LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE
LEBRAT E IN C G
YEARS25 C OF L club life U E October 2020 Vol. 01 • No. 25 BLIF Delhi Gymkhana Club, 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi 110011 A monthly in-house newsletter for private circulation only
From the of the Covid Pandemic, the NCLT/NCLAT Hearings, President’s Desk discussions with the NDMC, Excise Department hearings and progressing of the Audit Report. I have covered these in some detail below, for info of the Members. The Financial Sub-Committee has been regularly interacting with the Auditors of the Club over the month. We have covered a lot of ground towards the finalisation of the report and we are quite hopeful that we will have the draft from them in a few days. The NCLT Hearing was scheduled for 05 October and later postponed to 05 Nov. The NCLAT hearing for the Appeal was held on 07 October and again on 14 Nov. The ASG presented the case for the UoI at these NCLAT Lt Gen D R Soni hearings, whereafter, fresh date for hearing at the PVSM,VSM (Retd) President NCLAT was given as 03 Nov. Dear Members of the Delhi Gymkhana We have interacted with the Excise Department in Club, person, but were dismayed to receive orders from them As we have by and large resumed suspending the Licence of the Club temporarily. We operations of the Club as per have officially replied to their notice and attended their Government Guidelines, I trust this hearing on 28 Oct and are quite hopeful for a positive update finds you and your extended outcome. families well & safe in these trying Regarding our interaction with the NDMC for the times. issues mentioned by me in last Month’s Club Life, our The Month of October was spent in application for the Health Licence for the Cottages and re-opening the Club in the over-hang the Dining Hall are under process. Concerted efforts are
Let our lives be Not matter-oriented, but evolution oriented
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YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI also on to sort out the issue of Property Tax raised by in the lives of our tennis fraternity. them, according to which the Club was yet to pay the Once again, I commend the ground- Tax with effect from 2010 onwards till date. staff and the Sports SC for a great job To assist the Management of the Club in its smooth done. running, we were pleased to bring on-board Col JP Singh We have yet to finalise the dates for (retd), as the Honorary Secretary. He has hit the deck the AGM and the elections for the running and is suitably ensconced in the chair. General Committee, which is on With the resurgence of the Covid Pandemic in Delhi hold till the finalisation of the Audit and to ensure the safety & well being of our members, Report. We shall intimate you all we have started regular Covid-Tests of our staff. We earliest, once this happens. have had some staff members testing positive, but their Meanwhile, do remember to please numbers are miniscule. We have ensured that while take precautions, for your own health the affected staff member is immediately sent home to & that of others; we are hearing of a recover, the concerned department is shut for a day, fresh wave of the Pandemic hitting thoroughly sanitised and only then reopened. Delhi, from which we pray that you Meanwhile, our sports and indoor game facilities all remain safe, healthy and well. have been re-opened, with suitable restrictions and Wishing you the very best, precautions, based on Government Orders on the May God Bless the Delhi Gymkhana subject. This is likely to remain as the new Normal and Club. I believe we have to learn to live with these changes, which need to be incorporated in our respective life- Jai Hind styles. The tennis Grass-Courts also resumed operations and along with the change in weather, brought a cheer Lt Gen D R Soni PVSM,VSM (Retd) President
PREVIEW
Flying Down the BUs Lane 3 The Jinnah Question 14-15
Strong Women Weak Hearts 4-6 Full Circle 16-17 India Becomes Malt Whisky Savvy 7-9 A Peep in to THE Police Station 18-19 I got my Driving License Renewed... Almost! 9-10 Succession Planning 20-23 Its called Editorial 24-25 Gymkhana Memories 11-12 The Mighty Tweet 13 The Glorious Years 26-28
There are no Failures in life... provided We learn from our every failure
2 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE to risk that. There had to be another FLYING DOWN THE way out. We would go via several BUS LANE bus stops and ask – literally beg – strangers waiting there if they would But first we had to get two fellow (kindly) agree to ride with us. This travelers was easier said than done. Guys – and In my earlier job, I used to often travel even women – at the bus stops knew to Washington DC. My company did we needed them. The bus fare to DC a lot of work with the World Bank was only one dollar and those buses and I found it very convenient – and are perhaps more comfortable than enjoyable – to stay with my friends, the cars. Knowing all this, our would- the Chandras, in the nearby Virginia be free riders would either look the suburb of Fairfax. other way when we – there were many others like us – approached them or Subhash Chandra worked with the World Bank and so hid their faces behind newspapers. we could commute together every morning. Even though he was in a car pool and one extra person could have Subhash would wind down the glass on conveniently gone along, he would insist on deserting his my side, bend over and ask, “Excuse pool mates for the duration of my stay and take his own me, would you like a ride to Foggy car daily. This way we could chat through the drive and Bottom?” The man or the woman also be free to do some bar hopping on the journey home. would look at us disinterestedly and either not reply or utter an indifferent, There is a “bus lane”, or expressway, between Fairfax “May be, but you will have to drop me and Washington DC. This operated in the direction of DC at American Express (or some other during the mornings and towards Virginia in the evenings. destination).” This could mean an However the rapid transit route – it would save us almost extra red light and several additional half an hour each way – could be used only by buses or minutes, but we had little choice. cars with minimum four passengers. Cursing under his breath but So, if we wanted to use this time-saving route, we had maintaining a big smile on the face, my to find two additional passengers to ride with us. This generous host would say, “Of course, would become a problem if none of Subhash’s friends we”ll do that, please hop in.” A similar were headed the same way at the same time. People were drill would take place at another known to have stop – we needed two VIP riders and used dummies normally there was only one available to get round at the first halt. the rule but, If we got the numbers and at times, they accomplished our mission, we would had been ride our victorious chariot – almost caught by alert like Arjuna in the epic, Mahabharata – cops and made on the Great American Bus Lane. to pay heavy penalties. Krishan Kalra (P-4530) We didn’t want
Being nobody is living in the Absolute Present
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YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI couple of hours - to ensure that I regained consciousness. STRONG WOMEN Once I was awake and responding, the decision to treat WEAK HEARTS my diseased aortic valve the same day was made - and a couple of hours later I underwent a Transaortic Valve little under Implantation (TAVI) procedure successfully. a year ago Usually valve replacement is done by a major surgical A I got my procedure - with my previous bypass surgery, a repeat second chance at surgery was with high risk and extreme morbidity. With life. my frail health, I would have taken months to recover. In November The TAVI procedure was done under minimal sedation, 2019, I suffered through the artery in the groin similar to an angioplasty a cardiac arrest procedure-and without the chest incision and surgery - on route to the recovery is really fast - within a day I was off supports, Max hospital at Saket, New Delhi. But made to walk and sent home in 4 days. A transformative unlike the majority of people who do technology innovation that allows patients to recover not survive this event, I was fortunate well and fast and most importantly saves lives. And the good news -the procedure is easier and less debilitating enough to survive this near-death than open-heart bypass surgery. I have experienced both experience without damage to my and there is really no comparison. heart muscle or brain, clearly a rare outcome. My aortic valve started showing signs of calcification and narrowing way back in 2016-aortic stenosis. It progressed I owe my life to the quick thinking and rapidly and in 2017, I started getting symptoms of chest immediate support and intervention pain and breathlessness. At that time, my doctor, Dr taken by the expert team of doctors Salwan, recommended this procedure. Technology at Max led by Dr Roopa Salwan, advancements have made it possible to address aortic Senior director, Myocardial Infarction stenosis with this minimally invasive procedure. program and senor consultant, Cardiology and Interventional However, news that we have to undergo a medical Cardiology, which sprung into action as soon as I reached the emergency at the hospital. On route to the Max hospital I had stopped responding; my children based on Dr Salwan’s advise gave mouth to mouth breathing and chest compressions. A good man on a bike, sensed things were wrong, helped clear traffic and led the way. I somehow reached Max but was pulseless and without recordable blood pressure, cold and pale. Immediate CPR by the ER team of doctors at Max led by Dr Salwan was able to resuscitate me successfully. I was observed for a When you are liberated, the changes come in you & not around you
