From Grandmother's Diary Part - 7

 My dear Vir, Miku and Ajay today your grandmother is going to tell you about one daring funny incident of her college life in jaipur where she did her PhD. 

In our MSc first year external examiner was Dr.Tondon (Proffesor chemistry department Jaipur University of Rajasthan). After Viva voce was over he casually asked me what I want to do after MSc? 

Doing PhD was always my dream and I told him so. All went well. I cleared my exams with 68% marks. (great achievement in 1976)

Those were the days when 60 % and above marks were tough to get. 

The real thing starts in jaipur where I went to do PhD under the guidance of Dr. B. C. Joshi. Why I gave you all the introduction to Dr. Tondon will be clear later.

It was one of the rare idyllic day in lab. Our chemical reaction were set up and they continue for 24-48 hrs or more. So except being in lab and occasionally checking the temperature, water flow etc nothing much was to be done. I picked my register and pen and was about to head for library when I heard some one saying "Miss Pant where are you going". He was one of my senior. I told him "I am going to library to do literature survey on the review I have to publish".Wait please he said and announced to all in lab अरे boss (Dr. Joshi) आज नहीं आने वाले, आज मस्ती करते हैं (Boss is not going to come today so let us have some fun).I was all smiles at their suggestion.

Four seniors who had finished their PhD and were perusing post doctoral put ₹100 each on the table and said Miss Pant are you ready to take a challenge?

I naturally asked what challenge? No no first you tell if you are ready? If you do the task we give we will give you all this money ₹400! Big sum in 1977, just ₹ 50 short of my monthly scholarship. But if you fail you will have to give treat to whole lab (13 person in all). 

I weighed both option without having an inkling of what the task would be. Treat would cost me maximum 150 (1samosa +1 pastry tea from our lab tea club stock), but if I finish I get ₹400!. I agreed. May be it was my daredevil nature and fun of seeing senior most person losing ₹100 each made me do that. But certainly it was not greed.

Then came the bombshell! चलो बाहर, अब passage way में बैठ कर सामने के कमरे की ओर देख कर जोर जोर से 3 बार बोलो HOD मुर्दाबाद ( come out, sit in the passageway, face the room in the front end and say thrice loudly HOD murdabad). I was stunned. Blood drained from my face, because I knew that room is of senior proffesor and I Wil be in thick sizzling hot soup. I thought for a moment of accepting defeat.

Looking at me they laughed which made me angry and I sat cross legged in the middle of the passage and shouted as loudly as possible raising my fist "HOD murdabad".

Now it was their turn to be stunned. They all vanished inside lab and before I could get up go inside to collect my winning a peon came and said Sir is calling you.

For few seconds I was terrified and so were rest of the collegues inside lab. Then I thought जो होगा देखा जाएगा and remembered the saying जब ओखली में सर ड़ाला तो मूसली से क्या डर (when decided to put head in mortar then why fear the pestle). I went near proffesor room and knocked "Come in came booming voice". I went in and was shocked to see proffesor Dr. Tondon yes the same Prof. Tondon who took my viva-voce in MSc sitting there.

Why is He here, He should have been in HOD room. I was petrified, went cold, but put a bold face and smiled. Morning sir I said.

You are the same girl who told me "I want to do PhD", during viva-voce in Almora isn't it. I noded my head in assertion. 

क्या कहा तुमने वहाँ बैठ कर? He asked seriously.

Sir ssir I  I said "HOD murdabad " I blurted hurriedly.

Why? But why are so angry with me, he asked?

No sir न नहीं. नाराज नहीं। It was a challenge sir?

Now it was he who was shocked. कैसा challenge? Who gave?

I told him everything.

Lo and behold  he started laughing and I started looking at him quizically.

Then he said एक बार और जोर से कहो HOD murdabad outside my room and I will also give you ₹100. 

I was like is it really happening?

By this time students from other labs had also come out to see what is happening.

I came out sat facing HOD's room and shouted to my loudest "HOD murdabad " and got up rushed to HOD's room to collect my ₹100.

When I came out dancing with joy waiving ₹100 note my seniors had no option but to give me ₹400. The expression on their face made me have hearty laugh.

We all laughed. I was richer by ₹500. I was, dancing with joy, till I got a message that I have got a call from my Boss (guide). He wants me at his home ASAP.

All the joy evaporated like ether from bottle in summer days. Dr. Tondon had told him whole episode.

Instead of angry outburst I got home cooked food (I was a, hosteler ) and just an advise "अब तो serious हो जा" Tondon Sir is a happy go lucky person कोई और होता तो disciplinary action हो जाता beta " (Atleast now become serious beta. Tondon sir is happy go lucky gentleman, if someone else would have been in his place surely he would have taken disciplinary action).

