A KING FOR ALL SEASONS
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-      As a well spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death. Leonardo da Vinci 

-      Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation. Rumi

-      Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come. Rabindranath Tagore

-      Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride! Hunter S. Thompson

The above are a few quotes that epitomise the glorious Life lived by our Dear Rajendra Bakshi Ji. He was a ‘King for all Seasons’, an empathy-driven leader, loved by his Zuari factory workers. The respect that he earned from them all can be gauged from the fact that thousands of them turned up for his funeral procession and walked from his home to the Vasco Hindu cremation Ground.  In his demise, He’s not gone alone, but a part of us all is gone with Him. The Best tribute that one could pay to a departed loved one is by remembering him through his memorable noble past. Let's revel in and relive those moments with his near and dear ones.

                   I first met Meena’s Mama, Mr Rajendra Bakshi (affectionately called Raju Mama) in Goa in early Jun 1990, when Meena and I were transferred to 315 Sqn, INS Hansa just after we tied the knot on 02 May.

             The first Sunday morning after we arrived in Hansa Wardroom, awaiting allotment of temp Accom of 80-C Wardroom Area, we drove on our Bajaj Cub over the narrow battered road leading to D1, Executive Offrs colony in Zuari Nagar (10 km from Hansa) to meet Raju and his family. As we turned to Bungalow D1, we were delighted to see Raju Mama and Kids (Vinni, Shweta and Rohit) playing cricket, as Anu Mami was intently watching them seated on a chair from their Veranda, as an unofficial Umpire shouting decisions. The Game was halted briefly, as we parked our scooter in the compound paid our respects to Mama-Mami, Raju Mama hugged us and introduced us to the Kids and we too joined the Game of Cricket. It was Fun with intermittent shouts by kids, “Cheating, Cheating” and Anu Mami the Umpire handing out expert decisions.

          After the Game, we went in their Bungalow.  Raju told us how he had just shifted job from Reddy shipping (North Goa)  to Zuari Agro Chemicals. He joined as  a Manager in the Packaging Dept. He once took me to his factory for a walk around and I was amazed at his style of L&M, that he imbibed from RIMC / Navy. All his workers seemed to be fond of him as he addressed all their concerns individually with empathy.

(Flashback: Prior to joining Reddy shipping he spent 10 yrs in the Indian Navy as a robust communication sailor after passing out from RIMC in 1967. He cleared SSB first go but was down in Medicals. But later enrolled as a naval Communication Sailor. I said Robust because he narrated to me a harrowing incident of him sailing on a small naval ship in very rough weather with LtCdr Chikodi (who was his CO). Rajendra Bakshi, LRO(TEL) as the Quarter Master and his CO, were the only two persons on the bridge negotiating the ship in heavy swell when all the other 10 ship’s crew were vomiting in lower decks due to seasickness in heavy rolling and pitching...The CO was all praise for him after the sortie and granted him 2 days off…..)

        Most Sundays either they dropped into our 80-C Wardroom Area First floor house or we drove to their place. Weekends were for fun and frolic. We have ventured out into the nooks and corners of Goa on our scooters initially and later on the second hand Fiat that Raju Mama bought. Our first Picnic was at Doodh Sagar by train from Vasco. The ladies carried the Lunch and we carried a Bottle of Rum and snacks. The additive was the direct splash of Doodh-Sagar fall into the glass. The two of us have driven down to Beach bars a number of times for Fenny, Fish and Chips. He relished Coconut Fenny. We’ve been on a Picnic to Old Goa, Ponda, Madgaon, Panjim  Mandovi, North Goa. He took us to Reddy his previous location. I still remember the delicious dishes his cook made for us all in the Guest House. By his friendly nature, he had ensured a lasting rapport with locals where ever he went. I remember he used to prefer Mutton over chicken and relished the Gravy in a separate bowl. He favoured a particular Biryani joint between Goa and Mumbai. Lately, it so happened that Rohit was driving him to Pune to be with his elder brother and all three sisters. They, unfortunately, crossed that Biryani shop and when He asked Rohit about it, the reply was, “Dad we have left it 55km back”. Raju said, “But I told you to stop there, Turn back right now.” So, Rohit had to turn back to comply with Dad’s unquestionable religious orders for a delectable chicken Biryani Lunch. Sarita Masi has rightly described her Brother Raju in one word, “FOODIE”. 

