Sports special - Delhi GymKhana ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
sports
Special
club
May-June 2019
Delhi Gymkhana Club, 2, Safdarjung Road,New Delhi 110011
life Vol. 11 • No. 23
A monthly in-house newsletter for private circulation only
like to take this opportunity to inform Committee members to oversee these
From the all Veterans from the Armed Forces events from this standpoint.
President’s that I have requested the Secretary to
With the commencement of the
Desk coordinate with my office at the Club (or
even my official staff) can be contacted
Swimming season I notice, much to my
dismay, the abysmal fitness and obesity
in the event of any grievance related to
levels of, particularly, the younger
pensionary matters. We are proud that
members and too in this Sports club.
a prominent member of our Club, Mr
May I request grandparents and parents
Vishwajit Sahay has been appointed
to suitably advise their Gennext of the
the Principal Controller of our Defence
need for basic attention to this personal
Pension office at Allahabad and he has
aspect. Obesity coupled with today’s
kindly accepted this arrangement with
stress levels cannot but be an awkward
his office. I will try and see if similar
combination for their future.
arrangements are possible on the civil
side even with the hugely decentralized We have circulated the agenda for the
Dear Members, structure that governs it. forthcoming Extraordinary General Body
Meeting (EGM). Kindly do revert to us if
W ith the onset of Summer you would
expect that with the sweltering heat
and haze there will be a considerable
Over the last few days, there have been
more than a few incidents in the Club
you feel strongly about any modifications
you wish to propose. A lot of deliberation
of inappropriate behaviour by some
drop in activity in the capital. Not this has gone into the draft after wide ranging
members. We have taken strict action
year. Apart from the excitement of consultations by the GC’s designated
in these cases that have also appeared
the General Election for which many Committee and the Secretariat. These,
on the Club’s Notice Board. However,
stayed back, this summer has also, so will resolve many inconsistencies that
many members have conveyed to me
far, barring few days, not been extreme. arise in the application of the present
that even stricter action needs to be
This has reflected in the attendance Articles of Association (AoA) and would
taken to set an example to others so that
in the Club as well. Our trademark, the ensure smoother running of the Clubs
such incidents dwindle. There is also a
Thursday evenings have been packed administration, membership induction
general feeling among members that
and from many of them, we have incomes and comply with Company Law. Already,
action should be taken against members
of over Rs ten lakhs in a single night. even within the present AoA, your
who have acted against the interest of
We hope this trend continues and once Committee has decided upon positively,
the Club both on and off its premises.
Monsoon arrives it would be even better. on many pending requests and bottled
The General Committee has already
up grievances. We will endeavour to
We are extremely proud that one of our begun deliberating issues related to this.
continue with positive work until the
esteemed members, Admiral Karanbir
Although our staff puts in sincere effort, term of this Committee.
Singh has taken over as the Chief
there are a few cases of unauthorised
of Naval Staff. We wish him a very With my highest regards,
entry, improper dressing & misconduct
successful tenure at the helm.
in the Club particularly on Thursdays. Prashant Sukul
Whilst on such matters, I would also I am now requesting designated President
M a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
PREVIEW
New Government Formed 2 Baisakhi Dinner 7 Talk on Realm of Plastic Surgery 12
Gynae CAMP 3 Setting Right India’s Achievements of our Member 13
Book Club Event - Sikkim - 3 Health Care System 8-9 Retirement 13
Dawn of Democracy Event - A talk on Classical Bridge Results April 2019 13
Happyness: Life lessons from a Hatha Yoga by Shlloka 10
creative addict 3 Training and Safety workshop 14
Harcourt Butler Cup
Annual Sports Dinner 4 Tennis Tournament 10 Club Food 14
Sports Awards 5 Churchillian From the Archives 15
Musical Play 5 Epigram on Whiskey 11 Editorial 15
Alarmed on an Aircraft Carrier 6 Aruna’s story - Lushin Dubey 12 Forthcoming Events 16
New Government Formed 30 May 2019
M
r Narendra Damodardas Modi was sworn in for the second time as Prime Minister of India at 7 pm on
Thursday 30 May 2019. He was administered the oath of office along with his Council of Ministers
by President Ramnath Kovind in a glittering ceremony in the forecourt of the magnificent Rashtrapati
Bhavan. Over 5000 Indian and international guests including Heads of States, diplomats, government officials,
constitutional authorities and eminent citizens from all walks of life attended the event.
