REFLECTIONS DURING OUR STAY IN LONDON IN OCTOBER, NOVEMBER 2007


27.10.07 Left home 10 hrs. Arrived IGI Airport 10.40 hrs. The Virgin
(Saturday) Atlantic porters took charge of our luggage. We had a carton with glass dinner set. It was repacked at the airport. After check-in, we were conducted to the Immigration counter by an employee of the Virgin Atlantic. She filled up our forms & after immigration clearance, we were conducted to the Virgin Atlantic lounge where I had a glass of bear to which Venita objected. She objects to everything I do. I am used to it.. But I care for her sentiments. So after finishing a glass of Kingfisher bear, I had a cup of Cappucino coffee with three tea spoons of Bacardi in it. She did not know that I was having coffee with Bacardi .
Today’s Times of India has a photograph of Mrs. Hillary Clinton with actor, director Devanand & industrialist Sant Chawla. Though 80 plus Devanand looked young in the photograph. Instead of at 1.25 PM we took off at 2.45 PM IST. The aircraft is a new type. It is a cabin type sleeper accommodation near the window. Pilku has arranged upper class tickets. Venita is in the next cabin. The menu for lunch is quite spicy for vegetarians. Watched Chini Cum Hindi movie on the TV. Each one of us has a TV in our cabin. In the end, a 65 year old gets married to a 34 year old woman. The father of the woman is younger to her husband. I watched another movie Bheja Fry. It is a story of love of husband for his wife who deserts him for some reason. To kill time, I watched still another movie, ‘Namesake’. It is the depiction of life of NRI children brought up in the culture of the West. Landed at Heathrow after a flight of about 8 hours & 25 minutes . Pilku, Ruchi , Abhishree & Amolikaa met us at the airport & drove us home in Southfields reaching there at about 8 PM GMT.
28.10.07 Spent the day with children. Amolikaa took me to her toys &
(Sunday) books. She gave me 5/6 books to read the stories to her.
Once I missed reading last page of a book & said, “I had
finished the story”, she said “there was still one page left”. I
found she was correct. I read that page to her .In the evening they watched a cartoon film & laughed seeing it. I
also laughed with them .I feel so relaxed. Abhishree is 5 ½
years & Amolikaa 2 ½ years. They are loving.
It was drizzling, cloudy & dark the whole day. Amolikaa said once that rain had stopped. I told her we could go out. She said how we could go out. It is cloudy, dark & cold. It may rain anytime again. Agreed with her. Tomorrow (29.10.07) is predicted to be sunny. The children’s schools are closed for another one week. As usual, I slept for 4 hours during a Saturday & Sunday. I feel quite light now. Yesterday I had a long day a period of 23hrs. The GMT is 5 ½ hrs behind IST.
29.10.07 Got up at 4 AM. Today is KARWA CHOUTH, Venita &
(Monday) Ruchi had Kaju ki Barfi before sun- rise. They won’t be taking anything during the day before they see the moon in the evening.
I saw a peculiar dream yesterday night. I saw I was a news reader. Mrs. Sheila Dixit is telling me to announce that there is no move to change over from democracy to monarchy. A rumor had been spread that Congress was moving to change the constitution and convert Indian state into monarchy. I could not understand the dream.
I went for a walk in the Wimbledon Park at 7.15 AM & returned 8.30 AM. Again I went to the Park along with Venita & later children also joined. It was bright sun & a number of families were in the Park with their kids.
As it is was KARWA CHOUTH today, Venita spent the day at home while children went out for joining their classes in hobbies along with Ruchi & Monica, the maid. We slept for about a couple hours & then I joined in the KARWA CHOUTH Ceremony. For sometime I watched TV news & then slept at about 9 PM GMT. While Amolikaa was going for hobby class, she came to me & said “are you coming with me?” I was not prepared for such a poignant invitation. As I had changed, I told her that I will join her when she goes there next Monday. She was disappointed Henceforth, I decided to know the children’s programme in advance so that I can join them wherever & whenever they go. Tomorrow Amolikaa is going for swimming, I will go with her.
In the evening when I was listening to news on a TV channel, Ruchi came in a huff & asked me to lower the volume. I said whether it was disturbing the children upstairs, she answered in the negative. I lowered the volume which was already quite low. I felt as if she was asserting her authority in her home. As we have been living in the house keeping in mind discipline of the house, it was perhaps not necessary for her to tell me to lower the volume when it was already quite low. Anyway I will always keep her wishes in my mind. It is her house. We are guests, let us not forget. It happened on the 3rd day of our stay in London. Retired to sleep at 10.30 PM.
30.10.07 Got up at 4 AM. After having taken a cup of Darjeeling tea,
(Tuesday) started reading “Living with the Himalayan Masters”
“Education which is imparted in childhood is more important than which is imparted in colleges & universities”
says Swami Ram. Guru ma in her one spiritual discourse said
that education of a child is over by 7 years. After that it is only cramming & mastering the facts. The values of life are learnt by 7 years. We went to London gym where a reluctant Amolikaa was given lesson in swimming. The swimming pool, entire environment of the gym were better than what you see in a five star hotel. Amolikaa has to pay a sum of Rs. 1 Lac annually for 1 hour coaching in swimming once a week, each Monday. Amolikaa was learning like a small fish in the aquarium & she – coach was quite loving while coaching.
We came over to the post office & changed the Euros into £s. I have £1164 in hand to spend on our own besides credit & debit cards.
Later left by the tube to South Kingston station & visited National history museum at about 1.30 PM. Prior to that we had lunch on the lawns of the Wild Life Garden. Children stuck to it & won’t go inside the museum. Ruchi went to Nepalese Embassy to deliver the application of Monica for extention of her passport. She already has Visa upto June 2008. National history museum building is Gothic architecture & looks majestic. After Ruchi returned from Nepalese Embassy, we shifted to Science Museum which is nearby. Children played with water in the basement. We had a cup of coffee at Blue Restaurant & thereafter at another restaurant Café. Children came up to ground floor & got engrossed in another children corner. We left the Café at about 5 PM. Reached home around 6 PM travelling back by the tube from South Kingston to Southfields tube station. Retired to sleep at 10 PM.

31.10.07 Woke up at 3.30 AM GMT & did full course of yoga. Went
(Wednesday) over to ‘Sainsbury’ shop for bringing some daily
requirements & later for walk along with children in the
Wimbledon Park. It had mostly moms & babies. Returned
with a small bottle of Corona bear. As Venita had gone to
Tutin market along with Ruchi, drank it and after lunch slept
for about 3 hours from 3.30 PM to 6.30 PM. Watched news. I
had left the Park at about 1 PM. Amolikaa said “Dada left
me alone”. They followed me after 10 minutes & reached
home. I apologized Amolikaa. She said “OK. Don’t do it
again”. Venita bought a coat for £ 35 = Rs. 2500/- & other
small things.
I was in Guwahati on this day as DIG WR 23 years before. Indira Gandhi was assassinated today by her body / other guards. We had to provide security to Sikhs. None was killed in Assam. Quite a few were assaulted & injured following the assassination. We brought the situation under control with an iron hand.
Children went for Halloween & Bonfire night. It is the practice
here to visit each other’s house at this time of the year. In
return the children are given sweets / cakes. I put on
Abhishree’s black felt cap with a flowing top tail. Abhishree
was dressed up like a witch & Amolikaa like a tiger with a long
tail. Police have to step up patrol to prevent incidents of
trouble. it is the same as during Holi & Diwali in India. Retired
to sleep at 10 PM.
01.11.07 Got up at 4 AM. I am told I may have to go to Bangladesh
(Thursday) once this year. I am ready for it. Ruchi bought Darjeeling
tea bags packed by Sainsbury. These are not as good as
Twining bags but Twining bags are not available here. We
searched for them.
We visited factory shops in SW London. People have started shopping for Xmas. Lucrative rates are offered by the shops. The one, where Venita is visiting is a VILLEROG & BOTCH factory shop where they are selling fine China, crystal – cutlery- accessories.
As Venita was engrossed in the shop, I sat in a corner outside. The book by Swami Ram “Great Himalayan Masters” talks of Sandhya Bhasha ‘twilight language’. It has its own rhythm. Its grammar is different. Only Yogis understood it & speak. It is different from Sanskrit. It is getting dark. I am trying to understand the silent communication when the twilight is entering. I find difficult to comprehend. But I have got its rhythm. Gradually I hope to understand.

