, I wanna do chaa-dum!”
Sleepy mumble at other end. You can hear Shorty’s brain creaking. “You wish to do what?”

“Chaa-dum! Y’know, cha-cha-cha and dum-di-dum. There’s 6 of us here who wanna be in on it! Man do we hire a truck or what?”

Aggrieved noises without, and Shorty hangs up. We retire to the library for nightcaps and some more intellectual conversation.

Rajive and Indrani host us at the farewell brunch the next day at an Indian restaurant. Thakur and Pimp cannot make it but we do have a surprise, sprightly guest in our erstwhile Sociology Professor P P Singh, now 77. He gives me his views on the UPA crisis. And his phone no. Golguppas and chaat, beer and more beer, and then the main meal – kabas, biryaanis, you name it. Too much, man! And then the fond farewells as the Reunion comes to an official end – Nirmal and Prof Peepa drive off into the lazy afternoon, as do Mr. and Mrs. Gill. The Julkas, Gang and self get back to Johri Mansions. Its time for the Euro 2008 soccer Final, and you can’t have Gang missing that! Spain wins. And then it’s on to our respective destinations. Mine being Manhattan and work.

Indrani and Rajive, a million thanks for your hospitality. I had a lovely time. And it was great meeting up with Gang and Thakur after 1971!

PS: While on young Ravi Thakur, in a moment of weakness he invited me to his Princeton home for dinner on July 2nd – what an absolutely sensational cook Sonu is! Thanks folks! It was a fantastic evening! Just waiting for you both to get into India!

Mal Returneth With a Song

2007-07-21T18:06:00.002+05:30

Hi

Why the sudden quiet dear friends

does a baba sound against the trends

it is something nice to do

one of the items on menu

i was hoping for more

a greed without a shore

from generals like pimp

and a dinner of shrimp

lust, anger and greed

allowed the earliest humans to breed

but the world has evolved

the devil uses another two

Ahankar(ego) and fear

as someone said in star wars

there is nothing to fear

your friend mal remains with you

and has not yet gone to the stars

Dr. Ashok Malhotra

Thus Narrated GVRS - The Southern Do

2007-01-25T18:43:00.001+05:30

Dear everyone,
Meeting our colleagues after a lapse of 36 years! Each of us had lived a lifetime before we assembled again at our own great Girish`s place for catching up. We had parted in 71 before we ourselves were settled and now we were here again to meet when it is the turn of our children to plan their settlement!

It all kicked off thanks to the excellent organizational skills of Vekata (why Venkata instead of Venkat?) and Girish and they had planned the occasion taking care of even small details. The vehicles were in attendance before time for transporting us to Yelahanka. (only Puj`s flight got delayed but had he traveled by train instead of by flight then it was well within the powers of Girish - literally, as he is the big boss of Railways, to maneuver the train to reach Bengaluru in time!).
Partly to his position but mainly due to Anuradha, the evening was spread thoughtfully and had all the ingredients what with games, stroll around the swimming pool/badminton hall, plenty of reminiscence, anecdotes and music from our own Venkata, photo sessions in plenty, good food prepared by herself and topped with a variety of sweet dishes, et el! All of us had a go at the billiards table though badminton, my own favourite, could not be attempted what with our attire not suiting the experiment. The facilities were excellent with an entourage always available to help us out with anything we needed. A whole day’s program also would have fallen short to taste what was there in offer.
Venkat graced the occasion with Usha who herself is a who’s who in the I T field being a top official (M D) in Cisco. His daughter is a 3 rd year Engg student and more importantly a Bhatarata Natyam exponent while son is struggling to keep pace in his tenth std.
My own daughter Meghna (second daughter) benefited from the tips received both from Usha and Puj whose daughter Nupur (who also is in Cisco) has just left for Moutainview Calif where Meghna is proceeding this weekend to join Google. So Merani, one more frequent visitor to your place will be from yours obediently as well.
Girish`s son also is in states and daughter is likely to tie the magic knot to a handsome merchant navy boy shortly.
Puj, the most fertile man in our group with six children, gave the gist of just concluded marriage, once again to our benifit. The Iskon style marriage with its special rituals is really an eye opener.
While I had brought a Black Label Puj disclosed a bottle of Vodka but it was mutually agreed (with a push from Anu) that we shall open the Black and White at the next meeting.
I personally felt Girish is still the same thoughtful self with customary measured statements while Venkata has really turned himself into an extrovert. I could never imagine our own Venkat had so much exuberance hidden in him and he literally carried the show on his shoulders! Puj, the man from Dubai, was typically reserved and was answering mostly only when spoken to but could make out that he had plenty to be tapped.
The enthralling get-together came to an end in the late hours of the day and we bade goodbye only to plan the next one shortly.
I am not sending you the photos as already many are doing the rounds. But Girish/Ramu, I personally feel the picasa is no good if you enlarge the photo to full screen as the lack of resolution makes it blur. May be we should stick to former method only.
Ramu, you definitely missed out on an enchanting boisterous lively meeting as much as we missed you. But of course you could not have made it what with the problem you were faced with. And Suresh sood, Murli and Rajinikant were missed too! Hope you all make it to the next one.

