30th & 31st Jan.

30th
Completed morning program. Visited Safdarjung Hospital & CGHS. In the Supreme court and chamber from 1 to 3.15 pm. In continuation to my interview in Nehru Memorial,  details of my experiences during  service from 1982 to 1985 were taken.
Pursuant to statement of Rahul Gandhi in Times Now interview few days back, the issues relating to 1984 Sikh riots continued to figure in news.
Retired to sleep at 11 pm.
31st
Completed morning program. Visited SBI. In the chamber from 2.45 to 5 pm.
Commissioner Police Mumbai submitted resignation to Govt. of Maharashtra. He is likely to join BJP or AAP.

29th Jan.

Completed morning program. Visited Safdarjung Hospital In the Supreme Court and chamber from 12.30 to 4.30 pm.
Rahul Gandhi's interview to Times Now on 27th Jan 2014 is much under discussion in Indian press these days. He is  being criticized for his comments on 1984 and 2002 riots.

28th Jan.

Completed morning program. In the High Court and chamber from 12.30 to  3.30 pm. Discussed terms of engagement of Shri Vikas Pahwa, Sr. Advocate  in the trial of a case at Hyderabad. Met some advocates of the chamber who worked  here and now have their own chambers.
India lost 4th ODI at Hamilton to Newzeland and thereby  the series. 

26 and 27th Jan

26th Jan
Completed morning program. Attended two and half- an- hour Vipassana event at Chhatarpur logistic farm, followed by delicious lunch. Over 1000 people joined in the spacious lawns of the farm.Venita also participated. On way back visited Neha. As Babloo left for UK on official work today, Venita is to stay with Neha till his return.
At Republic Day 'At Home' in Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kejarival, CM Delhi was the center of attraction. On the Raj Path parade too people were seen taking his autograph.
Retired to sleep at 11 pm.
27th Jan.
Completed morning program. Visited CGHS, In the Supreme Court and chamber from 1 to 4.30 pm. Kept Ekadasi fast
A boat carrying people to Rose Island of Andaman and Nicobar islands capsized killing 21 people. The Rose island has ruins of a British settlement which was the administrative headquarters of Andaman and Nicobar islands before Independence. We did not visit it during our 6 day stay in the Union Territory in Dec. last year.
Retired to sleep at 11 pm.

25th Jan

Completed morning program. Spent the day reading the newspapers. Watched the India-Newzeland cricket match on TV.
India tied the 3rd ODI with Newzeland at Auckland and retained the top position in ODIS in ICC rankings . If they win the remaining two ODIS, the series could be drawn, a herculean task.
Retired to sleep at about 10.30 pm.

24th Jan.

Completed morning program. Attended Friday lunch of 1964 batch at CSOI, Kasturba Gandhi marg. Venita also joined in. There were about 25 persons including 7 ladies. It was comparatively good gathering. There were 4 from IPS , 7 IAS, 4 IFS and remaining from Central Services including some spouses. The golden jubilee meet of the batch is scheduled at Mussoorie in May this year. All of us including spouses will be the guest of The National Academy of Administration there. We did Foundation course in the Academy in 1964. We have very fond memories of 6 month stay together. We will share our professional experiences which will documented in minutes of different conferences and meetings. A similar get together of the IPS is to take place at National Police Academy, Hyderabad in October this year.
In chamber from about 3 to 5 pm.
Retired to sleep at about 11 pm.

23rd Jan

Completed morning program. In the Supreme Court and chamber from about 1 to 4.45 pm.
The AAP CM, Delhi is under attack from BJP as well as Congress for Dharna to get the Police Officers transferred and raid by the Law minister Bharti in the residence of Africans and misbehavior with women.
Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm.

22nd Jan.

Went for 45 minute walk. In the Supreme Court and chamber from about 11.45 am to 4.45 pm.
Bablu went to  Ankleshwar for official work.
 Newzeland won second ODI also at Hamilton today. India lost its top position in ODI.
Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm.

21st Jan.

Completed morning program. In the Supreme court and chamber from about 1 to 5.30 pm. In between attended lunch in Meghalaya House on the occasion of Meghalaya day. The Meghalaya state came into being today 42 years back in 1972. The day is celebrated each year with cultural show followed by  lunch. Whenever I am in Delhi I make it point to attend. Venita could not join due to cold, windy and rainy weather. Despite bad weather, a good number of all India Service Officers of Meghalaya-Assam cadre and their families joined the celebration.. The cultural show could not take place due to rains.