4 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE procedure, even the simplest of them, is hardly welcome- seek medical intervention in time and there is always hesitation in our minds and we start kept dismissing my symptoms as gas. second guessing the medical fraternity. My situation was Had I sought medical advice early on even more exacerbated as I am an extremely high anxiety maybe the doctors would have been person-just a visit to the hospital is enough to spike my able to address the disease with stents. blood pressure and so the thought of a cardiac procedure, While we finally agreed to undergo the that too where the experience in India was limited at that procedure in December 2019 and Dr time, was enough to scare me. Getting me to undergo a Salwan had arranged for everything, simple test like an echo became a big project as I was my condition deteriorated so much petrified of what it might show and kept making excuses that on 19th November an emergency to avoid simple diagnostics. TAVI procedure had to be performed. I started yoga and controlling my diet to address the issue I have learnt the very hard way that but the disease continued progressing-unfortunately it the only solution for aortic stenosis doesn’t regress, there is no way to prevent it, and there are is medical intervention in the form of no drugs to treat it. Symptoms in the form of indigestion a valve replacement. While cardiac and chest pain kept cropping up. I would tire easily; care has taken rapid strides in treating would wake up in the middle of the night with chest pain the coronary heart disease and in and would pass it off as gas-have tea and painkillers to most cases today drug therapy in resolve the issue. I started eating less saying that I start combination with exercise/yoga and to feel uneasy and resorted to the family of antacids to a healthy diet can be as effective as address symptoms. bypass or stenting procedures, for Dr Salwan kept telling me that it is the valve and we aortic stenosis, the good news is that should consider this procedure as it is a treatable issue. there is a solution. The not so good Last year, in October when we went for my regular check- news is that it is treatable with a new up, she again recommended that I undergo TAVI as we valve which has to be implanted in had reached the end of medical therapy a while ago. She a timebound manner by means of a was very worried, rightly so. procedure which if TAVI is considered However, being scared and nervous, I did not address the is minimally invasive. issue hoping it would get resolved with medication. But Clearly, in hindsight, I should have things came to a head within days after that. I would get heeded my doctor’s advice. While my chest pain and breathlessness even when walking from fear prevented me from taking the my room to the living room. I was constantly uneasy and measures to address this issue at the unable to eat even very small meals. I had to be rushed right time, I was fortunate to have into emergency two times with chest pain and each time come out of this experience unscathed. I came home feeling worse. Doctors were able to address Today, at close to 11 months post the the symptoms for a short period-a stop gap arrangement procedure, I am feeling much better. with time clearly running out on that as well. Net net, I My friends and family who have refused to see the writing on the wall. visited me after the procedure are all A case of history repeating itself- my journey with heart saying that I look better. I am eating disease began with a bypass surgery done as early as 2003. well and am able to walk. Importantly, At that time as well, I had been so scared that I refused to there is no chest pain or uneasiness.
Dispassion is a simple yet powerful tool to have no reaction to the world 5 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in RATIN EB G L E C October 2020
YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI Often, we as women, do not prioritize later. I think the one key takeaway from my experience our health and ignore these symptoms is that all of us need to prioritize our health and heed and or pass them off as acidity, etc. more importantly trust your doctor. They are the experts I’ve been given a second chance at life after all. and am writing to share my experience I am extremely thankful to Dr Salwan for her timely in the hope that this can be a learning intervention, her unwavering support and compassion; for all of us. Given my experience, I can for her patience to deal with me (you need the patience only reiterate the absolute imperative of a saint) and for keeping my best interests at heart all need to follow your doctor’s advice along. Importantly, she and the entire team at Max have and face problems head on. If there is given me the rest of my life. Words are inadequate to an issue, we have to face it and most express our gratitude to the Max team led by Dr Salwan. issues can be managed if we seek Mrs Chandra Kanta Chandihok (L-2267) medical support sooner rather than Achievements Shri Dipankar Ghose (G-6328), Special Correspondent of the Indian Express, was awarded the prestigious Prem Bhatia Memorial Award in August 2020 for outstanding contribution to political reporting for 2019- 20. This was for his work on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic including the migrant labour crisis. Earlier, Shri Dipankar Ghose had been awarded the Ram Nath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism (2018) for reporting from conflict zones. This award was conferred by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on 20 January 2020. This was his third Ram Nath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism having been awarded in 2015 and 2019. Winter Lunches Winter is the time for Comfort, For Good Food and Warmth
- Edith Sitwell
Desire, Anger and fear happen only in the sense of Otherness
6 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE India becomes Malt Whisky Savvy ill not long ago Indians had not exploited the range of Malt Whisky’s that are Tproduced at distilleries in Scotland. The reason was Malt whisky’s were introduced in the Indian market perhaps only a decade ago. Indians were also not travelling as much as they do now, even the airport Duty Free Shops stocked only a few brands, however, now the Indians have tasted the various flavours of malt whisky in varied verities, Single malts, Blended malts, Malts from Ireland and the new entrant – Japanese Malts. As is known India consumes a very huge quantity of Scotch whisky and ,may Maj Yogesh Prasad in background-Royal be in not too distant a future may go up the scale and Ancient Golf Club St. Andrews. as the highest consumer of Malts. Inspired by the growing clientele of Malt whiskey drinkers, India and weight of the spirit. During the has also commenced production of Malts and the product phase of maturation in the cask of Amrut distillery is graded high in its quality. emanate aromas and flavours. The whisky lovers who enjoy a spirit with At its simplest, malt whisky has a startling purity. The flavour, malt whisky at its most robust snow melts in the mountains, filters through rock for is a drink they indeed enjoy. decades, perhaps even centuries, bubbles out of a spring, then tumbles down a hill side until, it finds land flat enough and warm enough to grow barley. The water irrigates the barley in the field, persuades it to germinate in the malting, infuses its natural sugars in the mash ` Tun’, becomes beer when the yeast is added. It then vaporises in the still, becomes liquid once more in the condenser, enters the cask a spirit and leaves it as whisky. The flavour of malted barley in whisky is always present to a degree, but there are many other elements. The rock from which the water rises influences the character of the whisky. The yeast used in fermentation can create fruity, spicy flavours. Similar characteristics can be influenced by the size and shape of the stills, which also affect the richness
Do not make impressions on mind. Delete unnecessary Data
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YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI The sufficient quantity of water. The connoisseurs of individuality of malt also drink it neat with a few cubes of ice. The malts is what malts are also served as an after dinner snifter with makes each chocolates and cigars. so different, naturally I had an occasion to visit a tiny farm style distillery enough they called Glen Turret which is widely visited by tourists appeal to and it greets its visitors as the Famous Grouse people who are Experience. It emerged that this is one of the oldest individualists. distilleries in Scotland and one has to make a prior The whisky’s appointment to visit it. The distillers take great come in the pains to explain the process of distillation of both flavour of smoky, earthy, sea weedy and Single Malts and Blended Famous Grouse Whisky. medicinal malt from the coast or islands Incidentally the Famous Grouse is Britain’s best of Scotland. selling blended whisky . The Edrington Group which Malt lovers often become passionate about produces Famous Grouse also includes its distilleries Scotland itself. Whisky tourism extends which produce single malts namely Macallan and to visits beyond distilleries. Just as wine Highland Park. Malt whisky’s are expensive, naturally enthusiasts progress from comparing because they are required to age for several years vineyards or chateaux to assessing vintages, so malt lovers develop their before they are bottled for marketing. Even a 10 year own connoisseurship. A single distillery vintage Single Malt can be priced as high as 45 – 50 may offer malts of different ages, vintage GBP (Duty free). Like cognacs and vintage wines , dated malts, a variety of strengths and a malt whiskey’s too fetch high prices and are therefore diversity of wood finishes. even called Liquid Gold. It will need pages to list out a large With the melting of snows in the Arctic region the variety of Malts produced in Scotland water table in the North Sea area is rising, and sadly and of varied vintage. It is very difficult a few small distilleries in northern Scotland have to say which malt is good as every malt had to stop production. I strongly recommend that has a distinct taste, flavour, or potency. connoisseurs of Malts should consider a visit to Well the same analogy goes for Blended Scotland and take a tour of the Whisky Trail or train Whisky’s because they too are blended with different malts produced in different ride on the famous train The Royal Scotsman. I need regions. Some whisky drinkers swear by not highlight that the region is also a golfers paradise, an ordinary brand, even if they have on and Scotland is where the game of Golf was invented offer a deluxe brand of whisky. and its home is at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, In India especially a large majority drink St. Andrews. whisky as an aperitif mixed with soda Yogesh Prasad water, and some like to drink adding P–1227
Ego is the total sum of our past
8 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE I got my Driving license renewed…..almost!