          Another incident that comes to mind was Meena’s first delivery. On 09 Oct 1991, Meena complained of labour pains a week prior to the due date. So I took a day off from squadron, escorted Meena and her mother in Ambulance to MH Panjim as the Gynaec at Jeevanti was away. Raju Mama had been informed, so when we reached MH via Jeevanti, Raju was already present there. After Meena had been taken to the Labour room, I went across to the Army Offrs’ Mess for Accom booking. When I returned, Raju Mama hugged me with congratulations, “Oye Munda hoya ee”…I went and had a look at the pink bundle of joy beside Meena and the beaming Nani of the newborn. Raju told them, “Assi hun aande aan”….He took me to the Zuari river side Bar shack and ordered for two congratulatory drinks with snacks. As we uttered cheers with the clanking of Pegs, he asked me,” Naam kya Socha hai”….I  took a sip, looked up at the crimson clouds in the reflection of the red setting Sun in the Sky and dreamily uttered, “Aakash”….The name was unique in those days. Raju loved it and recommended it to his Sister and Meena…Well, that was it….Aakash (28) today is away sailing in SCI’s SS Disha (VLGC) and pays his tearful tribute to his Raju Nana. 

        Empathy-driven Raju Mama had been a source of moral courage and strength to my cousin Sangeeta Dutta, after her humble husband Lt Jaydeep Dutta (O) was snatched away from her and two adorable kids by the cruel fatal collision of  IL-38s over Goa 18 yrs ago.   

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COL. ASHOK BAKSHI (31st NDA-GOLF) - 11 MARATHAS 

   

    My Brother and Me: My association with my younger Brother Raj started with the News brought home by my Sister Sharda that I had a younger brother now lying next to my Mother. My dominance in my Mother’s lap was the domain of my younger brother. I was thrilled that now I had someone to play with or rather bully right at home. Our association took a turn when Raj started to walk and talk. Life became better and better for both of us. We could now confide in one another, share secrets, an enemy of either had to face grudges of both. Of course, we had our differences. Take eating habits, for instance. I could eat anything prepared by Mom, whereas he was very selective or rather preferred to eat food that wasn't prepared by Mom. We tried all the tricks to make him eat home food.  

          I joined St Helena’s for my class I and II, while he was enrolled in St Mary’s for the same. Ultimately we both grew up studying in Bishop’s Pune. It won’t be justice on my part if I don’t touch upon his first day in School. After the School finished our Hero decided to walk back home, rather than wait for me to escort him back safely. He walked and walked and then and there decided to become the Southern Army Commander. Since he felt tired, He entered the Army Commander’s Bungalow. Meanwhile, we all were hunting for him from home to school. What a sigh of relief we had when the Principal declared that the Kid had been found and was coming back in Army Commander’s Staff Car. So you see, his standards had always been high.

        We used to go to school on a cycle. I used to drive and he used to sit on carrier. One day we decided to take the route via the Bund Garden. Least expecting our father to be following us. Is till remember the spanking we got for every two slaps I would get he would get only one. The privilege of the younger brother. I joined RIMC and moved to Dehradun. He continued to study in Bishops. Now we did not have a cycle to go here and there,  we used yo borrow our father's cycle. One day, as usual, we were getting late to come home. Raju the ever-resourceful person came up with a short cut to go home. We just took of merrily paddling away, Raj singing a song so that we don't scared. What a scare we got when we just took off, both flying in the air cycle lost from under us, both landed on the ground, both got up asking about each other's injuries, half expecting yo have some bone fractured, but luck was on our side. No injuries,  no damage to the cycle, so we took off for home. Parked the cycle had dinner and went off to sleep.imagine the shock we got when we were woken up with father yelling away at us and we both pretending to sleep. The Fork of the cycle was broken. We were not being yelled at for breaking the fork but for not checking the cycle after having a fall. We could have got injured badly if the fork had given up completely. Those were the days when we two were one soul with two bodies.

       Slowly but steadily we started to grow, taking responsibilities as they came our way. Then Raj joined me at the RIMC and the authorities decided to put both of us in the same section that us the Ranjit Section. Imagine two brothers in the same Section one about to pass out and the other just a First termer. That is the time when he wrote to father that he does not have a brother but the biggest enemy in the school. But I knew him well I knew all his habits and tried my best to get him into the right track before I leaving the school. I think that was the only time he ate whatever was given to him. But then I went  off to NDA and he continued to study in RIMC. He picked so.e good sporting habits there. He became a loving brother and a helpful friend. Earned a lot of praise from his course mates, juniors and the Teachers. It is here that he became a very good boxer. He showed his talent in dramatic activity and singing. Unlike me, he became a very handsome man.