2 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i n
M a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
CAMP - Dr Rahul Manchanda of PSRI Hospital held a Gynecological camp followed by an interactive
talk at the Delhi Gymkhana Club on 24 & 25 April for members, staff and families. He was assisted
by 3 senior Gynecologists, a Pathologist and ancillary staff. Basic physical together with a detailed
gynecological evaluation was carried out and appropriate advice was provided. It was well attended
and appreciated.
Sikkim -
Book Club Event - Happyness: Life lessons from a creative
Dawn of Democracy by GBS SIdhu addict by Dr Yusuf Merchant - 10 May 2019
- 15th March 2019
3 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i n
M a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
Annual Sports Dinner - 06th April 2019
4 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i n
M a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
List of winners of various outdoor and Indoor Sports 2019
Annual Billiards/Snooker Tournament - 2019 ANNUAL BADMINTON TOURNAMENT - 2019 ANNUAL SQUASH TOURNAMENT 2019
Winner Dhruv Soota Winner Raghav Roshan Bahl Winner Karm Kumar
MENS SINGLES OPEN SINGLES
Open Runner Up Rishav Kapur Runner Up Suhail Kapur
Runner Up Keerath Bhandal
Snooker Raghav Roshan Bahl, HANDICAP Winner Didar Rebello
Highest Break Dhruv Soota Winners
Rituj Chopra SINGLES Runner Up Karm Kumar
MENS DOUBLES
Winner Bharat Vaish Prashant Khosla, Squash,
Open Runner Up Winners
Runner Up Rakesh Mahindroo Rishav Kapur Shammi Khurana
Billiard OPEN DOUBLES
Raghav Roshan Bahl, Sharat Prakash,
Highest Break Rakesh Mahindroo Winners Runner Up
MIXED DOUBLES Suhani Kumari Sehgal Sumer Wadhwa
Winner Keerath Bhandal Runner Up Rishav Kapur, Shivani Sehgal
Handicap Sid Sharma,
Runner Up Dhruv Soota Winners
Snooker Winner Ankita Kumari Ashish Chandiok
LADIES SINGLES LUCKY DOUBLES
Highest Break Sandeep Verma Runner Up Suhani Kumari Sehgal Sharat Prakash,
Runner Up
Shivani Sehgal, Sauriya Bawa
Winner Bharat Vaish Winners
Handicap LADIES Yogita Jamwal 35 -45 Years Winner Dushyant Jamwal
Runner Up Dhruv Soota DOUBLES SINGLES
Billiard Suhani Kumari Sehgal, Runner Up Gaurav Gupta
Highest Break Bharat Vaish Runner Up
Jahanvi Kumari 45 -60 Years Winner Dushyant Jamwal
Senior Citizen VETERAN LADIES Winner Dr Balesh Jindal SINGLES Runner Up Vishwanath Shanker
Winner Pram Jit Singh SINGLES (Above 50) Runner Up Mala Kumar Winner Rahul Kumar
OVER 60 Years
Snooker VETERAN MEN’S Winner Pankaj Sethi SINGLES
Runner Up Dr Rajiv Ahuja Runner Up Rajan Gupta
SINGLES (Above 50) Runner Up Shiva Parmar Winners Didar Rebello
Winner Rakesh Mahindroo DEPENDENTS
Billiard SINGLES Runner Up Shaurya Bawa
Runner Up V C Verma ANNUAL SWIMMING GALA - 2018
DEPENDENTS Winner Ranvir Singh
SUB JUNIOR CHAMPION BOY (10-14 yrs) Angad Arora (UNDER 13) Runner Up Diya Dhillon
ANNUAL BRIDGE TOURNAMENT - 2019
SUB JUNIOR CHAMPION GIRL (10-14 yrs) Nandini Andlay Winner Prithvi Sharma
Ms Veena Vishwanathan DEPENDENTS
Mr R S Gujral JUNIOR CHAMPION BOY (14-21 yrs) Arul Jain (UNDER 11) Runner Up Shiv Sharma
Winning Team JUNIOR CHAMPION GIRL (14-21 yrs) Natasha Sobti
Mr Dilip Coehlo
Mr Vijay Sawhney DGC SWIMMING CHAMPION GENT (21-40 yrs) Arush Sogani Tennis - 2019
DGC SENIOR SWIMMING CHAMPION Brig N Bhanot Winner Tarush Bagai
MENS SINGLES
ANNUAL SYNDICATE RUMMY TOURNAMENT - 2019 GENTS (above 40) Runner Up Arun Mehra
Mr Vishnu Bhagwan DGC SENIOR SWIMMING CHAMPION Ratika Kohli A J S Chatwal,
LADY (above 40) Winner
Ms Achla Mehta MENS Raveen Chaudhry
JOINT WINNERS
Ms Rajji Grewal DGC VETERAN SWIMMING CHAMPION Brig Ravi K DOUBLES Aditya Khanna,
Runner Up
W/Cdr P. Mehta (above 40) Mehta Raghav Sarin
Musical Play - Mat Todo Yeh Vadi written and directed by Sarita Vohra was staged on 8 March
in the Kashmir lawns. It is a play on relationships told through shared love and laughter, trials and
tribulations of a family in the troubled Kashmir Valley. The play captures the bitterness of people
through the frustration seen in house boat owners, Karigars, and students, until finally hope arrives…
5 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
RAT THAT RATTLED A PM
Alarmed on an
Aircraft Carrier
In the middle of the night, however, there was
a loud shriek from the Captain’s cabin. This
was followed by an even louder shriek from
the adjoining day cabin! The security detail
outside the cabin was baffled and dumbstruck.