Visited the nearby Church where the young ones are taught Ballet movements by a Portuguese lady coach who is not so proficient. It appeared to me as if she was marking time to pass so that she can call another group of little girls for coaching. I am told that she has joined in place of an earlier coach for a short time as latter is on maternity leave. Quite a few hours Amolikaa feigned crying & wanted to wriggle out from the ballet coaching. I was instructed not to look at her when she does that. Whenever she will do that I will cover my eyes with the golf cap. She did not get any support from me to wriggle out & had to continue the exercise.
In the evening we went to Tennis coaching of Abhishree. It continued for 45 minutes in flood lit Tennis courts. They charge £ 9.50 (About Rs. 800/-) per day and coach 4 days in a month. ‘Inzy’ the coach, a lady, (a name we know of is associated with Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan Cricket Captain) & her assistant were quite good in coaching, methodical, tolerant ( all the children, about 10 of them, were in the age group of 3 to 5 ) & loving .
Pilku came at about 7.30 PM. He is going to Dhaka & Dubai for five days tomorrow on professional work. We had dinner together & retired for sleep at 10 PM.

02.11.07 Got up at 3 AM & continued lying in the bed & left it at about
(Friday) 4.30 AM. Watched DD news. There was nothing much in Star
News. It was telling you the story of how new film star Padukone
rose to her present stature. Pilku left for airport at 7.30 AM. Taxi
arrived ½ hr late.
Sitting in the Wimbledon Park, I notice skyline decked with beautiful trees. The old & young are playing in well manicured tennis courts. It is paid tennis here. I also want to play tennis. But who will play with me? No answer to this question. Everyone comes with a partner to play. There are ducks in the lake. The ducks I saw 5 years back have grown big & quite a large number of young ones & of different varieties of water birds have been added. There is discipline all around. The premises of the garden are kept clean.
Again went to VIRGIN Active gym where Abhishree had coaching in swimming. She was not picking up the techniques properly while others were. We should guide her to do it. She continued swimming & splashing water even after other trainees had left. She won’t come out. We persuaded her with lot of efforts to come out. I told her that she was not behaving well in the swimming pool. She was angry & said she won’t invite me to come with her next time. Poor little child !! I don’t need invitation to go to wherever she is. She is my grandchild .
In the evening Venita along with children went to witness fireworks in the Wimbledon Park and enjoy the fun-fare. I stayed back as I had a long day, took dinner & retired to sleep at 9:30 PM, after a 15 minutes prayer which I am now used to reciting & without having done it I cannot sleep. Before sleep, I send vibrations of love to all near & dear by thinking of them for a minute or two.
03.11.07 Got up at 4 AM. As I feel like spending as much time with
(Saturday) grand children as possible, I have given up the idea of visiting
Venice, though I had taken Shengen Visa spending about Rs.
10,000/- ( for self & Venita) including the cost of insurance
policies. Went for a walk in the Wimheldon Park. Played golf
with children in the improvised golf course. Found out that I
can play Tennis on payment of about £ 6 ½ for 1 hour in the
Park. I can now have a good exercise occasionally. Ruchi’s
Mausa visited her. We had lunch together. He is an expert in
GARWARE FABRICS which are sold in about 52 countries. He
has to hop around the world. He came to London during the
course of such a trip.
I went along with Ruchi to drop him at Southfields Tube station.
Wanted to have a cup of Cappuccino coffee. Found that there was no space for parking our vehicle. Returned home.
Watched a cartoon movie along with children. Retired to
sleep 10 PM.


04.11.07 Got up at 4 AM. I notice that very often I forget certain
(Sunday) words indicative of names of certain persons & objects.
Practicing in crossword puzzles, Sudoku can exercise the
nerves of the brain. I have been doing it occasionally. I will
do it regularly. At about 11 PM yesterday I noticed Venita was
munching biscuits by my side in the bed. On enquiry she told
that she was feeling uncomfortable. She takes chocolate
sweets, biscuits etc .sometimes, stealthily or openly &
increases glucose in her blood. I have found difficult to curtail
this habit of hers. I keep unobtrusive watch on her & persuade
her not to do it as far as I can. May God help in controlling
her desire to have sweets. Retired to sleep at 10 PM (GMT)