The Dharna by Kejriwal, CM Delhi ended. The concerned police officers were sent on leave pending inquiry.

20th Jan

Completed morning program. In the chamber from about 1 to 5 pm. Venita had come with me to do some shopping in south Delhi.
AAP Chief Minister of Delhi sat in a dharna demanding action against Policemen who allegedly misbehaved with  his Ministers few days back.
Rwtired to sleep at about 11.15 pm.

19th Jan

Completed morning program. Spent the day reading newspapers and magazines. Venita went to Gurgaon to meet children.

                                        She is 9 today 

Venita did Puja and distributed sweets to celebrate Amolikaa's birthday. We blessed her for long, happy and bright life. She was born on this date, i.e. ,19.01.2005 at 1852 hrs GMT at Wellington, South-West London on Wednesday or at 002 hrs of 20.01.2005, IST on Thursday, 9  years back.  According to Indian calender, Tithi was Dashmi, Shuklapksh of Paush, Samvat 2061.
Sudden death of Sunanda Pushkar wife of Minister of State, Tharoor in 7 star hotel Leela at Chanakyapuri is much in news. The mystery of death may be clear after Police gets postmortem report on Monday the 21st Jan.
Retired to sleep at 10.30 pm.

18th Jan

Completed morning program. Attended lunch at Assam house. AIS officers of Assam-Meghalaya cadre and their families were invited. CM Assam also joined in. Venita accompanied.
CM Delhi has threatened hunger strike if the police officers, involved in misbehavior with his Ministers a couple of days back, were not suspended within 3 days.
Retired to sleep at about 10.15 pm.

17th Jan

Completed morning program. In the Supreme Court and chamber from about 12.30 to 5 pm.
   A couple of Ministers of AAP Government of Delhi directed Police on the spot to take action in respect of a prostitution racket and a case of burning of a housewife. Police said that action could be taken only according to law after investigation and not on the spot. There was altercation between the police and Ministers.
The Congress party   protested against gang rape of a Denish woman.
Retired to sleep at 11 pm.

16th Jan.

Completed morning program. Visited Resident Commissioner Meghalaya House and CGHS. In the Supreme Court and chamber from 1 to  5.30 pm. .
AAP Government of Delhi reversed another order of the former Congress Government and decided to shift Millennium  bus stand from the bank of river Jamuna. It is of the opinion that the bus stand violates the environment rules.
Retired to sleep at 11 pm.  

15th Jan

Completed morning program. Visited SBI. In the Supreme Court and chamber from about 1 to 5 pm.
AAP Govt in Delhi has reversed FDI policy in retail of former Congress government on the ground that it will increase unemployment.The Congress criticized the reversal.
Retired to sleep at about 10.30 pm.

14th Jan

Completed morning program. Makarsankranti was celebrated today. We visited Barun and Bina at their residence in Greater Noida. Today is Bina's birthday. We wished her many happy returns of the day. Had lunch with them. Bina showed her school to us. It took more than 2 hours by car to reach Greater Noida from Vikaspuri. Exhausting. On way back , visited Gita's place also..Yash is well now. He completed 10th and is now preparing for 11th.
Retired to sleep at about 11 pm.

13th Jan

Went for 45 minute walk. Visited CGHS (Aurvedic). In the Supreme Court and chamber from 12 noon to  4.30 pm.
The upsurge  in the popularity of AAP is a matter of concern for both the  BJP and Congress, more for  BJP which aspires to win  2014 elections. A big crowd had assembled at a place in Amethi constituency to hear Kumar Vishwas yesterday. Some congress workers are reported to have pelted stones and other missiles at the convoy of Kumar Vishwas who is to take on Rahul Gandhi in the ensuing general elections.
A massive rally was held at Panjim, capital of Goa, which was addressed by the BJP PM candidate. Shri Narender Modi criticized the policies of the UPA govt.
 Allegations of sexual harassment against another former Supreme court Judge surfaced. A law intern  filed  a complaint before the Supreme Court for taking action against the judge.
Retired to sleep at about 11,15 pm.

12th Jan.

Completed morning program. Attended Shanti Path and Kirtan,  arranged at Preetivihar gurudwara, for Prakash Singh's wife who died on 3rd Jan.  Prakash also arranged lunch. Venita accompanied. Retired to sleep at about 11 pm.

11th Jan.

Completed morning program. Spent the day with Venita at West end and reading magazines/newspapers. Retired to sleep at about 10.30 pm.

10th Jan.