        He was looking smarter and smarter. A lot of mischief in him. We had a lot of fun during this period. After I passed out of IMA  Raj did not make it to NDA. This is where his life changed completely. He went into a phase of life where he had no aim in life, did not know what to do. Study or look for a job. That is how he started making friends who were not good for him. By then we got into touch again. I was posted at NDA so he could come to my place whenever he wanted.

He would take my scooter on Saturday and bring it back on Sunday evening with no petrol in it. He tied to help Papa to run his business but failed. Picked up habits like smoking etc. These habits did contribute to his getting sick in the end.

My elder sister did help him to join the Navy hoping that he could become an officer, but by then did not care much about his future. Meanwhile, he got married and after putting in 10 years of service he resigned. Throughout this period we were not in touch as we used to be before.

         After his resignation, he got a job in a God-forsaken place called Reddy. I believe the job was tough but he managed it well. That’s  how he came to Goa.

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CMDE  RAMESH KUMAR (55th NDA- ECHO)

             I first met Raju mama in Kochi in 1969 when he came to meet his sister ( my future mother in law). I was a 10 a year-old boy who had just come to the city and he had just passed out of RIMC one of the best schools in the country. Needless to say, I was very impressed by his English and by his style. A handsome young lad of about 18 years he was all that I wanted to be. Thereafter we met occasionally though they were brief encounters at the Bakhshi residence. But whenever we met his jovial nature and warmth always came through. After I got married to his niece also we were more like friends than relatives. I normally called him Raju changing over to the more polite Raju mama in recent years. During his last two visits to Mumbai, I called him home. Though he was not in very good health he came and we spent some quality time together. Since we are vegetarians and my son Varun is non-veg he ordered non-veg food for him on both occasions. He managed to connect well with Varun. He wanted to visit my office n we spent some time there too. Despite the fact he was so unwell he remained cheerful always. when I visited Goa for a friend's sons marriage he picked me up from the guest house and dropped me back. But I don’t believe I knew him well at all because there was a part of his personality which I was exposed to only during his funeral. It was amazing to see how popular he was with the workers who worked under him. Thousands of workers poured out to pay homage to him during his last journey. Many of the women were crying profusely. Several hundred attended the funeral. The farewell speech by the workers and the management of his company was very touching and spoke volumes about his humane nature and love for his subordinates. I shall miss him. Goa shall not be the same without him. Dear Raju mama May you rest in peace and keep smiling that wonderful smile where’ve you are.

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MRS SARITA MEHTA (YOUNGEST  SISTER)

          One word which describes my brother other than being caring n jolly is "FOODIE". He was the perfect example of "living life to the fullest". A complete foodie by heart n also ever-demanding nature ordering me to prepare "paya"(A lamb’s Leg) whenever he visited us no matter which season it was.

I remember a few instances about my brother.

1)    When we were small he uses to help me in maths by prompting answers standing behind daddy, when daddy use to ask me dodging tables.

2)    He used to flick chicken from my plate when we use to have meals together, a habit that used to annoy me then n makes me smile now.

3)   Whenever he wanted to have "paya" we had to search mostly all places in and around Kandivali n Borivali during rains to find it in Mira road n finally cooked for him. His satisfying eyes after having what he likes the most was fulfilling to me as a sister.

              There are many such memories,  where I remember him n it leaves tears in my eyes n also smile on my face. It's said that we all will meet again in another world in future. I love u my brother n I will surely miss u lots.

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MEENA Meena Bakhshi Dutt

         RIP Mammu...You will always be missed. You were part of our childhood...Giving money to us kids for hiring a cycle and that way we learnt cycling...The love for special food items...Always remembered whenever I prepared finger fries. I always admired the way you enjoyed life...with all that pain you were always with a smile...I too admired the way you threw your tantrums like a kid...Will miss all this...I even recall that we as Kids addressed you as ‘Raju’, got scolded from Mom to call you Mama/ Uncle….When we called you ‘Uncle’, You never responded as you were used to ‘Raju’ (Questioned us, "Where's  Uncle?") and instructed us to address you as before, ‘RAJU’ !!…... Though we couldn't meet more often, I could feel that Something is missed from my life. The utmost care and attention that I got in those 3yrs in GOA can never be expressed...Miss you...miss you...love u...Wherever you are ...rest in peace...wait for us ....one day we too will be there...I wish the FB account goes wherever you go and am sure I would have rec'd instant response...Love you Mamaji....RIP... Om Shanti, Sadgati

