club life July 2019 Vol. 12 • No. 23

Delhi Gymkhana Club, 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi 110011 A monthly in-house newsletter for private circulation only

From the largely by streamlining checking, members. However, the entire President’s procedures, and imposition process was stayed by the Delhi Desk of systems, as was also High Court upon the applications suggested by the Gen Shankar of two plaintiffs, The dates now Prasad Committee. In fact the announced by the Court to hear Administration and Finance the petitions now will be during Committees went still further the tenure of the next General with the Secretariat in reworking Committee. After having taken the operating procedures. These the plunge to hold an EGM after procedures have already been nearly two decades, I wonder set into motion, spearheaded when the next attempt would be by our tireless Secretary. made and how events might play Dear Members, Changes expected of us by the out even then. s your General Committee Government’s agencies are also Because of the weather Aapproaches the home being implemented and I had conditions, it has not been possible stretch of its tenure, we had explained these details in the to hold any club events out in the wished it to be a fitting finale two open fora organised recently. open. We have compensated by where all members aspirations We had put out a notice to hold having indoor events particularly that could possibly be achieved, an Extraordinary General Body during the Thursday and would materialise. Issues related Meeting (EGM) for the 4th of Saturday evening where there to membership are largely August in order to amend our has been a considerable variety sorted, except for few groups Articles of Association. This of entertainment. There will that remain. Other issues relating was for two purposes – one, be a ladies night on the 10th of to the club’s administration and to bring them in line with the August. The Club also would logistics as well as its relations Companies Act of 2013 and hold the President’s night on with government agencies have secondly, to amend a few articles the 7th September to which all been relentlessly pursued. to make them conducive to the members would be welcome. Further intimation would follow. The finances of the club have contemporary practices of the also improved and operating club. This EGM is the desire of May I draw your kind attention to losses are now being contained, an overwhelming number of two items of public importance, July 2019

those in the use of electricity and water in the club. We are all aware of the nationwide PREVIEW shortage of water for most of the year. I would Annual free eye screening camp 03 implore members to exercise maximum economy in its use, particularly in the Book Club Event - Game 04 dressing rooms. Likewise please ensure that Book Club Event - Challenges of lights and appliances are switched off when Governance 04 not in use. We have huge bills raised against Parsi Food Festival Menu 04 us for payment of water and power charges even while having the potential to reduce Bengali Food Festival 05 them substantially by very simple measures. Budding Artist Muskaan Chopra 05 There are a few WhatsApp Groups of members “I have seen the Raging Bull of Dras in of the Club. I was given the privilege of being action “ – Lakhi’s Kargil story 06-07 hosted by some of them. While there has been interesting debate and ideas thrown PAYMENT METHOD OF CLUB BILLS 07 up in these groups which are inevitably WIMBLEDON 2019 … culled out by the GC members, there have The Heartbeat… The Soul… also been extreme viewpoints expressed by The Pulse of the Sporting World! 08 few members, and often in inappropriately EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH 09 caustic language and repartee. Such extreme views were quite widespread during the run LEGAL SUB COMMITTEE 10 upto the EGM. This points towards damage Annual Open Snooker to the cultural fabric & ethos of the club. Tournament 2019 10 May I remind members that cohesiveness is paramount at this time to enable successive CHALOJI LONDON! 11 General Committees to be able to apply Syndicate Rummy Tournament 11 themselves in running the club efficiently. It AchievementS of our members 12 has never been the case that the Committee members do not glean your valuable and from the military archives 13 insightful comments and implement them, so Bridge Results 13 do kindly resist the temptation to allow the level of debate to plummet. This would weigh GOLDEN MOMENTS LUNCH 14-15 in even more as the next election approaches What does a safer future during the AGM which we plan for the 29th of mean to you and your community? 16 September, 2019. Union Budget 2019-2020 16 On the occasion of Independence Day we Editorial 17 convey our best wishes and may members of this Club unflinchingly and substantially, EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING contribute to achieving the interests and 04 AUGust 2019 18 potential of our great country. OBITUARY 18-19 Prashant Sukul Forthcoming Events 20 President

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Annual free eye screening camp - 1st July 2019 free Eye Screening Camp for the staff and families of Delhi Gymkhana Club was held at the Jamun Tree on AMonday 1st July 2019. It was the fifth annual camp conducted by Dr Vipin Buckshey (P- 7064) in memory of his late father with the support of Shroff Charity Eye Hospital Darya Ganj. Mr Vipin Vipin Buckshey himself is an Optometrist & Contact Lens Specialist. He is Optometrist to the President of India and a Padma Shri awardee. At the camp detailed eye examinations were carried out and provision made to subsequently give out free spectacles. Patients requiring surgical interventions were referred to the hospital where the desired procedure would be done free of cost. On completion, GC member Cdr Akhil Sirohi thanked the Mr Buckshey and the rest of the Eye Camp Team for their effort.

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Book Club Event - Game India - Seven Book Club Event - Challenges of Strategic advantages that can steer India Governance - An Insider’s View by BK to wealth by R N Bhaskar- 28th June 2019 Chaturvedi - 12th July 2019

Parsi Food Festival Menu - 23rd June 2019

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Bengali Food Festival - 21 Jul 2019 The Bengali Food themed Lunch organised in the Main Dining Hall on Sunday 21 July , curated by Executive Chef Sushant Bishal was appreciated by Members. The menu was well chosen and the flavours very authentic. Nearly 300 members dined.