I decided to treat my lab collegues and seniors to 2 samosas each. So while on the way back took samosa.When I reached the lab they were expecting a teary eyed girl instead got smile and samosas. चाय बनाऊं (shall I make tea) I said.

Indeed what I did or was tricked to do was reckless. But not being defeatist is my nature and I am incredibly lucky.

We all enjoyed chai and samosas. I was richer and satiated with home cooked tasty food and Samosas.

Mumbai Meri Jaan

Breakfast at Cafe Mondegar 

My life after marriage has always revolved around my husband, children and then grandchildren. Visiting Mumbai during school vacations twice a year has been always been a ritual for us. Being with grandchildren makes me happy and at peace. This year visit in December was very special. Firstly it was a visit in December after two years. Secondly we were to attend the Grandparents day on 24 th December in Vir and Mihika's school. 

The excitement was on both side. Vir and Mihika were also thrilled that we would be in their school attending Grandparents day. I wish I could have done the same for Ajay. 

After my cancer treatment I was not sure of myself going on stage, so did not enlist for any competition. 

What an atmosphere! Hall full of excited Grandparents with small children singing, playing instruments  on stage.

Grandparents participating in cooking competition, fashion show and many stage performances. It seemed  grandparents were revisiting their childhood. I really regret my decision of not participating. I could have read poems written by me for my grandchildren. May be next time. 

Each grandparents were given cards and chocolate in paper box made by school children. It all was so touching to see the meticulous planning and execution. Reading the messages in card filled my eyes with tear and heart with pride and love. 

These gifts got added to my collection of cards, drawings, craft made by Vir, Mihika and Ajay. 

Thank you Principal, teachers children and other staff members of Smt. RamaDevi Shobhraj Bajaj Arya Vidya Mandir Juhu (where my two grandchildren Vir and Mihika study) for making it a memorable day.

Early morning from Andheri to Marine drive, through costal road connecting Worli to Marine drive was delightful. Bikers group gathering to go. I love bikes (I had taken Thunderbird and my son's Pulsar bike for ride in IAT campus), so seeing different racing bikes one after another zooming by was exhilarating. Coastal road is indeed human marvel.

It was hazy morning, so sea and horizon was not that shimmering bright, but the view was mesmerising. Weather was perfect. Morning walkers, joggers were enjoying the cool breeze. Lazy walkers like us were not only soaking in the the vibrant atmosphere but also enjoying cool breeze and calm sea. 

A man comes with his furry girls all decked up in frock and scarves with a professional photographer in toe. We and many other also clicked few photos.

Now it was time for breakfast.. So we headed for Cafe Mondegar.

Cafe Mondegar a nice cozy place with contemporary deco and good food. It was the beffiting end to a delightful morning outing. 

Kitchen 

For first time I ate my one full meal outside. Grilled sandwich and a glass of Mango shake. One more barrier was broken. Now I have developed confidence of eating out. 

Need I say we enjoyed it? Oh no! We not only enjoyed it, but enjoyed to hilt. Big thanks to Saurabh for planning this coastal road drive, Maine drive walk and breakfast. 

Though this plate looks empty but for me it a plate of hope and confidence. 

From Grandmother's Diary Part - 5

Sandwiched between two loving grandchildren, narrating my college escapades, giggling away instead of sleeping is great fun. It was really fascinating to see expressions of surprise on their face "How can naani a no nonsense, disciplinarian can be mischievous in college". 

I told them scratch the skin as thick as it may be finally blood is going to ooze isn't it. So like you, your naani  also had mischievous streak.

बताओ ना नानी (naani please tell). They would urge. How can I resist these lovely two faces looking at me. So I say OK. First bed time prayers then...... 

Prayers said I start. Hmm from my MSc chemistry lab time in Almora OK. 

In winters it was  biting cold and rains had added to it's severity. We were wanting to have hot cup of tea while doing our practicals, but could not go to canteen because of the reactions of practical which needed constant observation. Sigh! We had to wait till evening to go to canteen (4hrs practicals). 

Next day I came armed with Tea leafs, Sugar, milk powder and ginger powder. When we all came to lab someone suggested let us go to canteen one by one. 

But there was no taste in tea, as good as it may be without friends around. 

I said अगर मैं यहीं ले आऊं तो! (if I bring for all of us, here itself)! 

Everyone in unison "कैसे? (How?). 

I showed them my stock and 

They were for shock. 

The question was now "Who will bell the cat or more appropriately who will brew the tea? "

Again your truly accepted the challenge (safety says  that lab apparatus are not supposed to be used for any purpose except for chemicals). 