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A  SUCCESSFUL  JOURNEY

              One Paradigm that defines the success of a Person’s Life encompasses on how he has brought up his children and how well they are placed in Society. From that angle both Raju mama and Anu Mami have been glorious in their lives.  They have wonderfully brought up their children and well settled them on their journey of Life. The ever dynamic Vinni (Vineeta Adpaikar) is an events manager in Goa and married to Sachin Adpaikar and blessed with 2 boys. Younger daughter Shweta  had specialised in  medicine and is married to a dashing Naval Officer Lt Abhishek Varshney presently posted to Goa. They are blessed with an adorable kid. Son Rohit is sailing in a cruise liner as a supervisor.

           Yet another Paradigm translated the Success of a person is the image that he has created about himself amongst his contemporaries. Raju Mama’s classmates in RIMC joined the 39th NDA course. And although he wasn’t an officer in the Armed Forces, yet he got invited to the RIMCOLIAN’s gettogether every year and rubbed shoulders with Generals and Admirals. RIMCOLIANs Unity defines the benchmark for human bonding…Jai Ho.  

THE  FINAL  CALL

            Of late Raju Mama’s and Anu Mami’s Diabetes had worsened affecting Kidneys and both were on dialysis. On 05 evening both had just returned home after dialysis treatment when Raju Mama complained of general uneasiness in chest and wanted to lie down. Anu Mami tried to help him to bed when he collapsed and breathed his last.

            The funeral was performed by his Son Rohit on 07^th Aug at Vasco Hindu Cremation Ground. The procession was huge and thousands of his factory workers, friends and relatives had taken part in the procession to bid their final Sayonara to their most humble Leader. 

         

           The Spirit of Raju Mama shall never Die, the words of Douglas MacArthur always remind us, soldiers:

-      Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away! Douglas McArthur

But  memories of this noble Samaritan, an inspiring leader shall always remain fresh in our lives forever inspiring us in our times of adversity…He walked like an emperor. He was a King, ‘A King for all Season’….Salutes.  

JAI  HIND. 

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P.S. -   FOOTNOTE - Raju was the fourth child of Shri Laxmi Narayan Bakshi (Army JCO) and Mrs Shrishthi Bakshi, after three elder siblings Mrs Urmila Bakshi (spouse- LtCdr VP Bakshi), Mrs Sharda Sharma (spouse- Mr Yograj Sharma) and Col Ashok Bakshi (spouse - Mrs Nirmal Bakshi). and later a younger sister Mrs Sarita Mehta (spouse - Mr Rajesh Mehta).  

             Raju's Jeejaji, Late LtCdr VP Bakshi, the First Diver of Indian Navy,  was instrumental in Mr Rajendra Bakshi's enrolment in the Indian Navy after his RIMC.
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EUROPE TRI-NATION TOUR,  DAY# 4 & 5

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Dear Friends,

    Here's an update on the European Tour by Veterans of NFMC, wonderfully narrated by Cdr Manjul Mayank, received on Email from Italy... Regards Raj

DAY FOUR

1.     After a very eventful day three, today turned out to be comparably a much better day though not ideal. We are four days into the tour but punctuality is something which is still eluding us. And as a result precious tour time is being lost. But things are settling in and we are optimistic that we will be able to make maximum utilization of time and will be able to cover the planned schedule in days to come.

2.     The wake-up time today was as usual 0630 h. The veterans had a very good and comfortable sleep in the night in their cosy rooms. The breakfast time was 0800 – 0900 h and veterans and ladies were ready after a wholesome breakfast. The luggage was already brought down prior to breakfast and lined up in the lobby. Till the arrival of the bus, the members utilized the time for some photo session in the hotel lobby area. Before the arrival of the bus, on popular demand of ladies, we explored the possibility of conducting the city tour of Florence which we missed yesterday afternoon. Alas, it turned out that permission of the city officials has to be taken in advance and 350 Euro fee has to be deposited for which we had no time. So with great disappointment decision was arrived at to proceed to Pisa directly. The desire of visiting the statue of David could not be realised.

3.     Finally, after loading the luggage the members embarked and the bus headed for Leaning Tower of Pisa, another one of the seven wonders of the world. The route to Pisa was absolutely breathtaking with dozens of vineyards, nurseries and large sunflower gardens. The area north of Florence is mainly an agricultural area and hence the beauty en route.