he fear of Corona had kept us nervous wreck as I hadn’t bargained Tconfined since lockdown infor shoving and pushing crowds. March and the thought of going to I was on the verge of giving up when, RTO for getting my license renewed miraculously, the counter in front of was nerve-wracking. I lost sleep me fell vacant. I politely requested the over it, but, it had to be done. So, young lady separated from the outside with visceral fear of Corona writ by a glass screen and perched rather large over my face, I landed up at uncomfortably behind a computer the RTO (which I had visited 5 years screen to renew my license and ago) with all the relevant documents volunteered proudly that I had all the duly completed– for some strange reason they renew the documents with me. Without raising license for only 5 year terms once you cross 60! her eyes from the computer screen Located in a building that looked older than it probably she asked if I had got the documents was with walls that hadn’t seen a coat of paint in years, verified. First I couldn’t grasp a word it had a colonial style porch for VIPs to disembark from of what she said as her delicate voice their chauffeured cars. The RTO hall had glass & laminate was lost in the cacophony of voices clad cabins all along the walls and, without any signage, in the hall. I strained my ear closer to it was hard to tell which the relevant counter was for the gap in the glass screen and begged my purpose. The hall was noisy and full of people and her to repeat the question. When I the ubiquitous presence of touts, famous for their finally understood her query, I realized skullduggery, could not be easily ignored. I took a chance I had skipped one big step in a rather with the least crowded counter. Behind the glass panel sat efficient protocol to ensure only the a scruffy looking young chap peering into his computer deserving get the license! Hell, I said screen with a rather confused look on his face. I paused to myself, now where do I go? for a moment and then, with all the courage at my disposal ‘Who will verify my documents’ I asked him where I could get my driving license renewed. queried. In a languid demeanor she Without bothering to look up and with a perfunctory wave directed me to the lady guard at the half of his hand towards the row of cabins generally to his left open door at the entrance of the hall he shooed me away. (ever wondered why doors and gates There, in front of each of the ten odd cabins, most people are only half opened in government stood awaiting their turn in the circles marked on the floor. buildings?). ‘The lady guard will I found myself a circle too. At least Corona has taught us verify my documents’ I asked unable Indians to stand in a queue and not jump on each other! to conceal my utter surprise. ‘No, she My musing was rudely interrupted as a bunch of young will direct you to the relevant window’ chaps wearing sneakers, drainpipes, Ts with slogans and was the prompt answer. Did I detect a gel treated hair pointing to the heavens crowded at the touch of irritation in her voice? counter in front of me. For sure touts, I said to myself! Must say the lady guard was polite and Goodbye social distancing! All this was making me a helpful and directed me to a window
Discovery of happiness within ends all search
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YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI ‘down the corridor and beyond the ‘Google Maps’ is indeed the best invention of our times next turn to the right where you will and it didn’t let me down as I followed its directions to see a lot of people.’ She sure was right. this brand new licensing office. This office too, like the There were lots of people but what she old one I just escaped from, had a linoleum floor and didn’t mention was that one couldn’t cheap laminate clad and glass cabins along one wall of escape the rather obnoxious smell the hall. In the centre of the hall were neatly laid out emanating from a nearby urinal that rather uncomfortable looking stainless chairs. There penetrated through the triple layered were no signages so one didn’t know where to go. That mask covering my nose and mouth. mystery was soon solved when a helpful young chap in For a moment I froze – if this smell faded blue jeans with a mask covering his face politely could penetrate the mask, what about explained that since only 60 applicants are entertained the Bad Boy Corona!? I shrugged that each day, one has to arrive rather early to obtain a token thought to concentrate on the scene for getting the license renewed. before me which was reminiscent of I returned the following day at nine in the morning and the bygone era when social distancing got my token number 2. A short wait of 15 minutes and was unheard of in India - people were I was beckoned to the counter, documents examined, jumping on top of each other shoving photograph and electronic signature done and was handed their documents literally into a small a slip of paper bearing my application number. The license window in the wall. No way was I going would arrive at home within 30 days! All very efficient to risk my life and get my documents indeed and wow, I didn’t need the services of a tout or verified here. To hell with driving, I’d a good word from a senior government official! Ease of rather use an Uber! living is reality! At home I celebrated my accomplishment with a chilled Corona (the Mexican one not Chinese!) Just as these multitudes of thoughts swarmed through my head, I noticed Twenty days later when I hadn’t received the license, I a lady, who stood out in the crowd, looked for the status of my application online. The license photographing with her mobile an A4 had been approved but printing was pending. Same status size paper stuck a few feet above the after 30 days, and the same after 45 days! Now I was a window. From where I stood, I could bit concerned and was back at the RTO to check if there tell there was an address printed on wasn’t a problem. I was informed I would get it within the that sheet of paper. Instinctively, I next 15 days but the gentleman I spoke to was hesitant begged her pardon and asked what to tell me more. So I persisted and finally a young chap that address was? Lo and behold, that standing next to him blurted out the real reason for the was now the place where licenses delay – “we don’t have a printing machine to print the would be renewed for those living in a licenses. It was requisitioned months ago and we are certain part of the city, which included hopeful it would arrive soon but nobody knows when. me. An overpowering emotion of The file is with the ministry!” Some things never change! frustration and relief engulfed me – As I write this piece, I have yet to receive the license and frustrated that I spent all this while the online status still shows “printing pending”. But I have at the wrong place trying to get my the license, albeit in my DigiLocker -the digital era has license renewed and relieved that I overtaken us all! was now finally getting away from this Arun K Batra wretched place! (P-4148) A noble aim & sincere persistant efforts surely brings success
10 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE Its called Gymkhana I will start with the billiards. I had never played this game,and so the Memories first few times I played on the “third table” with one of the markers,there Such fond memories of the club!! was Morgan,Elias or Ilyas (everyone pronounced his name as such!) and Let me start by how I become a a youngster then, Ramesh. Within a member. few days I saw another person and we Of course I became a member started playing, My new found friend because my father, late S. Pritam had just shifted base from London, Singh jee became a member years Pakistan and now Delhi. He was a and years ago. few years elder than me and had this fancy cue stick which he had got from There is an interesting story to how London,the one which folds into two he became a member. He wasn’t much the social type, pieces and has a fancy case! I used to however my mother was. play with one of the club sticks. My father was in the Government Service, one of India›s Our games were quite even and we distinguished Engineers, who retired as Chairman of struck up a friendship! He was the rich Central Water Commission. types and we were staying at South My mother knew that Govt Service and Armed Forces extension those days. officers get membership to the club on priority, she had My friend Sunil,was in Defence Colony. been asking my father to apply. This was in the Seventies. I had a two wheeler Bajaj Scooter on My father had been resisting,he actually felt that Gymkhana which I would zip around, this was Club members might be the snobbish types! the time when the Maruti had recently Anyway he finally applied and sure enough, my parents, introduced the Maruti 800 and the were called at the “At Home”. One of the committee Maruti Van. members asked my father, “You have been in the My friend had an imported gaadi..and Government for so long,and were in Delhi most of the it had an amazing turning ability, let time,why didn’t you apply earlier?” me not digress too much else this will My father, ever truthful started saying, “I was never get long and boring! interested!.. “and promptly my mother gave him a mild So Sunil would call me and I would kick from under the table! She thought, such an answer meet him outside Alliance Francaise would surely jeopardize the chances for membership!! and we would travel in style to the Fortunately they cleared this hurdle..and so he became a club! We would play billiards,snooker member. Of course, then we, as children could also use and side by side enjoy beer and finger the club as dependents. chips! We would tell the waiter..Mote So I started using the club, the beautiful library,the squash Alu..liana! .Ah!.Those were fun filled courts,tried my hand at tennis and Swimming too!.I have enjoyable days!! My parents didn’t fond memories of the billiards room! And the bridge room! mind too much as I would be out of And the pool! Try to overcome challenges with fearlessnesss, courage and determination
