29,30 and 31st Dec.

29th
Venita visited Gurugram, Met relations and children. She gave prasad of Ramkatha to all. Pilku reached London yesterday in the evening.
30th
Tarun/Sangita came. They informed about engagement of Abhay, their younger son. The engagement is on 19th Jan. They invited to attend the function.
Attended an interactive Session on “CORONARY HEART DISEASE – The Heart App” by Dr. Rajeev Rathi at CSOI in the evening. It was interesting  session. Silku also joined in.
31st
Venita's youngest uncle's family came. The uncle had died a couple of years back.
On the eve of 2019, we wish all a happy new year.
Quotable Quotes :"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier."Alfred Lord Tennyson

24,25,26 27 and 28th Dec.

24th
Pliku arrived in the morning. We wished to have a birthday get-together for him with all relations and friends. But it could not materialise. It is postponed to 26th August next year when I will be 80. It will then be celebration for 50 and 80 together. We will plan it out well in advance.
25th
Christmas is celebrated today. Amolikaa and Abhishree celebrated Christmas and exchanged gifts. Talked to them and Ruchi too.Wished Merry Christmas to our friends Richard and Janet in Winchester.
Pilku went to Mumbai in the afternoon for some meetings. He will also look up Gillo there.
26th 
Pilku stayed back at Mumbai. He visited Gillo and lunched. He met some friends too.
27th
He returned from Mumbai in the evening. His travel agent could not postpone departure by a couple of days though he desired to stay back at Delhi for some meetings.. He said he would come to Delhi again before June.
28th
Pilku left for London in the forenoon. His BA flight was scheduled to leave by 11 am. We accompanied him to the airport.
Quotable Quotes :"Trust your instincts, some fears also elaborate soul truth "

21,22,and 23rd Dec.

21st
Due to disruption of Gatwick airport operation by drones, Pilku is unable to start for Delhi today. Drones are supposedly being flown by some environmentalist who wants no.of flights to reduce to prevent pollution, according to some . Police however could not locate him. They have decided to shoot them down as a tactical measure from 22nd if the menace continues. Pilku will now leave from Heathrow on Sunday, the 23rd and be here on 24th.
22nd
Venita returned VV after over 20 days. She had to stay at Vikaspuri due to Ramkatha and arrangements for it.
23rd
Another photo of Pilku's 50th birthday,received from London today, is given below :

Pilku left London today by Qatar Airways for Delhi in the afternoon. He will land at Delhi tomorrow at 8.25 am.
Quotable Quotes :" Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson

20th Dec

20th

Pilku is 50 today,his golden birth anniversary. It is an important threshold of life. He was born on 20.12.1968 at 05.58 hours at Kanpur,UP,India. According to the Indian calendar, it was Thursday, Shuklapaksh, Pratipada of Paush, Samvat 2025 . Venita is at Vikaspuri and I am at VV. She  distributed sweets at Vikaspuri. She visited temple to pray for his long, happy and healthy life. We talked to him at his house in London.
                 Pilku's photo taken today in London

Arun,his maternal uncle, wished us on his birthday. Sunanda/Arun are coming to Delhi to attend engagement ceremony of Sangita/Tarun's son, Abhay on 19th Jan, 2019. He will stay in Ruch/Pilku's flat along with us. Pilku bought the flat for our conveniences. People say that it was unique gesture by him and rare too. Venita donated to the Institute of otherwise able children at Fatehpur for distributing sweets among the inmates on the day.                                                                                  With family and friends
                                             

Quotable Quotes : A birthday special :"Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! "Dr. Seuss

17,18 and 19th Dec.

17th
Four of us met to discuss installation of an elevator in our block of flats with the architect. Proposed to see the elevators fitted in nearby Poorti  Apartments and thereafter meet again for a decision.
18th
Saw the elevators and informed others to follow-up as I was to go to our VV flat today. We will meet again shortly.
Drove to VV in the afternoon.
19th
After a long stay for over 12 days at Vikaspuri, returned VV on 18th. Venita may come back after a day or two. She has to settle bills relating to Ramkatha from 8 to 16th Dec.: the bills for purchase of prasad, hiring charges for tent and decorations, gifts to Panditji and his team at the time of their departure from the society, purchase of flowers and other misc. items. People contributed liberally.
Quotable Quotes :"Don't trade RESPECT for attention"

14,15.16th Dec.

14th
Panditji spoke on Bharat Milap chapter of  the Rmkatha today.
15th
The discourse mainly dealt on Ram 's meeting with Shabri.
Anita/Pramod and Sunita joined in. They did not stay for Langar. Silku could not come due to preoccupation.
16th
The ;pravachan gave details of Lanka dahan by Hanuman, killing of Ravan, Ram's return to Ayodhya and Rajyabhishek. A havan was organized at the end followed by Langar in which about 350 people took Puri-sabji and halua prasad.
Babloo/Neha and Akshat came in the evening at the end of the Langar. They were under the mistaken impression that Langar would start after 5.30 pm.
Quotable Quotes :"When you talk, you are repeating what you know. But if you listen you may learn something new." Dalai Lama

11,12,and 13th Dec.

