30th April

Completed morning program. Visited the Supreme court. Attended the court no.1 & 2. Also applied for renewal of SCBA identity card. Its validity expired on 14/03/2012. I was told that a new card will be given after about 20 days.
 In chamber from 1.15 to 3.45 pm.
The Presidential election and trial of Rajesh and Nupur Tlwar in Arushi murder case are the main subjects in the news.of the day.
Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm. 

29thApril

Went for brisk 45 minute walk. Except ' Pramad', I have no other explanation for not completing the morning program. An executive of a company which collects and organizes to preserve the stem cells from milk teeth of infants/children was to visit us to give a demonstration and tell us cost of it also. I was not inclined to receive him today, though I was otherwise free. I had an engagement in the evening only. Now I have given  time at 12 am on 6th May for the demonstration. All the grandchildren, Khyati, Abhishree, Aamolikaa, Akshat & Alaynah have milk teeth. These could be preserved. Subhash has preserved stem cells from the umbilical chord of his grandson. It cost him Rs.one lac. He may have to pay again after 10 years for their continued preservation.
Venita went to join in the reading of Sunderkand in a neighbor's house. Gillo boarded the train and left for Kanpur.Attended musical evening followed by dinner at CISF hqrs.
Retired to sleep at 11.30 pm.

28th April

Went for a brisk walk for 45 minutes.Could not adhere to morning program. Had to leave for Noida early to attend Mishti's betrothal. Attended betrothal ceremony in Gymkhana club in Greater Noida. Besides Barun's family, his 3 sisters, 2 brothers and their families, Rajat and Chhotu, Silku, Ritabara and their 2 daughters, Khyati &;Alaynah, Anand & Abhay,Tunu & Gauri and there son, Yash, Anup and his family (Bina's brother ) attended. From would-be bridegroom's side, his parents and other relations ( about15 )attended .They are Ahujas, Punjabi Khatris. The bridegroom's father worked in RBI and now lives in Noida after retirement. His elder sister and her family live in Delhi.The other two sisters live in USA with their families.He has no brother.He is MA from Delhi School of Economics and now working in Price Waterhouse, Gurgaon. Mishti is also working there. They met there and decided to get married.The marriage will take place in August this year Marriage is an important stage in one's life. Life's real struggle starts after it. After marriage, I lost all my romanticism, infatuation with flowers, generally with nature and journeys on clouds.My father, with whom I shared my thoughts, told that marriage was like a " 'Topa' of responsibility which covered your head. You lose all your flights of imagination. Your creativity goes. Like billions, you start chasing  worldly objects in search of happiness".  I think that you can get back all that you lost after marriage if you regain yourself and remain in touch with it. Vipassana meditation helps.
Gillo's railway reservation could not be done today evening. SP ACB Mumbai and RSO promised to get it done by Pushpak Express starting 8 am on 29th. RSO confirmed it at about 11 pm. I informed Gillo, She was happy.
Retired to sleep at 11 pm.

27th April

Could go  only for brisk walk for 45 minutes  Did pranayam for 15 minutes Visited PNB and Assam house. Dictated a letter in Assamese to Ratneswar Das .Visited CGHS and SBI  Pradeep came  Yash is stable and improving. No blood transfusion has been necessary since  May 2011 .Pradeep is contemplating to send Yash to school on part-time basis.He could appear in 6 monthly examination writing answers sitting in the library
In chamber from 1.30 to 5 pm.
Pravesh rang up. Could not go to him. He has been requesting for a visit.  He said that he wanted to discuss a case. I will try next week. I have unavoidable engagements on Sat and Sunday..
Pilku has been inquiring about Yash. He suggested a course of action for him. I rang up and wanted him to tell it to Pradeep when he was with me in the chamber.He said  that he was preoccupied in the office at that moment. He would talk to him during the week end.
I had sent a mail to the DGP, Assam yesterday to inform  Rtd. A.B. Naik Ratneshar Das, who was on duty with me for over 12 years, to talk to me. He talked to me today. He is fine. Pilku was keen to know about his welfare.
Aatish Taseer, author of  'Stranger to History and Noon', wrote in HT in center page today " It allowed the world to shape its idea of itself." 'It' in the sentence refers to India. He recommends a bit of  xenophobia to get over the complex. We recognize our talent, literature, art and philosophy after a seal of approval is given by the world. It is unfortunate. But it is fact. However I don't agree with Aatish that we need a bit of xenophobia to be own self. We can be own self if we look inwards,.do a bit of introspection, develop 'Drashta Bhav', see the reality and shun 'Bhokta Bhav'.In short, we need to practice Vipassana.
Retired to sleep at 11.15 pm.      