05.11.07 Got up at 0.45 Hrs. Went to Abhishree’s school to drop her
(Monday) along with Ruchi. The name of the school is “The Study”. It is
a private school. Abhishree can study here up to 6 years.
Thereafter she will have to undertake admission test for next
class & if she passes she will be admitted. Total fees for the
year is over £ 10000/-amounting to about Rs. 80,000/-. We
saw the school. Student – teacher ratio is ideal. Personal
attention is given. We met her teacher & helper.
We went to ‘Sainsbury’, a chain of retail shops, at about 11 AM & & returned 1.45 PM. Ruchi did the shopping for her kitchen & Venita bought small gifts. At 2.30 PM we walked over to Amolikaa’s music school. It started at about 2.50 PM & ended at 3.50 PM. The boys & girls of the age group of up to 3 years played with musical toys, sang songs & enjoyed biscuits & juice. After the music school, which is once in a week, Amolikaa went to Wimbeldon Park for the base ball for one hour. I took a walk around the park for about 45 minutes. In the meantime Abhishree joined us & all of us returned at about 5.15 PM. Retired to sleep at about 8 PM
06.11.07 Got up at 04.30 AM. Ruchi has two great virtues. ‘Faith in
(Tuesday) God’ and a ‘Strong will’. These two will take her a long way towards happiness and prosperity in life. Not only she will herself be happy, she will make all others happy who come in contact with her & with whom she comes in contact with. Vibrations from her are positive. There is no negativity in them.
Pilku should take ‘Overseas citizenship’. He should show address in India as 269, ARUNODAYA ATPS, Vikaspuri N. D. – 18, INDIA. I have requested Dr. Prasad to show the same address for the nominee/ her guardian (Pilku / Ruchi) I am showing the same in all nominatoions so that they don’t have difficulty in claiming the amounts of deposits in the Banks after us.
Went to Abhishree’s school. Amolikaa went for swimming coaching at ‘Virgin Active’. She was crying. Thereafter went to an Electronic shop. Ruchi had to repair her Microwave. Could not get it done. She is to buy a new one on DHANTERUS (07.11.07). Went for a 40 minute walk in the Wimbeldon Park. Thereafter had a cup of coffee and some French fries in the canteen along with Venita. Amilokaa was playing. Tomorrow her school also starts after holidays. After return from Park, had lunch & slept till about 5.15 PM & thereafter went for another walk. Children had gone to the library. Abhishree is having coaching there. While at the park read today’s paper. The Newspaper,Telegraph, covers Pakistan’s President’s promulgation of emergency & Al-Quida’s recruitment of young boys in its ranks. Retired to sleep at about 10 PM.
07.11.07 Got up at 3 AM. Went to drop Abhishree in the school. From
(Wednesday) the place where we parked our ‘ Land Rover’, she
pedaled to her school in the bi-cycle which we had carried in
the dicky of the car. While you bi-cycle here, you have to put
on head gear, a helmet kind of gear. She also put it on. After that & on return we saw off Amolikaa at her school which is located near our house. She was with Venita & Ruchi. As Pilku could not get down due to non-availability of parking place, Amolikaa enquired as to why Papa had not come to say her bye -bye . I explained her reason.
I went for walk from 10.40 AM to 11.45 AM in Wimbeldon Park, taking two full rounds of it. The park was full of small children with their parents playing various games. Some bigger ones were playing tennis & there was of course going on a base ball coaching for young kids.
The squirrels in the park are of quite big size & not like the ones in our part of the country. Apart from ducks of different kinds, there are a number of pigeons also. I saw a crow also whereas these are in plenty in India and found more in warmer area.
Went to ‘Boots’ to buy a nail cutter for Venita & thereafter for 45 minutes walk again in the park. Children had a visitor, named Rahul, a boy of Abhishree’s age. They had dinner together & thereafter watched cartoon movies of their choice.
The sun rises at 07.05 hrs. & sets at 16.25 hrs.. Day is getting shorter & night longer. It was mostly cloudy & windy today with max temperature at 15® Celsius. Retired to sleep at 9 PM.
08.11.07 Got up 3.30 AM. Joined children over breakfast. I will have
(Thursday) breakfast after leaving Abhishree in the school. She has to
reach there by 8.45 AM & Amolikaa at 9 AM. Went to a
nearby shop & bought a 5 ltr bottle of natural mineral water
& the Daily Telegraph. The front page of the paper contains
the photograph of Meredith Kerche, a 19 year old, a Leads
University student, who was in Italy in a student exchange
programme. She was murdered after a drunken party.
Headlines speak about petrol prices which hit new height of
about 100$ per barrel.
Went for a walk for over an hour in the park . it was quite refreshing. The day was windy, cloudy & became cold in the evening after a drizzle. I had a sleep for over 2 hours. Watched the ODI at Mohali between India & Pakistan. Pakistan had a miraculous win. Went for a 20 minute walk in the park. Not many people & especially children were there due to cold & chilly wind. Had dinner & retired to sleep at 9 PM. Before dinner Ruchi & I drove to CURRY’S for change of microwave. She wanted a smaller one. Reluctantly but courteously the manager changed it. We thanked him. Ruchi now drives quite well.
09.11.07 Today is ‘DEEPAWALI’. The children have dressed up in their
(Friday) best & gone to their respective schools. Venita went with Amolikaa. School teacher appreciated the pink Lahnga, blouse of Amolikaa. I noticed Amolikaa was conscious of her dress & wanted to show it off, a natural human tendency.
In the evening Ruchi had invited some of their friends. Two came with their children & joined in the fireworks. Venita & Ruchi had bought colourful lamps which were decorated at various places in the house.
In the evening they (Ruchi & Pilku) were joined in by a couple who live nearby over dinner. The lady is from Maharashtra, a Tamilian & husband German. They have a beautiful daughter Maya . She & Maya, joined us in the Deewali Puja wherein Laxshmi & Ganesha are worshipped. Earlier at 4 AM Venita had alit a clay lamp & covered it with her hand so that it is not seen & took it to every corner of the house. It is a Tantrik practice which is supposed to throw out all dirt & evil from the house. Tantrik practice, if done for one’s welfare, is quite effective. They are counter – productive, if aimed at causing evil / bad to anyone.
Earlier during the day, I sent Deewali SMS messages to Arun, Barun, Tarun, Sunita, Pramod, Bezbaruah, Shanno, Munna, (he also spoke to me), Pravesh, R. C. Shrivasatava, V. K. Sircar , KTS Tulsi, Vikas Pahwa, Sultan Singh, Susha, (she sent a message to me), Modi, D.K. Rastogi ( replied), Tej, Abhi, Ajju, D.K. Goenka (he also sent me a message earlier) , Zahid ( married a Brahmin girl) , Gaurave (replied), Sunny, SK Agnihotri, Anoop, Babloo, Silku, Dr. Prasad, R N Bhardwaj, Brijesh, Pradhan, Deshmukh, Devika, D. M . Sharma, Dr. Khanna, Harsh, Dr. Praveen Chandra, RTPS, Mehra, Neera, Rani, Paul, Punit (he sent me a message) Shetty, US Mishra etc, in all to over 50 person. Retired to sleep 10 PM.
10.11.07 Got up at 2 AM GMT. Visited Wimbledon market at about 11
(Saturday) AM. It has a 3 storeyed mall and ground level / underground car parkings. We went round first floor & second floor shopping arcade. Then went to the third floor where Food court is located. You have Piza hut, Ponti’s (Italian), McDonald etc. We had a vegetarian dish half-a- brinjal paneer & other vegetables with rice. Its cost was about Rs. 480/-. Venita took a bit of it. Major part of it, I had to take. She did not like it as it was not spicy. As she had selected she could not blame me for buying it. Now she is gone looking for something spicy. She first wanted to buy pasta. I told her it won’t satisfy her. Let us see what she buys. I am waiting for her, Ruchi & children. It is 1.30 PM GMT. She returned with pasta perhaps because I had told her not to buy it. She took some of it. Much of it was left in the plate. While Ruchi & Venita stayed back in the market we returned with the children alongwith Pilku who came to ground floor parking in his Land- Rover. Earlier Abhishree went to a birthday party of a class mate in the Food Court. Amolikaa was playing with the daughter of Chris, an American, who with her husband came to Uk from South Africa I met her too. I slept for over 2 hours while Abhishree & Pilku went to Wimbeldon Park. I had got up very early in the morning. I got up at 5.45 PM after sleep. After a cup of tea went for a 40 minute walk. In 18th century a person named, Guy Falk, tried to blow up British Parliament on 5th Nov. His effigy is burnt & a series of fireworks are arranged all over London on weekends by turn, prototype of Rawana, Kumbhkaran & Meghnath being burnt on Dushehra day Today the fireworks were taking place at the eastern end of Engandine Street. Earlier these were organized on 3rd Nov on the western side in the Wimbeldon Park itself adjoining famous Wimbeldon tennis courts. Retired to sleep at 10 PM.