I boiled water in 1lt beaker rinsed it thoroughly, sterilised it with ethanol and heated in oven at 100 degree centigrade. Now it was fit for making tea. While I was busy making tea, ten 100 ml beakers were sterilised. Hot tea was poured in small beakers and while we were enjoying hot cuppa, the heavenly smell wafted along with chill wind to HOD's office. Lo and behold next moment like a cat he came and was standing there. चाय किसने बनाई (who made the tea)? He asked. All were like sir ah eh sir as if cat had taken their tongue. So I turned raised my hand and said sir मैंने। सबको चाहिए थी तो मैंने बना दी। (sir I, everyone wanted so I made it). Everyone was stunned by my not being apologetic and rather being brash.

Sir glared at me like in Hindi we would say खा जाने वाली नजरों से देखा (as if he will eat me alive), and left in a huff. I knew I am going to be reprimanded so I thought why spoil such good tea? Drink it before I get summons, so we all started sipping the delicious brew  while it was still hot. We all were laughing. 

My cup oops sorry beaker in my hand I looked triumphantly around and my eyes met two big eyes through the window. Our HOD Dr. Sharma had turned back and was again glaring at us in anger through window. 

What icy cold wind could not do, those two eyes did. The whole lab was frozen to stillness. Then what came to me suddenly I do not know, but I started singing aloud :

"मुड़ मुड़ के ना देख मुड़ मुड़ के, 

"मुड़ मुड़ के ना देख मुड़ मुड़ के " 

students were stunned and HOD started laughing. He went away saying "Pant तुझको कोई नहीं सुधार सकता" 🤣.

I made another beaker tea and quietly placed on HOD's table. 

Yes I was बिंदास (brash and cool) but not disrespectful, so I always got away with my  mischiefs.

Good night sweethearts. Next time an incident while doing PhD OK.

From Grandmother's Diary Part - 4

 Hey kiddos dinner done, now quickly brush your teeth, change to night suit and come to bed.

After first call, I have to call them two times more. Finally after 30 minutes they are on bed after saying good night to their parents. Bedtime prayers done, now comes story time. 3 pairs of eyes and six hands folded silently imploring and I understand what they want. Nothing serious I tell them and a collective yayyy shout comes, and I know their parents must be rolling their eyes in other room 🤣. What a fun.

OK. I say and start off. Remember I told you all of the L or Z shape trenches which were dug up in our backyard during war with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 ? Well once war over they became dysfunctional. My parents started using them as compost pit, but we children had better idea. 

After 1971 war in December when Holi festival came in March the trench was half filled with kitchen and garden waste. In the morning of Holi day we friends brought different water colors of Holi, mixed them up and sprinkled that brownish looking color powder on the rotting garbage and filled it with water, covered it with mixture of grass and soil. It looked like a bald patch of land. Nothing suspicious, elders thought we are playing with colors. Inside the pit was slushy, dark colored smelly mushy mass. 

People started arriving by 10.30 am to wish happy Holi. Front garden was ladies domain, where they applied colored tilak in very civil manner and wished each other, followed by partaking of gujiya, Gulabjamun, Aloo gutuk and piping hot tea. But the backyard was reserved for children and gentlemen, who were racous, riotous and rough in playing Holi. In the garb of serving sweets and splashing colors on uncles, we made sure they shifted towards the cleverly covered trench. 

One step on the edge and plop plop plop four or five uncles fell in the ditch. They heaved themselves up overed in dark colored slush,while all of us children were laughing and shouting बुरा ना मानो होली है। 

All boys ran away laughing and shouting Holi Hai ji Holi hai, I was, the only girl in group, unsure of what to do now. 

I was, asked to clean the slush off from uncles by garden hose, all the time enduring the harsh gaze of my father. 

Needless to say after bath the red color on my and my brother's cheeks and bums was of Holi splashes or slap thrashes no one could make out except us. It hurt a lot, yet the prank was a great fun and worth the beating we both got. 

I love Holi festival (for the colors you dumbos not for the memory of the beating in 1972 Holi day🤣🤣) 

From Grandmother's Diary Part - 3

Myself with my friend Nirmala and our dog Gypsy 

 As sunsets thoughts of my  grandchildren eager to listen to bedtime stories, six quizical eyes looking at me stubbornly refusing to lie down till I narrate some of my adventures. Memories start surfacing like bubbles from can of of a fizzy drink. 

Now I do not want to give more ideas to these already naughty kids, so that they repeat my mischievous activities, rationalising them by telling their parent "arey your mother told us she used to have fun doing it" , quite comfortably forgetting about whacking I got as a reward 😅

So tonight my sweeties I am going to tell you all about my experience during war with China and Pakistan. 