Budding Artist Muskaan Chopra 17 year old Muskaan Chopra, daughter of Nikhil and Gitanjali Chopra (U-2253), student at the International School Manila is a budding artist. She has been running “Art for a Cause”. She has always enjoyed painting and dabbling with colors. Her keen eye for detail and her ability to transfer the image on a piece of canvas is laudable. During the last couple of years she has been using Muskaan Chopra her talent to raise funds through the sale of her work to support causes that are close to her heart. Today she has sold more than 25 pieces of art and has been able to raise funds to sponsor education of four abandoned children from the “Chosen Children’s Village Foundation” in the Philippines. She has also contributed towards the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief fund during the Kerala floods. She has helped in supporting the families of the martyrs of the Central Armed Police Forces through “Bharat ke Veer” and more recently became a part of a larger endeavour focused on providing safe drinking water through installation of water pumps in schools of rural India via an organization called “Water Aid India” Muskaan is able to balance her school work with her love for social causes. She has recently been awarded the top Economics student Award and the Bryn Mawr award for academic excellence and leadership in her school.

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“I have seen the Raging Bull of Dras in action “ – Lakhi’s Kargil story

ate in the summer of 1998, the Srinagar station Lof the Intelligence Bureau under Ajit Doval, It was the main road linking Srinagar to Leh. Initial attempts by the present National Security Adviser reported increased Indian Army to regain these heights were dismal failures. Our soldiers military activity in Kargil along the Line of Control were fighting valiantly against heavy odds. The well-armed intruders with Pakistan. Pakistani troops were being pumped- were sitting atop the dominating heights over the rugged uphill terrain in; high-altitude posts were being reinforced and with razor sharp rocky outcrops and adverse high-altitude weather, fresh minefields had been laid. The posts identified resulting in heavy causalities, with no success. were codenamed Chor, Hadi, Saddle, Reshma, Masjid, Dhalan and Langar — the very posts that later served At this stage, my once mild-mannered NDA course mate and dear as base camps for Pakistani forces during the war. friend Brigadier Lakhwinder Singh, Commander 8 Mountain Artillery Brigade decided to use artillery fire-power in a most innovative way. By May 1999 India was totally surprised and shocked The unique concept of preponderant fire-power evolved by him by the unexpected intrusions and occupation of the pulverized the enemy. The TNT explosions on the targets were like a critical positions in Kargil, along National Highway 1A. mini nuclear blast which put the fear of God in the enemy. The enemy was often intercepted radioing back to their Headquarters, “yehan kehar baras raha hai, hame bachao.” (Hell is falling on us, save us). ‘Lakhi (as he is popularly known) used the Bofors guns in the direct firing role to destroy enemy bunkers and enabled our infantry led from the front by many young brave officers, to reach close to the enemy positions and neutralise them. The heroic attacks with well-motivated men and officers with scant regard for their own safety paved for India’s victory. The Nation and its Armed Forces rejoiced the first victory of Kargil Operation at Tololing on the morning of 13 Jun 1999. It was a huge relief to the Army and the Nation which had lived the last one month listening to media reports of a series of reverses and lack of success in Kargil. This victory led to Success at other positions - the Black Rock Area, Tiger Hill and Point 4875. The concept of fire power propounded by Brig Lakhwinder Singh has been hailed by the Military Commanders and the Media alike. His out of box thinking and it’s application has propelled him to National and International fame. Mr Raj Chengappa in India Today’s, issue of Aug 98 wrote: ‘behind the infantry’s heroism lay the Artillery’s Prowess. Lucky makes no apologies for his tactics to pulverise the enemy into submission.’ Lt Gen Kishan Pal, the Corps Commander of 15 Corps, responsible for the battle zone summarised the Artillery’s contribution “Daring, bold and dynamic handling and unconventional way of employment

6 • www.delhigymkhana.org.in July 2019 of Artillery resulted in positive execution. Artillery created such course mates ….. “I have seen the Raging Bull of fire supremacy on the battle field that the enemy was physically Dras in action. What a Guy !! Ruthlessely employed degraded to such an extent that subsequent ground operations were the guns and broke all your Devlali rules. And thirsty pre destined to succeed.” for success too. When all your Guys were asking International recognition came from none other than the U S for some particular charge, he told me Saale jo bhi Military. In a thesis sponsored by the United States Naval Post charges hai Desh mein get it. Made guns fire at point Graduate School, Monterey, California - High Altitude Warfare: blank range, really unforgettable experience to see The Kargil Conflict and the Future, by Captain Marcus P Acosta, the green mountain tops become black in 15 minutes. dedicates a special chapter to the “ Dominance of Artillery. Great guy to know, Brigadier Lakhi. Bless Him.

“Without artillery fire, Indian infantry stood no chance of taking So , this is Lakhi’s story and the rest is History. the heights, as they were vulnerable to Pakistani forces firing freely General Lakhwinder down upon them while they made the slow and difficult trek up the Singh essentially slope.“The Indian Army deployed over 130 Bofors guns to Kargil, and most of them came under the command of one of the army’s has become a most innovative leaders, Brigadier Lakhwinder Singh. Singh legend. He stands earned the nickname “Enraged Bull of Dras” for his technique of acknowledged both applying overwhelming firepower to enable infantry manoeuvre, at home and across which he compared to using a “sledgehammer to shell a peanut.” the globe for his Major General Lakhwinder Singh, YSM As commander of 8 Mountain Division's Artillery Brigade at Dras, military genius and he played a pivotal role in the conflict’s most important battles. become a subject of study in the portals of military Artillery became the most reliable and effective method of firepower warfare. Just as a master craftsman wields his chisel to at Kargil, determining the success of infantry assaults by providing produce a masterpiece, so did he consummately sculpt time and space for manoeuvre. a new paradigm for military combat, elevating artillery During the 20th Year Commemoration recently, some comments from battle support to that of a battle winner, adding which were widely circulated have eugolised his role in Kargil yet another chapter of glory to the Indian Army and Victory . Brigadier Narayanan of 4 Garh Rifles message sent to his the Nation.