Completed morning program. Venita went to Gurgaon to meet children. In the chamber from about 1 to 4.30 pm.
AAP (Am Admi Party )has taken a number of measures which are motivating people to join it.They are from all walks of life. One striking point about the party is their determination to fight corruption and their sensitivity to feelings/problems of the people.
It is noticed by us for the first time that while in parts of Chicago,  the temperature has gone down to -50 degree centigrade, in parts of Australia it has gone up to 50 degrees. Quite a few species of life in the zoos there died due to extreme cold/heat.
India is on top of ODI in ICCI  rankings. If India loses to New Zealand, it will lose the top position. The matches between the two teams are to start this month.
Retired to sleep at about 10.30 pm.

9th Jan

Completed morning program. Visited  GPO and ITBP. In the chamber from about 2.30 to 4.45 pm. Am Admi  Party is becoming popular party day by day.
 Retired to sleep at about 10.45 pm.

21st Dec 2013 to 1st Jan. 2014 Visit to Andman and Nicobar islands, Puri, Konark and Bhubneshwar

Sunrise at Port Blair

21st Dec.
Left New Delhi by Spicejet at about 08.10 hrs. Arrived Port Blair at 13.30 hrs. after a brief stop-over at Kolkata. The journey was quite hectic and taxing. We got up at 03.30 hrs. to get ready to reach the airport by 06.30 hrs.  The DGP Andaman and Nicobar island had arranged for our reception at the airport. Took lunch in the Police guest house. Slept for over 3 hrs. to get over the fatigue. Visited Cellular Jail known as Kala Pani and saw light and sound show there. It was quite touching. A friend visited Andaman Nicobar islands and wrote  as to why the jail was called Kalapani. : "Actually, no one knows for sure. We heard three versions.

1. You were being sent to your end of time in the world or Kaal and since you go over the ocean, it was called Kaala Paani.

2. It rains a lot there and more so on the ocean, which is Bay of Bengal. There are dark clouds in the sky most of the time which make the sea water look dark. So it was called Kaala Paani.

3. The cruel jail staff gave you dirty water to drink. So you were doomed to drink kaala paani.

Even senior officers make guess work on the above versions. You can take your pick."

 In the premises of Cellular Jail            

  

Near Peepal Tree, witness to atrocities on 

freedom fighters in Jail

Port Blair  has unique scenic beauty. Retired to sleep at about 23 hrs.

22nd Dec.

We Visited Vir Savarkar's cell in Cellular Jail. Could not understand the poem written by him in Marathi.
Near Veer Savarkar's Cell 

Also enjoyed seeing different kinds of live Corals and Fish in the Naval Museum.  
In Naval Museum 

In the afternoon went to Chidiya beach, about 35 km from Port Blair and saw the sunset. Not worth a visit. A cup of tea in the forest IB mixed with lemon grass was quite refreshing. Returned at about 20 hrs. Retired to sleep at about 22.30 hrs.

23rd Dec

Boarded luxury ship 'Markuzz' at about 08.15 hrs. for Havelock island, about one and half hour journey on the sea.  Accommodation arranged in a cottage of Cross Bill Beach Resort at Rs. 5000/-  plus taxes per night is nice. It has all the modern facilities. It is clean and comfortable. We had coffee in the restaurant of the Resort and went for a long walk along the Beach near the cottage. The 'light green' waters of the sea were enchanting.
Beach near Cross Bill Beach Resort 

  






Visited Radharani Beach in Havelock island in the afternoon after a journey of about 40 minutes by car. It is long clean beautiful beach,considered to be the best in Asia. Walked with shoes in our hands waves flying over our feet/legs.
 In Havelock Island

Had continental lunch at Barefoot restaurant in the forested area on the beach itself.  You have to enter it barefoot . The lunch cost us Rs. 500/- + Rs. 100/- as tip. Venita went marketing nearby. I watched the waves sitting on a a chair provided by local police post and took snaps of the setting sun..
Sunset at Radharani Beach

Returned Cross Bill Beach Resort at about 2000 hrs .

Retired to sleep at about 2200 hrs. after dinner at Sea Shell restaurant.

24th Dec.