11th
Panditji spoke on Dhanush yagya and Sita swayamber. There was a big audience today.
12th
Pravachan mainly related to Ram Vivah. It was also Vivah Panchmi today. Ram married Sita on this day, it is believed. People danced and sang. At this moment everyone joined in celebration.
Pravachan of 11 and 12 will be uploaded in YouTube within a day or two.
Tent could not accommodate the big audience of over 250. The spill-over heard it standing outside.
13th
Panditji spoke on Ram Vanvas and Ram's discourse with  Kewat (boatman). At the end people looked sad. Yesterday they were hilarious after discourse on Ram Vivah.
Quotable Quotes :"The beginning is always the hardest." www.thesunsetlotus.com

6.7,8,9 and 10th Dec.

6th
Left for Vikaspuri in the evening to assist Venita in management of the Ramkatha from 8 to 16th Dec.in the premises of the society temple there.
7th
All the arrangements for Ramkatha have been made by Venita with the help of others of the society.
Fogging of the area of Ramkatha including the temple of the society is arranged.
8th
Puja started with Venita and me at 8 am followed by Kalash Yatra 11.30 am and Katha 2 to 5.30 pm. Katha Vachak explained the importance of Katha on the day one. Venita with kalash on her head led a procession with colourfully dressed-up ladies in the premises of the society.
Babloo,Neha and Akshat joined in during the day.
9th
Discourse concentrated mainly on Shiva Parvati marriage. Two children were dressed up like Shiva and Parvati. They garlanded each other as part of a staged marriage ceremony.
To prevent mosquitoes, fogging was done in tent, around and in the temple.
10th
Discourse was mainly on Ramjanmotsav.
Over 150 people attended each day. All of them were treated with packets of delicious prasad with different items each day. Panditji's team  and others, in all about 25 people including  ourselves, took early dinner together. 
All of us clapped,sang devotional songs to the tune of a variety of musical instruments. Occasionally groups of ladies danced too. The temple,pandal and the flat in which Panditji's team is treated are decorated with leaves and flowers. As it was birthday of Ram today, Venita had told tent house manager to hang good number of colourful balloons too.  An infant acted as Ram and was carried by his mother. Like a doll it was going with a smile to the laps of all the ladies and children.
There is festive atmosphere in the society.
Sunita and Mrs Prasad joined in during the day.
Quotable Quotes  :"Sometimes people don't change they just remove their mask." 

3,4 and 5th Dec.

3rd
Routine cheque of her eyes was done in the afternoon at Centre for Sight. Doctor said that the cataract in her left eye was small. We could wait for some more time for it to mature for operation. He will again check it after four weeks. Venita told him that she was having poor vision in her left eye due to it.(Cataract had been removed from the right eye about a year back). He advised another refraction test for change of power of specks, if required. But change thereof was not recommended by the technician. Instead she got her specks cleaned in the shop of the Centre for Sight. Venita did not appear to be satisfied with her vision even after that. We decided to wait till her next test after 4 weeks.
Venita went to Vikaspuri in the evening to tie-up arrangements for Ram Katha beginning 8th Dec.
4th
A number of mails/phone calls were received for SCBA elections on 12th Dec. As the same are falling during the period of Ram Katha,I wonder if I can cast my vote. I am interested in voting for a couple of candidates.
5th
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Quotable Quotes :"Language of your expression is more valuable than the language in which you talk. "Poet Amigo Johnny

1 and 2nd Dec.

1st (Saturday)
Babloo was born today. He is 47. On 1st December, 1971, Wednesday, Chaturdashi of the month of Marg Shirsh, Shuklapksh, Samvat 2028, he was born at 09.02 hours in Dhubri civil hospital, Assam. Venita prayed wishing him long and healthy life. She distributed sweets to all . We called him in the morning and wished him happy birthday. Later we had dinner with him, Neha, daughter-in-law and Akshat, grandson to celebrate the day. 
These days not many people turn up on invitation. They have become highly individualistic. They prefer to spend time with themselves. The life is complex, competitive and hard. They are engrossed in social media, lost in tunes and phones. Social interactions are far and few.
                                           After the dinner

2nd( Sunday)
Venita is quite preoccupied in organizing Ramkatha beginning 8th Dec. for a week. at Vikaspuri. She will go back there after her eye test on Monday.
My father's knowledge of Ramayan was deep. He recited it quite often and related to our day-today-life. Ramkatha, organized by us, is dedicated to his memory.
Quotable Quotes :"It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you down. It's the pebble in your shoe." Muhammad Ali

27th
Campaigning in Mizoram and MP ended yesterday. Assembly elections are to take place tomorrow, that is, on 28th Nov. 2018 SCBA  elections are scheduled for 12th Dec.
28th
Venita went to Vikaspuri to tie up arrangements for Ram katha from the 10 to 15th Dec. Good turn out in Mizoram and MP assembly elections.
29th
Anand, our nephew, came. He is an IIT gradate from Kanpur. A brilliant person now touching 40. Anjali, his sister gave birth to a baby girl 3 days back. My younger sister ,her mother, was by her bedside.
30th
Our driver, Thapa, returned from Nepal after one and a half month leave. He had left for Nepal on 13th Oct.
Quotable Quotes,"No experience is wasted. Everything in life is happening to grow you up, to fill you up, to help you become more of who you were created to be " Oprah Winfrey

22,23.24.25 and 26th Nov.