11.11.07 Got up at 3.15 AM. Self awareness has to be constantly
(Saturday) practiced. It makes you aware of depth of your unconscious mind. Desires of any kind, greed, anger, attachment, ego, make you miserable. It is the awareness of them which helps in keeping your equilibrium. Your true nature is love, friendship, compassion, selflessness. With these you are in consonance with yourself. To keep your self-awareness you have to keep yourself pre-occupied with selfless work all the time. During such preoccupation you may have moments of silence of mind, complete awareness of yourself & the cosmic reality.
Today I have to send an e-mail to Vikas for adjournment of court case at Mumbai on 20th Nov as we won’t be able to reach there. We were visiting Amrit Pall Gill at 3.30 PM. We had to carry a gift for him. I also have to send a SMS to KTS to find out Telephone No. of Shirkant, also to send SMS to Paramvir, besides other routine things. Mr. Brown, PM of UK said that Diwali is the most inclusive festival.
Visited Amrit Pal Singh Gill family here. We spent about an hour with him. His son is already married & daughter (will be MBBS after a year from U.C.L. ) is getting married in August 07. A reception of marriage of his son will take place in Ludhiana with all ceremonies of a Sikh marriage over a period of 4 / 5 days where he is inviting all his relatives of India and abroad. He informed that Paramvir’s wife had a major operation. Talked to Paramvir. Will look up his wife when we go there. Retired to sleep at 9 PM.
12.11.07 Pilku’s Cupboard had SAUVIGNON (2.06) FRANCE,
(Monday) MONTAGNY(BURGUNDY), 2005 SAUVIGNON BLANK (South Africa), 2005 MCLARENVALE 2002, Siraj South Australia, Caribbean white rum MALIBU, MEXICO SIERRA MARGARITA, world famous cocktail, genuine Tequicalla, JACK DANIEL’S old time old no. 7 Brand – Tennessee sour mash whisky – USA, BELGIAN LARGER ETOILE DOR.Pilku is a teetotaler. He got all the drinks as presents. As he does not drink these have been multiplying. He offers these to his guests who come over for dinner/lunch. But I cannot take either of them. Prohibition is ordered by Venita. I have to follow it. It must be in my interest. Whatever she ordains for me is perhaps or may be conducive to me. But I do take a spoon of Caribbean white rum Mailbu along with coffee, a concoction introduced to me by S. K. Dutta, a retired IAS officer of Assam, Meghalaya Cadre. We had worked together in Kamrup Distt as DC & SP
Today got up at 5 AM and went for one hour walk. Before the walk, went to drop Abhishree in her school along with Ruchi. Amolikaa also accompanied. After lunch slept for about 3 hours. Had not slept during the night well. After I woke I again went for an hour walk. In the morning it was biting cold. The sky which was overcast with clouds had cleared. It was around 4 / 5® Celsius. When the sun was shining around 11 AM, the cold was tolerable. In the evening had only soup & retried to sleep at 9 PM.
13.11.07 Got up at 3.45 AM. Once I put on the shoes of Pilku. I have
(Tuesday) brought only one pair of walking shoes for multipurpose use.
As my size of shoes is the same as that of Pilku, I thought I could use his shoes if an occasion so required. He has so many shoes. As soon as I put on his shoes one day I was told by Amolikaa that these were her Papa’s shoes and I could not put them on. I took her permission to put them on the day & she permitted. As I lost my gloves, I had put on the gloves of Pilku one day. Each time I put on the same, Amolikaa observed that the same were her papa’s. I had to take her permission to put them on. Went for 1 hour walk in the morning & another in the evening. When I was going out at about 7.45 AM to buy a newspaper, it was drizzling. I had not noticed it. Abhishree had noticed it. She asked me “where are you going?”. I told her the purpose of my going out. She told me to take an umbrella as it was raining. I was touched to notice the concern of 5 ½ year granddaughter for me. Talked to Harmeet to introduce me to Mr. Bagchi so that I could call on him for expediting Pilku & his family’s overseas citizenship. Retired to sleep at 10 PM.
14.11.07 Got up at 4 AM. went to Abhishree school & thereafter for a
(Wednesday) walk. Pilku worked from home today. Venita bought a tweed coat for £ 129 = Rs. 10000/- it was paid by Ruchi. Venita has also bought a number of small items. She has to pack them properly so that they don’t break. Ruchi has brought a bouquet of white chrysanthemum besides some red roses. I have spotted a red rose in the Wimbeldon Park which I propose to photograph tomorrow. I could not do it today as I had not carried the camera. I carry it whenever I go along with children. I have taken a number of their photographs. It is a digital canon camera. A large number of photographs can be taken & filmed on a CD for taking the prints of the ones, we would like to print .
In the cafeteria of the Wimbeldon Park I took Espresso double shot coffee. It was not properly prepared as it was done on 05.11.07. Heard live British Parliament debate when on the TV Brown was replying to points raised by various members of Parliament including leader of the opposition smartly. The system of replies by the PM only is good as it is cohesive. Retired to sleep at 10 PM.
15.11.07 The newspaper today mentions about rise in middle class
(Thursday) complaints against police. A police officer said that “primary function of our role places us in conflict with individuals.”
Went to drop Abhishree & Amolikaa to their schools. Thereafter went for an hour walk. Had breakfast & went through the newspaper. The morning news headlines are “fortress Britain, Bank hints at interest rate cuts”, “Police kept secret of cash for honors” , “Fears of bird flu spreading as 24000 more turkey are killed”, “Hunt for more bodies at killer’s house”, Fortress Britain refer to the steps to be taken for security against terrorist attack. There was frost all around on the windshields of the cars, lawns & biting cold. The bright sunshine, however, was a relieving factor. I forgot to take the photograph of the rose flower in the park. I will go in the afternoon & take it. Today I could not go out in the afternoon. It was very cold. Abhishree after return from her school went for tennis coaching. Venita went with her along with Ruchi. Amolikaa went for ballet coaching. I remained at home watching India – Pakistan Cricket match at Gwalior. It was a day – night match. India won by six wickets.
I have to ensure that what suits my nature is done by me. The following lines from book “Living with Himalaya Masters”, by Swami Ram from the chapter captioned, “My mother teacher appealed me quite lot”. Mother teacher “sleep that is not for me. I am beyond sloth & inertia. I enjoy sleepless sleep, for which I do not need to lie down . One who enjoys yoga sleep why does she need the sleep of pigs. Pigs eat beyond their capacity and lay themselves down snoring. I wonder how they can sleep so much”.
Swami Ram “I intellectually understand but did not understand in reality until I started to practice remaining conscious during these four states” (waking, dreaming sleeping & Turia (the state beyond). Retired to sleep 9 PM
16.11.07 Got up at 3 AM. I have noticed that Ruchi is focused,
(Friday) disciplined & tenacious, has love for all and malice towards none. She will go a long way in keeping the family together. She has a giggle of a teenager, maturity of a grandmother and knows how to conduct herself in public life. She has promised to take care of Venita if I am not there and leave this mortal body before her. All three of my sons love her. But as the daughters-in-law all over the world , are conceited, egocentric, in law bashing , uncompromising, it is difficult for mother – in – law or father- in – law to stay with them for longer period. But in case of Venita it should be different, I hope & pray. My daughters-in-law are loving and caring. Then I was not sure of Venita’s behavior towards my father. I had never insisted on his visit /stay with us. I might have been wrong in my assessment of her, but it was so. My father was fully taken care of my two loving nieces. I bless them for happiness & prosperity in their life.
Bangladesh is in news for its cyclone hit coastal areas, India for win in one day international against Pakistan, writing off mortgage loans by Bank in Britain, stories of serial sex crimes, cold & cloudy weather in UK, strengthening of Euro against Pound.
I met Mr. Bagchi, Minister, Coordination at, Indian High commission in connection with Pilku and his family’s overseas citizenship. The overseas citizenship amounts to sealing of a permanent Visa on their British Passports. The following cannot be done even though he acquires Indian Overseas Citizenship:-
1. They cannot participate in Elections.
2. They cannot hold any public office
3. They cannot buy agriculture property. They can deal with it as a part of business. They can also inherit it.
4. For any problems, They have to contact British High Commission, in India / U. K. & not Indian High Commission.
5. All other things he can do like any India citizen.
Pilku’s India Passports had to be clipped. It may by done when I go to Indian High Commission on Monday, the 19th Nov 07. Went out for a walk. It was very cold in the morning but not so during the day or evening. In the morning temperature went down to below zero Celsius. Retired to sleep at 9 PM
17.11.07 Got up at 4.15 AM. Heard the news. On Saturday & Sunday I don’t buy
(Saturday) the newspapers as these are quite expensive. You have to pay £ 1.50 = Rs. 120 /-. I have already heard BBC, StarNews, NDTV, DD News, & now know the latest. AICC session has started at Delhi. 4 JE Pakistani terrorist have been arrested at Lucknow with a large quantity of arms & ammunitions. They had come there with the object of kidnapping Rahul Gandhi. Bangladesh typhoon is very much in the news.
We had a breakfast with different kinds of chat, all of us together. Slept at 9 PM.
18.11.07 Go t up at 5 AM. Pilku is gone to Nairobi & Sudan. Thereafter
(Sunday) he will go to Delhi. Today, I have bought Sunday Observer. It mentions about Apple IPOD, Nano (8GB). It has videos, photos, podcasts, extras, setting shuffle song costing £ 129 & Nokia 6300 & Nokia 6500 costing £ 98.95. Pilku rang up from the Hethrow airport. He had checked- in. He is staying tonight at Nairobi & tomorrow he will go to Southern Sudan. There are no hotels in southern Sudan. He has to stay in luxury swiss tents which are provided with catering etc. There are mobile phone / internet connectivity also.
Went for a walk. Watched ODI match at Jaipur between Pakistan & India and after sometimes slept for over 2 hours. Venita, Ruchi & children had gone to children Palywell place. They returned at about 5 PM. Retired to sleep at 9 PM.
19.11.07 & Today I got up at 3 AM. I have told Ruchi to ask her father to
(Monday) nominate one of her family in the Fixed Deposits as well as
And his/her account in India. If there is no nominee, the bank will
20.11.07 not give the accrued amount unless succession certificate is
(Tuesday) obtained from the court. It is time consuming process as notices are issued to all legal heirs & all of them have to respond and abdicate their claims in favour of Ruchi or Amitabh or their daughters. Very often than not some legal heir or the other stakes, her/ his claim for a share in the amount / property. I am told in the latest deposit; Dr. Prasad has made Ruchi as the nominee. He could make Ruchi as well as Amitabh as nominee or their daughters as nominees as I have done in deposits through me.
As scheduled we reported at the counter of Virgin Atlantic for the flight to Delhi at 7 PM. After check-in formalities, we went to Virgin Atantic lounge at the terminal 3 of Hethrow airport. We had dinner at about 8.30 PM. I took a glass of champagne. I desired to have another. As soon as I took the second glass and just a sip, I felt a bitter taste. I went to the toilet to wash my face. I felt giddy. I came out & could not walk & fell down. Some staff of Virgin Atlantic helped me to get up. I was taken in a wheel chair to an ambulance which took me to Hilington hospital. It was a drive for about 20 kilometers. At Hilington Hospital, I was admitted in the emergency ward where my blood pressure levels and temperature were taken. My temperature dropped to 25® F and blood pressure to 50 / 26. They covered me with 2 / 3 blankets & asked me to sip water at short intervals. They took my blood – sample & then shifted me to ICU & observed my blood pressure & temperature which by the time of discharge came to 154 /59.