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Wimbledon crown in 3hrs and 53 mins. That 1982 Wimbledon WIMBLEDON 2019 … Finals where Jimmy Connors battled John Mcenroe winning in 5 Pulsating sets in 4hrs 14 mins. A Wimbledon Mens Finals The Heartbeat… which saw tennis shot making reaching to places it has never ever been before. That 2008 Rafael Nadal`s Historic Wimbledon The Soul… Finals win over Roger Federer in 5 sets in 4 hrs and 48 mins. One in a Lifetime sight was seen on Wimbledon`s Centre The Pulse of Court…Tears of Joy flowing from Nadal. Tears of Sadness flowing from Federer. The 2009 Wimbledon Finals where Roger the Sporting Federer beat Andy Roddick in 5 sets lasting 4 hrs 17 mins and 16-14 in the 5th set. Finishing in Twilight. But Roger Federer`s World ! shots were like Torchlights in that Hour of Darkness. Now came the 2019 Wimbledon Men`s Finals perhaps the Greatest The Only Indian /Asian to have of these Five Classic All time Wimbledon Men`s Finals. Novak Reported & Broadcasted Covering Djokovic battling perhaps the Greatest Player of All time 80 Grand Slam Tennis Events from Roger Federer. A Wimbledon Finals full of emotion, nostalgia their Venues. He has covered 35 and packed with blood, guts and glory. In this Longest ever Wimbledon Mens Finals, that saw a flood of Vintage Tennis Wimbledon Grand Slams. come along in a flood of Intense Drama. For 4 hrs 57 min`s his is where History is in that Himalayan 5 set battle for the Wimbledon Crown, 15, Tmade. This is where 000 centre court fans never left the stands. Both Djokovic and Champions are born. This Federer were battling like Tennis Gladiators with Breathtaking is where Tennis Superstars Rallies. Chasing balls as if there was no Tomorrow , with Wings dazzle the world. That in their Heels and Heels like Chariots on Fire. Once More Eternal Rudyard Kipling Wimbledon History was Coming Alive. Once More Wimbledon`s Poem “If you can meet with 15, 000 Centre Court Fans Roared for the Greatest ever Triumph and Disaster and Shot making Tennis Star Roger Federer. Once more Novak treat these two Impostors Djokovic battled like Rambo, fierce like Rocky Balboa. 10, Atul Premnarayen just the same” are inscribed 20, 30 shot rallies burnt the “Green Green Grass of Home just above the swing “ Wimbledon`s Centre Court . Rallies after Rallies were seen doors from where the Two Finalists step on where the majestic Roger Federer`s drop volleys, backhands to the Majestic Masterpiece Theatre of Grass slicing & spinning of the ball and those inside out forehands Court Tennis, Wimbledon`s Centre Court. Then were drifting like a Snowflake on Wimbledon`s Centre Court begins the Journey of an Immortal Destiny in Arena. There was that eternal Tennis Warrior Novak Djokovic a Wimbledon Finals, of the Two Finalist and with a heart never say die, who was battling from the baseline the 15,000 Centre Court fans.! Wimbledon with astonishing power retrieving balls and winning points, till Championships began in 1877, but its the last he rose like a phoenix from the ashes of defeat, to snatch 39 years that have produced the Five Greatest, a Wimbledon Crown, playing his greatest ever tennis battle, Five most Historic and the Five Longest ever that was raging in the Cathedral of Tennis…Wimbledon . In Wimbledon Men`s Finals. These Five Wimbledon this 133rd Wimbledon Finals it was Djokovic`s Heart, Mind and Mens Finals have truly given the Sporting His Piercing Shot making that Triumphed over the Majestic All world some of its greatest thrills, unbearable Court Shot making of Roger Federer. Centre Court Exploded tension and magical shot making. In all these each time Roger Federer`s World class shots won a point. Five Greatest ever Wimbledon Mens Finals the Djokovic battled this with his World Class returning powers. world saw the beautiful sight of the players In the first 3 sets there were two crushing Tie breakers, wielding their rackets like a magical wand with in the 1st and the 3rd both won by the Wall of Tennis each flowing backhand and each biting forehand. Djokovic. The 2nd and the 4th set Federer won with supreme And the sheer Power of Serve and Shots were consistency and sheer brilliance that shone like the majestic like a Speeding Truck crushing pebbles on the rising sun. For the very first time Wimbledon Grand Slam highway. And all of these Wimbledon moments Introduced a Tie Breaker played at 12 games all in the 5th have come pouring down like a waterfall of joy. set. ( As in the 2018 Wimbledon semis Kevin Anderson bt John That brilliant 1980 Mens 5 set Finals Bjorn Borg Isner in the 5th set itself, lasted for nearly 3 hrs with a Tie vs John Mcenroe …the world remembers the breaker 26-24 ! and Anderson was finished physically to play Mind Blowing Vintage 4th set tie breaker 18- the finals. Wimbledon has seen the longest Tie breaker played 16 which Mcenroe won. But Borg won his fifth in 2010 when John Isner bt Nicolas Mahut 70-68 ! ) What a