Southern Do

2007-01-22T20:17:00.001+05:30

Legend: Puj=Rajesh Srivastava; Venky=Venkata; Usha=Mrs Venkata; GV=GVRS; Lata=Mrs GV;
Meghna=Miss GV; GB=GB; Anu=Mrs GB (All Pics L2R)
(Pic 1: Standing:Puj;GV;Venky;GB Sitting:Lata;Anu;Meghna;Usha)

Southern Do after many hiccups was enlivened by Venkats, GVRSs and Rajesh (Puj). After lots of uncertainities, Venkat and Usha (Mrs Venkat) could finally make it. (Pic2: Puj;GB;GV;Venky;Meghna)You can see that Venkata kept everybody laughing with his special on-the-spot-humour. Rajesh's plane took off 3 hours late from Cochin and got diverted to Trivandrum - he landed dog-tired straight at the venue from air-port, at 9.30pm. He was as usual suave and dignified Arab. GV, Lata (mrs GV) and Meghna (Ms GV) lit up the room with their familial charm. (Pic3: Meghna)We played billiards -GV excelled. Obeisance to Badminton Court and Swimming pool was done. (pic4:Puj;GV;Lata;Meghna;Usha;Venky;Anu;GB)Venkats very thoughtfully brought a chocolate cake for the Southern DO iced on it. Meghna charmed everybody by cutting the cake very demurely. (pic5:Venky;GB;Puj)
Venkata sang a few songs with guitar (unfortunately the pic is blurred).

El Gill's Ode to Pimp

2007-01-12T21:07:00.000+05:30

Thus Spake the Priest of the baz(OO)kas Shrine:
While on a short flight to Buffalo earlier today, I penned this little ode to Pimp on his birthday. A limerick really, and a rather lame one, but here goes:
"There's this man from Columbus
A veritable giant amongst us
A painful '06 now behind
And with an undefeated mind
He moves forward, Pimp the courageous"
GILL

Miles of Tales Condensed in a Sigh

2006-12-08T21:34:00.000+05:30

Once in a deep and sombre mood, I wrote a poem - "Miles of Tales Condensed in a Sigh!". Its' still my favourite. With an open mind, you may also like it perhaps.
Hear the hypnotic tales, from graves dead men shout,
Passionate lives, lived or dreamt, calmly recount.
Whom they loved, and who deceived,
Magnanimities and cussedness, given and received.
Laughter and tears, grief and stifled cry,
Miles of tales, condensed in a sigh.
Link to the complete Poem at my blog

Ramu With Sadhu Merani

2006-12-05T19:13:00.001+05:30

(Thus Spake Ramu):-
Hi folks

After enjoying some mouth watering chaat at Chaat Paradise in Sunnyvale, Shobha& I (duly chauffered by Rohit & navigated by Bhavana & Baby Mira in tow) drove into Meranis sprawling Ranch at Las Gatos on 18th at 2.58 pm. Merani was waiting eagerly at the door to receive his Mech'71 buddy after 35 years perhaps a little apprehensive as to whether he would be able to recognise me or not.