22nd
Government decided to organize yearlong celebration for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary in 2019 beginning on his 549 anniversary on 23rd Nov.
23rd (Guru Nanak's birth anniversary). A holiday.
Venita came to VV from Vikaspuri.
549 birth anniversary of Guru Nanak celebrated today. Delivered a copy of late Sharad Chandra Varma's book on Guru Nanak to the guard of Shri KTS Tulsi. Shri Tulsi and Mrs Tulsi were out of station.
24th(Saturday)

Attended a seminar on  the subject of 'Indian judiciary Today and Tomorrow' at IIC.

Shri Sidarth Luthra, Senior Advocate and former Addl. Solicitor General was the singular speaker. Animated discussions followed
25th(Sunday)
26th
Went to Centre for sight for Venita's follow-up check of her eyes.

Quotable Quotes :"Man cannot remake himself. For he is both the marble and the sculptor." Alexis Carrel

15,16 and 17,18,19,20 and 21st Nov.

15th
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
16th
Venita returned VV.
17th(Saturday)
18th(Sunday)
19th
Fight between CBI no. 1 and 2 has crossed all limits. We thought that things would improve after actions against former 2 Directors. Our hopes are belied. The matter is to come up again in the Supreme court on 29th Nov.
20th
Venita continued in Vikaspuri to tie up things for Ramkatha there beginning 8th Dec.
21rst ( Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi ) A holiday.
Today is  Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi : "This day marks the birth anniversary of the Prophet. According to legends, the Prophet was born on the twelfth day of Rabee-ul-Awwal in Mecca in 570 CE." From Google.
Quotable Quotes :"I don't carry the burden of the past or the madness of the future. I live in the present." Narendra Modi

12,13 and 14th Nov.

12th
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
13th
Venita went to Vikaspuri to plan logistics for ensuing Ram katha from 8 to 15th Dec.2018 with other active participants. Skipped batch lunch at CSOI due to non-availability of vehicle.
Sent letters of appreciation to Commissioner of police Navi Mumbai for help during our stay there and hospitalization from 5 to 19th Oct,2018 and to IGP Jaipur for help by SsP Churu and Sikar during our visit to Salasar and Khatu Shyam on 28 and 29th Sptember 2018 respectively.
Government offices were closed due to Chhat puja.
14th
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Quotable Quotes :"The Devil, can sometimes do a very gentlemanly thing." Robert Louis Stevenson

9,10 and 11th Nov

9th 
Left Fatehpur for Kanpur at about 9 am. Met elder sister. Had delicious lunch with her. Munna , her son , will take her to Indore for care on 19th. She is sick.
Will reach Delhi by Swarn Shatabdi at about 10.15 pm.
                Silku has sent the following photo taken on Diwali day at his house in Gurgram

10th (Saturday)
Attended an interaction in CSOI with Ms Kathy Tuccaro, a Canadian author of ''Dream Big',a story of change through faith, courage, hope and an unrelenting determination to push forward and attain your goals.
11th (Sunday)
After hectic visits to Mumbai and Fatehpur in Oct. and Nov., got a few days off for misc. pending work at home.
Quotable Q uotes:"We are all travellers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend." Robert Louis Stevenson

6,7 and 8th Nov.

6th
Arrived Fatehpur at about 5 am.
After walk, visited Dr.Chetan. Wished him happy Diwali with roses. Advocate Digvijay Singh came with some vegetable from his village garden. Advocate Akhilesh came with sweets.

Narak Chaturdasi is celebrated today on the 14th day of waning moon of the month of Kartik.  On Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali people distribute sweets to friends and family.Some also shop gold, silver and other precious things on this day just like Dhanteras.
7th
Diwali is celebrated. 
"Diwali is called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated to honor Rama-chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu). It is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana." From Google
                  Neha's Rangoli of the day. She does it each Diwali. God bless her.

We had a number of visitors in the night, families, men ,women and children. We shared sweets. Among others were Ved  Prakash, Krishnanand, Akhilesh and family, Ajay ,Vinay Prakash and family. Puja had to finish before 7.57 pm.We did not celebrate  Diwali this year  as we do with plenty of lights every year due to sudden death of Dinesh, Vandana's husband  on 15th Oct.this year. Vandana, daughter of our elder sister, stayed in our house since her infancy. She took care of her maternal grandfather, that is, our father, in his old age. Lights were missing  this year except splash of some auspicious  clay lamps here and there. 
8th
SP Fatehpur came. Besides, Advocate Digvijay Singh, Akhilesh. Ajay and Bhavna with family visited. We went to late Naresh Bhaisaheb's house and Shivaji's house and joined in get-togethers of the families there..
Quotable Quotes : "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. "Suzy Kssem

4 and 5th Nov.