Mrs. Kurian, the Consultant, told that it was due to a long day on the 19th as well as it could be reaction of a particular tablet, remistar, which I take every day along with 3 other tablets. Due to long day of activity on 19th, I was quite tired & stressed & remistar which controls blood pressure, brought down the pressure furthermore. My pressure generally remains as 120 / 110 on the higher side and 70/80 on the lower side. Remister further brought it down as I had a long & stressful day. No medicine was recommended. My wife & daughter –in-law brought me home from the hospital at about 1.15 PM on 20th. I had a bath, light food and slept throughout the day. I was admitted in Hillington hospital at about 10.45 PM on 19th & released thereafter at about 11 AM no 20th Nov 07. I was there overnight. When I got up at 7.30 PM. I felt better. I slept again at 9 PM.
21.11.07 Got up at 4 AM. Did Pranayam Chanted Gayatri Mantra 108
(Wednesday) times. The Gayatri Mantra is a big source of strength to me. Whenever I feel weak mentally or physically, I have experienced great strength after chanting it. Even chanting of “OM” is soothing. Whenever I will chant ‘Hariom’ fixing my mind on Chakras one by one, Amilokaa will come and tell repeat chanting of ‘Hariom’. Perhaps it gave her pleasant vibrations. Chanting of Hariom creates positive vibrations in the air. There is no solidity either in our body or in the world. It is only waves and vibrations, so said Buddha.
I spent the day resting. In the evening Venita wanted me to watch a movie. After it was run for over 1 ½ hour she came and said that now it could be stopped as nothing much was left in the story. I stopped it. I came up & did Pranayam for 35 minutes. After that I sat down to write the diary.
Venita wanted me to play with children. I found Abhishree playing in the toy – room and Amolikaa was crying because she did not get her towel to use after the tub bath. It had been washed and was wet, Ruchi was trying to console her. I went to children play room where Abhishree was loading some toys in a toy car. I asked her if I could join her, she said, “No. Your place is in living room go & sit there” So I came away. When I was coming away she said “Are you feeling sad”? “Yes” I said, “you did not allow me to play with you.” She said “Don’t feel sad. You are too big to play with me. Your place is in the living room” . I said “ok. I will follow your advisory”. The children are taken care with great affection. You cannot force anything on them. In the morning I fed ¾ pieces of a slice of bread to Amolikaa. She won’t take the fourth. With total objection, she took it, but was annoyed, she told me “go away”. You have to deal with them with affection, love & care . Ruchi & Pilku really take care of them. My heart is full of blessings for them & their children. Similarly on one day I noticed children were having tub-bath. I wanted to watch them splashing water. I said “May I join you all” Abhishree said “Papa has said that none should be permitted inside the bathroom when you are taking bath” I said “I must obey your Papa. He is right. I am happy he has given you such an advice. So bye bye”.
Later she was jumping across the corridor without any clothes like a true ‘Sanyasin’ in transce. Retired to sleep at 9 PM.
22.11.07 Got up at 4 AM. Sent one message to Vikas on his birthday &
(Thursday) another to Ajay for our reservation to travel to Delhi on Sunday (25th). He has confirmed our reservation on 24th. In the meantime due to really tenacious efforts of Ruchi the baggages are traced by Virgin Atlantic and were likely to be handed over yesterday. I hope these will be handed over today 2 ½ days after these were booked in flight no. VS 300 to Delhi on 19th at about 7.30 PM. We sent a detailed e’mail to customer care, Virgin Atlantic.
But it is after Ruchi talked to the corporate office of the Virgin Atlantic in USA that real efforts were made to locate our baggage. One Ms Sarah of the corporate office pursued it, was in touch with us & in the afternoon informed that the baggages were located. Some of the baggage tags did not tally with tags that were given to us. That is why the delay. Virgin Atlantic should see our email dt 21.11.07 and take the corrective steps to improve the working of the systems. In the ordinary course the systems did not appear to work & one is left in the lurch to get back one’s lost / booked baggage. Lot of money had been spent in telephoning to get back the baggage. Ruchi added £ 50 in her account with telephone provider as earlier deposit had exhausted.
Ruchi had reserved our seats in VS 300 on 29th. But we wanted to go earlier. I talked to Ajay and he booked us back on 24th (Sat). When I told Ruchi’s she was annoyed. She & Pilku wanted us to stay back in London & take rest. She said “if you go back to Delhi, you will start working again. You need rest” but when I insisted, she said “rather sternly”, “Wait”. We will talk about it after I have sent children to the school”. Pilku talked to me and said that he was returning on Saturday from Sudan. I could go on Sunday. I said it is fine. I requested Ajay to get us reservation for Sunday. Informed Pilku by SMS. Ajay confirmed the reservation on Sunday. But if I take ticket through him, I will have to pay 50 pounds penalty for each of us. Ajay Said that if we go on Monday, the 26th we won’t have to pay the penalty. I said that we could go on 26th. The baggages are likely to come from Virgin Airilines by 11 PM tonight. Only one baggage has reached us at about 10000 hrs today. Went to NHS dispensary of the locality where my son’s family is registered. I was registered as a temporary patient. I had gone to get my blood pressure checked. I was asked about my medical background & medicines I was taking. It was done by GP, a British lady. She spent about one hour along with us just before she took my blood pressure. She recorded details of what I told her in the computer. As I had been told by Hillington hospital to stop taking medicines for sometimes, she wanted to see medicines I was taking.
23.11.07 Got up at 3.30 AM. Ruchi could fix my departure on 26th.
(Friday) Medical officer VS talked to me about my departure on 19th & inquired if I needed any help during the flight. I said I did not. Watched the Hindi movie “Kal Ho Na Ho” for about ½ hour. Slept for 2 hours after lunch with children. Told babloo & Silku to attend the reception of Tulsi’s daughter & her husband after their marriage on our behalf. Tulsi is longtime trusted friend who has stood by us over about 30 years. So also I have stood by him. Tulsi ( for about 30 yrs.) , Bezbaruah (for about 43 years), Pravesh (about 11 years) Agnihotri (for about 42 years), Subhash- Sunita ( for over 40 years) have been good friends. They will be good friends of the family even when I am not there, I am sure.
On the 19th night when I fell down in Virgin club Lounge at Hethrow airport due to very low pressure (59 / 46 ) & low temperature ( 26 F®) , I was fully conscious of my being though the body had given up. A number of Virgin lounge staff were talking to me so that I did not sleep off. In fact I was fully awake & was not likely to sleep after the 2 falls. I had hit my head against the wall, causing injury to the face & muscles of the neck & head. However it did not cause any serious head injury. Left knee of the leg was also hit. I still feel the injury on it. Venita was visibly upset. When I saw her face in the Hilington Hospital I thought she would cry. But seeing my determined face, perhaps she knew intuitively that nothing is going to happen to me and stopped short of crying. While I was being carried by the wheelchair from the Virgin Club to the ambulance, I noticed that the staff behaved in a matter of fact way . In the ambulance, they had arrangements to monitor my heart beat, pressure & temperature. I tuned the mobile to Ruchi’s no. who was on way home after seeing us off at the airport. She was about to reach Southfields when Venita told her about what had happened. She was told by Ambulance staff to reach Hillington Hospital at a distance of over 15 minutes drive from Heathrow. After we reached the hospital at about 10.30 PM, she reached after about an hour by taxi. I was shifted to ICU at about 2 AM. Ruchi & Venita, after meeting me, left for home, an hour’s drive from the hospital. The hospital staff told them that I could be released at 4 AM or at 11 AM on 20th (Next day) . They waited upto 4 AM and as I was not discharged they left at about 4 AM and returned at 11 AM after a wash. Though Venita had some sleep, Ruchi did not sleep at all. They do not permit anyone to stay at the reception room of the hospital from 9 Pm to 11 AM. The security staff were asking them to leave the hospital. So they had to leave. My pressure & temperature had in the meantime improved. It was now 70 / 49 & 50® F. But when I stood up, the pressure would go down. But as I slept, they went up. In the meantime they had taken my blood samples and their tests showed negative results. I have no diabetes, my cholesterol level & Hemoglobin were all normal. At about 9 AM Dr. Jemina & Dr. Kurian who were both Indians came. Dr. Curien was 60 & to retire shortly. She wanted to join a law firm in India to practice Medical Law. She asked if she could join our law firm. I said she could. She wanted to list acquaintance with me so that she could see us in Delhi where she was to come in Jan to attend a marriage in Chandigarh. Dr. Jemina, a young Dr., also wanted to strike acquaintance but I remained indifferent. If they ever contact me in delhi, I will certainly help them as much as we can. Otherwise I thanked them for all the help. There were a number of brown staff apart from white staff in the hospital. There was complete understanding among them. The brownstaff (could be from Asia or from other countries of Europe, Brazil, Mexico, etc. e.g. the driver of the taxi who took us to Hethrew on 19th was from KASOVO) were more responsive. At about 10.30 came a British lady (probably English or Scot or Welsh) and wanted me to sign some papers for payment of bill for stay in the hospital. I said I had medical insurance which covered risk up $ 50,000. A copy of it, she took. She said I could pay the bill or she could send it to me and I could pay it after I get the payment from the insurance company. I said I would go for the second option. She took a copy of the policy & my signature on same papers & went away. I informed the Bajaj Allianze about my sickness & submission of the bills of hospital as soon as the same are received by me. I returned home along with Venita & Ruchi at about 2 Pm & took rest.
While I contemplate over the entire episode, certain thoughts come into my mind. When I fell down twice and could not hold on, I am sure the pressure must have gone down to a level when one could not stand up. The oxygen, that was given in the ambulance, must have helped my body & given it some strength because by the time I reached the hospital I had enough strength. Though it was very low pressure, I could walk up to the toilet and cleaned myself & changed my clothes & slipped into Hospital dress. I had asked for 3 blankets, as l was feeling cold, though the whole hospital was heated.
I think the death of the body must be taking place when there is no pressure, no temperature. But there was something in me which was conscious of all that was happening to my body. I had experienced the same on 9th July 2004 in Delhi when I had no feeling of the existence of the body, but I was conscious of it. The consciousness also disappears as soon as there is no pressure / temperature. Can ‘consciousness’ exist after the disappearance of temperature / pressure? Difficult to say. Even if it exists after there is no pressure / temperature and I experienced it, I won’t be able to tell about it as then I won’t be having the body to tell. Retired to sleep at 10.15 PM.