But recognition was instantaneous and the joy unbounded.He rushed out to greet us & shepherded us all graciously into his drawing room. Sudha soon made her appearance and after the initial round of introductions we settled down comfortably for a long chat.As Merani & I were deeply engrossed in our own conversation about life at IIT & thereafter,blissfully oblivious of all else present, Shobha & Sudha took the opportunity to know each other better. It turned out that Sudha was brought up in Chennai and had her schooling at Church Park(same school that Madam Jayamma also attended).Sudha also narrated some interesting experiences with some of the Mech'71ers whom she had an opportunity to meet during their visit to Dilli in Dec' 2000 -the confidential & classified details are being with held.
Merani & Sudha turned out to be fantasic hosts. After a session of digital photography Sudha led us all into the dining room for High Tea - mountains of sandwiches, varieties of cakes & cookies, samoosas & what not.What a veritable feast ! Had we known about the generous spread in advance we might have decided to give a skip to the chaat paradise.
The Meranis have two children - son works in San Fransisco & daughter is doing her undergrad.
Merani it turned out has a passion for gardening.He took us on a tour of his lawn & garden - showed us his special oak tree which he reported as the tallest on his street,the tulip tree which flowered in winter and his fish pond which had some exotic & very colourful varieties of fish.
Soon it was time to bid adieu-all good things have to come to an end ! And we departed carrying pleasant memories with us.
Tho photographs are still in the camera & will be posted shortly.
Bye folks
Ramu

Ramu In US

2006-12-05T18:46:00.001+05:30

(Thus Spake Ramu):-
Hi Guys

A brief report on my visit to the US so far :
1.Had a 2 hour long meeting with Julka at a Las Vegas bar - reminiscing about 35 years of life after IIT ! Julka now offers free consultancy on how to gain a pound a day and double your weight in 50 days ! Neither of us had a camera hence no snaps are available.

2.Met Nirmal Singh & Jas Kiran at a New Jersey Pub - We had a smashing time indeed. Nirmal is now offerring consultancy on how to get to the US as a student after you are 55 ! Photographs are available & will follow.Sorry Gill about being unable to make it to Buffalo -we missed a good opportunity ! Missed you too Deepak at NJ !
3.Have a meeting set up with Merani at Los Gatos on 18th. Really looking forward to seeing you Chander ! Understand Rajiv is somewhere in your neighbourhood - Do you think you can get him to join us on 18th ?
And congratulations to Puj on his daughters wedding at Guruvayoor Temple. Really wonderful news indeed. Guruvayoor is just 2 hours drive from Coimbatore & I certainly will attend.Hope to see other Mech'71ers too there at least guys like Girish,Venkat,Murali,Guvrus. Weddings are normally conducted outside the temple so upper garments can be retained. However for entry into the temple it is mandatory for men have to go topless.
Ramu
Camp : Washington

Beta Sab Bare Peg Serve Honge

2006-12-05T18:36:00.001+05:30

Gulla on The VV Club Get Together Nov'06
Know how to wreak havoc in a staid, conservative institution such as the Vasant Vihar Club?
You start by getting Shorty - in his rich, fruity baritone - coach the bar waiters - country yokels of recent import from Bihar - the niceties of fine service. "Beta sab bare peg serve honge aur tum poochna nahin bas laate jaana, laate jana!"

Then you have the saints - the creme de la creme of Mech 71 - come marching in - here a VK, anon a NK, even a Rajni Kant from Mumbai - and the tables start filling midst much merriment & bonhomie - a sudden blare of trumpets and in march KC & Ranjana & Sheikh Pujari along with Maestro Marwaha (who has single handedly brought our maverick flock together again after many a year). KC firmly declines a snifter - "Oye main peeta nahin hoon! " - but then who is he to pit his feeble cunning against the wiles of Shorty's writ? A puff of bar dust and our hero is holding a glass in both hands. No such temperance problems for old Puj! A deft flutter of his burnoose and a discrete flash of them dinars and the waiters promptly forget their tutorial and flock around him with an assortment of potent containers, each clamouring for his custom.

KC dwells on his approaching grand-father hood with much pride. A sudden hush prevails as he goes into the intricacies of gripe water, nappy rash and pottie training. Marwaha nods knowingly & the dapper Manchi listens carefully. They mix KC another chhota. Shorty starts singing "The Mayor of Bayswater. . . " Pujari invites us all to his daughter's wedding in January in Kerala. It is to be solemnised at the Guruvoyur Temple. He is aghast when informed he will have to go topless and in a lungi - or did we confuse the setting with Sabrimalai? GB & Ramu would know.