4th
Supreme court and high court closed for Diwali on Friday, the 2nd Nov and will open on 12th.
Venita went out for Diwali shopping.
5th
Venita went to Gurugram to give Diwali gifts to children. She also gave sweets and some money to all guards and other helps.
Left for Fatehpur by Prayagraj train at about 9.30 pm.
Quotable Quotes :""A friend is a gift you give yourself." Robert Louis Stevenson"

1,2 and 3rd Nov.

1st 
Reached Delhi at about 7 am.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
2nd
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
                 The following photograph was taken on 27th 0ct 2018 after Karwachauth puja at Fatehpur :

3rd
Assistant came for a couple of hours. I could dispose of some urgent matters. I do not get him regularly due to his preoccupation with job in other place. I get him part time when free on Rs 250/- per hour. I am trying to get one on a regular basis at least thrice a week for two hours each day.
We are booked to leave for Fatehpur by Prayagraj on 5th Nov and return on 9th after celebrating Diwali at Fatehpur. We travel back to Delhi via Kanpur after looking-up ailing elder sister. She is about 84.
Venita went out for Diwali shopping today and yesterday. We have engaged a driver on daily wage hour basis in absence of Thapa, our regular driver on leave. He may resume duty by mid Nov.
Quotable Quotes :"Be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

29,30 and 31st Oct

29th
Abhimanyu Singh,a businessman, visited in the morning.  Advocates Ajay and Akhilesh came in the evening.
30th
Dr Chetan Kapoor came at about 8 am when I had gone for walking. He interacted with Venita for about an hour. When I returned he had gone. Exercises particularly walking are lifeline to me. I cannot leave/interrupt them. I will go to him and meet.
Venita and Bhavna went to SBI,Fatehpur in the afternoon to deposit donations in the account of Bhavna institute of otherwise able children. Bhavna took a FDR from the funds (including those given by Venita ) of the account to earn more interest than ordinarily given in a Savings account.
Abhimanyu Singh, Gupta,Vinay Prakash and Advocates Akhilesh/Ajay came in the evening.

31st
Visited Dr Chetan at his home. In fact it was a return visit. He is 88 and quite weak.
Venita visited Bhavna institute of otherwise able children. She was honoured with flowers and given memento of the institute.
Advocate Ajay, Akhilesh, Digvijay came. Digvijay brought some agricultural produce from his village. Our village is nearby. Advocate Ajay and Late Naresh Bhaisaheb's family saw us off at our home at about 10 pm..
Left Fatehpur at about 11 pm by Prayagraj train for Delhi.
Quotable Quotes :"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek"

25,26,, 27 and 28th Oct

25th
Advocates Shivji and Ajay came
26th
Advocates  Mansingh, Digvijay Singh,Shivji  besides a local resident Shri Kanchan Srivastava and his family came.
27th
Venita arrived Fatehpur after visit to her brother at Allahabad from 24 to 26th Oct. Neha sent following Mehendi decorated photograph of her hands. Venita broke her Karwa chauth fast after seeing the moon at 7.45 pm here.
28th
A Muslim family came and requested to take-up their case with SP Fatehpur. They have been cheated of properties worth crores of rupees.
Principal of Otherwise able children Institute at Fatehpur came and invited Venita to visit the children next day. She accepted the invitation.
Advocates Poonam,Digvijay,Ajay,Shivji with family and late Naresh's family visited.
                      Neha's Mehendi decorated hands on Karwa chauth. She paid Rs.250 to the artisan for it.

Quotable Qoutes :"Old ways won't open new doors "

22,23, and 24th Oct

22nd
Prepared for journey to Fatehpur.
23rd
Packed for journey to Fatehpur. Left Delhi by Prayag Raj at about 9.30 pm.
24th
Arrived Fatehpur at about 5.30 am.
Ancestral house is white-washed, shining, well maintained.  In the adjacent land big groves of Tulsi plantation is seen, there are some recently planted blooming roses too and a five year old kalmi mango tree which is likely to fructify this year.
Advocates Ajay and Shivji came. Discussed matters of interest.
Quotable Quotes :"The best revenge is no revenge. Move on. Be happy."

20 and 21st Oct

20th
Gillo is planning to immerse ashes and other mortal remains of Dinesh in the Godavari river at Nashik shortly. She is advised to take the help of Gullu and Sunanda in the matter. They had attended Havan and Shantipath yesterday in the house of late Dinesh at North Mumbai.
Babloo/Neha/Akshat visited us in the afternoon.
21st
Attended inauguration of National Police Memorial by PM of India Shri Modi at Chanakyapuri. Subhash and Sunita visited us at noon to condole the death of Dinesh.
Quotable Quotes :"Don't do something permanently stupid just because you are temporarily upset."

18 and 19th Oct

18th
Spent time with Gillo. Her brother, sister and sister-in-law were also there. Discussed arrangements for Havan, Shantipath and lunch tomorrow (Friday).
19th
Attended Havan. Panditji gave a discourse on movement of soul after death.
20 persons took lunch. Spare food was to be distributed among poor people.
Will leave Mumbai for Delhi by Air India 314 at 7.45 pm.
Quotable Quotes "One  judges until it happens to him. And there he learns the truth..."