24.11.07 Got up at 5 Am. Today the sun rises at 7.30 AM & sets at 4 PM.
(Saturday) There is 9 ½ Hrs of the day. Pilku arrived around 6.30 AM. Still darkness is there. He brought a copy of Saturday Telegraph. Its cost is £ 1.50 = Rs. 120/- . it has a number of supplements including a magazine section.
Brown Govt. is described as a non responsive govt. Metro Police Authority rejected the demand of removal of Sir Blair, Police Commissioner, by a majority of 16 – 7 votes. The cost of education in public school is going up every year. It stands around £ 11,000/- per annum at present amounting to Rs. 924,000/- . One in every four children goes to public school.
We had sumptuous breakfast. During the breakfast Pilku told us about his Sudan visit. While Northen Sudan is developed, Southern Sudan is yet to develop. There are no hotels, roads, shopping arcade. There are Chinese in good numbers. The Indians were also trying to enter the area. The whole country is oil rich.

Watched Om Shanti Om. Did not take lunch & slept. One sentence of the film haunts my memory “ All films end in one way or the other. Unless the film ends it has to continue”. For us life has given us all pleasures / privilege / name / fame. We have brought up our children. They are now on their own.
On the night of 19th when I was admitted in Hilington Hospital, I noticed Ruchi was quite composed. It is to her credit that in moment of distress she keeps her cool & does what one should do rather than unnecessarily worry about imaginary nothing. She stood the test of tolerance. Venita also withstood the stress to some extent. I noticed Ruchi was about to break-down. & cried and that was when Pilku left for studies to the London school of Economics after few days of marriage. At the airport she cried bitterly and sobbed when Pilku left for the sterile lounge after the security-check. It took us sometime to console her and bring her back to composure. We felt happy for their deep emotions for each other. On the ‘Thanks Giving Day’ being celebrated at MANHATTAN in U.S.A. for three days from 21st to 23rd Nov 07 with the theme of “memories of childhood”, let us thank God for love, compassion, and care, He has showered on our children. Let them, be happy, this is our wish & so far as we are concerned we have lived fully & look forward to living it in search of Him who has given us everything. He has helped and guided us in our struggle , trials, & tribulations, moments of happiness & sorrow & we have got up after each time we fell down. God also gave us a set of 5 friends who have always stood by us & shared our moments of happiness & sorrow, gave valuable advice keeping our welfare in view. Let God be kind to all of them too as he has been to us. Retired to sleep at 10.15 PM.