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YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI their hair for a while! become all blue,I had blacked out and We got better and was in the water for a few minutes one day at the club before I was fished out! tournament, it was sheer This being the background, you can luck!! I got the highest understand my desire to learn as well break in Snooker and as anxiety! got a prize at the Sports So my understanding with Ashok was, Dinner! A very proud I will be very happy and proud if I can achievement for me. do a length!! I sometimes point out You all know the size of the pool..The proudly to friends,take lady Willington swimming bath!..well them to the billiards with great pride and a lot of fear, I room...see my name is on the board!! accomplished this heroic feat!! I was Now of course I haven’t played for ages and would be able to go from the shallow end till awful at the cue games! the deep end..but couldn’t manage Coming to bridge!, I started frequenting the bridge room, the way back!! So I accomplished my my mother was fond of it and I had learnt a little as a young goal..and that was it for swimming!! boy as we used to play within the family while my father Let me share my At Home Experience!! was posted to Kathmandu. So I used to be the youngest I had got married in 1986 and I think person playing in the bridge room amidst serious elders! it was within a year or two of that we I remember an incident vividly, I had dealt out the cards were asked to come for the At Home. and I just pushed the cards nearer the other players as As I was about to enter, a senior a good and polite gesture! However one of the players,a member, spotted me and said,are you sophisticated white haired lady..Rani Sahiba of some going for the At Home..I said yes.. place..I will not mention!! ..to keep the identity secret! He said where’s your coat and tie!! I ..well she gave me such a firing! “Dont you dare touch hadn’t thought of wearing those or my cards!! she said. And she gave me such a cold look!! I perhaps felt it wouldn’t matter..!! He could have frozen!! said, go change and come! I went all Anyway I enjoyed the bridge bouts and the sandwiches the way back home to Vasant Vihar, and the tea there!! and came back, dressed adequately Swimming! ..I didn’t know how to swim, still dont actually, for the occasion! but had this great ambition to learn. We, Preeti, my wife Of course we sailed through.. and me made sure our daughter learnt, and we are very everybody does!! proud that Arshiya swims well. There are so many memories of this She was coached by Ashok and I asked Ashok..” Will you excellent club!! The Sunday buffet teach me?” I was mortally scared of the water, still am.. lunches!! We would gorge on the as I had once drowned at the AIIMS while in college and delicious food!! it was an experience I will never forget! My body had The family dinners together,
An optimistic approach, strong will power and spiritual mindset helps overcome the toughest challenges
12 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE Gymkhana was a favorite for our parents to entertain their guests! And The Mighty Tweet we have followed this trait! The Supreme Court has been shaken I used to work for Air India, and at that and stirred time my office was at Ashok Hotel, a A lawyer’s errant ways to curb stones thow from the club. My routine Whose tweets ‘malicious’ and unwise was,play squash in the morning, take a Have sought the court to scandalize. shower and go to work! The first tweet implies a lack of propriety Lovely days!! The morning squash On the part of the high priest of the law. group by and large still is the same, The second laments the destruction of democracy sans me.. I loved playing with JP, O’er the last six years by the earstwhile four. Deol Saab, Doc Rajeev, Ina, Chow, Such tweets unchecked their lordships aver doubles was especially fun! And in On national honour cast a slur. Squash Tournaments too I got lucky!! The long arm of the law must strike a blow In Lucky doubles, on two occasions, That the stream of justice unsullied flow. thanks to my partners! My name came The Supreme Court they pontifically state up on the board!! Is the central pillar of the democratic state Then I discovered badminton, I didn’t The offender’s comments they profess even know it existed in the club, well Endanger the foundation on which it rests. I started playing and took part in The majesty of the law being thus assailed the tournaments, won a few prizes Let the law of contempt summarily prevail. too,over the years! Not that I was without loss of time their lordships drew good, but just that there was not too On previous judgements to turn the screw much competition! Especially in the Offered learned arguments to construe Veterans! The commission of contempt, proven and true, With grave concern, without much ado, All in all I have really enjoyed the As jury, judge and hangman too. club!! We get too meet friends at the The contemner defiant, unrepentant, bar! Enjoy the excellent programs put No apology offered for the ‘scurrilious’ content up by the entertainment committee His affidavit he would not retract from time to time! But assert the right to prove the facts. And last but not least..The bread!! We I ask not for mercy, I appeal not to magnamity. make it a point to get bread whenever I ask for naught but that the court do its duty we are at the club!! To uphold the constitution, the rule of law. Waiting for the club to open fully!! That the rights of the citizen cease to be mauled. Neither a courtier nor cheerleader an I Waiting for the Covid clouds to clear!! But a humble watchdog who’ll not fail to decry Looking forward to clubbing again!! The lack pf probity in the mighty and high. Hope you enjoyed reading!! With the penalty awarded I’ll cheerfully comply. Jagmit Singh Jyotsna Khanna P-4432 (P-1159S) Discipline brings happiness and mental strength
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YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI to justify our present political The JINNAH actions and needs. We tend to read history very expediently, Question many of us telescope our present into the past and can say imagine an India which conforms with some to the present political, social and I confidence cultural concerns. In the process, that this book historical facts are the first on Mohammad casualty, which are obscenely Ali Jinnah is twisted and vandalised. one of the most important books It has been said by many scholars to have come and even laypersons that the out in the recent Indian National Congress past. Ishtiaq Ahmed is known for his shoulders a lot of responsibility extensive work on Partition history for the tragedy of the Partition. but Jinnah: His Successes, Failures It could have handled Jinnah and the Muslim League and Role in History is a bold attempt better to avoid the gruesome violence and division of to look at Jinnah’s profile afresh and it India. Ahmed reiterates through facts that Jinnah and the raises some uncomfortable questions. League were committed to the two-nation theory and the It’s a daunting book, running into over British actively collaborated to keep them strong against 800 pages, yet a very engaging one. the composite nationalism espoused by the Congress. The book is pertinent for both Pakistan He talks about Jinnah’s secular phase when he was known and India, particularly in the times we as the ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity. However, are living in. In India, especially, many during the ’20s, particularly after the arrival of Gandhi of us often bend over backwards to from South Africa in 1915, his politics began to change. comprehend our present and do that Jinnah left the Congress party in 1920; even the Lucknow pact of 1916, of which he was the main architect, was behind him. The author describes, in great detail, the ego problems Jinnah had with Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Azad. There are many pertinent quotes in the book to show how condescending Jinnah was towards all three leaders, while they remained always measured and civil in their exchanges with him. Ahmed stresses the point that “Jinnah’s principal adversaries wrote prolifically, Gandhi and Nehru in English and Abul Kalam Azad in Urdu. Jinnah never wrote a book, not even an extended article”. They engaged with him in detail on the issue of nationalism and identity while Jinnah’s responses were mostly polemical and “in Jinnah had frequent differences of opinion with Mahatma Gandhi. (Photo: the typical form of the briefs lawyers prepare to argue Wikimedia Commons) their case”. Teh foundationfor a great life is built with strong moral values.