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Wimbledon Mens Finals. That Ultimate Warrior of Tennis Novak Djokovic battled from down Two Wimbledon 2019 Match Points. Battled against Federer in Federer`s Winner: Novak Djokovic born 22 May favourite Grand Slam. And was just “One Djokovic” 1987 is a Serbian professional tennis player vs 15,000 Federer`s Wimbledon Fans ! Federer had who is currently ranked world No. 1 in men's 25 Aces and 94 winners .Djokovic had 10 aces and singles tennis by the Association of Tennis 54 winners. Federer player of all ages displayed Professionals (ATP). Novak Djokovic was his best tennis winning more games, more aces, the defending champion and successfully less errors still lost. Djokovic return of Federer`s defended his title, defeating Roger Federer serves and he has managed to find a way around in four hours and 57 minutes in the longest singles final in Wimbledon history. Federer`s brilliance. At almost 38 yrs of age, Roger Novak Djokovic Federer said at the end” Its not the end for me, Winner Singles Final The Prize Money was £2,350,000 I can`t believe the incredible opportunity missed Wimbledon 2019 with the 2 match points “ This was when Federer was in the 5th set up 8-7 and led 40-15 on his serve The crowds even booed Djokovic for hitting his racket to a micro phone…But yes he had the last laugh. Those 4 hrs 57 mins showed that whilst Roger Federer paints the courts with strokes of magic, Djokovic is the master of moments winning by a thousand cuts. In the very end of that Titanic Battle, Defending Champion Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer 7-6;1-6;7-6;4-6;13-12. Winning his 16th Grand Slam and his 5th Wimbledon Crown, in the Longest ever Wimbledon Mens Finals. And by far one of the Greatest ever. Also became the 1st man in 71 yrs to win Wimbledon from match point down . Djokovic has a winning record vs Federer 26-22. And yes Novak said “ When the crowds chant Roger I hear Novak “ Federer has won 8 Wimbledon Titles. The 9th just slipped away. So near but then so far from holding the Golden Wimbledon Trophy for the eyes of the World. What We are the children of a single God, a magical Wimbledon Finals. 2019 Wimbledon is over. 2020 So why do we call Wimbledon is coming soon ! our brothers and sisters odd? Atul Premnarayen (P-4241) This earth is for you and me, [email protected] Don’t divide us on the basis of religion race or creed. EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Why these classifications of rice and poor? Why these ranks of upper and lower? Hinduism, Islam, Christianity lead us to a single path. Then why these feuds, wars and bloodbath? Educate the girls, empower the women. Why this disparity between Shawn and Shirin? June, 2019 July, 2019 This whole world is a family, family, family Mr. Karzanand Singh, working as a Helper in the Bar Section So my dear brothers and sisters, lets walk and Md. Abid Saifee, working as a mechanic in the AC Section the path of unity happily. (comes under Maintenance Department), both employees of Tip- Top Enterprises have been declared “Employee of the Month” for Tia Agarwal, aged 11 years the month of June, 2019 and July, 2019 respectively for their granddaughter of Ashok Gupta (P-5521) sincerity, dedication and hard work. As a token of appreciation [email protected] they were awarded a cash prize of Rs.1000/- and a certificate each.

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was granting accelerated permanent membership to UCP’s LEGAL SUB in violation of the Club’s Articles of Association while on the COMMITTEE other hand they wanted Green Cards/UCP status for their own overage children, contrary to the Articles of Association he Legal sub-committee is chaired by Mr. of the Club. TRajji Rai, co-chaired by Brig Ravi Mehta and has Cdr Arun Saigal and Mr NS Katoch The case lasted for over 4 years, during which certain interim as its members. It is mandated to monitor orders were passed by the Hon’ble Courts placing restrictions and supervise certain court cases of the Club. on the club for grant of permanent memberships to UCP’s. The Sub-committee has been meeting on a Finally, the suit has been held to be not maintainable and regular basis to oversee the status, monitor the the Hon’ble Court has allowed the legal objection that the progress and issue directions and advisories to jurisdiction of the Civil Court is ousted and the jurisdiction the Lawyers on Record regarding the cases for such grievances is the NCLT (National Company Law in various courts. It has achieved significant Tribunal). After the rejection of the suit, all interim orders results, some of which are mentioned below. also are now no longer operative and therefore vacated. The Legal Affairs sub-committee would like to place on record its appreciation of Mr. Gaurav This has cleared the path not only to move up the already M. Liberhan whose advice and close monitoring, balloted UCPs to Permanent Membership of the Club but also on a day to day basis, has immensely helped to consider the cases of the other eligible UCPs as per the AoA. it navigate many complicated matters. The The Sub Committee has also taken on record the efforts of current status of two important cases is the Club’s Lawyer on Record Mr Saket Sikri and that of Mr summarised in the succeeding paragraphs. Vikas Singh who represented Ms Anjali Mann, a UCP who Alok Mehndiratta Case had impleaded herself in this case. Mr Alok Mehndiratta (P-5088) along with other members of the Club namely Mr. Somendra Lal Labour Related Cases Oberoi, Dr JS Mathur, Mr Ghanshyam Ambwani, Out of the total of 22 cases pending in the Labour Office / Mr. Pramod Prakash Kapur and Mr. D.K Gupta Courts 12 have been disposed and ten are pending for final filed a case against the Club before the Civil orders. The Committee appreciates the hard work and follow Court which was pending for long before the up by Advocate Rajeev Dayal Patiala House, District Courts. Mr Rajji Rai On the one hand, they alleged that the Club Chairperson Legal Sub Committee

Annual Open Snooker Left to Right : Rakesh Mahindroo , Tournament 2019 Co- ordinator, Brig Ravi Mehta , Presentation of Jagdeep Chairman Indoor Sports, Snooker Trophy to the Winner : Mr Dhruv Soota, President Winner of Annual Open Mr Prashant Sukul, Snooker Tournament 2019 Mr N S Katoch, Co-Chairmain by the Club President to Indoor Sports Mr Dhruv Soota (U-1838).