The Admiral and the Captain were informed
forthwith of the mysterious shrieks. At this
moment, Nandini Satpathy peeped out
through the curtains of the Captain’s cabin and
informed the security that a rat had entered taken care of every aspect of the visit, including tight security
Indira Gandhi’s cabin. She said the Prime arrangements in consultation with the PMO.
Minister was scared of rats! Meanwhile, Indira
In the middle of the night, however, there was a loud shriek
Gandhi came out and sat on a chair in the
day cabin, looking distinctly distraught. All hell from the Captain’s cabin. This was followed by an even louder
broke loose and no one knew what to do. shriek from the adjoining day cabin! The security detail
outside the cabin was baffled and dumbstruck. The Admiral
I
n 1969, Indira Gandhi and the Captain were informed forthwith of the mysterious
spent a day at sea with the shrieks.
Navy. She embarked on At this moment, Nandini Satpathy peeped out through the
board INS Vikrant, which was curtains of the Captain’s cabin and informed the security that
flying the flag of Vice Admiral a rat had entered Indira Gandhi’s cabin. She said the Prime
S.M. Nanda, Flag Officer Minister was scared of rats! Meanwhile, Indira Gandhi came
Commanding-in-Chief of the out and sat on a chair in the day cabin, looking distinctly
Western Naval Command. distraught. All hell broke loose and no one knew what to do.
Captain Chandy Kuruvilla was Flag Captain.
By now, Captain Kuruvilla arrived, followed by Admiral Nanda
With Admiral Nanda’s penchant for planning, himself. Captain Kuruvilla took charge of the situation. He
every step of the visit was gone into minutely. asked the First Lieutenant to get hold of the ship’s rat-catchers
He advised the Prime Minister’s Office that immediately to trap the rat. Quickly ending the chaotic
she ought to be accompanied by a chaperone. situation, he assured Nandini Satpathy that four specially
This suggestion was duly accepted and Nandini trained professional rat-catchers had been assigned to trap
Satpathy, Minister attached to the Prime the offending creature.
Minister, was deputed to accompany her. I was
It transpired the next day that a rat had stuck its neck out of
Staff Officer to the C-in-C and was liaising with
the ‘punkah louvre’ opening in Indira Gandhi’s cabin to have
RK Dhawan, Personal Assistant to the Prime
a quick peep at the Prime Minister.
Minister, for the administrative details.
The following evening there was the usual ‘mess night’, which
The Prime Minister was accommodated in the
traditionally becomes a hilarious event after the toast to the
Captain’s night cabin and the Minister in the
President is offered.
adjoining day cabin. Captain Kuruvilla had
Captain Kuruvilla gave a sparkling speech, laced with
6 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
humour. He apologised to the Prime Minister The Prime Minister had a hearty laugh.
for the unwanted intrusion the previous night. Captain Kuruvilla was possibly alluding to INS Mysore,
He assured her that a board of enquiry had the cruiser that was also participating in the exercises.
come to the unmistakable conclusion that it was Incidentally, S. Nijalingappa, the Congressman from Mysore,
not a ‘Vikrant rat’ but a ‘Mysore rat’. was leading a revolt against Indira Gandhi at that time, which
led to the Congress split in 1969.
Madame Prime Minister, Captain Kuruvilla
added with charming nonchalance, the moment Capt Raj Mohindra (Retd) (P-3831)
educon@rmc.net.in
it was established that it was a Mysore rat, we The author is a former Captain of the Indian Navy, and was
Commander (S), INS Vikrant. This article first published in The Hindu on 19 May
promptly killed it! 2019, published here with permission of author and the publication.