14 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE other Muslim leaders were with the idea of Pakistan, which is actually a fallacy. A very large number of Muslims remained united against the two-nation rhetoric but the League, with the open patronage of the British, continued to pursue its divisive agenda. Ahmed underlines repeatedly, through documentary sources, that the nexus between Jinnah and the British was like an umbilical cord — there was no way it could be detached. The book is neatly based on four stages Jinnah announcing the creation of Pakistan over All of Jinnah’s political career: first as an India Radio in June 1947. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) Indian nationalist, then as a Muslim The book also questions the popular belief in Pakistan communitarian, next as a Muslim and India that Jinnah was not treated well by the nationalist, and, finally, as the founder Congress leadership and Nehru was in a hurry to be of Pakistan. Of the fourth stage, when the prime minister. In India, particularly, this narrative Jinnah succeeded in dividing India is peddled ad nauseum these days to run down Nehru, and establishing Pakistan, realising his even if it exonerates Jinnah, to some extent, for the lifelong ambition to be the supreme Partition tragedy. However, Ahmed stresses with leader, the author says that he had no facts that Mohammad Ali Jinnah “set forth the two- clear or consistent policies to offer. As nation theory dichotomising Hindus and Muslims there was no single core argument around as two discrete, hostile nations. Muslim nationalism which to conduct his politics, the fear became the hallmark of his separatist politics, and of the perceived Congress-Hindu-India he resorted to all sorts of populist arguments and conspiracy against him and Pakistan political manoeuvres to win the case for Pakistan in remained the constant referent. the face of stiff opposition from a host of opponents, among whom the most inveterate opponent was the This foundational malaise continues to ail Indian National Congress, while the final arbiter over Pakistan and its leadership, which suits the future of India was the British.” the political concerns of many political groups in India as well. Ishtiaq Ahmed has The author questions the narrative that Jinnah succeeded to a great extent in making us was really the sole spokesperson for all Muslims, understand the enigmatic Mohammad Ali as he relentlessly claimed through the 1930s and Jinnah. It should be read by all Pakistanis ’40s. There were many popular Muslim leaders and Indians to understand their present within the Congress and there were several Muslim better. organisations, with a wide support base, which never stood with the League and Jinnah’s divisive politics. Prof Irfan Habib (Indian Express) Maulana Azad did not fight a lone battle against the Ref.: SMS Chadha (P-0577) Muslim League, as Jinnah wanted the British and the S Irfan Habib is a historian and former Maulana Azad Chair at the National University Muslims to believe. He was hated and derided as a of Educational Planning and Administration, show boy of the Congress party to show that most New Delhi
Live with discipline, determination, courage and Kindness.
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YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI children’s achievements will always supersede yours, FULL Circle and they will continue to surprise you with their bravery to explore new avenues, to see things through- ll parents, something you yourself perhaps lacked. Extremely irrespective goal oriented, Geetanjali had the wonderful ability to Aof their handle all obstacles in her way to accomplish all that background, class, she wanted to from life. After successfully completing community and her PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, she went nationality, want and on to pursue diploma programmes from universities in strive to give the best the Netherlands and Italy. to their children. We try to pass on our I still remember how proud I felt when her first book on own learnings and arms control and disarmament was published. I would experiences to ensure that our children often joke that my daughter is an expert on stuff that I do not make the same mistakes we made am not even aware exists. In hindsight, this joke would while growing up. prove itself to be even more true in the years to come. However, parenting is not instinctual and When she joined the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), is a learned skill, and one of the most and rubbed shoulders with top policy makers both in important lessons I have learnt as a parent India and overseas, I thought, one day, she would be a is how to balance your own vision for your policy maker herself. As her father and as a bystander, child, and their vision for themselves. We I was extremely excited to see what miracles she try to maintain an equilibrium between would perform. But of course, parenting is filled with offering advice and guidance, and standing surprises and upheavals, and at the peak of her career, on the side to allow our children to make Geetanjali left her job, to start something for which their own decisions, to learn from their she had no experience or training- an NGO. mistakes and successes. I am no exception This came as a shock not just to me but our entire to this rule, and I did my utmost in sharing family. Parents always want their children to be well my own experiences and lessons with my settled, financially and emotionally.We didn’t know daughter and son. anyone who had committed to work in the social With my first born, daughter, I grew as sector as their full-time job. We had always practised she grew. While she had her own lessons philanthropy, but this always took place along with to learn, I had my own share of new having a well-paying commercial job. Geetanjali’s experiences as a first-time parent, and work at CPR was well cushioned and gave her several very often the first-born child ends up opportunities to travel the world and interact with facing the brunt of various trial and error bureaucrats from established organisations. I just strategies. Nevertheless, I tried to give her could not understand why she would want to give this all that I could and perhaps even more. I am up after all the training and work she had invested. I proud to say that my daughter, Geetanjali, was very sceptical of the choice, and actively voiced imbibed some of the best aspects from her my displeasure.But Geetanjali was as headstrong as parents- to be headstrong and determined me, and eventually managed to convince me. to finish what she has started. She set up her NGO-Wishes and Blessings in 2014, Being a parent is extremely fulfilling- your and has never looked back since. In the early stages,
Associate with people who inspire, elevate and empower you.
16 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE is just a few months old, and the eldest is 85+, a resident of their old age home. What has never changed in Geetanjali is her determination and will power to carry out all she has committed to do. During the Covid-19 crisis and subsequent lockdown, she answered calls for help from the innermost parts of the country, and expanded her NGO’s work to 7 states across India, providing cooked food, ration kits and hygiene kits to lakhs of daily wagers and at-risk families. somewhere deep inside, I was still hoping that she Life has indeed come a full circle as now would return to the world of academia and research, she is no longer known as my daughter but when I saw how happy she was while working but I am known as her father, and there for the underprivileged, that little voice in my head is no greater gift than this. She is a wish would quieten down. As the organisation grew, I soon I made years ago and has truly proved to came around and understood that this was where her be a blessing. I can now proudly say that heart lay- in helping the underprivileged and lesser in addition to teaching her the right values blessed in all ways possible. In some way, she too was and morals, I have also learnt a few lessons becoming a parent- she was nurturing an entity, giving from her. it the same values and ethics that she was brought up Rajesh Chopra with. (P-2958) I do remember the exact point in time when her work EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH was emphasised to me. I visited one of the centres she runs. To see the beneficiaries she works with, to Mr. Madan Lal, working as a Nursing see the love she received from people she knew for Assistant in the Nursing Section has been not more than 1-2 years, but above all, to see her face declared “Employee of the Month” for light up like never before while talking to and playing October, 2020 for his sincerity, dedication with the residents of the centre… I knew that this was and hard work. where she belonged. All the money, fame and luxuries As a token of appreciation he was awarded would never have been able to give her the same level a cash prize of Rs. 2000/- and a certificate. of happiness and satisfaction. Her organisation has grown over the last 6 years from being a one-woman army to a team of 25 committed individuals, dedicated to bringing about change in society. The organisation cuts across barriers of age, class, gender and community to work on diverse causes including food, education, relief work, infrastructure and care for elders. The overall mission of Wishes and Blessings is to ‘never say no’, because of which they cater to a wide range of beneficiaries- the youngest
Simplicity, Humility and kindness are Divine qualities.