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We’re spending Sunday with Choti Beti, she CHALO JI LONDON! lives right next to Nehruji’s old school in Harrow, where he’s been busted. Luckily all her grumpy ello all my friends from Gymkhana Club! ‘gora’ neighbours are moving out to Tawrawnto, HI’m really so excited about being and so many nice Punjabi families have bought in London, after our comfortable Jat their houses, that they are putting in a request Airways flight. We’ve booked ourselves to rename the enclave ‘ Punjabi Bagh’. And into a nice English hotel, the Taj, right the Gurdwara is just ten minutes away, with next to Buckingaun Mahal, as I love to a yummy langar. I always get confused in the sit in St Jamshedji Park and look at the lanes, but there are clear signs in Gurmukhi. beautiful swans, specially on the other side where I can hear the chimes of Big Behn. Pity we missed Prince Hari’s and Even along the docks we didn’t get lost, as Meghna’s wedding.We of course started with our darshan I remembered Bengali from my Kolkotta of Gandhiji’s statue at Parliament Square, with a nice gainda schooldays, and could read all the road signs. mala. And then we strolled down Whitewall, which is being Its all that Gujarati in Wembley that always turned into a boutique, or a hotel, by the Hindujas ( I can see confuses me. Beti and son-in-law are taking our Tiranga fluttering outside).Then strolled all the way to us there for a dosa lunch, and after our tour Trafalgarh Square and fed the greedy kabootars. of Swaminarayan Temple, I’ll be happy with a chicken Biryani takeaway from Kohinoor Our old friends, Lord Desai, Lord Dholakia and Lord Suri, have already invited us to West Minister. Really useful, Dhaba. Or maybe the Indian Thali from our very knowing these typically British Lords. If its not raining, we’ll own M&S across the road. And then just relax, walk down Piccadelhi, they’re closing all traffic for the Hare and catch up on the Indian news on Times Now, Krishna rath yatra, and listen to the cling clang and chanting, or NDTV, instead of listening to that Boring and then spend the afternoon at Burkhawali Park, where the British Corporation. women Hyde their pretty faces. By the way, did you know Great to be abroad, isn’t it, away from all this that Tetley Tea has changed its name to Tata Chaiwala ? I boring Indian stuff in mera mahaan Bharat.... wonder why. wish all my friends were here with me - Asha I must also go to our khilonaywala - now its hamari Hamley, Mrs Asha Suri, as Ambani has bought it from the Chinese, who had already bought it from the firangi British. Good thing, as we were wife of Air Chief Marshal N C Suri (P-0562) told not to buy Chinese things anyway. [email protected]

Syndicate Rummy Tournament - 15th May 2019 RESULT - JOINT WINNER: Ms Sonya Suri, W/Cdr D Nath, Ms Pimmi Malhotra

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AchievementS of our members

Mr Arvinder J S Chhatwal (P-2961) played 3 Tennis tournaments in USA in the +65 age group with following results: Eshaan Singh (G-6743) Son of Tanya & Ashwajit Singh (P-5473)

SELECTED FOR the Duke University USA Place Tournament Results Award for initiative that highlights and celebrates Atlanta USTA Cat 2 / Singles- SF the students within the community who make ITF Cat 1/ Doubles-QF extraordinary contributions. Nationals The tagline of the PAIRED PRINCIPLE AWARD Irvine USTA Cat1/ Singles-Pre QF ITF Cat A/ Doubles-QF for Collective Diversity reads Nationals “We embrace all of our classmates because our Freemont/ USTA/Northern CA Finalist individuality is better and stronger together” Oakley 3 matches Team Doubles Only The selection is made from the student body by Championship a group consisting of the Dean, Student Leaders, As a result of these successes, Arvinder is now the only Asian to Duke Administrators and Faculty which make it to the World 50 rankings in Singles and Doubles. He is commented ranked by ITF at 42 in Singles and 25 in Doubles. “Congratulations to the Paired Principle award In USA he is ranked Nationally as per USTA at 73 in Singles and winners for Spring 2! We had a lot of excellent 59 in Doubles. submissions for the Paired Principle awards this year, so thank you to all who nominated and to Thirteen year old Shaurya Bawa all who have done such outstanding work to be son of Rishi and Natasha Bawa worthy of recognition.” (U- 2447) won the Gold medal in His name and citation with a write up along with the Under 15 Boys category at the a photograph will be displayed at the entrance 4 Star Squash National Tournament hall of the building for one year. held in Greater Noida from 13 to16 July 2019 . 13 year old Sareena Earlier, at the Indian Public- Gavaskar grand daughter School Committee (IPSC) of Ms Uma Sharma Squash Championship held at (L-2183) studying in Los Angeles USA has received Dehradun from 9 to 13 July 2019 awards for Social science, he participated in the Under 19 category on behalf of Modern Algebra honours and School, Barakhamba Road. He won the Gold in the Team Event Science. She has also and the Silver in the individual event. received a Certificate Earlier this year In the School Swimming Competition, Shaurya for academic excellence came 2nd in Breast stroke and 4th in the 200 metres relay. from President Trump. Congratulations. Congratulations Shaurya, Way to go !!