26th April

Completed morning program. Visited CGHSs at North Avenue (Aurvedic) & at Pandara Road (Alopathic).In chamber from 1.15 to 4 pm.
Silku rang up and said that I need not have pointed out the mistake (ref. blog dated 25th April) to the British Visa office.It would have gone unnoticed. Although I had to rush around and make another trip to the Visa office due  to pointing out  of the error, but I thought that it was proper to correct the error. No mess-up would now occur on this count. It has been my experience that truth always helps you in the long run.
I had met Lindstorm in Stockhome in late 80s, but he did not tell all that he told Chitra now as published in IE yesterday... Perhaps he could not talk then due to constraints of Govt.service. Now he is a free man and can talk anything he likes.
Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm     

25th April

                                              British Visa

As I had to come to the chamber to collect some papers for British visa and reach Visa office by 11 am, I could not adhere to morning program. This mess-up took place as I thought it was 24th today and that I would arrange all papers today for submission to Visa office tomorrow. But when I realized that it was already 25th I got a bit nervous and had to rush to the office to collect the papers. Went for a short walk in the evening. 
Appeared for the Visa interview and gave all the papers. I have to go to London on 26th May. There is no need to go for fast track disposal of the application. In usual course, one gets back the passport with or without Visa in 2 weeks' time.. In fast track you get it in 2 to 3 days But you have to pay an additional amount of about Rs.5000/- I can wait for 2 weeks. I went through the Premium service route.. I had to pay an extra Rs.2000/- for the Premium route. In the premium route,you wait in an AC lounge for a few minutes, have  coffee and cookies without additional charges. You are attended to by smart employees and your work is done in no time.Otherwise you have to wait in a common lounge for your turn. You get only water and that too you have to take yourself.
First I went to the Visa office in the forenoon. I had noticed a factually wrong entry in the application form early in the  morning It could be corrected only by refiling the application form on line.I could not do it.It takes much time.I type slow.It  could be done by my assistant or I could go to a cyber cafe. He could be available after 11 am. A Visa expert said that the mistake would be ignored by the authority.But when i showed the error to Visa office, I was advised to correct it and come back by 4 pm to file the corrected form. Through oversight, it had been mentioned in the form that the passport, submitted by me, was the first passport. In fact it was the third passport.Earlier passports had been cancelled one by one as there was no space for visa entries anymore. Accordingly i revisited the Visa office and after filing a corrected  form at about 2 pm, left it. I deposited Rs 6650 for a 6 month Visa and Rs.250 as processing fee. I had to visit the Visa office twice.I had very many tense moments from early hours (when the said mistake was detected ) till the corrected copy was filed. I had quite a few cups of coffee and must have munched a number of cookies in the premium lounge.I was hungry.I had taken a frugal breakfast of fruits and oats early morning before I left for Visa office. .
In chamber from 9 to 10 am,11 am to 1 pm and from 3 to 5.15 pm
Retired to sleep at 11.15 pm.

24th April

Completed morning program. Visited SBI and CGHS. In chamber from 1.15 to 4.15pm. Tomorrow I have interview in connection with British Visa at 11 am. I have left some papers in the chamber. I have to take the same from there and thereafter go to Nehru Place for the purpose.Talked to Vikas about Singhvi episode.The Supreme Court snub to a group of persons on the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff was timely.
Retired to sleep at 10 pm    

23rd April

Completed brisk walk for 45 minutes and Pranayam for 15 minutes. Visited  Eye and Dental consultants.in Safdarjung hospital. In chamber from 1.15 to 4 pm. Emailed Arbitration proceedings, held on 20th, to the parties.
 Maloy.Dhar rang up.He wanted me to request Vikas to appear in the High Court in the appeal against the order of the CAT in the Additional Sec. level officers pension case.I informed him that Vikas had agreed to appear in the case and Biswas could discuss the details of it with me. Biswas rang up and said that he would come back to me after discussing with other pensioners.
'The Break-out Nations' is a much discussed book. I have read a review of it. I heard a panel discussion on it in NDTV today. It would be worthwhile to go through it in details.
Retired to sleep at 11.15 pm.