We had a long walk along the beach near the cottage again in the morning. Due to ebb, sea waters had gone over 100 yards away. The beach had deeply embedded collections of rocks here and there. After breakfast we boarded a small motor boat for a 15 minute journey to Elephant beach. The boat could accommodate 6 persons besides the two boat men. We were 4 adults and 2 teen age boys of Khyati's age. They were Indians of Africa..The boat was moving at a speed of 30 to 35 km per hour. It took us 15 minutes to reach the Elephant beach.  
On Elephant Beach

At a small patch of rough sea, the waves took the boat up to 2 to 3 feet high. We thought our end had come. Boatmen assured us that nothing would happen. Again we got quiet sea after 2 minutes. We heaved a sigh of relief. At Elephant beach (as the forest dept used to train elephants here, it is known as such. There are no elephants here nor there is any training camp.), we boarded another motor boat with magnifying glass belly for watching the under-sea life. 
Under-sea vegetation, rocks, corals and fish

Snorkeling, sea walking, scuba diving were going on. Although Snorkeling was part of the package of our journey to Elephant beach, but we did not avail it. We watched younger people doing the same. We saw live corals and a number of colorful fish including some parrot like green fish. After glass boat ride we waited for our jetty at the beach to return to Havelock. We had a plateful of cut fruits, coconut water at the Elephant beach. Venita changed over to a hired swimming suit for a bath in a the sea. But in the meantime the jetty came and we had to rush to it as the African family was waiting for us to leave. She could not take bath.
On Elephant Beach

After a stay of over 4 hours at Havelock PWD IB and sumptuous lunch at a nearby Barefoot restraunt, we boarded 'Markuzz' on way back to Port Blair. Reached at about 1815 hrs.
 I received a sms from Pilku from Phuket that he was on the other side of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Truly so if you see their locations in  the world map. We felt as if he was with us.
Retired to sleep at about 2200 hrs.

25th Dec.

Went out for a 45 minute walk in the Water Sports Complex. It is situated in the heart of Port Blair near the sea, spacious and unique. Not many people were walking in the area or using the facilities. May be due to X-mas. Police officers mess, where we were staying, was located over 3 hundred feet above the Water Sports Complex. It was a steep climb. The back waters of the sea fed the reservoir for  water sports. 

Venita shopped stones and gems at Sagarika  emporium. The shoppers were moving jostling against each. She told me that she was buying them for her grandchildren and daughters-in-law. I went in search of a restaurant for coffee. I could not get one. People here took tea. 

As we were to leave Port Blair next day for Kolkata, spent over an hour with DGP Andaman Nicobar Islands. 
In the park near local beach at Port Blair

Also visited a nearby beach and park in the evening and walked there. If Pilku decided to come to this place, he could stay in the Fortune hotel. Its location is picturesque. All the swimming pools here had salty water. Retired to sleep at about 23 hrs.

26th Dec.

Went for 45 minute walk. The President of India would visit Port Bair on 11 January 2014. Lt. Governor attended a function  at the Water Sports Complex to commemorate the 7th Anniversary of Tsunami.  Venita shopped, mainly shell products. Left Port Blair at about 14.45 hrs. by Jetlite flight to Kolkata.  Arrived Meghalaya House Kolkata at about 1800 hrs. We were comfortably accommodated. Had dinner in a nearby Chinese restaurant, 'JADE'. I did not like the preparations. Venita liked.  Retired to sleep at about 2200 hrs . 

27 Dec. 

Ruchi was born today at about 10.15 pm, at Kanpur, UP, on  Wednesday, Ashtami, Krishna Paksh of the month of Paush, Samvat 2029. We wished her long and healthy life. She is loving and caring.

Left for Bhubneswar at about 1300 hrs, 55 minute flight from Kolkata. Accommodated in  Police mess. On way from the Airport. we happened to pass through the office of Commissioner of Police. It is an impressive white building. perhaps made of stone. Our first engagement here was with a  dentist at 16.30 hrs. Venita had flushed out her denture in WC at Port Blair. I talked to her with my eyes on her feet. She looked funny without her front lower teeth. Consulted the dentist. He promised to give denture to Venita next day. Retired to sleep at about 2200 hrs.

28th Dec.
Collected the denture today after a visit to Lingraj temple at Bhubneshwar, built between 7th and 12th centuries when thousands  of sandstone temples were erected around the Bindu Sagar, earning it the title 'The city of temples'   
                          Lingraj temple

Drove to Puri, about 70 km. from Bhubneshwar. It took us a little over one and a half hrs. The road is well maintained. Visited Puri beach. We did 

Puja/Achana at Lord Jagannath temple. 

Lord Jagannath temple. 

We took photographs of the domes of Lingraj and Jagannath temples from outside as no photographs are allowed inside their premises.

Retired to sleep at about 23 hrs.