Baisakhi Dinner - 13th April 2019
7 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
SETTING RIGHT number of ‘free beds’ to the poor, but more often these are
appropriated for extending favours. In his budget 2018
INDIA’S HEALTH CARE speech, finance minister did make a beginning – with what
he had termed as the National Health Protection Scheme
SYSTEM (NHPS) - by significantly increasing the limit of ‘universal
medical insurance cover for the poor’ and promised to extend
T
its reach to a 100 million most vulnerable families. He had
here are so many
described it “as a first step to universal health coverage”, a
problems with our
promise made in the BJP manifesto in 2014. Subsequently
‘Health Care’ system
the PM mentioned this in his Independence Day address and
that I am at a total loss, where
the scheme was formally launched soon after in September
to begin this article. From
2018. It claims to have provided treatment to a whopping 13
crowds and filth at the iconic
lakh people in less than eight months. Wonderful achievement
AIIMS, mortally sick patients
indeed. Prime Minister Modi’s assertion, yet again, in his
being turned away from
victory speech on 23 May, to extend the coverage to 75% of
hospitals either for want of
all Indians, under Ayushman Bharat or Pradhan Mantri Jan
money or due to shortage of beds or a ‘police
Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) – as the scheme is known in its final
report’, babies being delivered outside the
avatar – is very reassuring.
hospital doors, a nurse’s baby dying in Betul,
fake medicines to unnecessary diagnostic Intent is laudable as, according to IRDA, two-thirds of
tests and even surgeries, rampant kickbacks, all medical expenses in India are paid for directly by the
insane “incentives” to doctors; there are all patients and their families! Those covered will be able to
kinds of stories and ‘cocktail circuit gossip’ get treatment in any hospital – government or private. Let’s
floating around. Meantime, of course, people hope and pray that it works and government has the requisite
continue to suffer, many have to mortgage funds to make it succeed. This proposed model of ‘public
their houses to pay for the treatment of their costs underwriting private provision’ is a new experiment
family members, others just die as they are and would need an overarching regulatory structure to
unable to afford. protect the system from dangers of over-treatment and over-
charging by private hospitals.
Enormity and complexity of a ‘Health Care
System’ can be judged from a recent statement, Actually we have an ironical situation. India has the best
made by the legendary investor Warren Buffett of doctors, we have a culture of caring for the needy, our
– whose company has joined hands with hospitals have the latest machines and robots, our ‘infection
Amazon & JPMorgan Chase to “disrupt” Health control systems’ are of international level. And yet, we see
Care in USA – when he likened it with a “Hungry so much suffering and misery all around! Even the so called
Tape Worm on the American economy”. We, in ‘upper middle class’ is unable to cope with medical costs
India, can get some sadistic pleasure from the when someone in the family needs to be hospitalized. Perhaps
fact that we are not alone in this mess. We do, the only explanation is that the number of hospital beds and
however, need to seriously look at our own doctors per 1000 population is woefully inadequate.
problem. What can we do to mitigate the situation?
Putting in place a ‘universal health care’ Of all the ‘villains’ in this complex situation, I think the
system for all is perhaps not even feasible menace of printing artificially high MRP on medicines and
for the government – resources required consumables is perhaps the worst and, also interestingly,
are humungous – and the private sector can a ‘low hanging fruit’ which can possibly be tackled in a
barely take care of their own senior people. relatively easier manner. All other measures – like setting up
Even the reach of their CSR funds is limited of 150,000 Health Centers in the country, at a cost of Rs. 1,200
to a few ‘memorial hospitals and institutes’ crores, under the National Health Policy 2017, which looks
which manage to corner cheap prime land, like a non-starter on paper itself! I can’t imagine a ‘Health
on the express condition of providing certain Centre in Rs. 80,000 – are too ambitious and impractical.
8 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
Investigating the criminal malpractice of big margin on the stents! CEO of one of the largest players in
kickbacks on diagnostic tests could be another the field has gone on record to say that “earlier procedures
‘not unsurmountable’ exercise. In any case we were underpriced and implants were overpriced and that
have to move in small steps. Tackling the MRP this is being corrected now”; so much for the government
scam could be the first one. Let me explain the order capping the stent prices. An encouraging response
issue with some simple examples. has however recently come from the All India Syringes and
A box of disposable gloves – one of the most Needles Manufacturers Association to voluntarily cap trade
common consumables – of a fairly popular margins at 75% over their discounted net ex-factory prices
brand, containing 450 grams of the product, including GST. This would effectively mean a maximum trade
has an MRP of Rs.600 printed on it. Any margin of about 43% on the MRP – a far cry from the 80-
neighborhood chemist – as I found out in 90% earlier. We need many more initiatives like this.