25.11.07 Got up at 5. AM. The sun will rise today at 7.35 AM & set at
(Sunday) 4.01 PM. Moon will rise at 4.07 PM & set at 9.12 PM. The day will be cold. In the night temperature goes down to -7 sometimes & maximum temperature is likely to be around 8* Celsius or 46* F, chilly & lots of sunshine. Went for 40 minutes walk. Venita bought Sunday Times in place of Sunday Telegraph. Its cost is £1.40 = Rs. 110 /-. Watched the first test (4th day) between India & Pakistan. India is within winning range. The match is taking place at Delhi, Firojshah Kotla ground.
Pilku & Ruchi had a visitor couple, Mohan & his wife Mohan from Kerela & Pilku studied together in Chetna Institute, Mumbai & completed MBA. They have two sons. They are helpful to Pilku & his family. Slept for 1 ½ hr. Had lunch & thereafter slept for 2 hours. Felt fresh when I got up. Venita arranged waching ‘Sanwaria’ directed by Bhansali a notable film director. Had to stop as Amolikaa came & started watching it. She loves watching TV. Infact all children like TV. But Ruchi allows them to watch it only at dinner time. During watching some cartoon movies, (they like Charlie & lola) Abhishree and Amolikaa take their dinner. Tonight they are watching Charlie & lola who visit their grandparents.
Movies take you to a make-believe world, away from the world of struggle, stress, competition & hard work. So the same are relaxing Occasionally we may watch them. Retired to sleep at 10 PM.

26.11.07 Got up at 4.40 AM India won the test match at Firojshah Kotla
(Monday) ground by six wickets. DD news informed about a series of blasts in Guwahati again & at Tinsukhia this time. Nawaj Sharif returned Pakistan. Commonwealth conference ended in Kampala. It decided to play a pro-active role in the matter of environmental warming by emission of gas.
Today we have to leave London for Delhi. The VS flight no. 300 leaves at 10 PM. We have to leave for the airport at 6 PM. It takes about an hour to drive. The sun rises today 7.37 AM, sets at 4 PM. Moon rises at 5.13 AM, & sets at 10.24 AM. Today the maximum temperature will be around 12® C Yesterday it was 10® C.
Went for a walk around 11 AM. It is very cold. Returned & watched remaining portion of moive ‘Sawaria’. It is a beautiful movie. This is the most beautiful movie I have seen during my stay in UK for a month. I wachted “Cheeni Cum” , “ Bheja Fry” , “Kal ho na ho” , “Om Shanti Om”, “ Jhoom-Barabar-Jhoom”, & Main Hoon Na” earlier.
I am on board Virgin Atlantic flight no 300 from Hethrow to Delhi. We took off around 10.30 PM. You have TV with facilities to watch moives, reading light and bed to sleep. There are newpapers, magazines. Along with English, there is announcement in Hindi also. In about 30 berths there would be 10 Asians (mostly Indians) remaining Europeans. Among the airhostesses & stewards, there are at least 3 Indians (Asian) & about 7 / 8 Europeans
27.11.07 Landed at IGI (Indira Gandhi Airport) at 11.45 Hrs. & after
(Tuesday) meeting Neha & Babua, returned home at 2 PM.

GOA DIARY
13.02.09

1. Left home at 9:15 hours. On arrival at the Palam airport, I came to know that, IC 856 to Goa is further delayed & likely to start at 12:00 hours. Earlier Air India had informed that the flight, instead of leaving at scheduled 10.00 hours, will start at 11:15 hours. At airport we were given breakfast packets & tea/coffee. I had ‘Cafe’ Cappuccino earlier. Mother – Daughter – duo, probably Sindhis from Karachi, met Venita. As is the practice with her, she struck acquaintance with them. They live at Singapore. The mother expressed her desire to join Shiva Yoga of Avdhoot Swami Shivanand, based in Dwarka, Delhi. I suggested her to try Vipaasna, which, i am sure, has a center at Singapore. The daughter had very sharp features. Later we came to know that she was working in a firm which is sponsoring (one of the sponsors) Sony T.V’s Indian Idol program. In the meantime boarding of our flight is announced & we left through gate no 4 for the flight. Now when we were in the aircraft, at 12.30pm we were informed that our aircraft is 30th in line for take off, It will take over one hour before we take off. At the airport I had seen a burger in the breakfast packet. I had been nursing a desire to have a burger for quite a few days. Lo!! it is there. I enjoyed eating it, say, after years. It is junk food. So I had given it up.Over the clouds, I was served food of my choice without spices, oil, continental & vegetarian. As usual, Venita was attracted to it & took some fruit & half of my veg. tikki. I don’t know English word for it. I had placed order for such a food at the time of booking of my tickets. For Venita it was as usual spicy Indian food. In our front seats were all foreigners travelling to Goa. We took the aisle seats, more comfortable in the same line. By the side of Venita is a young couple (sardarji) on a honeymoon visit to Goa. The plane halted at Mumbai. We had to be inside the aircraft for over one hour.

2. Sanjay Sahu, Chief Finance officer Frigoglass, India (P) Ltd. spoke to me and wanted a copy each of the orders of the High Court of Punjab & Haryana in the case. I requested Atiar to help him out. The aircraft A-320 in which we are travelling is well provided and a new one.
3. We landed at DABOLIM airport at about 1700hours, in the outskirts of VASCO DA GAMA town. DGP Goa had made arrangements to receive us at the airport. We travelled by Toyota Qualis through NH-17 to Panaji. On way we crossed River ZUARI. The river divides Goa into two districts: North Goa & South Goa. The headquarters of the North Goa Disst. is located at Panaji and of South Disst. in Margao. The distance between the airport & Panaji is about 30Kms. The journey from airport to Panaji was thrilling. On way there were beautiful red roofed houses, built in Latin style, also many modern houses. It took us about an hour to reach the Police Officers Mess at Altinho. We settled down in suite named after the river CHAPORA. The mess also had suites named after other rivers of GOA: TIRACOL, CHAPORA, MANDOVI, ZUARI, SAL & TALPONA.
4. Panaji, where the Police Officers Mess is located is a picturesque town on the left bank of river Mandovi. It has well laid gardens, statues and avenues lined with gulmohur, acacia and other trees. Panoramic view of the town unfolds from atop Altinho. Shri J.P Shrivastava’s flat is also located at Altinho. In fact he had invited us to stay with him. He is our neighbor at Fatehpur and now settled down at Panaji. At present his flat is locked up and he stays with his daughter, Sunita in the outskirts of the town. She is a manager in Syndicate bank. Panaji is also the seat of state administration.
5. In the evening we visited Shri J.P Shrivastava and met the other members of the family : his wife, his son, his son-in-law, daughter and grand children. I am meeting him after a gap of over 40 years. He looks as young as he was 40 years back. He is 76 but quite healthy, touchwood. He invited us for dinner on 14th February, Valentine day. Retired to sleep at about 22.30hours after dinner.