4.     We reached Pisa at about 1115 h.  After disembarkation, the tour guide briefed us about the safety measures to be followed as the area is famous for petty thieves of African nationality. He also briefed us that the Leaning Tower of Pisa was built in 1173 AD and it took 200 years to construct it. A total of five architects were changed to progress the construction of the structure and to prevent its leaning. But due to the soft soil, the leaning progressively increased with height.  Later the Centre of Gravity of the structure was strengthened and it was then declared to be a safe structure.

5.     After a 1.25 Km walk, we reached about 1145 h and the guide advised mustering back at 1300 h after visiting the monument and also some shopping by the ladies. The tower is certainly a breathtaking structure and all the members did extensive photo sessions in various poses with their spouses. The lush green gardens all around and the two Churches viz St Peters Church and Baptist Church also added to the beauty of the site.

6.     We all mustered back at 1315 h and followed the guide to the restaurant Austria di Domo for lunch with the local cuisine as the menu. Just as we settled for lunch Cdr Reddy and Mr Vikram joined us back from Rome after collecting the cash left behind. This brought all-round cheer amongst and Cdr Reddy was king enough to treat us all to beer with lunch. It was the general opinion of the ladies, especially vegetarian ladies, that the menu is getting very repetitive and that they were not enjoying it. The team leader decided to explore the possibility of some change in the menu if possible.

7.     We were done with lunch at 1450 h and started for the bus. It took a record-breaking 50 minutes to cover a distance of 1.25 Km to the bus. The reason was obvious. We reached the bus at 1540 h and started for Padova at 1545 h. Enroute Padova the view was again beautiful all along and we passed through three long tunnels, the first and the longest being over 10 Km. long. All members after having a good fill during lunch went off to well-deserved sleep for a couple of hours, the journey being of four hours.

8.     Halfway through to Padova at 1740 h we stopped at Auto Grill for a TWENTY minutes break which got extended to FIFTY minutes. We finally departed for our last leg of the bus journey at 1830 h. The Team Leader fully charged up now after a very sound nap in the front row took out his favourite karaoke speaker and treated us to a lovely Hindi number ‘Ye Nayan Dare Dare, Ye Jaam Bhare Bhare’. A ten minutes antakshri session followed. This opened the flood gates and many members displayed their talent but the pick of their day was Mrs Mukti Ghosh Madam who treated us with two very melodious numbers. ‘Raina Beet Jaye’ being one of them. By this time, we had reached our restaurant Gandhi Two for Indian cuisine dinner. The message was already conveyed in advance and before starting dinner ‘Cake Cutting Ceremony’ was held to celebrate the birthday of SOPA 2 Cmde Shyam Kaushal who turned 72 and Cdr BP Singh who turned 60 today. Thereafter we had a hearty delicious Indian dinner served with a lot of love and smile by Indian stewards. 

9.     We embarked our bus thereafter and headed for our hotel Crowne Plaza, Padova about 3 Km away. After unloading the luggage and collecting our room keys the members settled in their rooms quite happy that they won’t have to do ‘Patti Parade’ of packing again in the morning view stay at this hotel is of three days.

10.   The highlight of the day was the beer treat by Cdr Reddy, a song by team Leader and the two numbers by the very melodious Mrs Mukti Ghosh.  

11.   Just as we were getting ready to retire into our rooms came the sad news of the demise of our beloved ex-ForeignMinister Smt. Sushma Swaraj Ji. We all prayed for the departed soul to Rest In Peace. Om Shanti

DAY FIVE

1.         The accommodation at the hotel Crowne Plaza was lovely and the members had a very comfortable and relaxed good night sleep in their respective rooms. Like every other day, the hand's call was at 0630 h with instructions for all the members to finish their breakfast by 0900 h and be ready to board the bus thereafter. The members were duly ready by promulgated time. Some punctuality and responsibility seem to be slowly setting in amongst us as members have since realized that wasting time/delaying is our own loss. However today it was the driver who was 15 minutes late to get the bus resulting in we departing the hotel at 0945 h. This problem too should get sorted out by tomorrow.

2.     After departing Mr Vikram did a comprehensive briefing on today’s programme. He gave high hopes to a desperate complaint of most lady members to do something about the repetitive lunch by assuring that he is making efforts to provide some changes in menu and exploring the possibility of South Indian Menu. This brought cheers on the faces of most of the members and we hoped with fingers crossed that his efforts succeed. What happened we will discuss at lunchtime.