15,16 and 17th Oct

15th
Dinesh expired at 11.30 pm, holding hands of Gillo. We rushed to them in the hospital. Doctors struggled to resuscitate him in the ICU but did not succeed. He was declared dead. We saw him studded with a number of wires/pipes lying helpless with head tilting on left, quiet. A few moments back he was shouting and struggling to breath but no longer now. We had given Gillo in marriage to him about 25 years back. He is gone leaving Gillo and daughter. Both are mentally strong to take care. She would get a pension from CCI, a PSU, and interests from her late husband's FDRs to carry on. She has a beautifully kept comfortable house of her own. Her 24 year daughter may take up a job soon. She could not join a job due to sickness of her father. She had to help mother in taking care of him who had to go for  dialysis thrice a week. She is a graduate  from St, Xavier's college Mumbai and has completed  a course on journalism. She is composed, well mannered and has a pleasant personality. Will do good in life, we hope.
16th
Dinesh was cremated today in gas crematorium, about 5 km from Kharghar at Panvel. Priya, his daughter switched on gas chamber to consign her father's mortal remains to Agni Dev.. We were told to come by 5 pm to collect ashes. Priya and her friend collected ashes in the evening.
17th
We spent time with Gillo.
Quotable Quotes :"Accept the situation and move on."

13 and 14th Oct

13th(Saturday)
MRI of Dinesh's chest detected severe psynomonia. He continued in ICU. His condition remained unstable.
14th(Sunday)
His sugar level was down and heart beat just 22 in the morning. Attending physician shifted Dinesh from ICU to room. She said that he was not responding to treatment. Infection had spread all over both the lungs. The treatment could continue in room too. It was taken as alarm signal. All family was informed. I rushed from Delhi. Dinesh had breathing problem. He was put on mini-ventilator. He felt uncomfortable in ventilator and was changed over to oxygen support. His daughter Priya attended on him throughout sleepless night.
Checked in a Police guesthouse in North Mumbai, newly built but not fully functional. Catering is from a nearby hotel.
15th
Spent about 6/7 hours in MMG hospital. Dinesh had uncomfortable day/night. Met the attending physician. She said that Dinesh was being given requisite doses of anti-biotics intravenously. He was not responded to treatment well. His immune system is dysfunctional. About my stay in Mumbai, she said I could hang on and watch for a couple of days more.
Quotable Quotes :"Possession of material riches, without inner peace is like dying of thirst while bathing in a lake." Paramhans Yoganand

11 and 12th Oct

11th
In CIDCO guesthouse at NRI building no. 38/1202, Seawood Estate , North Mumbai-400706.
Dinesh continued in ICU. Along with Venita saw him at MGM hospital New Mumbai, Sector 3, Vashi,10 minute drive from the guesthouse. He is still in unstable condition.
Wished Venita happy birthday early morning. She is 70 today. Neha had organized a gala lunch in Palm hotel,Gurugram on the day, but cancelled it due to Dinesh's sickness.
She received calls from all close relatives and friends wishing her happy birthday. Each enquired about Dinesh's condition also and wished him quick recovery.
Called on Shri Sanjay Kumar, Commissioner of Police, North Mumbai, a 1989 batch officer and thanked him for help. A smart and cool officer as a police officer should be.
12th
Checked out from CIDCO guesthouse. The guesthouse is located in beautiful surroundings. We got a good view of the area from our room in the 12th floor of the building : lush green with a lake, club house and swimming pool of the complex. We were given a suite in building no. 38 which has 13 floors. There are 56 such buildings which could be accommodating a good number of families. The premises are gated and fenced. When I walked around in morning  and evening, I saw a number of men, women and children of the complex walking ,in gym, playing tennis, other games and swimming . It took me good 45 minutes for one round of the complex on well-maintained tracks, gardens, wide roads with parking lots for each for the lined-up cars of all kinds on road sides. It was warm and humid. Occasionally there was gush of soft and cool wind.The Bay was away. Venita decided to stay back until Dinesh was shifted from ICU to room. He was uncomfortable due to low pressure in the night.
Returned Delhi by Air India 677 at about 3.15 pm. After receiving at the airport and driving me back home, Driver Thapa went to Nepal on leave for a month.
Quotable Quotes :"Be kind to unkind people, they need it the most."

8,9 and 10th Oct

8th
Venita visited Safdarjang hospital for check-up of pain in her left hand. She  also went to Dentist for final touches to dentures and in the evening to Vikaspuri for Navratri.
9th
Venita returned from Vkaspuri for emergent visit to Mumbai as Dinesh was in critical condition.Left Delhi by Air India in the evening. Arrived Mumbai at about 915 pm. Reached CIDCO guest house in New Mumbai at about 11 pm. A sizeable section of road was in bad condition.
10th
Khyati was born today. She is 17. It was Ashtami of Aswin's Adhik Mas (Dwatiya), Krishnapaksh, Wednesday, Vikram Samvat 2058/Shak Samvat 1923 of the Hindi Panchang corresponding to 10th October, 2001 of Gregorian calender at 12.10 pm in a Vasant Vihar hospital, New Delhi.. We blessed her for happy and bright life. We could talk to her over phone in the evening only.
We are in Navi Mumbai with Vandana. Her husband is in ICU. 