22nd April

Had  brisk 45 minute walk in the morning and evening too. Sheomohan has come today. Servicing and tyres of the car cost over Rs.25000/-.
In a speech, BJP leader Jaswant Singh said that corruption of spirit was the worst. Pilku sent a video of his visit to Cairo Spent the day at home reading magazines and newspapers.
Retired to sleep at 11.15 pm.

21rst April

Completed morning program. Venita went to visit children at Gurgaon.She returned at about 9 pm.
A very hard hitting write-up on management of Air India is written by Chetan Bhagat in TOI today in the center page I wish it is taken note of by the Govt.But i doubt.
A report says that over 40% of the boys and girls in India go to private schools whereas 20 in USA,6 in Canada,10 in UK,and cent/percent go to government schools in China.
Daawood's is Mumbai's first family of crime, according to a special report, printed in India Today dated April 30.
Jaipur's reputed gem market suffers a trust deficit after resin-treated emeralds are passed off as natural according to another report, printed in India Today dated April 30.
Retired to sleep at 11 pm.

20th April

Completed morning program.Visited Dental center along with Venita. The dentist told Venita to control sugar and come after a week. In chamber from 1.30 to 3 pm. Biswas rang up and requested to fix up a conference with Vikas to take up the appeal against the order of the CAT dismissing OA of the Addl Sec.level officers. praying parity with the scale, given to the Lt. Generals of the Army. Talked to Vikas. He requested for a junior to assist him in the case.Wanted to talk to Biswas. He was not available. Requested his wife to tell Biswas to talk to me. He did not talk today. I am sure he will talk tomorrow.
Attended Arbitration proceedings in the Conference room of the Scope office. Date for the award was fixed on 17th May. I am the sole arbitrator in the dispute between NFL and their contractor over latter's claim of increase in the wages of the workers.
Retired to sleep at 11 pm.

19th April

Completed morning program. Visited SBI. In chamber from 1 to 3pm. Attended a get-together at Deer Park-Baluchi restraunt in Hauz Khas. Met family members. Raju  (son of Neera,a first cousin of Venita)  and his French wife (daughter of a Christian mother and Buddhist father), who organised this get-together, are settled in French speaking part of Switzerland. They have bought a house there recently. The object was to meet the family.We are invited to visit them. I met Raju after many years. He is slightly elder to Silku. His father had visited us at Fatehpur in 1967 before he was born. They have a son, about 12 year old.
Retired to sleep at 11.30 pm. 

18th April

Completed morning program. Visited Balaji Dental Centre along with Venita for extraction of her teeth. They advised that she should complete the antibiotic course which she was taking at present. They have called her on 20th for the extraction.In chamber from 2 to 4 pm.
There is a write-up by Dilip Bob in the Indian Express of today in the center page regarding the mass appeal of IPL matches in India. The article analyses the psyche of the global youth. He mentions about the Sports Fan Motivation Scale, devised by Professor Daniel Wann,.an American psychologist.The scale includes a queer mix of the eight major motives for becoming a sports fan.These are eustress (positive stress ), escape, entertainment, group affiliation, self esteem ,aesthetic, economic and family bonding. I do not watch IPL matches on TV. I keep track of the matches in the print media .I fnd i am bonded  more to Chenai Super Kings. May be because of my liking for Dhoni.
Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm. 

17th April

Completed morning program. Visited Safdarjung hospital and consulted Dental specialists on implants. They advised to either go to AIIMS or Maulana Azad medical college, where the dental implant procedure is available at half the cost of the market  in private clinics as also in more efficient manner. Pravesh wanted to meet. Will try to meet him tomorrow. In chamber from 1.30 to 4 pm. Venita again had pain in colon. She had to take painkiller. Had to postpone her visit to the dentist in the evening.
On way back home,visited  Hanuman temple in Chanakyapuri.