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YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI A peep into the Police Station
hy the image of police in the don’t have even a phone and 200 Weyes of the public in India is police stations don’t have wireless. so bad? It is a fact that no citizen in Of the total 16,587 police stations the country is comfortable going to 1,474 are in hired buildings and out of the police station as a complainant, 10, 851 police posts 2165 are in hired witness or accused as he is fearful buildings. Many of these buildings of the treatment expected. Rude are in dilapidated conditions. There behaviour, harassment, illegal is no clean drinking water and toilets, action, third degree, many visits to especially for policewomen. The state the court later on for years etc. are of housing for policemen is also poor. his anxieties. But that is a necessary evil because for About two third of the police stations some reason or the other many have to get in touch with 10,021 are in rural areas. In fact, the the police and police station is the first contact point situation of policing in rural areas directly or indirectly. is much worse as areas are large, manpower and resources are less and So, it is necessary to investigate as to why the police in there is hardly anyone to listen to the the police stations behaves the way it does. First some voice of the poor, the marginalized statistics published by the BPR&D giving latest figures and especially the women. But police as on First January, 2019. The sanctioned civil police have their own difficulties though for the country is 16.51 lakhs but actual is 13.03 lakhs. that doesn’t justify their behaviour. Per lakh of population it is 126.39 but actual is 99.78, that is less than one hundred policemen for one lakh of People expect the police to work people in the country. It’s less than one policemen per like a hero for them. But look at the hundred people. In Jharkhand 0.039, Bihar 0.005, Assam conditions above and you can figure 0.05, West Bengal 0.06, Odisha 0.07, Tamilnadu 0.08, U.P. out that it’s just not possible with 0.08! Further per one hundred square kilometers there these resources. They perform an are too less policemen. Bihar for example has 6.25 and extremely difficult task and many Odisha 17.26. Just two examples are sufficient. have to work for 18 hours or so continuously with no leave. With so You will be surprised to know that even today there are much to do they suffer from stress and some police stations in the states having less than 20 other physical and mental problems. policemen and mostly this situation is in rural areas. So, this affects their behaviour Odisha and Bihar have 12, UP 15, HP 16, AP 18, Tripura especially when law gives them lot of 18. Of these some are on leave and some perform power, they become arrogant. There stationary duties. And there is at an average one vehicle are other factors also. The quality of for 88 policemen! For a total of 16,587 police stations policemen is an important issue. Over in the country there are 14,784 vehicles and 85 police the years the recruitment has been stations don’t have a single vehicle. 539 police stations corruption and caste based decided
Think wholly and then take decision; bias-ness is the biggest virus
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by the politicians. So, one can only forces are today are like the private armies of Chief imagine their performance. The Ministers. This deterioration hasn’t come overnight training is poor in all departments though but over decades. No politician, of whatever as hardly any good trainers and colour or creed, wants police reforms because being the experienced police officers areboss of the police serves his political and other interests. posted in training institutions unless So, the policemen join hands with them as politicians they are uncomfortable to the rulers can harm them but they can’t take mostly even legal in the field duties. In that case they action against them, many of whom are criminals being are disgruntled and long to go legislators and MPs. So, the nexus is complete. The back to the field duties for various recommendations of various police commissions and reasons and training gets thoroughly the directions of the Supreme Court in 2006 for police neglected. Many police stations have reforms have been biting dust. The bureaucratic and no forensic support. Many big states like Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha police leadership is also responsible for this state of have just one forensic laboratory and affairs. few regional laboratories catering to The functioning of the judiciary is no better. In cases of thousands of cases with a result that rape like those of Nirbhaya, and of terrorist Ajmal Kasab there are years of backlog and the from Pakistan responsible for attack on Mumbai, it took cases can’t be charge sheeted. Age the state almost eight years to hang the culprits. So, the old weapons, with no computers or legal procedures are also to be blamed. Merely changes computer training (and even these in law or having more laws won’t help. are there how will you teach many old hardly matriculate constables The recipe is for disaster is, therefore, complete. computers) can’t do justice to modern The entire criminal justice system is broken. So why day policing requirements. And more are you surprised that the police behaves the way it so with cyber crime increasing. With does? Nobody is interested. So, the society will keep increasing population, no increase on suffering. Every time the police is at fault there is in strength (in fact there are 5 lakh a usual police criticism and that of the Chief Minister vacancies in the department), in the media and then the whole thing is forgotten till increasing cyber crime, criminals the next horrific incident happens. Even the public is having faster means of travel and outraged but temporarily. None talks about the much- communication, the police always lag needed police reforms. And there is no public movement behind. either. So, we’ll keep on suffering. Unless the society Add to this the police culture of being wakes up and startd a movement for police reforms, rulers handed over from the British and those responsible wake up including the politicians, which is still continuing. The Police the bureaucrats, the police leaders and the judiciary, the Act of 1861 hasn’t yet been changed. situation is not going to improve. Sad but true. The police are accountable to the government and not to the law or BL Vohra, IPS (Retd) Parliament. So, most of the police P-1914
In duty ‹I› is born; in devotion ‹I› disappears
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YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI stay outside India. As non-residents, the Succession Planning children do not have time to conserve and maintain the assets left behind by their uccession parents. In some cases, I have seen children dispose of the Planning immovable properties (left by their parents) in a rush, at Sis both almost half the price! Due to paucity of time while in India, important and they do not value the time spent and the efforts made by highly relevant their parents to create these assets. In this context, it is for everyone, in also advisable to distribute the assets during one’s lifetime particular, senior to relatives (as defined under the Income Tax Act) , citizens. Recently where there is no tax impact. However, at the same time, we held a webinar parents require security, both financial and social, before on this topic, which was convened by distributing the assets. me, moderated by CA (Dr.) Rakesh For Succession Planning, the Will is the most convenient Gupta & deliberation by CA (Dr.) Raj way to distribute the assets after the demise of an individual. K Agarwal, both partners of reputed A person can bequeath the assets as per personal choice RRA Tax Advisors firm on the topic, we during lifetime, without losing the control as beneficiaries found there was considerable interest will get the assets after the death of the individual. in an article that discusses this crucial issue. In the absence of the Will, for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others, the Hindu Succession Act 1956 is applicable. For While currently we don’t have Estate others, except Muslims, the Indian Succession Act 1925 is Duty in India, we need to plan for applicable. For Muslims, the Shariyat Law is applicable. succession keeping in view several objectives: minimize the scope of Hindu Succession Act 1956 – Distribution of Assets dispute among family members after the demise of an individual, control Male Succession fragmentation, and create a ring-fence Firstly, upon his Class I Heirs against future liability. We also need Secondly, if there is no Class I Heir, then upon his Class II to ensure smooth transmission to the Heirs legal heirs without any legal hassle. Thirdly, if there is no Class II Heir, then upon his Agnates We spend our whole life acquiring Fourthly, if there is no Agnate, then upon his Cognates assets. However, we often fail to give If none, then upon the Government as Escheat adequate attention to conserve the acquired assets. In fact, many of us Class I Heir feel that we have enough time on our (1) Son, (2) Daughter, (3) Widow, (4) Mother, (5) Son/ hands to execute the Will. So we keep Daughter of a predeceased Son/Daughter, (6) Widow of postponing the crucial work. a predeceased Son, and (7) Son/Daughter/Widow of a predeceased Son’s Son In my professional experience, I have come across elderly people (aged 75 It is important to understand that one share will go to each and above) who don’t want to execute branch of the family. For example, if the son is not there the Will, considering that there is a lot and he has two children, then the children will jointly get of time available to them. one-seventh share. In the same way, one share will go to all the widows taken together, and so on. Succession Planning is also especially relevant for parents whose children Further, the widow will receive a share, even if she remarries. Suffering is in our Creation... Not in GOD›s Creation