3.     We headed straight to Tronchetto Island in Venice which was 45 minutes’ drive away. The state of Venice consists of 118 islands in the Adriatic Sea. It has two railway stations. We reached Venice Toll Plaza at 1030 h and after two minutes of formalities we headed to parking slot in Tronchetto Island. Tronchetto Island is a huge parking slot for all vehicles as from here on it is only water taxis and ferries for transportation. After disembarking the bus, we headed straight to ferry point. The full group embarked the chartered ferry at 1050 h and cast off at 1103 H for San Marco Island, the main island of Venice and frequented most by the tourists.

4.     We arrived at the jetty at San Marco Island at 1135 h and headed straight San Marco Square following the flag of our tour guide Sunny. The square was full of hustle and bustle of tourist activity and being tourist was heavily crowded.  At the square Sunny briefed us about the Island including St Basilica Church, Lighthouse, Clock Tower and the erstwhile King’s Palace which is a museum now. Apart from this, the place has a lot of eating joints in the open square with live music playing. The tourists were thoroughly enjoying the romantic city to the fullest true to its image.

5.     After some INDEX walk around the Island, we visited the Vecchia Murano Glass Blowing Factory where the owner gave us a briefing and live demonstration of artefacts being prepared of glass. The skill and expertise of the expert craftsman were indeed worth applauding considering the ease and speed he was handling red hot glass. The members also did some shopping in the showroom. We returned to the square at 1305 h and the guide gave us time till 1350 h for members to do independent romancing in the romantic city. The members grabbed the opportunity with both hands and did what the city expects the tourists to do.

6.     We mustered back at 1350 promptly and headed for lunch at Ristorante Trovatore, about 200 metres from the main square. Well, after settling the members were very anxious what the lunch menu is going to be. But alas came to the Italiano dish from the galley and the faces of all the members dropped. The efforts of Mr Vikram and team did not succeed in changing the menu at this late stage. However, the menu was different and turned out to be very tasty and much better than the previous days. After a hearty lunch, we exited the restaurant at 1505 h and headed straight to the Gandola jetties. Due to heavy rush, we had a waiting time of 15 minutes which the members happily utilized in photo session alongside the scenic beauty of the Adriatic Sea. The atmosphere amongst the members was abuzz with the excitement of the dream of sailing in the narrow lanes of Venice in a Gandola was going to become a reality. The much-awaited Gandola ride fructified at 1600 h for 45 minutes. The final experience of Gandola ride was as exciting and real as was the dream all along. The forty-five minutes ride in the by lanes of Venice passed like a dream. After a very extensive photo session, very reluctantly the members got out of the Gandola and headed to the main square for another one hour of romancing in the city of romance.

7.     At 1750 h we mustered again at the main square entrance and headed to the ferry jetty for the return trip to the bus. Just at this moment Cdr BP Singh complained of high fever and shivering. Surg Cdr Patra prescribed some Indian medicines but the same was not available in the Island. Cdr Rawat then did some enquiry with local shopkeepers and found the location of a pharmacy. However, the attendant there refused to entertain saying the prescription needs to be by an Italian doctor. Cdr Rawat then left Cdr BP Singh there to rest and headed alone to some other pharmacy with the prescription. The next shopkeeper needed some convincing before agreeing to give some medicines equivalent to the prescription after referring the computer. Finally, both arrived at the jetty at 1825 h.

 8.    We arrived the Tronchetto Parking lot at 1855 h and after a group photograph we embarked the bus and headed for Restoranto Indiano Maharani in Mestre Town for Indian dinner. Mr Vikram briefed of tomorrow’s programme enroute.Cdr BP Singh continued to be unwell and the two doctors looked after him.

9.     The dinner at Maharani was very tasty and very Indian and all the members thoroughly enjoyed. It also was Mrs Swarn Lata Madams birthday today and her grandson rang up Mrs Rupali, the CEO of Traveledge to organize a small celebration on his behalf and as it was announced by Mrs Rupali it brought tears in the eyes of Mrs Swarn Lata Madam. A very touching moment indeed. The dinner was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony along with a happy birthday song by all.

10.   We left the restaurant after dinner at 2045h  and returned to the hotel for a good night sleep with a wish that Cdr BP Singh recovers by the morning after medication and is fit to undertake the long journey to Zurich.

11.   The highlight of the day was the look on the faces of members when Italian menu was served during lunch contrary to the expectations of a South Indian Menu and the love and affection displayed by the grandson of Mrs Swarn Lata Madam and her reaction to this fine gesture. It was indeed a very emotional moment. She personally took efforts to distribute cake to many members and we all wished her a very long and healthy life in the years to come.