We troop in for dinner - a huge spread of the best and brightest VV Club has to offer. And then its packup time - Petkoff Sunil Gupta speaks his third sentence of the evening & the event draws to a fitting close.

Thanks heaps - Marwaha & Shorty and all those present - for another impeccable do. Perfect as always! Eyes down now for Merani's, and then El Gill's & jolly Johri's evenings! Delhi is shining!

Gulla (from Vienna airport, waiting to connect a flight!)

PS I don't think all the 71ers have been addressed - Normal bhai pls forward to those I've missed out! Thanks

Where Bheem Sat

2006-11-28T07:31:00.004+05:30

I met RC Sahni after decades. I had an official engagement in Bhopal so I contrived to meet both RC Sahni and Ghai separately.
At a very short notice, RC found a slot for me in his crowded calendar.

As I got ushered into his official lair, I could see the lanky lean boy moulded by intense life-experiences into a distinguished looking statesman. Public high achievements and Private pains add gravitas to ones personality. The well appointed and book-lined mahogany panelled stadium-sized chamber (as the offices of senior bureaucrats are called) could put anybody in awe - if it was not a friend occupying it. His chamber overlooks the Charles Correa designed Vidhan-Sabha - which RC showed me like an owner showing-off his pet jewel - since this project was executed under his stewardship.
Like in such gatherings after decades - we exchanged what have we been upto all these years. Being fellow government-wallahs we also had lot of career things to gossip about. RC has unstintingly helped me a lot in such matters.
The talks as usual accompanied by tea and things. Children are a topics close to heart when we meet like this. Besides our own successes/failures - paths that children take or don't take - affects us the most. We exchanged what our children are doing now. When I left after the overextended meeting - there was a large gathering of visitors waiting fretfully in the waiting room.
I then squeezed in a visit to an anthropological site 45 KMs away called Bhimbetka (= where Bheem Sat) which has ancient cave-paintings of Neolithic Man. Read about it in detail at my blog Bhimbetka.

Ghai is Director Purchasing for a Medical College start-up. He also set aside all his Purchase Orders - and selected the meeting point as a "Police Thana" near his Railway DRM's office. We went off to an Udipi-joint in view of my dietary restrictions. I had idli and he - wada/sambhar with cold-"Kaapi". Discussions were also as varied as idli-wada. It was nice to hear that his son has gone to Denton, TX for PhD - very near my son who is in Austin TX. We then talked of past. He has boldly experimented and has taken some reverses in attempted "Businesses" in his stride with aplomb. All these have not changed one bit his irreverent and bold outlook on life. I came away with a feeling of respect about the unspoken family support he must have had during such reverses - which is rare. My camera failed at this instance and the photo with him is from a mobile-phone without flash in the late evening.

Wistfully 11 years younger us!

2006-11-03T07:25:00.001+05:30

At the Silver Jubilee gathering at IITD. Pleasures and aches are part of memories. Who could have imagined that, that smiling Ashwin Bhatia, would not be with us later?

At the Director's bungalow. Forget how we may be now looking like - imagine how must these Kids in photo be looking like now?

Subhash Kataria, Girish & Gadbad Gulati

Some More Photos Later.
PS: (The photos had to be converted to lower resolution for the web)
Girish

An Evening with Mrs & Mr Nirmal Singh

2006-11-02T21:00:00.000+05:30

It was so nice of Mrs Nirmal Singh to have braved her knee pain and still commute from NJ to Manhattan to meet us. Nirmal hosted Me and my wife (Anu) at the Khyber Restaurant - which was a walking distance from our Hotel. They are a great pair. We talked of this and that. Children - their marriages. Future hopes and fears.
Indian when abroad, wistfully wait for two things - Indian Food, and water instead of Bottoms paper.
My first need so wonderfully met by Nirmal.
The second one was met only after my return to India.
If an ass could smile, it did.

To Prof Mal and all Mech'71'rs

2006-11-02T20:05:00.000+05:30

Prof Mal ordered me to create a blog. Here it is. It will be Mech'71's blog - they will do the postings, hopefully. To start with let me add one about the nice evening I had with Nirmal Singh at NY.
Girish