16th April

Completed morning program. Visited CGHS. Curiously, the CMO requested for the latest CGHS list of approved hospitals, dental and eye care units as well as diagnostic centers. Sent  one. It is dated 12th March 2012. Talked to Dr. Dinesh Talwar. The OCT of Venita is done in the Center for Sight.Some fluid is seen in the right eye. But vision is stable. Dr Talwar said that he would watch for some more time before giving Avastin injection. He has called for a follow-up check after 6 weeks.
Someone told me about Epoisses, which is a French Cheese from cow's milk. I have not been able to get it. I hope to get it in UK when we go there in May.
I am told that iphone, ipad and ipod give the same service with some variations. Iphone gives all the services and could be bought during  visit to UK
Advocate Kuber is getting married at Bhopal on 25th instant. Delhi reception is on 10th May at India Habitate Center. We hope to attend.

15th April

Completed morning program. Could not cast my vote in the MCD elections today as my name does not figure in the voter list. Venita's name is there. but she could not go as she is not well. My name figured in the list during the last Assembly and Parliamentary elections . I presumed it to be there and checked in the internet  quite late. There was no time to apply for correction. Presumptions very often go awry .
Had afternoon sleep after lunch. Talked to Neha and advised her for regular one hour walk and meditation to get over her health problems
Attended reception and dinner in connection with the marriage of the daughter of Rajiv Mathur at 17, Mother Terresa Crescent near Teen Muurti complex. Delhi Police have taken over the property recently and converted it into a Mess. It is a big and beautiful.
Retired to sleep at 11.30 pm.

14th April

Completed pranayam, some exercises and asans.Went for walk in the evening.Visited Hindu Rao hospital and consulted Dr.Pankaj Agarwal, referred to by a friend, for the ailment of Venita. He has prescribed antibiotics for 5days.
Historian Heehs' visa has been extended for one year.His biography of Arbindo has been criticized by Arbindo's followers. We met some of them in Puduchery during our visit in Dec. 2011.
Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm. 

12th & 13th April

On 12th
Visited CGHS & SBI. In chamber from 1.15-4 pm. On way back met Bablu at DLT. Retired to sleep at 11pm.
On 13th 
Visited Dental center at Moti Bagh 1, along with Venita. Did not find it fit. Will get it changed to Balaji Multi Speciality Dental Center, Paschim Vihar. In chamber from 12-1.15pm. Attended batch lunch of AIS in CSOI. In all we were 19, sixteen from Delhi/NCR and three from outside. Collected our membership cards of CSOI. Again in chamber from 3-5pm.
Retired.to sleep at 11 pm . 

11th April

Could go only for brisk walk for 45 minutes. As we had appointments with 3 doctors in Safdarjung hospital, I had to come out early and miss exercises, pranayams and asans. Met Dr. Vasu, Dental surgeon, Head of the Department, ENT and Professor Negi, Head of the Medicine Department. Venita had some lingering pain in the right side of the stomach as also pain in the ears. Some syrup has been prescribed. Ear pain is diagnosed to be due to dental reasons. The dentist advised extraction of 3 teeth.
I have to meet the dentist, Dr.Jain, who specializes in dental implants,  tomorrow to seek his advice on the proposed implants by me.
 Venita went to meet Tarun and his family who are staying with their son in Mayur Vihar.
It is a matter of concern to read developments, reflected in the press reports regarding the Indian Army. I think the game of recrimination should stop and none should be allowed to tarnish the image of our great Army .
Sent copy of the judgement of CAT which has been appealed against in the High Court of Delhi to Advocate Ray who is pursuing the same matter in another case.He can file an application in the High Court to be made an intervenor in the appeal.
Retired to sleep at 11 pm.   

10th April

Completed morning program. Biswas and Ray met and discussed filing of appeal against the order of CAT rejecting relief to the Addl.sec.level officers in the matter of increase in the pension to them on par with the pension given to the Lt. Gen.level officers.They were advised to join in the petition,already being heard in the the High Court of Delhi on the issues. They agreed. No new appeal will now be filed by them.
Collected  Xray report from Mahajan Imaging Center.Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm. 

9th April

Completed morning program.Visited CGHS and SBI. In chamber from 1.45 to 4 pm.Went to Hauz Khas diagnostic center for OPG Xray.BP rang up. He has condoled the death of late Kankan .Kaushal is not well Will talk to him tomorrow.Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm. 