20 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE In the case of Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) property, one can make the Will to the extent of the individual’s share in HUF. If there is no Will, all the assets will go to the surviving members. Further, female members will also have the same rights in the HUF property. Succession by Will The Will supersedes succession by operation of law, and the last Will always prevails. A divorcee wife is not entitled to a share. The daughter There is no validity of the Will till the will get a share, whether she is married or unmarried. In time the concerned person is alive. case of predeceased daughter, only her surviving sons and Further, the Will can be revoked, daughters will get a share. Son and daughter will include cancelled, amended, or rewritten any both natural or adopted or illegitimate children, but a step- number of times during an individual’s child is not included. lifetime. Codicil (Supplement to Will) Further, children from divorcee wife are also eligible, can be attached to the Will during the irrespective of the custody of children. Daughter-in-law or person’s lifetime. grandchildren are not separately entitled, when the son is Benefits of Making A Will surviving. By making the Will, disposal of Class II Heir property can be made as per the individual’s wish not as per law. It also (1) Father, (2) Son’s Daughter’s Children, Brothers, and avoids succession disputes for various Sisters, (3) Daughter’s Grandchildren, (4) Children of movable/immovable properties and Siblings, (5) Father’s Parents, (6) Father’s Widow (step- business interests. mother), Brother’s Widow, (7) Father’s Siblings, (8) Mother’s Parents, and (9) Mother’s Siblings In the Will, individuals (other than legal heirs) can be rewarded without any tax Each category will receive the entire asset in the above on transmission. order in exclusion to the subsequent category. After Class II Heirs, Agnates and Cognates will get the Characteristics of A Legal Will assets. There is no legal format for preparing a Will. It can be written on plain paper. The Female Succession registration of a Will is not mandatory, Firstly, upon her Sons and Daughters (including the and subsequent unregistered Will Children of any predeceased Children) and Husband would supersede earlier registered Secondly, upon the Heirs of her Husband Will. It is always better to register the Thirdly, upon her Parents Will, and there is no duty/tax to be Fourthly, upon the Heirs of her Father paid for registration and It should have Fifthly, upon the Heirs of her Mother the names, age, and relationship of beneficiaries/legatees. Two witnesses Each category will get assets in the above order. If there are required, preferably persons other are no legal heirs in any category, only then will the assets than the beneficiary. To avoid disputes, move to the next category. it is better if all Class/Category I Heirs A steady, balanced and cheerful mind is the prerequisite for a healthy body
21 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in RATIN EB G L E C October 2020
YEARS 25 OF E C IF LUBL the owner; the individual remains the become witnesses and they specify reasons to preclude a trustee of the property. certain family member and make that person a witness (if Property belongs to and is given to the possible). beneficiaries/legatees as mentioned in A signature needs to be there on each page of the Will. Also, the Will. Thereby nominee will get the it has to be marked, dated, and attested by two witnesses. property, but to handover according to It is always preferable to sign on each page of the Will. direction made in the Will. It is also better to appoint a person as executor, after taking In the absence of a Will, provisions of the individual’s consent to receive, manage, and distribute Succession Act would apply. assets to the legatees. An executor can be a witness. Income Tax Related Issues Who Can Be A Legatee/Beneficiary Any transfer of capital asset under a Any natural person (relative, friend, employee, or minor) Will is not treated as a transfer u/s 47 can be the beneficiary along with any artificial person of the Income Tax Act as it will happen (deity, NGO, trust, and HUF). However, if the legatee dies after the demise of the testator. Thus before the testator, then the property will be treated as no duty or tax on transmission of intestate. Also, properties not mentioned in the Will are to assets will be levied to a relative or any be treated as intestate. person under the Will. However, any Executor of A Will income accrued to the legal heir from It is always better to appoint an executor in the Will. An the assets is taxable under the Income executor is the person who manages, executes, and disposes Tax Act. In case of assets inherited properties as per the wish of the testator. A beneficiary can under the Will, the cost of acquisition also be appointed as an executor. The entire property of to previous owner to be considered an the deceased individual vests in the executor appointed by FMV as on 01.04.2001. Period of holding the Will. shall include the period for which the asset was held by the deceased person. Void Bequeaths In the year of death, two income tax Bequeath can be made for charitable/religious entities, returns need to be filed: from 1 April but only when the Will is made at least 12 months prior to till the date of death by any of the legal the death of the individual. It has to be deposited within 6 representatives, and from the date of months from its execution in some place, as per the law for death till 31 March by the executor safe custody of the Will. of the Will/legal representative. An Succession Certificate Vs. Probate executor would have two assessments, Succession Certificate is issued by a court when a person one in the capacity of the representative dies intestate, i.e., without making a Will. and the other in personal capacity. Probate refers to the copy of the Will certified by the seal of Planning For Succession a court. It conclusively proves the validity or genuineness (1) Prepare a list of all assets, (2) of the Will. In case of probate, duties are involved for getting Keep financial assets in joint names the certification from the court. But it is also required to but operate separately, (3) Appoint prove the validity and genuineness of the Will, and for the a nominee, (4) Write a Will, get transmission of immovable property and shares in certain registered/notarized (5) Communicate cases. to the executor/beneficiaries about the Will Vs. Nomination Will and its custody (most important), Nomination entitles the nominee to receive the property (6) In case of business interests in of the deceased. However, the individual does not become partnership firms, LLPs need to specify Try to percieve your achievements as blessings of God
22 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU the legal heir to be inducted, (7) May BLIFE create private trust, and (8) May create Trust properties, unless otherwise mentioned in the Trust corpus for HUF deed. Private Trust Benefits of A Private Trust In case of assets held in and managed Protection against attachment of properties, (2) Protecting by trustees and beneficiaries, they are the assets of less competent, minor, handicapped, or NRI the owners of properties, get benefits, beneficiaries, and (3) Protecting the interests of other and earn regular income, but cannot stakeholders and to not keep all the assets at the sole use/dispose the properties as per their discretion of beneficiaries. wish. Income tax is applicable in the Conclusion like manner and to the same extent as An individual needs to balance the assets to be kept for old applicable to the beneficiaries. age and may make gifts/transfers to relatives during the Assets in the Trust cannot be attached lifetime. It is necessary to maintain liquidity for old age. against liabilities of the settlor/trustees, Otherwise, while planning for the legal heir, one may face but may be attached against liabilities considerable difficulty during own’s lifetime. of the beneficiaries. Beneficiaries may CA Vipin Aggarwal (P-4819) demand dissolution and partition of [email protected]
On passing on of those cherished DGC Members who departed from the shores of life, the Club Fraternity solemnly pays its respects and condolences
Mrs Neena Dewan Mr Ranji Bhandari Maj Avtar Krishen Sethi Mr Man Mohan Bhagat (L-2029) (P-0280) (P-0433) (P-0502)
Sardar Sohan Singh Anand Capt MN Narang Mr DP Singh Maj SN Bhalla (P-0688) (P-0870) (P-2396) (P-2496)
Mr VK Bhatia Mr Bal Pratap Shrikent Mr VK Sawhney (P-2894) (P-4837) (P-0689) The first step to achieve great heights is to have a great Resolve.