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FROM THE MILITARY ARCHIVES Request Permission to Discontinue Shaving !! duty with only a moustache and no beard. This cycle his used to be a common request at the Captain’s Requestmen & repeated two months before start of their next leave. TDefaulters Table once upon a time in the Indian Navy-and thereby In early 1971 the navy regulations were amended. hangs an interesting tale. The Captain could permit officers and men to wear The Indian Navy's Regulations on the subject of moustaches and moustaches and beards or shave them off, if they so beards had adopted, verbatim, the regulations of the British Navy. desire. Moustaches and beard could be worn with or These required that a naval officer or sailor had to have both beard without the beard and moustaches respectively. Side and moustache or neither. He also had to obtain the approval of his whiskers were permitted down to the level of the lobe Commanding Officer to "discontinue shaving" or to "continue shaving". of the ear. The privilege could be withdrawn in cases of In India, since time immemorial, the moustache has been a sign of untidy growth. Moustaches, beard and whiskers had to manhood and valour. Many sailors, well before going on leave, sought be neatly cut and trimmed permission to `discontinue shaving', so that by the time they reached their homes, they could sport a moustache. On return from leave, they (Ack: Transition to Triumph) would seek permission to `continue shaving’. How the name ‘The Mall’ came about : This regulation was relaxed by Admiral Nanda, Chief of Naval Staff In almost every military station there is a Mall Road. (1970-73) on the basis of a conversation with a Rajput sailor who told In the old days it was a Road division between married him that if he reached home without a moustache people would enquire accommodation and Living Lines. if he was in mourning because it was a sign of the death of his father! Therefore before planning to go home on leave, sailors like him would Bungalows and Messes dotted the eastern side while the request to grow a beard so that they could grow a moustache also. ‘Lines’ were located on the western side… Indian troops And, as customary, they could not go ashore on liberty (short leave) were not permitted to cross the Mall Road. looking unkempt until the beard had grown! The day their leave started The Mall Road was actually an abbreviation for Married they would shave off the beard so that they could reach home with a Accommodation and Living Lines Road !!! moustache and show that they are a man !! Before re-joining ship they would shave off the moustache too because they could not report for (contributed by Sqn Ldr Ashok Ahooja)

Bridge Results june 2019 TEAM OF FOUR PAIRS NORTH-SOUTH 1st Maj Gen P R Dhawan, Mr Sunil Kumar, Mr D D Gulhati, 1st Sneh Lata Singla - M P Agarwal Mr R S Gujral, Mr Arun Kumar 2nd Arun Kumar - Anil Gupta 2nd Brig D N Khanna, Dr Vikram Jain, Ms Tara Laroia, 3rd Jyotsna Khanna - N N Khanna Mr Vishal Marwah, Mr Ashok Singh, Mr S Behuria EAST-WEST 1st A K Singh - S Behura 3rd Mr Kawaljeet Singh, Ms Sunita Singh, Ms Sneh Thadani, 2nd Jaya Singh - S Talwar Mr Narjit Kanwar, Mr M N Chopra, Ms Urmil Agarwal 3rd Veena Viswanathan- R S Gujral

Bridge Results July 2019 TEAM OF FOUR PAIRS 1st Brig Sawhney, Mr Sutanu Behuria, NORTH-SOUTH Mr Ashok Singh, Mr R S Gujral, 1st Ms Sneh Lata Singla – Dr Rajiv Anand Ms Veena Vishwanathan 2nd Ms Meera Shamsher Singh – Ms Saroj Vasudeva 2nd Ms Alka Jain, Mr D K Jain, Ms Reeta Bhagwati, 3rd Col Ramesh Vasudeva – Maj Gen A L Suri Ms Kalpana Varshney EAST-WEST 3rd Dr R Anand, Maj Gen A L Suri, Col Vasudeva, 1st Mr Sanjiv Bery – Mr Rohit Gupta Kumar Mrs Sneh Lata Singla, Ms Sheena Khorana, 2nd Brig V K Sawhney – Mr Ashok Singh Mr Jasjit Singh 3rd Ms Bharti Singh – Mr Navtej Singh

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GOLDEN MOMENTS LUNCH - 27 Jul 2019 he President and Members of the General Committee hosted a lunch in honour of the senior members of the Club who Thave completed more than a century’s association with the Delhi Gymkhana Club. It was an afternoon of nostalgia and interesting narratives of days gone by. After welcoming the Members and their Spouses , the President himself went around presenting each one of them with a beautifully crafted photo-frame containing photographs of their early days and the present. Copies of the well-crafted menu of the sumptuous lunch were collected by some of the invitees as a souvenir of a memorable occasion. The Club gratefully acknowledges a generous contribution of Rs 10,000/- on that occasion by Mr Avtar Singh Rikhy (P-0519) as a token of his appreciation for the high quality of all round facilities provided to the members and their families "which we have had the privilege and good fortune to enjoy for several decades " It has been decided to utilise this money in the Education Fund of the Club Staff. Whenever any member completes 50 years of membership, please drop a line to the Club Secretary to remind him to include his name in the next function.

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India where children are not only deprived of education, but What does a safer also denied theirbasic human needs and requirements due to lack of facilities and awareness.A safer future for them future mean to and many other such children will arrive when each and every child is educated and provided with the opportunity you and your to express themselves. Water is the basic requirement for life. I fear and tremble at community? the thought that the safety of our wonderful planet lies in the risk of nations fighting over water. It is not only water which very morning I stand staring out is essential for our life that the planet is blessed with, but Eof the window at the bustling also the environment which stands in greatdanger. The rising street. My mind is filled with temperatures, the depleting forests, the melting glaciers, the multiple thoughts running helter deforestation, oil spills and the rapidly increasing diseases skelter in my head just like the many are warningthat the future ahead is not so safe. Our planet cars wandering in all directions. is far too precious to be allowed to experience the poisoning This is where my home is. I live of the oceans and the depletion of the ozone layer. amidst a community of people. Therefore, a ‘safer future’ lies in seeing ahead and solving My people! Yet, there is always a problem that cannot be seen yet. It can lie safe only in the pain, a fear of the unknown. Why hands of those who cherish honesty and hold themselves does this feeling of looking outside home not give me responsible for their actions and deeds. It is important that the tenderness of a ‘safe future’? I want to go out alone as a global community we learn to blossom together with explore and travel without fear, but it is not safe. I ask common goals and accomplishments. myself time and again, what a ‘safe future’ means to the world today. A safer future is not realised through far-reaching and major achievements, but sometimes it is the little choices made out To me, a safe future is one where there exists a conflict free of tenderness, care and concern that help lead nations into world. It makes me wonder how my beautiful world can moving towards better achievements. Let the leadership of then be conflict free. As a citizen of India, I have grown up every nation be people focused.I dream to grow and live in seeing and hearing about a heart wrenching relationship a world free of conflict. My dream is to build a new world between India and its closest neighbour. A neighbour, once where people live in harmony, share love and spread good our family! I dream and wonder if ever in my life time I will. shall see them united in friendship. Coming from a land of diversity in religion, I hope to see a world living in peace and As I walk away from the window I stare at the globe on harmony which will bring about a safer future for the coming my table, wondering if this round piece of ball will ever generations. I look at a safer world in a nuclear weapon free be united as a family. The futureI realize lies in our hands; environment where power is not misused to show strength. we are the future on this amazing world. Celebrating the It instead, serves as a weapon of sacrifice, togetherness and world environment day this year on June, 5 and keeping the teamwork. I hope to see the most powerful nations of today philosophy of the safe future in mind I will try to educate reaching out to those who need a helping hand, not for the as many needy children I come across who are passionate purpose of a personal interest, but for a globally harmonious about learning. This will be my first step towards a safer relationship. A ‘safer future’ is when each child is educated future for the community around me. and finds in himself the ability to express fearlessly and Paras Nigam, 12 years s/o Vishal Nigam (P-6784) effectively as a true global citizen. There are many villages in rashmi nigam [[email protected]]