8th April

Completed morning program. Saw the room in the park near the Society's temple where i propose to shift Thapa, our driver. He is to vacate his present accommodation in a flat of the Society which he has been sharing with plumbers so long. He has not liked this accommodation.He prefers to go to a hired nearby accommodation . He would like me to pay the rent,which is Rs. 1600 a month. I have offered to pay a part of it ,that is, to the extent of Rs.600/-. I am paying him a salary of Rs.6500/- per month. Add to it Rs.600/-. I will be paying him now Rs.7100/- in all. I cannot afford more than that.
Attended a get-together in the residence of Shri Jha in the evening. Retired to sleep at 10 pm. 

7th April

Could go for 45 minute brisk walk only.No asans, pranayams, exercises due to heat. In chamber from 2 to 3.45 pm. Joined in Shantipath at Chinmay mission in connection with demise of late Kankan..About 125 to 150 persons were present in the congregation. Offered flowers to the portrait of late Kankan.His grandchildren read out their renascences and eldest son gave short account with emotional touches here and there of late Kankan's life. A lady well sang devotional songs with classical touches in the beginning of a little over one hour long program.
Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm.

6th APRIL

Could go for for 45 minute walk.Venita is preoccupied in organizing Hanumanjayanti in the Society's temple.It being holiday, spent the day reading newspapers etc. Pilku and his family have reached Egypt for a holiday. Due to Easter, schools are closed. They will be back home by 12th.
We observed Babuji's death anniversary today.He died 21 years back on 6th April 1991.There were prayers, offerings of flowers  before his  photograph, donation to orphanage or similar place by children, grandchildren, sisters, nieces,nephews and others.We gave dry rations, some cash to the priest of the Society's temple.
Went for an evening walk.Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm

5th April

Completed brisk walk only.Arun visited and had lunch along with his family. Bina had also joined in.Due to preoccupation, Barun could not come.We talked family matters. Biswas, a batch mate called. He would come to the chamber on 10th to discuss appeal against an order of CAT in the matter of pension case of the Addl. secretary level officers..Retired to sleep at 10 pm.   

4th April

Completed morning program partially.Visited CGHS. In chamber from 12.30 to 3 pm. Attended cremation of Kankan.He was gentle, helpful, amiable, affectionate, a competent officer.He had retired as Joint Secretary, Dept. of Justice, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India in early 9os.A well known homeopath. He cured many of chronic diseases.He leaves behind his widow, two illustrious sons, a daughter and grandchildren besides a number of other relations, friends and well wishers. His cremation was well attended.All eyes were wet. Shanti path will take place on 7th after 4 days at Chinmoy mission hall on Lodhi road. I hope to attend..

2nd & 3rd April

On 2nd 
Completed morning program. In chamber from 12.30 to 4 pm. Visited Precision Dental Center. Retired to sleep at 10 pm.
On 3rd
Completed Prayanam and 45 minute brisk walk only. Visited Safdarjung hospital. Met Dental Surgeon. In chamber from 1.15 to 5 pm. On way back visited Hanuman temple in Chanakyapuri. Talked to Chetan. He is not keeping well. Agnihotri rang up.He will meet on 9th. Retired SP/CBI Kaushik rang up In fact it must be his 4th or 5th call. Due to preoccupation , i have not been able to meet him I must meet him tomorrow. I have told to give me a ring at 11.30 am to let him know when he should come to the chamber.He requests for guidance for a post retirement preoccupation. He worked with me in CBI..He is a law graduate.
Retired to sleep at 9.30 pm.  

29th March to 1st April

On 29th 
Completed morning program. Spent the day with Akshat. Took him to the District Center. He had ice cream and muffins.After a long search and examination in 'Wordsworth' he bought a toy. He said that he would now go to class one. Retired to sleep at 10.30 PM.
On 30th
Visited Safdarjung Hospital. Arranged a room for a group of eight persons in Kalka Bhawan,  at Mata Vaishnava Devi Temple. In chamber from 12.30 to 3.30 PM. Attended lecture of the Secretary General Interpol in Vigyan Bhawan. Retired to sleep at 10 PM
On 1st
Attended CBI Day function in the residence of the Director CBI. The President, the PM and other dignitaries attended. Retired to sleep at 10 PM