29th Dec.
Visited Loknath. Guidicha. Indrayamuna, Narendra, Kshetra Ganga and Sidh Mahabir temples.
Venita spent the afternoon/evening at Lord Jagannath temple. She watched the changing of flag  on the mast of the temple from 6 to 7 pm. She again went there and remained from 2300 to 0300 hrs., watching Arti and other ceremonies before Lord Jagannath and other deities were put to sleep. 
      Outside Lord Jagannath temple
I stayed back in the guest house.

30th Dec.
We visited Sonar Gaurang temple. At Lord Jagannath temple made arrangements for hoisting of a flag on the mast of the temple. We also donated for the Bhog. 
The May-fare group of hotels had made arrangements  at Model beach to take bath if we so wished. Venita took bath. They also provided a life guard.
I took tinned Diet Coke. It led to excruciating pain in the stomach,  motions, vomiting and perspiration. Police doctor came. He gave a couple of pills. I slept from about 1900 hrs till early morning. Venita canceled all her programs to visit the temple in the night and next day early morning.
   At Model beach, Puri

                                         Sunset at Puri beach

 She was visibly disturbed. 

31st Dec
We visited Lord Jagannath temple in the morning. Donated ghee for the temple lamps. We saw our flag flying on the mast of the temple. It is believed that it would  bring glory, fame and name to the family. Venita did some pavement shopping. 
 Pavement shopping near Jagannath temple

Big crowds are expected in the town on the new year day. The same were seen yesterday and are seen today also.
On way back, visited Konark Sun temple. The guide took our photographs from various angles by my cell. We had visited this place in 1982 with Plku, Silku and Babloo. Its environment has changed. It is quite well maintained. Worth a visit with a guide. Panda, who guided us to the old temple and took our snaps, was well-informed and good in explaining its different aspects and  history.
         At Konark

We visited Pipli market, famous for embroidered items and Buddha temple on way from Konark to Bhubneshwar. Asoka shunned wars after witnessing much bloodshed during Kalinga war. He became a follower of Buddha. Reached Bhubneshwar at about 1800 hrs.
As we had traveled over 100 kms. from Puri via Konark, we did not go out for dinner. We decided to watch celebrations of the New Year Eve on the TV in the room till midnight. Venita  retired to sleep at about 23 hrs. She relishes sleep more than anything else. She did not wait for the New year to dawn. Lot of fireworks followed in the city after ushering in of the New year.  

1st Jan. 2014
At Bhubneshwar, Venita went shopping. She went to Lingraj temple again. After lunch and some rest, we left for airport. The aircraft was airborne  at about 19 hrs. It landed at Delhi at a little after 2100 hrs.
Our 12 day holidays ended. The courts open next day.

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th,6th, 7th and 8th Jan

2nd Jan
Visited SBI. In the Supreme Court and chamber from about 1 to 6 pm. Retired to sleep at 11 pm.
3rd Jan
Visited BSF canteen. In the Supreme Court and chamber from about 1 to 5.30 pm. Retired to sleep at 11 pm.
4th Jan
Completed morning program.
Neha, our youngest daughter-in-law, was born on this date at 10.16 pm when her father was posted at Kota in Rajasthan. She is 41. We wish her health, wealth, happiness and fulfillment of her wishes in life. According to Indian calender, she was born on Friday, Amavasya, Krishnapaksh of Paush, Samvat 2029. A loving wife and caring daughter/daughter-in-law. Venita did Puja early morning in the temple and distributed sweets to all. 
Gita, our niece who along with her elder sister, Vandana took care of my late father, was also born today. We wished her happy birthday.
Visited Sony service center to learn the anti-virus procedure  which is to be undertaken at least once a week. It takes about 10 minutes in all. Gave Nokia cell for repair at their service center. 
Attended cremation of the wife of a batchmate, Shri Prakash Singh in Nigambodh crematorium on Lodhi road.They were married for over 57 years. Quite a few of our batchmates have already died. Their wives have also started leaving.
Retired to sleep at about 10 pm.
5TH Jan.
Went for an hour walk.Spent the day reading newspapers and magazines. Retired to sleep at about 10.30 pm.
6th Jan
Went for 45 minute brisk walk. Visited Aurvedic CGHS and SBI. In the Supreme Court and chamber from 2 to 6 pm. Retired to sleep at about 11 pm. 
7th Jan 
Went for 45 minute walk. Visited SBI and GPO. In the chamber from about 2 to 5 pm. On way back home, went to Hanuman temple in Chanakyapuri.
Retired to sleep at about 10.30 pm.
8th Jan
Went for about 45 minute walk. In the chamber from 12.30 to 4 pm. Retired to sleep at about 10.45 pm.