Ghaziabad – would charge Rs.150 for it from a Admittedly, the MRP scandal is not exclusive to medicines
regular user, say a ‘home care patient’ needing and consumables in Health Care. It seems to be a generic! As
3/4 boxes a month. We can safely assume that a an example, my research shows that, a common FMCG item
small hospital would get the same for Rs.100; like liquid Hand Wash – of a popular brand – carries an MRP
a bigger hospital’s cost should be lower, may of Rs.300 on the 750 ml pack but you could easily buy it
be Rs.60 or just 10% of the MRP. Now, what do on Amazon for about Rs.90 net including GST of Rs.15 after
the hospitals charge from the patients? Almost
availing the myriad “cash back” schemes. Even, from the
all bill them at MRP! Typically, in a hospital bill,
stores, the price including all taxes doesn’t exceed Rs.169
medicines and consumables account for around
before availing one of the many discounting schemes.
60% of the total; so this is where they make
However, in case of the Health Care industry, this practice
money. In case of some other consumables,
becomes a really nefarious one.
margins are a little lower. Feeding Bags box,
MRP RS.500, comes to this individual customer What can be done about this problem? How can the government
for Rs.150; Suction catheter, MRP 42, for 11; stop hospitals from earning such obscene profits on drugs
Urine catheter, MRP 380, for 130 and so on. and consumables? NPPA, along with eminent doctors and the
watchdog community of senior CAs and consultancy firms,
Situation is only a little better in case of
could surely come up with a practical solution. A simplistic
medicines. Average discount on the MRP,
– though admittedly retrograde – approach could be to
for a hospital, for branded drugs still under
patents, varies between 30 -50% and, once impose GST on the printed MRP or a price after reducing a
again, these are billed to the patients at MRP. margin that is considered fair by the practitioners. Such a
However, in case of ‘off patent trade generic’ move would certainly open up the mystery of astronomically
drugs, the discounts could be enormous like high MRPs that lead to all kinds of malpractices in this all
for consumables. Barring some drugs on the important life saving industry.
‘National List of Essential Medicines’ (NLEM) Krishan Kalra (P-4530)
where the prices are fixed by the government, krishankalra@gmail.com
there is literally free for all! The author is a former president of All India Management Association and now
does voluntary work in several sectors including Health Care. Views expressed are
Government has indeed made a beginning personal.
by capping prices of stents, but the results
are mixed. In fact the NPPA (National Editors Note:
Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority) had even
Modi govt plans to bring 75% of all Indians under Ayushman Bharat.
forced device makers, perhaps for the first The PM-JAY or Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme currently
time ever, to put the correct MRP tags, to covers the poorest 40%, but the Modi govt plans to merge all state
prevent overcharging by the hospitals. It & central schemes under it. They claim to have already distributed
3 crore Ayushman Bharat cards in the 7 months since the launch of
appears that most private hospitals have jacked
the scheme. Those interested in knowing more may read about it at:
up the ‘angioplasty package cost excluding https://www.pmjay.gov.in/. This laudable initiative of the government
the price of stents’ to make up for the loss of has the support of the various chambers of commerce led by FICCI.
9 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
Event - A talk on Classical Hatha Yoga by Shlloka (tutelage of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev)
- 11th May 2019
Harcourt Butler Cup Tennis Tournament
Delhi Gymkhana Club vs British High Commission on the 27th April, 2019.
T
he Annual tennis tournament was held on the Club’s famed grass courts on the 27th April afternoon. The
Butler Cup was presented to the Delhi Gymkhana Club on the occasion of its centenary celebrations. This
tennis tournament alternates between the two venues at the British High Commission Courts and the Club’s
lawn courts every year. This time it was the Club’s turn to host the British High Commission players. Their team
was led by Thomas Tanner and James Morgan coordinated the fixtures with Raj Liberhan of the Delhi Gymkhana
Club.. The British High Commission team comprised 8men and 7 ladies players and the Delhi Gymkhana Club
had 6 men and 5 ladies players. The matches were Men’s Doubles, Ladies Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The
afternoon saw interesting matches between the two teams and at the end it was the Delhi Gymkhana Club that
won the Butler Trophy. The matches were witnessed by Gurpreet Singh, the chair of the Sports Committee of
the Club and Mr. Katoch, a GC member. The trophy was formally presented to the Club team by Prashant Sukul,
president of the Delhi Gymkhana Club. (Mr Harcourt Butler GCSI, GCIE, ICS was the first president of the
Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club 1913-1915).