Union Budget 2019-2020 he Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs TSmt. Nirmala Sitharaman in her maiden Budget Speech presented the Union Budget 2019-20 before the Parliament on 5 July 2019. The Government’s vision aims at making India a 5 Trillion Dollar Economy with the goal of achieving a 3 Trillion Dollar Economy in the current year. We share some of the highlights of the visionary budget.

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Editorial oon after publishing July also reminded one of the mindless Sthe May-June bloodshed , the bravery of our army during the edition of Club Life , Kargil conflict. We carry a interesting narrative my wife and I were able of a young officer to escape the heat and The Club made very good arrangements dust of Delhi to spend to witness the Cricket matches and the two much needed Wimbledon tournament. India’s loss in cricket relaxing weeks in the was heartbreaking. The excitement of the nail- salubrious climate biting finish of the Wimbledon finals has been of the Nilgiris at the very well narrated in this issue by one of our affiliated Wellingtonown members Mr Atul Premnarayen who was Gymkhana Club. Like the Delhi Gymkhana Club, Wellington there. Sporting events are always a source of Gymkhana Club is one of the oldest clubs in the country. inspiration to our members, young and old, who Nestled in sylvan surroundings, its 69 acres include a golf continue to excel in sports. We have covered course with streams running through it. The tranquillity and the proud achievements of some of them. The beauty of the lush green tea estate on the hill side across Book Club events, entertainment programmes the golf course is a lovely sight to behold as one sits in the and food festivals drew members in large verandah of one’s modern residential cottage sipping the numbers to the club. To their credit, the club exquisite nilgiri tea. The occasional sight of a family of staff ensured smooth functioning and good Bisons grazing near the stream adds to memories of a visit service in all the facilities. Due to the summer to a place of pure bliss, away from the hustle and bustle of vacations of schools, the swimming pools and the city life, where nature and history are a part of the menu and gymnasiums were always filled with children. time stands still. They provided an enjoyable outing for parents as well. Though the slowly forming rain bearing July has been a very eventful month in many ways. The cumulo nimbus clouds were a welcome sight historic mandate of the elections in May gave rise to very in the heat of summer, they were an ominous interesting discussions about the new pecking order in the portent of things to come. The Club was rocked central government and the expectations of the public. by newspaper reports of legal cases filed by A sense of optimism continues to pervade amongst the its members and potential members seeking members of the Club, many of whom have been at the helm relaxation or revision of the club’s membership of policymaking in their times. The Budget and its ambitious rules. At the time of going to press, the EGM economic goals are highlighted in this issue. The successful scheduled for 4 Aug has been postponed. launch of Chandrayaan II mission fifty years after Man’s first This issue carries obituaries of three respected landing on Moon was a giant leap for India, much as Neil members of the Club who left their footprints in Armstrong’s first steps were for Mankind ! the sands of time. UNESCO's latest declaration of additional Heritage Sites We look forward to the monsoons of August, which included Hawa Mahal Jaipur and Babylon in Iraq the month of Savan when Samudra Manthan brought back a flood of memories. I know Jaipur well, having took place, the sounds of Raag Megh Malhar in studied next door at the Mayo College, Ajmer. My family the rain; of Kanwariya yatras, Raksha Bandhan and I were fortunate to visit Babylon on the banks of the and Independence day. Euphrates when on assignment in Baghdad, Iraq in the mid- Cdr Arun Saigal 1980s. Visuals of the famous Ishtar Gate and the Lion of Indian Navy (Retd) Babylon remain indelibly imprinted in my mind. Articles for publication should be e-mailed to: [email protected]

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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 Karan Sarwal on his 90th Birthday on 27 June 2019.

Sqn Ldr (Retd) Mr I M Khosla Mrs Himani SB Chhibber (P-1697) (P-1920) Khanna (L-1785)

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL Mr VBL Mathur Mr D Rahman Mrs Gul Gill MEETING 04 AUGust 2019 (P-1714) (P-4675) (L-2074) POSTPONED

n directions of the Hon’ble High Court Odt 26.07.19 and reasons beyond control, the General Committee has been compelled to postpone the Extraordinary General Meeting Mrs Manorama Mr Girish P Mrs Geeta Batra (L-0392) Sangal (P-3587) Vishwanath (U-0530) (EGM) scheduled on the 04th August’19, until further consideration by it.