Quotable Quotes :"Remember, when you forgive, you heal. And when you let go, you grow."

6 and 7th Oct

6th (Saturday)
Attended Executive Committee meeting of the Arsipso. Plan of events of 2019 was drawn up.
Venita went to dentist for finishing touches to her dentures.
Dinesh continued in the ICU. Sent some more money to Gilloo. Prabhat Mehrotra, a friend, is hospitalised. Has recovered a bit. Will see him shortly.
7th(Sunday)
Attending physician of Dinesh said that that infection had spread in the entire body. Antibiotics are not effective. She proposed to give a couple of injections and watch the results for few days. He continued in ICU.
Quotable Quotes : "You have to be odd to be number one "

4 and 5th Oct

4th
Dinesh is shifted to IUC again. Bronco test could not be done today to find out cause of  accumulation of water outside lungs and phlegm in one of the lungs. The treatment is expensive. More than 4 lakhs are already spent. We have contributed our bits. Others will have to come forward to help. She is likely to get reimbursement of the expenses up to 3 lakhs, may be, within a week. Everyday expenses are piling up to Rs.50,000/-.Venita is contacting all concerned for their contribution.
Silku and Ritanbara visited Berlin few days back.
                           Silku hired a bike for drive in Berlin

In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
5th
She left Gillo's house at about 7.30 am and reached airport at about 8.30 am.  She had to start early to circumvent heavy office traffic from 8 am onwards. She checked in, had tea but entry inside was allowed after 10 am. She did window shopping after entry.She shopped a bit at the airport and had coffee and tea. Left for Delhi at about 2.30 pm.While at the airport she came to know that Dinesh underwent  Branco test. Some phlegm was taken out.
Venita reached home in the afternoon.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Venita arrived  Delhi in the evening.
Quotable Quotes :"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. "Suzy Kssem

1,2 and 3rd Oct

1st
Arranged Venita's visit to Mumbai next day. She was keen  to look up Dinesh who was shifted to room from ICU today.
Venita went to Dentist for some procedures. It took nearly 2 hours for them to complete. Now she has to visit him on 6th for final print on return  from Mumbai on 5th. She has to go to Centre for sight for check-up of her eyes on 8th. This check-up is precursor to cataract operation in left eye. On 10th May it was done in right eye.
.2nd (holiday due to Gandhi Jayanti)
Venita left for Mumbai at about 7 am by Air India. Reached there after 9 am. Arrived Gillo's home  at about 12 noon. Thinking that weather in Mumbai would be pleasant she decided to take a non-AC taxi. Weather was hot and humid. She was tired out by the time she reached Gillo's home and blamed herself for the mistake.
Dinesh was again shifted to ICU. She could not meet him on the day as he was required to undergo dialysis which takes 4 to six hours. As she had got up very early at about 3 am to get ready to leave for the airport for journey to Mumbai, she retired to sleep early
3rd
Some more tests are required to be done but  Dinesh is reluctant. Venita asked me to visit Mumbai to talk to Dinesh about the tests. May leave for Mumbai within a day or two.
In the Supreme court in the after noon.
Quotable Quotes :"One of the best lessons you can learn in life is to master how to remain calm."

29 and 30th Sept

29th(Saturday)
Venita returned Delhi after 6 hour drive from Khatu Shyam. She had good darshan. She started around noon. She had sumptuous lunch in a roadside fast food joint on Jaipur high way. She said lunch was delicious. She is fond of good food like her father. Two accompanying ladies were dropped by driver at Vikaspuri. She described the two temples, seen by her, in glowing terms. Venita shared the expenses with the other two ladies. Her share was a little over 2 thousand on boarding, lodging and miscellaneous in temples.
Dinesh continued in ICU. We were in touch with Vandana and Anand who is based in Mumbai.
30th(Sunday)
Spent the  day in making-up with the missed reading of papers and magazines.
Dinesh continued in ICU. His elder brother is reaching Mumbai to look him up next day.
Quotable Quotes :"Never stop dreaming. Life can go  from zero to one hundred real quick." A wordless man

24,25,26,27 and 28th Sept.

24th
Vandana rang up and informed that Dinesh is shifted to ICU. We transferred some money to Vandana.
Took Venita to  dentist for some procedures.
25th
Dinesh continued in ICU.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
26th
Dinesh continued in ICU.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
27th
Took Venita to dentist for more procedures.
Dinesh continued in ICU.
28th
Planned Venita's journey to Balaji temple at Salasar in Churu dist and Khatu Shyam in Sikar dist, in Rajasthan. She went there along with two ladies today and will return on 29th in the afternoon. A journey of about 1000 kms both ways by road. Neha tells that roads are good in Rajasthan. 
She left for Salasar early morning at about 6.30 am. As she had taken her inadequately charged cell, it became dysfunctional after a couple of hours. We were in touch with her through Mrs Gupta's phone. Mrs Gupta is one of the ladies who accompanied her. She was fascinated with the hotel building at Salasar . It looked like a Haveli to her. She took lunch and rested there for a while. Thereafter she had good Darshan/Arti in Balaji temple there .Name of temple is misleading. It is in fact a Hanuman temple. She left for Khatu Shyam in the evening after visit to Balaji temple.. She was accommodated in a multi-storey hotel at Khatu Shyam for the night. She appeared to be happy with  the accommodation but not so much as with the one at Salasar.
Dinesh continued in ICU for further investigation.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Quotable Quotes :"He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself is half way there. He who blames no one has arrived."- A Chinese proverb