After independence India had to fight off the enemies from our eastern and western border both. 

I remember least of war with China in 1962, as I was just 6yr of age, studying in second standard. Only thing I remember is that we were in Delhi, black outs, sirens and my parents huddled around radio (sigh you have not seen radio which was the only mean of news and entertainment,  apart from news paper and books). 

But I vividly remember  1965 war with Pakistan. Soldiers in camouflage  marching to Frontline  in foliage covered vehicles. We  as small children could do only one thing that is to cheer them by waving our Tricolor and shouting with loudest voice "Vande Matarm". "पाकिस्तानियों को हरा कर जल्दी वापस आना". They used to wave back to us and that moment used to be most emotionally charged moment. I get gooose bumps yet remembering it. 

They came victorious, bringing Patton tank and other armory of Pakistanis (of course all made in America.), putting all victory bounty for display. The Patton tank was biggest war Trophy. We children used to have fun climbing in and out of the captured tanks and shouting "Pakistan murdabad, Hindustan Jindabad". At that age I hardly understood what it meant exactly. But nevertheless I shouted the loudest. 

By the time  Bangladesh war was fought in 1971, I was already in 12th standard, preparing for my pre board exams. 

Our house was as always in cantonment near main Military hospital. We were in Kanpur. 

The urge to be a contributing factor in those difficult time made me opt for crash course /training in first aid in our school. 

Boys used to make sure black outs timings are strictly adhered with. Elders said it is unsafe for girls to go around the huge campus, house to house making sure not a single light ray escapes out from any house. 

So what do you think I did? Hmm? Well The Florence Nightingale in me started stirring and I begged to my father to let me go to MH and look after the wounded soldiers (Due to heavy inflow of wounded soldiers MH required some helping hands. Someone who could read and write letters, read newspaper to those who were incapacitated). Military jeep would pick us from our door steps and drop back. 

Permission granted. So I along with my friends used to go every day for 15 days till my pre board started. Help putting slings, bandaging, cleaning small wounds before doctors would do the needful, running around to bring medical supplies from store, or to just be around the brave hearts assuring them "सब ठीक हो जाएगा हम सब आपके साथ हैं".  

What I saw there shook my soul. Our brave hearts had suffered with loss of limbs, gashes all over the body, some had lost vision , bones broken but their spirit was not broken. They were smiling even in excruciating pain, because they had fought the enemy valiantly which ultimately led to victory over Pakistan. 

Now you will say "but what did you do there? 

I read the letters for those who due to being in direct line of attack from Pakis were so badly wounded that they were unable to use their eyes or both hands. Omitting any part which could bring them mental agony without them finding out was a skilful act. 

We used to write letters to their loved ones. Even letter to their wife which they dictated. Words fail me to express the feeling I used to get while reading and writing the letters. I was asked to be discreet, so I used to remain expression less while they would pour their heart out. Just write. My vision would blurr due to tears when I was told to write "बस थोड़ा घायल हुआ हूँ, जल्दी ठीक हो कर भारत माता की जय बोलते जीत का झंडा फहराते घर आऊँगा". No mention of pain, broken bones, split head etc. Why? Because their spirit was not broken, rest all is repairable (they said). 

In their words "बेटा ये तो कुछ भी नहीं, सब ठीक हो जाएगा, हमारा मनोबल कोई नहीं तोड़ सकता, हम भारतीय सेना हैं "

Yes I really did tell lies to them. Sometimes letters used to be about child falling sick, not doing good in studies, crops failing due to nature's vagaries. I used to tell them exactly opposite. They required positivity around them. But it was not easy. Sometimes I would breakdown on our way back home.

 Why? Was it due to soldiers physical condition, mental toughness, their family facing daily challenges alone or my telling them lies that all is well at home front, I could never make out. 

But I did feel proud and strangely satisfying to be there with them even if just for two hours.

 

Reading paper, telling them of our school and friends, playing ludo, cards (court piece), or singing songs with them used to cheer them up. 

"चलत मुसाफ़िर मोह लियो रे पिंजरे वालि मुनिया " was favorite of one jawan so it was sung daily. 

सब बेसुरे होते थे पर खूब मजा आता था सबको। 

Because of our and MH safety we were asked to keep our MH visits to ourselves. So no gossiping in school. 

Those were the days we were supposed to do our duty without photo ops and expectation of rewards /certification etc. Just a pat in back and a toffee daily by doctor was huge reward for us. 

Patriotism was enculcated and embedded deep into our heart by parents at home and teachers at school. 

I wish the Florence Nightingale in me remains alive . 

By the time I finished they were emotional and touched, soon they fell asleep but not before telling me impishly "Not so serious next time". 

Good night my darlings till next time.