14.02.09
6. Talked to Shri B.S Brar IPS, DGP, Goa. We wanted to meet him but he was preoccupied due to handing over of the office of the DGP to Shri PS Bassi, IPS on transfer to Delhi Police. He said we could meet him in the afternoon. The purpose of calling on Shri Brar was to thank him for arranging accommodation etc. I could not meet him in the afternoon as I was preoccupied with visits to temples and churches in old Goa . The son-in law of Shri Jagdish Shrivastava, Shri Vijay Sawardekar, guided us to visit seven old temples namely:- 1. Manguesh, 2. Mahalsa, 3.Gopal Ganapati, 4. Nagesh, 5. Mahalaxmi, 6. Shantadurga, 7. Ramnath, located within a radius of 3to4 kms.
Temples
• Shree Manguesh . It is a temple dedicated to lord SHIVA. It is located on a hillock surrounded by lush green hills. Bharat Ratna Lata
• Mangeshkar comes from this place. Its lofty white tower at the entrance is a land mark of the country side. It is situated 22 Kms from Panaji in Priol-Ponda Taluka in the village of Bandora. It may be mentioned here that the two districts of Goa, north & south, are divided into six divisions and 11 Talukas.
• Shree Mahalsa. It is about one km from Manguesh Temple. The deity worshiped is the Mohini ‘roop’ of Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini during the fight between Devas and Asuras over distribution of nectar (Amrit). It is situated at Mardol.
• Shree Gopal Ganapati. It is situated in Farmagudi Village amids beautiful natural surroundings near Bandora. Farmagudi Village commemorates the event of hasty retreat of the Portuguese Viceroy who attacked the fort of Ponda in October 1683 on sudden appearance of the Maratha King Sambhaji with a large army. It is a good specimen of Indian temple architecture synthesizing both ancient and modern.
It may be noted here that all the old temples situated in the area have five silver studded arches. The deity is seated after the fifth arch in each temple. The temple premises in each case are very clean and their administration is superb. The devotion of the people is indescribable.
• Shree Naguesh. This temple is dedicated to lord SHIVA and located in village Bandora.
• Shree Mahalaxmi. The temple is situated in the village, Bandode. The image of Mahalakshmi has a close resemblance to that of Mahalakshmi of Kolahapur. Her special feature is that she wears a linga on her head and considered satvik form of the Devi. The goddess Mahalkshmi was worshipped by the Shilahara rulers ( 750-1030AD)& the early Kadamba Kings of Goa.
Vinita offered a saree and other items at this temple. She was given a receipt for the saree & told that when your wish is fulfilled you come back with the receipt and take back the saree which we will in the meantime use in the temple. We said we have no wish to wish. We just wish for the blessings of the goddess so that we live happily for whatever years are left with us without being a burden to anyone.
• Shree ShantaDurga. It is situated at about 3kms from Manguesh temple at Mandol, Ponda. Has a rich and beautiful garbhkuda or holy of the holies where the deity is kept.
• Shree Ramnath, It is 33kms from Panaji and located in Ponda Taluka. Besides the shrine of Ramnath deity, it has four small temples of Shree Lakshmi Narayan, Shree Shanta Durga ( Sateri), Shree Betal & Shree Sidhanath. They five together are known as Shree Ramnath Panchayatan. The legend is that Rameshwar is the original abode of Lord Ramnath. The temple is dedicated to Lord SHIVA.
The aforesaid temples are quite old and well maintained. Besides them there are a number of other temples . We did not have time to visit them. We hope to visit them when we go there next.
We had lunch at a restaurant at Ponda. It was Valentine day & the restaurant was full of young girls and boys in their best outfits. As we did not order hard drinks, the waiter did not like it and exhibited a grim face. Over the years, St. Valentine has incorrectly been associated with finding love. According to the Roman Catholic Church, St. Valentine is the patron saint for those who have already found their love. In fact St. Raphael is the patron saint for happy encounters and it is to him young lovers should direct their prayers for love and not to St. Valentine. St. Valentine is said to have been martyred in ROME in 269AD.
Churches
6. On way back we visited a number of old churches, which are located in old Goa. Old Goa was founded by Adil Shah in the first decade of 16th century. The Shah kings desired to shift their capital to this place from Bijapur. But this could not be done due to Portuguese invasion and conversion of it into the centre of power of the Portuguese colonies.
7. Of the churches visited by us the most important was the church of Basilica of Bom Jesus. It was built in 16th century. It is the most popular and famous church of Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are kept here. It is said that the nails of the corpse are increasing every year. The corpse is kept for public view once every year when hundreds of people come and pay their homage to the saint. St. Francis Xavier was a priest in the church. When he was going back to Rome after his tenure as priest, he died in the ship. His body however did not show any sign of decay. It was brought back to Goa and is kept in this church since then. The driver of the car in which we were travelling told us that originally the church was a SHIVA temple. This is the only church where the cross is not exhibited. Quite a few times it was attempted to install a Cross on top but without any success. In fact the person who went up to install cross either fell down or could not go up. We don’t know the truth. I am narrating what the driver told us.
8. In the evening we went for a river cruise on Mandovi. It started at 7.30 pm for one hour. The ferry was equipped with hard and soft drinks, being sold at double the rates. The tourists were dancing to the Jazz tunes and there was air of celebration of Valentine Day, mostly by young & vivacious couples. The most striking couple was that of a sardar ji & his wife putting on heavy jewelry. After the cruise we rang up Shri J.P Shrivastava & requested him to come over for dinner in some hotel. His daughter, Sunita, said that she would come with us for dinner when she visits Delhi & that we will have to go to her place for dinner this time. We had no choice. We had a delicious dinner with Shri J.P.Shrivastava , his son-in-law, daughter, wife and two beautiful and sweet grand children. Returned to the Police Officers Mess at about 11pm and retired to sleep.

15.02.09
9. We had a visitor early in the morning. It was none other than Shri J.P.Shrivastava who had come over after his morning walk crossing Mandovi river by a ferry and thereafter by an auto rickshaw to handover my cell phone which I had inadvertently left at his place yesterday night. I was touched by his this gesture.
As guided by Vijay and Shri JP Shrivastava, we visited idyllic palm fringed beaches of Goa like Arambol, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute in north Goa.
• Arambol Beach: It is about 50 Kms from Panaji. The significant feature of the beach is that it has a sweet water pond right on the shore.
• Vagator Beach: It is a popular beach. Nearby is Chapora fort. It is 18 Kms from Panaji.
• Anjuna Beach: It is 18 Kms from Panaji adjacent to Chapora fort . In Anjuna there is magnificent Albuquerque mansion ,built in 1920.
• .Baga Beach: It is a small beach not a significant one.
• Calangute Beach: It is 16 Kms from Panaji. It is the most popular holiday resort in Goa. Most of the tourists were either from European countries or USA apart from Indian tourists. You have surfing, helli-flying, paragliding, and banana boat rides. I had cold drink and Venita had hot tea. We found difficulty in locating a toilet. Most of the tourists were from nearby hotels. It was quite warm and we were keen to go back to our air conditioned Toyota qualis as quickly as possible .
• Miramar Beach: This is situated just 3Kms from Panaji town. Infact this is a part of Panaji. We visited it in the evening, after lunch at Police Officers Mess. The sun was setting in all its glory. We watched it till it sunk in the Arabian sea. There were hundreds of people who watched it setting. I wrote a poem. Unfortunately it is lost. I am unable to recollect it. So forgive me . As far as I remember it was in touching memory of near and dear ones who have disappeared from the horizon of life.
10. On way back we had a cup of coffee at CAFÉ. Venita bought some dry fruits, artifacts and a couple of bottles of local bru for gifting it to our good friends who relish drinks.
11.We could not visit beaches of south Goa such as Colava, Batul & Paloem due to lack of time.
We retired to sleep early as we had to get up very early morning to leave for the airport at 04:30hours next day to be able to catch our flight no. IC866 from Dabolim airport at 06:40hours.

16.02.09
12. The journey to Dabolim Airport early morning was enchanting. Goa “ is a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India with its natural scenic beauty, abundant greenery, attractive beaches and temples and churches with distinctive style of architecture , colourful and lively feasts and festivals and, above all, hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu,” Its area is 3,702 sq. kms, smaller than Fatehpur to which I belong. The area of Fatehpur is 4,152 sq. kms.
13. No constructions or development are allowed within 200 meters of the high tide line on the sandy stretches. The chirpings of the birds reminded us of the famous Salim - Ali birds sanctuary which we could not visit. We see spice plantations on the way which we did not visit as we had seen enough of them in Kerela last year. We wanted to visit Pascoal Spice Village but could not due to lack of time. As in Kerela the spices grown and sold here are black pepper, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon cardamom, turmeric, ginger and others.
14.We arrived at the airport at 05:15 hours and boarded the IC flight no. 866 which left at 07:00hours. We arrived Palam airport, Delhi Via- Mumbai at about 11:00hours