1 0 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
CHURCHILLIAN on a frosty morning; if you mean that drink
that enables man to magnify his joy, and to
EPIGRAM ON WHISKEY forget life’s great tragedies and heartbreaks
and sorrow; if you mean that drink the sale
C
hurchill was famous for his one
of which pours into our treasuries untold
and two liners about alcohol.
millions of dollars each year, that provides
Among many quotes attributed to
Churchill is : “I have gotten more out of tender care for our little crippled children,
alcohol than alcohol has taken out of our blind, our deaf, our dumb, our pitifully
me”. aged and infirm, to build the finest highways,
hospitals, universities, and community
Among his other quotes on this theme
are “The water was not fit to drink. To make it palatable, colleges in this nation, then my friend, I am
we had to add whisky”. absolutely, unequivocally in favour of it”.
Once he was confronted by a fiery member of Parliament, “This is my position and, as always, I refuse
Lady Bessie Braddock who said to him : “Winston you to compromise on matters of principle”.
are disgustingly drunk. Churchill replied Bessie, you are
very ugly. You will still be ugly in the morning while I
will be sober”. R K Puri (P-1228)
Once Churchill was asked rajkpuri@hotmail.com
about his position on
Editors Note:
whiskey, he explained
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was a journalist,
it in the following witty
soldier and politician who won the Nobel Prize for
epigram:-
Literature and is most famous for leading Britain as
“If you mean whisky, the Prime Minister during the Second World War. He was
devil’s brew, the poison inordinately fond of alcoholic refreshment, and Scotch
scourge, the bloody monster whiskey was a feature of his daily drinking regime,
that defiles innocence, writes Iain Russell.
dethrones reason, destroys
The 22-year-old Churchill was posted with his
the home, creates misery
regiment to India in 1896. The following year he
and poverty, yes, literally
takes the bread from the volunteered to join the British forces fighting Afghan
Winston Churchill mouths of little children; tribesmen on the North West Frontier. It was while
if you mean that evil drink that topples men and women waiting at Nowshera to go into action that he had his
from the pinnacles of righteous and gracious living first taste of Scotch.
into the bottomless pit of degradation, shame, despair, Churchill discovered there was a limited choice of
helplessness, and hopelessness, then, my friend, I am thirst-slaking refreshment in the Nowshera. Other
opposed to it with every fibre of my being.” than tea, there was tepid water, tepid water with lime
“However, if by whisky you mean the oil of conversation, juice or tepid water with whiskey. He tried the latter
the philosophic wine, the elixir of life, the ale that is as the least unappealing of the options available to
consumed when good fellows get together, that puts a him and discovered that ‘once one got the knack of
song in their hearts and the warm glow of contentment it, the very repulsion from the flavour developed an
in their eyes; if you mean good cheer, the stimulating sip attraction of its own’. He never looked back.
that puts a little spring in the step of an elderly gentleman (source:scotchwhisky.com)
1 1 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
Aruna’s story - Lushin Dubey - 26th April 2019
‘Aruna’s Story’ based on Pinki Virani’s best seller of the same title , is the famous case of the legendary nurse
Aruna Shanbaug, a sprightly , fun loving and intelligent girl, who was raped, and remained in semi coma for 42
years ... This solo by Lushin Dubey, directed by Arvind Gaur, showcased that personality of this fun loving girl
in the workplace, people in her life and laws that came about post her death .. Lushin portrayed 18 characters
in this 1 hr and 15 mins solo!
One of her most powerful social issue based solos, it was a very impressive and catharatic experience.
Talk on Realm of Plastic Surgery - Its Myth & Reality by Dr Rajeev B Ahuja, Senior Consultant
Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi - 15th May 2019
1 2 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
AchievementS of Retirement
our member
Dr Nilima Harjal (P-6029),
our permanent member
residing in Brisbane Australia
informs us that she has
created ripples in that part
of the world by becoming the
first Indian Origin Artist and
that too at 66+.
She picked up brush and paint only after
retiring from a senior position of Govt of
India and now 6 years later, her first solo art
exhibition was inaugurated in an upmarket art Mrs Roseline, Room Attendant and Mr Chander Lal Barman
gallery of the Brisbane City on 3rd May,2019 retired on 31st March 2019 after rendering 31 and 43 years
by the title “Journey Across Seven Seas”. Her of service. We wish them a very healthy and happy retired life.
Bridal Self portrait; Indian style welcome
of guests with tikka and bindi; Indian food
platter, along with Bollywood music in the
background was the highlight of the evening
and much appreciated too!!
Ram Karan, Bearer and Jagbir, Sr Waiter retired on 30 April
2019 after serving 45 yrs & 5 mths and 32 years & 9 mths
respectively. We thank them for their long service and wish
them a very healthy and happy retired life.