22 and 23rd Sept

22nd (Saturday)
Former French President Holland has caused much commotion in India by his statement on Raphael deal.
23rd (Sunday)
Cast vote in VV Welfare association for biennial elections at Kalyan Kendra. Entire VV was at Kalyan Kendra. They, ladies and gentlemen, were well dressed, old,  mostly above  60. We got in early in the booth as there was a separate row for 7os and above. Some came in wheel chairs. Few young people were also around. Fight is for the posts of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. There are two groups for these posts. We gave for one group. This group is likely to win.
Quotable Quotes :"Without rain nothing grows. Learn to embrace the storms in your life."

19,20 and 21 Sept.

19th
Venita went to meet Sangita at Noida.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
20th
Took Venita to a reputed dentist for a complete check-up of her teeth.  4 root-canaling were done and three broken teeth removed. Flexible upper and normal lower dentures are being made. Procedures will be over within a week and dentures fitted in her mouth thereafter. Due to new devices/machines root canaling and extraction of teeth do not take much time. We hope her toothless face will have new look. It happened all due to her neglect of teeth. It has been difficult to persuade her to go to dentist all these years. Her excuse always was high level of sugar. When this dentist said that sugar was not relevant for the procedures, she had no excuse but to agree for the procedures.  As feared by her that there could be unstoppable flow of blood due to her diabetes, there was no such problem. Very experienced team of doctors did the procedures.
21st (holiday due to Muharram)
Visited dentist along with Venita.
Quotable Quotes :"Being polite is so rare these days that it is often confused with flirting." Wordless man

16,17 and 18th Sept.

16th
Venita left for Vikaspuri in the morning to join in Radha Ashtami celebration on 17th at society temple.
Wished Shivali,wife of Anand Sahai,our nephew, happy birthday.
Attended Kavi Sanmelan at CSOI in the evening. Sharad Gupta's poems were the best. He is a retired IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre of 1977 batch. It appeared to me a Mushaira rather than Kavi Sanmelan. All the poets were either retired or serving civil servants. It is organized once every year. It was well attended.
17th
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
18th
Venita returned VV.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Quotable Quotes :"Life is cool when you don't care "A wordless man

15th Sept

15th
Today is Akshat's birthday. He is 12. According to Indian calendar, he was born on Friday, Navmi, at 9.57 am of Aswin's Krishnapaksh, Vikram Samvat 2063 in Moolchand hospital, New Delhi, India. It was also Shradha paksh during the period. It corresponded to Gregorian calender's 15th September 2006. It is a Hindu belief that ancestors take births during the Shradha paksh in families. We prayed for his long healthy life. We rang up at 7.30 am to wish and bless him. We did not disturb as he was asleep. Neha promised to connect as soon as he woke up. Venita did Puja and distributed sweets to all including helps and guards.
We attended celebration at Pizza hut at Gurugram. Earlier he played some games along with his about 10 friends at Metropolis Mall.
                             Akshat at Pizza hut on his birthday

I had to rush to attend Arsipso AGM from 3.30 pm at RK Puram, New Delhi.Venita stayed back in the celebration. The AGM elected me as Sr.Vice President besides a new President, another VP and members of the Executive committee.
Quotable Quotes :"The comeback is always greater than setback "A wordless man

12,13 and 14 Sept.

12th Sept.
Venita returned VV after a stay of a week at Vikaspuri.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
13th
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
14th
Went to Center for sight for check-up of Venita's right eye. Cataract had been removed from it on 10.05.18. It has developed some cystic formations. Dr. Talwar,the attending retina specialist,  said that the removal of cataract from the left eye would have to wait until these were cured. He has prescribed five eye drops for it. Follow-up check will be done after 3 weeks.
Quotable Quotes :" You must do the thing you think you cannot do." A wordless man

10 and 11th Sept.

10th
Wished happy birthday to Pramod. He is 15 days junior to me in age.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
11th
Visited Sadurjung hospital and met Dr. Sandip Bansal, Head of cardiology, for endorsement of his prescription for continued issuance of medicines. He said no routine annual tests were necessary.
Quotable Quotes :"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good. " Samuel Johnson

8 and 9th Sept

8th (Saturday)
Submitted application for GST registration so that Venita can sell her father's book through Amazon and donate the sale proceeds for charity. Amazon wanted GST number to sell book through it.
9th (Sunday)
Munna is 56 today. We wished him happy birthday, long and healthy life.
Had attended cremation of Shri Bhalla, a close friend of Kaushal Saxena, father of our younger daughter-in-law Neha at Antim Nivas, on 6th near Amity university, Noida. Shanti path took place at Noida today to pray for peace to departed soul. As we had attended cremation, Neha advised that it was not necessary for us to attend Shanti path.
Quotable Quotes :"Don't look back. You are not going that way."