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YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI
Editorial not /did not live up to its mandate. Internal squabbles and personal egos marred its functioning- it lacked any form of cohesiveness. Three GC members left the already depleted GC during the most trying times that this Club has faced, citing very inconsequential and frivolous reasons—This, Ladies and Gentlemen, has never happened in the history of our Club. Most unfortunate that all this happened although we had a highly decorated upright person in Lt Gen D R Soni as the President. He sincerely meant a lot of Good for the Club and carries no baggage. WHY it happened is not one person’s doing or one GC’s doing-- it was building up slowly and steadily over a long period. One would justify what is happening in his WHAT -(happened), WHY - (it all own way. There are conflicting thoughts and I think it is happened) HOW - (do we look at the better to leave it to the individual’s perception. But the future) fact remains that the sanctity of AOA was not followed Do we really have answers to these in letter & spirit over a long period. Resentment was questions? If so, there is nothing much brewing up slowly creating disharmony within the club. left to talk about. The reasons I thought Coupled with that there was clearly a lack of follow on of these questions are that we have SOP on financial front casting, at times, unnecessary already gone through a Roller Coaster aspersions, Govt rules and regulations being flouted, time for almost 8-9 months and its high over staffing with significant portion of our staff with low time we gear up to tackle it with more productivity-lack of personnel policy vis a vis DGCSWA. clarity and togetherness. HOW to take it forward: Courts will, as usual, take their WHAT happened is in front of everybody. own time to decide. One cannot visualise as to what Though it all started building up since the verdict would be and how much it will impact on last many years, its gravity dawned only our heritage institution in existence over 100 years. But recently. It blew out of proportion only if we all decide to unite with mutual understanding, when it came head ON from MCA. There accommodating one another’s viewpoints, chances are was no alternative other than to face it and we will overcome all this. At the end of the day The it has been faced to the extent possible. Club must be the winner. We must not forget if the Club It so happened, circumstantially, that exists, we exist and in whatever fashion or quantum it is the present GC had to face the brunt of affected we will be affected too. it both from the Govt and the Members, Since this is possibly the last issue of the Club Life from and all this in the midst of the current the present GC, I took the liberty of expressing my devastating pandemic. Coupled with personal thoughts. this other unfortunate event occurred one after another; Liquor, Police, Having celebrated Vijay Dashami which signifies the Excise, NDMC, LDO, delayed AGM etc. victory over the ten bad qualities (Das Hara), we look Unfortunately, the GC as a team, could forward to Deepavali which symbolises the Victory of Do not worry about past and future. LIve in the present and engage in meaningful action
24 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE light over Darkness, good over evil and knowledge over so good JP, keep it up. ignorance. It is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the Given below are some nostalgic harbinger of prosperity, wealth, and Happiness. Wishing memories of Happy Days. A picture All the members a Safe and Happy festive season. Looking speaks a thousand words: “ACCHE forward to the blooming Club- Our Club. Weather God is DIN AAYENGE”. turning cool and flowers are blooming all around and so is the expectations from the New GC with New President. Jai Hind
Last but not the least Kudos to Col J P Singh accepting the SP Rawal chair of Honorary Secretary at the time when the Club is Chairman, Library sub committee & going through traumatic times -bold and confident. So far Editor Club Life
The GLorius YearS.... nostalgic memories of happy days
HRH Marshal Shah Mahmoud Khan, PM of Afghanistan with Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru, Hon’ble President of India addressing Gymkhana Club on Smt Vijay Lakshmi Pandit and Smt Indira Gandhi at the Delhi Gymkhana in 1951 Centenary Celebrations, 2013
Hon’ble Vice Presiden M. Hamid Ansari graced the Club on the occasion of Hon’ble President of India Abul Kalam at an interactive Session at Centenary Celebrations, 2013 the Club, 2010
Change is the law of nature; Be grateful, contended and peaceful
25 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in May 2015 clublife
only difference between the male and female at found sites for nesting. Alas, these are all gone, leading to this time is a longitudinal purple streak this bird beginning to disappear from our midst. It may not along the male’s throat and breast. be a bad idea to put up nest boxes at suitable locations in One bird conspicuous by its absence around the the Club where sparrows could nest. In this way, the Club Club is the House sparrow, the humble chidiya. Once can contribute to the conservation and continuation of this ubiquitous around all Indian towns and cities, this bird species. is vanishing fast, for the simple reason that our houses, Editor. What a noble idea. Any volunteers? in and around which it nests, have been converted to air- The above is just a short list of birds around the Club that conditioned fortresses, whose defences it cannot breach. In even a casual observation would not fail to notice. For the the good old days, it would find suitable holes in our house more serious birder, there are at least 15 other species that you walls and nooks and corners all over the house where it are bound to see around the Club. I will write about them in a future issue of Clublife. JL Singh (P-1033) RATIN EB G L Knowledge Club - Shri Sanat Kaul E C October 2020
YEARS 25 OF E F CLUBLI The GLorius YearS.... nostalgic memories of happy days
Gen BP Rawat, on the eve of taking over as the first CDS of the country visiting Gymkhana on the New Year Eve Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Smt Smriti Irani at Gymkhana LitFest 2020 2019, with our President Lt Gen DR Soni Knowledge Club - Smt Meira Kumar
Padma Vibhshan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia performed at the Club, February 2020 Hon’ble Speaker Smt Meira Kumar gifting a copy of the ‘Constitution of India’ to the Club, 2015 The first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone. George Roberts
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Ram Jethmalani 2015 BK Shivani, Jan 2015 Arun Jaitley 2015 Arun Shourie 2007 Shashi Tharoor 2013
Khushwant Singh with President Lt Gen Shankar Prasad & Mrs Dipika Newsletter goes Electronic; Ashwajit Tenzing Norgay Nanjappa, 2000 Singh with President AS Dulat, 2007 The world does not need us; it is our need to perform in this world to purify our heart
26 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in LEBRAT E IN C October 2020 G YEARS25 C OF LU BLIFE The GLorius YearS.... nostalgic memories of happy days
His Holiness Dalai Lama at the Club, 2015
Suresh Prabhu 2020 Karan Singh 2014 Dev Anand 2007 Shiv Khera, 2015 Rajdeep Sardesai, 2016
Ramesh Krishnan, 2011 Naseeruddin Shah, 2013
Kiran Bedi 2017 Lushin Dubey 2017 Sharmila Tagore 2016 Anupam Kher 2016 William Darymple 2017
Learn to develop, nurture and sustain healthy thoughts
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Rare Visit of Mr Boris Becker... seen with Col JP Singh, 2012 Kapil Dev, our National hero signing autograph for a budding cricketer, 2012
Master Stroke by our international player Geet Sethi, 2013 Usha Uthup, 2013 Pinaz Masani, 2012
Ravi Shastri 2010 Harish Salve, 2015 Javed Akhtar 2002 Suhel Seth 2015 Priyanka Chopra 2008
Vintage Car Rally year, 2014 Polo match organised to mark the Club’s Centenary Celebrations
Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd Registered Office : 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi -11 • Tel: 91-11-23015531–35, 23010588, 23010614 • Fax: 91-11-23019709 Email: [email protected] • [email protected] • Website: www.delhigymkhana.org.in • CIN U93000DLI901NPL000024
Editor: Designed and Printed by Mr SP Rawal Views expressed in the articles are those of individual members Benchmark Graphic Pvt. Ltd., [email protected] and not the official views of the Club. [email protected] 28 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in