Bridge Results april 2019
TEAM OF FOUR PAIRS
1st Brig D N Khanna, Dr Vikram Jain, Mr Saran Dhupia, NORTH-SOUTH
Mr Vishal Marwah, Mr Ashok Singh, Mr Sarthak Behuria 1st Brig D N Khanna – Dr Vikram Jain
2nd Mr Anil Gupta – Mr Jasjit Singh
2nd Mr Arun Kumar, Mr Rohit Gupta, Dr R L Sanghi, 3rd Ms Meera Shamsher Singh – Ms Saroj Vasudeva
Mr Sanjiv Bery, Ms Madhavi Bery EAST-WEST
1st Mr R S Gujral – Mr Deepak Gulhati
3rd Ms Meera Bakshi, Ms Urmil Agarwal, Ms Sunita Singh,
2nd Mr Sunil Kumar – Mr Sunil Sud
Mr Narjit Singh, Col L K Chopra
3rd Mr Siddharth Behuria – Mr Ashok Kumar
1 3 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
Gymkhana Club in association with
Philanthrope conducted a Training
and Safety workshop by Dr Angeli
Qwatra, for its Administrative Staff
on 30th May, 2019.
With the aim of saving Lives, ’Philanthrope’
conducts workshops for training on Safety
Preparedness and Emergency Management. It
is a humanitarian; not-for-profit organization
founded for Safety and Social Welfare of
the masses in the year 2007, under the able
leadership of Dr Angeli Qwatra. Disaster Club Food
T
Preparedness is of importance to Gymkhana he Food and
Club and having a renowned person, with Catering Sub
national and international experience on Committee
Safety and Disaster Management was very has constantly
much welcomed. endeavored to
The staff attended the workshop and listened provide enriching
to the instructions with rapt attention and the gastronomical
Mr Rajesh Bhatnagar Executive Chef
techniques displayed were appreciated. experiences to the Executive Manager (F&B) Sushant Bishal
members of the
Delhi Gymkhana Club. Easter Brunch on 1st April and
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Sunday Cold Buffet on 5th May curated by Executive
Chef Sushant Bishal and his Team working along with
Mr Rajesh Bhatnagar, Executive Manager (F&B) were well
appreciated. Now, sumptuous morning Breakfast is being
served daily in the Dining hall from 7.30 am to 11 am.
Usual vegetarian dishes such as aloo parathas and puri
bhaji continue to be served.
Steps have been initiated to overhaul and improve the facilities
in the satellite kitchen of Kashmir Lawns. Replacements are
being finalised for the Chinese caterer and SIP factory outlets.
Mr Vikram Pal Singh, Data Entry Operator, Plans are being finalised to give the Pastry shop a makeover.
working in IT Section has been nominated as Award of tenders for food and victualling supplies for the
“Employee of the Month” for the month of May ensuing 12 months is in progress.
2019 for his sincerity, dedication and hardwork.
Ms Gayatri Roopchand
As a token of appreciation he was awarded a
Chairperson, Food Sub Committee
cash prize of Rs.1000/- and a certificate.
1 4 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
FROM THE ARCHIVES
NORMANDY LANDINGS BOMBAY GYMKHANA CLUB's
CONTRIBUTION TO WORLD WAR II EFFORT
D-Day Normandy Landings 6 June 1944 The Indian Companies Act, 1913
Section 81 (2)
The Normandy Landings planned by Gen Eisenhower
Bombay Gymkhana Ltd.
during World war II , immortalised in history by
Special Resolution
movies such as D-Day was a joint military operation Passed on the 12th December, 1940.
of gigantic proportions ever attempted. It was the At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of
biggest amphibious invasion ever undertaken. Bombay Gymkhana Limited, duly convened and held at the
Registered Office in the Club’s premises, Bombay, on the
Nearly 7,000 ships took in the attack, including 1,213 twelth day of December, the sub-joined Special Resolution
warships and 4,127 landing craft to land one and a was duly passed.
half lakh Allied troops on five stretches of the French Resolution
Normandy coastline on beaches codenamed Utah, “That the Bombay Gymkhana Limited do donate to His
Majesty’s Government a sum of Rs. 1,50,000/- for the
Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. Its success marked
purchase of two Fighter Aircraft to be named Bombay
the beginning of the end of World War II. India was Gymkhana I and II”.
a British Colony at that time. Over 2 million Indian Dated the 12th Day of December, 1940.
soldiers fought for the Allied powers. Almost 90, 000 F.P. Vandertaelen,
died, Their heroic sacrifices are marked by memorials C.O. Fountain, J.B. Barclay,
in Europe. Jt. Hon. Secretaries and Chairman
Treasurer
T
his issue of Club indeed the world, have a lot of expectations. May
Editorial Life covers the we all prosper in resurgent India as it marches
events of the forward towards its destiny.
past few days and in
Collectively, Members of the Club are an immense
particular the Award repository of experience and ideas amongst
Winners of the Sports themselves. We must find ways to harness this
Events. experience and share ideas and thoughts with
The month of May our decision makers. Perhaps the Club Life may
brought with it into the provide a good platform for such discourse. We
Delhi Gymkhana Club are pleased to carry an article on ideas on how to
hectic conversations improve our Healthcare system. An earlier article
about the Dance of Democracy in India. Discussions in our on the Electoral system also generated interest.