5 6 and 7th Sept.

5th
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Abhishree and Amolikaa's schools opened in London after summer recess. The schools of other grandchildren had opened in July.
6th
Attended cremation of Shri Bhalla, a close friend of Kaushal Saxena, father of our younger daughter-in-law Neha ,at Antim Nivas, near Amity university,Noida. Babloo's office is located nearby.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Venita went to Vikaspuri to celebrate Chhathi of Krishna on 7th Sept. at Society temple.Observed Ekadasi fast.
7th
Participated in a seminar on“The Strategic Dimensions of the Information Age and the way Forward for India“ at IIC in the forenoon. An enlightening experience.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Quotable Quotes :"You only live once. If you do it right once is enough,"

3 and 4th Sept

3rd
Visited Jagannath temple and participated in Kirtan on the occasion of Janmashtami along with Venita. Venita was very happy to participate in it. The temple is maintained by devotees from Orissa. This year Janmashtami was celebrated on two days: 2nd and 3rd Sept. TOI report said that Shavaites celebrated it on 2nd and Vashnavites on 3rd. At our home we did puja on 2nd. Midnight of Ashtami fell on 2nd and not on 3rd. Krishna was born on midnight.
4th
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Quotable Quotes :"Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me." Carol Burnett

1 and 2nd September

1st (Saturday)
It drizzled since early morning. Could not go for morning walk.
Barun came after leaving his daughter at the airport for her journey to Bangalore. She has quit Price Water House and will now be joining I&Y.
We had lunch together.
2nd (Sunday)
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated today. We did puja at home. Venita distributed prasad to all including guards, helps and others. Later she joined it in the park where it was organised by A block residents. We added 50 packs of sweet curd to the prasad of the bock puja.
"While the festival is a time of celebration and fun with beautifully decorated jhoolas, raas lila performances and Dahi Handi competitions, the legend behind Lord Krishna’s birth is a fascinating one. It is believed that Lord Krishna, who was born roughly 5000 years back, is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The earliest mention of Lord Krishna can be found in the epic of Mahabharata, where several stories revolve around Lord Krishna himself.."  Indian Express dated 2nd Sept. 2018
Quotable Quotes :"I stopped explaining myself when i realized people only understand from their level of perception."

29,30 and 31st August

29th
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
30th
Venita went to Gurugram to witness Alaynah in her school show. She did quite well. Her one photograph given below :
                              Alaynah with a friend

In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
31st
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Quotable Quotes :"It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed. "Doe Zantamata

27 and 28th August

27th
Attended MHA'S Bureau of Police Research Foundation Day celebration at Vigyan Bhavan in the forenoon. Shri V. Naidu,VP of India, delivered the keynote address on 'Augmenting Police responses and capacities amidst emerging challenges of New Age Warfare'. Met a number of DGs of CPOS.
In the Supreme court of India in the afternoon.
28th
Met Dr.Vitnit Suri of Neurology dept of Apollo hospital along with Venita to discuss a case. Dr. Suri is a reputed  neurologist of India.
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Quotable Quotes :"Being alone has a power that very few can handle."

24, 25 and 26th August

24th
Took Venita to Centre for sight for a procedure in her right eye. Ophthalmologist prescribed two more eye drops and a tablet besides earlier two drops. It took more or less the whole day.
25th(Saturday)
Had to go to Safdarjung hospital for certain corrections in Venita's prescription for cashless treatment.
Neha hosted dinner on the eve of my birthday in a mall at Gurugram. Besides Neha, Babloo/Akshat, Silku also joined in. Ritanbara could not come as she was at Mumbai on professional work.
            A photograph taken on the occasion at 'Pirates of grill' restraunt, in Mega city Mall Gurugram after dinner :

With Babloo, Silku, Akshat,Venita and Neha

26th (Sunday)
Birthday wishes poured in from friends and relations. Ruchi/Pilku sent red roses and a cake from London; Pravesh/Rashmi, pretty bouquet of flowers and a gift. Subhash and Sunita dropped in to
wish. DM Sharma came.
Quotable Quotes :"Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth"

22 and 23rd August

22nd
Muslims celebrated Id today. There was government holiday.
Venita returned VV. Observed Ekadasi fast.
23rd
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Quotable Quotes :"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it" Harper Lee  

13,14 and 15th August

13th
In the Supreme court in the afternoon.
Pilku returned from Mumbai at about 11 pm by Jet airways.
14th
Accompanied Pilku to meet Dr. Shashibala  Head of the Ayurveda Department of Moolchand hospital for advice. 
15th 
Pilku left at about 3 o'clock in the morning by Qatar airways to join his family on holiday at Pisa in Italy.
Independence day was celebrated all over India. Heard PM Modi's speech broadcast from Red fort. 
Quotable Quotes :1."If you are thinking like everyone else, then you are not thinking"
2."When your past calls, don't answer. It has nothing new to say" 3."It is not selfish to do what's best for you"