Syndicate Rummy Tournament Lt Gen D Swaroop Mr K S Dhillon Mrs Usha R (P-1608) (P-2234) Kapur (L-1459) he Club is organizing a Syndicate TRummy Tournament on Wednesday, 14th August 2019 from 2.45pm onwards at the RUMMY ROOM. The Entry Fee per member is Rs 300/- Capt Harisharan Pal Singh Mrs Primla Mehta Members participating in the tournament Bhandari (G-5289) (L-0451) are requested to assemble in the JAMUN Mr A K Jasuja (P-3990) TREE at 1 pm for lunch. (Regret inability to obtain photograph)

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OBITUARY

MR. SUDARSHAN AGARWAL (19 June 1931- 03 Jul 2019) Mr Sudarshan Agarwal, (P-0846) former President of Delhi Gymkhana Club from 1986-1988 passed away in Delhi on 3 Jul 2019. He was 88. Mr Agarwal is fondly remembered by Members of the General Committee who served with him and members of the Club who interacted with him as a very fine and caring human being and an affectionate gentleman. Mr Agarwal was born in Ludhiana on June 19, 1931. He was of (2003–2007) and (2007- 2008), He was a Member of the National Human Rights Commission and also served as Secretary-General, from1981 to 1993. He was recognised as a very efficient administrator. Mr Agarwal pioneered several philanthropic movements. He readily involved himself with many charitable institutions and service to humanity. Soon after taking oath of office as Governor of Uttarakhand in January 2003, he set up the Him Jyoti School in Dehradun for bright girls from impoverished families of Uttarakhand. This Boarding school is totally free for these girls from weaker sections of society for their education, food, uniforms, toiletries, hostel stay and all other needs. This bold and successful experiment – a free boarding school – is supported by compassionate, caring and socially sensitive individuals and Corporates, by contributions to the corpus and also by adopting girls till they finish their schooling under the 10+2 CBSE curriculum. The success of this school stands today as his legacy. Mr Agarwal is survived by his wife Usha, a son and a daughter.

Sheila Dikshit (31 March 1938 –20 July 2019) Mrs Sheila Dikshit (L-0345) served as Chief Minister of Delhi for 15 years from 1998 to 2013. She led the Congress party to three consecutive electoral victories in Delhi. Her efforts to bring in cleaner public transport, extend the Delhi Metro project and build flyovers won wide appreciation. Due to pre- occupation with public life she was seldom seen in the Club but most members felt that she would be readily accessible to them should the need arise. Earlier she served as a Member of Parliament from 1984-89. She was handpicked by Rajiv Gandhi to be part of his council of ministers after he became the prime minister in 1984. She served briefly as Governor of Kerala from March to Aug 2014. Sheila ji was born on 31 March 1938 in Kapurthala, Punjab, into a Punjabi Khatri Kapoor family. She was educated at the Convent of Jesus and Mary School in New Delhi and graduated with a Master of Arts degree in history from Miranda House at the University of Delhi. She was married to an IAS Officer Vinod Dikshit, son of former West Bengal governor Uma Shankar Dikshit. Sheila Dikshit was the mother of two children: a son, Sandeep Dikshit, who is a former member of Parliament of the 15th Lok Sabha from East Delhi, and a daughter, Latika Syed. Mrs Dikshit was admitted to hospital on 19 July 2019 for cardiac problems and placed on a ventilator within a few moments of her admission. She suffered multiple cardiac arrests and passed away died at 3:55 pm on 20 July 2019, at the age of 81.

MR. PS Bedi (25 July 1929 - 25 Jul 2019) One of our distinguished members, Mr Prithpal Singh Bedi (P-1063), Padmashri Awardee passed away on 25 July 2019 at the age of 90. He was a philanthropist, social worker and winner of many national and international awards. A well-known figure at the Delhi Race Club, he served it for over 5 decades in various capacities including as Chairman and President Emeritus. He was acclaimed for his administrative acumen and for bringing in transparency practices for the benefit of the entire racing community in India. He received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award from the Turf Authority of India for his contribution to the world of horse racing.

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Forthcoming Events 9th Aug 2019 (Friday) – Talk on Cancer 5.30 PM (Tea - 5 PM) by Dr Shefali Agrawal ***** 10th Aug 2019 - Girl’s Night Out 8.00 PM onwards ***** 11th Aug 2019 & 12th Aug 2019 – Two Days Workshop on “Self Management on Excessive Tension” – Party Cottage (9 AM - 5 PM) ***** 13th Aug 2019 – Book Club Event Centenary Bar - 5.30 PM (Tea - 5 PM) ***** 15th Aug 2019 – Independence Day (Flag Hoisting – 10 AM) – Kashmir Lawns ***** 16th Aug 2019 – Talk on Dentistry by Zental: Gentle Dental Clinic ***** 21st Aug 2019 – Book Club Event (Centenary Bar) – 5.30 PM ( Tea – 5 PM) ***** 23rd Aug 2019 – Free Dental Check-up by Dr Priyanka Sethi Kumar (For DGC Staff) Jamun Tree – 11 AM - 5 PM ***** 24th Aug 2019 – Free Dental Check-up by Dr Priyanka Sethi Kumar (For Members) Jamun Tree – 11 AM - 5 PM ***** 25th Aug 2019 – Annual Swimming Gala- 2019 Lady Willingdon Bath – 9.00 AM ***** 30th Aug 2019 – Free Eye Screening Camp for Members by ICARE Eye Hospital & P G Institute, Noida (Party Cottage , 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM.)

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: 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., [email protected] Photograph on cover page and editor’s page courtesy Mr Ravi Puri (P5092) [email protected]

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