Restaurants, Swimming pools and in our Bars centered around This issue has picked up two interesting facts
predictions of the bitterly fought General Elections 2019 by from the archives: one about the famous D-day
those who claim to have ‘seen it all’ in the prime of their life! As landings in Normandy, France by the Allied
I began penning points for this editorial on the evening of 12th Powers 75 years ago and another one about
May, I could not help remarking to myself that I too had bowled Bombay Gymkhana Club’s contribution to the War
my last ball of the 2019 election with as much excitement as the effort. In a lighter vein there is an article about
last ball of the IPL finals! the interloper who scared a Prime Minister and
As we went to the Press, the results of the 2019 General Elections one about another Prime Minister’s epigram on
to the 17th Lok Sabha were in. We congratulate the winners whiskey. Both Prime Ministers are remembered
and saw the magnificent visuals of the swearing in of the new for leading their countries to historic victories in
Government in the backdrop of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, some their times. Cdr Arun Saigal
of which have been reproduced in this issue. Our country and Indian Navy (Retd)
1 5 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nM a y - J u n e 2 0 1 9
Then... and now
On passing on of those cherished DGC Members who
departed from the shores of life, the Club Fraternity solemnly
pays its respects and condolences
Congratulations to Dr (Mrs) Asha Ahooja and Sqn Ldr
Ashok Kumar Ahooja (Retd) P -3820, on their Golden
wedding anniversary on 7 June 2019.
Forthcoming Events
Mrs Roma Jain Dr K M Jain Lt Gen B C Nanda
Seniors Classic Nights
(L-0764) (P-1751) (P-2324) To make evenings more enjoyable it has been decided that in addition
to Green Card Nights with music on Thursdays,
Seniors Classic Nights will be held on Fridays.
Enjoy Band Performance by Raja Bhattacharya/Keith Dickson
in the Main Bar on Every Friday from 8PM onwards.
The music evenings on Wednesdays and Saturdays
will continue as hithertofore.
Mrs Meera Som Dutt Mr R C Gupta Mrs Meera H Sanyal
(L-0966) (P-1903) (U-0371)
The Annual Free Eye Screening Camp for
the Staff of Delhi Gymkhana Club by Dr Vipin
Buckshey (P- 7064) in memory of his father will
take place on Monday 1st July 2019.
corrigendum – Club Life Feb-April 2019
1. Page 12 (From the Bridge Table): the write-up was authored
Mrs Sheila Talwar Mr K K Sud Mr Chunilal Madan by Mr Vijit Berry (P-4697), e: vijitbery@gmail.com
(L-0758) (P-2010) (P-0625)
2. Page 16 (India Open Bridge Tournament): The names of the
OPEN PAIRS winners which were inadvertently missed out
are : MANEESH BAHUGUNA & SANDEEP KARMARKAR.
3. Page 30 (Obituary Page) carried the wrong
photograph of our respected member
Mr P D Singh (P-2490). His correct photograph is
published herewith.
4. On the same page, the rank of Air Cmde Rajender Kumar
Mrs Pushpa Mathrani Mrs Dipti Ghosh Lt Gen M L Chibber Bhutani (P-3596) was missed out.
(L-1199) (L-1287) (Retd) (P-1965)
We deeply regret the error.
Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd
Registered Office : 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi -11 • Tel: 91-11-23015531–35, 23010588, 23010614 • Fax: 91-11-23019709
Email: secydgc@gmail.com • secretary@delhigymkhana.org.in • Website: www.delhigymkhana.org.in • CIN U93000DLI901NPL000024
Editor:
Views expressed in the articles are those of individual members Designed and Printed by
Cdr Arun Saigal (Retd)
and not the official views of the Club. Benchmark Graphic Pvt. Ltd.,
saigal.arun@gmail.com
Photograph on cover page and editor’s page courtesy Mr Ravi Puri (P5092) benchmarkgpl@gmail.com
1 6 • w w w. d e l h i g y m k h a n a . o r g . i nYou can also read
